13 Best Laptops under 500 from Best Buy

In today’s ever-evolving digital world, reliable laptops are often expensive. They can easily cost well over 1,000 USD, which can be too pricey for some people. While those laptops are packed with high-end features, we think not everyone needs them. Thus, we’ve scourted the market and selected some of the top Best Buy laptops under 500 USD. While these laptops aren’t designed for super demanding tasks, we love how they can handle simple tasks really well. For students on a budget or someone who needs good value for their money, these budget laptops offer great performance for basic computing tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. Keep scrolling for our picks!

Dell XPS 13 12th Gen Intel Evo i7

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Say hello to the Dell XPS 13 12th Gen Intel Evo i7. From the moment we unboxed it, we were impressed by the laptop’s minimalist aesthetic. The CNC-machined aluminum construction felt premium and robust in our hands. Besides that, the 13.4-inch full HD display was a joy to use. We found the anti-reflective coating particularly effective during long work sessions, reducing eye strain significantly.

Running on the 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1250U processor, this laptop could handle our daily workload with ease. We were able to run multiple Chrome tabs simultaneously, edit photos in Lightroom, and handle video calls well. And while the Intel Iris Xe graphics won’t satisfy hardcore gamers, we found it perfectly capable for casual gaming and creative work.

Acer Chromebook 311 11.6″ Intel Celeron N4500

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If you don’t need to tackle demanding tasks, we have a feeling you’ll love the Acer Chromebook 311 11.6″ Intel Celeron N4500, one of the top Best Buy laptops under $300. The first thing that surprised us was its boot-up speed. We’re talking about under 10 seconds to get started. Plus, with up to 8 hours of battery life, you can power through a school day or workday without scrambling for an outlet.

With this Chromebook, gone are the days of worrying about viruses. This laptop is built with security in mind, and the Titan C2 security chip adds an extra layer of protection. Plus, automatic updates keep you covered without any hassle. Our favorite part? When you purchase this Chromebook, you get 3 months of Google One AI Premium Plan for free. This means you get access to Gemini Advanced, a whopping 2TB of cloud storage, and even more Gemini features across your favorite apps!

Take a closer look at this Chromebook by watching Whattmeter’s review!

HP 17-C0000 Intel Celeron 17.3″ Laptop

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Despite its tiny price tag, the HP 17-C0000 Intel Celeron 17.3″ Laptop has a huge screen, and it’s probably its biggest selling point. We appreciated the reduced eye strain during long work sessions. We also think the large screen size is great for productivity, but don’t expect the crisp visuals you’d get from a full HD panel. Plus, it’s anti-glare!

Running on an Intel Celeron N4120 processor with 4GB RAM, we found this laptop handles basic tasks adequately. We could comfortably browse the web, work on documents, and check emails. The 256GB SSD is also a smart choice by HP. While we wish there was more storage space, we noticed the benefits of the solid-state drive immediately – quick boot times, faster file transfers, and a more responsive overall experience compared to traditional hard drives.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515

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If you’re into Chromebooks, you’ll love the Acer Chromebook Plus 515. The 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor paired with 8GB of RAM delivered smooth performance for multitasking, while the 15.6″ Full HD anti-glare display provided us with an excellent viewing experience. We also appreciated the 1080p webcam with AI enhancements and the impressive 10-hour battery life with fast charging capabilities. It made our whole experience even better.

What sets this Chromebook apart is its software ecosystem and security features. The integration of Google’s Gemini AI, along with support for Microsoft 365, Adobe Photoshop, and GeForce NOW gaming, expands its versatility beyond traditional Chromebook limitations.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook 2-in-1 Laptop

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Whether you need a portable device for work, school, or play, you can always rely on the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook 2-in-1 Laptop. As stated on the official website, this laptop is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor. We were surprised by how this Chromebook could boot up in mere seconds and handle multitasking with ease. The 4GB RAM, while not the best, can handle multitasking decently. Meanwhile, the 128GB eMMC storage provides ample space for your files and apps.

