The category of the best laptops under $500 in 2020 features a wide range of all-purpose laptops that will be ideal for daily use. From super-light ultraportables to sturdy machines, this price range will allow you to choose the right computer that will be useful to you for years to come. The best laptops under $500 are considered budget friendly, but this doesn’t mean you can’t find one with excellent specifications.
Once you decide you are ready to start searching for a new laptop, review this buyer’s guide and the list of the best laptops under $500 . Let’s dive in!
Guide to Buy Good Laptops Under $500 in 2020
Before we get to the list of suggestions, we should note that you can get an excellent laptop for less than $500. Well-known manufacturers are always coming up with brand-new models every couple of months, which means prices often drop. You can find a variety of laptops within this price range, including 2-in-1 convertibles and standard desktop replacements.
Design: Another great thing is the variety of designs. If you are into elegant-looking laptops that resemble the MacBook Pro with an aluminum chassis, you will have them as options. On the other hand, travelers will appreciate convertible laptops that are small and that can become tablets when needed. And they can fit your luggage easily! If you require a larger screen, this price range will allow you to find an excellent 15.6-inch laptop you can use every day.
Specifications: Specifications will vary, but these laptops often feature Intel’s processors, which are very reliable. They will be in charge of your new laptop’s performance, alongside RAM. The storage space might be an issue for those of you who prefer SSD. It is unlikely that you will find a computer with enough SSD space among the best laptops under $500. However, some laptops do feature up to 2TB of HDD memory, which is great if you plan to replace your desktop computer. Note that some Chromebooks cost less than $500, but lack storage. Luckily, you can use Google Drive or a similar service so that your files are available at all times.
Battery life: As you might know, battery life depends mostly on the structure of the laptop itself and its general usage, as well as the quality of the battery. Watching movies or playing video games will require more juice, so you can’t expect your battery to last an entire day. However, you can always find a reliable laptop with excellent specifications and a battery that will hold for up to six hours. If you plan to use your new laptop during lectures, you might not be able to plug it in and recharge the battery so frequently. Therefore, selecting a smaller laptop is a good idea. Another suggestion is a 2-in-1 hybrid laptop because it usually has excellent battery life.
So, can you get a general purpose laptop for under $500 that is a perfect balance of price and specifications? The answer is yes! This price range is ideal for most users because it is very budget friendly. You will get an excellent machine that performs well in multiple situations. These laptops are perfect for students who don’t want to spend a lot of money, as well as for business people who want a reliable computer that will help them get things done faster. You can use them for light gaming as well!
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List of best laptops under $500 in 2020
Top 3 Best Laptops Under $500 Comparison
ASUS VivoBook 15 | Dell Inspiron i3583 15.6" | Asus Chromebook Flip C434 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Size | 15.6 inches | 15.6 inches | 14 inches |
Screen quality | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
CPU | AMD R5-3500U | Intel i5-8265U | Intel Core M3 |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 4GB |
Storage | 256GB | 256GB | 64GB |
Battery life | Approx. 5 hours | Approx. 8 hours | 10 hours |
Price |
No.1. ASUS VivoBook F510UA FHD Laptop
If you need an all-purpose laptop that performs well but is budget friendly, look no further because the ASUS VivoBook F512DA might be the right computer for you. ASUS wanted to create an ultrabook with excellent performance, and it succeeded. The VivoBook F510DA comes with a 15.6-inch full HD display. It features a metallic finish that makes it look more expensive than it is. This computer weighs 3.5 pounds, which makes it perfect for traveling.
Although the ASUS VivoBook F512DA is smaller than an average all-purpose laptop, it has powerful hardware that makes this machine one of the best laptops under $500. An AMD Quad Core R5 processor and 8GB of RAM are in charge of the overall performance, and you can open multiple apps without worrying that the machine will slow down. Additionally, you can use this computer for light gaming because it has Radeon Vega 8 graphics. Finally, you will get 256GB of SSD memory.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | ASUS VivoBook F512DA SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | AMD Quad Core R5-3500U |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1920x1080) |
Storage | 256GB |
Graphic | Radeon Vega 8 graphics |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Battery | Approx. 5 hours |
ASUS decided to improve the connectivity on this model by adding one USB Type-C port, which will enable you to transfer your files faster than ever. You will get two more USB ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. You will also receive a preinstalled copy of the Windows 10 operating system. This laptop costs around $500.
Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
No.2. Dell Inspiron i3583 15.6" HD Touch-Screen Laptop
If you need a general-purpose laptop and are working with a limited budget, this 15.6-inch notebook from Dell is worth your attention. It is considered one of the best laptops under $500 due to its excellent specifications, as well as the fact that it has a touchscreen. The matte chassis with textured upper lid gives it a stylish look. However, keep in mind that, at 4.41 pounds, this computer is on the heavier side.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | Dell Inspiron i3583 15.6" SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel i5-8265U 1.6GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1366x768) |
Storage | 256GB |
Graphic | Integrated Intel HD 620 |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Battery Life | Approx..8 hours |
The hardware is superb, with 256GB of SSD storage space and a 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U processor. You can also play some of the light video games because the computer has 8GB of RAM and Intel HD Graphics 620 GPU. Additionally, you will receive a copy of the Windows 10 operating system with your purchase.The battery life is surprisingly good for a 15.6-inch laptop. It can last for up to eight hours, depending on your power settings. It features a full keyboard with a standard Dell design. It is worth mentioning that the trackpad supports gestures and it is quite wide. When it comes to connectivity, the laptop offers the very basics – one USB 3.1 port, one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.0 port and an HDMI port. The Dell Inspiron 15.6" Touch-Screen laptop costs around $500.
Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
No.3. ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2 in 1
Convertible laptops are ideal for people who like to travel light and who want to bring work with them on the road. The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is a 14-inch laptop that won’t take up much space in your bag or backpack. This computer weighs only 3.3 pounds, so it is a perfect companion for users who are always on the move. Plus, it has a 360-degree hinge that will allow you to turn the laptop into a tablet in just a couple of seconds.
The design is clean, with an elegant aluminum body that makes this laptop look expensive. The display is in full HD, which means you will have excellent visuals. It also has an anti-glare panel that uses light levels to give you the best brightness and contrast. It will work well on both laptop and tablet modes.
When it comes to specifications, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is surprisingly powerful considering its size. It has an Intel Core M3 processor and 4GB of RAM, which is great for multitasking. You will be able to complete all your work on this machine, so it is no wonder that the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 is considered one of the best laptops under $500. The storage is a bit low, and you will get only 64GB of space. Luckily, you can use Google Drive to save all your necessary files because with your purchase you will get a subscription to this service.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | ASUS Chromebook Flip SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core M3 1.1GHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080) |
Storage | 64 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
Graphic | Integrated |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
Battery Life | 10 hours |
The battery life is extraordinary; this laptop can work for up to 10 hours on a single charge. The keyboard is comfortable regardless of the size of the computer, and the keys are responsive. The price of the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is around $500.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- High-quality display made of Corning Gorilla Glass.
- Very light and compact.
- Affordable price.
CONS
- Low storage space.
- The speakers are so-so.
No.4. HP Pavilion X360 15.6" Full HD 2-in-1 Laptop
If you are looking for the best laptop that is affordable but that also features high-quality components, look no further than the HP Pavilion X360. HP outdid itself by including a WLED-backlit touchscreen display that supports multi-touch. However, it does weigh 4.4 pounds, which doesn't make this laptop travel-friendly. You will need a comfortable backpack or bag in which to carry it around. The battery should last for five to seven hours, depending on your power settings.
The hardware is solid. This laptop is powered by an Intel Core i3-8130U processor. It might not be the best option, but combined with 4GB of RAM and 1TB of HDD, this laptop will work perfectly fine. The connectivity is great, and you will get three USB ports, as well as an HDMI port and an SD card reader. It will arrive with the latest version of Windows 10 and most importantly – there is no bloatware.Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | HP Pavilion X360 15.6-inch SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-8130U Processor 2.2GHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1920x1080) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphic | Integrated Intel HD 620 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Battery Life | 7 hours |
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Ideal for basic work and completing daily tasks.
