Finding a quality laptop for under $500 can seem like a daunting task. Simply typing "laptops under $500" into a search engine will yield countless results, but not all of them will be worth your hard-earned money. That’s where shopping smart becomes essential.
When it comes to selecting a laptop in this price range, I recommend opting for one with a 1080p display and a minimum of 8GB of RAM. This ensures that your laptop can handle everyday tasks efficiently while providing a sharp display for multimedia consumption.
Listed below are carefully curated top picks for laptops under $500, all rigorously tested and reviewed by our experts at PCWorld. Our team boasts decades of experience and expertise in the realm of laptops, having reviewed over 70 laptops annually. So, you can trust our recommendations to help you find a suitable machine within your budget.
The Best Laptops Under $500
- Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best laptop under $500 overall
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Good display visibility
- Cons:
- Big and bulky
- Cheap build
- Limited performance
- Pros:
The Acer Aspire Go 15, priced at just under $300, offers impressive performance for daily use, a remarkable battery life of up to 12 hours, and a clear 1080p display. This laptop comes equipped with a 15.6-inch screen with a resolution of 1920×1080, making it perfect for various activities such as streaming and browsing. While slightly behind in performance compared to its peers, the Intel Core i3-N305 CPU handles standard tasks like streaming and listening to music effectively.
Who should consider the Acer Aspire Go 15? Anyone seeking a well-rounded laptop under $500 will find this model suitable. Its comfortable keyboard, responsive trackpad, and ample connectivity options make it a versatile choice for everyday use.
Read our detailed Acer Aspire Go 15 review for more information.
- Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus – Best Chromebook under $500
- Pros:
- Snappy day-to-day performance
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Good typing experience
- Cons:
- Stylus not included
- Heavier than expected
- Pros:
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus offers a range of features at an affordable price point. Its 2-in-1 design allows for flexibility in usage, whether as a laptop, tablet, or tent mode for entertainment. With satisfactory daily performance and swift boot-up times, this Chromebook is a reliable companion for budget-conscious users.
Consider the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus if you value versatility and affordability in your computing devices. Its durable construction, reasonable pricing, and convertible design make it stand out amid its competitors.
For an alternative option, check out the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 priced at $249.99, offering a budget-friendly alternative with robust functionality and an appealing design.
Explore our full Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review for a deeper insight into its features.
- HP Laptop 14-ep0865no – Best battery life
- Pros:
- Compact form factor
- Good everyday performance
- Long battery life
- Great keyboard and mouse
- Cons:
- Mediocre screen quality
- Noisy fans
- Pros:
The HP Laptop 14 stands out for its exceptional battery life, lasting up to 15 hours on light usage. This machine combines a lightweight design with a comfortable keyboard, making it ideal for prolonged use. Despite having modest screen quality, the Intel Core i3-1315U processor ensures fluid performance for tasks like web browsing and everyday computing.
Who should opt for the HP Laptop 14? Individuals seeking a long-lasting laptop under $500 will appreciate its extended battery life, portability, and user-friendly features.
Refer to our comprehensive HP Laptop 14 review for further details.
Recent Laptop Reviews
In addition to the laptops listed above, we’ve recently reviewed several new models, albeit priced above $500. Some of these models include:
- Asus Zenbook Duo
- Acer Chromebook Spin 312
- Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro
- Acer Swift 16 AI
- Lenovo Legion 5i
At PCWorld, we subject each Windows laptop to a battery of tests, including benchmarks for GPU and CPU performance, and battery life evaluation. Our reviews aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of each laptop’s capabilities to assist consumers in making informed decisions.
For Chromebooks, our reviews involve web-based tests to evaluate performance and usability on Chrome OS. Check out the breakdown of tests and our review methodology for a deeper understanding of our evaluation process.
What Kind of Laptop Should You Choose?
Choosing the right laptop for your needs can be challenging, especially when you’re working with a limited budget. Here are some quick tips to guide you through the decision-making process:
- Laptop Type: Consider various laptop types such as clamshells, 2-in-1s, or Chromebooks based on your preferences and intended use.
- CPU: Look for Intel Core i3 or i5 processors in Windows laptops, or Ryzen 3 and 5 processors for AMD options.
- Graphics: Integrated graphics are sufficient for everyday tasks, while discrete graphics are unnecessary at this price point.
- RAM: Opt for at least 8GB of RAM for smooth performance.
- Display Size: Consider a 13- to 14-inch display for balance between portability and usability.
- Resolution: Aim for 1080p resolution or higher for a sharp display.
- Battery Life: Choose a laptop with 10 to 12 hours of battery life for extended productivity.
- Price: Set a budget and explore laptops within your price range, considering features and performance.
- Ports: Prefer laptops with multiple ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI for connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Difference Between Laptop and Chromebook: All Chromebooks are laptops, but not all laptops are Chromebooks. Chromebooks run ChromeOS optimized for Google apps, offering online functionality and affordability over performance.
- Gaming with Integrated Graphics: Modern integrated graphics can handle PC games at lower settings, with advancements in Intel and AMD processors improving gaming capabilities.
- Budget Laptop vs. Tablet: Laptops offer better performance and features, while tablets prioritize portability and battery life, catering to different usage scenarios.
- Chromebooks as Gaming Laptops: Although not designed for high-end gaming, Chromebooks can run web and Android games effectively, with cloud gaming services emerging as an alternative.
In conclusion, finding a laptop under $500 requires careful consideration of your priorities, whether it’s performance, battery life, or portability. By evaluating features like CPU, RAM, display, and price, you can identify the ideal laptop that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
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