Take Acer's Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, for example. It boasts a long battery life, full HD display, and even multiple connectivity ports - all for less than $500. We've picked out nine more user-approved and pocket-friendly laptops plus included a buying guide to help you get started in finding the laptop for you.
Quick List - Top Laptops Under $500
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Table of Contents
Most people consider Windows and Macintosh as the two dominant operating systems. In terms of cheap consumer laptops, however, Windows is king. There is another OS in the world of budget laptops, and that is Chrome OS, made specifically for Chromebooks. Let's compare these two operating systems to get you acquainted with their features to suit your requirements.
For conventional PC users at school, home, or the office, Windows has long been the industry standard. A major advantage of Windows is the rich selection of exclusive software, such as the essential Microsoft Office Suite.
If you often rely on Windows' resources and software such as Word, Excel, or Powerpoint for productivity, it makes sense to stick with the standard because that's what you're most comfortable with. Changing operating systems can feel like a culture shock and takes time to get used to.
However, with Windows and budget laptops, we recommend checking if the laptop comes with a pre-installed full version of the OS. Some are only equipped with Windows 10 S, a safe mode of the operating system. Users have complained about not being able to install non-Microsoft software, unlike the Windows 10 Home or Pro version, which need to be purchased separately.
Chrome OS, a closed-source system made for Chromebooks, is all about seamless connectivity between Google users and their devices. Google's reputation for intuitive and integrated design extends to its OS. We recommend Chrome OS for users without specific software demands and don't need to customize the laptop heavily.
The selection of programs with Chrome OS is smaller and less optimized for commercial software like MS Office. What you get in return is a system that is light on your hard drive size because you store most of your data in the cloud. Technically speaking, the lack of different software developers makes the integrated Google system perform faster.
You can still install other apps in a Chrome OS, such as Skype, WhatsApp, PlayStore, and use it much like a mobile device. If you require MS Office, you can opt for Office Online on the Chrome Web Store, albeit it doesn't function as smoothly, resulting in some hangups with the software.
Budget laptops generally come in two varieties, clamshell or convertible. The clamshell type is the traditional laptop with the keyboard on one side and the screen on the other. Meanwhile, convertible laptops are multi-use because you get a touchscreen device plus a keyboard, giving you a tablet and laptop experience.
You can get reliable 2-in-1 laptops under $500 that you can use for productivity tasks and entertainment. Their screens are often hinged and fully rotatable, allowing you to flip the screen and turn the keyboard into a stand or lay the device fully flat on a surface.
When choosing a convertible laptop, we recommend checking reviews for hinge quality. This is the main area of concern among users who commented the hinges break easily after continued use.
The Random Access Memory (RAM) and storage capacity of your laptop directly affect performance, therefore do take the time to check if a particular budget laptop has enough of these two aspects.
The RAM is the core of your computer and can be considered as crucial as your CPU or Central Processing Unit because the latter needs enough RAM to perform properly and smoothly. The more RAM your CPU can access, the faster it performs, no lagging or glitching.
Most budget laptops come with 4GB to 6GB of RAM, which is considered enough for basic processing such as Internet browsing, productivity, emailing, streaming movies, even light gaming.
If you plan to use the laptop for more RAM-dependent tasks such as graphic design or video editing, you might need to upgrade the RAM, so check if a particular model is expandable.
The internal storage capacity is another important consideration that affects performance because once a laptop reaches full capacity in terms of files stored, it starts to slow down. Most budget laptops of today have an internal storage capacity ranging from 32 to 128GB, which is usually enough to keep the essential apps and documents.
However, if you require more space, we recommend double-checking if the internal memory is expandable or perhaps have an external hard drive on standby. Storage capacity would greatly rely on your needs, whether you are dealing with bulky files and need a lot of available space or can make do with a 64GB memory.
We've touched on the laptop's internal features; now, let's cover the hardware to ensure you have an efficient and convenient experience with the device.
It might not be obvious at first, but keyboard quality can help reduce hand strain and increase productivity. A deeper-set keyboard, for instance, is good for preventing mistakes.
You might also need a full keyboard layout for using the calculator or Excel. Fortunately, some of the larger laptop with 15.6-inch screens offer numeric keys without compromising space. Added perks to watch out for are backlit keyboards, making it easy to use the laptop in dim environments.