- Excellent connectivity with plenty of ports.
CONS
- None
No.5. Dell Premium Business Flagship Laptop
If you are looking for an excellent everyday laptop that you can also use for gaming, the newest Dell Premium Business Flagship Laptop might be the right choice for you. It features a sturdy design and strong plastic chassis that looks very elegant. It also has an HD screen with LED technology that provides breathtaking visuals. It weighs 4.85 pounds, which is great for a 15.6-inch laptop.
Dell decided to equip this machine with outstanding hardware. It is powered by an Intel i3-7100U processor and has 8GB of RAM and 1TB of HDD storage. This means the Dell Premium Business Flagship Laptop is the best laptop for business, school, or gaming. There are three USB ports on the side; one of them is USB 3.0, which will improve the speed of the transfers. The battery should last for up to eight hours if you put the computer in power-saving mode while you’re working on it.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | Dell Premium Business Flagship SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-7100U Processor |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1366x768) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphic | Integrated Intel HD 620 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Battery Life | 8 hours |
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Strong hardware, suitable for gamers.
- The display is crisp and very high-quality.
- The keyboard is comfortable, which is perfect for writers.
CONS
- The speakers are placed on the bottom.
- Even though the webcam is HD, the image is still a bit blurry.
No.6. HP 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop PC
HP is constantly raising the bar with its computers, and it has done so once again with the release of the new version of the HP Business 15.6-inch laptop. HP considered the needs of its customers and added plenty of improvements that can help business people complete their work and stay connected with the world. The overall design of this HP laptop is simple but efficient, which makes it one of the best laptops released this year. The screen is in high-definition, which means you will get great visuals. HP also added a touchscreen, which will make using this laptop a lot easier.
The hardware is great. This computer is powered by a Intel Core i5 processor. You will also get 12GB of RAM and 1TB of HDD storage, which will be more than enough for all your documents and files.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | HP Business 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-7100U 2.3GHz |
Memory | 12GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1366x768) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphic | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Battery Life | 9 hours |
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Powerful processor and plenty of HDD storage.
- An amazing keyboard that does not bend under your fingers.
- Bright and colorful high-definition screen.
CONS
- It will arrive with bloatware, which might slow down the performance.
No.7. HP Pavilion 14" HD Notebook
The HP Pavilion 14-inch HD Notebook is a dream come true for people who prefer to work on the move. It has a sturdy outer shell that, while made of plastic, looks like it is made of metal. This 14-inch laptop weighs 3.63 pounds, so you can easily carry it around in a bag. The display is in high definition and is backlit with WLED technology for better contrast. The colors are vivid and bright. This laptop costs around $500.
With an Intel Core™ i5-7200U processor and 8GB of RAM, you can multitask easily and run more demanding software on this HP laptop. There is also 1TB of HDD for storing all your files. It is important to mention that this laptop includes three USB ports, one of which is USB Type-C. The keyboard is comfortable and responsive, which is important for writers. This might be the best laptop for users who do word processing every single day. The battery can last for up to nine hours if you use it heavily on full settings.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | HP Pavilion 14" HD SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i5-7200U Processor 2.1GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1366x768) |
Storage | 1TB HDD |
Graphic | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Battery Life | 9 hours |
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Very lightweight construction.
- The quality of the speakers is surprisingly great.
- It will not arrive with a lot of bloatware.
CONS
- The keyboard has a slight bend, which might bother some users.
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No.8. Acer Chromebook R 13 Convertible
The Acer Chromebook R 13 is a versatile device that is built to last. It looks incredibly stylish with an aluminum lid and the ability to transform into a tablet due to its 360-degree hinges. It might not be as thin as other hybrid laptops, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t travel-friendly. It weighs 3.28 pounds so you can carry it around for an entire day without feeling uncomfortable.
