Best Laptops under $500 to Buy in January 2026
HP 15.6" Laptop with Microsoft 365-1.1TB Storage - 8GB Memory - Intel Inside | Anti-Glare Display, 128GB SSD and 1TB Cloud Storage, 4-Cores CPU, Fast Charge and 12hrs Battery, no Mouse
- BOOST CREATIVITY WITH MICROSOFT 365'S SMART ASSISTANCE FEATURES.
- ENJOY A STUNNING 15.6 HD DISPLAY FOR A SEAMLESS VIEWING EXPERIENCE.
- POWERFUL INTEL CELERON PROCESSOR ENSURES RELIABLE MULTITASKING.
HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)
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ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN FOR ON-THE-GO PRODUCTIVITY AND ENTERTAINMENT!
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STUNNING 14-INCH HD DISPLAY FOR IMMERSIVE VIEWING EXPERIENCES!
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POWERFUL INTEL CELERON N4020 FOR ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY!
HP Rose Gold Ultrabook Laptop with Microsoft Office 365, Intel 2-Core CPU, 1.1TB Storage (1TB OneDrive and 64GB SSD), 8GB RAM, Windows 11, No Mouse
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EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE: FAST DDR4 RAM & EMMC SSD FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING.
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ALL-DAY BATTERY: ENJOY UP TO 11.5 HOURS OF PRODUCTIVITY WITHOUT CHARGING.
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VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY: MULTIPLE PORTS FOR EASY CONNECTION AND EXPANSION.
Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, Intel Core 3 Processor 100U Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Carbon Black
- EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE: INTEL CORE 3 PROCESSOR FOR QUICK TASK COMPLETION.
- STAY PRODUCTIVE: ENERGY-EFFICIENT BATTERIES WITH EXPRESS CHARGE SUPPORT.
- COMFORTABLE VIEWING: DELL COMFORTVIEW REDUCES BLUE LIGHT FOR EYE CARE.
HP 17.3 inch Laptop with Lifetime Office 365 for The Web, Intel 13th 8 Cores i3 CPU (Beat 11th i5), 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, 10 Key Number Pad, Windows 11, No Mouse
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POWERFUL INTEL CORE I3: MULTITASK SMOOTHLY WITH 8 CORES AT 4.4 GHZ.
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IMMERSIVE 17.3 DISPLAY: ENJOY HD VISUALS WITH 250 NITS BRIGHTNESS.
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ULTRA-FAST CONNECTIVITY: STAY CONNECTED WITH WI-FI 6 AND BLUETOOTH 5.3.
Lenovo 2026 New V15 Laptop for Student & Business with Microsoft Office on the Web, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (Beat i7-1065G7), 15.6'' FHD, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Ethernet Port RJ-45, Windows 11 Pro, No Mouse
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COMPLETE PRODUCTIVITY WITH OFFICE 365 AND SEAMLESS DOCUMENT SHARING.
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RYZEN 3 PROCESSOR FOR SMOOTH MULTITASKING AND FAST APP LAUNCHES.
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EXPANDABLE 16GB RAM AND 2TB SSD FOR FAST ACCESS AND STORAGE FLEXIBILITY.
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, 14" HD Display, Chrome OS, Thin Design, 4K Graphics, Long Battery Life, Ash Gray Keyboard (14a-na0226nr, 2022, Mineral Silver)
- VERSATILE FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL: PERFECT FOR TASKS OR STREAMING SHOWS!
- ULTRA-PORTABLE WITH HD DISPLAY: LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN FOR ON-THE-GO USE.
- IMPRESSIVE BATTERY LIFE: UP TO 14 HOURS, PLUS FAST CHARGING IN 45 MINS!
ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Sheild, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AS33
- STUNNING 15.6 NANOEDGE DISPLAY WITH VIBRANT COLORS AND SMOOTH VISUALS.
- POWERFUL AMD RYZEN 3 PROCESSOR FOR SEAMLESS BROWSING AND PRODUCTIVITY.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN AND AMPLE PORTS FOR VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY ON-THE-GO.
