The list of the best laptops under £500 in 2018 certainly does contain some excellent picks. With so many different models to choose from, finding the right computer for you might be a bit difficult. After all, there are business laptops with large screens, hybrids with touch screens that can be transformed into tablets, and so on.
Luckily, the budget of £500 will allow you to expand your search so you are able to buy a very strong and powerful laptop for both business and leisure use. Let's dive in and see the best laptops under £500 that are available right now.
Quick Buyer's Guide For Best Laptops Under £500
First, stay within your intended budget. £500 is enough to buy a premium laptop so you will get excellent hardware with your purchase. This includes some of the best Intel processors and SSD drives. It doesn't matter if you are a student or a business person looking for a super useful laptop; you will be able to buy one in this price range. Laptops are big investments so choose a device that will work well for years to come.
Second, the design is important as well. Laptops are meant to be travel-friendly so focus on well-designed models made of sturdy and strong materials. You should be able to carry it around without constantly dreading that it might get damaged in your backpack.
The best laptops under £500 generally have a very expensive feeling to them, so pay close attention to the size, materials, and general build of your future laptop.
Finally, be aware of your individual needs. Perhaps you aren't able to recharge your laptop often, want a computer with a touchscreen, or need a bigger resolution because you are a graphic designer. These should be the deciding factors for buying a specific model.
List of Best Laptops under £500 in 2018
No.1. HP 15-bs104na 15.6-inch Laptop
Best Laptops Under £500 Comparison
HP 15-bs104na | Asus VivoBook 15 X540UA--GQ170T | Acer Swift 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Size | 15.6 inches | 15.6 inches | 14 inches |
Screen quality | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1920x1080 |
CPU | Intel Core i5-8250U | Intel Core i7-7500U | Intel Core i3-7130U |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
Storage | 1TB HDD | 1TB HDD | 128GB SSD |
Battery life | 11.45hours | 8 hours | 10 hours |
Price |
*Note: the prices of laptops are constantly changing so some of the laptops on our list might be more expensive at checking time.
No.1. HP 15-bs104na 15.6-inch Laptop
If you are looking for a powerful mid-range laptop that can be used for work, free time, and light gaming, take a closer look at the HP 15-bs104na. This is a 15.6-inch computer with a strong build. It weighs 2.1kgs so it might not be very transportable.
The outer shell looks elegant and sleek and it also features a patterned upper lid which makes this laptop unique. If you need a versatile device that performs exceptionally well, this might be the one.The HP 15-bs104na packs some serious hardware. It has an Intel i5-8250U processor which is one of their best sellers. The GPU is solid as well so you will be able to play video games on this laptop. Don't to forget the 8GB of RAM and 1TB HDD. The battery should last from eight to eleven hours. The high-definition display is quite good and the colors look great on it.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | HP 15-bs085na specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel i5-7200U 2.5GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1366x768 display) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home + Microsoft Office 365 |
Battery life | 11.45 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
· The outer shell feels expensive and high-quality.
· The display is vibrant and bright.
· The palm rest and keyboard are amazingly comfortable.
Cons
· A bit on the heavier side.
No.2. ASUS VivoBook 15 X540UA-GQ170T 15.6-Inch Notebook
If you are looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can fit into any bag, the ASUS VivoBook 15 X540UA might be ideal for you. The entire body is made of ultra-thin metal, which instantly makes the ASUS VivoBook 15 X540UA more elegant and high-quality. It weighs 2kgs.
The laptop will arrive with a preinstalled Windows 10 operating system. It packs some serious hardware on the inside, namely an Intel Core i7-7500U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 1TB of HDD. You will get both 2.0 and 3.0 USB ports. Tthe screen is in HD. And, the battery life is excellent; ASUS VivoBook 15 X540UA could be the best laptop for college or businesspeople who do not have access to a power source at all times.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | ASUS VivoBook 15 X540UA specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i7 7500U 2.7GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1366x768 display) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 8 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
-The excellent design which makes this laptop both thin and light.
-A great battery life.
-A high-quality metal build and solid hardware.
Cons
· The screen is not bad but the colors are simply not vivid enough.
No.3. Acer Swift 3 SF314-52-30QS 14-Inch Notebook
If you are looking for an everyday laptop, the Acer Swift 3 will fit your needs perfectly. This laptop costs around £500 and has impressive hardware.
The Acer Swift 3 weighs 1.8kg, is transportable, and can easily fit into a bag or backpack. This laptop also has a preinstalled Windows 10 Home operating system.
