Best Budget Laptop for Students Under $500 on 2023 USA
College can be expensive, including tuition, housing, and textbooks. Food and other miscellaneous expenses are also included. Students need a reliable laptop that will last years of taking notes, writing papers in the early morning, and editing slides for group projects. It can be more challenging than reading a thousand words about Proust to choose the right best budget laptop for students under $500.
The best budget laptop for students under $500 for 2023 should strike the optimal blend of performance, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. While student laptops are necessary for today’s classrooms, they will become much more so as we move to remote campuses. Having the right laptop to study with virtual collaboration, online classes, and video meetings is necessary.
Each year we test many laptops. We’ve collected the top picks from other guides to help students choose the best. The most important aspect of a laptop is its price to performance ratio. Next are battery life, size, weight, keyboard, trackpad, and decent-enough performance.
The top choice offers the best combination of all these factors for high school and college students, regardless of whether they are traveling to physical schools or taking classes online. We also have solutions for people on a tighter budget or those who like to play on their laptops. There are many options available for Budget laptops for students below $500 in April 2023.
Best Budget Laptop for Students Under $500 2023 USA
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15″ Laptop Intel Core i3-1005G1-8GB Memory 256GB SSD
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" Laptop Intel Core i3-1005G1-8GB Memory 256GB SSD Platinum Grey - 81WE011UUS
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15″ Laptop Review 2023
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 1.2 GHz |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2666 MHz |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
amazon.com
HP Laptop for Students 15.6″ FHD, AMD Athlon
HP Laptop for Students 15.6" FHD, AMD Athlon 3050U (up to 3.2GHz, Beat i5-7200U), 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, HDMI, Webcam, Windows 10 w/Ghost Manta Accessories
HP Laptop for Students 15.6″ FHD, AMD Athlon Laptop Review 2023
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1920x1080 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 2.3 GHz amd_r_series |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 3.2 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| 【Win 10 S mode】You may switch win 10 S mode to the regular win 10 | Update Microsoft App Store to the latest version. Press "Start button" bottom left of the screen; Select "Settings" icon above "power" icon; Select Update & Security and Activation, then Go to Store; Select "Get" option under "Switch out of S mode"; Hit Install. |
ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop 15.6”
ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop 15.6” Intel Core i3-8145U CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 10 F512FA-AB34
Asus Vivobook 15 thin and light laptop review 2023
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 3.9 GHz core_i3_family |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 3.9 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 128 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 8 GB |
| Wireless Type | 802.11b/n/ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Dell Inspiron 3000 15” Laptop
Dell Inspiron 3000 15” Laptop 128GB SSD+500GB HDD 8GB DDR4 1.8GHz Intel Celeron, Intel UHD Graphics Windows 10 Home
Dell Inspiron 3000 Review 2023
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 Pixels |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz celeron_n |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2666 MHz |
| Hard Drive | 628 GB Hybrid |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | 801.11ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop A515-56-36UT Slim Laptop 15.6″
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop A515-56-36UT Slim Laptop 15.6" Full HD Display | 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor | 4GB DDR4 | 128GB NVMe SSD | WiFi 6 | Amazon Alexa | Windows 10 Home
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop Review 2023
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 4.1 GHz core_i3 |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 4.1 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 128 GB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 3 |
| Powerful Productivity | 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive creating, productivity, and gaming experiences. With Turbo Boost Technology, get up to 4.1GHz for your high-demand applications |
| Ergonomic Typing | Ergonomically-designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience |
| Internal Specifications | 4GB DDR4 on-board memory (1 slot available); 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) to store your files and media |
| Secure Operating System | Windows 10 Home (S mode) comes with advanced security features built right in, like protections against phishing and malicious software so you don't have to think twice when navigating to a new webpage or downloading an app |
| Ports For All Your Accessories | USB 3.2 Type-C, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (1 Power-off Charging), USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support, headphone/speaker/line-out jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), DC-in for AC adapter |
| What's In the Box | Acer Aspire Laptop, AC Adapter, Power Cord |
HP 15 Amd Ryzen 3 3250U HD Display Laptop 8GB DDR4 RAM
HP 15 amd Ryzen 3 3250U HD Display Laptop 8GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB SSD+1TB HDD, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Webcam, Remote Work, Win 10 S, AllyFlex MP
HP 15 amd Ryzen 3 Review 2023
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1360x768 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 Pixels |
| Processor | 2.6 GHz ryzen_3_3250u |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 3.5 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon™ Graphics |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 3 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 7 Hours |
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop 14″ Full HD Touchscreen
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop 14" Full HD Touchscreen 4-Way NanoEdge, Intel Core M3-8100Y Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage, All-Metal Body, Backlit KB, Chrome OS- C434TA-DSM4T
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 Review 2023
| Standing screen display size | 14 Inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 3.4 GHz core_m_family |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR3L |
| Memory Speed | 1 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 64 GB emmc |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 615 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 1 GB |
| Wireless Type | 802.11b/n/ac |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 3 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 10 Hours |
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 Pros and Cons
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is better laptop or Chromebook?
