Best Laptops Under 500 – Laptops & Computer Equipment for 2018

Laptops are some of the best pieces of technology in the modern world. However, they also can get a bit pricey. While that was understandable years ago when a good computer was hard to find, it is much less excusable in today’s technological world.

The market is filled with laptops, and there are more than a few great budget options out there. In the following pages, we will break down some of the most impressive devices to help you find the best laptop under 500 dollars.

51840ttcfl-_sl160_-2659585 Acer Flagship CB3-532 15.6inch HD Premium Chromebook – Intel Dual-Core…

  • This Certified Refurbished product is certified factory refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day .
  • Zero Air Gap allows you to enjoy enhanced screen clarity even in sunlight, so you can enjoy content anywhere you go.
  • Blazing fast Intel Celeron N3060 Dual-Core 1. 60 GHz Processor

It is easy to try to find a cheaper computer that does not have premium features, but there are ones out there that truly allow you to have your cake and eat it too.

An example of that is the Chromebook Celeron N3060. This model comes at an extremely reasonable price and is chock full of everything you want in a portable computer.

Numerous Impressive Attributes

Though it is refurbished (which some people shy away from) the model is a best laptop under 500 because of its impressive specs. It comes with an Intel Celeron N3060 dual-core processor complete with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of flash storage.

In addition, it also has great speakers that enhance its sound. This is a great bump for those who spend a lot of time watching YouTube or streaming their favorite shows.

As a result, this Chromebook will handle all of your surfing and processing needs. If you ever do want a bit more storage, you can always add in a flash drive.

Fast, Slick, and Responsive

This model also comes with a bright, luxurious 15.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 display. That is the largest of any Chromebook, giving you a great image. It is anti-glare as well, shutting down annoying bounces of light.

The computer starts up in seven seconds (another show of its great core power) and is equipped with blinding fast wireless connectivity.

However, the list doesn’t stop there. There is an advanced webcam for online chats and a large touchpad for advanced responsiveness.

Dell Inspiron 5000 15.6″ Convertible 2-in-1 FHD Touchscreen Laptop,…

  • 15.6 inch FHD 1920 x 1080 touch screen LED back light Display with impressive color and clarity, Intel HD Graphics
  • 7th Gen Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz Dual core Ultra low voltage processor (3.1GHz with Turbo Boost) 4M Cache, 8GB DDR4 memory (2133 megahertz), 1TB HDD; No Optical Drive
  • 2 in 1 Convertible, 360 Degree Rotation Design, Flip from laptop to tablet, Next Gen Intel Wireless AC, Bluetooth 4.0, Built in stereo speakers with Max Audio Pro, Built in media card reader

Dell is one of the biggest computer companies on Earth, and they get that title because of their great, inexpensive machines.

The 15 5000 sits right under the $500 mark, but that price tag is more than worth it.

This machine has an Intel Core i3-6100U, an up to 2.3 GHz Processor, 8 GB DDR4 (8 GB maximum) and 500 GB SSD storage. That list allows you to use the computer in any way you see fit.

This laptop, which is part of Dell’s 2-in-1 series, comes at a moderate price considering how much it packs into it. It is available with many different Intel chips (allowing you to upgrade as you see fit) and has a gorgeous display.

The HD screen measures 15.6 inches across and is LED lit. It is also touch-responsive with Intel Real Sense, allowing you to get the most out of it regardless of what you do. You can either type on the comfortable keyboard, or you can use it like a tablet.

This Inspiron is a great laptop for people willing to spend a bit more than the other options on this rundown of contenders for the best laptop under 500 dollars. It not only has a long list of fantastic essentials, it also gives you many premium features added in.

For instance, the optional IR face detection camera for Windows Hello logins is a nice touch, as is the Windows 10 MSSI Operating System.

Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook 11.6-Inch HD IPS Touch Panel (1366×768) MTK…

  • A FLEXIBLE 2-IN-1: With a 360 (degree sign) hinge, the work to play possibilities are endless.
  • ENTERTAINMENT – Browse sites, swipe through programs and play on apps using the 11.6″ display, optimized for a 10 finger multi-touch interactive experience
  • PRODUCTIVITY If performance and productivity are the keys to success, the new Flex 11 delivers on both with up to 10 hours of battery life

Laptops, even cheap ones, are a solid investment you expect to get years out of. Spending hundreds of dollars on something just to have it break or falter within a year or two is a huge waste.

The Lenovo Flex 11 takes that idea and brings it to another level. This laptop is not just hardy, it is almost impossible to break.

Both the trackpad and keyboard resist spills, while the 5 mm rubber ring around the machine prevents any drops, bumps, or scrapes it might incur. Though it is not as portable as other models on this list, it is hard to find a better investment.

Features for Every Occasion

It is easy to see the Flex 11’s large design and hardy exterior and think the durability is the only draw. However, as a contender for the best laptop under 500 dollars, it has a multitude of handy features.

