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10 Best Laptops Under 500 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable laptop under $500, ideal for students or casual users who need reliable performance for everyday tasks. With its AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, it handles basic activities like web browsing, document editing, and even light media consumption with ease. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display provides vibrant colors and sharp images, enhancing the viewing experience for work or entertainment.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,366
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
4495 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Surprisingly fast performance for its price, suitable for coding and assignments.
Display
The screen brightness and quality are impressive, providing a vibrant viewing experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting through extended use without frequent charging.
Build Quality and Portability
Sleek design and lightweight build make it convenient to carry around.
#2
9.4 score

Lenovo V15 Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-core Processor (Beat Intel i7-1065G7), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, HDMI, RJ45, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Pro, Black

The Lenovo V15 Laptop stands out in the budget laptop category, especially considering its impressive specs for a price under $500. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor is powerful, boasting six cores that can handle multitasking and more demanding applications effectively, outperforming some Intel i7 processors. With 16GB of RAM, it easily manages multiple programs and browser tabs, making it suitable for students or professionals who need to juggle tasks. The 512GB SSD provides ample storage and ensures quick boot-up and data access, which is a big plus for everyday use.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
720 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Boot time is blazingly fast, making it one of the best in its class for raw power and storage.
RAM
For a budget laptop that's quick with lots of RAM and storage, this is a good business machine.
Storage
For a budget laptop that's quick with lots of RAM and storage, this is a good business machine.
Display
The display is not the best, but it's good for most people and ideal for general use.
Battery Life
It charges up quickly and has decent battery life, though it may not be exceptional for heavy use.
Build Quality and Portability
Nice size and comfortable for around eight hours per workday.
#3
9.1 score

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop, Intel Dual Core Processor, 20GB RAM, 1TB SSD + 128GB eMMC, 15.6" FHD Display, 1 Year Office 365, Windows 11 Home, Wi-Fi 6, Webcam, Bluetooth, SD Card Reader, Grey

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a solid choice for students or casual users looking for an affordable laptop under $500. Equipped with an Intel Dual Core Celeron N4500 processor and a generous 20GB of RAM, this laptop can handle multiple applications and browser tabs efficiently. Its storage capacity is quite impressive, featuring a 1TB SSD complemented by 128GB eMMC, ensuring fast boot-up times and ample space for files and software.

Rating
9.1
RAM
Storage
Display

Most important from
1285 reviews

RAM
Huge amounts of RAM and disk space make it efficient for Windows applications.
Storage
Huge amounts of RAM and disk space make it efficient for Windows applications.
Display
The 15.6-inch screen size feels just right, especially coming from larger monitors.

Top 10 Best Laptops Under 500 2025 in the United States

hp Newest 15.6" Anti-Glare HD Laptop, Intel Quad-core Processor, 16GB RAM, 128GB SSD+ 128GB JVQ USB Storage, Office 365 1-Year, Up to 11 hrs Long Battery, Win11 S, Scarlet Red

Processor (CPU): Intel Quad-core (Pentium N200)
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 128GB SSD + 128GB USB
Display: 15.6-inch, 1280x720, 250 nits
Battery Life: up to 11 hours
Build Quality and Portability: 3.74 pounds, scarlet-red color
Operating System: Windows 11 Home in S mode
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Buying Guide for the Best Laptops Under 500

Choosing a laptop under $500 can be a bit challenging, but with the right approach, you can find a device that meets your needs without breaking the bank. The key is to focus on the specifications that matter most for your intended use. Whether you need a laptop for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing, or something a bit more powerful for light gaming or multimedia, understanding the key specs will help you make an informed decision.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop, determining how fast and efficiently it can perform tasks. In the budget range, you'll typically find Intel Core i3, Intel Pentium, or AMD Ryzen 3 processors. For basic tasks like web browsing, streaming, and word processing, an Intel Pentium or AMD Ryzen 3 will suffice. If you plan to do more multitasking or light gaming, an Intel Core i3 would be a better choice.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects how many applications you can run simultaneously and how smoothly they operate. For a budget laptop, 4GB of RAM is the minimum you should consider, which is adequate for basic tasks. However, 8GB of RAM is preferable if you plan to multitask frequently or use more demanding applications, as it will provide a smoother experience.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop, including the operating system, applications, and personal files. In this price range, you'll find laptops with either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) storage. An SSD is faster and more reliable than an HDD, so if you can find a laptop with at least 128GB SSD, it will significantly improve your overall experience. If you need more storage space and can only find HDD options, aim for at least 500GB.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. Most budget laptops come with a 1366x768 resolution, which is sufficient for basic tasks. However, if you plan to watch a lot of videos or do some photo editing, look for a laptop with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution for a clearer and more detailed picture. Screen size is also a factor; 14-inch screens offer a good balance between portability and usability, while 15.6-inch screens provide a larger viewing area.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial if you plan to use 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, aim for one with at least 6 hours of battery life. Keep in mind that actual battery life can vary based on usage and settings.
Build Quality and PortabilityBuild quality affects the durability and feel of your laptop. While budget laptops may not have premium materials, look for one with a sturdy build and good reviews on durability. Portability is also important if you need to carry your laptop frequently. Laptops under 4 pounds are easier to carry around, and a slim design can make a big difference in convenience.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) determines the software environment of your laptop. Most budget laptops come with Windows 10 or Chrome OS. Windows 10 is versatile and supports a wide range of applications, making it suitable for most users. Chrome OS is lighter and faster, ideal for web-based tasks and users who primarily use Google services. Choose the OS that best fits your workflow and software needs.

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