Best Laptops under $500 to Buy in December 2025
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
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BOOST PRODUCTIVITY WITH INTEL CORE 3 AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN.
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COMFORT YOUR EYES WITH DELL COMFORTVIEW FOR EXTENDED SCREEN TIME.
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ENJOY ERGONOMIC TYPING WITH SPACIOUS KEYPADS AND LIFTED HINGES.
HP Chromebook 14 inch Laptop, HD Display, Intel Processor N100, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB UFS, Intel UHD Graphics, Chrome OS, Chalkboard Gray, 14a-nf0099nr
- ENJOY STUNNING VISUALS WITH A NON-REFLECTIVE MICRO-EDGE HD DISPLAY!
- EXPERIENCE SEAMLESS PERFORMANCE WITH THE POWERFUL INTEL PROCESSOR!
- FAST 128 GB STORAGE AND 8 GB RAM DELIVER UNBEATABLE EFFICIENCY!
Acer Aspire Go 15 AI Ready Laptop | 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display | Intel Core 3 Processor N355 | Intel Graphics | 8GB DDR5 | 128GB UFS | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode | AG15-32P-39R2
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UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE: 8-CORE INTEL CORE 3 AND 8GB RAM FOR SEAMLESS TASKS.
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AI-POWERED EFFICIENCY: COPILOT BRINGS RAPID, CENTRALIZED ASSISTANCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.
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VIBRANT DISPLAY: 15.6 FULL HD IPS WITH ACER BLUELIGHTSHIELD FOR COMFORTABLE VIEWING.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel Celeron N4500, 8GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 1920x1080 px, 720p Camera, Chrome OS, Abyss Blue
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: SEAMLESSLY MULTITASK WITH INTEL CELERON N4500 SPEED.
- VIBRANT 15.6 FHD DISPLAY: ENJOY CRISP VISUALS AND IMMERSIVE CLARITY FOR ALL.
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE: WORK AND PLAY UNINTERRUPTED WITH UP TO 10 HOURS OF USE.
HP 14 Laptop Student Business 2025 Flagship Computer, AI Copilot, 4-Core 13th Gen Intel CPU, 16GB RAM 628GB Storage (128GB UFS+500GB Ext) 1-Yr Office 365 Long Battery HubxcelAccessory Win 11S Lavender
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SMOOTH MULTITASKING WITH 16GB RAM AND 628GB STORAGE CAPACITY.
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POWERFUL 13TH GEN INTEL PROCESSOR BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY AND SPEED.
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HD DISPLAY AND ACCESSORIES ENHANCE LEARNING AND REMOTE WORK EXPERIENCE.
HP 17.3 inch Laptop, HD+ Display, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Natural Silver, 17-cp2199nr
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STUNNING ANTI-GLARE HD DISPLAY - ENJOY VIBRANT VISUALS WITH LESS GLARE OUTDOORS.
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POWERFUL AMD RYZEN PROCESSOR - BOOST YOUR WORK AND CREATIVITY WITH SPEED.
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FAST 512GB SSD + 16GB RAM - EXPERIENCE LIGHTNING-FAST PERFORMANCE AND RESPONSIVENESS.
HP OmniBook 5 16 inch Next Gen AI PC, 2K Touchscreen, Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Qualcomm Adreno GPU, Windows 11 Home, Copilot+ PC, Glacier Silver, 16-fb0000nr
- STUNNING 2K OLED TOUCHSCREEN: VIBRANT VISUALS & EYE PROTECTION.
- UP TO 34 HOURS BATTERY LIFE: FAST CHARGE TO 50% IN 30 MINS.
- AI-POWERED FEATURES: BOOST PRODUCTIVITY & CREATIVITY EFFORTLESSLY.
HP Ultrabook Laptop with Copilot AI & Office 365 • Intel High Performance CPU • 8GB RAM • 1.3TB Storage (320GB SSD and 1TB OneDrive) • Windows 11 w/o Earbuds
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EFFICIENT INTEL PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING ANYWHERE.
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PORTABLE 14 ANTI-GLARE DISPLAY FOR EXCEPTIONAL VIEWING COMFORT.
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ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN FOR ON-THE-GO PRODUCTIVITY.
Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop with Microsoft Office, 12GB RAM, 1.2TB(1TB Cloud & 256GB Storage), Intel High Performance CPU, 11 Hour Battery, SD-Card Reader, Webcam + USB-C, WOWPC Recovery USB, Windows 11
- LIGHTNING-FAST PERFORMANCE: UNLEASH PRODUCTIVITY WITH A POWERFUL CPU.
- SEAMLESS MULTITASKING: ENJOY UP TO 36GB RAM AND 2TB SSD FOR EFFICIENCY.
- ROBUST CONNECTIVITY: FEATURES VERSATILE PORTS AND WI-FI 6 FOR INSTANT ACCESS.
Lenovo 14 G4 - Laptop for Business - Intel Core i7-13620H - 14" FHD Display - 8GB RAM (upgradable to 16GB) - 256GB Storage (upgradable to 1TB) - Windows 11 Home - Thin & Portable - Business Black
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ALL-DAY PRODUCTIVITY: POWERFUL PERFORMANCE & LONG BATTERY LIFE FOR ANY SETTING.
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FUTURE-PROOF DESIGN: EXPANDABLE MEMORY & STORAGE FOR LASTING POWER UPGRADES.
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ENHANCED SECURITY: MULTIFACETED PROTECTIONS ENSURE SAFE AND RELIABLE WORK.
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.