Best laptop under 500 $ 2022-2023

The Best Laptop Under 500 $ (Top Affordable Picks Of 2024)

Laptops are usually used for office and school work or entertainment. Therefore, it’s really understandable why many people want the best laptop under 500 dollars and avoid spending too much on the more expensive models. The manufacturers know it, and that is why, there are so many laptops for this price on the market today. It’s hard to test all of them because there are too many, but what we can do is check the most popular ones. In this article, we’ll review some of the top affordable models that offer great value for money. We’ll also guide you to choose the one that most suits your needs.

Top 7 Best Laptops under 500 Dollars

1ASUS VivoBook 15 – Best overall
2Acer Aspire 5 – Best for gaming
3HP Pavilion (2021 Model) – Best Windows laptop
4Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (2021 Model) – Best for professionals
5Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i 13 – Best Chromebook
6Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021 Model) – Best 2-in-1 laptop
7HP 17 Laptop – Best 17 Inch laptop

When buying a laptop, you should remember three things: the processor (CPU), the graphics card, and the amount of RAM. These three aspects significantly affect your laptop’s performance, especially when gaming or doing intensive tasks like video editing. The best sub-500 $ laptops usually have dual-core processors and integrated GPUs that will cope with most applications and light games. The most popular operating systems for this price range are Windows 10 and ChromeOS, which come with large application pools.

If you are interested in gaming laptops, you can check our article: Best laptop for gaming under 500 $.

High-quality materials are almost impossible for budget laptops because that is where manufacturers cut the cost. However, there are many well-built laptops that have high build quality despite the material used and weigh less than 4 pounds. Some manufacturers also manage to make less expensive models with good displays. You can quickly get a cheap laptop with an HD screen on the market, but Full HD is also not out of scope for sub-500-dollar laptops. Plus, nowadays, most displays are matte. It’s desirable because it will help you to see the colors better on sunny days. And luckily, there is also no shortage of laptops with touch screens for under 500 dollars now. Furthermore, these sub-500 $ laptops have long battery lives, making them the best for business and entertainment.

The Best Laptop Under 500 $ – Reviews

1. ASUS VivoBook 15

ASUS VivoBook 15 - Best overall
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 15.6 inch full HD NanoEdge bezel display
  • CPU: Intel Core i3-8145U processor
  • GPU: ‎Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • OS: ‎Windows 10 Home S
  • RAM: ‎8 GB DDR4
  • Storage: ‎128 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎8 hours
  • Weight: ‎‎3.8 pounds
Pros
  • Good performance
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Plenty of ports
  • Fingerprint reader
  • Backlit keyboard with number pad
Cons
  • Dimly colored display
  • Poor battery life
  • Quiet speakers

The ASUS VivoBook 15 is perfect for anyone looking for the best laptop under 500 $ with power and style. This 15.6-inch Laptop with a full HD display that comes with a 4-way NanoEdge bezel and 88% screen-to-body ratio, the VivoBook is designed to provide an immersive viewing experience. Its Intel Core i3-8145U processor and 8GB of RAM make it perfect for multitasking or running demanding applications. It comes with Windows 10 S pre-installed, so you can securely store your apps and data in its 128GB storage. At the same time, with its ergonomic backlit keyboard and fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello, the VivoBook is both easy to use and secure.

This backlit keyboard laptop is complete with a variety of ports and comprehensive connections, including USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.1 Type-A, USB 2.0, an HDMI, and Gigabit Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which make it easy for you to connect your best Asus laptop to any way imaginable.

2. Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5 - Best for gaming
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
  • CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1 Processor
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
  • OS: Windows 10
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4 Memory
  • Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎8 Hours
  • Weight: ‎‎3.97 pounds
  • Weight: ‎‎3.97 pounds
Pros
  • Very portable
  • Great design
  • High quality microphone
  • Great colors & Brightness
  • Plenty of ports
Cons
  • No Backlit keyboard
  • Slow with internet

Do you need a robust and reliable laptop under 500 $ that can keep up with your busy lifestyle? Then the Acer Aspire 5 is perfect for you. It is one of the best Acer laptops. This machine features an Intel Core i3-1005G1 Processor, 8GB of DDR4 Memory, and 256GB SSD storage; this machine will let you easily breeze through your work tasks. And if you need to take your work on the go, don’t worry – the Acer Aspire 5 features up to 8 hours of battery life. Plus, the backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader make it easy to log in safely and get started quickly, whether day or night. The 15.6″ Full HD display provides stunning visuals with its LED-backlit IPS technology, while the 802.11ax WiFi 6 allows you to stay connected even on the go.

With four USB ports and an HDMI, you are not short on connecting your favorite accessories and devices. This best Acer laptop is perfect for professionals and students who want a reliable machine to handle their everyday office and entertainment activities.

3. HP Pavilion (2021 Model)

HP Pavilion (2021 Model) - Best Windows laptop
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), micro-edge, anti-glare display
  • CPU: AMD Athlon Silver 3050U 2.3GHz Dual-Core Processor
  • GPU: ‎AMD Radeon Graphics
  • OS: Windows 10 Home
  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
  • Storage: ‎512 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎‎8 Hours
  • Weight: ‎‎3.75 pounds
Pros
  • Responsive touchscreen
  • Fast performance for the price
  • Stylish and portable design
Cons
  • Disappointing battery

Are you looking for a powerful laptop under 500 US dollars that can keep up with your busy lifestyle? Then the HP Pavilion Premium Laptop is perfect for you. With 16 GB of high-bandwidth RAM and a 512 GB Solid State Drive, this computer can easily handle multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. And with its AMD Athlon Silver 3050U 2.3GHz Dual-Core Processor, you’ll be able to accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently. Plus, the 15.6″ diagonal FHD display provides stunning visuals that will help you stay productive and entertained even on the go. More RAM, dazzling big display, vibrant sound quality, and reliable design set this affordable laptop apart from the competition.

4. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (2021 Model)

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (2021 Model) - Best for professionals
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) Anti-glare LED-Backlit Non-touch Narrow Border Display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4020
  • GPU: ‎Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • OS: ‎Windows 10 Home
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 256 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎7 hours and 15 mins
  • Weight: ‎‎3.91 pounds
Pros
  • Durable build
  • Easy to upgrade
  • Good performance
  • Plenty of ports
  • Big antiglare backlit display
Cons
  • Slow HDD instead of an SSD
  • Low res screen
  • Small trackpad

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is the best laptop under 500 dollars for busy professionals needing a powerful device to keep up with their multitasking demands. With its fast 256 GB SSD storage, 8 GB of RAM, and powerful Intel Dual-Core processor, this laptop can handle anything you throw its way. And the Windows 10 operating system ensures you’ll be able to get work done quickly and easily. The 15.6-inch Anti-glare LED-Backlit display features an HD resolution for enjoying multimedia content or working on projects in bright lighting conditions. The keyboard is comfortable to type on and is spill-resistant. Its touchpad is buttonless and wide enough, with plenty of space on the sides to rest your hands while typing.

The laptop comes with three USB ports to connect your peripherals, an HDMI port for video, a headset port for audio, and an SD card slot for media. It also includes a So if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile laptop, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is definitely worth considering.

5. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i 13

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i 13 - Best Chromebook
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Display
  • CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
  • OS: Chrome OS
  • RAM: 8GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: 64GB eMMC SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎10 hours
  • Weight: ‎2.97 pounds
Pros
  • Attractive design
  • Fast performance,
  • Comfortable keyboard
  • Sturdy smooth hinges
Cons
  • Poor battery life
  • Few ports
  • Dim display

Lenovo Flex 5i 13 Chromebook combines versatile functionality with a lightweight design for college students and professionals on the go. You can enjoy the full features of Chrome OS and easily switch between four different modes to fit your work style. With a stunning Full high-definition display and Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor with 8GB RAM, this versatile Chromebook can be used in tablet, tent, stand, or laptop mode.

