5 Best Laptops Under $500 for Budget-Conscious Shoppers

Choosing the best laptops under $500 is no easy task. Laptops have become an essential part of our daily lives, whether it’s for work, entertainment, or staying connected with loved ones.

However, finding a laptop that fits your budget can be a daunting task, especially if you’re looking for a high-quality device.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the best laptops under $500 that offer excellent performance without breaking the bank.

When it comes to laptops under $500, there are a few critical factors to consider before making a purchase. One of the most important things to look for is the processor.

A powerful processor ensures that your laptop can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it ideal for work or entertainment purposes.

Another factor to consider is the RAM, which determines the laptop’s speed and efficiency. Additionally, the size and weight of the laptop can be crucial if you’re looking for a device that’s easy to carry around.

After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the top laptops under $500 that offer the best value for your money.

Each laptop mentioned here is based on its performance, design, battery life, and overall user experience. So, whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who needs a laptop for everyday use, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into our top picks and find the perfect laptop for you.

Best Laptops Under $500

Finding a good laptop on a budget can be daunting. That’s why I compiled a list of the best laptops under $500 that offer great value for the price.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday use, you’ll find something on our list that fits your needs.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best laptops under $500.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself; all opinions expressed here are mine. In addition, I may earn a small commission.

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle basic tasks, the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop might be a good choice.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor with Radeon Graphics delivers decent performance for everyday tasks.
• The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels provides a visually stunning experience.
• The laptop is thin and light, making it easy to carry around.

Cons

• The 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage might not be enough for storing large files or media.
• The laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which limits the installation of apps to those from the Microsoft Store.
• The laptop’s build quality could be better.

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop is a decent laptop for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing.

The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor with Radeon Graphics delivers enough performance for these tasks, but don’t expect to run more demanding applications or games smoothly.

The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display is visually stunning, with sharp details and crisp colors. The thin bezels provide more space to work with, making it easier to multitask. The laptop is also thin and light, making it easy to carry around.

However, the laptop’s storage capacity might not be enough for those who need to store large files or media.

The laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which limits the installation of apps to those from the Microsoft Store.

If you need to install apps from other sources, you’ll need to switch out of S mode, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Overall, we think the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop is a good budget-friendly option for basic tasks. If you need a laptop for more demanding tasks, you might want to consider a more powerful option.

HP Newest 14″ Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for everyday use, the HP Newest 14″ Ultral Light Laptop might be just what you need.

Pros

• The laptop is thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
• With 8GB of RAM and Intel Celeron N4120, it can handle basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing.
• The dual array microphones and advanced noise reduction software ensure that you sound crystal clear when video chatting or recording.

Cons

• The laptop has limited storage space with only 64GB eMMC and 128GB Micro SD.
• The display resolution is only 1366 x 768 pixels, which might not be sufficient for some users.
• The laptop’s battery life of up to 11 hours and 30 minutes for video playback and up to 9 hours for wireless streaming might not be enough for some users.

The HP Newest 14″ Ultral Light Laptop is a good option for students and business professionals who need a budget-friendly laptop for everyday use.

The laptop’s sleek design makes it easy to carry around, and the dual array microphones and advanced noise reduction software ensure that you sound crystal clear when video chatting or recording.

The laptop’s 8GB of RAM and Intel Celeron N4120 processor can handle basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing.

However, the laptop’s limited storage space of only 64GB eMMC and 128GB Micro SD might be a concern for some users.

Additionally, the laptop’s display resolution of only 1366 x 768 pixels might not be sufficient for users who need a higher-resolution display.

Overall, the HP Newest 14″ Ultral Light Laptop is a good option for budget-conscious users who need a basic laptop for everyday use.

However, if you need more storage space or a higher-resolution display, you might want to consider other options.

SGIN Laptop

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle complex tasks, the SGNI Laptop is a great option. With its efficient performance, powerful configuration, and long battery life, it’s perfect for on-the-go use.

Pros

• The laptop’s 128GB SSD storage and 4GB high-speed DDR4 memory enable faster, smoother, and energy-efficient performance, making it easy to handle complex tasks.
• The laptop’s Intel Dual Core processor allows for a turbo frequency of up to 2.4 GHz, and its 15.6-inch screen displays fuller, more vibrant colors, clear and reliable details, and a wide viewing angle, creating exceptional visual effects.
• The laptop is lightweight and slim, weighing only 1.63 kg and measuring only 2 cm thick, making it easy to carry all day. The laptop’s 7000 mWh lithium-ion battery provides a long battery life, and its multifunctional interface includes fast connections with Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band WiFi.

Cons

• The laptop’s integrated graphics card may not be suitable for high-end gaming or video editing.
• The laptop’s 4GB RAM may not be sufficient for running multiple heavy applications at once.
• The laptop’s 128GB SSD storage may not be enough for users who need to store large files.

The SGNI Laptop is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle complex tasks.

The laptop’s efficient performance, powerful configuration, and long battery life make it perfect for on-the-go use.

The laptop’s 128GB SSD storage and 4GB high-speed DDR4 memory enable faster, smoother, and energy-efficient performance, making it easy to handle complex tasks.

Additionally, the laptop’s Intel Dual Core processor allows for a turbo frequency of up to 2.4 GHz, and its 15.6-inch screen displays fuller, more vibrant colors, clear and reliable details, and a wide viewing angle, creating exceptional visual effects.