This has 10 hours of battery life, app accessibility, built-in security features, an 11.6-inch display, as well as a webcam and 10-finger multi-touch interactive experience.

Most impressive is its fantastic 2-in-1 design. The model has a 360-degree hinge that enables you to switch modes as much as you like. You can easily go from working on a project to streaming to back to work.

This feature also means you can always relax in the way you want. Watch on a surface or fold it up and lay back in bed. More options are always good to have.

Lenovo HM-80XR00AHUS-V1 15.6″ All-in-One Desktop

  • 15.6″ 1366 x 768 LED Backlight, HD Anti-Glare Display, Intel HD Graphics 500
  • Intel Celeron N3350 Dual-Core processor, 1.10GHz (with Max Turbo Speed of 2.40GHz), 4GB DDR3L SDRAM system memory (expandable to 8GB), 1TB HDD
  • 1 x DC-in port, 1 x Ethernet port, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x headphone/microphone jack, 1 x USB 2.0 port, 1 x USB 3.0 port, 10/100Base-T Fast Ethernet

Another great Lenovo for less than $500, the Ideapad 320 has one of the best feature-to-cost ratios around.

This computer comes fully powered with an Intel Celeron N3350 dual-core processor, 4GB RAM, and a 1TB hard drive. Not only that, but you get a DVD drive, 4-in-1 memory card reader with easy file transfer, a USB 3.0 port, and a Bluetooth 4.1 as well.

It is rare to find that much packed into a cheaper laptop, but this truly goes above and beyond to have it all.

Lenovo makes quality products, and this is no exception. The great specs make sure you’ll always have fast streaming, and that is further backed by the 802.11ac wireless internet.

Your favorite shows will also look good on the 15-inch anti-glare screen that appears great from every angle. That allows you to get the most out of your relaxation time.

The Intel processing power mixes with the lightning-fast responsiveness to give you a machine you can use for all different needs. If you want to relax, you can. If you want to get some work done or need to write a document, this is perfect towards that end as well.

There are seemingly endless features with the Ideapad 320. For the price, it is rare to get something this strong.

410zhat-xhl-_sl160_-4428968 Samsung Chromebook Plus Convertible Touch Laptop (XE513C24-K01US)

  • Speed (GHz):2Ghz.
  • Flexible 360° profile. Enables you to use upright as a computer to reply to emails or finish a paper and recline for a tablet view ideal for surfing and viewing
  • This Device comes with the pen out of the box. Power to personalize your communications by writing directly on screen. Take notes, make a sketch, capture part of the screen, etc

Samsung is another large electronic brand known for their cheap-but-effective laptops. They make many high-end expensive models, but their cheaper options are typically incredible as well.

One example of that is the Chromebook Plus. Like the other Chromebooks above, this device has plenty of features that you would expect when using a strong laptop. However, it goes far beyond that to give you powerful processing power that you’ll be able to take advantage of time and time again.

Laptop and Tablet in One

This budget laptop, like the Lenovo Flex 11, is a hybrid that can be used as both a tablet and computer. That in itself always comes in handy, but when you add in its incredible specs and portability, the Chromebook Plus is easily in the running for the best laptop under 500.

This can be used in just about any way you can imagine, as evidenced by the flexible 360-degree profile. The 12.3-inch LED screen looks great, and it is crafted from Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability.

There is also a seamless performance that enables you to take advantage of the different features without having to jump through hoops.

Portability is another bonus of this model. The computer, while powerful and strong, is sleek and well designed. It measures 8.72 x 11.04 x .55 inches and only weighs 2.4 pounds. This is great for students or people constantly on the go.

Beyond that, this has 4GB of DDR3 RAM and 32GB of flash memory storage. That helps the machine run smoothly and enables you to play or use all of your favorite apps without worrying about annoying lag.

Combine all of those features with a fantastic offline mode, handy stylus, and full Chrome compatibility, and you have one of the most solid budget laptops on the market.

The Acer Aspire is another great laptop that you can get for under $500. This item does everything you need a laptop to do, and it does so seamlessly.

The 7th generation Intel Core i5 3.1GHz processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD drive are all great when it comes to streaming, installing programs or surfing the web.

What sets this budget laptop from others on this list is that it is a great choice for people who use a lot of external programs in their daily life.

The Acer Aspire’s interior has enough to power to handle larger applications like Photoshop or video editing programs.

In addition, this also has a NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics card with 2GB of independent memory that furthers the strength. That extra power if crucial if you use this for work, but it also comes in handy if you want to install or play games.

Extra Storage and Stunning Display

Another reason this works so well for programs like Photoshop is the stunning 15.6-inch full HD 1920 x 1080-pixel matte display. Not only does that give you a lot of space to work with, it also reduces glare and keeps you working without distractions.

Video editing is furthered by the TrueHarmony speakers that provide you with a rich audio experience that limit any distortion and give you enough volume to fill up a room.

