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The 8 Best Budget Laptops Under $500
Not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a new laptop. Thankfully in this modern age, you don’t need to! You can now pick up a great laptop with impressive specs for under $500.
These laptops are still going to give you high power, fast processing speeds, and plenty of memory. The problem with searching for a budget laptop is that there are plenty of models out there which simply aren’t good enough. That’s where we wanted to help.
We’ve put in the research to find eight budget laptops that offer exceptional performance and brilliant value for money. Not only do they have great specs but they are built to last and look good too. We took many aspects into account and tried to find something for everyone.
All you need to do is read on to find the best budget laptop for you. Let’s get started with what we think is the best choice of them all.
Best Buy
1. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is a slim laptop with a light aluminum cover. This laptop has 4GB/128GB memory with Windows 10 software and you can get it for only around $400.
With Microsoft Edge, you will have complete security while surfing the web and you also have access to the Microsoft App Store which gives you thousands of apps to choose from to make your experience better.
It features a backlit keyboard to ensure a comfortable workspace and the sound is also very impressive for a small laptop. It delivers deeper bass, more volume, and two built-in stereo speakers for when you want to crank up the tunes. You’ll also be able to take your creativity to the max with its crisp and sharp visuals.
This laptop has a 15.6 Full HD IPS screen and its thin format makes it perfect to carry with you wherever your inspiration finds you. It comes formatted with 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP support. Need some help? Alexa is enabled on this laptop computer and ready to help with whatever you need.
2. Asus Vivobook 15
Spending close to that $500 limit, you can find yourself the owner of the Asus Vivobook 15. It has a four-sided NanoEdge display with a sleek, frameless, 15.6” full HD display; with a remarkable 88% screen-to-body ratio.
This laptop is finished in a slate gray which makes it workplace or classroom savvy and looks classy enough to sit at a local coffee shop to get some work done. You also get the featured backlit keyboard and an exclusive ergonomic design for an improved typing position so you can spend long hours typing away your papers, work on projects, or surf the web. The battery is able to charge from 0% – 60% in just 49 minutes. So when you stop, you do not have to stop for long.
With it being under 4 lbs, it’s easy to bring along with you anywhere from the home office to a cozy cafe. The four USB ports on the side make it easy to pull work from other sources or just plug in other hardware. Overall it’s a great laptop for the price that offers you sleek styling with exceptional quality.
3. HP Stream 11
If you’re short on cash but need a stylish business laptop computer, the HP Stream 11 is the perfect one for you. It has the Windows 10 operating system, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage.
You can easily attend your video calls with the integrated webcam. The HP Stream 11 is great for remote work, online classes, small businesses, and general browsing of the internet.
While there is not an optical drive, you can purchase an external drive that will allow you to run your DVDs/CDs. While we do wish it had more USB ports, we like the compact size and power with the sleek anti-glare 11” screen.
The keyboard layout is slightly smaller than the normal-sized laptop but you adjust quickly after using. However, this does make it a good computer for high school students taking remote classes. The HP 11 Stream is ideal for those working on small projects on the go.
4. Microsoft Surface Go 2
When it comes to future-looking technology, you may think the Surface Go 2 is what computers may begin to look like. The 10.5” screen is bigger and brighter thanks to the PixelSense display.
The Surface Go 2 is ready for any project you are taking on because the Core m3 processor is made to work for you. It weighs a little over a pound making it lightweight to move with you when you are on the go.
You will always stay connected to the internet with the advanced LTE 4g network that you can get with it. The Surface Go 2 gives you a laptop and a tablet, without having to carry two around. This makes it easier to multitask and get work done faster.
Employees can check emails out in the field, engage with prospective clients and eliminate the need to carry around a notebook. Equipped with a studio microphone and an HD camera, you never have to worry about being heard or seen on video calls. The USB-C port allows you to easily connect to external screens, any docking station, and charge accessories fast.
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5. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex is a wonderful attribution to your next home office, computer for online classes, or even to keep in touch with friends and family. It comes in a sleek graphite grey color that will for sure turn heads wherever you are.
It features a 13” screen with a touch display so you can get a real hands-on experience with your work. This Chromebook comes with an internal fan for cooling so your long days and nights will be able to keep up with you. You will be able to connect with friends, family, and coworkers through the built-in webcam.
With the latest Intel WiFi 6, you never have to worry about dropping a call. Since it is a Chromebook, you will be able to seamlessly sync all of your documents, photos, and graphics across all of your devices. The touch screen and 360 design let you adjust the interface to maximize comfort while you work.
Having enough connectivity is important in any degree of work and you won’t find a shortage of them with this Chromebook. The USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C port allows you to move data quickly and seamlessly, charge your battery, or share your screen with another one.
6. Dell Latitude
The Dell Latitude is the perfect budget-friendly laptop for anyone working on small projects or any parent wanting to give their kid a laptop. Its design allows for ultra-portability so you can move any location.
The spill-resistant keyboard is perfect for warding off spilled drinks and the gorilla glass and rubber base allows you to work hard and play hard.
The touchscreen is as responsive as a tablet and with the 2-in-1, 360 design, you can forget for a little bit that you have a laptop. Parents love this little but mighty laptop for their kids to play games or give them a leg up in school.
7. Samsung Chrome Book 4
The Samsung Chromebook 4 is a laptop that has stunning features for the price of below $300. Its silver color gives it a smooth look added with a thin 11.6” screen display.
It may be thin and just under 3 lbs, but it has military-grade quality for extra durability. It has an average full battery life of 12.5 hours, so you will have plenty of time to get your desired workload done without being tied to a desk for charging.
It has 2 USB ports for connecting your devices, but if you need more, it has Bluetooth available for connecting all your extras. This Chromebook has the quality of listening to your commands, whether you want to ask it a question about the weather or when something is due on your calendar.
You won’t have to worry much about viruses, as this Chromebook comes with a built-in virus protection guard against malware to give you peace of mind while you surf.
8. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
If you’re looking for a larger-than-life laptop computer, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is the perfect solution for you. It has a sizable 14” display screen and is under 4 lbs, which makes this a great entry-level laptop for any needs such as video chats, homework, or for your business.
This is a practical notebook laptop that is durable and made for long-lasting use. It has Bluetooth 4.1, three USB ports, and an HDMI hookup for you to connect to anything, anywhere.
The Dopoundsy Audio will give you clear sound to enjoy videos and stream music and attend your zoom classes without a cinch. The innovative 14-inch screen will give you more viewing area with less clutter letting you focus on what really matters.
You will have top-notch security and privacy with the shutter feature on the built-in webcam is a design that we need, not deserve. The RAM, GPU, and CPU are easily able to handle anything you throw at it, from music videos to sound editing.
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