Best Laptops Under $500 (2025 Edition)

Updated for 2025 — top budget picks with real-world performance, pros & cons, and Amazon links.

Acer Aspire 5 budget laptop 2025 Best Overall

Acer Aspire 5

Intel Core i5-1235U · 8GB RAM · 256GB SSD · 15.6″ FHD · Wi-Fi 6 · ~7–8 hrs battery. Smooth everyday performance with upgradeable RAM/storage and a backlit keyboard.

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ 1920×1080 (FHD)
  • Battery: 7–8 hours
  • Weight: ~3.9 lb
Pros: Backlit keyboard, upgradeable, Wi-Fi 6
Cons: Average speakers, not for heavy gaming
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Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 2-in-1 laptop 2025 Best for Students

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 (2-in-1)

AMD Ryzen 5 5500U · 8GB · 256GB SSD · 14″ FHD Touch · 360° hinge. Great notes + tablet mode, solid battery for campus days.

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Display: 14″ FHD Touch
  • Battery: 8–9 hours
  • Weight: ~3.3 lb
Pros: 2-in-1 flexibility, stylus support, great keyboard
Cons: Not for heavy gaming/workloads
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HP 14-inch budget laptop 2025 Best Everyday

HP 14″ Laptop

Intel Core i3-N305 · 8GB · 128GB SSD · 14″ HD. Light, reliable, perfect for browsing, docs, and streaming.

  • CPU: Intel Core i3-N305
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB SSD
  • Display: 14″ HD
  • Battery: ~7 hours
  • Weight: ~3.2 lb
Pros: Lightweight, affordable, simple
Cons: Limited storage; HD not FHD
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Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 2025 Best Chromebook

Samsung Chromebook Plus V2

Intel Celeron · 4GB · 64GB eMMC · 12.2″ Touch · ChromeOS. Long battery, fast boot, ideal for web-first users.

  • CPU: Intel Celeron
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB eMMC
  • Display: 12.2″ Touch
  • Battery: 10+ hours
  • Weight: ~2.98 lb
Pros: Excellent battery, portable, inexpensive
Cons: Limited offline apps; not for heavy software
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ASUS VivoBook 15 budget laptop 2025 Best for Light Gaming

ASUS VivoBook 15

Intel Core i3-1215U · 8GB · 256GB SSD · 15.6″ FHD · Intel UHD Graphics. Casual titles are fine; big screen, comfy keyboard.

  • CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ FHD
  • Battery: 6–7 hours
  • Weight: ~3.8 lb
Pros: Large FHD display, slim, okay graphics
Cons: Runs warm under load; average battery
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Quick Comparison

LaptopCPURAMStorageDisplayBatteryPrice
Acer Aspire 5i5-1235U8GB256GB SSD15.6″ FHD7–8h<$500
Lenovo Flex 5Ryzen 5 5500U8GB256GB SSD14″ FHD Touch8–9h<$500
HP 14″i3-N3058GB128GB SSD14″ HD~7h<$450
Samsung Chromebook Plus V2Celeron4GB64GB eMMC12.2″ Touch10+h<$400
ASUS VivoBook 15i3-1215U8GB256GB SSD15.6″ FHD6–7h<$500

Prices and availability change often. Check Amazon for the latest deals.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For Under $500

  • CPU: Aim for Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5.
  • RAM: 8GB is the sweet spot for 2025.
  • Storage: SSD (128–256GB) over HDD every time.
  • Display: Prefer Full HD (1920×1080) for clarity.
  • Battery: Real-world 6–9h is typical in this range.
  • Use Case: Consider 2-in-1s for note-taking; Chromebooks for web-first use; Windows for widest software support.
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