Finding a quality laptop that won’t break the bank can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s far from impossible. If you’re on a budget, you still have plenty of great options under $500 that offer excellent performance, durability, and even some premium features like high-speed processors, solid displays, and decent storage. Whether you need a laptop for work, school, or entertainment, there’s something out there for you. Let’s dive into the best options you can get right now without spending a fortune.
Best Laptops Under 500
If you’re in a hurry, check out our top 10 picks for the best best laptops under 500 for 2024.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | HP Notebook Laptop, 15.6" HD Touchscreen, Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Webcam, Type-C, HDMI, SD Card Reader, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home, Silver | SEE IT |
 | Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode | SEE IT |
 | Lenovo V15 Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-core Processor (Beat Intel i7-1065G7), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, HDMI, RJ45, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Pro, Black | SEE IT |
 | HP Go Slim 15.6" Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1.5TB Storage(512GB External SSD and 1TB Cloud Storage), Intel Quad-core Processor, Fast Wi-Fi 6, Upto 12 Hours Battery, Win 11 with Free 12-Month Microsoft Suite | SEE IT |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop, Intel Dual Core Processor, 20GB RAM, 1TB SSD + 128GB eMMC, 15.6" FHD Display, 1 Year Office 365, Windows 11 Home, Wi-Fi 6, Webcam, Bluetooth, SD Card Reader, Grey | SEE IT |
 | HP 17 Laptop, 17.3” HD+ Display, 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1125G4 Processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Webcam, Windows 11 Home, Silver | SEE IT |
 | HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop, 15.6" FHD 144Hz Display, AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050, HDMI, Webcam, Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home, Silver | SEE IT |
 | HP Newest 14" Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business, Intel Quad-Core N4120, 8GB RAM, 192GB Storage(64GB eMMC+128GB Micro SD), 1 Year Office 365, Webcam, HDMI, WiFi, USB-A&C, Win 11 S | SEE IT |
 | HP Newest 255 G10 Laptop for Home or Work, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 15.6" Full HD, Ryzen 3 7330U (Beat Intel i5-1135G7), Ethernet Port, HDMI, USB-C, Windows 11 Pro, Business and Fun Ready (2024) | SEE IT |
 | FUNYET 16 Inch Laptop Computer, Gaming Laptop, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, Intel 12th Gen N95 Processor(up to 3.4GHz), FHD 1920 * 1200, 180 Angle Opening, Fingerprint Unlock, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 11 Pro | SEE IT |
What to Look for in a Budget Laptop
Before jumping into the list, here are the key factors to keep in mind when shopping for a budget laptop:
- Processor: A powerful processor ensures your laptop runs smoothly without lag. Look for Intel i3, AMD Ryzen 3, or Celeron processors.
- RAM: At least 8GB of RAM is ideal for multitasking.
- Storage: SSDs are faster than traditional HDDs, so aim for an SSD for quicker boot times and data transfers.
- Display: A good screen makes all the difference. Full HD (1920 x 1080) is preferred, but HD+ is acceptable for casual use.
- Battery Life: A longer-lasting battery is essential, especially if you're always on the go.
1. HP Notebook Laptop (Best Overall)
Specs:
- 15.6" HD Touchscreen Display
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor
- 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD
- Windows 11 Home
Why It’s Great: This HP Notebook is perfect if you want a balance of performance and storage. With 32GB of RAM and a massive 1TB SSD, it’ll handle most tasks effortlessly. The HD touchscreen is great for interactive use, and its Intel Core i3 processor offers smooth, consistent performance. Whether you're editing documents, streaming, or browsing, this laptop delivers on all fronts without crossing the $500 mark.
2. Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH (Best for Families)
Specs:
- 15.6" Full HD IPS Display
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor
- 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128GB NVMe SSD
- Windows 11 Home in S Mode
Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for something the whole family can use, this Acer Aspire fits the bill. The thin and light design makes it easy to take on the go, and its AMD Ryzen processor ensures solid performance for general use. The Full HD display provides crisp visuals, whether you're working, learning, or streaming movies. It’s also equipped with Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more reliable internet connections, which is a plus in today’s connected world.
3. Lenovo V15 Laptop (Best for Professionals)
Specs:
- 15.6" Full HD Display
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-core Processor
- 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Windows 11 Pro
Why It’s Great: The Lenovo V15 is your go-to laptop if you need professional features on a budget. With its Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD, it handles multitasking like a pro. The Full HD screen delivers excellent clarity, and the extra security features of Windows 11 Pro make this laptop ideal for business users who need more than just basic functions.