You can also switch between multiple Chrome OS accounts and share the device with your significant other or family without compromising privacy. A built-in security chip provides hardware-level protection for your files while keeping you in control of all your passwords. Plus, with up to 10 hours of battery life, Chromebook Flex 5i 13 keeps you powered up all day, so you can stay productive wherever life takes you. It is one of the best laptops under 500$ for students.

6. Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021 Model)

Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021 Model) - Best 2-in-1 laptop
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: ‎10.5 inch 1920 x 1280 Touchscreen display
  • CPU: Intel Pentium Gold
  • GPU: ‎Intel UHD Graphics 615
  • OS: ‎Windows 11
  • RAM: ‎4 GB Memory
  • Storage: ‎64 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎11 Hours
  • Weight: ‎‎1.18 pounds
Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Good battery life
  • Very light and portable
  • Great FHD webcam
  • Quality speakers
Cons
  • Single USB-C port
  • Accessories sold separately

On our list of the best laptops under 500$, the new Microsoft Surface Go 3 inspires your creativity as a tablet, supports students as a laptop, and empowers you from the go. Weighing at just 1.2 pounds, it comes with a 10.5-inch touch screen in a portable 2-in-1 design. It features an adjustable Kickstand and optional Surface Pen, ensuring your work stays easy and comfortable everywhere you go.

The new Surface Go also has 11 hours of battery life, so you can work on your favorite projects without worrying about power. You can connect your favorite accessories with the included USB-C port, headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, or MicroSDXC Card Reader. Windows 11 provides all this power in a small package so you can feel creative.

7. HP 17 Laptop

HP 17 Laptop - Best 17 Inch laptop
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 17.3-inch narrow-bezel HD display,
  • CPU: AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
  • GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
  • OS: Windows 10 S
  • RAM: ‎4 GB DDR4
  • Storage: ‎256 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎8 hours, 30 mins
  • Weight: ‎‎4.58 pounds
Pros
  • Beautiful display
  • Very portable design
  • Good battery life
  • Good performance
Cons
  • Boring design
  • Becomes hot at times

The HP 17 laptop is the best laptop under 500 $ for users needing a powerful device to handle heavy workloads. With an AMD Athlon Silver 3050U Mobile Processor and AMD Radeon Graphics, it can easily manage multiple applications and tasks at once. Its 4 GB RAM ensures the system runs smoothly, while the 256 GB SSD storage provides ample space for files and documents.

Additionally, its 17-inch big High-definition display provides clear and crisp images, while the Windows 10 Home operating system with added security against phishing and malware helps keep your data safe. With its over 8 hours long Battery life, you can work or stay entertained all day without having to worry about running out of power. Its wireless connectivity is really smooth and fast since it features the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 combo. Finally, its Dual stereo speakers and HP true vision HD Web-Camera make it easy to stay in touch with friends and family. This laptop is a perfect desktop replacement for those looking for the best 17-inch laptop under $500 for home entertainment.

Other Notable Mentions

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14 - Best sub-500 $ laptop 2023
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 14.0-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Display
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor
  • GPU: AMD Radeon 7 Graphics
  • OS: Windows 10 Home
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4
  • Storage: 256GB NVMe TLC SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎10 hours and 32 mins
  • Weight: ‎‎3.1 pounds
Pros
  • Fast performance for the price
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Plenty of ports
  • Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
  • Integrated fingerprint scanner
  • Upgradable RAM
Cons
  • Dull display
  • Poor speakers

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is the best laptop under 500 $ for anyone looking for a decent-looking laptop for personal use. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Mobile processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and AMD Radeon 7 Graphics, this laptop can handle anything from office work to home entertainment. With its 4-side narrow bezels, the FHD (1920 x 1080p) 14-inch screen provides a wider viewing angle and less clutter. The intelligent thermals keep your laptop more relaxed and quieter, while Q-control lets you calibrate performance with its 3 modes to match your needs. WiFi 6 (2×2 802.11 ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensure reliable wireless connection with faster data transfers. You also get USB, USB-C, and HDMI ports so that you can plug in all your devices when you want to.

