The list of the best laptops under £500 in 2021 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 in 2021
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.
If you are looking to get a new laptop and you have a budget of about £500, you can consider opting for any of the laptops below as they are fully capable of meeting your computing needs.
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List of Top 3 Best Laptops under £500 in September 2021
No.1. HP 15s-fq2015sa 15.6" Laptop
Best Laptops Under £500 Comparison
ASUS VivoBook X413JA | HP 15s-fq2015sa | Dell Inspiron 3000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Size | 14 inches | 15.6 inches | 15.6 inches |
Screen quality | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
CPU | Intel i5 | Intel i3 | AMD Ryzen 5 |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
Battery life | Approx. 6 hours | 7.25 hours | Approx. 9 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 15s-fq2015sa 15.6" 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 15s-fq2015sa. This is a 15.6-inch computer with a strong build. It weighs 1.695 Kg so it is not too heavy.
The outer shell looks elegant and sleek and it also features a stylish design which makes this laptop unique. If you need a versatile device that performs exceptionally well, this might be the one. The HP 15s-fq2015sa packs some serious hardware. It has an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor which is one of their best sellers. The Integrated 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 256GB SSD, battery should last for seven hours. The high-definition display is quite good and the colors look great on it.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | HP 15s-fq2015sa specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-1115G4 3GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Integrated Graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
Battery life | 7.25 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
· The outer shell feels expensive and high-quality.
· The display is vibrant and bright.
Cons
None
No.2. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 15.6-inch Laptop
Dell is known for designing incredibly strong and powerful laptops. The Inspiron 3000 follows the same guidelines as its predecessors. The design is very clean, 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 AMD Ryzen 5, as well as 8GB of RAM which is more than enough to keep everything running like clockwork. Multitasking will not be a problem. It also has 256GB of SSD memory and Radeon Vega 8 graphics.
The connectivity on Dell Inspiron 3000 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 nine hours, depending on your settings and the work you do. Overall, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a best laptop for 500 pounds.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Dell Inspiron 15 3000 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5-3500U 3.7GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 Graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
Battery life | 9 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
· Spacious trackpad and excellent keyboard.
· Thin and compact for a 15.6-inch laptop.
Cons
· None
No.3. ASUS VivoBook X413JA 14 Inch
If you are looking for a reliable laptop that has everything you need on a daily basis, the ASUS VivoBook X413JA 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 1.4 Kg. It is a budget friendly computer that costs around £500.
The hardware is quite powerful and the ASUS VivoBook X413JA 14 Inch laptop features an Intel i5-1035G1 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, one USB 3.2 type C port, one USB 3.2 type A and two USB 2.0 ports.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | ASUS VivoBook X413JA specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel i5-1035G1 |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Integrated graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
Battery life | Approx. 5-6 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
· Full 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.
· Battery life isn't as good as others.
No.4. Lenovo V15 ADA 15.6" Full HD
The Lenovo V15 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 good 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 V15 has an AMD Athlon 3150U processor. You will also get 256GB of SSD storage, 8GB 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 V15 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | AMD Athlon 3150U |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | AMD Graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 6 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Lenovo V15 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
None
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No.5. HUAWEI MateBook D 14 - 14 Inch Laptop
If you are looking for the best laptop to buy under £500, then you should consider the HUAWEI MateBook D 14 as it is beautifully designed and packs a lot of features. This laptop comes with a 15.6-inch screen and a screen resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, which is sure to deliver stunning visuals when you are carrying out computing tasks like streaming videos, scrolling through pics, playing games, or other tasks. On the right side of this laptop, you will find a USB 2.0 port and a 3.5mm combo jack. While on the left side, you will find a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a USB 3.0 port.