The touchscreen is very sharp and has excellent viewing angles. This feature is particularly useful because it allows you to place this device in four modes. The hinges are solid and the laptop will not move even when you place it in tent mode. However, the feature that makes the Acer Chromebook R 13 so impressive in the category of the best laptops under $500 is the battery life. It can last for up to 13 hours of work, which is excellent.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | Acer Chromebook R 13 SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | MediaTek_MT8127 2.1GHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 13.3 inches (1920x1080) |
Storage | 32 GB Flash Memory Solid State Drive |
Graphic | Imagination PowerVR GX6250 |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
Battery Life | 12 hours |
The connectivity is great, and the ports are located on the left side of the device. They include a USB 3.0 port, a USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. Although the laptop is relatively compact, the keyboard is still spacious enough for typing. Plus, the trackpad is responsive. The price of the Acer Chromebook R 13 is around $500.
Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
No.9. HP Premium High-Performance Laptop PC
As one of the latest additions to HP’s ever-growing line of products, this premium high-performance laptop will amaze you with both its design and the hardware it packs inside. The computer has a silver chassis, but once you lift the display, you will see that the insides are black. This combination makes this laptop classy and elegant. The 15.6-inch screen is in high-definition and has a glossy finish that will make colors appear brighter.
The HP Premium High-Performance laptop is one of the best laptops under $500 because it is powered by a 7th Generation Intel Core i3-7100u processor. It also has 6GB of RAM and 1TB of HDD storage. This combination will be more than enough for most users, especially if they plan to use this computer both for work and in their free time. The connectivity has all the essentials, such as one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, and one HDMI port. There is also an SD card reader on the side of the computer.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | HP Premium High-Performance SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel i3-7100u Dual-Core |
Memory | 6GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches |
Storage | 1TB |
Graphic | Integrated Intel HD graphics 5500 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Battery | 3-cell, 31 Wh Li-ion |
The keyboard has just the right amount of travel between the keys, so your fingers will not get tired as you type for hours. However, the trackpad might be on the smaller side, especially if you have used a spacious one in the past. When it comes to battery life, it all depends on your power settings and the type of work you do. The battery can last from six to nine hours. The HP Premium High-Performance Laptop PC costs around $500.
Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
No.10. Lenovo Yoga 710 2-in-1 11.6"
The Yoga line from Lenovo is incredibly popular because it features impeccably built hybrid laptops that can be transformed into tablets when needed. The design resembles that of a MacBook Air, so it comes as no surprise that it is considered one of the best laptops in 2018. The Lenovo Yoga 710 is an 11.6-inch notebook that weighs 1.07kg. The touchscreen is in full HD, and it supports multitouch. This laptop will arrive with the Windows 10 Home operating system.
Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION | Lenovo Yoga 710 SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Pentium processor 4405Y |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 11.6 inches (1920x1080) |
Storage | 128GB SSD |
Graphic | Integrated Intel HD graphics 515 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Battery Life | 9 hours |
It is powered by an Intel Pentium 4405Y dual-core processor and 4GB of RAM, so you will be able to complete all your daily tasks on this laptop. It has 128GB of SSD storage, and your files will load in seconds. Due to the size of the Lenovo Yoga 710, you will get only one USB port, but that is understandable. There is also a micro HDMI port on the side. The battery will last for nine hours, depending on the work you do. Even though it is small, the keyboard is still very comfortable and responsive. The Lenovo Yoga 710 costs around $500.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Durable laptop with an aluminum body.
- High-quality components.
- Very portable and perfect for students.
CONS
- It has one USB port.
- The speakers are average.
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Conclusion
If you are working on a tight budget and want a new laptop, don’t be nervous. Plenty of the best laptops under $500 are considered general-purpose computers. That means you can use them every day for a variety of tasks. These machines might not be as powerful as expensive gaming laptops, but they will get things done and then some. In the end, it all comes down to your personal preferences regarding the design and size. Fortunately, you will be able to find what you need for less than $500.