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 - Best 2-in-1 laptop under 500 $
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 14-inch Full HD 178° Wideview touch display
  • CPU: 11th generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor
  • GPU: ‎Intel UHD Graphics
  • OS: Windows 10 Home S
  • RAM: ‎4 GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: 128 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎10 hours
  • Weight: ‎ ‎3.31 pounds
Pros
  • Slick design
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Outstanding performance
  • Active Stylus pen support
Cons
  • Lackluster display
  • Mediocre build quality

The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 is one of the best 2-in-1 laptops under 500 $ that seamlessly transitions into four different modes while balancing design and performance.

The 14-inch OLED touch display with up to 178° viewing angle is perfectly optimized for entertainment. Its battery lasts 12 hours on just one charge, and it comes with a built-in stylus pen for your creative pursuits! Plus, you get Windows 10 Home in S Mode to enjoy instant access to popular apps like MS Office and Email while not compromising your online security.

With its lightweight design at 3.31 pounds to its four viewing modes—tablet, tent, stand, and 14″ laptop—you cannot go wrong! For smooth performance, it’s gutted with the latest 11th generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor, Intel UHD Graphics, 4GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD storage to keep the workflow simple and smooth. It’s the best laptop under 500 $ for those who need a decent machine for everyday use, like office and school work, while keeping themselves entertained.

HP 15 Laptop

HP 15 Laptop - Best HP laptop under 500 $
  • Specifications:
  • Screen: 15.6 inch HD WLED touchscreen (1366 x 768) display
  • CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
  • OS: Windows 10
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4
  • Storage: 128GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎8 hours
  • Weight: ‎‎4.4 pounds
Pros
  • Attractive design
  • Beautiful FHD display
  • Good battery life
  • Quiet operation
  • Comfortable keyboard
  • Punchy audio
  • One year of free Dropbox storage
Cons
  • Inconsistant touchpad with stiff buttons
  • Bloatware issue
  • Screen with overly glossy coating

The new HP 15.6 Laptop is perfect for busy professionals needing a robust and reliable device to keep up with their hectic lifestyles. It’s one of the touchscreen laptops under $500. With its 15.6-inch HD WLED touchscreen, 10-finger multi-touch support, and an Intel Core i3 processor that is backed by 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, this best laptop under 500 dollars is capable of handling any task you throw at it. Plus, it comes with 128 GB of SSD storage to ensure that you’ll have plenty of storage space for your essential files.

The new HP 15.6 laptop is the best laptop under $500 for modern professionals. With its Intel UHD Graphics and HD Audio with stereo speakers, you can enjoy crystal-clear visuals and immersive sound wherever you go. Plus, its HP TrueVision HD webcam ensures excellent video quality whether you’re Skyping with clients or streaming a movie with friends. And thanks to its Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI 1.4, and three USB ports, you can easily connect to other devices for enhanced productivity and entertainment.

Buyers Guide: Things to look for when buying the best laptop under 500 USD

Operating system

Today, when the market offers Windows and Chrome OS devices for under 500 $, you will have to decide which operating system you prefer for your device. However, if you are looking for a laptop for intensive work on it, Windows is always better.

The Chrome OS is suitable for those who need a portable device (you can easily take it with you on a trip) and do not want to waste time installing different applications and just use available ones directly from the web browser. So, if you need a laptop just for surfing the Internet and watching movies and photos, Chrome OS is better than Windows.