The HUAWEI MateBook D 14 comes with a 3.7 GHz AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor and an integrated graphics card, which will provide you with enough processing power to run all your computing tasks smoothly. It comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which is enough to store your files. On average, this laptop can last for up to 10 hours, depending on your usage.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Huawei MateBook D 14 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Integrated graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
Battery life | 10 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
· It has an excellent battery life
· It has a robust and compact case
Cons
-None
No.6. ASUS ZenBook UX431FA 14 Inch Full HD
The ASUS Zenbook UX431FA is the most business friendly pick on our list. As a matter of fact, it only weighs 1.48 kg and because it is a 14 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 8GB 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 256GB 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 UX431FA 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 ux431Fa specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3 10110U 2.1GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel HD 620 |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 10.8 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
None
No.7. ASUS VivoBook X412DA 14 Inch Full HD
The ASUS VivoBook X412DA is one of the latest super portable laptops that look and feel very expensive. The entire outer shell is made of plastic that guarantees longevity. This laptop has rounded edges and will fit nicely into a case or backpack. The construction is impeccable and it doesn’t bend at all.
What makes this laptop so travel friendly? It weighs only 1.5 kg and you can carry it around with you for an entire day without getting tired. Additionally, the performance of this laptop will amaze you. It is highly customization and you can pick a processor you want. It has powerful AMD R5-3500 processor. Loading up Windows 10 from the 512GB SSD disk is fast The ASUS VivoBook X412DA also has 8GB of RAM and Intel Integrated graphic card, so this machine will run smoothly.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | ASUS VivoBook X412DA specs |
|---|---|
Processor | AMD R5-3500 2.0GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel Integrated Graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | Appox. 8 hours |
USB 3.1 ports are becoming the norm nowadays and ASUS features one on the side of the device. Of course, there are three standard USB ports, one HDMI port, and an SD card slot. In general, the connectivity is excellent. The screen itself might be regarded as the centerpiece of this laptop due to the fact that it has rich colors and the sharpness is outstanding.
If you are looking for a business laptop or if you are a writer, you will be thrilled to learn that ASUS revamped the keyboard and made it even more comfortable for people who type for hours. They applied the “scissor” technology found in the newer Apple laptops, so the keys will feel firm underneath your fingers. The keyboard might bend a bit if you press too hard but it is not particularly noticeable and it will not disrupt your work.
Pros and Cons
Pros
· Budget friendly laptop with slim design and light weighted.
· The connectivity is outstanding.
Cons
None
No.8. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14ADA05 14 Inch
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is one of the best laptop under 500 pounds. What makes the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 so special is the fact that you will receive a good laptop for college and office. Yes, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a work laptop which has AMD Radeon Vega 8. It is light, has a full HD display, and can be used on a daily basis for almost everything. It is an excellent work laptop.
It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, has 8GB of RAM, and contains 256GB SSD of storage space. It is also very travel friendly, so you will receive a great product for around 500 pounds.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U 3.7GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | AMD Radeon Vega 8 Integrated Graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 S |
Battery life | 5.5 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a must-have for home and work use.
The Full HD screen also has incredibly vivid colors so you will be able to design in the laptop mode as well.
Cons
None.
No.9. Acer Extensa 2540 15.6-inch Full HD Laptop
The Acer Extensa 2540 combines entertainment and productivity in a highly portable package. This 15-inch laptop is a budget computing solution for professionals and will easily appeal to any user seeking a low-priced Windows laptop. This laptop operates on an Intel Core i5-7200U Processor and offers 8GB of RAM, a 256 GB SSD memory card and Intel HD 620 Graphics. The laptop runs on Windows 10. Through the HDMI port, a monitor can be easily connected. All ports are hosted on the back of the laptop, which appeals to users who prefer using it as a desktop. However, Acer offers an SD card reader with a limited transfer speed of 27.5 MB/s. Therefore, if you want to transfer a 250 JPG image file, you will need to wait 60 seconds to complete the transfer.
