In 2025, the market for best budget laptops under $500 is more competitive than ever. Whether you’re a student, remote worker, or casual user, you don’t have to break the bank to get solid performance. Below, we’ve rounded up the top affordable laptops that offer great value for your money.
Looking for affordable smartphones too? Check out our 2025 guide to budget smartphones under $300.
Who Should Buy a Laptop Under $500?
Budget laptops are perfect for:
Students who need a device for notes, assignments, and Zoom classes
Remote workers managing emails, spreadsheets, or content
Casual users browsing the web, watching videos, and shopping online
They’re also a smart choice for travelers or as a reliable second laptop for families. If you’re in the market for the best budget laptops under $500, this guide is built for you.
Top Budget Laptops Under $500 in 2025
Let’s explore the best budget laptops under $500 that offer the best mix of value and features:
Acer Aspire 3 (2025 Model)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Display: 15.6″ Full HD
Why Choose It: Great for multitasking and everyday work. Sleek design and solid battery life.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Gen 8
CPU: Intel N200
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Battery: 8+ hours
Display: 14″ Full HD
Why Choose It: Lightweight, spacious SSD, perfect for students and office tasks. One of the best budget laptops under $500 with a reliable SSD.
HP Chromebook x360 14a
CPU: Intel Celeron N4120
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Battery: Up to 12 hours
Display: 14″ Touchscreen
Why Choose It: 2-in-1 touchscreen, smooth ChromeOS experience, ideal for web and document use.
ASUS Vivobook Go 15
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Battery: 9 hours
Display: 15.6″ FHD
Why Choose It: Budget laptop with stylish design and reliable performance.
Comparison Table: Budget Laptops Under $500
| Model | CPU | RAM | Storage | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Aspire 3 | Ryzen 5 7520U | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 10 hrs |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 1 | Intel N200 | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 8 hrs |
| HP Chromebook x360 | Celeron N4120 | 4GB | 64GB eMMC | 12 hrs |
| ASUS Vivobook Go 15 | Ryzen 3 7320U | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 9 hrs |
What to Expect from a Laptop Under $500
When you’re shopping for the best budget laptops under $500, here’s what you should expect:
Smooth performance for everyday use
SSD storage improves boot time and file access
Plastic builds, but decent quality
Mostly 14-15.6 inch Full HD displays
Suitable for students, work-from-home, and entertainment
Buying Guide: What to Expect From a Laptop Under $500
When shopping for affordable laptops, here’s what you can reasonably expect:
Performance: Ideal for web browsing, office work, and video streaming
Build Quality: Plastic builds are common, but many are surprisingly sturdy
Display: Mostly Full HD, 14–15.6 inches
Storage: SSDs are now common, improving speed
OS: Windows 11 Home or ChromeOS
Best For: Students, home users, casual office tasks
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight and portable options
Cons
- Not built for high-end gaming
- Limited upgrade potential
- Lower speaker quality in some models
FAQs – Best Budget Laptops Under $500
According to reviews on TechRadar, the Acer Aspire 3 is one of the best budget options available.
Yes, especially those with SSDs and at least 8GB RAM. Ideal for studying and browsing.
Casual gaming is possible, but not recommended for heavy games.
Acer, Lenovo, ASUS, and HP offer consistent quality and support.
With proper care, most budget laptops last 3–5 years.
Conclusion
The best budget laptops under $500 in 2025 combine affordability with impressive functionality. Whether you’re a student or just need a solid device for home or work, these options won’t disappoint.
Not sure which laptop to choose? Bookmark this guide and revisit once you’re ready. Or better yet, subscribe to updates from budgetbearguide.com — we regularly share the best deals on laptops, smartphones, and tech accessories!
Ready to buy smart? Explore more best budget laptops under $500 and tech guides at BudgetGearGuide.com!