Are you looking for an affordable laptop that doesn’t skimp on features? You’re in luck, because there are several great laptops available for under $500. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best laptops under $500, based on our expert reviews.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful laptop for work or school, or a budget-friendly option for entertainment and web browsing, there’s a great laptop under $500 to fit your needs. We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best laptops under $500, so you can find the perfect option for your budget.
10 Laptops Under $500
1 Acer Nitro 5 AN515-57-79TD Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i7-11800H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU | 15.6" FHD 144Hz IPS Display | 8GB DDR4 | 512GB NVMe SSD | Killer Wi-Fi 6 | Backlit Keyboard
If you're looking for a great gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro 5 is a great option. It's powered by the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H processor, and it comes with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU. It has a 15.6" FHD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and it's packed with 8GB of DDR4 memory. Plus, it has a 512GB NVMe SSD. And if you need even more power, the Acer CoolBoost technology can increase fan speed by 10% and CPU/GPU cooling by 9%.
Pros
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor for incredible power
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti for the ultimate gaming performance
- 15.6" widescreen LED-backlit IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate
- 8GB DDR4 memory
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Killer DoubleShot Pro with Ethernet E2600 and Killer Wi-Fi 6 1650
Cons
- N/A
Our verdict
This gaming laptop from Acer is a great choice for those looking for a powerful and feature-rich laptop. It comes with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, making it capable of handling even the most demanding games. The 15.6" FHD IPS display is also a great feature, providing excellent image quality and smooth gameplay. However, some users have reported issues with Windows 11 and the microphone, so keep that in mind before making your purchase.2 HP 17 Laptop PC, 11 Generation Intel Core, 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, UHD Graphics, 17.3" HD+ Display, Windows 11 Home, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Combo, 7 Ports, Long Battery Life, HD Webcam (17-by4025nr, 2022)
The HP 17 Laptop is a great computer for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable option. It has many features that make it perfect for basic tasks like browsing the internet and gaming, as well as more complex ones. The Intel Core processor and 4 GB of RAM ensure that this computer can handle anything you throw at it, and the large and bright 17.3-inch display is perfect for watching movies and TV shows or working on projects. The long battery life means you can use this laptop for hours without having to worry about recharging, and the fast charge feature is a lifesaver when you're in a hurry. The HP 17 Laptop is a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable and affordable computer.
Pros
- HIGH PERFORMANCE Intel Core processor
- HD PLUS DISPLAY view all your photos and movies in crisp HD Plus resolution on a narrow-edge, 17.3-inch diagonal display
- INTEL CORE PROCESSOR experience the superior performance, amazing battery life, and modern features you need for both work and play
- STUNNING GRAPHICS from games to movies, Intel UHD Graphics delivers high performance and stunning visuals
- LIBERATING BATTERY LIFE take on the day with up to 8 hours of battery life; never go long without power as HP Fast Charge takes your PC laptop from 0 to 50% charge in approximately 45 minutes
- WINDOWS 11 AND WARRANTY experience the secure Windows 11 Home operating system, featuring secure boot-ups, increased responsiveness, and advanced protections to defend against the latest cyber threats; what’s more, your HP computer laptop is protected by a 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- N/A
Our verdict
Do not buy this HP 17 laptop. It has major connectivity issues, with routine disconnects from Wi-Fi and problems connecting to Bluetooth devices. Additionally, it has heating issues, with a fan that sometimes doesn't spin. Save yourself the headache and get a different laptop.3 2022 Acer 15inch HD IPS Chromebook, Intel Dual-Core Celeron Processor Up to 2.55GHz, 4GB RAM, 32GB Storage, Super-Fast WiFi Up to 1300 Mbps, Chrome OS-(Renewed) (Dale Silver)
If you're looking for a reliable, affordable laptop, the Acer 15inch HD IPS Chromebook is a great option. It has a 15inch HD IPS LED display and is powered by an Intel Dual-Core Celeron Processor, making it fast and efficient. It also has 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, so you can store all your important files and documents. Plus, the Super-Fast WiFi up to 1300 Mbps and Bluetooth 5.0 make it easy to stay connected.
