The 6 Best Laptops for Under $500 Tested by Experts
The 6 Best Laptops for Under $500, Tested by Experts Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Best Products > Computer & Laptops 256 256 people found this article helpful
If you’re in the market for a convertible laptop, we recommend the HP Chromebook x360. Users have the option to use this versatile x360 as a notebook, tablet, or in a tented orientation. While it's at a higher price point than the Aspire 5, the Chromebook x360 provides a bit of everything for under $500. You can find a generous FHD display, B&O speakers, a fingerprint reader, and a battery that lasts almost 13 hours within the versatile laptop.
The 6 Best Laptops for Under $500
Find the best touchscreen, design, portable laptop and more
By Nicky LaMarco Nicky LaMarco Writer Nicole LaMarco has 15+ years' experience writing about web hosting, antivirus, backup software and other technology for publications like Tech Republic and Web Hosting Sun. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 25, 2021 Fact checked by Stephen Slaybaugh Fact checked by Stephen Slaybaugh New York University London Metropolitan University Stephen Slaybaugh is a fact checker and music writer with with more than 20 years experience writing about internet retail and consumer tech. He has been featured in Digital Trends, DealNews, and TechRadar. He is a content designer at Bose Corporation and is completing his Master of Arts in Digital Media. lifewire's fact checking process We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tweet Share Email Computer & Laptops Audio Camera & Video Car Audio & Accessories Computer & Laptops Computer Components Gaming Gifts Networking Phones & Accessories Smart Home Software Tablets Toys & Games TVs Wearables There are countless laptops on the market, and finding the best laptop for you may be an overwhelming process. Evaluating a laptop’s display, battery life, processor, memory, storage, and ports, among other features, can be exhausting. Computer manufacturers have designed laptops for every possible use. In addition to the sheer volume of laptops, the pricing can also vary, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. You may find it surprising that some of the best laptops under $500 do nearly everything that more expensive models do. Buying a budget-friendly laptop doesn’t mean you have to compromise on what matters most. The worthiest laptops are portable, have a brilliant display, and are easy to use. For people with a more specific use, such as business or distance learning, additional features to consider might be versatility, wireless connectivity, and the ability to boost memory, storage, or graphics. Whether you’re shopping for a laptop to boost your productivity, play video games, or stream movies and music, we have you covered. Not only have we analyzed several laptops, but we’ve also created a short list of things to consider when purchasing the right laptop for you. From our list of the best laptops under $500, we’ve identified laptops suitable for students, families, and professionals alike. The Rundown Best Value: ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS04 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for College Students: ASUS VivoBook L203MA at Amazon Jump to Review Best Display: HP 14t-dq200 Touch Optional Laptop at HP Jump to Review Best 2-in-1: HP Chromebook x360 (2020 Model) at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: HP Stream 11 at Best Buy Jump to Review Best for Productivity: Lenovo Chromebook Duet at Amazon Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks About Our Trusted Experts What to Look For in a Budget LaptopBest Value: ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS04
3.6 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On EBay What We Like Portable, yet durable Budget-friendly Long-lasting battery What We Don't Like Slower processor and unremarkable memory Small screen Asus Chromebook C202SA Review: Durable for Students and Kids If you need a basic laptop on a budget, the ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS04 is the computer for you. Even though the Chromebook C202SA-YS04 has only a 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron N3060 processor and 4GB of RAM, it has a remarkable battery life of up to 10 hours and one free year of 100GB Google cloud storage. Weighing in at slightly under 3 pounds with a small 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768 display, the Chromebook C202SA-YS04 is extremely compact. Due to its tiny size, ASUS incorporated a protective shell and a durable keyboard. The Chromebook C202SA-YS04 is enclosed in a heavy-duty protective rubber that shields the computer against drops of nearly 4 feet high. Additionally, the durable keyboard can withstand the occasional coffee or