Why spend over a thousand dollars when the best laptop under $500 will do the job? They may cost half or a third of some of the best laptops on the market, but there are a few excellent ones out there that can rival in style and substance. Contrary to popular belief, impressive performance and even solid quality is not necessarily out of reach at this price point.
For most users, the best laptop under $500 should be more than enough. Not everyone, after all, requires an expensive flagship with a lot of power and all the trimmings. If your daily workload doesn’t include anything particularly processor-heavy or graphics-intensive, it might just be the ideal device for you. And, it will save you from spending a thousand or more on a device with more power than you’ll ever need.
Don’t knock the best laptop under $500 until you’ve tried it. It’ll save you a whole lot of money, and still give you what you need. Here are our top picks, from laptops for the kids and the best Chromebooks to affordable gaming laptops and excellent 2-in-1s.
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The Microsoft Surface Go may not be the traditional laptop we’re all used to, but it will more than meet your computing needs in its compact and portable package. Not only is this device one of the best Windows tablets out there, but it makes for an excellent laptop alternative if you’re looking for the best laptop under $500. With a Windows 10 S mode out of the box, you’re getting a proper operating system that lets you use such apps as the mobile versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. If you’re computer needs go as far as word processing, sending emails, video conferencing, some light gaming, light photo editing and streaming Netflix, this device has you covered.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go
Using a hybrid tablet/snap-on keyboard design, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is the best budget laptop for the classroom and students. After all, it combines the tablet mode for research, reading and easy Netflix watching when you’re kickback at home, with a traditional laptop form for when you need a keyboard. With a powerful ARM processor that goes for 21 hours (yes you read that right), it’s an awesome computer package. The keyboard and trackpad let it down somewhat, but then you get that delicious Full HD+ display. Best of all, it all comes in at a price that’s as low as you could hope for, making this one of the best laptops under $500.
Read the full review: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Just because you want that much-coveted 2-in-1 factor and touchscreen feature, it doesn’t mean that you’ll have to be prepared to pay a lot. Mid-range Chromebooks like the HP Chromebook x360 lets you take those features home for a fraction of the price of their full Windows counterparts. And, with this one, you can actually pick and choose practically to your heart’s desire as the line offers several sizes, display options, and internal configurations. The best part is that most of those are going to be under $500, making this line your best bet if you don’t know what you want just yet.
If you’re looking for a budget laptop that really gives you excellent value for money, then the Acer Chromebook 314 is the best laptop under $500 for you. It’s easy to use, reliable, and has a wonderful screen and battery life (up to 12 hours) combo. That 14-inch crisp and bright display gives you more screen real estate for your productivity needs. Plus, its keyboard is both satisfying and a joy to use. More importantly, it strikes a great balance between design, usability, features, battery life and performance, while being comfortable with its own limitations.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 314
If versatility is a top priority, then look no further than the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. This all-rounder has all the makings of a great Chromebook, from its good battery life to its robust build and solid usability. But then, it takes it further with its impressive levels of versatility, thanks to its abundance of ports considering its size, 2-in-1 design, portable size and excellent touchscreen display. It also boasts a keyboard and a touchpad that are not only reliable, but also satisfying to use. Plus, its small size means it's really easy to carry around with you, so if you're looking for the best laptop under $500 to travel with, this is it.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
The Surface Go line proves popular with the more budget-conscious crowd, and its follow up, Surface Go 2, continues that tradition with its reasonable price and premium design. It also runs the full Windows 10 operating system, so it’s even more capable than other laptops or laptop alternatives out there as far as what applications you can use on it. Finally, it offers a slight bump in performance over its predecessor, giving users a sensible reason to upgrade if they’ve got the money. All those features combined with its portability make the Microsoft Surface Go 2 among the best laptops under $500.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go 2
Counted among the best Chromebooks is also a thrifty machine for anyone looking for the best laptop under $500. It's easy to see how the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 exceeds expectations. While it is far from the most powerful Chromebook available, it's exactly what people need it from it: budget-friendly, easy to use and able to hold up to abuse. The Dell Inspiron 11 2-in-1 is more than able to handle all your web browsing and document editing, and consider that it could be the best laptop under $500 which won’t shatter from a simple stumble.
Read the full review: Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1
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