When it comes to the hardware, the Acer Swift 3 has 8GB of RAM and a 128GB hard disk. Combined with an Intel Corel i3 7130U processor, these components will make this laptop run as smoothly as possible. The computer itself has good connectivity because it features two 3.0 USB ports, one 2.0 USB ports, one HDMI port, and an SD card reader on the side.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Acer Swift 3 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3 7130U 2.7GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 128GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel HD 620 |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
Battery life | 10 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
The microphone, speakers, and webcam on this laptop are excellent. You will be able to use Skype or any type of messenger.
Cons
None.
No.4. Dell Inspiron 13 5000 13.3-Inch Touch Convertible Notebook
The Dell Inspiron 13 5000 features a clean and elegant design which will be attractive to many users looking for the best laptop for work. The hardware is excellent for the price and can completely replace your current desktop computer. This laptop is made entirely of matte plastic, with just a tiny bit of glossy detailing on the edges. It is a smart addition which makes the laptop stand out. It weighs 1.68kgs, so it is an ultraportable laptop. You will be able to slip it into a bag and travel with the Dell Inspiron 13 5000.
The hardware consists of an Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD. It is the basic combination that will get the job done; you will be able to use it for your work or leisure comfortably. The keyboard and trackpad are excellent, especially for typing. The battery life is surprisingly good and will last you for up to ten hours on a single charge, depending on the power settings you select. The keyboard is very comfortable and is backlit.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Dell Inspiron 13 5000 13.3-Inch specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-7100U 2.4Ghz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 13.3 inches touchscreen (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 128GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
Battery life | 10 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
Outstanding battery life.
Very affordable price for a desktop computer replacement.
The keyboard has enough travel between the keys to be comfortable.
Cons
· Speakers have a low-quality sound.
·
No.5. Lenovo YOGA 510 14-Inch Convertible Laptop
What makes the Lenovo Yoga 510 so special is the fact that you will receive two products in one. Yes, the Lenovo Yoga 510 is a convertible laptop which can become a tablet in just a couple of seconds. It is light, has a touchscreen display, and can be used on a daily basis for almost everything. It is an excellent work laptop and is perfect for various presentations since it can also be used in the tent mode.
It is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, has 8GB of RAM, and contains 1TB of storage space on the hard disk. With the addition of a touchscreen, this becomes an incredible device you will absolutely adore because of its versatility. It is also very travel friendly, so you will receive a great product for around 500 pounds.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | LENOVO yoga 510 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-6006U 2.2GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1366x768 display) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphics | Intel HD |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 8.5 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Lenovo Yoga 510 is a must-have for all businesspeople who do their work on the go. It is very useful for designers because it has an HD touchscreen and you can do quick sketches in the tablet mode wherever you are.
The HD screen also has incredibly vivid colors so you will be able to design in the laptop mode as well. Because this is a convertible laptop, it can be used in any situation, so the Lenovo Yoga 500 is excellent for reading, watching movies, etc.
Cons
None.
No.6. Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15.6-Inch Notebook
The Lenovo Ideapad 320 might look a bit basic from the outside but once you see the specs, you will be amazed. It costs around £500 and for that price you get a reliable laptop that will last for years. This laptop features 802.11 a/c Wi-Fi technology that gives you a faster internet connection. Therefore, you will be able to download files in just a couple of seconds and stream videos without any waiting time.
What makes this laptop perfect for writers is the fact that it has a comfortable keyboard. Therefore, there is no need to worry that your fingers might get tired after typing for hours. The keys have the perfect amount of travel and the design itself is slightly modified. As a matter of fact, they are a bit sloped which is excellent.
When it comes to hardware, the Lenovo Ideapad 320 has an Intel Core i5-8250U processor. You will also get 128GB of SSD storage, 4GB of RAM, and a preinstalled Windows 10 operating system. All in all, the laptop itself is very strong and can be used for multiple purposes.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | lenovo ideapad 320 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i5 8250U 1.6GHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1366x1768 display) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphics | Intel HD 620 |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 8 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Lenovo Ideapad has high quality Dolby speakers. We all know that laptops usually have terrible sound, but this one is completely different. It is a very versatile computer that will be useful for both students and businesspeople.
Cons
Lack of storage.
No.7. Lenovo YogaBook 10.1 inch Notebook
With its versatile and futuristic look, the Lenovo YogaBook is one of the most intriguing notebooks on the market right now. This convertible laptop is unbelievably thin (9.6mm) and light (689 g). It will elevate your productivity and you can take it anywhere.
The price is below £500, which is a bit expensive for a 10.1-inch laptop but you can get so much out of it. It features a halo keyboard which can be replaced by a writing or drawing surface. Therefore, you can jot notes in your own handwriting or create beautiful illustrations whenever you feel like it.
