We often become indecisive about which product to choose when a huge collection is presented to us. And particularly, if you are looking forward to purchasing a laptop, its different features get us even more confused. But if you are looking for a laptop that lies around a budget of $500, then we will be helping you come out of these confusions by offering you a list of the best laptops under $500.
The laptops that we have included in our list of the best laptops under $500 are surely going to impress you with their performance while carrying a genuine price tag. If you want a laptop for regular usage but do not want to end up buying an extremely basic laptop, these laptops are certainly your pick. We also have a list of the Best Laptops under $400 that you might be interested in.
How we picked the best laptops under $500
A laptop will offer you the right performance if it comes loaded with the right features. Let us quickly explain what features we looked for in laptops to pick the best ones. This will also help you to select the right laptop according to the features you need the most.
Processor:
For a price range of under $500, some of the best processors that you can get on a laptop are from the Intel Core i3 series or the AMD Ryzen 3 series. Though other processors like the Intel Celeron series are also available, the former ones are recommended.
RAM and Storage:
If you want your laptop to perform fast especially when you multitask, look for higher RAM options. An 8GB RAM should be preferred, however, 4GB is also fine if you do not perform demanding tasks on your laptop. The storage mostly depends on your requirements.
Display:
Not only should you look for how clear and bright the display of a laptop is, but you should also decide whether you want a normal screen or a touch screen. Laptops which offer a 360-flippable display are also available which can be used as a tablet too.
Battery:
Laptops are designed to be portable. However, if the laptop you purchase does not offer a long battery backup, it will limit its portability. Furthermore, frequent charging can be very inconvenient. Look for long battery backup and quick charging options on a laptop.
These are the best laptops under $500 in Canada
| Laptops | RAM | Storage | CPU | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Aspire 5 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | Intel i3 11th Gen | Current Price |
| Asus VivoBook 14 | 8GB | 128GB SSD | Intel i3 11th Gen | Current Price |
| Acer Spin 1 | 4GB | 128GB SSD | Intel Celeron N4500 | Current Price |
1. Acer Aspire 5
One of the most recommended laptops which you can get at a price of under $500 is the Acer Aspire 5. Without question, we appreciate the display quality, processor, RAM, and storage offered on this laptop. This laptop features an Intel Core i3 11th Gen processor, large 8GB RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage which is the best you can expect for a laptop of this price, thus making it one of the best laptops under $500.
Pros
- Offers high RAM and storage.
- Has a touch-screen FHD IPS display.
- Features a backlit keyboard.
Cons
- Can get noisy at times.
Specifications:
| Brand: | Acer |
| Model: | Aspire 5 |
| Display: | 15.6-inch FHD |
| CPU: | Intel Core i3-1115G4 |
| Graphics: | Intel Integrated GPU |
| RAM: | 8 GB |
| Storage: | 256 GB SSD |
| Weight: | 2.72 kg |
2. Asus VivoBook 14
We next have the Asus VivoBook 14 which features among the best laptops under $500. You get to experience a smooth performance while working on this laptop for which we credit the Intel Core i3 11th Gen processor and the 8GB RAM. This laptop features a Full HD display to deliver clear visuals. An ergonomic keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, and a wide range of connectivity options are provided on it.
Pros
- Decent processor and RAM.
- Great display quality.
- Well-build.
Cons
- Lacks a backlit keyboard.
- Lacks a microSD card reader.
Specifications:
| Brand: | Asus |
| Model: | VivoBook 14 |
| Display: | 14-inch FHD |
| CPU: | Intel Core i3-1115G4 |
| Graphics: | Intel Integrated GPU |
| RAM: | 8 GB |
| Storage: | 128 GB SSD |
| Weight: | 2.17 kg |
3. Acer Spin 1
We also consider the Acer Spin 1 one of the best laptops under $500. As you can see in its picture, the screen of this laptop can be completely flipped backwards. And because it comes with a touch screen display, you can use this laptop like a tablet too. However, for offering such features, it does somewhat compromise on the processor, RAM and storage but that can be accepted if you want a 2 in 1 laptop at an affordable price.
Pros
- Can be flipped backwards.
- Offers a touchscreen.
- Comes with an attractive metal chassis.
Cons
- Low RAM and storage.
- Average battery life.
Specifications:
| Brand: | Acer |
| Model: | Spin 1 |
| Display: | 14-inch HD |
| CPU: | Intel Celeron N4500 |
| Graphics: | Intel Integrated GPU |
| RAM: | 4 GB |
| Storage: | 128 GB SSD |
| Weight: | 1.5 kg |
FAQs about the best laptops under $500
Which are the best laptops under $500?
The best laptops under $500 include the Acer Aspire 5, the Asus VivoBook 14, and the Acer Spin 1 since they offer great features at an affordable price.
Which laptops under $500 offer a touchscreen display?
Laptops like the Acer Aspire 5 and the Acer Spin 1 feature a touchscreen display and you can get these laptops for under $500.
Can an i3 processor be used for multitasking?
Yes, an i3 processor will offer adequate performance while multitasking. However, if you are using very demanding apps, you may need upgradation.
