In search of an honest laptop computer underneath $500? Yeah, it’s sort of a large number on the market. One fast search and also you’re drowning in choices–most of them fairly meh. The bottom line is figuring out what really issues.
Shoot for a 1080p display screen and at the least 8GB of RAM. That combo retains issues working easy and makes movies look good, too. You’ll have to surrender just a few bells and whistles at this value, however don’t fear, we’ve already sifted by way of the junk to establish inexpensive laptops you really need.
Listed below are our prime picks that show price range laptops don’t should be horrible.
Acer Aspire Go 15 – Finest laptop computer underneath $500 total
Execs
Inexpensive
First rate battery life
Good show visibility
Cons
Massive and ponderous
Low cost construct
Restricted efficiency
Value When Reviewed:
$299
Who can purchase the Acer Aspire Go 15?
Should you’re searching for the very best bang-for-your-buck laptop computer underneath $500, that is it. The Aspire Go 15 simply will get the job accomplished. You’re getting a clear display screen, strong efficiency for on a regular basis stuff, and loopy good battery life. We obtained virtually 12 hours in testing, which is a full workday after which some. The 1080p display screen appears to be like sharp, even when it’s not tremendous brilliant. The Intel Core i3-N305 isn’t constructed for something heavy-duty, but it surely’s greater than sufficient for streaming, net stuff, and fundamental work or faculty use.
Acer Aspire Go 15: Additional issues
The keyboard feels nice (our reviewer was cranking out 110 phrases per minute with out a drawback) and the trackpad is easy and responsive. Plus, there’s a pleasant unfold of ports: USB-C with energy and video out, two USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack, and even a Kensington lock and barrel charger.
It’s not flashy, that’s for darn positive. However for underneath $300, it does the fundamentals means higher than most.
Learn our full
Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024) assessment
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Finest Chromebook underneath $500
Execs
Zippy processor efficiency
Good keyboard
A wide selection of connectivity choices
Stylish design
Cons
Battery life isn’t aggressive
The show’s 16:9 facet ratio feels slightly cramped
Value When Reviewed:
$499
Who can purchase the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34?
Should you’re not working Photoshop or taking part in AAA video games, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 completely will get the job accomplished. The Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM hold all the things zipping alongside, even with a dozen tabs open and a video name going.
It’s light-weight, appears to be like clear with that white end, and has a 1080p show that’s straightforward on the eyes. The webcam’s full HD too, which makes an actual distinction on Zoom or Google Meet. No bizarre lag or blurry faces right here.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Additional issues
The CX34 retains it easy and simply works. It boots quick, stays responsive, and doesn’t run scorching or loud. Chrome OS has come a great distance, and when you principally reside in a browser, this setup is sort of supreme. Positive, the audio system and keyboard are nothing to jot down residence about, and when you want Home windows apps, this isn’t the one. But when Chrome OS matches your circulate, this is without doubt one of the finest machines you may get on the value.
Learn our full
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 assessment
HP Laptop computer 14 – Finest battery life
Execs
Compact kind issue
Good on a regular basis efficiency
Lengthy battery life
Nice keyboard and mouse
Cons
Display high quality is mediocre
Noisy followers
Value When Reviewed:
$449.99
Finest Costs At present:
$375
Who can purchase the HP Laptop computer 14?
In order for you one thing that simply retains going, the HP Laptop computer 14 is it. It gave us 15 hours on a single cost with gentle use, and it’s fairly gentle too, weighing simply over three kilos, so you may carry it round all day with out feeling it. You additionally get a snappy-enough Intel Core i3-1315U, a pleasant 1080p webcam, and an understated look in that deep blue end.
HP Laptop computer 14: Additional issues
Battery life is the primary occasion right here. You gained’t have to hover close to an outlet, even on a protracted day. The construct is compact and travel-friendly, and typing feels nice for lengthy stretches. The fan noise can be slightly distracting underneath load, however for this value? Form of laborious to complain.
Learn our full
HP Laptop computer 14 assessment
Different laptops underneath $500 we examined
We additionally appeared on the Acer Aspire Go 15, which has nice battery life and a strong 1080p display screen for underneath $500. Then there’s the Acer Chromebook Spin 312, a small 2-in-1 that’s nice for fundamental stuff like searching and streaming however not tremendous quick. Each are good choices if you would like one thing easy.
How we take a look at laptops
The PCWorld group places every Home windows laptop computer by way of a sequence of benchmarks that take a look at GPU and CPU efficiency, battery life, and so forth. The concept is to push the laptop computer to its limits after which evaluate it in opposition to others we’ve examined. Chromebooks, alternatively, undergo a sequence of web-based exams.
For a a lot deeper have a look at our assessment methodology, take a look at how PCWorld exams laptops.
Why it’s best to belief PCWorld for laptop computer opinions and shopping for recommendation
It’s in our title! PCWorld prides itself on laptop computer expertise and experience. We’ve been masking PCs since 1983, and we now assessment greater than 70 laptops yearly. All of our picks have been personally examined and vetted by our specialists, who’ve utilized not solely efficiency benchmarks however rigorous usability requirements. We’re additionally dedicated to reviewing PC laptops at each value level that will help you discover a machine that matches your price range.
Who curated this text?