You can even plug in an external mouse if you want, thanks to the USB 3.1 Type C port and two USB 3.0 ports. There is a sharp webcam and DVD player as well.

31inmprxcfl-_sl160_-4039158 ASUS Chromebook C202 Laptop- 11.6″ Ruggedized and Spill Resistant…

  • Ready for drops and spills with rugged construction with reinforced rubber guards, easy grip handles, and a spill resistant keyboard
  • Lightweight 2.65 pound body and rugged construction that can be dropped from 3.9 feet so you can take it anywhere without disruption
  • 11.6 inches HD 1366×768 anti-glare display, with 180 degree hinge for easy viewing

We finish our discussion with yet another Chromebook. This model, which comes from ASUS, does a great job of blending durability, upgrades, and processing power into one sleek machine.

Though not as powerful as some of the above options, there are many reasons to choose the ASUS Chromebook over more expensive models.

Tough, Modular and Dependable

This laptop has many bonuses, and one of the best is its inherent durability. As with the Flex 11, this device is made to resist any accidental drops or bumps. It is extremely rugged in a way many more fragile models are not.

It comes with 3 millimeters of strong rubber around the edges and a special spill-resistant keyboard.

In addition, should something get by those safety measures, the laptop has a modular design that makes it extremely simple to swap different parts in and out of the machine. Anyone can fix it in a pinch.

That tough outer shell is not just for show. It protects an Intel Celeron N3060 Processor with 2M Cache, up to 2.48 GHz, and 16GB of flash storage.

There is also an 11.6-inch1,366 x 768 anti-glare display that can tilt back 180 degrees to allow you to view it in multiple angles.

In that way, you get a strong laptop that can perform in various ways. The ASUS Chromebook is the complete package, and it.

  • ​15.6″ Anti-Glare HD WLED Backlight Display 1366x 768 with Acer ComfyView Technology; HD Webcam
  • ​Intel Celeron Dual Core N3060 1.6GHz boost up to 2.48GHz; 2GB DDR3 RAM, 16GB Flash SSD
  • ​15.6″ FHD 1920 x 1080 touch screen LED backlight Display with impressive color and clarity, Intel HD Graphics
  • ​7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U 2.5GHz Dual-core Ultra-low-voltage processor (3.1GHz with Turbo Boost) 4M Cache, 8GB DDR4 memory (2133 megahertz), 1TB HDD; No Optical Drive
  • ​2-in-1 Convertible, 360 Degree Rotation Design, Flip from laptop to tablet, Next-Gen Intel Wireless-AC, Bluetooth 4.0, Built-in stereo speakers with MaxxAudio Pro, Built-in media card reader
  • ​A FLEXIBLE 2-IN-1: With a 360 (degree sign) hinge, the work to play possibilities are endless. Seamlessly shift from streaming shows in watch mode to sharing photos in tent mode, or presenting in laptop mode to browsing in tablet mode
  • ​ENTERTAINMENT – Browse sites, swipe through programs and play on apps using the 11.6″ display, optimized for a 10 finger multi-touch interactive experience
  • ​15.6″ 1366 x 768 LED Backlight, HD Anti-Glare Display, Intel HD Graphics 500
  • ​Intel Celeron N3350 Dual-Core processor, 1.10GHz (with Max Turbo Speed of 2.40GHz), 4GB DDR3L SDRAM system memory (expandable to 8GB), 1TB HDD
  • ​1 x DC-in port, 1 x Ethernet port, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x headphone/microphone jack, 1 x USB 2.0 port, 1 x USB 3.0 port, 10/100Base-T Fast Ethernet
  • ​Flexible 360° profile. Enables you to use upright as a computer to reply to emails or finish a paper and recline for a tablet view ideal for surfing and viewing
  • ​This Device comes with the pen out of the box. Power to personalize your communications by writing directly on screen. Take notes, make a sketch, capture part of the screen, etc
  • ​All the apps you love on your phone are now available on your computer. Over a million apps are waiting for you. Find your favorites or explore what’s new
  • ​8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor (Up to 3.4GHz)
  • ​15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-lit IPS Display
  • ​8GB Dual Channel Memory & 256GB SSD
31inmprxcfl-_sl160_-4039158
  • ​Ready for drops and spills with rugged construction with reinforced rubber guards, easy grip handles, and a spill resistant keyboard
  • ​Lightweight 2.65 pound body and rugged construction that can be dropped from 3.9 feet* so you can take it anywhere without disruption
  • ​11.6 inches HD 1366×768 Anti-Glare Display, with 180 degree hinge for easy viewing

Great Quality at Low Cost

Finding the best laptop under 500 is not easy. However, rather than spending time sieving through the endless seas of options and brands, you can look at the above seven models. Every choice on this list presents an impressive set of specs and features with little cost.

While it can be easy to shy away from cheaper laptops, you can save money and get a great product as long as you know what to look for.

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