Shopping for electronics can be challenging. There are so many different brands and models available. This is especially true when it comes to laptops. They vary greatly based on price and features which makes it difficult to choose the best one. Laptops can run into the several thousand dollar range but there are actually some good ones available for under $500.
When choosing a cheaper laptop, it’s essential to do some comparison shopping. Cheap electronics aren’t always the best quality which is why it’s helpful to read and compare the reviews and features before you make the big purchase. The following is a list of the 10 best laptops under $500 based on reviews by consumer report.
[amazon box=”B07J215RPT,B01LZORCUR,B07XPLHL3K,B07VBJXBG3,B07VT254P6,B07KNLVRJ2,B07QQB7552,B07RF2123Z,B07TWHYTSQ,B07RF1XD36″ /]
10. Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
The Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 is lightweight and easily portable. This laptop would be ideal for students or anyone who needs a compact laptop for use on the go.
This laptop from Samsung has many features that make it versatile for use with work or play. It can easily fold into a tablet to be used for reading online books, watching movies, or for other uses.
Product Features
- weighs just under 3 pounds
- includes 4GB RAM
- has a 13MP camera that can be used during tablet mode
Pros
- comes with Chrome OS and Google Playstore
- 12.2″ size easily fits into a backpack or other bag
- thin profile makes it easy to take with you anywhere
Cons
- keyboard isn’t backlit which can be challenging when used in low light conditions
- the screen isn’t as touch sensitive in tablet mode as some other options
This laptop from Samsung is ideal for anyone looking for a compact and affordable option for work or school. The laptop can easily transform into a tablet and can be used to take photos or do other activities.
9. Apple MacBook Air MD760LL/A
The Apple MacBook Air MD760LL/A has a long battery life when compared to many other similarly sized laptops. It’s also compact and ideal for traveling back and forth to work or school.
This laptop from Apple has a super slim design so you can easily carry it in a backpack or other bag. It comes with several features that makes it a versatile unit that works well for many uses.
Product Features
- includes a webcam
- has a Intel i5-4250U 1.30GHz processor
- comes with 4GB RAM
Pros
- small size makes it easily portable
- has a 13.3″ display screen
- can be used for playing games, working, doing homework, and other tasks
Cons
- doesn’t have as many USB ports as some other laptops
- processing speed may not be ideal for serious gamers
The Apple Macbook is small and thin so you can easily take it with you anywhere. This versatile laptop has many uses for the casual gamer, a college student, or someone who needs a personal laptop for work.
8. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim laptop has several connection options that make it easy to use. This laptop is lightweight with a slim profile which makes it easy to carry with you for travel, work, or school.
This laptop from Acer is affordable and versatile. It comes with the 10th Generation Intel Core i3-10110u Processor which allows you to easily access the internet and complete many other tasks on your laptop.
Product Features
- has an 15.6″ Full HD display for watching videos, gaming, or viewing photos
- battery life is up to 9.5 hours
- includes USB ports and HDMI ports
Pros
- slim design makes it easy to take with you
- backlit display allows you to use the unit in all types of lighting
- comes with Intel wireless Wi-Fi
Cons
- may be noisier during use than many other similar laptops
- doesn’t include an SD card reader
This affordable laptop from Acer is easy to use and compact. It comes with a larger screen than many similarly priced laptops which is ideal for those who like viewing videos or gaming on their laptop.
7. Lenovo Ideapad 330 15.6″ Anti Glared HD Premium Business Laptop
The Lenovo Ideapad 330 is designed for professional use. This laptop would also work well for a student who needs a quality laptop that’s affordable and can be used for internet research or completing assignments.
This laptop from Lenovo features more memory than many other similarly priced laptops which makes it a good option for those who use their laptop on a daily basis for work or play.
Product Features
- has a memory of 8GB DDR4 RAM
- comes with the 7th Generation AMD A9-9425 Processor
- includes a DVD-RW drive
Pros
- has 256GB of storage
- comes with a Bluetooth connection and a media card reader
- supports 2 independent displays
Cons
- red color may not appeal to everyone
- keyboard is not backlit
This laptop from Lenovo comes in a vibrant red color. It has good graphics when compared to many other laptops in the same price range. The laptop can be used by students, professionals, or anyone looking for an affordable laptop.
6. 2019 ASUS Chromebook C425
The 2019 ASUS Chromebook C425 laptop has a large display for working, gaming, or browsing online. It’s very slim and compact so you can easily slip it inside a bag for travel.
This laptop from Lenovo can be used by students, professionals, or anyone else looking to save money while still getting a quality laptop.
Product Features
- includes a 14″ full HD display
- weighs only 2.8 pounds
- powered by an Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor
Pros
- the 180 degree hinge design allows you to view movies or videos
- backlit keyboard allows you to use the laptop in low light
- includes 2 fully functioning USB ports
Cons
- doesn’t include a touch-screen
- screen doesn’t flip completely around like some other laptops
This laptop from ASUS has a large display in a small footprint. It includes USB ports and several other types of connections so you can use it with your other media.