Screen

Screen size is a personal preference since you have many options ( 10 inches to 17 inches.) available at this price range. At the same time, the laptop’s screen resolution also matters. We recommend devices with Full HD resolution because they have the best price-to-performance ratio. Moreover, a laptop with a full HD display will let your work and games look the best. However, HD is also considered excellent for this category since many apps and platforms still use 1080p resolution. But if you want 4K UHD displays, then you have to spend at least $1000.

Processor

One of the main factors is the processor when you choose the best laptop under 500 $. The most common processor you should look for is the Intel Core i3 or equivalent processor from AMD. These processors will be able to work with the Windows 10 OS smoothly enough. But make sure that both RAM and storage size is enough for your needs. But if you often use video editing applications like DaVinci Resolve, you should consider buying something more powerful than the laptop under the 500 $ price tag.

GPU

The graphics card is responsible for the image displayed on your screen; a sound graphics card will be needed if you want to play games or do any other graphic-intense tasks. However, dedicated graphic cards are out of scope for this category, and you’ll have to spend more to get one. However, you can get an integrated graphic card from Intel or AMD for most of the best laptops under 500$.

Intel HD Graphics & AMD Radeon Graphics are integrated graphics cards found in some laptops for under 500 $, they’re all alright for web browsing, watching videos on YouTube, or playing older games. However, they aren’t outstanding at more graphic-intensive tasks like gaming or doing any job requiring advanced image processing.

RAM

The new devices often have a limited amount of RAM. It can be 4 or 8 GB, and such laptops are considered to be top-level ones.

You should remember that today’s market offers not only Windows laptops under 500$ but Chromebooks, too. They have sufficient RAM, so you can efficiently work with multiple programs simultaneously.

Storage size

Another important factor when buying the best laptop under 500 $ is the SSD drive capacity. It will tell you how much space your laptop has to store your data and apps. Of course, the more GB of internal memory, the more expensive it will be.

1TB is a bit too much for this price category, but you can get 512 GB of storage matters to you. It is enough to store all your files and work with them without problems. However, not everyone needs so much storage space. For those who don’t store heavy data, even 60 GB is enough. So, the storage capacity mainly depends on your needs when buying a laptop under 500$.

Battery life

The battery life is always the most important when choosing the best laptop under 500 dollars. Because you do not want your device to die on you in the middle of work, right? If it has anything less than 8 hours of battery life, then it is rather useless for your needs. You can easily find an inexpensive laptop with 10+ hours of battery life, so this is a relatively cheap thing to consider.

High-end features

Features like a touch screen, matte display, 360-degree hinge, and fingerprint scanner are always a bonus for this price range. And these features can really add value to your purchase.

People Also Ask

Can I expect good build quality in laptops under $500?

While premium materials like aluminum may be limited in this price range, laptops with sturdy and well-built designs still exist. Manufacturers often find ways to optimize costs while maintaining decent build quality. Look for the best laptops under 500$ with positive user reviews regarding durability.

Which of the best laptops under $500 are recommended for professionals and productivity?

Laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 and Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop are highly recommended for professionals and productivity. These laptops offer reliable performance, comfortable keyboards, and sufficient storage for work tasks.

Can I get a laptop with a good-quality display for under $500?

Yes, there are laptops available under $500 that offer good display quality. While many cheap laptops may lack viewing angles and brightness, some manufacturers have managed to create less expensive models with decent displays, including HD and even Full HD screens. Matte displays are also desirable as they help improve visibility in sunny conditions.

Is there any best gaming laptop under $500?

Gaming laptops under $500 do not offer high-end performance. Some best laptops under 500 $ handle light gaming and less demanding titles. If gaming is your priority, you may check the blog on the best gaming laptop under 500$. These best gaming laptops under 500 $ have dedicated graphics and powerful processors to handle games.

Final Words

After doing a lot of research, we’ve reviewed the 7 best sub-500 $ devices that should be your best options. These are budget laptops and can be used for personal and professional purposes. All these laptops have excellent build quality and really great features for the price. We recommend all of them, but you can choose the best laptop under 500 $ that has the best specs.

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