The standout, though, is the 11-inch 2K display. The vibrant colors and sharp details made it a joy for us to use. We’re talking about watching videos and editing documents. When we tested it, the touchscreen was responsive, and the kickstand was sturdy. Overall, it’s one of, if not the best affordable 2-in-1 laptop.

For other portable options, check out these best laptop computers at Best Buy for travel!

Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ Geek Squad Certified Refurbished

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Best Refurbished. Up next is the Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ Geek Squad Certified Refurbished. To tell you the truth, we were a bit skeptical at first about trying out a refurbished MacBook Air, but the Geek Squad Certification gave us peace of mind. After all, this laptop has been meticulously tested and is guaranteed to work like new.

The 13.3-inch Retina display is a real beauty. The colors are vibrant, the text is crisp, and the True Tone technology automatically adjusts the white balance to match the ambient light, making it easier on the eyes. The new eighth-generation quad-core Intel processor is awesome. During testing, it handled everything we threw at it, from multitasking to video editing, with ease. The Apple-designed keyboard was also comfortable to type on, and the Touch Bar worked flawlessly.

Lenovo Ideapad 1i 15.6″ Intel Core i3

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We were so thrilled when we had the chance to test the Lenovo Ideapad 1i 15.6″ Intel Core i3. Even today, it’s still so hard to find a decent affordable laptop. But with the Ideapad 1i, you don’t have to think so hard anymore. Thanks to the Intel Core i3-1215U Processor, our multitasking experience was smooth as butter. Everything was snappy, and we also loved the ultra-slim design, making it super portable. The best part? This is a touchscreen laptop!

The Dolby Audio speakers delivered clear and crisp sound, enhancing our multimedia experience. For the battery, we were able to keep using it for around 6 hours before needing a charge. And if you love to take selfies, you’ll be pleased to know that it comes with a 720p camera with a privacy shutter. For video calls, you can always rely on the Smart Noise Cancelling technology that further enhances your communication experience by filtering out background noise.

For more information about this laptop, click here!

Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook

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Best for Small Tasks. If you’re really on a budget and looking for a decent laptop for light tasks, consider the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook. Powered by an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM, the IdeaPad 3i could handle our small everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and working on documents with ease. The 10-hour battery life was also a major plus, allowing us to use it for extended periods without needing a charger.

As the name suggests, this foldable laptop sports ChromeOS. This OS is a breeze to use, especially for those familiar with Google’s ecosystem. During our testing, it booted up quickly, updated automatically, and offered a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store. Also, the built-in security features will keep your device safe from viruses and malware.

ASUS Vivobook 15″ AMD Ryzen 7

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Those who need a cheap laptop with a big screen can thank the ASUS Vivobook 15″ AMD Ryzen 7. We’re huge fans of this laptop. Its sleek design and large 15.6-inch display made it a pleasure for us to use. Based on our testing, we can say that the screen’s sharp visuals and peak brightness are perfect for indoor or moderately lit environments.

Despite its large screen, the Vivobook 15 is surprisingly thin and light, making it easy to carry around inside your laptop bag or crossbody bag for laptops. The stylish design and high-quality build materials add to its appeal. Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor is a powerhouse. It could effortlessly handle our multitasking and even light gaming. Meanwhile, the 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage provided ample space for our apps, files, and media.

ASUS 14″ Laptop Intel Celeron N4500

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The ASUS 14″ Laptop Intel Celeron N4500 is a budget-friendly companion for everyday tasks. When we got this laptop, we knew it wasn’t a super powerful laptop that could handle heavy tasks. But still, we were impressed by the Intel Celeron N4500 processor. It offered adequate performance for browsing the web, streaming Netflix, and light productivity work.

One of the things we loved the most was its 14-inch FHD display, which delivered vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Thanks to this screen, you can comfortably use it for hours. On top of that, The energy-efficient LED backlight helps conserve battery life, ensuring you can work or play longer on a single charge. And while the 64GB eMMC storage might seem limited, it’s sufficient for basic needs.

