Currently the market is flooded with affordable laptops, making it a challenge to choose the right device under $500.
As someone who’s been researching laptops extensively, I’ve compiled this guide to help you find the best options.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable Windows laptop or a versatile Chromebook, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each model to help you make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks Of The Best Laptops For Under $500 in 2025
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with an Intel Celeron N5100 processor (4C/4T, 1.1/2.8GHz) and integrated Intel UHD Graphics, ensuring smooth and efficient multitasking for everyday computing tasks.
- Generous Storage & Memory: Features 32GB DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD for fast data access and ample storage space, perfect for storing large files and applications.
- 【Lifetime Office】Free Microsoft Office LTSC Profession Plus 2024 with Lifetime license. Including Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access. Office 2024 is pre-installed and activated, Key is not needed and provided. Please DO NOT install Office 365, which invalidates the Office 2024 license.
- 【Copilot】AI powered chat assistant. Copilot helps you be smarter, more productive, more creative, and more connected to the people and things around you.
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 (up to 4.1 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 2 cores, 4 threads)
- 【Display】 15.6″ diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), touch, micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC, Touch Screen, enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality.
- 【Upgraded】Seal is opened for upgrade only, 1-Year warranty on Upgraded RAM/SSD and original 1-Year Manufacture warranty on remaining components. 【14″ HD BrightView Display】14-inch diagonal 1366 x 768 (HD) bright view display. The captivating clarity and brilliance will surely enhance your work and entertainment endeavors.
- 【Intel Celeron N4120】Immerse yourself in a world of power and efficiency, where an ultra-low-voltage platform optimizes energy usage. Experience seamless multitasking and smooth performance with the 4-core, 4-way processor.
- High Performance:The NIMO Laptop is powered by the 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N100 processor, featuring 4 cores, 4 threads, and speeds up to 3.4GHz. With its advanced Gracemont core design, it delivers 45% better efficiency, ensuring smooth multitasking for work, study, and entertainment. Experience reliable, high-performance computing tailored to your everyday needs.
- Stunning Display:The NIMO Laptop boasts a 15.6″ Full HD display with vibrant 1080P resolution, an 85% screen-to-body ratio, and ultra-slim bezels. This combination delivers exceptional clarity, immersive visuals, and reduced eye strain, making it perfect for work, creative design, and entertainment. Whether you’re working or relaxing, enjoy a premium viewing experience that brings your content to life.
- Purposeful Design: Travel with ease and look great doing it with the Aspire’s 3 thin, light design.
- Ready-to-Go Performance: The Aspire 3 is ready-to-go with the latest AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor with Radeon Graphics—ideal for the entire family, with performance and productivity at the core.
- 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】12GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive + 128GB eMMC allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】Celeron N4500 (Cores:2 Threads:2; Clockspeed:1.1 GHz Turbo Speed: 2.8GHz; Cache Size: L1: 4096 KB, L2: 12.0 MB, L3: 4 MB)
- 【14″ HD Display】14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView. With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups. HP 14 inch laptop with 128GB Ghost Manta SD CARD.
- 【Processor & Graphics】Intel Celeron N4120, 4 Cores & 4 Threads, 1.10 GHz Base Frequency, Up to 2.60 GHz Burst Frequency, 4 MB Cahce, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Handle multitasking reliably with the perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value
- 【Memory & Storage】The PC memory has been upgraded to 16GB DDR4 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to easily switch back and forth between open applications; Hard drive has been upgraded to 64GB eMMC for fast boot up and speedy data transfer
- 【Processor】Intel Celeron N4120 Processor (4 Cores, 4 Threads, Base Frequency at 1.1 GHz, Up to 2.6 GHz at Max Turbo Frequency), with Intel UHD Graphics 600
- HP 14 laptop, an entry-level, light workload configuration laptop featuring lightweight and fast processing, perfect for everyday multitasking, loaded with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which provides a Fast, Safe, and Secure, Chromebook-like experience. HP 14 laptop is an ideal laptop for School Education, Light Work, Online Meetings, and Video Streaming. Microsoft 365 Personal. Get full access to Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, and 1TB One Drive storage for 1 year.
- Intel Celeron N4120 (Quad Core 4 Threads, Max Turbo to 2.6GHz); 4GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB Storage (64GB eMMc + 64GB MicroSD Card).
- Thin & Light Laptop: Lightweight (2.6 lbs.) VGKE notebook laptop only 0.69 inches thick, full-size keyboard, more efficient input, more flexible and free operation. The thin and portable design allows you to carry B14 air mini laptop with you wherever you go.
- Full HD Display & Ultra-Narrow Bezel: B14 air laptop computer features a 14.1″ 1920x1080p Full HD IPS display and a 5mm micro-bezel design with an 86.1% screen-to-body ratio with impressive color and clarity, so you can enjoy more screen real estate and full-screen visuals.