HP 14" HD Chromebook Laptop for Students, Intel Quad-Core N4120(> N4020), 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, WiFi, Webcam, HDMI, USB-A&C, 14 Hours Battery life, ZOOM, Chrome OS, CUE Accessories
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MULTITASKING MADE EASY WITH INTEL CELERON N4120'S 4 POWERFUL CORES.
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IMMERSE IN STUNNING VISUALS WITH THE 14 HD ANTI-GLARE DISPLAY.
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FAST, SECURE CHROME OS FOR SEAMLESS ACCESS TO THOUSANDS OF APPS.
Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6" Laptop Computer - 20GB RAM - 1.2TB Storage - Intel Core | Microsoft Office 365 Included, 256GB SSD and 1TB Cloud Storage, Webcam, Windows 11 no Mouse | Essential Laptop
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POWERFUL INTEL CORE PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING.
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RAPID CHARGING: 2 HOURS USE FROM JUST 15 MINUTES OF POWER.
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DOLBY AUDIO & HD WEBCAM FOR CLEAR COMMUNICATION & ENJOYMENT.
Finding the best laptop deals under $500 can be a thrilling yet challenging task. Whether you're a student, a professional on a budget, or simply someone looking for an affordable tech upgrade, this price range offers various options that balance performance and cost. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of choosing the perfect laptop under $500, along with tips on what to look for in this price segment.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the specs and features, it's crucial to define what you need from your laptop. Are you looking for a device for basic tasks such as web browsing, streaming, and document editing? Or do you require something that can handle more intensive applications like light photo editing or casual gaming? Knowing your primary use-case will help narrow down your options.
Key Features to Consider
1. Processor
In the under $500 category, you’ll often find laptops equipped with Intel's Core i3 or AMD's Ryzen 3 processors. While these may not match the power of higher-end models, they are typically sufficient for everyday tasks. If your budget slightly extends, keep an eye out for occasional discounts on Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processors, which can offer better performance.
2. RAM
For smooth multitasking, aim for at least 8GB of RAM. Many budget laptops come with 4GB, which might suffice for light usage, but 8GB is more future-proof and handles multiple applications with ease.
3. Storage
Storage is another critical consideration. Most laptops under $500 will feature either a 256GB SSD or a 1TB HDD. While SSDs offer faster data access speeds and improved performance, they come in smaller capacities at this price point. Decide on your priority: speed or storage capacity.
4. Display
Look for a laptop with at least a Full HD (1920x1080) display. This will ensure clearer images and better overall viewing experience. Screens in this range typically measure around 15 inches, which provides a good balance between usability and portability.
5. Battery Life
Battery life is essential, especially if you plan to use your laptop on the go. Many affordable laptops now offer a battery life of around 5 to 8 hours, which should be ample for a full day’s work or study.
Build Quality and Design
While under $500, don’t expect premium materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, you can still find laptops with decent build quality. Pay attention to user reviews regarding the durability and functionality of the keyboard and trackpad. A lightweight design can also be beneficial if portability is important for you.
Warranty and Support
Ensure that the laptop you choose comes with at least a one-year warranty. Many manufacturers extend additional support services, which can be an added benefit, especially if you're unfamiliar with troubleshooting technical issues.
Expanding Your Budget
If you find that the options under $500 do not quite meet your specifications, you might want to consider slightly extending your budget. Check out our guide on Affordable Laptops Under $1000 for more robust options.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of budget laptops requires a balance between features, performance, and price. By focusing on the key aspects such as the processor, RAM, storage, and build quality, you can find a laptop that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Remember, assessing your primary usage and considering future requirements can lead to a more satisfactory purchase.
For more specialized needs, such as video editing, you might want to explore premium options. Visit our detailed article on Laptop Deals for Video Editing for recommendations.
By making informed decisions, you’ll ensure that your investment in a budget-friendly laptop will pay off with satisfying performance and longevity.