Need a new laptop, but you haven’t got much to spend? Shopping for a low-cost model is all about making careful, eyes-open compromises. At PCMag, we’ve been reviewing laptops in depth for more than four decades, so we know how pricey they can be and what the trade-offs are. Our reviews routinely tap laptops that sell for less than $500, and we’ve scoped out the best-value options. We test all laptops with rigorous, repeatable benchmark trials and evaluate them on the basis of performance, display quality, connectivity, and overall build. Chromebooks tend to dominate at this price tier, but our current Windows favorite under $500 is the Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P), which won us over with its AMD Ryzen-powered performance, long battery life, and low price, which sometimes dips below $300. That’s not the only model we recommend, though: Check out our other top tested picks, plus a detailed buying guide and spec comparison.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
March 2, 2026: With this update, we added the Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2) as our latest Best Desktop-Replacement Windows Laptop Under $500, replacing the Dell Inspiron 15 (3535). We also added the Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 as our new Best Extreme Budget Chromebook. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated more than a dozen new laptops for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other laptop roundups. We’re currently testing laptops in PC Labs from Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, and others for possible inclusion in this and our other laptop roundups.
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Smooth everyday operation
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Extensive battery life
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Current Wi-Fi connectivity
- Competitive starting price
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Limited performance headroom
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Dated, somewhat flimsy design
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Lackluster display
- Top configuration is outclassed
For now, the best cheap Windows laptop we’ve found is the Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P). It’s not only the best bargain laptop overall, but it delivers decent performance, thanks to AMD processing and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. What’s more, it’s got the best battery life among laptops under $500, lasting nearly 17 hours in our tests. Simple, effective, and long-lasting—it doesn’t get much better than that.
Budget-conscious professionals: The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) is a suitable choice for those who need a dedicated machine for light office work and administrative tasks without a high upfront cost.
Students on a budget: The extensive battery life and reliable web-browsing capabilities make it a practical tool for taking notes and completing assignments throughout a full school day.
General web users: It is a good fit for individuals whose primary computer use involves navigating the internet, checking emails, and using web-based applications.
Value-oriented shoppers: This laptop is ideal for buyers who prioritize functional performance and low cost over premium build quality or high-end display specs.
Class
Budget
Processor
AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
Processor Speed
2.4 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches
Weight
3.77 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:46
Learn More
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) Review
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Sturdy 2-in-1 design mixes durability, flexibility
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Above-average ChromeOS performance
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Crisp display with touch and pen support
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Backlit keyboard
- Decent variety of ports
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Budget-feeling plastic construction
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Merely average battery life
- Stylus pen not included
Squeaking under the $500 mark, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is very similar to the Acer above, but earns special mention as the best 2-in-1 laptop under $500. The price is affordable, the laptop-to-tablet functionality is great, and Google’s Chromebook Plus initiative thrives in this flexible machine. The Flex offers support for both ChromeOS and Android apps that puts inexpensive Android tablets to shame, boasts above-average performance thanks to an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. What’s more, the touch screen supports pen as well as fingertip input. The Flex may push up against the $500 limit, but with features like those, plus a backlit keyboard and decent port selection, it doesn’t feel like a budget system at all.
Students: The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus has a flexible 2-in-1 form factor and pen support that make it an ideal tool for taking digital notes and completing coursework in various environments.
Remote and hybrid workers: Professionals who rely on video conferencing will benefit from the platform’s dedicated webcam enhancements and noise-canceling technology.
Productivity-focused users: The combination of a perky processor and 8GB of memory is perfect for individuals who need to run multiple browser tabs and demanding web apps simultaneously.
Casual creators: Those interested in light photo editing or sketching will appreciate the touch interface and the power of the Chromebook Plus platform.