The Acer Extensa 2540 has a fast Wi-Fi unit powered by Intel. It allows you to connect quickly to a network and remains stable even while you are on the move. Thus, you can enjoy uninterrupted browsing, as well as watch videos or work on this laptop in a mall/office or at the airport. This laptop comes with a simple Acer VGA webcam with a maximum resolution of 640x480, which produces pale and blurry images for a video call. However, the enhanced microphone and speakers offer superior voice communication. So, while you may find it hard to see people, you can hear them loud and clear. With six hours of battery life, you’ll need to charge it once or twice a day as per your usage. The device is sturdy and easy to hold, and the keypad is comfortable for long hours of use.Technical Specifications
descriptions | ACER EXTENSA 2540 SPECS |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 15.6 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel HD graphics 620 |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
Battery life | 6 hours |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good battery life.
- Large screen with a matte finish
- Low heat
- Quiet operating noise
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Low-contrast screen
- Low webcam clarity
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No.10. Dell Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1 14 Inch FHD Touchscreen Convertible Laptop
The Dell Inspiron 14 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 1.7kgs, so it is an ultraportable laptop. You will be able to slip it into a bag and travel with the Dell Inspiron 14 5000.
The hardware consists of an Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 256GB 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 fifteen hours on a single charge, depending on the power settings you select. The keyboard is very comfortable.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Dell Inspiron 14 5000 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-8145U 3.4Ghz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 13.3 inches touchscreen (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel Graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Battery life | 15 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.11. APPLE MACBOOK PRO (Refurbished)
When it comes to purchasing a laptop, people usually look for an ideal combination of excellent features and great price. While lots of brands and models are available, you can consider investing in the Apple MacBook Pro A1278 (Refurbished). Although a renewed product, it is packed with some of the most fascinating features that make it worth your money.
Launched in 2011, the Apple MacBook Pro A1278 comes with a 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel "Core i5" processor. It features 16GB of RAM and a 500GB Serial ATA hard drive disk and comes with the Sierra operating system pre-installed.
descriptions | APPLE MACBOOK PRO specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i5 2.5GHz |
Memory | 16GB |
Screen size | 13.3 inches (1280x800 display) |
Storage | 500GB HDD |
Graphics | Intel HD 3000 |
Operating system | macOS Sierra |
Battery life | 7 hours |
In a nutshell, if you’re searching for a MacBook under 500 pounds, the Apple MacBook Pro A1278 is undoubtedly a great choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
No.12. 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.13. HONOR MagicBook 14 – 14 Inch Laptop
Among one of the best 14-inch laptops under £500 is the Honor MagicBook 14, as it has been made to have the capabilities to perform tasks at an optimal level to give you that premium computing experience.
This laptop ships with a 14-inch screen and a screen resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, which will surely give you crisp visuals when you are carrying out your computing tasks such as browsing through pics, checking your email, surfing the web, or streaming videos. On the left side of this laptop, you will find an HDMI port, a USB Type-C port, and a USB 3.0 port. While on the right side, you will find a USB 2.0 port and a 3.5mm stereo jack.
The Honor MagicBook 14 comes with a 1.8 GHz AMD Ryzen 5 3500U and an integrated graphics card, which is enough processing power to run your laptop smoothly. This laptop comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It can last for about 10 hours, depending on your usage.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | HONOR MagicBook 14 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U |
Memory | 8GB |
Screen size | 14 inches (1920x1080 display) |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Integrated graphics |
Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
Battery life | Approx. 8 hours with normal usage |
Pros and Cons
Pros
· It has a solid construction and an elegant design
· It has a great battery life.
Cons
-It is a bit heavy
No.14. Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713
If you are looking for an travel laptop, the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 will fit your needs perfectly. This laptop costs around £500 and has impressive hardware.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 13 weighs 1.5 kg, 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 Chromebook Spin 13 has 4GB of RAM and a 64GB hard disk. Combined with an Intel Pentium Gold 4417U processor, these components will make this laptop run as smoothly as possible. The computer itself has good connectivity because it features two 3.1 USB ports, one 3.0 USB ports, one HDMI port, and an SD card reader on the side.
Technical Specifications
descriptions | Acer Chromebook Spin 13 specs |
|---|---|
Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 4417U 2.3GHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Screen size | 13.5 inches (2256x1504 display) |
Storage | 64GB eMMC |
Graphics | Intel HD 610 |
Operating system | Chrome OS |
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.
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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