The specifications are outstanding for such a small device. You will get 4GB of RAM, 64GB of SSD storage space, and a Touch Atom X5-Z8550 processor. The Lenovo YogaBook 10.1 inch notebook will arrive with preinstalled Windows 10. The battery can last for up to fifteen hours, which is super useful for people who are constantly on the move. We also have to mention the display which is small but powerful. The colors on it are very natural.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Lenovo YogaBook 10.1 inch specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Touch Atom X5-Z8550 1.44GHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 10.1 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 64GB eMMC |
Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 400 |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 15 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
-Amazing battery life.
-A well-built convertible laptop..
-Very light and travel-friendly.
Cons
- Connectivity is not so great due to its size.
- The keyboard might be a bit uncomfortable for typing.
No.8. HP Pavilion Pro 14-bf007na 14-Inch FHD Laptop
If you are looking for a reliable laptop that has everything you need on a daily basis, the HP Pavilion Pro 14-bf007na is for you. It is the best laptop for businesspeople who need a fast machine with plenty of storage. It can also be used for watching movies and TV shows in your free time. The overall design is simple and the laptop weighs only 1.53kgs. It is a budget friendly computer that costs around £500.
The hardware is quite powerful and the HP Pavilion Pro 14-bf007na laptop features an Intel Core i3-7100U processor that makes multitasking super easy. When you combine this with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, you get a strong machine that performs perfectly. The keyboard and the trackpad are both very comfortable. You will be able to work for hours on this laptop without feeling tired. Plus, the connectivity is excellent and you will get one HDMI port, an SD card reader, two USB 3.1 ports, and one USB 3.1 type C port.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | HP Pavilion Pro 14-bf007na specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3 7100U 2.4GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel HD 620 |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home + Microsoft Office 365 |
Battery life | 10 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
· HD screen with amazing colors and contrast.
· Versatile connectivity.
· Comfortable keyboard with good travel between the keys.
Cons
-The storage might not be sufficient for some users.
· Running more demanding software can slow down the laptop.
No.9. Dell Inspiron 5000 15.6-inch Full HD Thin & Light Laptop
Dell is known for designing incredibly strong and powerful laptops. The Inspiron 5000 follows the same guidelines as its predecessors. The design is very clean and thin, with rounded edges that can easily fit into a backpack or sleeve.
The price is around £500 so it might not be the cheapest option out there, but you will get an outstanding computer that performs exceptionally well.
The specifications include one of the popular processors - the Intel Core i3-6006U, as well as 4GB of RAM which is more than enough to keep everything running like clockwork. Multitasking will not be a problem. It also has 1TB of HDD memory. The connectivity on Dell Inspiron 5000 is really good and you will get three USB ports (one 2.0 and two 3.0), an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. The 15.6-inch screen is sharp, with excellent contrast and vivid colors. The battery life is good and will last up to six hours, depending on your settings and the work you do.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Dell Inspiron 5000 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3 6006U 2GHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphics | Intel HD Graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 6 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
· Spacious trackpad and excellent keyboard.
· Thin and compact for a 15.6-inch laptop.
· Good battery life.
· The keyboard is backlit.
Cons
· None
No.10. ASUS Zenbook UX310UA 13.3 inch Notebook
The ASUS Zenbook UX310UA is the most travel-friendly pick on our list. As a matter of fact, it weighs only 1.45kg and because it is a 13.3 inch notebook, it can fit in any bag or backpack. The outer shell is metallic grey and looks very elegant. It is made of aluminum so it is sturdier than plastic laptops. As a matter of fact, the entire design is very MacBook Air inspired. More importantly, it packs some serious hardware inside.
This laptop has an Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM. This is more than enough for completing various business or school tasks, as well as for watching movies or playing less-demanding video games. It also has 128GB of SSD memory so you will be able to access your files more quickly. It is also worth mention that you will get a preinstalled Windows 10 operating system as well.
The ASUS Zenbook UX310UA has a USB Type-C port, as well as a SD card slot and an HDMI port. You can expand your storage by inserting a card and transferring the files from a USB drive in just a couple of seconds. Plus, the latest Wi-Fi technology will allow you to surf the internet at a faster speed.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | asus zenbook ux310ua specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3 6100U 2.3GHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 13.3 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 128GB SDD |
Graphics | Intel HD |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 6 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
The design is impeccable and the laptop looks expensive. It feels very firm and there is no need to worry that it might get damaged while you are carrying it around. The battery can last up to six hours, which is quite good for people constantly on the move.
Cons
The screen is not super crisp, so if you are looking for an expensive HD display with amazing sharpness, you might be a bit disappointed with this device.
Summary
As you can see, this price range offers numerous interesting laptops you may take into consideration while browsing for a new computer. The best laptops under £500 generally feature really good hardware so it all comes down to your personal preferences. Therefore, you should choose the model that will be useful to you on a daily basis.
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