Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
10 Best Laptops Under 500 in 2025: Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Power
Finding the best laptops under $500 in 2025 can be a daunting task, but worry not! We’ve sifted through countless options on Amazon to bring you a curated list of the top 10 laptops that won’t break the bank. These laptops offer a balance of performance, portability, and durability, making them suitable for students, casual users, and even professionals on a budget. Whether you’re looking to check your emails, stream videos, or work on presentations, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R3YJ
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R3YJ is a powerful laptop featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. With a 15.6-inch Full HD display, it provides vibrant visuals for work or leisure, making it one of the best laptops under $500 in 2025.
- Emaks POWER SPECS : Input;:AC 100-240V, 50-60Hz;Power:65W ;Output: 19V 3.42A ;Connector:3.0 mm*1.1mm
- Compatible with Acer Aspire 3 A315 A314 A315-24P A315-24PT A315-58 A315-59 A315-23 A314-23P:A314-23P-R3QA A315-24P-R7VH A315-24PT-R4U2 A315-24PT-R90Z A315-58-33XS A315-58-350L A315-58-300D A315-58-34DA A315-59-53ER A315-59-71NF;Compatible with Acer Aspire 5 A515-44 A515-45 A515-46 A515-54 A515-54G A515-58 A515-58PT A517-52:A515-44-R41B A515-46-R3UB A515-46-R14K A515-55 A515-55G A515-55T:A515-54-59W2 A515-54-37U3 A515-54-55ZD A515-54-597W A515-54-79J5 A515-58 A515-58PT A515-58PT-50UJ A515-58-74KE A515-58-5046 A515-58m-54lg A515-58p-58ur
- Fit for:A515-45-R74Z A515-54G-73WC A515-54G-54QQ A515-54G-73WC A515-54G-70TZ A515-54G-797L A515-54G-5928 A515-54G-54QQ A515-54G-73WC A515-54G-70TZ A515-54G-70TZ A515-54G-797L A515-54G-5928 515-54-51DJ A515-54-597W A515-54-56ST A515-54-597W A515-54-56ST A515-55-588C A515-55-56VK A515-55-56UK A515-56-347N A515-56-36UT A515-56-32DK A515-55-75NC A515-54-59W2 A515-55T-53AP A517-52-59SV A514-54 A514-54-501Z;Compatible with Acer Aspire Go 15 Slim Laptop AG15 AG15-31P AG15-31P-3947 AG15-31P-3894 AG15-31P-P5TG AG15-31P-352UAG15-31P-P5TG
- Compatible with Acer Aspire 1 5 A115-32 A315 A314 A315-24P A315-24PT A315-58 A315-59 A315-23 A314-23P:A314-23P-R3QA A315-24P-R7VH A315-24PT-R4U2 A315-24PT-R90Z A315-58-33XS A315-58-350L A315-58-300D A315-58-34DA A315-59-53ER A315-59-71NF A115-32-C96U A115-32-C7ZW A115-32-C28P A115-32-C1DF A115-32-C44C A315-35 A317-53 A317-54 A317-55P A314-22 A514-55 A515-45 A517-52;Compatible with Acer Aspire Go 15 Slim Laptop AG15 AG15-31P AG15-31P-3947 Power Cord Power Supply laptop Cable
- New from Manufacturer, New replacement product, works as genuine parts; Built-in overload, over-voltage, and short circuit protection; High energy efficiency - friendly to the environment, and your laptop
Best For:
Students and casual users looking for performance.
Product Review:
The Ryzen 5 processor and SSD make multitasking seamless, so whether you’re running Microsoft Office or streaming content, you won’t face lags. The laptop also features a good battery life, lasting around 8 hours on a single charge. The build quality is decent, with a sleek aluminum top cover that makes it look more premium than it is.
Pros:
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Fast SSD storage
- Good battery life
Cons:
- The weight is slightly on the heavier side
- Limited upgrade options
2. Lenovo Ideapad 3 15.6” Laptop
The Lenovo Ideapad 3 15.6” Laptop is a versatile choice, powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 processor along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD. Its sleek design makes it portable enough for students and on-the-go professionals.
