Need a new laptop, but not got much to spend? Shopping for a low-cost model is all about making careful, eyes-open compromises. At PCMag, we've been reviewing laptops in depth for more than four decades, so we know how pricey they can be and what the trade-offs are. Our reviews routinely tap laptops that sell for less than $500, and we've scoped out the best-value options. We test all laptops with rigorous, repeatable benchmark tests and evaluate them based on performance, display quality, connectivity, and overall build. Chromebooks tend to dominate at this price tier, but our current Windows favorite under $500 is the Acer Aspire 3, which won us over with its AMD Ryzen-powered performance, long battery life, and low price. Also: For education buyers, the $499 version of Apple's MacBook Neo is hard to top. That's not the only model we recommend, though: Check out our other top tested picks, plus a detailed buying guide and spec comparison.
Overview
-
Jump To Details
![Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)]()
Best Overall Windows Laptop Under $500Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
-
Jump To Details
![Apple MacBook Neo]()
Best Laptop for Students Under $500Apple MacBook Neo
-
Jump To Details
![Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus]()
Best 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop Under $500Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
-
Jump To Details
![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best 2-in-1 Detachable Laptop Under $500Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
-
Jump To Details
![Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2)]()
Best Desktop-Replacement Windows Laptop Under $500Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2)
-
Jump To Details
![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)]()
Best Clamshell Chromebook Under $500Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
-
Jump To Details
![Asus Chromebook Plus CX14]()
Best Extreme Budget ChromebookAsus Chromebook Plus CX14
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
-
![Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)]()
Best Overall Windows Laptop Under $500Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
For now, the best cheap Windows laptop we've found is the Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P). It's not only the best bargain laptop overall, but it delivers decent performance, thanks to AMD processing and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. What's more, it's got the best battery life among laptops under $500, lasting nearly 17 hours in our tests. Simple, effective, and long-lasting—it doesn't get much better than that.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious professionals: The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) is a suitable choice for those who need a dedicated machine for light office work and administrative tasks without a high upfront cost.
Students on a budget: The extensive battery life and reliable web-browsing capabilities make it a practical tool for taking notes and completing assignments throughout a full school day.
General web users: It is a good fit for individuals whose primary computer use involves navigating the internet, checking emails, and using web-based applications.
Value-oriented shoppers: This laptop is ideal for buyers who prioritize functional performance and low cost over premium build quality or high-end display specs.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Dimensions (HWD) 0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen 3 7320U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 15.6 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 16:46 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.77 Wireless Networking 802.11ax Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Learn More Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) Review -
-
![Apple MacBook Neo]()
Best Laptop for Students Under $500Apple MacBook Neo
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Apple MacBook Neo normally costs $599, but students can buy one for $499 with Apple's education discount. That makes it the clear choice for the best student laptop in this price range. The Neo features a surprisingly premium aluminum build, superior display quality (compared with other laptops on this list), and an exceptional battery that lasted more than 15 hours in our tests. By utilizing the A18 Pro iPhone chip, the laptop delivers impressive speeds and graphics performance in its class. That combination of functionality, affordability, and uncompromising quality makes the Neo a smart pick for any education shopper.
Who It's For
Campus commuters: Apple built the MacBook Neo in part for students seeking a lightweight laptop to survive the bottom of a heavy backpack while they trek across campus. Instead of hunting for a wall outlet mid-lecture, you can take notes and stream content all day without a charger, thanks to the Neo's energy-efficient A18 Pro chip.
Budget-conscious creatives: An aspiring designer or media artist needs crisp and colorful visuals, so you'll love the Neo's sharper and more colorful display over competing options. This screen advantage allows for more accurate photo editing and easier content creation. Even on a tight budget, the Neo provides the sharpness and color coverage required for basic creative work.
