LPGuard’s Best Laptops You Can Buy Today Under $500

Achieve the perfect balance of price and functionality with these budget laptops under $500. 

These budget laptops combine the perfect balance between affordability and functionality. In fact, even more! Whether you’re searching for a cheap Chromebook or a Windows laptop, this can prove to be an arduous task especially if you need it abruptly for remote learning or working from home. 

Ever since the Coronavirus pandemic happened, the demand for cheap notebooks and Chromebooks is at an all-time high. Despite the harsh reality of job losses, the demand for cheap computers remains strong. With that being said, this could be the perfect time to shop for the best laptop deals. 

Here’s a quick tip. When buying a budget laptop, make sure you consider the availability and shipping of the product. This is essential because shipping fees vary depending on where you live. In addition, never buy any item out of desperation. This is like shopping for food while you’re hungry. 

If you have the means, we still recommend getting yourself a decent computer that can last at least three years with more power and functionality. 

HP Chromebook x360 14c

The HP Chromebook x360 14c features a futuristic, and minimalist design. It has a 14-inch 1920 x 1080p display, Intel Core i3-10110U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. You can also upgrade to 128GB of storage but will require additional cost. Additionally, this Chromebook has a durable chassis, 14-inch Corning Gorilla Glass display, Bang & Olufsen speakers, keyboard with backlight, an HD camera, and WLAN antennas. 

The fun part, however, is on the dual 360-degree hinges that allow users to convert the Chromebook into tablet and tent mode. Moreover, the HP Chromebook x360 14c is a good option for casual users who only surf the web and work on Google Docs. This could also be for students who want something to help them manage their schoolwork with a few entertainment capabilities. 

HP Pavilion x360

The HP Pavilion x360 is a capable convertible laptop. It can handle the daily workload, whether for work-at-home or remote-learning purposes. Although it’s not a premium laptop, the x360 can prove hard to buy because of the current demand for cheap laptops. As with performance, the x360 laptop from HP can only deliver only an average. 

Likewise, this laptop features a 14-inch, 1920×1080 WLED screen, an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor. UHD 620, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 267GB SSD storage. This convertible laptop flips smoothly and can support its weight. In addition, this laptop can only manage an average daily task that doesn’t require too much computing power. 

Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Flex 5

The Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook offers a flexible option for both school and work. Likewise, its performance capabilities can last beyond the next couple of years. This two-in-one Chromebook offers more flexibility than its predecessor, the IdeaPad Duet two-in-one. 

Moreover, the Flex 5 offers a larger, 13.3-inch display, a full-sized backlit keyboard, and more computing power with its 10th-Gen Core i3 processor. It also delivers stable performance and excellent battery life. 

Asus VivoBook 15

The Asus VivoBook 15 offers a premium design, a good port selection with minimal bezels. Unfortunately, it lacks the battery life, poor sound quality, and a not-so-impressive display. Truth is, the VivoBook 15 is only impressive with its design. Behind its good look is an inferior CPU performance. 

It’s powered by an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, an Intel UHD graphics, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD storage,  and a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080p screen. But hey, that’s what you get for a cost of only $399. 

Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 offers good performance and affordability that won’t hurt your purse. It also brings decent sound quality, a good selection of ports, and it’s upgradeable. Unfortunately, the performance can be middling, an inferior battery life, and the keyboard is mushy. 

Moreover, this laptop can handle basic computing tasks for both work and remote learning. This laptop is powered by an Intel Core i3-100G1 processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD, an Intel UHD graphics, and a 15-inch screen with a 1080p display. 

Samsung Chromebook 4

The Samsung Chromebook 4 offers a solid and rigid feel thanks to its all-aluminum lid and high-quality build. Unfortunately, the bottom part is made from plastic which makes a bad impression. This gives off a cheap feeling since the plastic doesn’t feel solid and firm. 

The best part of the Samsung Chromebook 4 is the keyboard. It’s actually pretty good since it’s nice and quiet to the touch. The touchpad is also a good one thanks to its spacious and large. Unfortunately, the plastic material absorbs oil and gets tacky. In addition, the click mechanism gives off a rubbery feel which is not at all impressive.