Is it possible to find a truly useful laptop for under $500? Many people need a reliable computer for school, work, or just browsing the web, but their budgets are tight. Shopping in this price range can feel like a minefield. You see amazing features advertised, but often, cheap laptops come with slow performance or weak build quality. It is frustrating to spend your hard-earned money only to end up with a device that struggles to open simple programs.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We have researched the best options available right now in the $500 laptop category. You do not have to settle for a slow machine. By reading on, you will learn exactly what specifications matter most, which brands deliver real value, and how to spot hidden problems before you buy. Get ready to discover the best budget-friendly powerhouse that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
Top $500 Laptop Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD (1920x1080) 120Hz Display, Intel Core i5-1334U Processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Platinum Silver
- Effortlessly chic. Always efficient. Finish your to-do list in no time with the Dell 15, built for everyday computing with Intel Core i5 processor.
- Designed for easy learning: Energy-efficient batteries and Express Charge support extend your focus and productivity.
- Stay connected to what you love: Spend more screen time on the things you enjoy with Dell ComfortView software that helps reduce harmful blue light emissions to keep your eyes comfortable over extended viewing times.
- Type with ease: Write and calculate quickly with roomy keypads, separate numeric keypad and calculator hotkey.
- Ergonomic support: Keep your wrists comfortable with lifted hinges that provide an ergonomic typing angle.
Bestseller No. 2
HP 17.3 inch Laptop, HD+ Display, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Natural Silver, 17-cp2199nr
- ANTI-GLARE HD plus DISPLAY - Enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality of 1.4 million pixels, plus the non-reflective and low gloss panel means you'll get less glare while you're outside
- AMD RYZEN PROCESSOR - Experience acceleration for your work and creativity in a laptop powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and boosted with incredible battery life
- AMD RADEON GRAPHICS - Experience high performance for all your entertainment whether it's games or movies
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD performs up to 15x faster than a traditional hard drive; and 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM memory is power efficient and provides speedy, responsive performance
- GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE WITH WINDOWS 11 HOME - From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way
Bestseller No. 3
NIMO 15.6'' FHD IPS Student-Laptop-Computer - 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, AMD Ryzen 5(Beat i5-1135G7, 4 Cores Up to 3.7GHz), 65W Type-C, 2 Years Warranty, Fingerprint, Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 5, BT5.2
- 【2-Year Warranty | U.S.-Assembled | 90-Day Returns】Your satisfaction is our top priority. Our laptops come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and include 90-day hassle-free returns and exchanges. Our dedicated support team is ready to resolve issues or arrange replacements quickly. With partial U.S. assembly and strict quality checks, you can rely on long-lasting reliability.
- 【65W USB-C PD Fast Charger Included】Enjoy the convenience of a 65W PD fast charger and a 6.56-foot USB-C cable. A 15-minute charge gives you 2 hours of use—making travel simpler. This versatile charger also powers your iPad, phone, camera, and more, so you travel lighter and skip charging anxiety.
- 【Upgradable RAM for Seamless Multitasking】Say goodbye to frustrating lags. This NIMO laptop features 16GB DDR4 RAM, ideal for students juggling dozens of research tabs or professionals running multiple business apps. The expandable RAM slot lets you easily upgrade memory on your own, ensuring your laptop keeps up with future needs and keeps your work running smoothly.
- 【Blazing-Fast SSD for Ample Storage】Get instant access to everything you need. With a powerful 512GB PCIe SSD, this laptop offers lightning-fast boot-ups and file transfers. It’s perfect for creators storing large video files, or students and business users managing massive project data. The upgradable SSD slot lets you expand storage whenever you need—so you never have to worry about running out of space.
- 【Vivid 15.6" Full HD Display】Enjoy stunning visuals with the 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare display. Its 85% screen-to-body ratio and micro-edge design deliver vibrant visuals, precise color accuracy, and crisp details. The durable metal A-shell blends sleek style with long-lasting protection.