HP Victus 15.6″ AMD Ryzen 5-7535HS

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Best for Gaming. The HP Victus 15.6″ is a beast! Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, it gave us incredible speed and endurance for both gaming and everyday tasks. The AMD Radeon RX 6550M Mobile graphics card, with its 4GB of GDDR6 memory, handled our demanding games with ease. We’re talking about Genshin Impact and Cyberpunk 2077.

Moreover, the 144Hz FHD anti-glare display was fantastic. It’s every gamer’s dream, offering smooth, crisp visuals without any lag or ghosting. On top of that, we also loved the HP Fast Charge feature, which allowed us to get back to gaming quickly. Better yet, the micro-edge display maximized screen real estate. Finally, what’s a gaming laptop without a backlit keyboard? It even has an integrated numeric pad!

Dell Inspiron 14″ 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop

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Best for Heavy Tasks. The Dell Inspiron 14″ 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop is a versatile gadget that seamlessly transitions between laptop, table, tent, and stand modes. With its foldable design, you can use this laptop however you want. We had fun using it and the 360-degree hinge was even better and sturdier than we thought.

The laptop’s 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM ensured smooth multitasking, even when we were handling demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. We also found the audio experience to be quite impressive. The Dolby Atmos-powered speakers delivered rich, immersive sound, whether we were listening to music or watching movies. The dual microphones and AI noise reduction technology also managed to enhance video conferencing, making it easier for us to stay connected.

“For its price, we were surprised by how good the performance of this laptop was.”

WOW Travel

HP 17.3″ Laptop AMD Ryzen 5

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Best for Productivity. Among all of the top Best Buy laptops under 500 dollars, we think the HP 17.3″ Laptop AMD Ryzen 5 offers the best value. We’ve spent some quality time with this laptop and we’re impressed. First of all, the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor delivered impressive performance, making multitasking a breeze. Whether we were browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on productivity tasks, this laptop handled it all with ease.

The 17.3″ Full HD IPS display offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it perfect for watching movies or working on creative projects. Another thing that surprised us was the tuned stereo speakers, which gave us an immersive audio experience. And when it comes to the aesthetics, it checks all the right boxes. We’re talking about a comfortable keyboard, sleek body, and lift-hinge design.

Our Verdict!

Among all these laptops, which is the best one for you? We’ve categorized some of them based on the following criteria, so take a look!

• Best for Productivity: HP 17.3″ Laptop AMD Ryzen 5
• Best for Heavy Tasks: Dell Inspiron 14″ 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop
• Best for Small Tasks: Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook
• Best for Gaming: HP Victus 15.6″ AMD Ryzen 5-7535HS
• Best Refurbished: Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ Geek Squad Certified Refurbished

How To Choose The Best Laptops under 500 USD?

When shopping for Best Buy laptops under 500 USD, there are some important considerations to think of. They include:

Processor

The processor is the brain of the laptop, so it’s important to choose one that is powerful enough for your needs. For basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and word processing, an Intel Celeron or Pentium processor will be sufficient. However, if you plan on doing more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, you’ll need a more powerful processor like an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3.

RAM and storage

The combination of RAM and storage significantly impacts your laptop’s performance. For basic tasks, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD are usually enough. However, if you plan on running multiple programs at once or doing more demanding tasks, you’ll need 8GB or more of RAM and a larger SSD or a hard drive.

Battery life

Battery life is important for any laptop, but it’s especially important for a budget laptop. You don’t want to be constantly worried about your battery dying, so it’s important to choose a laptop with a good battery life. Look for a laptop with a battery that can last at least 6-8 hours on a single charge.

For more Best Buy recommendations, take a look at these best gaming PCs and instant print cameras from Best Buy!

Is $500 too much for a laptop?

For basic tasks like browsing and office work, $500 is a reasonable budget for a laptop. However, for gaming or intensive tasks, you may need to spend more to ensure optimal performance.

How long should a 500 laptop last?

Generally, a 500 USD laptop can last for around 2 to 4 years with proper care.

Is it worth getting a refurbished laptop?

Yes, getting a refurbished laptop can be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re on a tight budget. However, it’s important to purchase from a reputable seller that offers a warranty to ensure the quality and functionality of the device.