Pros
- Clear, bright 15" display
- Intel Dual-Core Celeron Processor for speed and efficiency
- 4GB RAM for solid performance
- 32GB of storage for saving documents and photos
- 2x USB Type-A and 2x USB Type-C for charging and data transfer
- Super-Fast WiFi for quick web browsing
Cons
- None noted
Our verdict
The Acer 15inch HD IPS Chromebook is a great laptop for general use. It has a fast processor and plenty of RAM to handle most tasks. The 32GB of storage is also plenty for most users. The only downside is that the included charger is undersized and may not be able to fully charge the laptop. Otherwise, this is a great laptop for the price.4 HP Pavilion 17.3" FHD IPS Laptop Newest 2022, 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7(up to 4.2 GHz), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, Windows 11, Silver, w/ 3in1 Accessories
The HP Pavilion is a top-of-the-line laptop that is perfect for those who want the best performance and features. It comes with the newest 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which is incredibly fast and powerful. The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD also offer plenty of storage and speed for all of your needs. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics also provide excellent graphics and performance for gaming, video editing, and more. The Windows 11 Home in S mode is also a great addition, offering security and performance. Overall, the HP Pavilion is an excellent laptop for those who want the best of the best.
Pros
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7
- 16 GB DDR4 RAM
- 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Windows 11 Home in S mode
Cons
- Not able to go back to Windows 11 in S mode after switching out
Our verdict
This HP laptop is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile computer. It comes with a great processor and plenty of RAM to handle any task you throw at it, and the large SSD ensures that you won't have to worry about running out of storage space. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a built-in optical drive, but that's a minor quibble.5 2022 Newest HP 14" HD Laptop Light-Weight, AMD 3020e(Up to 2.6GHz), 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD + 64GB eMMC, 1 Year Office 365, WiFi, Bluetooth 5, USB Type-A&C, HDMI, Webcam w/Ghost Manta Accessories
The HP 14" HD Laptop is a great device for those who want a light-weight and powerful computer. The AMD 3020e processor provides great performance for all your entertainment needs, and the 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and reliable gaming. The 64GB eMMC + 128GB SSD provides plenty of storage for all your files, and the 1 Year Office 365 subscription is a great bonus. The only downside is that the computer comes in S mode, but it can be easily switched to regular Windows 10. Overall, the HP 14" HD Laptop is a great choice for those looking for a light-weight and powerful computer.
Pros
- 14" HD display with a micro-edge bezel design
- AMD 3000 Series Mobile Processors for high performance
- Up to 8GB RAM for smooth operation
- Up to 64GB eMMC + 128GB SSD for storage
- 1 Year Office 365 included
- Windows 10 in S mode
Cons
- May have some issues with upgrading to regular Windows 10
Our verdict
The HP 14" HD Laptop is a great computer for those who are looking for a fast and reliable device. The screen quality is excellent, and the response time is very good. However, HP's setup instructions and promotions for additional services and features could be better.6 2022 HP 14" FHD Laptop for Business and Student, AMD Ryzen3 3250U (up to 3.5 GHz), 16GB RAM, 1TB HDD+128GB SSD, Ethernet, Webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Fast Charge, Win10, w/Ghost Manta Accessories
The 2022 HP 14" FHD Laptop is a great computer for business and students. It has a AMD Ryzen3 3250U processor which is perfect for multitasking and the 16GB RAM ensures a smooth experience. The 1TB HDD+128GB SSD provides plenty of storage space for all your files and the Windows 10 Home in S mode is a great operating system. This laptop also has a great battery life, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
Pros
- High-definition display
- AMD Ryzen Mobile Processor
- Upgraded to 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Upgraded storage to 1TB HDD+128GB SSD
- Windows 10 Home in S mode
Cons
- May have difficulty switching out of S mode
Our verdict
This laptop is a great option for business and students alike. It has a fast processor and a large storage capacity. TheGhost Manta Accessories are a great bonus. The laptop has some great reviews, but there are also some critical reviews about the customer service.7 Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor | 4GB DDR4 | 128GB NVMe SSD | WiFi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S mode
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK Slim Laptop is a powerful productivity machine, thanks to its 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor. This processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive creating, productivity, and gaming experiences. With Turbo Boost Technology, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK Slim Laptop can reach up to 4.1GHz for your high-demand applications. The 15.6" Full HD IPS display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels makes for a visibly stunning experience with sharp details and crisp colors. The ergonomically-designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience. The 4GB DDR4 on-board memory (1 slot available) and 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) provide plenty of room to store your files and media. Acer's Purified.Voice technology features enhanced digital signal processing to cancel out background noise, improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup, which not only makes calls clearer, but makes talking to Alexa easier than before. Using Alexa on your PC is as easy as asking a question. Just ask and Alexa can check your calendar, create lists, play music, answer questions, read the news and more. The Windows 11 Home in S mode operating system comes with advanced security features built right in, like protections against phishing and malicious software so you don't have to think twice when navigating to a new webpage or downloading an app.