water spill (up to 66 cubic centimeters of fluid) without much alarm. The Chromebook C202SA-YS04's petite size presents a unique set of challenges. The modest display may make it difficult to read the screen and may be subject to glare. Fortunately, the limited viewing area and predisposition of the screen to glare are offset by the anti-glare coating and the ability to flex the hinge completely flat for viewing the screen with others. The Chromebook C202SA-YS04’s small size doesn’t impact its connectivity options, as users have several USB ports for storing files on an external drive and accessing the Google Play Store for downloading supported Android apps. "The C202SA has a unique enough look while not crossing the line into looking like a child’s toy. For those who don’t need all the bells and whistles for a computer, the C202SA will get the job done." — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product TesterBest for College Students: ASUS VivoBook L203MA
Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Microsoft What We Like Lightweight and compact 10-hour battery life Free year of Office 365 What We Don't Like No keypad Screen size Most college students need an inexpensive computer that can handle research, writing, and collaboration with peers. For the typical studious multitasker, the ASUS Vivobook L203MA-DS04 is ideal for getting schoolwork done. Students will have no problem carrying the laptop around campus since it weighs a little over 2 pounds with the battery included. Speaking of its battery, frequent charging isn’t necessary since the battery lasts up to 10 hours. Being so lightweight, it’s no surprise that the screen is 11.6 inches. However, the screen’s 1366 x 768 display makes it easy on the eyes. The fold-flat display makes it easy to share work with classmates and professors. If you’re a math or science major, beware of the keyboard’s lack of a keypad. To keep up with multiple projects without delays or sluggish loading times, Vivobook L203MA-DS04 offers an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of flash storage. This speedy computer should provide any student with more than enough flexibility for schoolwork and leisure. Since most students use a variety of Microsoft programs, ASUS caters to them by offering a free full year of Microsoft 365, which increases productivity.Best Display: HP 14t-dq200 Touch Optional Laptop
HP View On HP What We Like HP Fast Charge-compatible Speedy processor What We Don't Like Battery lasts only up to 8 hours Shoppers interested in an affordable laptop under $500 that can do more than just the basics will find a fit in the HP 14t-dq200 Touch Optional Laptop. The 14-inch display doesn’t have the thinnest bezel on the market, but it’s more minimal than some and creates a balanced 78 percent screen-to-body ratio. This model houses an Intel i3-1115G4 processor that delivers reliable speed for a variety of tasks. You can also rely on smooth and speedy loading times and sufficient storage, thanks to the 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD capacity. That means this laptop is capable of your average computing demands as well as performing more intensive tasks such as photo editing and mid-weight gaming. While the battery is capable of reaching 8 hours, more taxing programs could shorten that capacity. The good news is that a quick charge of 45 minutes should restore the battery to half full.Best 2-in-1: HP Chromebook x360 (2020 Model)
4.5 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On HP What We Like Almost 13 hours of battery life Sizable touchscreen 360-degree hinge provides flexibility What We Don't Like Slightly bulky and heavy HP Chromebook x360 14 G1 Review: High Quality, High Price The convertible HP Chromebook x360 offers several use modes including laptop-style, tented, and tablet for those in the market for a versatile laptop. Irrespective of the mode, the laptop affords touchscreen prompts, keyboard fluidity, and trackpad flexibility so you can adapt the way you interact with the machine. Its 14-inch FHD display maintains a ratio of 88 percent, giving the impression of edge-to-edge viewing. The brilliant sizable display is showcased with the laptop’s HD camera supporting a broad 88-degree viewing angle that is perfect for group video chats. Along with the versatility and superior display, the convertible Chromebook x360 includes Bang & Olufsen dual speakers, 64GB of flash storage, 4GB of DDR4 RAM, gigabit Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi 6 support. It also has extra security measures including a fingerprint reader and camera privacy cover. The laptop's premium features come with downsides. For instance, for a typical Chromebook, the x360 is heavier and larger, weighing in at 3.5 pounds. Though not the most portable, this well-designed 2-in-1 is equipped with an astonishing 12.5-hour battery capacity. Not only does the battery last longer than most laptop batteries, but its fast-charging capability also restores the battery to 90 percent in just 90 minutes.Best Budget: HP Stream 11
