Finding a reliable laptop under $500 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many options available, it’s easy to end up with a slow, clunky machine that doesn’t meet your needs. But don’t worry—we’ve done the hard work for you. After testing dozens of budget laptops, we’ve narrowed down the best options under $500 that offer solid performance without breaking the bank.
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Why Trust Us?
- Years of Expertise: We’ve tested hundreds of laptops, from ultrabooks to gaming rigs, to find the best options for every budget.
- Real-World Testing: Our picks are based on hands-on use, not just specs on paper.
- No Bias: We buy most of the products we test to ensure unbiased recommendations.
Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Acer Aspire 3 (A314-23P-R3QA)
- Best 15-Inch Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15AMN8
- Best Chromebook: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
- Budget Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
- Best Big-Screen Chromebook: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″
1. Best Overall: Acer Aspire 3 (A314-23P-R3QA)
If you need a Windows laptop under $500, the Acer Aspire 3 is your best bet. It’s fast, lightweight, and has a 14-inch 1080p display—rare at this price point. Plus, it offers 13.5 hours of battery life, making it perfect for students or remote workers.
- Pros:
- Fast AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- Lightweight and portable
- Long battery life
- Cons:
- Dull display colors
- No touchscreen
- Price: $435 on Amazon
2. Best 15-Inch Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15AMN8
For those who prefer a larger screen, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15AMN8 is a great choice. It’s fast, has a 1080p display, and includes a fingerprint reader for added security.
- Pros:
- Large 15-inch screen
- Fingerprint reader
- Affordable price
- Cons:
- Mediocre display brightness
- Bulky design
- Price: $429 on Walmart
3. Best Chromebook: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Chromebooks are a fantastic alternative to Windows laptops, especially for web browsing, streaming, and light work. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i stands out with its touchscreen, long battery life, and fast performance.
- Pros:
- Touchscreen display
- Lightweight and portable
- Great for web-based tasks
- Cons:
- Heavy for its size
- Limited offline functionality
- Price: $499 on Best Buy
4. Budget Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
If you’re looking for a cheaper Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a solid option. It’s fast, lightweight, and has a comfortable keyboard, though it lacks a touchscreen.
- Pros:
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and portable
- Good battery life
- Cons:
- Non-touch display
- Dull colors
- Price: $407 on Amazon
5. Best Big-Screen Chromebook: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″
Need a big screen for work or entertainment? The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ offers a 16-inch display, 120Hz refresh rate, and RGB keyboard. It’s perfect for multitasking or media consumption.
- Pros:
- Large, vibrant display
- High refresh rate
- RGB keyboard with number pad
- Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
- Not very portable
- Price: $429 on Walmart
What About an iPad?
If you don’t need a full laptop, an iPad (10th generation) with a keyboard can be a great alternative. It’s lightweight, portable, and perfect for browsing, note-taking, and streaming. However, it’s not ideal for heavy multitasking or running desktop apps.
- Price: $279 on Amazon
How to Shop for a Cheap Laptop
When buying a laptop under $500, keep these tips in mind:
- Processor: Look for an Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 processor.
- RAM: 8GB is ideal for smooth performance.
- Storage: Opt for at least 128GB SSD for faster boot times.
- Display: A 1080p screen is a must for clear visuals.
- Battery Life: Aim for at least 8 hours for all-day use.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable laptop. Whether you choose the Acer Aspire 3 for Windows tasks or the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i for Chromebook simplicity, our picks deliver great value for under $500. Happy shopping!