Looking for a good laptop without spending more than $500? You’re in the right place. In this guide I explain what to expect from a sub-$500 machine, show a few solid options you can find today, and give clear tips to choose the best one for your needs. I’ll keep the language simple and the advice practical.
What a $500 budget will usually buy you
Under $500 you’ll mostly find machines built for everyday tasks: web browsing, email, video calls, streaming, light document work, and school assignments. Many laptops in this price band use entry-level processors (efficient but not powerful), 4–8 GB of RAM, and 64–256 GB of storage. Some are Windows notebooks, but a lot of the best value comes from Chromebooks — thin clients that run Chrome OS and rely on cloud apps. Expect trade-offs: displays may not be very bright, storage might be limited, and build materials are often plastic. Still, smart choices deliver long battery life and a dependable user experience for basic use. (Laptop Mag)
Why consider a Chromebook (short answer)
Chromebooks are often the best value under $500 because Chrome OS is lightweight. For people who mainly use a browser, Google Docs, streaming apps, and Android apps, a Chromebook can feel faster and smoother than similarly priced Windows laptops. They usually get long battery life and simple updates. If you need heavy Windows apps (advanced photo editing, specialized desktop software, some games), a Windows laptop is better — but for most students and casual users, Chromebooks are hard to beat. (RTINGS.com)
Strong picks to look for now
Below are a few models you should consider. Prices and configurations vary by region and by sales, so use these as representative good-value picks rather than the only choices.
Acer Aspire Go 15 — solid plain-spoken Windows option
The Aspire Go 15 is a large 15-inch budget Windows laptop that often appears at aggressive prices. It balances a roomy 1080p (or 15.6" HD) screen and a comfortable keyboard with modest internals meant for light work. Reviewers praise its value and usability for everyday tasks, though they note limited memory and middling battery life in some configurations. If you want a full Windows desktop experience (file compatibility, full Microsoft Office, Windows apps) and prefer a bigger screen, this is a reliable budget choice.
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (and similar Chromebook Plus models) — big screens, Chromebook polish
If your day lives mostly inside a browser or cloud apps, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a surprisingly capable Chromebook. It has a larger screen, comfortable port selection, and is tuned for cloud gaming and streaming in some SKUs, though higher-end Chromebook Plus models can cost more than $500 at full retail. Still, variants and sales sometimes drop prices into the budget bracket, and Chromebooks like this give a snappy, secure experience that’s especially good for students and light work. For most people who value battery life and simplicity, a Chromebook Plus or midrange Chromebook is worth checking first.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i / other small Chromebooks — compact and affordable
Smaller Chromebooks such as the IdeaPad Slim 3i deliver a compact form factor, decent keyboards, and very good battery life for the price. They are practical for school use and day-to-day tasks, and you’ll often find configurations under $500. These machines trade screen size and graphics performance for portability and price. If you move around a lot, a 13–14 inch Chromebook is a good match.
How to choose the best model for your needs
Think about how you will use the laptop every day, not about peak benchmarks. Here are the most important factors:
Processor and speed. For general use, aim for a recent entry CPU (Intel N-series, Core i3 in discounts, or efficient AMD/Intel chips). Chromebooks with newer Intel N or low-power Core chips usually feel fine for web and streaming.
Memory (RAM). 8 GB is the sweet spot if you want smoother multitasking. If a model has only 4 GB, expect more swapping and slower behavior when many tabs or apps are open.
Storage. 64 GB eMMC storage is common on cheap Windows machines and is tight; 128 GB or an SSD is better. Chromebooks often rely on cloud storage, so 64 GB on a Chromebook is more workable than on Windows. If you can add an SD card for files, that helps.
Screen. A full HD (1920×1080) screen is nicer to use. Bigger screens make multitasking easier but add weight.
Battery life. Real battery life varies, but many budget Chromebooks and some Windows models can deliver a full school or workday. Look for user tests and reviews on battery life before buying.
Build and warranty. Plastic chassis are normal at this price. Check warranty length and customer support reputation in your country.
Ports and webcam. If you use external drives, a USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a decent webcam are useful. Many budget machines still include the basics.
Price and deals. Don’t ignore seasonal sales. During big sale events you can often find much better machines under $500. If a Windows machine has only 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB storage at full price, wait for a sale or prefer a Chromebook in the same budget. (Laptop Mag)
Buying tips — short and practical
Look for 8 GB RAM if you can. Prioritize SSD over eMMC storage for Windows machines. If you mostly use Google Docs, email, and streaming, a Chromebook will usually give better speed and battery life at the same price. Read a couple of trusted reviews (PCWorld, LaptopMag, RTINGS) to check how the model performs in real use before you click buy. And check return policies — budget models are fine, but you want the option to return if the keyboard, screen, or battery doesn’t meet your expectations. (Laptop Mag)
A few real-world scenarios to help you pick
If you are a student who writes essays, joins online classes, and watches videos, choose a Chromebook with a full keyboard and at least 8 hours of battery life. If you need Windows-only software (some lab tools, legacy apps, games), look for a Windows laptop with an SSD and 8 GB RAM, or find a refurbished higher-end laptop that may fall into your budget. If you travel a lot and carry the laptop all day, prioritize weight, battery life, and a small footprint — a 13–14 inch Chromebook or compact Windows laptop fits best. (RTINGS.com)
Final words — what I recommend now
Start by deciding whether you need full Windows software or a browser/cloud experience. If the latter fits your life, strongly consider a Chromebook for the price and smoothness. If you need Windows, aim for models with 8 GB RAM and an SSD on sale, or consider refurbished business laptops (older ThinkPads, Latitude models) which sometimes offer much better build quality for the same money.
Two models to check first: the Acer Aspire Go 15 if you want a straightforward Windows 15-inch laptop, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (or more compact Chromebook Plus variants) if you prefer Chrome OS and longer battery life. Read recent reviews and hunt for sales — a little patience often gets a much better machine within your $500 limit.