Best Laptops Under $500: Top Affordable Picks for 2025

Finding a reliable laptop for under $500 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But with the right guidance, you can snag a device that handles daily tasks without breaking the bank. According to recent reports, the key is to prioritize a 1080p display and at least 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking. While you may have to forgo premium features, these budget-friendly machines prove that affordability doesn't mean sacrificing quality.

Our Top Picks

MacBook Neo (2026)

Who should buy it: If you can stretch your budget slightly, the MacBook Neo (2026) is the best cheap laptop currently available. It exceeds the $500 cap by $99, but the leap in quality and performance is undeniable. It simply doesn't feel like a budget device.

You get the full MacBook experience: an all-aluminum build that feels premium, and an A18 Pro chip that delivers snappy performance for everyday tasks like writing and streaming. In testing, apps launched quickly and multitasking was fluid. Battery life is another highlight, lasting well over a full workday. The 13-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp at 2408x1506 resolution and bright at 500 nits—a strong combo at this price.

Further considerations: The MacBook Neo is nearly the complete package for a budget laptop. You miss out on extras like Thunderbolt connectivity and a high-end webcam, but that's expected at this price. What matters is that it feels fast, well-built, and reliable in ways many Windows laptops aren't.

Asus Chromebook CX15

Who should buy it: If you need a laptop that won't strain your wallet, the CX15 handles the basics exceptionally well. Web browsing, streaming, and email are effortless, and the 15.6-inch 1080p screen plus full-sized keyboard make it feel more substantial than its price suggests.

Further considerations: The Intel Celeron N4500 with 4GB of RAM is fine for basic tasks, but pushing it with multiple apps can cause slowdowns. Battery life is decent at over 10 hours, enough for a full day of light use.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

Who should buy it: If you're not into Photoshop or AAA gaming, the CX34 gets the job done. The Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM keep things zippy even with many tabs open and a video call running. It's lightweight, has a clean white finish, and a 1080p display that's easy on the eyes. The full HD webcam makes a real difference on Zoom or Google Meet.

Further considerations: The CX34 boots fast, stays responsive, and doesn't run hot or loud. Chrome OS has matured, and if you mostly live in a browser, this setup is ideal.

Other Laptops Under $500 We Tested

Acer Aspire Go 15: Great battery life and a solid 1080p screen for under $500.
Acer Chromebook Spin 312: A small 2-in-1 good for basic browsing and streaming, but not super fast.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX14: Edges out models with Celeron processors and is often on sale.

How We Test Laptops

Each Windows laptop undergoes a series of benchmarks testing GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and usability. Chromebooks go through web-based tests. The goal is to push devices to their limits and compare them against others.

How to Choose the Best Laptop Under $500

The decision often comes down to lifestyle. Chromebooks are budget-friendly with excellent battery life, while Windows laptops offer more features. For travel, aim for under three pounds. Here are quick tips:

Laptop type: Consider clamshells, 2-in-1s, or Chromebooks. Convertibles can be used as tablets, while Chromebooks run Chrome OS.
CPU: Expect Intel Core i3 or i5 in Windows laptops. i5 offers more power. For AMD, Ryzen 3 is fine for everyday use, Ryzen 5 is a solid all-rounder. On Chromebooks, Snapdragon and Pentium chips outperform MediaTek.
Graphics: Integrated graphics are standard; fine for basic tasks but not gaming.
RAM: Aim for 8GB. Most Chromebooks have 4GB, but 8GB is better.
Display size: 13 to 14 inches is the sweet spot.
Resolution: Don't settle for less than 1080p.
Battery life: Look for 10 to 12 hours.
Ports: USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI are useful.

FAQ

1. What is the best laptop under $500? The MacBook Neo (2026) is the best cheap laptop, with fast performance, 13+ hours battery life, and few compromises.

2. What is the best Chromebook under $500? The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is fast, smooth, with a sharp 1080p screen and good HD webcam.

3. Can I upgrade RAM or storage later? Most budget laptops have soldered RAM, but some allow storage upgrades. Check before buying.

4. What's the difference between a laptop and a Chromebook? Chromebooks run Chrome OS instead of Windows or macOS, focusing on Google apps and online use.

5. Are Chromebooks good for gaming? Not really. For gaming, consider a Windows laptop or a cloud-gaming Chromebook, both more expensive.

6. Can integrated graphics handle gaming? Some modern integrated graphics can run games at 1080p and 30fps, but results vary. Intel Iris Xe shows promise, but older tech may struggle.