We recommended reading through the reviews as users would often share if the keyboard was responsive, evenly spaced out, and easy to type on.
To ensure your laptop connects to the devices you use, such as monitors and projectors, check if it has the right ports and terminals. For example, most budget laptops come with at least two USB ports and an HDMI terminal.
However, you might need to use the laptop with a projector or other more analog devices. In that case, look for a VGA terminal to make your laptop compatible. A workaround would be an adaptor, which you plug into a USB port to achieve connectivity.
Other considerations in terms of connectivity include headphone jacks, webcam or camera features, and SD card slots, which increase the usefulness of your laptop, especially if you require these for school or work purposes.
If you are planning to use your laptop on the go, weight is a big concern. Also, consider related features such as screen size, type of LCD, and even battery life. Having a larger screen is more desirable at home, but carrying a bulky laptop for outside work can be cumbersome.
With that in mind, we recommend checking the screen size and overwell weight of the laptop. You can get 14-inch screens weighing only a pound or a larger 15.6-inch screen but a bit heavier, depending on preference.
We recommend choosing non-glare LCD screens to prevent that annoying reflective glare when using the laptop in bright outdoor areas. Note, however, that matte screens are rather difficult to find, so they're not necessarily a make-or-break feature.
In addition to non-glare screens, experts advise not settling for a display resolution lower than 1920x1080 pixels, especially for streaming, as this would affect display quality, making your screen look dim and washed out.
When using a laptop on-the-go, you don't always have access to a power outlet. In general, you'll want at least eight hours of battery life, even if you're planning on staying indoors. Some budget laptops offer less than this, so keep in mind how often you'll be using it when you purchase your laptop.
If you plan on watching videos or working on intensive editing on Word or Excel, a battery life of 12-hours or more would be a safer bet to avoid accidental shutting down due to a depleted battery.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop|A515-43-R19L | ![]() | Extensive Connectivity All in One Device | |
2 | HP Stream 11.6-inch HD Laptop|11-ak0020nr | ![]() | Student-Ready and With All the Essentials | |
3 | Microsoft Microsoft Surface Go 2|STV-00001 | ![]() | A Lightweight Tablet That Works as a Laptop | |
4 | Lenovo Chromebook Flex|82B80006UX | ![]() | A 360° Convertible Chromebook With Touchscreen Display | |
5 | Samsung Chromebook 4|XE350XBA-K03US | ![]() | Has a Large Screen Size, Plus Great Protection | |
6 | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" Laptop|81W0003QUS | ![]() | Adds in a Webcam Shutter for Extra Privacy | |
7 | HP Chromebook X360|BR6933 | ![]() | A Versatile Chromebook for Entertainment and Productivity | |
8 | ASUS Chromebook C202 Laptop|C202SA-YS02 | ![]() | Anti-Glare and Ready for Drops and Spills | |
9 | Lenovo Chromebook Duet 2-in-1 Tablet | ![]() | High-Quality Scren and Comes With a Detachable Keyboard | |
10 | Acer Swift 1|NX.GXGAA.002 | ![]() | Your Productivity Laptop With a Fingerprint Scanner |
This laptop is student-ready because it comes with a free Microsoft Office 365 subscription for one year and 1TB of One Drive storage. You have all the typical connectivity ports, such as USB and HDMI, even a media card reader and webcam. The laptop boasts a non-glare LCD for comfortable viewing and long battery life for continued learning.
The minimal storage space available was an issue for a few users, while some noted it was prone to glitching and difficult troubleshooting. Recent reviews, however, show that the laptop was parent-approved for their kids doing online schooling. It works well for everyday tasks such as emailing and productivity tasks. This laptop is lightweight and isn't limited in terms of functionality.
Work on-the-go with this tablet that functions as a laptop, too. With its 10.5-inch display, long battery life, multiple ports, and front-facing camera, you're ready for calls and to be productive at any time. You can also attach a Surface Go Signature Type Cover for a full keyboard experience.
The power cord could be longer for convenience, said a few reviewers. The tablet was also too slow in opening apps or maneuvering around for some users. Still, it's light, stylish, and portable. Many confirmed the device works well as a laptop and tablet and many were surprised that they were able to have desktop-like performance with a tablet.