5. HP 2019 14″ Laptop
The HP 2019 14″ laptop includes the Windows 10 operating system with the same “start” menu as Windows 7 with many new features and upgrades that make it more functional.
This laptop from HP is slim and lightweight. It has an ash silver keyboard frame with the HP logo on the back. It has a glossy screen that makes videos, photos, and other content easily visible in all types of lighting.
Product Features
- includes 8GB of memory
- comes with 128GB solid state drive
- has a quick startup time
Pros
- slim design makes it easy to carry with you to work, class, or for travel
- display has vivid colors and high contrast
- has several connection ports to work with other devices
Cons
- has less storage space than some other laptops
- battery life isn’t as long as many similarly priced laptops
This laptop from HP has a bright and glossy display that works well for work or play. It’s designed to startup quicker than similar laptops due to the included flash-based SSD.
4. ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
The ASUS VivoBook laptop is thin and lightweight which makes it a good option for a student, a professional, or anyone who travels frequently with their laptop for work or for fun.
This laptop from ASUS has many advanced features that make it functional for gaming, working online, or just casual usage. It has excellent graphics and a large screen so you can easily watch videos or do tasks online.
Product Features
- includes AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics
- has full HD to increase viewing options for movies, videos, and photos
- comes with Windows 10 Home
Pros
- has a powerful AMD quad core processor so you can complete all types of tasks with ease
- includes USB ports and an HDMI port so you can connect all your devices
- has a small Nano Edge bezel to maximize the screen size
Cons
- battery life is only around 4 to 5 hours on a full charge
- the speakers on the laptop may not be the best quality for listening to music
This laptop from ASUS has a large screen when compared to the overall size of the computer. It comes with graphics that are great for gaming and doing online tasks. It also has several connection ports for compatability with other devices.
3. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 slim laptop is lightweight and portable. It has a larger display than most laptops in a similar price range and comes with many features that make it a good option for casual or professional usage.
This laptop from Acer has advanced technology that makes it easy to use and secure. The included fingerprint reader ensures that no one is able to use your laptop without authorization.
Product Features
- includes Windows 10 Home
- has a 15.6″ FHD IPS display
- comes with an 8th generation Intel Core processor
Pros
- fingerprint scanner keeps your laptop secure
- display is LED-backlit so you can see your content in all types of lighting
- has USB, Ethernet, and HDMI connection ports
Cons
- may be noisier when running than other laptops
- keyboard doesn’t have an indicator to tell when Caps lock is on
This laptop from Acer is designed to be secure and easy to use. It has a fingerprint scanner to prevent unauthorized access to your information. It also has several types of connection ports so you can connect your other devices easily.
2. Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
The Lenovo Flex 14 convertible laptop can be used as a laptop or tablet. You can easily fold the screen over to tablet format so you can read books, play games, or watch videos.
This 2-in-1 laptop from Lenovo has a 1920 x1080 full HD display which makes it good for gamers. It also includes a pen which is ideal for anyone who needs to take notes or draw while using their laptop.
Product Features
- includes an HDMI port and 2 USB ports
- comes with comprehensive builtin virus protection
- includes Windows 10
Pros
- the included pen allows you to use your laptop in different ways when compared to a traditional unit
- has a privacy shutter to block your webcam when not in use
- can be used for gaming or streaming
Cons
- screen brightness is not ideal for outdoor use in high light conditions
- battery life isn’t as long as with some other laptops
The Lenovo Flex 14 is a versatile laptop for those who want more when it comes to technology. It can be used as a traditional laptop or as a tablet and includes a pen to make it functional for writing, taking notes, or drawing.
1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 slim laptop is lightweight and thin so you can easily carry it for school, work, or travel. This unit includes Windows 10 in S mode.
This laptop from Acer has an HD display so you can view videos, games, and other content in high definition. It has a powerful processor so you can complete any work or school related tasks with ease.
Product Features
- comes with the AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core processor
- has a 15.6″ full HD display
- includes 4GB of DDR4 memory
Pros
- slim design makes it easy to carry with you
- backlit keyboard allows you to type in low lighting
- has a battery life of up to 7.5 hours
Cons
- the touchpad is made slightly differently than others which can be distracting for some
- doesn’t have a touchscreen
This laptop from Acer is perfect for a student, professional, or anyone needing an affordable and versatile laptop. It has a slim design and a backlit keyboard so you can take it and use in anywhere.
Having a quality laptop is an essential for many people. But these devices can be pricey, especially if you don’t do some research beforehand to find a good price. When choosing the best laptop it’s important to look at the features on the different options you’re considering. Some laptops that are priced under $500 may have all the features you need while other cheaper laptops may not have enough memory or the features you’re looking for.
Searching for a laptop that’s priced under $500 but still has all the features you need can be a challenge. But there are plenty of options out there for those shopping for a laptop within a strict budget. One of the best ways to be sure you’re choosing a quality laptop is to read the online consumer reviews. These reviews can provide you with information on the speed, memory, features, and capabilities of the different options so you can choose one that meets your needs within your $500 budget.