- 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】24GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】Intel Core i5-1155G7 Processor (Base at 2.40 GHz, up to 4.50 GHz at Max Turbo Speed, 4 Cores, 8 Threads)
- 【Display】15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 45%NTSC, 300 nits, 60Hz, LED Backlight, Narrow Bezel
- 【Tech Specs】1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-A 2.0, 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 X HDMI 1.4, 1 x Headphone & Microphone Audio Jack, 1 x SD Card Reader; Wi-Fi 6
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home
Best For:
Users who value portability and performance.
Product Review:
This laptop’s large 15.6-inch display offers an enjoyable viewing experience, whether you’re working on a project or watching a movie. The AMD Ryzen 3 processor handles daily tasks efficiently, and with its built-in webcam and microphone, it’s also great for video calls. Its solid build and keyboard make long typing sessions comfortable.
Pros:
- Efficient battery life
- Good quality webcam
- Comfortable keyboard
Cons:
- Limited graphics performance for gaming
- Slightly slower loading times due to SSD speed
3. HP 14 Laptop
The HP 14 Laptop boasts an Intel Core i3 processor along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD storage, making it an excellent choice for basic computing tasks.
−$65.99
- 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)
Best For:
Basic computing tasks and web browsing.
Product Review:
With its 14-inch display, the HP laptop is compact and easy to carry, perfect for students. The performance is robust enough for casual gamers and those who need to run basic software. The battery life is commendable, offering around 7 hours on a full charge, and the laptop has a modern design that appeals to younger audiences.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks
- Modern aesthetic
Cons:
- Limited storage
- Not ideal for high-end applications
4. ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 features an Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, making it a powerhouse for under $500.
- Microsoft Copilot Make complex tasks simple. Get answers, generate images, summarize texts, and more! Unleash your creativity with the power of intelligent assistance
- Stunning 15.6-inch FHD Touch Display Indulge in stunning visuals in breathtaking 1920 x 1080 resolution (16:9) and a 250-nit sustained brightness with vivid colors and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate
- Fast Intel Core i5-1334U Processor With the latest platform technologies for everyday applications, fast connectivity and performance optimization, the Intel Core i5-1334U processor enables casual gaming, creation and productivity
- Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics Powerful integrated graphics for all your everyday needs from day to night
- Multitask Effortlessly with 16GB Of Memory And 512GB Of Storage Experience lightning-fast performance and speedy multitasking, whether you're gaming, editing, or browsing. Save files quickly and store vast amounts of data. With extensive storage and advanced communication power, PCIe 3.0 SSDs perform well for everyday applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more
Best For:
Users looking for a balance of performance and price.
Product Review:
The VivoBook 15 is designed for both work and entertainment, thanks to its Full HD display that delivers sharp visuals. The Intel Core i5 processor ensures that multitasking is smooth without any hiccups, and it is surprisingly lightweight for a laptop of its performance level. The ergonomic keyboard enhances the typing experience making it excellent for long work sessions.
Pros:
- Strong performance with Intel Core i5
- Lightweight for easy transport
- Excellent display quality
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Slightly higher price than others in its category
5. Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 offers an Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, and a 1TB HDD, giving you ample storage for files, games, and applications.
- 【15.6" Full HD Touchscreen】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight. Designed with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability.
- 【11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor】Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. Your always-ready experience starts as soon as you open your device. Turn on, boot-up, and log-in quickly.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSD】16GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. A 1TB NVMe PCIe solid slate drive that leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available.
- 【Easy-to-use Technology】Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep going for longer. Comes with Express Charge capabilities that minimize the time you spend tethered to an outlet and will recharge your battery 80% in 60 minutes. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer.
- 【Windows 11 Professional】Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. Plus, you can switch out of S mode.
Best For:
Users needing large storage for files and data.
Product Review:
The 15.6-inch HD display enhances viewing experiences, and the spacious HDD allows you to store vast amounts of data without worrying about running out of space. Though the HDD results in slower boot times compared to SSDs, the price point compensates for it. The laptop is well-suited for everyday tasks and running standard applications without issues.
Pros:
- Ample storage
- Reliable brand reputation
- Good performance for daily tasks
Cons:
- Slower performance due to HDD
- Heavier compared to others in its category
6. Microsoft Surface Go 3
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a versatile 2-in-1 device featuring an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 8GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage.
- The perfect everyday laptop – Ultra-portable at under 2.5 pounds with a vibrant 12.4” touchscreen for work or play, wherever you are.
