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
- Boost your productivity while on the go with the 15.6″ FHD Laptop from HP. Designed for everyday needs, this laptop features a Intel N100 processor (up to 3.4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, 4 threads).
- The 15.6″ (1920×1080) 250nits Non-Touch Anti-glare, 45% NTSC display has a thin bezel, which provides a comfortable viewing space for your videos, photos, and documents. Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics.
- The IdeaPad 1 features a Intel Celeron N4500 Processor @ 1.10GHz ( 2 Cores, 4M Cache, up to 2.80 GHz), designed for light computing tasks. With this processor, you can comfortably handle basic activities like web browsing, word processing, and streaming media.
- This laptop has a 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) Anti-glare Non-Touch Display, a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad, and an HD 720p webcam with a privacy shutter; Intel UHD Graphics.
- Performance: 16GB DDR4 memory (upgradable to 32GB); 1TB PCIe SSD (upgradable to 8TB); N95 processor (4C/4T, 1.7-3.4 GHz); Win11 Pro preinstalled
- Usability: Features an 8000mAh, 61.6Wh battery for extended use; a backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in low light; and a fingerprint reader for secure, one-touch login
- MICRO-EDGE HD TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY – Reach out and control your PC with just pinch, tap, or swipe, for a totally intuitive experience with flicker-free, 1366 x 768 resolution visuals
- AMD RYZEN PROCESSOR – Experience acceleration for your work and creativity in a laptop powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 processor and boosted with incredible battery life
- ➤【INTEL N150 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐎𝐑】With up to 3.6 GHz turbo frequency, Intel 7 architecture, and 6MB cache, this HP 14″ Laptop 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨 the N4120—ideal as a student laptop or business notebook, delivering power, efficiency, and longer battery life for study, work, and travel.
- ➤【𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐄】Comes with Windows 11 Pro, a 256GB SD card, and a patented 6-in-1 SXK accessory kit—Bluetooth earbuds, USB-C hub, 3-in-1 charging cable, Type-C cable, 32GB flash drive, and cleaning brush. Perfect lightweight laptop bundle for students and professionals. (Microsoft Office not included; accessory kit may ship separately).
- Plenty of Ports: Connect all your devices with a variety of ports.
- Type With Ease: Write and calculate quickly with roomy keypads, separate numeric keypad and calculator hotkey.
- 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.
- 【Make the most out of your 365】Bring your ideas to life.Your creativity now gets a boost with Microsoft 365. Office – Word, Excel, and Power Point – now includes smart assistance features that help make your writing more readable, your data clearer and your presentations more visually powerful. 1 -Year subscription included.
- 【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
- 【Make the most out of your 365】Bring your ideas to life.Your creativity now gets a boost with Microsoft 365. Office – Word, Excel, and Power Point – now includes smart assistance features that help make your writing more readable, your data clearer and your presentations more visually powerful. 1 -Year subscription included.
- 【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. The storage capacity is 256GB hard drive, which includes a 128GB onboard drive and a 128GB USB flash drive.
- Powered by the Intel Processor N150 (up to 3.6 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, 4 threads), the HP 14 laptop ensures smooth, responsive computing – perfect for work, web browsing, or light content creation
- Memory & Storage for Business & Study: With 4GB DDR4 RAM, this HP business laptop handles multitasking effortlessly. It includes 128GB flash storage plus a 128GB Micro SD card for ample file space. The long battery life keeps you productive through a full day of work or study, making it a great HP student business laptop
- 【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 N150】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.
- 14” Diagonal HD BrightView WLED-Backlit (1366 x 768), Intel Graphics,
- Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD
- 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.