The Chromebook is a one-of-a-kind laptop when compared to Mac and Windows laptops. On paper, it doesn’t appear to be a good fit for aspiring professionals and developing enterprises that require powerful devices. It has limited storage and apps, and it can’t accomplish half of what a Windows laptop should.
Battery life: Laptop battery life has improved in recent years partly due to designers finding ways to increase the capacity of batteries without making them heavy. Because Chromebooks are lightweight, they can store larger batteries but still get more from them.
Portability: All Chromebooks have been designed to be very thin and lightweight. Chromebooks are available in a wide range of sizes and weights.
Durability: Laptops with solid frames and keyboards are a popular choice for heavy-duty industrial and military use. Chromebooks are rising, featuring fewer moving parts, features such as rubber bumpers, and reinforced ports. They also have stronger corners that prevent accidental drops.
Software: Chromebooks do not run any software but instead use web apps. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be restricted. Do you want to create a document? Google Docs allows you to create and edit documents online. You can use it just like Microsoft Word but without a paid license. Chromebook web apps are available for many tasks such as creating spreadsheets, running inboxes, and streaming videos.
Processors: The Chrome OS operating system runs so smoothly that even a primary processor can handle it. Chromebooks run fast and smoothly on a processor that reduces the cost. Windows laptops and Macs require more powerful processors to run efficiently.
Security: Chromebooks are far more secure than Windows laptops and MacBooks because they have built-in protections. You can set Chromebooks up to store almost nothing, and a Google Drive company would protect it all. So, this means you can feel safe using the Chromebook no matter what.
How do I choose a laptop?
HDD: HDDs offer ample storage space at a low cost per GB.
SSHD: Solid State Hybrid Drives, (SSHDs) offer maximum capacity at a reasonable price and sound loading and booting.
SSD: Solid State Drives (SSDs), which provide smooth booting and multitasking performance, are suitable for thin or light laptops.
Light use:
For surfing the web, watching videos on the internet, or conducting office work. These lightweight laptops come with 4GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.
Medium Use:
Intensive use includes photo editing Processors ranging from Core i3 to Core i5 with 4GB to 8GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage.
Use for heavy and challenging work:
Video editing and rendering, working with vast numbers of photos, animation, and graphic design work are all everyday tasks for professional gamers. Core i9 and higher processors, 16GB to 32GB RAM, and a high-end SSD storage device are all recommended.
Dual Core
• Two processors integrated into one package
• Great for multitasking.
• Consumes less power.
• Fast Performance
Quad-Core
• Two dual-core processors were integrated with one processor.
• Doubles efficiency and speed when compared to dual-core.
• Battery efficiency is higher
• It- Best suited for gaming.
AMD:
• More Secure Features, management, and performance.
• Control the heating temperature.
• Long battery life.
• High performance at a reasonable price.
USB Port:
• USB Type-C provides speed and functionality.
Display:
• OLED Screen display better real-life image.
Touchscreen:
• This makes the interface more manageable and more accessible.
2-in-1 PCs
• Next-generation laptops with the ability to fold flat and even detach for use as a tablet.
Wi-Fi
• Get Wi-Fi 6 (next-generation), which is quicker than 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
Graphics
• Look for a laptop with a NVidia Graphic Chip