- Colors you crave – Available in Platinum, Sage, Sandstone, and Ice Blue, all in a durable, cool metal finish [3].
- Get your work done effortlessly – Stream all the latest releases, and run your favorite day-to-day apps, now with faster performance and up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage [4].
- Up to 15 hours [1] of battery life – Power through a full day of work, play, shopping, or streaming. Plus, recharge quickly with Fast Charging.
- Fingerprint Power Button – One Touch sign-in provides fast, secure login, cloud access to OneDrive Personal Vault [7] files, and more.
Best For:
Users seeking portability with a tablet-laptop hybrid.
Product Review:
The Surface Go 3 is incredibly lightweight and portable, easily fitting in a backpack. It’s ideal for those who need a compact device for light computing tasks like browsing the web or taking notes in class. The touchscreen adds a layer of convenience, especially for artists and note-takers. However, the 64GB storage can be limiting, making it best for individuals who rely on cloud storage.
Pros:
- Extremely portable
- Multitouch functionality
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity
- Less powerful processor
7. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a convertible laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, designed for web-based applications.
−$74.99
- Touch Screen Type :Capacitive.Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Work from home, school, or anywhere with the outstanding combination of performance, connectivity, and entertainment enabled by 10th generation InteI Core processors. The Lenovo Flex 5 offers intelligent performance features that adapt to you for a personalized, intuitive, and responsive experience
- This 2-in-1 laptop combines a keyboard and touchscreen to make it easy to interact with everything on your display. You can also use the Lenovo digital pen (sold separately) to quickly write, click or drag files right on the screen
- The 13.3-inch FHD display in this slim, light 360° convertible Chromebook offers beautiful visuals, while narrow bezels minimize distractions. Two user-facing stereo speakers keep you immersed in the experience
- Use your Google account to easily access files, videos, music, and documents stored on the cloud from anywhere. With up to 10 hours of battery life, you'll stay productive
Best For:
Users primarily working within a web environment.
Product Review:
The Chromebook’s 13-inch Full HD touchscreen is vibrant and responsive, making it perfect for both work and entertainment. The battery life is impressive, often lasting up to 10 hours. The Flex 5 excels in ease of use, especially for students who need Google Workspace for educational purposes. However, its eMMC storage is limited, which could hinder users looking to install multiple applications.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Comfortable keyboard
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- Performance may lag with multiple tabs open
8. HP Pavilion x360
The HP Pavilion x360 is a 2-in-1 laptop powered by an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD storage.
−$61.25
- Operating system: 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.
- Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), multitouch-enabled, IPS, edge-to-edge glass, microedge Crystal-clear visuals with 178-degree wide-viewing angles.
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U 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.
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (2 X 4 GB) Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
- Internal storage: 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive
Best For:
Users wanting a flexible and convertible laptop experience.
Product Review:
As a convertible laptop, the Pavilion x360 can switch between laptop and tablet modes easily, making it versatile for various tasks like drawing or watching media. The 14-inch touchscreen is bright and clear, while the decent battery life makes it suitable for on-the-go usage. While it may not have the fastest performance, it is suitable for daily tasks.
Pros:
- Convertible design for various uses
- Good display quality
- Sturdy construction
Cons:
- Average performance for heavy multitasking
- Limited storage for applications
9. Samsung Chromebook 4
The Samsung Chromebook 4 offers an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, targeting basic computing needs.
- Get more done with this Samsung Chromebook and its Intel Celeron 1.10 GHz processor, 11.6" display, 4GB Ram and 32GB storage.
- Access a rich library of apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines, and more using the preinstalled Google Play store.
- This Samsung Chromebook's Chrome OS allows this unit to power up in seconds allowing you to get to work faster than ever.
Best For:
Users looking for a simple, budget-friendly web-focused device.
Product Review:
This Chromebook is a budget-friendly option with a solid build and design. Its 11.6-inch display produces decent visuals, and it is lightweight and easily portable. With up to 12 hours of battery life, the Chromebook 4 is ideal for students and casual users who primarily work online. However, its limited storage could be a significant drawback for users needing to save large files.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable price range
Cons:
- Limited performance for demanding applications
- Restricted storage capacity
10. Dell Latitude 3410
The Dell Latitude 3410 features an Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD, providing satisfactory performance for everyday use.