Budget-conscious buyers: This laptop is a great fit for users who want the best possible performance and features in a convertible design while staying under a $500 limit.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget
Processor
Intel Core i3-1315U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.72 by 12.4 by 9 inches
Weight
3.52 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:43
Learn More
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus Review
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Among the least expensive convertible laptops on the market
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Sharp touch screen
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Tablet portion has a high-quality build for its price
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Headphone jack is back
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Test model includes stylus pen
- All models include bundled keyboard
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Middling performance and battery life
- Keyboard has squishy keys, is designed for smaller hands
The best ChromeOS value for seriously budget-strapped buyers might not even be a traditional clamshell laptop. The detachable Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 pairs a capable 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a magnetic keyboard cover, a kickstand, and a stylus, making it a superb 2-in-1 device with support for both ChromeOS and Android apps. The metal chassis and handy design make it a practical choice, while the versatility makes it convenient and fun. And at just $359, the price is right, whether you’re buying one for yourself or for kids doing schoolwork.
Students: This Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is a great fit for learners who need a portable, durable machine for taking notes, accessing educational apps, and completing online homework.
Younger users: The sturdy construction and simple interface make it an appropriate choice for children or adolescents who need a basic device for essential tasks.
Budget buyers: It is ideal for individuals who prioritize a low purchase price and need a functional secondary device for light productivity.
Light web users: This laptop is a good match for those whose computing needs are limited to checking email, browsing a few tabs at a time, and streaming video.
Mobile professionals: It serves as a highly portable companion for users who need a compact device to handle basic workflows and document review while traveling.
Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 838
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
ARM Mali-G57 MC3
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches
Weight
1.12 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review
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Ultra affordable
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1080p IPS display
- Wi-Fi 6E and two USB-C ports
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Low performance ceiling
-
Subpar battery life
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Lackluster keyboard
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Noticeable cooling fan
- Non-upgradable UFS storage
At just $299, the Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2) offers an unbeatable price for a Windows laptop, giving you the full Microsoft experience for the same price as a Chromebook. And, for the price, there’s plenty to like: a decent 1080p display, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, a pair of USB-C ports, and a clean-looking design. Just be ready for a couple of compromises, like Windows in S Mode and a low-powered Intel Core 3 N355 processor that’s fine for typing up documents and browsing online, but not much else. If you need to get a laptop under $300, though, you may be willing to cut those corners.
Frugal shoppers: The Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2) is a fit for users with a very strict budget who cannot stretch their spending by an extra $100 for a more powerful machine.
Basic task users: It is suitable for individuals who only perform lightweight activities such as web browsing, checking email, or word processing.
Secondary device seekers: It serves as a viable option for someone who needs an inexpensive secondary Windows machine for simple tasks rather than a primary workstation.
Connectivity-focused users: The device is a good match for those who prioritize modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6E over raw processing power.
Class
Budget
Processor
Intel Core 3 N355
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.78 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches
Weight
3.8 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:14
Learn More
Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-39R2) Review
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Impressive CPU performance
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Pleasant keyboard and touchpad
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Lots of connectivity
- Attractive, friendly design
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A bit of flex to the chassis
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Basic 1080p display easily outclassed for not much more
- Enough battery for a workday—no more
Asus’ updated Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) sticks to its roots as an incredible value. This Chromebook pushes impressive CPU performance with an upgraded Intel Core i5 processor and offers features comparable to midrange Windows laptops—all for under $500. It also nets you a comfortable design with ample connectivity. Top it all off with AI-enhanced software tools, and you have an attractive Chromebook that has become our new favorite, ranked as the best for most people.
Value-conscious home users: This Chromebook is the leading choice for budget-minded mainstream buyers. It’s ideal for shoppers looking to spend $500 or less to gain a quality-feeling and potent laptop. It’s the best Chromebook you can find for the price.
Students of all ages: This is the Chromebook to beat for students at any level of study. The combination of a comfortable keyboard, reliable inputs, punchy performance, and ample ports makes the Chromebook Plus CX34 an excellent choice for general schoolwork, from elementary to college levels.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.17 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:51
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review
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Attractive pricing, especially when on sale
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Decent productivity performance
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Satisfactory battery life
- Well-chosen port selection
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Flexible plastic chassis
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Disappointing keyboard and touchpad
- Mediocre-at-best display
While the Chromebook Plus label signals higher performance than a basic Chrome-powered laptop, it usually means a higher price, as well. But the Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 gives you power and savings, with a price that’s under $500—and drops a lot lower during seasonal sales. Regardless of which price you buy it at, the CX14 delivers solid performance for everyday computing, great peripheral connectivity, and full-day battery life, all while meeting the hardware requirements of Chromebook Plus with a capable Intel Core 3 N355 processor.
