What Are The Best Laptops Under $500 in 2016?
We could all use some tips for saving money. And not just generic money saving techniques like stop eating take-out, but useful information on ways to buy something that you need for a mind-blowing price. We are chasing down the current best laptops so you won't have to.
Didn’t think it was possible to get the best laptops under $500? This guide will prove you wrong and hopefully save you some money in the process while updating the best laptops for 2015 article that we had up. Not only can you buy a quality laptop for less than $500, but you should still have money left over to order take-out for dinner.
Laptop Comparison Table
Image | Model | Screen Size (Inches) | Hard Drive Size | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 12 | 32 GB | $$ | ||
 | 10.1 | 32 GB | $$ | ||
 | 15.5 | 500 GB | $$$ | ||
 | 11.6 | 32 GB | $$$ | ||
 | 11.6 | 16 GB | $$$ | ||
 | 13.3 | 16 GB | $$ | ||
 | 11.6 | 500 GB | $$$ | ||
 | 11.6 | 16 GB | $$$ | ||
 | 11.6 | 16 GB | $$ | ||
 | 17.3 | 500 GB | $$$$ |
1) ASUS Transformer Book T200TA-B1-BL
This Windows 8 hybrid 2-in-1 easily takes you from a clamshell to a tablet, complete with a full-size detachable keyboard dock with hard drive bay so you can increase the slightly meager 64GB memory it comes with. The Asus Transformer Book T200 also comes with bundled video and photo editing apps.
This little laptop is all about the micro, with a micro SD card slot, micro USB port and micro HDMI port. Don't worry though it still sports some full size USB ports to handle most of your device cords. Our one concern about this machine was its below average battery life.
2) ASUS Transformer Book T100TA
Anyone looking for tips on how to save money shopping for a new laptop, the Asus Transformer Book T100 is another frugal option with good bang for your buck. With Windows 8 and the processing power to run the full suite of MS software (MS Office Home & Student 2013 comes preloaded), it also comes with 1TB of cloud storage for a year, keyboard with trackpad, and a USB port.
It does take longer to recharge and only has 2GB of memory. But, if you’re fine storing files in the cloud or just want a device for word processing and to surf the web, this is a good way to save money on a tight budget-you’ll have some left to buy a laptop bag!
3) Acer Aspire E5-571P
While smaller screens can be great for more portability, sometimes its nice to have a 15 inch screen. And its even better when that big bright screen is a touch screen to let you interact with the system however feels most natural to you.
This system has an optical drive giving you the ability to watch DVDs, so there can still be movies even if you can't find an internet connect or with 500 GBs of hard drive space there is plenty of room to store whatever you'd need. As another plus the battery lasts up to 8 hours which should give you all the time you need to view a couple movies.
4) Acer C720P
This Chromebook is a great desktop replacement option with its Intel Celeron 1.4 GHz processor and 32GB SSD, its rebooting and processing speeds are quick and responsive. A few other benefits of that solid state drive are that this system is going to run cooler than if it had a mechanical drive, which leads to less running of the fan and a quieter system. Be careful if you have to switch back to a device with a mechanical hard drive, you might get spoiled.
All that speed and they have managed to include a battery that will last up to 7 hours. That gives you the freedom to take this system away from the outlet. Acer, knowing they were giving you that freedom, got this computer under 3 pounds and slimmed it down to well under an inch thick. With all this in a laptop for under $500, this should make your short list. It is definitely one of the best laptops in the US.
5) Dell Chromebook 11
Considered a cheap desktop replacement, this ultraportable Dell Chromebook feels solid and sturdy, comes with 4GB of memory, and has good processing power and a longer battery life thanks to the Intel Celeron 2955U processor.
While small this has super sturdy construction so you would not have any second thoughts about taking it just about anywhere you went. When paired with its good battery life this becomes a great choice for a college student to take to class for notes and the like.? On the down side though, it seems to have a narrower screen angle to the display and there is no 4G/WWAN option available.
6) Toshiba CB35-B3330
This one comes in at less than half of our $500 limit, but still gives you plenty for word processing and surfing the net. Since this runs the Chrome OS you won't be able to install things like Microsoft Office, but you'll still be able to edit work documents through Google Docs.
Pros:
- Amazing battery life
- Sleek and only 3 pounds
- Available in multiple colors
- 13.3-inch display
Cons:
- Limited to 16 GB for storage
- Only 2 GB of RAM
7) Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series
Despite its compact look, it still feels sturdy and durable with just a little keyboard flex. Being a convertible-style laptop, you get choices. Choose whether to use it as a tablet or a clamshell device, and choose to use the keyboard or the touch screen. There are “flip” 4 modes available: Laptop, Stand, Tablet, and Tent. Tent is ideal for traveling, while Laptop and Stand modes both give you access to the keyboard, which does not detach.
Processing speed is good thanks to the Intel Pentium N3530 processor, and the IPS (In-Plane Switching) screen is crisp and clean, and able to properly display 720p HD videos. It also sports a 500GB hard drive and comes with 4GB of memory. It competes directly with the Lenovo Yoga, and usually comes in a bit lower in price.
8) Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e
The Yoga 11e Chromebook with Intel Celeron N2930 processor is a great alternative to the Dell Inspiron 11. The name Yoga says it all. An extremely flexible laptop, it features Lenovo's multimode hinge to ensure long-lasting conversions from laptop to tablet. Its IPS screen is noted for its high quality, but battery life is below average.
Although it’s a bit heavier than its competitor, it was constructed to endure against humidity, vibration, temperature, and dust. Despite its Intel Celeron N2930 processor, it is also a little more sluggish than its competitors, especially considering it’s one of the most expensive in the best laptops under $500 category.
9) HP Chromebook 11 G4
This is our lowest price entry on the list. But don't be worried that it won't be able to handle what you throw its way. It's set up to run quiet and fast with its solid state drive, you'll wish you had gotten one sooner. This should qualify as one of the best long lasting laptops.
Pros:
- 720P High Definition Webcam
- Under 3 pounds
- HDMI, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 ports
- Super battery life
Cons:
- Needs to be on a WI-FI connection for most activities
- May not be compatible with your programs
10) Dell Inspiron 17 5000
Coming in just under $500, this desktop replacement was designed for multimedia fans on a lean laptop budget. Bet you didn't think you could get 17 inch laptops for under $500. Not only does a DVD burner and SD card reader come on it, but the Intel HD Graphics 4400 and Intel Pentium 3558U processor provides enough processing power and performance to complete any multimedia project. Just sneaking in to be one of our 10 best laptops.
Pros:
- Intel HD Graphics 4400
- DVD burner & SD card reader
- HDMI, USB 2.0, and USB 3.o ports
- 17.3-inch display
Cons:
- Noisy trackpad
- Lower resolution for the screen size
Conclusion
So, you were wondering which laptop is good? I think we've given you the answer with our list of the 10 best laptops under $500. Now you have to figure out what your needs are. Perhaps you are just starting a website, don't have much money and are looking for the best laptop for blogging. Or you could just be a parent trying to find the best laptop in budget for your family.
I've done my part in showing you the best laptops under $500. Now I must call on you to make your selection, choose wisely! Then go forth and enjoy your new machine, and the money still in your pocket.
Product Images Sourced From Amazon.com
