Best Laptop for 500 Dollars: 5 Fast, Reliable Picks for Everyday Use (2025)

Buying a laptop under $500 takes some careful research and realistic expectations. This price range can still deliver dependable machines for tasks like web browsing, schoolwork, or video streaming. Models from major brands such as Lenovo, HP, and Acer have evolved to offer faster processors, clearer screens, and better build quality than older budget laptops.

When shopping for the best laptop for $500, focus on performance basics like processor speed, memory, and storage type. A solid-state drive (SSD) usually gives faster startups and smoother multitasking compared to a hard drive. Battery life and display quality also matter, especially for students or remote workers who need a laptop that runs efficiently on the go. Choosing the right mix of power, portability, and durability ensures that a budget laptop still feels reliable day after day.

We compared leading models and tested how well they handled everyday tasks, from typing documents to streaming video, to find which ones offer the best value for the price.

5 Best Laptops for $500

We tested a range of laptops that deliver solid performance without breaking the budget. These models balance speed, build quality, and battery life for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and schoolwork. Below is our list of the best laptops you can buy for around $500.

1. HP 17.3″ Laptop (Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

A solid option for anyone who needs a large screen and dependable performance under $500.

Pros

• Spacious display makes multitasking comfortable
• Runs smoothly for daily work and streaming
• Quick recharge keeps downtime short

Cons

• Cooling fan can get noisy
• Screen resolution lower than competitors
• Bulkier size limits portability

We tested the HP 17.3″ laptop for a week and were pleased with how easily it handled typical office tasks. The keyboard lift-hinge design made long typing sessions easier on the wrists, and the trackpad felt accurate. With Windows 11 onboard, setup was simple and software updates went smoothly.

Its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 16GB of RAM kept up with multiple open tabs and light video editing without hesitation. The system booted quickly thanks to the SSD, which made it feel snappy in daily use. The large display felt clear, but we did notice the resolution wasn’t as sharp as other laptops in this price range.

We appreciated HP’s use of recycled materials and the laptop’s sturdy build. At just over four and a half pounds, it’s not light, but that extra size gives you more screen real estate for spreadsheets, documents, and media. Charging from zero to half in under an hour was handy when working on the go.

Overall, we think this HP 17.3″ laptop makes sense for users who want a larger display and trustworthy everyday performance without spending more than $500.

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2. HP 2025 Business 15.6″ Touch Laptop

This HP laptop offers solid performance and storage for under $500, making it a practical choice for work, study, or everyday use.

Pros

• Speedy performance for multitasking and daily apps
• Large storage capacity with the extra external drive
• Lightweight and easy to carry

Cons

• Screen resolution could be sharper
• Touch display can smudge quickly
• Limited HP warranty coverage

We found the HP 2025 Business 15.6″ Touch Laptop quick to set up and ready to go within minutes. The Intel i3 processor and 16GB of RAM handle common tasks smoothly, such as browsing, writing documents, or streaming. Programs opened without lag, and multitasking didn’t slow things down.

The touch display feels responsive when scrolling or zooming, though the resolution isn’t as crisp as a Full HD panel. The lightweight design made it easy for us to take from desk to couch without hassle. Battery life lasted through a full workday, which we appreciated during travel days.

We liked that the bundle includes useful accessories like a docking station and external drive. It’s not perfect—the screen could be clearer, and the warranty is limited—but overall this HP delivers strong value for someone on a $500 budget.

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3. Lenovo IdeaPad 1i

This laptop delivers reliable everyday performance for under $500, making it a smart choice for students and home users.

Pros

• Feels light and slim, easy to carry anywhere
• Runs multiple apps without major slowdowns
• Bundled accessories add real convenience

Cons

• Display could be brighter and sharper
• Speakers sound basic for music or movies
• Limited performance for heavy workloads

We found the Lenovo IdeaPad 1i comfortable to use right away. The setup was simple, and the system booted quickly. Its slim build and soft, brushed finish give it a clean look that fits nicely in a backpack or small bag.