Budget-conscious shoppers: The Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 is a strong choice for individuals who prioritize getting the most modern hardware possible while keeping their total spend under $300 or $400.
Light computing users: It is well-suited for people who primarily use their laptop for web browsing, streaming, and basic document editing rather than intensive media consumption.
Students: This laptop is an ideal fit for learners who need a low-cost, reliable machine for schoolwork, research, and running web-based educational tools.
Sale hunters: The product is a perfect match for value-driven buyers who are willing to wait for a discount to maximize the performance-to-price ratio.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core 3 N355
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.06 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:20
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 Review
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The Best Laptops Under $500 for 2026
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Laptops Under $500 for 2026
What Are the Important Specs in Budget Laptops?
When you limit yourself to $500 or less for a laptop, you need to manage your expectations. Budget laptops in this price range will come with certain limitations in hardware, performance, and storage, and these all carry over to the end-user experience. Read on to learn what to expect and what trade-offs are required when your spending power is limited.
Chromebooks Vs. Windows Laptops
Budget shoppers will quickly learn that many of the most affordable laptop choices are powered by ChromeOS rather than Windows. (Apple macOS laptops, even the cheapest ones, aren’t sold new for anything close to $500.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
But Chromebooks aren’t a bad choice, especially for getting the best value out of an affordable laptop. Their low-priced hardware is well-suited to the online-centric ChromeOS experience, and this lightweight operating system runs great on relatively low-end components.
That said, you can find some Windows laptops in this price range, and some of them are worth considering if you need to run specific apps. Just be aware that paired with modest components and limited storage, the Windows experience may not be everything you’d want it to be. You need to be especially cognizant of the specs in a low-cost Windows machine to avoid disappointment. (More on that in a bit.)
Frugal Form Factors: Clamshells, 2-in-1s, and Detachables
Even if you are on a tight budget, you can choose among several different designs, from traditional clamshell laptops to 2-in-1 rotating convertible models and detachable tablets, as well as some thin-and-light offerings.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
However, any category of laptop that is truly defined by its hardware—such as gaming laptops, mobile workstations, or rugged laptops—will break your $500 budget. Even the cheapest gaming rigs tend to cost $700 or more, and few business laptops cater to the budget shopper unless you are looking at older, refurbished models.
If you look, you can find a light, carry-weight laptop under $500—which usually means a thin plastic chassis weighing close to the 3 pounds that we use to categorize ultraportable laptops. A fair number weigh even less than that, thanks to compact or tablet-centered designs.
The CPU: Low Prices Mean Low-Powered Processors
The actual computing in any laptop is done by the CPU, making a great processor essential to getting a great laptop. Unfortunately, that usually means paying more. When shopping for sub-$500 laptops, the selection of processors won’t conform to the Intel Core lineup you might be familiar with. You can find a few of those, but Intel’s Core 3 and 5 (or i3 and i5) or AMD’s Ryzen 3 and 5 are usually the best you’ll manage. Other brands, like Qualcomm, and even less prominent manufacturers like MediaTek, have a foothold in Chromebooks.
RAM and Storage: Modest Memory of Both Kinds
We usually recommend against buying any computer with less than 8GB of RAM, but memory options on cheap laptops are often lower than that, with 4GB models making up some of our suggestions. That kind of skimpy silicon will suffice in a basic Chromebook for browsing a few tabs at a time, but 4GB is best avoided in a Windows machine. The most affordable laptops are prone to lagging when trying to do more than one task or when opening many application windows at a time, and more demanding uses such as video editing are severely limited or impossible.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Storage space will tend to be limited, too, with 128GB being on the high end for these value laptops. If you can find a notebook with 256GB or even 512GB of storage in this price range, that’s a win, but you’ll more likely want to invest in a portable external SSD to give you better storage capacity if you’re looking at a Windows machine.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) don’t always come standard, either. In these inexpensive laptop models, you’re more likely to find lower-cost flash-storage formats such as eMMC and UFS. These options are usable, especially for Chromebooks, which rely more on cloud storage than local drives, but the smaller capacity and slower memory modules used by these SSD alternatives will affect overall performance.