Bestseller No. 4
ASUS Vivobook Laptop 2025 Ultra Portable Business Computer, 14" FHD Display, 16GB RAM, 1TB Storage (512GB SSD + 500GB Ext), 6-Core Intel i3-1315U, MarxsolAccessory, Win 11 Pro, Lifetime Office 2024
- 【16GB RAM + 1TB Storage ((512GB NVME SSD + 500GB Ext)】Reams of high-bandwidth 16GB DDR4 RAM to smoothly run your games and video-editing applications, as well as numerous programs and browser tabs all at once. Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 512GB M.2 NVMe Solid State Drive storage. Enjoy additional portable storage with 500GB external drive.
- 【6-Core 13th Intel Core i3-1315U】Up to 4.5GHz Max Boost Clock, 10 MB L3 Cache, 6 cores, 8 threads. With the latest platform technologies for everyday applications, easy connectivity and performance optimization, the Intel Core i3-1315U processor enables productivity and play with 6 cores and 8 threads.
- 【14" FHD Display】Vivobook 14 delivers beautifully clear visuals with its three-sided slim-bezel NanoEdge display. The integrated privacy shield slides over the webcam for instant privacy. Online Class, Google Classroom, Remote Learning, Zoom Ready
- 【Windows 11 Pro】Windows 11 Pro delivers a powerful, streamlined user experience that helps you stay focused and get more done – wherever your office might be. Safeguard data and access anywhere with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection built in. For Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, and Commercial Enterprise.
- 【Authorized MarxsolAccessory with Lifetime Office 2024】Bundle includes 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station Hub (with USB 3.0, 4K-HDMI, USB C Connection, SD/TF Card Reader), HDMI cable, USB Cable, Mouse Pad, Wireless Mouse, and 500GB External Drive for your daily work and life. Free Microsoft Office Professional 2024 Plus with lifetime license (including Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access).
Bestseller No. 5
HP 17 Business Laptop, 17.3" HD+ Computer, Lifetime MS Office 2024, Copilot AI, 8-Core Intel i3 CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB Storage (500GB SSD + 500GB Ext), Wi-Fi 6, HubxcelAccessory, Long Battery, Win 11 Pro
- [17.3" HD+ Display] See more on the 17.3 inch diagonal high resolution screen with a narrow bezel. Enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality of 1.4 million pixels. Non-reflective and low gloss means you'll get less glare while you're outside. HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones. Online Class, Google Classroom, Remote Learning, Zoom Ready.
- [16GB RAM + 1TB Storage (500GB SSD + 500GB External Driver)] Substantial high-bandwidth 16GB DDR4 Memory to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 512GB of M.2 NVMe Solid State Drive storage. Enjoy additional storage with portable 500GB external drive.
- [8-Core Intel I3 Processor] Intel Core i3-N305 (Up to 3.8 GHz Max Boost Clock, 6 MB L3 Cache, 8 cores, 8 threads). Get the performance and graphics you need with an Intel processor at the affordability you want to connect, learn, and play anywhere.
- [Windows 11 Pro Operation System] Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times. Windows 11 Pro delivers a powerful, streamlined user experience that helps you stay focused and get more done – wherever your office might be. Safeguard data and access anywhere with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection built in.
- [6-in-1 HubxcelAccessory with Lifetime Office 2024] HubxcelAccessory includes wireless earbuds, 500GB external drive, USB extension cord, HDMI cable, mouse pad, and wireless mouse. Free MS Lifetime Office 2024 included Al Powered Copilot. For Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, and Commercial Enterprise.
Bestseller No. 6
HP 2025 Business 15.6" HD Touch Laptop, 6-Core Intel i3 Processor (Upto 4.4GHz), 16GB RAM, 1TB Storage (512GB SSD+500GB Ext), Long Battery, MarxsolAccessory, Lifetime Microsoft Office, Win 11 Pro
- 【16GB RAM +1TB Storage (500GB SSD + 500GB External Driver)】Reams of high-bandwidth 16GB DDR4 RAM to smoothly run your games and video-editing applications, as well as numerous programs and browser tabs all at once. Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 512GB of M.2 NVMe Solid State Drive storage. Enjoy additional portable storage with 500GB external hard drive.