This is another laptop-tablet combination with a 13-inch full HD display. It's fully convertible and can be flipped as a stand while watching on the tablet side. You don't need to set up this device because all it requires to log in is a Google account. Furthermore, the narrow bezels (border between the screen and the frame) minimize distractions and make full use of the screen.
A few reviewers cautioned others that the hinge connecting the keyboard to the screen could break easily after flexing the screen too much. Still, many thought the tablet had a long battery and a very fast and responsive keyboard. The screen size is perfect while the touchscreen features are sharp and sensitive.
This Chromebook was designed for function over style, with its military-grade durability. The product is said to handle drops and bumps with no problem. It also comes equipped with built-in virus protection for added security. Thanks to the Gigabit Wi-Fi connection, you can stream, download, upload or transfer files with ease.
The laptop was too bulky or heavy for some users while a few weren't satisfied with the display resolution quality. They noted it appeared dim and yellowish. On a positive note, many others liked that the Chromebook could run Android apps and had a responsive and comfortable keyboard. Overall, the powerful processor kept up with tasks.
This laptop allows you to switch between fast and powerful performance to quiet, battery-saving mode. For added privacy, it comes with a physical shutter for the webcam. If RAM capacity is your main concern, this device has double the number of most Chromebooks or entry-level laptops in the market.
A few reviewers pointed out that the laptop lacked support from Lenovo in terms of updates. The brightness was also not bright enough for some users, noting the screen seemed washed out. Meanwhile, many others thought the laptop was pretty powerful for work, school, even light gaming. Its sufficient specs could be used for multiple purposes, plus it's lightweight and portable.
This touchscreen laptop has a quiet, fanless design that supports any USI stylus. Despite its thin and sleek ceramic-like finish, you get two USB ports and a fully rotating hinge, which allows you to position the device in four ways. Whether you use it for work, stream, or watch videos and movies, the Chromebook can keep up.
A few users mentioned the screen display quality wasn't too high definition compared to other Chromebooks. The resolution was washed out, according to some. Meanwhile, many others loved the Chromebook because it can meet their demands without falling short in performance. Some even used it for light gaming, and the Chromebook stepped up to the task.
This laptop has an anti-glare display for convenient viewing and was designed for students, teachers, and business people alike. The rugged design can withstand a drop of 3.9 feet, plus its keyboard is spillproof and said to repel up to 66cc of liquid. Meanwhile, the hinges can extend 180 degrees, which lets you use the Chromebook flat on a surface.
According to a few reviewers, this Chromebook's screen is more dim and grainy compared to others. The dark lettering on the keys makes them difficult to see since the keyboard is not backlit. However, many noted the Chromebook is fast enough, reliable, definitely survived drops, and has great battery life.
As users remain wary of lower end laptops with washed-out displays, this one doesn't compromise screen quality. You get a full HD display with great resolution. You also receive a detachable, plug and play keyboard, which doesn't add extra weight to this laptop touted as one of the lightest in the market.
A few reviewers noted it was less powerful than expected and was a bit clunky to use for productivity tasks. The design is also top-heavy, causing it to tumble forward. Still, the display is amazing, and the device boots up quickly. You get all the benefits of a touchscreen Chromebook, such as a responsive keyboard that doubles as a case.
This notebook is ideal for light PC work such as writing, emailing, or Internet browsing. It has a fingerprint scanner for added protection, something not included in most notebooks or Chromebooks. Furthermore, the exterior panels and deck-side are made with metal, eliminating the cheap plastic feel.
The laptop was prone to freezing or lagging for some users. It also runs on Windows 10 S, which is very limited. However, many commented that it's a stylish laptop that was easy to use. It also has a clear display and a very slim design for portability. All in all, it's a great everyday laptop to have.
In need of other essentials for your laptop? We've got you covered with suggestions like stands, portable printers, and more.
No. 1: Acer|Aspire 5 Slim Laptop|A515-43-R19L
No. 2: HP|Stream 11.6-inch HD Laptop|11-ak0020nr
No. 3: Microsoft|Microsoft Surface Go 2|STV-00001
No. 4: Lenovo|Chromebook Flex|82B80006UX
No. 5: Samsung|Chromebook 4|XE350XBA-K03US
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