What Kind of Wi-Fi? Connectivity on the Cheap
One area where you may not need to make too many compromises is connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth are common on current laptops, even low-priced models. Sure, newer, faster wireless standards, like Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, are nice, but Wi-Fi 6 is more than capable of the workaday web browsing and media streaming that these affordable systems are built for.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The port selection also tends to be decent on most late-model machines, with a mix of USB Type-C and larger USB Type-A ports being common. A number of systems are outfitted with full-size HDMI monitor connectors and microSD card slots. The high-speed Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 interfaces, on the other hand, are still limited to pricier systems, so be ready to pay more than $500 if you need faster connectivity.
Battery Life: Being Budget-Friendly Can Have Its Perks
One unexpected benefit of low-powered hardware is that many of these inexpensive laptops also have fairly long battery life. Test results of 10 hours or more in our video rundown are quite common, with many lasting even longer. The longest-lasting models in our recommendation lineup stretch the battery to between 16 and 17 hours on a single charge, great for longer uses (so long as you keep the Wi-Fi on in moderation, and the screen brightness in the middle of the range). Part of the reason is that dimmer, lower-resolution screens and lower-power CPUs make less demands on the battery than powerful parts do.
The Display: Discount Panels and Touch Screens
You might not expect to see touch screens at this price point, but it’s not an impossible feat, thanks to the abundance of decent 2-in-1 Chromebook designs. Touch screens are much less common on inexpensive clamshell models, though.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Touch is one thing, but high resolutions and OLED panels aren’t common on these budget models. In the under-$500 category, you’re most likely limited to 1,920-by-1,080-pixel full HD or 1080p resolution, and most will use cheap LCD screens instead of the nicer IPS variants found on mainstream models. Looking at the screen before you buy, if you can, is always a good idea.
What About Graphics and Gaming?
Finally, the one thing you’re guaranteed not to find in these bargain-priced models is a discrete graphics processor. GPU hardware adds a lot of expense to a laptop, and that means uses like gaming and GPU-powered media creation aren’t really an option for shoppers on a shoestring. If you’re really pressed on price and absolutely need the extra graphics power, consider buying a used or refurbished model from a year or two back, as that’s your best bet for gaming-grade components.
Is a Laptop Under $500 Worth It?
Don’t get too discouraged reading about specs and performance on these budget-friendly laptops. For most shoppers, a laptop simply serves as a basic web-browsing machine, used more for social media and occasionally typing up documents. And with the right laptop, you’ll still get plenty of usability, even with lightweight processors and minimal specs.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
That said, we’ve reviewed plenty of budget laptops in the $600 or $700 range, along with reasonably priced laptops for kids and laptops for college students. These can be especially enticing if student discounts are available to knock off part of the expense. That price range is the real sweet spot for basic Windows machines.
Plus, it doesn’t cost a whole lot more to step up in power and performance. Our recommendations for Chromebooks and the best laptops for under $1,000 open up a lot of possibilities, at prices that are still quite attainable. You can even find some cheap gaming laptops for three instead of four figures.
Ready to Buy the Best Laptop Under $500 for You?
You may be on a budget, but you’re not out of luck—if you look, you’ll find some very serviceable Chromebooks, Windows clamshells, and 2-in-1 laptops under $500. By knowing what you want and what your cash can buy you, you can still find a decent deal on a laptop that will do the job.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
We’ve laid out our favorite frugal options here, but you’ll still need to decide whether you want a Chromebook or a Windows machine, a laptop or a 2-in-1 design, and even whether you want features, like a touch screen, that may be rare in the very cheapest machines. The specs for all of our top picks are listed in our spec comparison, along with links to the full reviews. And if $500 is too tight a filter for what you are looking for, also check out our roundup of the best budget laptops (which includes some slightly pricier machines) and our picks for the best laptops overall.
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