- Dell latitude 3410 business laptop, without touch screen, this product has been upgraded to meet configurations using advanced components in ads.
- The dell latitude 3410 touchless laptop is equipped with Intel Core i5 generation i5 - 10210u (1.6 GHz - 4.2 ghz), 4 cores and 8 threads. High-performance CPU makes computer use more smooth.
- The revamped dell latitude 3410 laptop memory has been upgraded to 16 GB, allowing for improved high bandwidth and easy switching between open applications; the hard drive has been upgraded to 512 GB SSD for fast boot-up and fast data transmission.
- dell latitude 3410 laptop with Windows 11 64-bit operating system - multilingual support in English/Spanish/French.
- [Refurbishment] - Refurbished products have undergone professional inspection, testing, and cleaning. The accessories may not be original, but they are compatible and fully functional. The product may be delivered in a regular box.
Best For:
Professionals seeking a solid business laptop on a budget.
Product Review:
The Dell Latitude 3410 has a business-class design and excellent build quality, making it durable for everyday use. The decent performance from the Intel i3 processor allows users to run standard applications smoothly. The 15.6-inch display ensures ample workspace, while the good battery life enhances its practicality for professionals.
Pros:
- Solid build quality
- Good performance for business tasks
- Professional appearance
Cons:
- Limited RAM for heavy multitasking
- Heavier compared to ultrabooks
With 2025 offering various options, these best laptops under $500 cater to different user needs, from students to professionals. Whatever your requirements, you’ll find something suitable in this list.
Buying Guide: Laptops Under $500
Finding a reliable laptop under $500 can be challenging, especially with a wide range of options available. Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Determine Your Needs
- Usage: Define how you plan to use the laptop (e.g., browsing, streaming, office work, or light gaming). This will impact your choices in specifications.
- Portability: If you travel frequently, look for lightweight models with good battery life.
2. Key Specifications
-
Processor (CPU):
- Aim for at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3. These processors are suitable for general tasks.
- For basic tasks, even a Pentium or Celeron can suffice, but performance will be limited.
-
Memory (RAM):
- At least 4GB of RAM is recommended. For better multitasking, consider 8GB if you can find it within your budget.
-
Storage:
- HDD vs. SSD: SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster and more reliable than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). Look for a laptop with at least a 128GB SSD for better performance.
- HDDs may offer more storage for the price, but they are slower. Consider your storage needs versus performance.
-
Display:
- Look for at least a 15.6-inch display for comfortable viewing. Check for Full HD (1920×1080) resolution if possible for better clarity.
3. Operating System
- Windows vs. Chrome OS:
- Windows: Offers flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of software. Look for Windows 10 or 11.
- Chrome OS: Good for web-based tasks and less resource-heavy. Chromebooks are typically more affordable.
4. Build Quality and Design
- Durability: Check reviews for build quality, especially if you will transport the laptop frequently.
- Keyboard and Touchpad: Ensure the keyboard is comfortable and the touchpad is responsive.
5. Battery Life
- Look for laptops that offer at least 6-8 hours of battery life, especially if you’ll be using your laptop on the go.
6. Connectivity Options
- Ports: Ensure it has enough USB ports (preferably USB-A and USB-C), HDMI for external displays, and headphone jacks.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Look for the latest Wi-Fi standards (ideally Wi-Fi 5 or 6) and Bluetooth support for connectivity.
7. Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Research: Look at user reviews on multiple platforms to see real-life performance and reliability.
- Comparisons: Use comparison sites to evaluate different models within your budget.
8. Warranty and Support
- Check the warranty period and what it covers. A longer warranty can provide peace of mind.
- Consider brands known for good customer service and support.
9. Where to Buy
- Retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Newegg often have deals on budget laptops.
- Refurbished Options: Consider certified refurbished models from reputable sellers for savings on higher-end laptops.
10. Examples of Good Laptops Under $500
-
HP Pavilion x360:
- Processor: Intel Pentium
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Great for everyday tasks and has a convertible design.
-
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5:
- Processor: Intel Core i3
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Lightweight and portable, excellent for web browsing.
-
Acer Aspire 5:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Solid performance for multimedia and everyday use.
Conclusion
Choosing a laptop under $500 requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences. By prioritizing specifications that fit your usage, checking customer reviews, and comparing options, you can find a laptop that meets your requirements without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!
