Does the thought of buying a new laptop make your wallet sweat? You dream of a fast computer, but your budget screams, “Stop!” It’s tough out there when you need reliable tech without spending a fortune. Finding a laptop under $500 often feels like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. Many cheap laptops are slow, break quickly, or just can’t handle simple tasks like homework or streaming videos.
But don’t worry! You absolutely can snag a fantastic, budget-friendly machine. We cut through the confusion and checked out the best options available right now. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which features matter most and which specific models give you the biggest bang for your buck. Get ready to stop overpaying and start upgrading your digital life!
Top Laptop Below $500 Recommendations
No. 1
HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)
- READY FOR ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 mm micro-edge bezel display, and 79% screen-to-body ratio, you’ll take this PC anywhere while you see and do more of what you love (1)
- MORE SCREEN, MORE FUN – With virtually no bezel encircling the screen, you’ll enjoy every bit of detail on this 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (2)
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Tackle your busiest days with the dual-core, Intel Celeron N4020—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (3)
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (4) (5)
- STORAGE AND MEMORY – An embedded multimedia card provides reliable flash-based, 64 GB of storage while 4 GB of RAM expands your bandwidth and boosts your performance (6)
No. 2
HP Home and Student Essential Laptop with Microsoft 365-1.1TB Storage - 8GB RAM - Intel Inside | Anti-Glare Display, 64GB SSD and 1TB Cloud Storage, Fast Charge and 12hrs Battery, no Mouse
- 【Make the most out of your 365】Bring your ideas to life.Your creativity now gets a boost with Microsoft 365. Office - Word, Excel, and Power Point - now includes smart assistance features that help make your writing more readable, your data clearer and your presentations more visually powerful. 1 -Year subscription included.
- 【14" HD Display】14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView. With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups
- 【Processor & Graphics】Intel Celeron, 2 Cores & 2 Threads, 1.10 GHz Base Frequency, Up to 2.60 GHz Burst Frequency, 4 MB Cahce, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Handle multitasking reliably with the perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value
- 【Ports】1 x USB 3.1 Type-C ports, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, and there's a microSD slot
- 【Windows 11 Home in S mode】You may switch to regular windows 11: Press "Start button" bottom left of the screen; Select "Settings" icon above "power" icon;Select "Activation", then Go to Store; Select Get option under "Switch out of S mode"; Hit Install. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)
No. 3
HP Rose Gold Ultrabook Laptop with Microsoft Office 365, 1.1TB Storage (1TB OneDrive and 64GB SSD), 8GB RAM, Intel Multi-Core, No Mouse | Casual Use, Stunning Color, Quick Setup, Lightweight
- 【Exceptional Storage Space】Equipped with DDR4 RAM and eMMC Solid State Drive, runs smoothly, responds quickly, handles multi-application and multimedia workflows efficiently and quickly.
- 【Processor】Intel Celeron N4500(2 Cores, 2 Threads, Max Boost Clock Up to 2.80Ghz, 4MB Cache). Intel UHD Graphics 600. This 14-inch laptop is also equipped with Windows 11 S, which makes your work or study easy and convenient.
- 【Tech Specs】1 x USB-C 3.0. 2 x USB-A 3.0. 1 x HDMI. 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack. 1 x SD Card Reader. Wi-Fi. Windows 11 S, 1-Year Microsoft Office 365, Bluetooth. Up to 11 hours and 30 minutes battery life. HP Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support. HD Audio with stereo speakers.
- 【Designed for the Office】With Windows 11, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Bluetooth. Up to 11 hours and 30 minutes battery life. HP Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support. HD Audio with stereo speakers, it ensures a stylish and innovative look, excellent portability, and is suitable for daily work and play. It is a great choice for businesses, offices, or students.
