The best laptops under $500 are ideal for those who find most notebooks too expensive and overly powerful. While there are many great portables with power and features, they often come at a higher price. Choosing the best laptop without compromising style or performance can save you money on a high-quality device.
Windows laptops are essential for work, education, and personal entertainment. With the rise of cheap laptops, those looking for a balance between functionality and affordability have found them popular. When shopping for budget laptops, key factors include processor performance, build quality, and storage capacity. A solid processor can handle multitasking, while long battery life is important for portability. Strong build quality can withstand daily wear and tear, and sufficient storage allows for a library of documents, media, and applications.
Let’s look at the thorough examination of the best budget laptops under $500, which aims to identify options that offer a blend of these features without compromising performance.
Top Picks
| Best High Quality Budget-friendly Laptop: Acer Aspire 5 Best IdeaPad 2-in-1 Convertible for Students: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Top Affordable IdeaPad multitasker: Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Best Affordable Laptop with Good Storage: HP Newest Pavilion Top Premium Design Laptop: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 |
5 Best Laptops Under $500
As of 2024, the best 5 laptops under $500 have been carefully selected based on specifications, user reviews, and overall value for money. The market for budget laptops is becoming increasingly competitive, offering high-quality computing experiences without breaking the bank.
Here are the details of the best laptops under $500:
1. Acer Aspire 5
| Display | 15.6” Full HD anti-glare widescreen IPS Display | Battery life | More than 10 hours |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor up to 3.50GHz | Operating system | Window 11 S |
| Memory | 8GB | Weight | 3.9 lbs |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | Connectivity | WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.1 |
The Acer Aspire 5 is an ideal laptop for multitasking. Its 256GB of storage allows it to store plenty of files and documents. This amazing laptop performs well and features an outstanding entertainment video card. It has a display of 15.6 inches full HD anti-glare with a built-in webcam.
Pros
- Solid performance
- Relatively light and slim
- Inexpensive
- Solid quad-core performance
- Full HD display
Cons
- Not a gaming laptop
- Middling battery life
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
| Display | 15.6 inches | Voltage | 3.7 volts |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Webcam | Available with security shutter |
| Processor | 1.3 core_i5 | Ports | 2 x USB 3.1 (Gen 1) USB 2.0 HDMI 1.4b SD card reader |
| Memory | 8 GB | Storage | 512 GB |
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is a lightweight, powerful, and high-quality laptop with 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processors and an Intel Iris Xe graphics card. This budget-friendly 15.6-inch IdeaPad is an entry-level laptop with a physical webcam security shutter. It provides speedy performance, easy multitasking, and a great entertainment experience.
Pros
- Comfortable keyboard
- Good performance
- Clear display
- Port selection is good
Cons
- The screen looks dimmer
- The battery lasts only six to seven hours
- Small touchpad
- Memory limitations
3. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
| Display | 14 inches IPS Touchscreen | Battery life | Upto 10 hours |
| Processor | Quad-Core Ryzen 3 4300U i5 | Storage | 512 GB |
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Camera | 720P camera with privacy shutter |
| Memory | 4 GB | Connectivity | WiFi Bluetooth 4.2 |
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop. It offers excellent performance, graphics, and productivity on a flexible device. It is designed with detail, making it comfortable and long-lasting. It has a 360° rotation for mobility and optional digital pen support for on-the-go creativity. It can be used as a laptop, tablet, or even a digital pen with a long battery life.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Decently sturdy build
- Good battery life
- Spacious keyboard
Cons
- Low-quality webcam video quality
- Dim display
- Low speakers
4. HP’s Newest Pavilion
| Processor | Intel Core i3 Processor up to 4.1GHz | Ports | 1x USB Type-C 2x USB Type-A 1 HDMI 1 AC smart pin 1 headphone/microphone combo |
| Display | 15.6 inches, touchscreen | Voltage | 7.4 volts |
| Memory | 16GB | Weight | 3.7 lbs |
| Storage | 1TB SSD | Touchscreen | Yes |
The HP Pavilion is a reliable laptop under $500. It offers a sleek design, impressive performance, and versatile features. Its powerful processors handle everyday computing tasks, which include web browsing, streaming videos, and working on documents. The Pavilion also features a vibrant display and an immersive audio experience. which makes it perfect for multimedia consumption.
Pros
- Great display
- Slim and lightweight
- Easy set up
- Lots of memory/storage
- Adequate pricing
Cons
- No keyboard backlight
- Plastic body
- Battery life could be better
- No disk drive
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
| Display | Screen: 12.4”Touch: 10 point multi-touch | Ports | 1 x USB-C 1 x USB-A3. 5 mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port |
| Processor | Powerful Core i5 | Special Feature | Fingerprint Reader |
| Memory | 8GB | Battery | 13.5 hours Recharge quickly with Fast-charging Up to 80% in just over an hour |
| Storage | 128GB SSD | Weight | 2.48 lbs |
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a premium laptop with a sleek design. It is lightweight and offers excellent performance. Its aluminum chassis exudes elegance and durability. Its compact and lightweight design makes it suitable for on-the-go use. The laptop offers a reliable and portable solution for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a reliable and portable laptop within the $500 budget range.
Pros
- Stylish, colorful design
- Reasonable price
- Solid performance
- Excellent built quality
- Great for students
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Low-resolution display
- Only 4GB and 8GB RAM options
- No keyboard backlight
Conclusion
Finding the best laptops under $500 is difficult as it requires research on different factors, such as performance, built-in quality, and other features. After doing research, we have highlighted the top 5 laptops under budget. These laptops offer a balance of affordability and functionality, whether you are a student, professional, or casual user.
By choosing one of the laptops mentioned above, you can confidently invest in a budget-friendly device that meets your requirements without compromising on performance.
FAQs
What are the best laptops under $500?
Some of the best laptops under $500 include the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, the Acer Aspire 5, and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i.
Which laptop brand is the best value for money?
According to the research, Lenovo, Acer, and Microsoft laptops are the best value for money.
Which laptop brand has the best quality?
Acer and Lenovo laptop brands have the best quality.