Everything is expensive right now due to inflation, component shortages, and rising costs across the tech industry. Because of this, buying a laptop on a tight budget has become more difficult than it used to be. For this comparison, the maximum budget is set at $500, which still feels like a reasonable amount to spend on a usable everyday laptop. The goal here is simple: to see whether you can actually get something decent at this price point. In this article, we review the best budget laptops under $500 available today and provide detailed insights.
After reviewing multiple options, several budget laptops stood out as worth examining more closely. Some additional models were also considered but were unavailable at the time. The following sections break down each laptop and evaluate whether any of them are truly worth buying.
Comparison Table of Budget Laptops Under $500
Asus Chromebook CX14 (Chromebook Plus) – $239.99
The most affordable option in our Asus Chromebook CX14 review is priced at $239.99, making it one of the best Chromebooks under $250 available today. As expected at this price, it runs Chrome OS. However, unlike many low-cost Chromebooks, this model offers surprisingly reasonable specifications.
How good is the build and ports?
The laptop has a plastic build, which is acceptable in this price range. Port selection includes two USB-C ports, HDMI, USB-A, and a headphone jack. Charging is handled through USB-C. There is also a physical webcam privacy shutter, which is a welcome feature.
Is it durable?
Durability is often a concern with budget laptops, but the CX14 performs reasonably well here. Deck flex is present but not excessive, and the device does not feel unusually fragile. Overall, first impressions are better than expected for a sub-$250 laptop.
Asus VivoBook 14 – $330
Moving up in price, the Asus VivoBook 14 review comes in at $330 and runs Windows. Unlike the Chromebook, this laptop uses a barrel plug charger rather than USB-C. While it does include a USB-C port, it does not appear to support charging. This is one of the best Windows laptops under $500 for its price.
How is the build quality and flex?
The chassis is plastic and feels somewhat cheaper than the Chromebook despite the higher price. Port selection includes multiple USB-A ports, USB-C, and HDMI. A physical webcam privacy shutter is also included.
Does it perform well?
This model uses a Core 5 processor, offering a noticeable performance improvement over the Chromebook. However, the keyboard deck and display lid both show a fair amount of flex, which raises some concerns about long-term durability.
LG Gram Book – $399.99
At $399.99, the LG Gram Book 15-inch review shows this is a larger laptop with a 15-inch display. While the Gram branding is typically associated with lightweight designs, this particular model feels thicker and more squared-off than expected.
How are the keyboard and display?
The laptop includes USB-C charging and a full selection of ports. The display quality is better than most others in this comparison, but the keyboard suffers from very shallow key travel, which may be uncomfortable for extended typing sessions.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life is similar to cheaper options, landing at just over five hours in testing. While the laptop is not terrible, it does not stand out strongly at its price point.
HP Laptop (Ryzen-powered) – $399.99
This HP Ryzen laptop under $500 does not carry a clear model name, which already raises some concerns. The device uses a barrel plug charger and features a plastic chassis.
How is the build quality and performance?
Build quality is a major issue here. The display lid and keyboard deck flex significantly, and even the trackpad shifts when pressure is applied near the edges. While the laptop does include a touchscreen and reasonably good speakers, these positives are overshadowed by its weaknesses.
Performance is also disappointing. Despite being branded as a Ryzen 5 7000 series processor, the chip is based on older Zen 2 architecture and is limited to four cores. Battery life is the worst of the group at a little over five hours.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Slim (Snapdragon) – $499.99
At exactly $499.99, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Slim Snapdragon review sits at the top of the budget range. This is the only laptop in the group powered by a Snapdragon processor, which enables features such as Copilot Plus support and excellent battery efficiency.
What features make it stand out?
The device includes 16GB of RAM, a fingerprint sensor, a backlit keyboard, and touchscreen support. While it ships with a barrel plug charger, it also supports USB-C charging. Port selection includes USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader.
How is the overall build and battery?
Build quality is noticeably better than most of the other laptops tested. Deck flex is present but controlled, and the overall experience feels more refined. Battery life exceeds ten hours, making it the clear leader in endurance.
Performance Evaluation
When it comes to performance and battery life, the HP laptop ranks last, delivering the weakest results overall. The LG Gram Book performs slightly better but offers similar battery life. The Asus Chromebook delivers the best efficiency among the lower-priced models, while the VivoBook offers stronger raw performance.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Slim stands clearly above the rest, combining the longest battery life with the only 16GB RAM configuration in the group.
Hardware and Build Quality
Build quality varies significantly across these laptops. The HP model performs the worst, with excessive flex and a weak keyboard and trackpad. The VivoBook performs adequately but does not stand out in any particular area. The LG Gram Book offers a good display but is held back by its keyboard.
The Asus Chromebook performs surprisingly well given its price, offering USB-C charging and a solid overall feel. The Lenovo IdeaPad is the clear leader in this category, with the best keyboard, additional features, and the most refined design.
Value Comparison
From a value perspective, the HP laptop offers the least for its price and is difficult to recommend. The LG Gram Book also struggles to justify its cost.
The Asus VivoBook offers good value due to its lower price and decent performance. The Lenovo IdeaPad provides the best overall experience but sits at the upper limit of the budget.
The strongest value by a significant margin comes from the Asus Chromebook CX14. At $239.99, it delivers solid performance, good battery life, and usable hardware at a price that is hard to beat.
Final Verdict
Not all budget laptops under $500 are worth buying. Two models stand out as poor choices, while three offer reasonable value depending on your needs.
For the best overall experience, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Slim is the clear winner. For Windows users on a tighter budget, the Asus VivoBook 14 is a solid option. For maximum value and affordability, the Asus Chromebook CX14 stands above the rest, provided Chrome OS meets your requirements.
The key takeaway is that careful selection matters more than ever when shopping in this price range.
FAQ
What is the best budget laptop under $500?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Slim offers the best performance, features, and battery life among laptops under $500.
Which laptop is best for Chrome OS?
The Asus Chromebook CX14 is the top choice if you want a Chromebook under $250 with good performance and battery life.
Are there any good Windows laptops under $500?
Yes, the Asus VivoBook 14 is a strong Windows option, offering decent performance and build quality for its price.
Is the HP Ryzen laptop worth buying?
No, the HP laptop under $500 suffers from poor build quality, weak performance, and short battery life, making it a less favorable option.
Does the LG Gram Book provide value?
While the LG Gram Book has a good display and decent hardware, its high price relative to features makes it less valuable than the Asus options.