10 Best Laptops Under 400 Dollars 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
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)
The HP 14 Laptop with Intel Celeron N4020 is a solid choice if you need a lightweight and portable computer for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and document work. Its 14-inch HD display has very thin edges, giving you more screen space in a compact size, though the resolution (1366 x 768) means visuals won’t be as sharp or detailed as more expensive models. The dual-core Celeron processor and 4 GB of RAM are enough for everyday activities but might struggle with demanding apps or multitasking. Storage is limited to 64 GB eMMC, which is quite small and may require you to use cloud storage or an external drive for files and programs.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,411
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage
Most important from
5458 reviews
#2
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
The Dell 15 DC15250 offers a solid package for those seeking a dependable laptop under $400. Its Intel Core i3 processor is entry-level but sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos. With 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a speedy 512GB SSD, it handles multitasking fairly well and provides plenty of space for files and apps.
Rating
10.0
Storage
Display
Battery Life
Most important from
486 reviews
#3
HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Intel Core Processor up to 4.1GHz, Up to 11 Hours Long Battery Life, Type-C, HDMI, Windows 11 Home, Silver
The HP Pavilion 15.6" laptop offers impressive features rarely seen in the under $400 category. It comes with a solid Intel Core i3 processor that can reach speeds up to 4.1 GHz, which is suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light multitasking. The 16GB of RAM is a strong point, allowing comfortable running of multiple apps and browser tabs without slowdown. Storage is generous with a fast 1TB solid-state drive that provides plenty of space for files and quicker boot times compared to traditional hard drives.
Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Display
Most important from
1702 reviews
Top 10 Best Laptops Under 400 Dollars 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
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)
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)
Processor (CPU): 2.8 GHz Celeron N4020
RAM: 4 GB DDR4
Storage: 64 GB eMMC
Display: 14 inch, 1366x768 pixels
Battery Life: 10 hours
Ports and Connectivity: 3 USB 3.0, 3 USB 2.0, WiFi, BT
Operating System: Windows 11 S
Chosen by 1411 this week
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
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
Processor (CPU): Intel Core i3, 900 MHz
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD, 120Hz, Anti Glare
Battery Life: Energy-efficient, Express Charge
Build Quality: Sturdy, carbon black, ergonomic hinge
Ports and Connectivity: 2 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 6
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Intel Core Processor up to 4.1GHz, Up to 11 Hours Long Battery Life, Type-C, HDMI, Windows 11 Home, Silver
HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Intel Core Processor up to 4.1GHz, Up to 11 Hours Long Battery Life, Type-C, HDMI, Windows 11 Home, Silver
Processor (CPU): 4.1 GHz core_i3_family
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Display: 15.6 inch, 1366x768, Touchscreen
Battery Life: 10 Hours
Ports and Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Bluetooth
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
HP 15.6 inch Laptop, HD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Natural Silver, 15-fc0499nr
HP 15.6 inch Laptop, HD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Natural Silver, 15-fc0499nr
Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 4.3 GHz max
RAM: 8 GB LPDDR5-5500 MT/s onboard
Storage: 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Display: 15.6" HD touch, anti-glare, 250 nits
Battery Life: 10.45 Hours
Build Quality: Matte paint, textured base, mostly plastic
Ports and Connectivity: 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, HDMI, Wi-Fi, BT
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
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ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Shield, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AB34
ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Shield, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AB34
Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 3 7320U quad-core 4.1GHz
RAM: 8 GB DDR5 LPDDR5
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Display: 15.6 inch Full HD 1920x1080
Battery Life: 11 Hours
Build Quality: Military-grade durability passed
Ports and Connectivity: 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0, WiFi 5
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
HP 15.6 inch Laptop, HD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home in S Mode, Natural Silver, 15- fc0099nr
HP 15.6 inch Laptop, HD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home in S Mode, Natural Silver, 15- fc0099nr
Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 4.1 GHz max
RAM: 8 GB LPDDR5-5500 MT/s onboard
Storage: 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Display: 15.6" HD touch, anti-glare, 250 nits
Battery Life: 12 Hours
Build Quality: Matte paint, textured base, silver finish
Ports and Connectivity: USB-C, 2 USB-A, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6
Operating System: Windows 11 Home S Mode
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel Celeron N4500, 8GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 1920x1080 px, 720p Camera, Chrome OS, Abyss Blue
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel Celeron N4500, 8GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 1920x1080 px, 720p Camera, Chrome OS, Abyss Blue
Processor (CPU): Intel Celeron N4500
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 64 GB eMMC
Display: 15.6” FHD, 1920x1080 pixels
Battery Life: 10 Hours
Build Quality: Robust, sleek Abyss Blue finish
Ports and Connectivity: Multiple USB, Wi-Fi 802.11ac
Operating System: Chrome OS
#10
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Buying Guide for the Best Laptops Under 400 Dollars
Choosing a laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you're working within a budget. It's important to understand the key specifications that will impact your experience and ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some essential specs to consider when selecting a laptop under $400.Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop, responsible for executing tasks and running programs. In budget laptops, you'll typically find Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3, or similar processors. These are suitable for everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and using office applications. If you need a laptop for more demanding tasks like photo editing or light gaming, look for a slightly higher-end processor within your budget.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. For budget laptops, 4GB to 8GB of RAM is common. 4GB is sufficient for basic tasks, but if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously or use more memory-intensive programs, aim for 8GB. More RAM allows for better performance and a smoother user experience.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop. Budget laptops often come with either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) storage. SSDs are faster and more reliable but may offer less storage capacity compared to HDDs. For general use, a 128GB or 256GB SSD is a good choice as it provides quick access to files and faster boot times. If you need more storage for files like photos and videos, consider a laptop with a larger HDD or an external storage solution.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. Budget laptops usually have screens ranging from 11 to 15 inches with resolutions like HD (1366x768) or Full HD (1920x1080). A Full HD display offers better clarity and is preferable if you plan to watch videos or work with detailed content. Consider the screen size based on your portability needs; smaller screens are more portable, while larger screens provide a better viewing experience.
Battery LifeBattery life is important for using your laptop on the go. Budget laptops typically offer between 4 to 8 hours of battery life. If you need a laptop for travel or long periods away from a power source, look for models with longer battery life. Keep in mind that battery performance can vary based on usage, so consider your typical use case when evaluating this spec.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the durability and feel of the laptop. Budget laptops may use plastic materials, which can be less durable than metal. Consider how often you'll be transporting your laptop and choose one that feels sturdy and well-built. A solid build can withstand daily wear and tear better, ensuring your laptop lasts longer.
Ports and ConnectivityPorts and connectivity options determine how you can connect peripherals and other devices to your laptop. Common ports include USB, HDMI, and audio jacks. Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports for your needs and consider additional features like an SD card reader or Ethernet port if necessary. Good connectivity options enhance the versatility of your laptop.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that manages your laptop's hardware and software. Common options include Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux. Windows is versatile and supports a wide range of applications, making it suitable for most users. Chrome OS is lightweight and ideal for web-based tasks, while Linux offers customization for tech-savvy users. Choose an OS that aligns with your familiarity and the tasks you plan to perform.