- READY FOR ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 mm micro-edge bezel display, and 79% screen-to-body ratio, you’ll take this PC anywhere while you see and do more of what you love (1)
- MORE SCREEN, MORE FUN – With virtually no bezel encircling the screen, you’ll enjoy every bit of detail on this 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (2)
Choosing a cheap Chromebook vs. a cheap Windows laptop
One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go for a Chromebook or a Windows laptop. Each comes with its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends largely on your needs.
Chromebooks are lightweight, often faster for web-based tasks, and easier to maintain. They’re ideal for students, professionals who work online, and anyone who needs basic functionality. However, they can be limited when it comes to software compatibility, as they don’t support full versions of many desktop applications.
Windows laptops, on the other hand, are more versatile. They support a wider range of software, making them a better choice for professionals and students who need specific tools. That said, cheap Windows laptops can be slower and less optimized than Chromebooks.
Pros of Chromebooks:
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use with minimal maintenance
- Often faster performance at this price range
Cons of Chromebooks:
- Limited software compatibility
- Not ideal for gaming or demanding tasks
Pros of Windows laptops:
- Broad software support
- More powerful for multitasking and productivity
Cons of Windows laptops:
- Heavier and bulkier in some cases
- Slower performance at the lower end
Best Windows laptops under $500
Top pick
Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (A3SP14-31PT)
The Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 is my top pick for a Windows laptop under $500. This 2-in-1 convertible laptop is a game-changer for budget-conscious buyers. It features a 14-inch touchscreen display, a sleek design, and excellent performance for everyday tasks.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 functionality with a responsive touchscreen
- Solid build quality for the price
- Good battery life (up to 10 hours)
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Limited storage (128GB SSD)
- Not ideal for gaming or heavy multitasking
The best Windows laptop under $500
Buying Options
The Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 is available on major retail websites like Amazon and Best Buy. Prices often hover around $480, so keep an eye out for discounts.
Also great
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15AMN8
If you prefer a larger display, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is a fantastic alternative. With its 15.6-inch screen, it’s great for productivity and entertainment.
Pros:
- Spacious display with good color accuracy
- Comfortable keyboard and trackpad
- Decent performance for light multitasking
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier design
- Average battery life
The best 15-inch Windows laptop
Buying Options
You can find the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 on Lenovo’s official website or through major retailers. Prices typically range from $450 to $500.
Best Chromebooks under $500
Top pick
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is the best Chromebook in this price range. It’s fast, reliable, and perfect for anyone focused on web-based tasks.
Pros:
- Fast performance with a responsive touchscreen
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Impressive battery life (up to 12 hours)
Cons:
- Limited local storage
- ChromeOS isn’t suitable for everyone
The best Chromebook
Buying Options
Look for this Chromebook on Lenovo’s website or popular retailers like Amazon. It often retails for around $450.
Budget pick
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a budget-friendly option with solid features for its price.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Lower-quality display
- Less durable build
Less expensive, worse display
Buying Options
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is widely available online and often priced under $400.
Also great
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ (82V80009UX)
For those who prefer a larger screen, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook offers a 16-inch display.
Pros:
- Large and vibrant screen
- Great for streaming and web-based gaming
Cons:
- Heavier and less portable
- ChromeOS limitations
A bigger screen
Buying Options
You can purchase the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook directly from Lenovo or online retailers like Amazon.
What about an iPad?
Also great
Apple iPad (10th generation)
The Apple iPad (10th generation) is a great alternative for those who prioritize portability and simplicity.
Pros:
- Sleek and portable design
- Access to a vast app ecosystem
- Excellent display and performance
Cons:
- Requires additional accessories for laptop-like functionality
- Limited multitasking compared to laptops
More portable and easy to use
Buying Options
Apple’s website and major electronics retailers often offer the 10th-generation iPad at competitive prices.
Other laptops under $500 worth considering
Other notable mentions include the Dell Inspiron 15 and HP Pavilion x360. Both offer decent performance for basic tasks but lack the standout features of the top picks.
How to shop for a cheap laptop
When shopping for a laptop under $500, focus on build quality, display resolution, and processor performance. Avoid laptops with less than 8GB of RAM or outdated processors, as they’ll quickly feel sluggish.
How we review laptops
We research laptops for performance, build quality, and usability. Battery life, display quality, and overall value are key factors in my evaluations.
Why you should avoid refurbished laptops under $500
Refurbished laptops might seem like a bargain, but they often come with outdated hardware, limited warranties, and potential reliability issues.
The competition
While many budget laptops claim to offer premium features, few deliver the performance and reliability of the models listed here. By sticking to these recommendations, you’ll get the most value for your money in 2025.