In daily use, it handled web browsing, document editing, and video calls smoothly. The 12GB of memory helped prevent lag when switching between tasks. The battery life held up well through a full workday, and quick charging came in handy when we needed a top-up before heading out.

The screen quality works fine for general work, but colors and brightness won’t impress in sunny rooms. Audio output is okay for calls but not ideal for movies. Still, the included accessories—especially the docking hub and wireless mouse—add good value for anyone getting started without spending extra.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1i gives dependable performance and thoughtful extras at a reasonable price. It’s best for light computing, schoolwork, and everyday use rather than demanding tasks or gaming.

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4. ASUS Vivobook 14

A solid option for students and professionals who need a dependable, midrange laptop under $500 that smoothly handles school and office work.

Pros

• Great multitasking ability for daily use
• Compact and portable build
• Includes lifetime Office and accessories bundle

Cons

• Screen brightness could be higher outdoors
• Touchpad feels slightly firm
• Battery life is decent but not long-lasting

We liked how balanced the ASUS Vivobook 14 felt right out of the box. It started quickly, ran multiple apps without lag, and stayed cool during long work sessions. The 180° hinge came in handy while sharing notes during a group project, and the physical webcam cover gave us peace of mind.

Carrying it around was easy thanks to its lightweight build. The quiet blue finish looked neat, though smudges showed after daily handling. The included 6‑in‑1 hub and wireless mouse made setup straightforward for both desk and travel use.

During normal work tasks like writing reports and browsing, it stayed responsive. Streaming video looked clear on the 14‑inch display, although the brightness struggled a bit under direct sunlight. For the price, we found the Vivobook 14 dependable, practical, and well equipped for everyday productivity.

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5. NIMO 15.6″ FHD Laptop

This laptop offers solid everyday performance for under $500, making it a smart pick for students or professionals who want strong value without cutting corners.

Pros

• Sturdy metal shell gives it a premium feel
• Fast SSD keeps work and apps responsive
• Bright IPS display makes visuals crisp and clear

Cons

• Battery life could be longer
• No touchscreen option
• Fans turn on quickly during heavy tasks

Using the NIMO laptop for a few weeks felt surprisingly smooth. It handled a mix of document editing, browser tabs, and light design work without slowing down. The backlit keyboard came in handy for late-night use, and the fingerprint scanner made it easy to log in safely.

We noticed the cooling fans spinning up during gaming or video calls, but it never overheated. The 15.6-inch screen looks sharper than expected for this price, and the color accuracy held up well when watching videos or editing images.

Charging through the USB-C port was convenient—we could top it up quickly using the included 65W charger. While the battery didn’t last a full day of heavy work, it recharged fast enough to keep us moving. Overall, we see the NIMO 15.6″ FHD Laptop as a dependable choice for anyone seeking a balanced mix of power, display quality, and usability in the $500 range.

Buying Guide

When choosing a laptop under $500, we look for the right balance of performance, display quality, and build. At this price, no single model will excel in every category, so focusing on key features helps get the most value.

We start with the processor and memory. A modern CPU, such as an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3, runs basic tasks smoothly. 8GB of RAM offers better multitasking than 4GB, especially if you plan to browse with many tabs open.

Storage also matters. A Solid-State Drive (SSD) loads programs faster and improves responsiveness. Even a 256GB SSD is usually enough for work, school, and entertainment needs.

Feature	Recommendation	Why It Matters
Processor	Intel i3 / AMD Ryzen 3	Smooth everyday use
RAM	8GB	Better multitasking
Storage	256GB SSD	Faster startup and load times
Display	1080p (Full HD)	Clearer text and images
Battery Life	6+ hours	Portable and reliable

We check for a comfortable keyboard, a responsive touchpad, and enough ports for accessories. A lightweight design also makes a difference when carrying it between work or classes.

Lastly, we consider build quality and warranty options. Cheaper laptops may use more plastic, but sturdy hinges and a solid frame extend durability. A one-year standard warranty gives peace of mind if problems arise.

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