No. 4
HP Stream 14" HD BrightView Laptop, Intel Celeron N150, 16GB RAM, 288GB Storage (128GB UFS + 160GB Docking Station Set), Intel UHD Graphics, 720p Webcam, Wi-Fi, 1 Year Office 365, Win 11 S, Silver
- 【Upgraded】Seal is opened for upgrade only, 1-Year warranty on Upgraded RAM/SSD and original 1-Year Manufacture warranty on remaining components. 【14" HD BrightView Display】14-inch diagonal 1366 x 768 (HD) bright view display. The captivating clarity and brilliance will surely enhance your work and entertainment endeavors.
- 【Intel Celeron N150】Immerse yourself in a world of power and efficiency, where an ultra-low-voltage platform optimizes energy usage. Experience seamless multitasking and smooth performance with the 4-core, 4-way processor.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM】Seamlessly tackle resource-intensive tasks, smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously, and enjoy lightning-fast responsiveness that keeps you in the flow.【288GB Storage (128GB eMMC + 160GB Docking Station Set)】Massive storage space for your files, applications, and multimedia content, providing fast and reliable data access.
- 【Intel UHD Graphics】Enjoy solid image quality that brings your everyday content to life with vibrant colors and sharp details.【720p HD Camera】Provides high quality video calls, virtual meetings and online interactions.
- 【Windows 11 Home in S Mode】【Dimensions & Weight】Item dimension: 12.76 x 8.86 x 0.71 inches, 3.24 lbs.【Ports】1 x USB-C 3.0, 2 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x Media Card Reader, 1 x Headphone/ Microphone combo, 1 x AC Smart Pin. 【1 Year Office 365】【Bonus Docking Station Set】1x 7-in-1 Docking Station with 128GB Storage, 1x 32GB MicroSD Card with Adapter, 1x Type-C Data Cable, 1x 3-in-1 Charging Cable, 1x Suede Cleaning Cloth.
No. 5
HP 14" Ultra-Light Laptop for Student & Home (1-Year Office 365, Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage (64GB + 64GB SD)) 12-Hr Long Battery Life, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6, Fast Charge, Win 11 Home in S
- BUILT FOR EVERYDAY USE - HP 14, an entry-level, light workload configuration laptop. With up to 12 hours battery life and HP fast charge, it can keep you up and running all day long. Bring your ideas to life with the included one year subscription of Microsoft 365 including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Do more with AI as your personal assistant. Kickstart new projects with relevant answers, simplified solutions, and helpful advice
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Equipped with Intel Celeron N4500 processor and Intel UHD Graphics, the HP 14 delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. With 4GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB storage (64GB eMMC + 64GB SD Card), it offers efficient multitasking and ample space for your files, apps, and media
- CRISP DISPLAY — Equipped with a 14" micro-edge display, coupled with anti-glare technology and 62.5% SRGB Color Gamut for comfortable viewing. Supports expanding the workspace with 2 external monitors via HDMI or USB-C, max resolution up to FHD (1920x1080) @60Hz without docking station. Plus, HP True Vision HD camera meets daily video chat or conference needs
- RICH CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS — Equipped with USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 1.4b, a headphone/microphone combo jack, an AC Smart Pin, and an SD Card Reader for expanded storage options. It also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 for ultra-fast, stable wireless connectivity
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Windows 11 Home in S mode is designed for security and performance, it can be switched out of S mode to Windows 11 Home (Open Windows Settings > System > Activation). Ideal for Family Entertainment, School Education, Daily Productivity, Casual Gaming, Streaming, Online Class, Remote Learning, Zoom Meeting, Video Conference, etc
No. 6
Gogoonike Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk, Metal Foldable Laptop Riser Holder, Portable Desktop Book Stands, Ventilated Cooling Computer Notebook Stand Compatible with 10-15.6” Laptops
- 【Adjustable & Ergonomic】：This laptop stand can be adjusted to a comfortable height and angle according to your actual needs, letting you fix posture and reduce your neck fatigue, back pain and eye strain. Very comfortable for working in home, office and outdoor.
- 【Sturdy & Protective】 ：Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
- 【Heat Dissipation】 ：The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
- 【Portable & Foldable】：The foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack. Ideal for people who travel for business a lot.