Everyday multitaskers: Web browsing and research become frustrating when you hit slowdowns after opening too many browser tabs or apps. Apple's macOS makes the most of the Neo's small 8GB of unified memory, and its peppy iPhone processor helps the laptop stay snappy and responsive through basic to moderately intense tasks.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches Graphics Processor Apple A18 Pro (5-core) Native Display Resolution 2408 by 1506 Operating System Apple macOS Panel Technology LED Processor Apple A18 Pro RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:35 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.7 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Apple MacBook Neo Review -
-
![Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus]()
Best 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop Under $500Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Squeaking under the $500 mark, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is very similar to the Acer above, but earns special mention as the best 2-in-1 laptop under $500. The price is affordable, the laptop-to-tablet functionality is great, and Google's Chromebook Plus initiative thrives in this flexible machine. The Flex offers support for both ChromeOS and Android apps that puts inexpensive Android tablets to shame, boasts above-average performance thanks to an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. What's more, the touch screen supports pen as well as fingertip input. The Flex may push up against the $500 limit, but with features like those, plus a backlit keyboard and decent port selection, it doesn't feel like a budget system at all.
Who It's For
Students: The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus has a flexible 2-in-1 form factor and pen support that make it an ideal tool for taking digital notes and completing coursework in various environments.
Remote and hybrid workers: Professionals who rely on video conferencing will benefit from the platform's dedicated webcam enhancements and noise-canceling technology.
Productivity-focused users: The combination of a perky processor and 8GB of memory is perfect for individuals who need to run multiple browser tabs and demanding web apps simultaneously.
Casual creators: Those interested in light photo editing or sketching will appreciate the touch interface and the power of the Chromebook Plus platform.
Budget-conscious buyers: This laptop is a great fit for users who want the best possible performance and features in a convertible design while staying under a $500 limit.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Class Chromebook Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.72 by 12.4 by 9 inches Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i3-1315U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 11:43 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.52 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus Review -
-
![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best 2-in-1 Detachable Laptop Under $500Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The best ChromeOS value for seriously budget-strapped buyers might not even be a traditional clamshell laptop. The detachable Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 pairs a capable 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a magnetic keyboard cover, a kickstand, and a stylus, making it a superb 2-in-1 device with support for both ChromeOS and Android apps. The metal chassis and handy design make it a practical choice, while the versatility makes it convenient and fun. And at just $359, the price is right, whether you're buying one for yourself or for kids doing schoolwork.
Who It's For
Students: This Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is a great fit for learners who need a portable, durable machine for taking notes, accessing educational apps, and completing online homework.
Younger users: The sturdy construction and simple interface make it an appropriate choice for children or adolescents who need a basic device for essential tasks.
Budget buyers: It is ideal for individuals who prioritize a low purchase price and need a functional secondary device for light productivity.
Light web users: This laptop is a good match for those whose computing needs are limited to checking email, browsing a few tabs at a time, and streaming video.
Mobile professionals: It serves as a highly portable companion for users who need a compact device to handle basic workflows and document review while traveling.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory Class Chromebook Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches Graphics Processor ARM Mali-G57 MC3 Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor MediaTek Kompanio 838 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 10.95 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 6:01 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.12 Wireless Networking 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Wireless Networking Bluetooth Learn More Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review -
-
![Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2)]()
Best Desktop-Replacement Windows Laptop Under $500Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
At just $299, the Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2) offers an unbeatable price for a Windows laptop, giving you the full Microsoft experience for the same price as a Chromebook. And, for the price, there's plenty to like: a decent 1080p display, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, a pair of USB-C ports, and a clean-looking design. Just be ready for a couple of compromises, like Windows in S Mode and a low-powered Intel Core 3 N355 processor that's fine for typing up documents and browsing online, but not much else. If you need to get a laptop under $300, though, you may be willing to cut those corners.
Who It's For
Frugal shoppers: The Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2) is a fit for users with a very strict budget who cannot stretch their spending by an extra $100 for a more powerful machine.
Basic task users: It is suitable for individuals who only perform lightweight activities such as web browsing, checking email, or word processing.
Secondary device seekers: It serves as a viable option for someone who needs an inexpensive secondary Windows machine for simple tasks rather than a primary workstation.
Connectivity-focused users: The device is a good match for those who prioritize modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6E over raw processing power.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Budget Dimensions (HWD) 0.78 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core 3 N355 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 15.6 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 8:14 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.8 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2) Review -
-
![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)]()
Best Clamshell Chromebook Under $500Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Asus' updated Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) sticks to its roots as an incredible value. This Chromebook pushes impressive CPU performance with an upgraded Intel Core i5 processor and offers features comparable to midrange Windows laptops—all for under $500. It also nets you a comfortable design with ample connectivity. Top it all off with AI-enhanced software tools, and you have an attractive Chromebook that has become our new favorite, ranked as the best for most people.