- 【6-Core Intel Core i3-1215U】Up to 4.4 GHz Max Boost Clock, 10 MB L3 Cache, 6 cores, 8 threads. 12th Gen Intel Core processor distributes performance where you need it the most — saving you time and increasing your ability to do the things you actually want.
- 【15.6" Touch Display】Reach out and control your PC with just a touch. Being able to pinch, zoom, tap, and swipe right from the screen makes interacting with your computer a totally intuitive experience. HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones. Online Class, Google Classroom, Remote Learning, Zoom Ready.
- 【Windows 11 Pro】Windows 11 Pro delivers a powerful, streamlined user experience that helps you stay focused and get more done – wherever your office might be. Safeguard data and access anywhere with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection built in. For Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, and Commercial Enterprise.
- 【Authorized MarxsolAccessory】Bundle includes 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station Hub (with USB 3.0, 4K-HDMI, USB C Connection, SD/TF Card Reader), HDMI cable, USB Cable, Mouse Pad, Wireless Mouse, and 500GB portable hard drive for your daily work and life. Free Microsoft Office Professional Plus with lifetime license (including Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access).
Bestseller No. 7
Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, Intel Core 3 Processor 100U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Carbon Black
- Effortlessly chic. Always efficient. Finish your to-do list in no time with the Dell 15, built for everyday computing with Intel Core 3 processor.
- Designed for easy learning: Energy-efficient batteries and Express Charge support extend your focus and productivity.
- Stay connected to what you love: Spend more screen time on the things you enjoy with Dell ComfortView software that helps reduce harmful blue light emissions to keep your eyes comfortable over extended viewing times.
- Type with ease: Write and calculate quickly with roomy keypads, separate numeric keypad and calculator hotkey.
- Ergonomic support: Keep your wrists comfortable with lifted hinges that provide an ergonomic typing angle.
Bestseller No. 8
HP 14 Laptop Student Business 2025 Flagship Computer, AI Copilot, 4-Core 13th Gen Intel CPU, 16GB RAM 628GB Storage (128GB UFS+ 500GB Ext), 1-Yr Office 365, Long Battery HubxcelAccessory Win 11S Green
- [16GB RAM + 628GB Storage (128GB UFS+ 500GB Ext)] Reams of high-bandwidth 16GB DDR4 RAM to smoothly run your games and video-editing applications, as well as numerous programs and browser tabs all at once. Non-volatile 128GB UFS storage handles multiple read and write requests simultaneously; power gating increases power efficiency. Enjoy additional portable storage with 500GB external drive.
- [13th Gen 4-Core Intel N150 Processor] 13th Gen Intel N150 (Up to 3.6 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 Cache, 4 cores, 4 threads). Save time and increase productivity with powerful performance and smooth multitasking. Access fast web applications, edit photos and videos, and get the responsiveness you're looking for.
- [14 Inch HD Display] Watch videos and create colorful presentations in excellent, high-definition quality rendered with 1 million pixels. The anti-glare panel lets you enjoy time outside without glare on your screen. HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones. Online Class, Google Classroom, Remote Learning, Zoom Ready.
- [Windows 11 Home in S Mode] Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. (You can EASILY switch to regular Windows 11 Home: Open Microsoft Store > search and select "Switch out of S Mode" > select "Get".)
- [6-in-1 HubxcelAccessory with 1-Year MS Office 365] HubxcelAccessory includes wireless earbuds, 500GB external drive, USB extension cord, HDMI cable, mouse pad, and wireless mouse. Free Microsoft Office 365 Personal 1-year subscription included Al Powered Copilot. For Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, and Commercial Enterprise.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to a $500 Laptop
Finding a great laptop for around $500 is totally possible! You just need to know what to look for. This guide helps you pick the best machine without breaking the bank. Think of this budget as the sweet spot for everyday tasks.
Key Features to Prioritize Under $500
When you shop for a budget laptop, some parts matter more than others. Focus your attention here:
Processor (The Brain)
- Look for Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors. These are good for browsing, homework, and streaming videos.