The laptop is lightweight and slim, weighing only 1.63 kg and measuring only 2 cm thick, making it easy to carry all day.

The laptop’s 7000 mWh lithium-ion battery provides a long battery life, and its multifunctional interface includes fast connections with Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band WiFi.

However, the laptop’s integrated graphics card may not be suitable for high-end gaming or video editing, and its 4GB RAM may not be sufficient for running multiple heavy applications at once.

Additionally, the laptop’s 128GB SSD storage may not be enough for users who need to store large files.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle complex tasks and is perfect for on-the-go use, the SGNI Laptop is a great option. With its efficient performance, powerful configuration, and long battery life, it’s definitely worth considering.

Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop

If you’re looking for a laptop that’s both powerful and budget-friendly, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a great option.

Pros

• The 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor provides superior computing power, outperforming the i7-1065G7 in speed and efficiency for all your multitasking needs.
• With up to 12 hours of battery life, you can stay productive on the go without needing constant recharges.
• The Dolby Audio technology enhances the audio experience, providing crystal-clear sound quality that brings your music, movies, and video calls to life.

Cons

• The keyboard is not backlit, which can be inconvenient if you’re working in low-light environments.
• The laptop does not come with an optical drive, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
• The laptop is not very lightweight, weighing in at 3.64 pounds, which may be a concern if you’re looking for something more portable.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly laptop with powerful performance and long battery life.

The audio experience is also a standout feature, making it a great option for entertainment purposes. However, the lack of a backlit keyboard and optical drive may be a drawback for some users.

URAO Laptop

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle basic tasks, the URAO Laptop might be worth considering.

Pros

• With 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, this laptop provides ample storage space for large files and programs to run smoothly.
• The Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core processor can handle multiple tasks with ease, making your life smoother.
• The laptop is equipped with multiple interfaces and is lightweight, making it convenient to carry around.

Cons

• The Type-C interface only supports file transfer, so you’ll need to use the mini HDMI interface when connecting an external display.
• The integrated graphics card may not be suitable for gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks.
• The laptop’s battery life may not last a full day with heavy usage.

The URAO Laptop is a decent option for basic computing needs. The 15.6-inch FHD IPS display provides a comfortable viewing experience, and the 16:9 ratio expands the vertical space of the screen.

The laptop’s slim body and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, and the mini HDMI, 2xUSB 3.0, and USB Type-C interfaces provide ample connectivity options.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle basic tasks and provides ample storage space, the URAO Laptop is worth considering.

However, if you need a laptop for gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks, you may want to look elsewhere.

Buying Guide

When looking for a laptop under $500, it’s important to keep in mind your specific needs and priorities. Here are some key features to consider when making your decision:

Processor

The processor is the brain of your laptop, so it’s important to choose one that can handle your needs. Look for a processor with at least two cores, such as an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3. This will ensure that your laptop can handle basic tasks like web browsing and word processing without slowing down.

RAM

RAM, or random access memory, is what allows your laptop to multitask efficiently. Look for a laptop with at least 4GB of RAM, which should be enough for basic tasks. If you plan on doing more intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, consider upgrading to 8GB or more.

Storage

Storage is where your laptop stores all of your files and programs. Look for a laptop with at least 128GB of storage, which should be enough for most users. If you plan on storing a lot of large files like videos or photos, consider upgrading to 256GB or more.

Display

The display is what you’ll be looking at for hours on end, so it’s important to choose one that’s comfortable to use. Look for a laptop with a 13-15 inch display and a resolution of at least 1920×1080. This will ensure that you can see everything clearly and comfortably.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important consideration if you plan on using your laptop on the go. Look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 6-8 hours, which should be enough for a full day of use.

By considering these key features, you’ll be able to choose a laptop under $500 that meets your needs and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated laptops under $500 for college students?

The Acer Aspire 5, HP Pavilion x360, and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are for college students. These laptops offer a good balance of performance, portability, and affordability. They are also equipped with features that are useful for college students such as long battery life, good display, and fast internet connectivity.

Which laptops under $500 offer the best battery life?

If you prioritize battery life, we suggest the ASUS VivoBook 15, HP 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop, and Dell Inspiron 15 3000. These laptops can last up to 8 hours on a single charge, making them ideal for people who are always on the go.

Can you recommend a durable laptop for everyday use within a $500 budget?

Yes, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5, HP Stream 14, and ASUS Chromebook C423NA. These laptops are built to withstand everyday use and are equipped with spill-resistant keyboards and shockproof designs.

What are the best-performing laptops under $500 for light gaming?

For light gaming, the Acer Nitro 5, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, and HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop. These laptops are equipped with dedicated graphics cards and can handle games with low to medium graphics settings.

Are there any laptops under $500 with high-quality displays?

Yes, the ASUS VivoBook 15, Acer Aspire 5, and HP Pavilion x360 for their high-quality displays. These laptops have full HD displays with good color accuracy and brightness.

What are the most reliable laptop brands for budget models under $500?

Based on customer reviews and ratings, the most reliable laptop brands for budget models under $500 are Acer, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS.

These brands offer a good balance of affordability and quality, and their laptops are known for their durability and performance.