The best laptops under $500 2024: the best budget laptops around
These are the best laptops under $500 available now
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There’s no reason why you need to splash the cash to get a worthwhile machine for working on, and that’s the greatest strength of the best laptops under $500. Make no mistake, these rigs aren’t going to be portable powerhouses by any means, but we’ve made our choices here on reliability, build quality, battery life, and screen so you can buy with confidence.
It can be intimidating to know where to start when it comes to the best laptops under $500, especially if you’re only relying on listing pages and screenshots. That’s where TechRadar shines; for over 15 years, we’ve reviewed all manner of machines from all price points, and have surmised what we believe to be the top eight best from all-star brands such asAcer,Dell,HP,Microsoft, and more.
Keep in mind that these wallet-friendly rigs will not rival thebest laptopsavailable. The processors are going to be older than what you’ll find in flagships, and the integrated graphics inside won’t even begin to rival what thebest gaming laptopscan do. With that said, you’ll find contenders for thebest Chromebooksfurther down the page. After all, you can save a fair chunk of change by swapping out to ChromeOS if you’re after something cheap and cheerful.
I’ve been reviewing computer hardware professionally for more than six years now, and I’ve seen alotof laptops that are, to put it simply, overpriced. You won’t find any of those laptops here, though - I’ve carefully curated this list to ensure that it only contains products that I would personally be happy to purchase if I was out shopping on a budget.
The best laptops under $500 in November 2024
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The best laptop under $500 overall
1. Microsoft Surface Go
Our expert review:
TheMicrosoft SurfaceGo may not be the traditional laptop we’re all used to, but it will more than meet your computing needs in its compact and portable package. Not only is this device one of thebest Windows tabletsout there, but it makes for an excellent laptop alternative if you’re looking for the best laptop under $500.
With aWindows 10S mode out of the box, you’re getting a properoperating systemthat lets you use such apps as the mobile versions of Microsoft Office andAdobePhotoshop. If your computer needs to go as far as word processing, sending emails, video conferencing, some light gaming, light photo editing and streaming Netflix, this device has you covered.
Read the full review:Microsoft Surface Go
Best 2-in-1 laptop under $500
2. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Our expert review:
Using a hybrid tablet/snap-on keyboard design, theLenovoIdeaPad Duet Chromebook is the best budget laptop for the classroom and students. After all, it combines the tablet mode for research, reading and easy Netflix watching when you’re kickback at home, with a traditional laptop form for when you need a keyboard. With a powerful ARM processor that goes for 21 hours (yes you read that right), it’s an awesome computer package. The keyboard and trackpad let it down somewhat, but then you get that delicious Full HD+ display. Best of all, it all comes in at a price that’s as low as you could hope for, making this one of the best laptops under $500.
Read the full review:Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Get your laptop for less withour Lenovo voucher codes.
Best Chromebook under $500
3. HP Chromebook 14
Our expert review:
The best laptops under $500 balance a bargain price and capability – and the HP Chromebook 14 is the perfect example of that. While it’s similar to the Acer Chromebook 15 in a lot of ways, this 14-inch Chromebook is a tad more compact and looks slightly better. Complemented by a bright blue finish and a screen made to astound, the HP Chromebook 14 offers the best value of any Chromebook out there – even if the battery life and performance are average.
We are particularly impressed with how slim and light it is, a great device for anyone who wants a long-lasting laptop that they can comfortably carry around with them. If you want a laptop to work on while lounging on a sofa, this is a great choice as well. Also, unlike some other Chromebooks, it comes with plenty of ports, including HDMI-out, USB 3.0 and a microSD card slot, making it a brilliantly versatile laptop for the price.
Read the full review:HP Chromebook 14
Best battery life on a laptop under $500
4. Acer Chromebook 314
Our expert review:
If you’re looking for a budget laptop that really gives you excellent value for money, then the Acer Chromebook 314 is the best laptop under $500 for you. It’s easy to use, reliable, and has a wonderful screen and battery life (up to 12 hours) combo. That 14-inch crisp and bright display gives you more screen real estate for your productivity needs. Plus, its keyboard is both satisfying and a joy to use. More importantly, it strikes a great balance between design, usability, features, battery life and performance, while being comfortable with its own limitations.
Read the full review:Acer Chromebook 314
Most versatile laptop under $500
5. Acer Chromebook Spin 311
Our expert review:
If versatility is a top priority, then look no further than the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. This all-rounder has all the makings of a great Chromebook, from its good battery life to its robust build and solid usability.
But then, it takes it further with its impressive levels of versatility, thanks to its abundance of ports considering its size, 2-in-1 design, portable size and excellent touchscreen display. It also boasts a keyboard and a touchpad that are not only reliable but also satisfying to use. Plus, its small size means it’s really easy to carry around with you, so if you’re looking for the best laptop under $500 to travel with, this is it.
Read the full review:Acer Chromebook Spin 311
Best premium laptop under $500
6. Microsoft Surface Go 2
Our expert review:
The Surface Go line proves popular with the more budget-conscious crowd, and its follow up, Surface Go 2, continues that tradition with its reasonable price and premium design. It also runs the full Windows 10 operating system, so it’s even more capable than other laptops or laptop alternatives out there as far as what applications you can use on it. Finally, it offers a slight bump in performance over its predecessor, giving users a sensible reason to upgrade if they’ve got the money. All those features combined with its portability make the Microsoft Surface Go 2 among the best laptops under $500.
Read the full review:Microsoft Surface Go 2
Check out ourMicrosoft promo codesto get the best deal on your next purchase.
Best 1080p laptop under $500
7. HP Chromebook x360
Designed for the education market, the HP Chromebook x360 range is tougher than it might at first look, it’s also aimed at students on a budget. So this won’t eat into your pencil fund too much either. Costs are kept low with the affordable but dependable 1.1GHz Intel N4000 processor and 4GB of RAM. The balance extends to the 12-inch touchscreen that makes it portable, light but still perfectly usable.
The main downside here is the HD-level 1366x921 resolution, but that’s offset interestingly with a 3:2 ratio that makes browsing and writing a more relaxed experience. It folds back into a tablet, offers a good range of ports and includes as an extra a dedicated stylus. While at this price still manages to look pretty funky.
Read the full review:HP Chromebook x360
Get your next laptop for less withour HP coupon codes.
Most powerful laptop under $500
8. Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The fact that the Intel Dell Inspiron 15 3000 models weigh just as much as the more premium offerings out there only adds to its value. Of course, its specs are less powerful, but its under-$500 configurations still come with the latest specs, from 11th-generation Intel Core chips to DDR4 RAM that runs at 2666MHz. You probably should expect any mind-blowing features or design, but there’s already a lot going for it for a laptop that costs less than half the price of many of thebest laptopsin 2021.
Best laptops under $500 - FAQs
Is $500 enough for a good laptop?
Yes, a budget of $500 should be enough to get a respectably-powered laptop featuring a 1080p display with flash memory, and a solid processor at the heart. Keep in mind these machines won’t be capable of anything too intensive such as video editing or gaming, though.
How long do laptops under $500 last?
The main trade-off with a laptop under $500 comes at the extent of build quality and lifespan. This means largely plastic construction and less powerful batteries inside. If you look after your device, you can expect the laptop to last several years without issue, provided you do not do anything too intense on it.
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Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She’s a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She’s an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.
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