Who It's For
Value-conscious home users: This Chromebook is the leading choice for budget-minded mainstream buyers. It's ideal for shoppers looking to spend $500 or less to gain a quality-feeling and potent laptop. It's the best Chromebook you can find for the price.
Students of all ages: This is the Chromebook to beat for students at any level of study. The combination of a comfortable keyboard, reliable inputs, punchy performance, and ample ports makes the Chromebook Plus CX34 an excellent choice for general schoolwork, from elementary to college levels.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel Iris Xe Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i5-1335U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:51 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review -
-
![Asus Chromebook Plus CX14]()
Best Extreme Budget ChromebookAsus Chromebook Plus CX14
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
While the Chromebook Plus label signals higher performance than a basic Chrome-powered laptop, it usually means a higher price, as well. But the Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 gives you power and savings, with a price that's under $500—and drops a lot lower during seasonal sales. Regardless of which price you buy it at, the CX14 delivers solid performance for everyday computing, great peripheral connectivity, and full-day battery life, all while meeting the hardware requirements of Chromebook Plus with a capable Intel Core 3 N355 processor.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious shoppers: The Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 is a strong choice for individuals who prioritize getting the most modern hardware possible while keeping their total spend under $300 or $400.
Light computing users: It is well-suited for people who primarily use their laptop for web browsing, streaming, and basic document editing rather than intensive media consumption.
Students: This laptop is an ideal fit for learners who need a low-cost, reliable machine for schoolwork, research, and running web-based educational tools.
Sale hunters: The product is a perfect match for value-driven buyers who are willing to wait for a discount to maximize the performance-to-price ratio.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core 3 N355 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:20 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.06 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 (CX1405) Review -
Compare Specs
Our Pick | ||||||||||
Rating |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
3.0 Average |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Overall Windows Laptop Under $500 | Best Laptop for Students Under $500 | Best 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop Under $500 | Best 2-in-1 Detachable Laptop Under $500 | Best Desktop-Replacement Windows Laptop Under $500 | Best Clamshell Chromebook Under $500 | Best Extreme Budget Chromebook | Best Overall Windows Laptop Under $500 | Best Laptop for Students Under $500 | Best 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop Under $500 |
Class | Budget | Budget, Ultraportable | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget | Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1 | Budget | Chromebook | Chromebook | Budget | Budget, Ultraportable | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U | Apple A18 Pro | Intel Core i3-1315U | MediaTek Kompanio 838 | Intel Core 3 N355 | Intel Core i5-1335U | Intel Core 3 N355 | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U | Apple A18 Pro | Intel Core i3-1315U |
Processor Speed | ||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | eMMC Flash Memory | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | SSD | SSD | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 128 | 256 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 256 | 128 |
Secondary Drive Type | ||||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | ||||||||||
Optical Drive | ||||||||||
Screen Size | 15.6 | 13 | 14 | 10.95 | 15.6 | 14 | 14 | 15.6 | 13 | 14 |
Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1080 | 2408 by 1506 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1080 | 2408 by 1506 | 1920 by 1200 |
Touch Screen | ||||||||||
Panel Technology | IPS | LED | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | LED | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | Apple A18 Pro (5-core) | Intel UHD Graphics | ARM Mali-G57 MC3 | Intel Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Apple A18 Pro (5-core) | Intel UHD Graphics |
Graphics Memory | ||||||||||
Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches | 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches | 0.72 by 12.4 by 9 inches | 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches | 0.78 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches | 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches | 0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches | 0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches | 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches | 0.72 by 12.4 by 9 inches |
Weight | 3.77 | 2.7 | 3.52 | 1.12 | 3.8 | 3.17 | 3.06 | 3.77 | 2.7 | 3.52 |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Apple macOS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Windows 11 Home | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Windows 11 Home | Apple macOS | Chrome OS |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 16:46 | 15:35 | 11:43 | 6:01 | 8:14 | 10:51 | 10:20 | 16:46 | 15:35 | 11:43 |
Buying Guide: The Best Laptops Under $500 for 2026
What Are the Important Specs in Budget Laptops?