- 【Broad Compatibility】：Our desktop book stand is compatible with all laptops from 10-15.6 inches, such as MacBook Air/ Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface, etc.Be your ideal companion in Home, Office & Outdoor.
No. 7
Third-Generation Lens Wipes, 120 Count, Individually Wrapped Pre-Moistened Cleaning Wipes for Eye Glasses, Camera Lens Cleaner, Streak-Free Scratch-Free Screen Cleaning for Phone, Sunglasses, Laptop
- ZERO SCRATCHES—LENSES NEED THIS: Meihua's works lens cleaning wipes. Ammonia-free, gentle & safe for anti-reflective coatings, eyeglass lenses, expensive camera optics. One wipe delivers crystal-clear, scratch-free, haze-free lenses
- ONE WIPES, MULTI USES: Ditch cumbersome cleaning tools! This single wipe works for glasses, phone/laptop screens, car infotainment systems, and watch faces. It’s soft enough for delicate camera lenses, yet tough enough to tackle stubborn grime
- POCKET-SIZED, CLEAN ANY TIME: Individually wrapped, these pre-moistened lens wipes fit in purses, gym bags or car glove boxes. Hiking, meetings, alongside family—tear, wipe, get clear vision instantly. Ultimate convenience
- PLANT-POWERED, CLEAN WITHOUT GUILT: Crafted from sustainable plant-based fibers, and contains no dyes, phthalates, or harsh chemicals. It cleans glasses, phone screens, and camera lenses thoroughly—leaving no residue behind
- LONG-LASTING BULK SET: Never run out unexpectedly! This set has 120 individually wrapped pre-moistened lens wipes (12 boxes of 10, 5x6 IN/13x15 CM)—skip last-minute store runs. Stock for office or home: get reliable cleanliness and less hassle
No. 8
Charger Compatible with HP Laptop Computer 65W 45W Smart Blue Tip Power Adapter
- POWER SPECS - Output Max: 19.5V 3.33A 65W (also compatible with 19.5V 2.30A 45W) Input Volt Range: 110-240V /(Blue Tip Size: 4.5 x 3.0mm) Compatible with HP Laptop Power Supply AC Adapter Charger Cord
- Compatible with HP Smart Blue Tip Models 65W/45W: Elitebook 830 / 840 G3 G4 G8 / 850 G3 G4 / ProBook 430 G8 / 440 G8 / 450 G3 G8 / 640 G2 G3 G4 / 650 G2 G3 / Pavilion x360 / Stream 11 Pro G3 / Stream 11 Pro G4 EE / Chromebook 11 EE G2 G3 G4 / Spectre x360 x2 / Notebook 15 / Zbook / Part Numbers: SK90195333 710412-001 741727-001 213349-109 854054-002 L24008-001 L25296-001 L25296-002 SK90A195231 TPN-LA15
- SAFETY- The Leading American Consumer Product Testing Laboratory, Lists This HIBBO Product as Meeting Their Standards for Electrical Safety and Design in The United States and Canada. Don't Buy Potentially Inferior or Dangerous Chargers That Can Harm Your Laptop or Worse
- PORTABLE DESIGN - One Adapter for Many Models Compatible with HP Laptop. And the Weight is So Light Which is An Incredibly Small Footprint the Laptop AC Travel Adapter Slips into Bags, Purses and Even Pockets with Ease While You Go Anywhere
- OUR GUARANTEE - As a Professional Notebook Power Supplier, Our Products are in Compliance with Top Industry Standards, Include Numerous Safety Mechanisms, Including Protection Against Short Circuiting, Overvoltage, Overcurrent, and Internal Overheating. That's Why We Offer an Industry-Leading Return and Exchange Policy: Within 30 Days of Purchase. Additionally, LIFETIME from The Date of Purchase, We Will Exchange Your Product Should it Become Defective
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Finding Your Best Laptop Under $500
Finding a great laptop without emptying your wallet is totally possible! This guide helps you pick the best machine for your needs when your budget is $500 or less. We focus on what truly matters so you get the most bang for your buck.
