If you are looking for an affordable laptop for your daily tasks, you’re in luck. We have compiled a list of the best laptops under $500 for you to consider. While some of these laptops may have minor drawbacks like a dim display or short battery life, they still offer strong performance within the budget.
Why Trust Us?
PCWorld has been covering PCs since 1983 and reviews over 70 laptops every year. Our experts personally test and vet each laptop to ensure they meet performance benchmarks and usability standards. We review laptops at every price point to help you find the right machine for your budget.
Top Picks for Laptops Under $500:
1. Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best Overall
Pros:
– Affordable
– Decent battery life
– Good display visibility
Cons:
– Big and bulky
– Cheap build
– Limited performance
The Acer Aspire Go 15 offers speedy performance, good battery life, and a clear 1080p display for under $300. The battery lasts up to 12 hours, making it ideal for a full workday. It also features an Intel Core i3-N305 CPU that is suitable for everyday tasks.
Who Should Buy: Anyone looking for a well-rounded laptop under $500 with a comfortable keyboard, smooth trackpad, and a variety of ports.
2. Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus – Best Chromebook
Pros:
– Snappy day-to-day performance
– Versatile 2-in-1 design
– Good typing experience
Cons:
– Stylus not included
– Heavier than expected
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus offers a 2-in-1 design for versatility, peppy performance, and fast boot-up times. It is a durable and affordable option for those on a modest budget.
Who Should Buy: If you need a convertible laptop with a budget-friendly price, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a great choice.
3. Acer Chromebook Plus 515 – Best Audio
Pros:
– Solid audio quality
– Fast general performance
– Includes a 1080p webcam
– Good typing experience
Cons:
– Boring design
– Thick bezels
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 offers impressive audio quality and fast performance. It is a good option for casual users who enjoy watching movies or listening to music on their laptop.
Who Should Buy: Casual users who prioritize audio quality and performance for everyday activities will appreciate the Acer Chromebook Plus 515.
4. HP Laptop 14-ep0865no – Best Battery Life
Pros:
– Compact form factor
– Good everyday performance
– Long battery life
– Great keyboard and mouse
Cons:
– Screen quality is mediocre
– Noisy fans
The HP Laptop 14 stands out for its long-lasting battery life of up to 15 hours, making it a great option for users who need a laptop for an entire work or school day. It also features a comfortable keyboard and a lightweight design.
Who Should Buy: Anyone in need of a sub-$500 laptop with exceptional battery life and portability will find the HP Laptop 14 to be a suitable choice.
In addition to our top picks, we have recently reviewed several new laptops that may exceed the $500 budget. Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, Surface Laptop 7, and Microsoft Surface Pro (2024) are among the laptops we have tested.
When choosing a laptop under $500, consider factors such as laptop type, CPU, graphics, RAM, display size and resolution, battery life, price, and ports. Chromebooks are a cost-effective option with excellent battery life, while Windows laptops offer a wider range of features and performance capabilities. Ultimately, the best laptop for you will depend on your budget, needs, and preferences.
FAQs:
1. What is the difference between a regular laptop and a Chromebook?
Regular laptops typically run on Windows or macOS, while Chromebooks use Google’s ChromeOS. Chromebooks are optimized for Google apps and require an internet connection for most features.
2. Can you use integrated graphics for gaming?
Some integrated graphics can run modern PC games at decent settings, but performance may vary. Intel and AMD’s integrated graphics have improved in recent years for gaming.
3. What’s the difference between a budget laptop and a tablet?
Laptops offer better performance and productivity features, while tablets are more portable and affordable. The choice between the two depends on your primary use.
4. Do Chromebooks make good gaming laptops?
Chromebooks are not designed for high-powered 3D games due to their operating system and graphics capabilities. Cloud gaming services may offer a solution for gaming on Chromebooks in the future.