When you limit yourself to $500 or less for a laptop, you need to manage your expectations. Budget laptops in this price range will come with certain hardware, performance, and storage limitations, which carry over to the end-user experience. Read on to learn what to expect and what trade-offs are required when your spending power is limited.
Chromebooks vs. Windows Laptops
Budget shoppers will quickly learn that many of the most affordable laptop choices are powered by ChromeOS rather than Windows. (Apple's MacBook laptops traditionally cost much more, but the new Apple MacBook Neo bucks this trend.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Of course, Chromebooks aren't a bad choice, especially for getting the best value out of an affordable laptop. Their low-priced hardware is well-suited to the online-centric ChromeOS experience, and this lightweight operating system runs great on relatively low-end components.
However, you can find some Windows laptops in this price range, and some of them are worth considering if you need to run specific apps. Just be aware that, paired with modest components and limited storage, the Windows experience may not be everything you'd want it to be. You need to be especially cognizant of the specs in a low-cost Windows machine to avoid disappointment. (More on that in a bit.)
Budget Laptop Designs: Clamshells, 2-in-1s, and Detachables
Even if you are on a tight budget, you can choose from several broad design categories, including traditional clamshell laptops, 2-in-1 rotating convertible models, detachable tablets, and thin-and-light offerings.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)However, any laptop category truly defined by its hardware—such as gaming laptops, mobile workstations, or rugged laptops—will exceed your $500 budget. Even the cheapest gaming rigs cost $800 or more, and few business laptops cater to budget shoppers unless you are looking at older, refurbished models.
If you look, you can find a carry-weight laptop for less than $500, which usually means a thin plastic chassis weighing close to 3 pounds, which we categorize as the limit for ultraportable laptops. A fair number weigh even less than that, thanks to compact or tablet-centered designs.
The CPU: Low Prices Mean Low-Powered Processors
The actual primary computing in any laptop is done by the CPU, so a great processor is essential for a great laptop. Unfortunately, that usually means paying more.
When shopping for sub-$500 laptops, the processor selection won't always be the Intel Core and AMD Ryzen chip lineups you're probably familiar with. You can find some of those in under-$500 machines, but Intel's Core 3 and 5 (or i3 and i5) or AMD's Ryzen 3 and 5 are usually the best you'll manage in this price range if you're looking at Windows. A "5"-class chip in an under-$500 machine is a win.
Other brands, like Qualcomm, and less prominent manufacturers like MediaTek, have a foothold in Chromebooks. (You'll see Intel and AMD chips in Chromebooks, too, but it's more of a mix in this class of laptops.) Apple's MacBook Neo, meanwhile, keeps it simple and makes the processor choice for you: the iPhone-grade A18 Pro.
RAM and Storage: Modest Memory of Both Kinds
We usually recommend against buying any computer with less than 8GB of RAM, but memory options on cheap laptops are sometimes lower than that, with 4GB models making up some of our suggestions. That kind of skimpy silicon will suffice for a basic Chromebook that runs a few tabs at a time, but 4GB is always best avoided in a Windows machine. The most affordable laptops tend to become sluggish when you try to do more than one task or open many application windows or browser tabs at once. More demanding uses, such as video editing, won't feel good on machines in this price range.
One more note on memory: The buying demands of the big cloud providers for AI data-center infrastructure are squeezing memory manufacturing capacity hard. As a result, laptop RAM has grown pricier. Some of that pricing pain will extend to these budget-friendly machines, so make sure you know how much RAM you need to avoid overspending...or, conversely, not buying enough.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Storage space will tend to be limited, too, with 128GB being on the high end for these value laptops. If you can find a notebook with 256GB or even 512GB of storage in this price range, that's a win, but you'll more likely want to invest in a portable external SSD to give you better storage capacity if you're looking at a Windows machine.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) don't always come standard, either. In these inexpensive laptop models, you're more likely to find lower-cost flash-storage formats such as eMMC and UFS. These options are usable, especially for Chromebooks, which rely more on cloud storage than local drives, but the smaller capacity and slower memory modules used by these SSD alternatives (particularly eMMC) will affect overall performance.
