Best Laptops under $500 to Buy in December 2025
Lenovo Laptop Computer for Business and Student, Intel Dual Core Processor, 15.6" FHD, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Type-C, HDMI, Numeric Keypad, Black, Windows 11 Home
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: PERFECT FOR ON-THE-GO PRODUCTIVITY AND VERSATILITY.
- BUDGET-FRIENDLY: AFFORDABLE PRICE WITHOUT COMPROMISING ESSENTIAL FEATURES.
- SMOOTH MULTITASKING: 8GB DDR4 RAM FOR EFFORTLESS APPLICATION SWITCHING.
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)
- ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN FOR ON-THE-GO PRODUCTIVITY AND ENTERTAINMENT.
- STUNNING 14-INCH HD DISPLAY FOR IMMERSIVE VIEWING EXPERIENCES.
- POWERFUL INTEL CELERON FOR ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY.
HP Rose Gold Ultrabook 14 Laptop with Office 365, Intel 4-Core CPU, 1.1TB Storage (1TB OneDrive and 64GB Emmc), 8GB RAM, Windows 11, No Mouse
- FAST PERFORMANCE: SMOOTH MULTI-TASKING WITH DDR4 RAM AND EMMC SSD.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY: MULTIPLE PORTS INCLUDING USB-C AND HDMI INCLUDED.
- ALL-DAY BATTERY: ENJOY UP TO 11.5 HOURS OF UNINTERRUPTED USAGE.
HP 15.6 inch Laptop Computer for Home Study, Intel Quad-Core Processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, FHD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Type-C, Webcam, Natural Silver, Windows 11 Home
- LIGHTNING-FAST INTEL N100 PROCESSOR BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY ON-THE-GO.
- VIBRANT 15.6 FHD DISPLAY ENHANCES YOUR VIEWING EXPERIENCE.
- AMPLE 16GB RAM AND 512GB SSD FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING.
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)
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ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE: ENJOY UP TO 14 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE FOR UNINTERRUPTED USE.
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HD DISPLAY & PORTABILITY: LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH STUNNING 14-INCH HD SCREEN.
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4K READY: STREAM 4K CONTENT SMOOTHLY WITH INTEL UHD GRAPHICS 600.
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
- FINISH TASKS FAST WITH INTEL CORE 3 AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN.
- COMFORTVIEW REDUCES EYE STRAIN FOR LONGER, ENJOYABLE SCREEN TIME.
- ERGONOMIC TYPING WITH LIFTED HINGES FOR ULTIMATE WRIST COMFORT.
SGIN 15.6 Inch Laptop Computer, Win 11 Laptops with 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD, Core i3 CPU(Up to 3.9GHz), Backlit Keyboard, 53.2WH Battery, WiFi 6, IPS FHD Display, 180° Viewing, HDMI, Type-C
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POWERFUL I3 PROCESSOR: SMOOTH MULTITASKING WITH UP TO 3.9GHZ SPEED.
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AMPLE 16GB RAM & 1TB SSD: INSTANT APP LOADING AND EXPANDABLE STORAGE.
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15.6 FHD DISPLAY: VIVID VISUALS WITH 180° VIEWING FOR EASY SHARING.
NIMO 15.6" IPS FHD-Laptop-Computer, Intel Pentium Quad Core N100 4GB RAM 128GB SSD (Beat i3-1115G4, Up to 3.4GHz) Backlit Keyboard Fingerprint Type-C WiFi 6 BT5.2, for Student and Home
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WORRY-FREE WARRANTY: 2-YEAR COVERAGE FOR COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND!
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BOOSTED PERFORMANCE: 12TH GEN INTEL FOR FAST, SEAMLESS MULTITASKING!
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UPGRADABLE STORAGE: EXPANDABLE SSD AND RAM FOR FUTURE NEEDS!
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
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BOOST CREATIVITY WITH MICROSOFT 365'S SMART ASSISTANCE FEATURES!
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ENJOY AN ULTRA-WIDE 15.6 HD DISPLAY FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING!
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POWERFUL INTEL CELERON PROCESSOR FOR EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE!
HP 15.6 inch Laptop, HD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home in S Mode, Natural Silver, 15- fc0099nr
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INTUITIVE TOUCHSCREEN CONTROL WITH VIBRANT HD VISUALS FOR EFFORTLESS USE.
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POWER YOUR CREATIVITY WITH RYZEN 3 AND LIGHTNING-FAST SSD PERFORMANCE.
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ENSURE PRIVACY WITH A PHYSICAL CAMERA SHUTTER AND DEDICATED MUTE BUTTON.
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.