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 2026
- 【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.
- 【15.6″ 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
- SPEED OF LIGHTNESS — MacBook Air with the M4 chip lets you blaze through work and play. With Apple Intelligence,* up to 18 hours of battery life,* and an incredibly portable design, you can take on anything, anywhere.
- SUPERCHARGED BY M4 — The Apple M4 chip brings even more speed and fluidity to everything you do, like working between multiple apps, editing videos, or playing graphically demanding games.
- 【Fast Performance】Powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U processor with 12 threads and up to 5.0GHz Turbo Boost, this HP i7 laptop delivers exceptional multitasking capability. Combined with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, it effortlessly handles video editing, casual gaming, CAD modeling, and other graphics-intensive tasks while maintaining energy efficiency.
- 【1920×1080 Touchscreen Display】Interact directly with your content on this vibrant 15.6″ Full HD touchscreen. Perfect for sketching ideas, refining presentations, or collaborating intuitively in meetings and study groups. The responsive IPS display brings your creative and professional work to life with the simple touch of a finger.
- 【 Office 365】 Office 365 for the web allows users to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents online at no cost, as long as an internet connection is available.
- 【Display】This laptop has a 15.6-inch LED display with 1366 x 768 (HD) resolution and vivid images to maximize your entertainment.
- 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)
- Portable Lightweight Design: Weighing just 3.6 lbs, the Laptop S7HI is portable, making it perfect for travel, work, and school. Its slim profile and 15-inch FHD IPS display offer a great balance of size and portability for everyday use
- Powerful Processor: With a base frequency 1.9GHz Intel 5205U processor, this laptop handles multiple tasks efficiently. Whether you’re working, studying, or streaming, enjoy a smooth experience with reliable performance
- Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V: Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor (8-core, 8-thread, up to 4.8GHz), the LG laptop allows for smooth multitasking. It delivers an efficient, smooth, and privacy-focused intelligent experience through a high-performance 47 TOPS NPU and 115 TOPS of total platform AI computing power
- AI-powered Copilot + PC and Windows 11 Pro: AI-powered Copilot+ PCs, running Windows 11 Pro, leverage both local NPU and cloud AI to accelerate intelligent office tasks, resulting in faster response times and enhanced privacy protection. Windows 11 Pro provides enterprise-grade security, device management, and remote work capabilities, seamlessly integrating with Copilot to make work more efficient, secure, and intelligent
- 【AI-Function】Boost your productivity with the AI-driven Windows Copilot, offering intelligent task management, personalized assistance, and smart recommendations to make your daily tasks more efficient and intuitive.
- 【Processor】Boost your everyday productivity with the Ryzen 3 7320U processor, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with speeds up to 4.1GHz. This efficient processor is designed for smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and responsive performance.
- 【Exceptional Storage Space】Equipped with DDR4 RAM and eMMC Solid State Drive, runs smoothly, responds quickly, handles multi-application and multimedia workflows efficiently and quickly.
- 【Processor】Intel Celeron N4500(2 Cores, 2 Threads, Max Boost Clock Up to 2.80Ghz, 4MB Cache). Intel UHD Graphics 600. This 14-inch laptop is also equipped with Windows 11 S, which makes your work or study easy and convenient.
- Effortlessly chic. Always efficient. Finish your to-do list in no time with the Dell 15, built for everyday computing with Intel Core 3 processor.
- Designed for easy learning: Energy-efficient batteries and Express Charge support extend your focus and productivity.
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- 【Hassle-Free Ownership & Support】Rest easy with our comprehensive 2-year warranty and generous 6-month return policy. Our dedicated customer care team is available 24/7 online and by phone on weekdays (+1 888-863-5918) to ensure you get prompt assistance whenever you need it—because your satisfaction is our priority.
- 【Windows 11 Pro & Office 365 Laptop, Ready to Work】This laptop comes with Windows 11 Pro and Office 365 pre-installed, so you can start working right away. It’s the ultimate ready-to-work laptop computer for professionals and students, right out of the box.
- 【AI-Function】Boost your productivity with the AI-driven Windows Copilot, offering intelligent task management, personalized assistance, and smart recommendations to make your daily tasks more efficient and intuitive.
- 【Processor】Boost your everyday productivity with the Ryzen 3 7320U processor, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with speeds up to 4.1GHz. This efficient processor is designed for smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and responsive performance.
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 2026.
