At $500, $500 laptops provide great value. That amount should cover you for an excellent Chromebook or Windows clamshell as well as some dynamic 2-in-1 convertibles such as Lenovo Duet 5.
Budget models usually use Intel processors without discrete graphics hardware, making them suitable for everyday computing and web work but not suitable for games.
1. Acer Chromebook R11
If you need an economical laptop that does its job reliably and effortlessly, the Acer Chromebook R11 could be just what you’re searching for. Offering solid everyday performance with its crisp 1080p screen and long battery life, this budget option has much to offer those who do most of their work online or through Google apps.
The Acer is constructed with thick plastic that feels sturdy without feeling cheap, while its vibrant blue lid and bottom add some character and personalisation to an otherwise generic box. The keyboard offers ample room and comfort; though its responsiveness or accuracy may not match top models in its price range. All things considered, however, this Acer offers great value.
Acer’s Aspire Z315 packs an Intel Celeron N3160 processor with 4GB of RAM into its slim frame. This combination can support general office and web work, light video streaming and even high-demand YouTube videos without slowing down or stuttering. Standard integrated graphics at this price point do their job adequately although gaming or 3D work will likely prove challenging.
2. Acer Chromebook Spin 312
With its robust processor, vibrant display, and 13+ hours of battery life, the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 is an excellent option for web browsing and Google apps. While not breaking any speed records, this model should keep up with most users and makes for an ideal portable laptop to bring on trips.
The Spin 314 stands out with its OceanGlass trackpad, making every keystroke feel effortless rather than laborious. Made of recycled plastic from ocean waste, its surface makes each keystroke enjoyable rather than tedious; while the keyboard’s keys feature concave keycaps for long typing sessions. Plus, its durable chassis and surprising speakers make this laptop truly worth its cost.
The Acer is our most budget-friendly laptop and still delivers outstanding performance. Ideal for students heading back to college, remote workers needing an additional device or families needing something lightweight yet versatile for trips; graphics processing power may take a hit here – which shouldn’t really matter for most budget shoppers anyway!
3. Acer Aspire Go 15
Acer offers several laptop lines, but its Aspire Go 15 laptop stands out as one designed specifically to fulfill light productivity, studying, and general daily tasks with ease. Notably capable yet power efficient for its price point – don’t confuse this model for some cheap knockoff!
All Aspire Go line laptops use Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 integrated graphics processing units as part of its core configuration, and this model uses one specifically for media creation and is an affordable daily driver that’s better value than premium ultraportables that cost 10x as much.
The Aspire Go 15 is designed as an affordable workhorse, and this can be seen in its design. Constructed from plastic with hard angles and gentle curves, its chassis feels sturdy but not quite rigid enough; I’ve seen more flex in other laptops of this material.
Acer has included an impressive assortment of ports on its Aspire Go 15 laptop, such as two USB-A ports, one USB-C port and a headphone jack – a welcome contrast to many newer machines which only provide limited ports. In addition, Aspire Go 15 boasts an extended-length charger cable; something many cheaper laptops lack.
4. Dell Inspiron 15 5000
Dell’s budget laptop lineup has always been fairly subdued, and the Inspiron 15 5000 is no different. This 15.6-inch midrange laptop stands out as being relatively plain: its chunky silver shell reeks of longevity; with thick bezels and faux brushed metal finishes that obtrude from its front. Meanwhile, inside, its Intel Core i5-1035G1 CPU provides decent overall performance without standing out particularly in our benchmark tests.
Note that Dell’s less expensive laptops usually do not include discrete graphics processors – something to bear in mind if you plan to do GPU-powered video editing or gaming on a tight budget.
Still, the Inspiron 15 5000 is an effective general-use laptop. It outshines most cheap Windows laptops when browsing the web (with multiple tabs open), making videos and phone calls, working in Microsoft Office programs and more. Furthermore, its ergonomic keyboard, trackpad and tall touchscreen feature make for comfortable use – as do its decent speakers and enough battery life for a typical workday or schoolday – while being free from third-party bloatware that often slows down more affordable PCs.