4. HP Go Slim 15.6" Laptop (Best for Students)
Specs:
- Intel Quad-core Pentium N200 Processor
- 16GB RAM, 1.5TB Storage (512GB SSD + 1TB Cloud Storage)
- Windows 11 Home
Why It’s Great: Need tons of storage? This HP Go Slim packs a punch with 512GB SSD and 1TB of cloud storage. It’s a solid choice for students who need to store documents, assignments, and media without running out of space. Plus, its battery lasts up to 12 hours, so you won’t be tethered to a charger all day. The lightweight design and anti-glare screen are also student-friendly.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (Best for Portability)
Specs:
- 15.6" FHD Display
- Intel Celeron N4500 Processor
- 20GB RAM, 1TB SSD + 128GB eMMC
- Windows 11 Home
Why It’s Great: This laptop is all about portability and speed. It weighs just over 3 lbs, making it one of the lightest options on this list. Despite its lightweight design, it doesn’t compromise on performance, thanks to 20GB of RAM and a massive 1TB SSD. Whether you're working remotely or traveling frequently, this Lenovo IdeaPad won’t slow you down.
6. HP 17 Laptop (Best for Larger Screen)
Specs:
- 17.3" HD+ Display
- Intel Core i3-1125G4 Processor
- 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
Why It’s Great: If you prefer a larger screen, the HP 17 is the way to go. Its 17.3” display is ideal for watching movies, working on detailed projects, or simply enjoying more screen real estate. With 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, you won’t have to worry about performance or storage. It's perfect for users who need more visual space without compromising on power.
7. HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop (Best for Gaming)
Specs:
- 15.6" FHD 144Hz Display
- AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS Processor
- 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
- Windows 11 Home
Why It’s Great: Gaming laptops under $500 are rare, but the HP Victus makes it possible. With a high refresh rate (144Hz) Full HD display and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics, this laptop is a solid entry-level gaming machine. The 16GB RAM and AMD Ryzen 5 processor ensure smooth gameplay, whether you're playing competitively or casually. If you're a gamer on a budget, this is a fantastic pick.
8. HP 14" Ultralight Laptop (Best for Travel)
Specs:
- 14" HD Display
- Intel Quad-Core N4120 Processor
- 8GB RAM, 192GB Storage
- Windows 11 S
Why It’s Great: Weighing in at just 3.2 lbs, this HP Ultralight Laptop is perfect for frequent travelers or students on the move. The 14” screen is compact enough to fit into most bags, and the 192GB storage gives you enough space for essentials. It’s powered by an Intel Quad-Core processor, which offers solid performance for light work, streaming, or study sessions.
9. HP 255 G10 Laptop (Best for Versatility)
Specs:
- 15.6" Full HD Display
- AMD Ryzen 3 7330U Processor
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Pro
Why It’s Great: Versatility is key with the HP 255 G10. It has a powerful AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD for all your files. Whether you're working, watching movies, or even doing light gaming, this laptop can handle it all. The Full HD screen ensures sharp visuals, and Windows 11 Pro offers extra features that make it a great choice for both personal and professional use.
10. FUNYET 16 Inch Gaming Laptop (Best for Budget Gaming)
Specs:
- 16" FHD Display
- Intel 12th Gen N95 Processor
- 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Windows 11 Pro
Why It’s Great: If you want a gaming laptop without breaking the bank, the FUNYET 16-inch is another great option. With a sleek design, fast Intel processor, and 16GB of RAM, it handles multitasking and gaming well. The Full HD display and 90% screen-to-body ratio make for a visually immersive experience. It also features a fingerprint unlock for added security, and the backlit keyboard makes late-night gaming sessions easier on the eyes.
FAQs
What should I look for in a laptop under $500?
You should prioritize a good processor (Intel Core i3, Ryzen 3, or higher), at least 8GB of RAM, SSD storage for faster speeds, and a Full HD display.
Can I get a gaming laptop for under $500?
Yes! The HP Victus and FUNYET laptops both offer decent specs for entry-level gaming under $500.
Is 8GB RAM enough for multitasking?
Yes, 8GB is usually sufficient for most tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light gaming. However, if you frequently run multiple heavy applications, 16GB is better.
Now that you’ve got a rundown of the best laptops under $500, you can confidently choose the one that fits your needs without spending too much. Whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming, these laptops offer great value for the price.