What Kind of Wi-Fi? Connectivity on the Cheap
One area where you may not need to make too many compromises is connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 and above are common on current laptops, even low-priced models. Sure, newer, faster wireless standards, like Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, are simply better, but Wi-Fi 6 is more than capable of the workaday web browsing and media streaming that these affordable systems are built for.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)The port selection is also decent on most late-model machines, with a mix of USB Type-C and larger USB Type-A ports common. Many systems are outfitted with full-size HDMI monitor connectors and microSD card slots. The high-speed Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 interfaces, on the other hand, are still limited to pricier systems, so be ready to pay more than $500 if you need faster connectivity.
Battery Life: Some Unexpected Upsides of Budget Laptops
One unexpected benefit of low-powered hardware is that many of these inexpensive laptops also have reasonable battery life. Test results of 10 hours or more in our video rundown are quite common, with many lasting even longer. The longest-lasting models in our recommendation lineup stretch the battery to 16 to 17 hours on a single charge (so long as you keep the Wi-Fi on in moderation and the screen brightness in the middle of the range). Part of the reason is that dimmer, lower-resolution screens and lower-power CPUs make fewer demands on the battery than powerful parts do.
Bear in mind that our battery tests are something of a best-case scenario, or a measure of relative battery potential. (We test battery life with the Wi-Fi off and screen brightness at 50%, subjecting the PC to pure video playback.) Actual, intensive work or gaming will shorten the number you see, but budget laptops' parts can still be a contributor to good battery runtime.
The Display: Discount Panels and Touch Screens
You might not expect to see touch screens in many laptops under $500, but it's not an impossible, thanks to the abundance of decent 2-in-1 Chromebook designs. Touch screens are much less common on inexpensive clamshell models, though.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Touch is one thing, but high resolutions and OLED panels aren't common on these budget models. In the under-$500 category, you're most likely limited to 1,920-by-1,080-pixel full HD or 1080p resolution, and not all will be higher-end IPS panels found on mainstream models. Looking at the screen before you buy, if you can, is always a smart idea. Our test numbers around color coverage and peak brightness will also help.
What About Graphics and Gaming?
Finally, the one thing you're guaranteed not to find in these bargain-priced models is a discrete graphics processor. Dedicated GPU hardware adds a lot of expense to a laptop, so that means uses like gaming and GPU-powered media creation aren't really an option for shoppers on a shoestring.
If you're really pressed on price and absolutely need the extra graphics power, consider buying a refurbished model from a year or two back, as that's your best bet for gaming-grade components at this price.
Is a Laptop Under $500 Worth It?
Don't get too discouraged reading about specs and performance on these budget-friendly laptops. For some shoppers, a laptop simply serves as a basic web-browsing machine, used more for social media and occasionally typing up documents. With the right under-$500 laptop, you can still get plenty of usability, even with lightweight processors and minimal specs.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)We've reviewed plenty of budget laptops in the $600-to-$700 range, along with reasonably priced laptops for kids and laptops for college students. These can be especially enticing if student discounts are available to knock off part of the expense. That price range is the real sweet spot for basic Windows machines.
Plus, it doesn't cost much more to step up in power and performance. Our recommendations for Chromebooks and the best laptops for under $1,000 open up a lot of possibilities, at prices that are still quite attainable. You can even find some cheap gaming laptops for three instead of four figures.
Ready to Buy the Best Laptop Under $500 for You?
You may be on a budget, but you're not out of luck—if you look, you'll find some super-serviceable Chromebooks, Windows clamshells, and 2-in-1 laptops for less than $500. By knowing what you need it for and the limits of what your cash can get you, you can still find a decent deal on a laptop that will do the job.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)We've laid out our favorite frugal options here, but you'll still need to decide whether you want a Chromebook, a Mac, or a Windows machine, a laptop or a 2-in-1 design, and even whether you want features (such as a touch screen) that may be rare in the cheapest machines. The specs for all of our top picks are listed in our spec comparison, along with links to the full reviews. If $500 is too tight a filter for what you are looking for, though, also check out our roundup of the best budget laptops (which includes some slightly pricier machines) and our picks for the best laptops overall.