- Avoid older processors like Intel Celeron or Pentium if you plan to do anything slightly demanding. They can make your laptop feel slow.
RAM (Short-Term Memory)
- Aim for 8GB of RAM. This lets you run several programs at once without freezing.
- 4GB is the absolute minimum, but it will struggle if you open too many tabs in your web browser.
Storage (Long-Term Memory)
- Always choose an SSD (Solid State Drive) over an older HDD (Hard Disk Drive). SSDs make the laptop start up super fast!
- Try to get at least 256GB of SSD storage. If you need more space, you can always use external drives later.
Display Quality
- A 1080p (Full HD) screen is the standard you should expect. It looks much clearer than lower resolutions.
- Screen size usually falls between 14 and 15.6 inches. Bigger screens are great for watching movies, but smaller ones make the laptop easier to carry.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Materials affect how long your laptop lasts and how it feels in your hands. For $500, most laptops use plastic bodies. That’s okay, but look closely:
- Keyboard Feel: Try to read reviews about the keyboard. A comfortable keyboard makes typing homework much easier.
- Hinge Strength: The hinges (where the screen connects to the body) often wear out first. Stronger hinges mean the screen won’t wobble or break easily.
- Port Selection: Make sure it has the ports you need, like USB-A (the regular rectangular one) and maybe a USB-C port.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one $500 laptop better than another?
Quality Boosters:
- Backlit Keyboard: This feature lets you type in the dark. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in user experience.
- Touchscreen Option: Sometimes, manufacturers include a touchscreen at this price point, which adds versatility for quick navigation.
Quality Reducers:
- Windows S Mode: Some budget laptops start in “S Mode.” This locks you into using only apps from the Microsoft Store, which limits what you can do. You usually have to switch out of it, which is an extra step.
- Low-Quality Webcam: Don’t expect amazing video quality for online classes. Budget webcams often look grainy.
User Experience and Common Use Cases
Who is this $500 laptop for?
This price range is perfect for students, casual home users, and people who work remotely on basic tasks. You can easily handle:
- Web browsing (up to 8-10 tabs open).
- Word processing and spreadsheets (Microsoft Office or Google Docs).
- Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube) in high definition.
- Light photo editing.
What should you avoid expecting? Heavy gaming or professional video editing will be very slow. The components simply aren’t powerful enough for those demanding jobs.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About $500 Laptops
Q: Can a $500 laptop run Windows 11?
A: Yes, most newer models sold today will officially support Windows 11, especially if they have a modern Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor.
Q: Is 4GB of RAM enough in 2024?
A: It is barely enough. While it works for very light tasks, 8GB provides a much smoother, frustration-free experience for daily use.
Q: Should I buy a Chromebook instead?
A: Chromebooks are great if you only use web apps (like Google Docs) and don’t need specific Windows software. If you need full Windows software, stick to a Windows laptop.
Q: How long will a $500 laptop usually last?
A: With normal care, you can expect a good quality $500 laptop to last about three to five years before it starts feeling too slow for new software updates.
Q: Are the screens usually shiny or matte?
A: Most budget laptops feature glossy (shiny) screens because they are cheaper to produce. Shiny screens look bright but create glare in sunny rooms.
Q: What is the best battery life I can expect?
A: You should aim for laptops advertised with at least 6 to 8 hours of general use. Real-world use is often less, so look for reviews mentioning actual battery tests.
Q: Can I connect an external monitor?
A: Almost certainly, yes. Check that it has an HDMI port or a USB-C port that supports video output for connecting a larger screen.
Q: Are there good deals during holiday sales?
A: Absolutely! Major holidays like Black Friday or back-to-school time are when manufacturers often drop prices on models that normally sit slightly above the $500 mark.
Q: Should I worry about the graphics card (GPU)?
A: For basic use, no. These laptops use integrated graphics (part of the main processor). Dedicated graphics cards are only found in much more expensive gaming or creative laptops.
Q: Is buying a refurbished laptop a good idea at this price?
A: Sometimes. You can sometimes get a slightly older, higher-quality machine for $500 refurbished. Make sure the seller offers a good warranty, typically 90 days or more.