Hello, I’m Ashley Biancuzzo, and I oversee all laptop computer and Chromebook protection at PCWorld. When you’ll see me assessment Chromebooks once in a while, I’m additionally actually into the broader world of client tech. I spend a number of time writing and excited about the place laptops are headed–from AI and sustainable designs to long-term tendencies. Once I’m not deep on the planet of tech, you’ll most likely discover me gaming, getting misplaced in a superb e book, or chilling with my rescue greyhound, Allen.
How to decide on the very best laptop computer underneath $500
Ah, right here we’re on the billion greenback query. Do you spring for a fundamental Chromebook or go for a Home windows laptop computer with extra options? Actually, it sort of simply comes all the way down to your way of life and what you’re anticipating from a laptop computer underneath 500 bucks. You’re not gonna get some super-powerful beast at that value, however when you simply want one thing for the fundamentals, there are a number of first rate choices on the market.
Chromebooks, for instance, are tremendous budget-friendly and the battery life is superior. I really use one myself for work (writing, enhancing, all that) and it does the job simply effective. Should you journey so much, it’s value going for one thing that’s good and lightweight — underneath 3 kilos, if attainable. Nonetheless unsure what to get? No large deal, take your time figuring it out. I’ve put collectively a listing of fast shopping for suggestions under.
Laptop computer sort: There are lots of totally different laptop computer varieties that fall within the sub-$500 class: clamshells, 2-in-1’s, Chromebooks, and far more. The shows on convertible laptops (aka 2-in-1’s), for instance, can swing round 360 levels. This lets you use the laptop computer like a pill. They can be propped up like a tent for viewing films or taking part in video calls. Chromebooks are available varied styles and sizes, and completely run Google’s web-focused Chrome OS. With a Chromebook, all you want is a Gmail account and, increase, you’re in.
CPU: With regards to the sub-$500 Home windows laptops, you may look forward to finding Intel Core i3 or i5 processors. An i5 processor clearly gives slightly extra oomph. That mentioned, fundamental workplace and net work does simply effective on a Core i3. For AMD stuff, Ryzen 3 is okay for on a regular basis stuff like net searching, and Ryzen 5 is a strong all-rounder—sort of like Intel’s i5. On Chromebooks, Snapdragon and Pentium chips normally beat out MediaTek ones.
Graphics: Don’t anticipate nice graphics at this value. You’ll principally get built-in graphics, which is completely effective except you’re attempting to sport or do 3D work.
RAM: RAM-wise, go for 8GB when you can—it simply makes all the things smoother. Most Chromebooks include 4GB, which works, however 8GB is means higher when you can swing it.
Show dimension: For display screen dimension, 13 to 14 inches is the candy spot. Large enough to work on, sufficiently small to hold round. Larger screens imply extra weight (and normally a better value).
Decision: Don’t accept lower than 1080p decision. Something decrease simply appears to be like kinda blurry, even for fundamental stuff like Netflix or spreadsheets.
Battery life: Battery life? Search for 10 to 12 hours. That’ll get you thru a lot of the day with out attempting to find an outlet.
Ports: It’s good to have a bunch so that you don’t want further adapters. Search for USB-C and USB-A, and HDMI is cool if you wish to hook as much as a display screen.
FAQ
1.
What’s the finest laptop computer underneath $500?
In order for you a no-fuss laptop computer underneath $500 that simply will get the job accomplished, the Acer Aspire Go 15‘s obtained you coated. Strong on a regular basis velocity, a pointy 1080p display screen, killer battery life (virtually 12 hours!), and a snug keyboard, all for underneath $300.
2.
What’s the finest Chromebook underneath $500?
In order for you a strong Chromebook underneath $500, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is quick, easy with tabs and video calls, has a pointy 1080p display screen, and a superb HD webcam. It’s simply plain easy and dependable.
3.
Can I improve the RAM or storage on these laptops later?
Most laptops underneath $500 don’t allow you to improve RAM as a result of it’s soldered, however some do allow you to swap or add storage. Examine before you purchase if that stuff issues to you.
4.
What’s the distinction between an everyday laptop computer and a Chromebook?
When individuals say “laptop computer,” they normally imply a PC or a Mac. However Chromebooks are laptops too, they simply run Google’s Chrome OS as an alternative of Home windows or macOS. So, yeah, all Chromebooks are laptops, however not all laptops are Chromebooks. They’re principally constructed for Google apps like Drive and Docs, so that they work finest once you’re on-line.
5.
Are Chromebooks good for gaming?
Eh, not likely. If gaming’s your factor, you’ll most likely wanna have a look at a Home windows laptop computer or a Chromebook designed for cloud gaming. Each can be costlier than a fundamental Chromebook. Most Chromebooks are effective for net video games and Android stuff, however that’s about it. With a gaming Chromebook you have to to subscribed to a cloud gaming service resembling GeForce Now and have a dependable web connection.
6.
Can you employ built-in graphics for gaming?
Sure, among the newest processors with built-in graphics can run trendy PC video games at first rate sufficient settings. For instance, we discovered that in our exams, Intel’s newest Iris Xe line of processors with built-in graphics can run among the newest video games at 1080p and 30fps. Sadly this isn’t the case for all built-in graphics and your mileage might fluctuate drastically with older tech.
Intel and AMD’s built-in graphics have made large leaps in recent times with regard to gaming efficiency. Should you’re on a price range or searching for an ultra-thin laptop computer with built-in graphics you needn’t fear, you may nonetheless sport on. We suggest testing Intel’s Core Twelfth-gen Iris Xe or AMD’s model new Ryzen 6000 RDNA 2.