Pros
- 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence
- 2 slots available for memory upgrade
- Hard drive bay available for storage expansion
- Acer's Purified.Voice technology features enhanced digital signal processing to cancel out background noise
- Windows 11 Home in S mode comes with advanced security features built right in
Cons
- 4GB of memory might not be enough for some users
- 128GB of storage might not be enough for some users
Our verdict
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK is a great slim laptop for those who are looking for a fast and reliable computer. It has a 15.6" Full HD IPS Display and is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor. It also comes with 4GB of DDR4 memory and a 128GB NVMe SSD.8 HP Premium Laptop (2021 Latest Model), 14" HD Touchscreen, AMD Athlon Processor, 8GB RAM, 192GB SSD, Long Battery Life, Online Conferencing, Natural Silver, Win 10 with 1 Year of Microsoft 365
The HP Premium Laptop is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable computer. It has a variety of features that make it a great choice for both work and play. The AMD Athlon processor provides enough power to handle most tasks with ease, and the192GB SSD provides plenty of storage space for all your needs. The long battery life and HP Fast Charge technology mean you can stay connected all day long, and the integrated precision touchpad makes navigation and productivity a breeze.
Our verdict
The HP Premium Laptop is a great computer for those who are looking for a fast and reliable machine. It comes with a wide variety of features that makes it a great choice for any user. However, there are some drawbacks to this computer that should be considered before making a purchase. The setup process is long and confusing, and the computer may crash during this process. Additionally, the screen quality is not the best, and the keyboard feels cheap. The webcam quality is also poor, with objects appearing grayed out and not sharp.9 Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Mobile Processor | 4GB DDR4 | 128GB NVMe SSD | WiFi 6 | Backlit KB | FPR | Amazon Alexa | Windows 11 Home in S mode
The Acer Aspire 5 is a powerful and productive laptop that is perfect for anyone on-the-go. Its AMD Ryzen 3 3350U quad-core mobile processor delivers desktop-class performance, while its 4GB of DDR4 memory and 128GB of NVMe SSD storage give you plenty of space to store your files and media. Additionally, its backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader make it a secure laptop that is easy to use.
Customers love the Acer Aspire 5 for its amazing battery life, backlit keyboard, and great value. However, some have said that the laptop stopped working after a few months and that the Windows 10 S mode is a waste of money. Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great laptop for the price and highly recommend for anyone in the market for a new one.
10 HP 15.6-inch Laptop, 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Windows 11 Home (15-dy2024nr, Natural silver)
The HP 15.6-inch Laptop is a great choice for those who want a reliable and portable computer. It has a thin and light design, making it easy to take with you on the go. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you stunning visuals, while the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor delivers excellent performance. The HP 15.6-inch Laptop also has a long battery life, so you can work on the go.
Pros
- Take it anywhere with its thin and light design
- Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor
- Improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 8 GB of RAM
- Familiar feel of the Windows 11 Home operating system
Cons
- HP 1-year limited hardware warranty
Our verdict
This laptop is great for students and business professionals alike. It has a fast processor and plenty of storage space, plus it comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed. The only downside is that there is no caps lock indicator light, but other than that, this laptop is a great choice for anyone looking for a new computer.Best Laptops Under $500 – Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to laptops, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great one. In fact, there are plenty of laptops out there that are priced under $500 and offer excellent performance, features, and build quality.
So, if you’re in the market for a new laptop and you’re working with a budget of $500 or less, then check out our list of the best laptops under $500.
With that said, let’s get started.
Best Laptops Under $500
Acer Aspire E 15
The Acer Aspire E 15 is our top pick for the best laptop under $500. It’s a great all-around laptop that offers excellent performance, a beautiful 1080p display, a comfortable keyboard, and a long-lasting battery.
CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce MX150 (2GB GDDR5) | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 256GB SSD
Asus Chromebook C202SA
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s durable and can handle a variety of tasks, then the Asus Chromebook C202SA is a great choice. It’s also one of the more affordable laptops on our list.
CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 11.6-inch HD (1,366 x 768) | Storage: 16GB eMMC
Lenovo Ideapad 320
The Lenovo Ideapad 320 is a great all-around laptop that offers a variety of features and good performance. It’s also one of the more affordable laptops on our list.
CPU: Intel Core i5-7200U | Graphics: AMD Radeon R5 M430 (2GB GDDR5) | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 1TB HDD
Dell Inspiron 15 5000
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 is a great all-around laptop that offers a variety of features and good performance. It’s also one of the more affordable laptops on our list.
CPU: Intel Core i5-7200U | Graphics: AMD Radeon R5 M430 (2GB GDDR5) | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 1TB HDD
Asus Vivobook F510UA
The Asus Vivobook F510UA is a great all-around laptop that offers a variety of features and good performance. It’s also one of the more affordable laptops on our list.
CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 1TB HDD
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