1. Key Features You Must Check
When shopping in this price range, you need to prioritize the core components. These parts determine how fast and useful the laptop will be.
Processor (CPU): The Brains
- Look for Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors. These offer solid speed for daily tasks.
- Avoid very old Celeron or Pentium chips if you plan on doing anything more than basic web browsing.
Memory (RAM): The Workspace
- 8GB of RAM is the sweet spot. This lets you run several apps at once without the computer slowing down.
- 4GB might be enough for very light use (like just one browser tab open), but 8GB offers a much better experience.
Storage: Where Files Live
- Always choose an SSD (Solid State Drive) over an old HDD (Hard Disk Drive). SSDs make the laptop start up and open programs much faster.
- Aim for at least 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage.
Screen Quality
- A 1080p (Full HD) screen resolution is best for clear viewing.
- Screen size is personal, but 13 to 15 inches are common in this budget.
2. Important Materials and Build
Laptops under $500 usually use plastic for the chassis (the body). This keeps the cost down.
- Plastic Build: This is normal. Check reviews to make sure the hinges feel sturdy. A flimsy hinge breaks easily.
- Keyboard and Trackpad: You interact with these constantly. A comfortable keyboard makes typing enjoyable. Read user reviews specifically about how the keys feel.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details greatly affect how long your laptop lasts and how happy you are with it.
What Improves Quality:
- Operating System (OS): Windows 11 or ChromeOS (Chromebooks) are standard. Modern OS versions run better on newer hardware.
- Connectivity: Look for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6. Good ports (like USB-A and USB-C) are essential for connecting accessories.
What Reduces Quality (Be Careful Of):
- Low-Resolution Screens (720p): Text looks fuzzy. This often happens on very cheap, small laptops.
- eMMC Storage: This is slower than a true SSD. If a laptop only lists eMMC, it will feel sluggish.
- Older Processors: If the CPU is several generations old, it might struggle with modern updates.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Know what you plan to use the laptop for. This helps you decide where to spend your limited budget.
Best For Schoolwork and Web Browsing (Chromebooks or Basic Windows Laptops):
If you mostly use Google Docs, watch YouTube, and check email, a Chromebook (running ChromeOS) is often the best choice. They are fast on lower-end hardware.
Best For General Home Use (Windows Laptops):
If you need to install specific programs (like older Microsoft Office versions or basic photo editors), stick to a Windows laptop with at least 8GB RAM and an SSD.
What to Avoid:
Do not buy these expecting smooth performance: heavy video editing, modern AAA gaming, or running complex engineering software. These tasks require much more power than a sub-$500 machine can provide.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Laptops Under $500
Q: Can I get a good laptop for under $500?
A: Yes, you can get a very capable laptop for everyday tasks like schoolwork, email, and streaming videos.
Q: Should I buy a Chromebook or a Windows laptop?
A: Chromebooks are simpler and often faster for web-based work. Windows laptops offer more flexibility for installing various software.
Q: Is 4GB of RAM enough today?
A: 4GB is usually not enough for a smooth experience in 2024. Aim for 8GB if possible.
Q: What is the most important component to prioritize?
A: The SSD storage. It makes the entire computer feel faster than almost any other upgrade.
Q: Will these laptops run modern games well?
A: No. They are not built for modern, graphics-heavy games. They handle very old or simple web-based games only.
Q: What size screen is typical in this price range?
A: Most models feature 14-inch or 15.6-inch screens.
Q: What does “refurbished” mean, and should I consider it?
A: Refurbished means a used or returned item that has been fixed and tested. It can offer better specs for the price, but buy from a reputable seller.
Q: How important is the processor brand (Intel vs. AMD)?
A: At this budget, both Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 processors perform similarly well for basic use.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?
A: Some laptops allow easy upgrades, but many budget models have components soldered to the motherboard, making upgrades impossible. Check reviews for upgrade details.
Q: What kind of battery life should I expect?
A: Expect around 6 to 8 hours of actual use. Battery life always varies based on how brightly you set the screen.