3.7 Courtesy of Amazon View On Best Buy View On Office Depot What We Like Quality speakers Connectivity options What We Don't Like Underwhelming display Occasionally sluggish performance HP Stream 11: Basic Computing in a Compact Package It’s possible to get a great computer for a little over $200 with HP. For $220, the HP Stream 11 gives you a notebook laptop with media streaming capabilities. For example, the computer includes a built-in Netflix app for quick launching and streaming. When you’re watching Netflix, listening to music, or pursuing an ebook, you’ll notice exceptional stereo speakers. Even though the speakers are located at the bottom of the Stream 11, they’re clear and free from muffling or echoing. For a media-streaming-centered laptop, the 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 HD display isn’t very generous or bright. But if you’re in the right lighting and at the right angle, the display is sufficient for your steaming needs. The processor and memory aren’t anything to write home about. The Stream 11 has an Intel Celeron N4020 1.1Ghz processor and 4GB of RAM, which could lead to sluggishness when multitasking for work or school. Nonetheless, this HP’s computing basics, hardware, decent battery life of 8 hours, and connectivity options such as HDMI, USB (including USB-C), and microSD ports are worth the attractive price. “The HP Stream 11 performs the basics well in a portable form factor and with a capable battery and impressive speakers.” – Yoona Wagener, Product Tester The 9 Best Laptops for College Students of 2022Best for Productivity: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
3.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Lenovo What We Like Lightweight and smaller dimensions Boots in under 10 seconds Detachable keyboard Battery life of 10 hours What We Don't Like Keyboard is small and cramped Not the fastest processor or memory Lenovo Chromebook Duet Review: Low Budget 2-in-1 The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is perfect for movers and shakers on the go as the laptop supports productivity and is easily portable. The Chromebook is light as a feather, coming in at less than 1 pound, and is compact enough to fit snuggly within a large jacket pocket. This 2-in-1 Chromebook gives you the option to detach the keyboard or leave the keyboard intact with a display and cover. Even with attaching the keyboard and convenient kickstand, the Chromebook Duet’s weight increases to a total of 2 pounds. The laptop's portability may present problems for some. When placed in laptop mode, the device and its touchpad are relatively small. There may be awkward arm and hand positioning for users to avoid cramping from prolonged use. The Chromebook Duet’s 10.1-inch 1920 x 1000 display is an FHD screen that's compatible with the USI stylus for greater user flexibility. Unfortunately, the processor and RAM don’t provide the same flexibility. The MediaTek Helio P60T Processor and 4GB of RAM aren’t robust enough to support demanding workloads. But even if the Chromebook Duet’s specifications aren’t designed in accordance with intensive use, the specifications are sufficient for regular multitasking between apps, streaming, and web browsing. For such a workload, the battery can last for up to 10 hours on a single charge. When you’re ready to take advantage of the generous battery life, you’ll notice the Chromebook Duet boots quickly in under 10 seconds. This Chromebook is ideal for those desiring ultimate portability, on-the-go productivity, and the Chrome OS. "This compact 2-in-1 serves up ample portability and versatility for lightweight multitasking. The petite Chromebook Duet can handle your basic needs on the go." – Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Final Verdict The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-3453 offers everything the average person needs in a laptop. The Aspire 5 has a speedy processor, stellar 15.6-inch display, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, input variety, and upgradeable internals. Not to mention its affordability, which is an added benefit to supporting your day-in and day-out productivity.If you’re in the market for a convertible laptop, we recommend the HP Chromebook x360. Users have the option to use this versatile x360 as a notebook, tablet, or in a tented orientation. While it's at a higher price point than the Aspire 5, the Chromebook x360 provides a bit of everything for under $500. You can find a generous FHD display, B&O speakers, a fingerprint reader, and a battery that lasts almost 13 hours within the versatile laptop.