Best Laptops 2021 Under $500
Tired of laptops that cost more than your car payment? You're in the right place! We're diving deep into the world of budget-friendly laptops – specifically, the best laptops under $500 in 2021. This guide is for the ultimate cost-cutter: someone who wants a functional machine without breaking the bank.
Why bother with a cheap laptop? Because sometimes, good enough is perfect. For students, writers, or anyone who needs a basic workhorse, a sub-$500 laptop can be a lifesaver. It allows you to save your money for other things.
The Contenders: Our Shortlist
We've handpicked a few laptops that cater to different needs within the budget. These represent a good balance of price and performance. Consider them your top options.
For the Student: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
This 2-in-1 Chromebook is ultra-portable and perfect for note-taking. The included keyboard is a huge bonus! It's not a powerhouse, but it handles browsing, writing, and streaming with ease.
For the Writer: Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 offers a more traditional laptop experience with a larger screen. It features a decent keyboard and a comfortable typing experience. This is ideal for longer writing sessions.
For Basic Tasks: HP Stream 14
The HP Stream 14 is a no-frills option that's incredibly affordable. It's best suited for very basic tasks like email and web browsing. Don't expect to do any heavy lifting with this one.
Detailed Reviews
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Review
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a standout for its versatility and portability. The detachable keyboard transforms it from a tablet to a laptop in seconds. Its Chrome OS is lightweight and responsive, and the battery life is excellent.
However, the small screen can be limiting for some tasks. It may lack the processing power for demanding applications. The integrated storage is also limited, but you can expand it via microSD.
Acer Aspire 5 Review
The Acer Aspire 5 offers a good balance of features for the price. The larger screen makes it comfortable for working on documents or watching videos. Its performance is decent for everyday tasks like browsing, writing, and light photo editing.
The build quality is adequate for its price range, but it may not be as durable as more expensive laptops. It also can have a less-than-stellar battery life, and the display brightness can be an issue in bright environments.
HP Stream 14 Review
The HP Stream 14 is the epitome of a budget laptop. It's incredibly affordable, making it an appealing option for those on a tight budget. It is designed for light tasks such as web browsing and email.
The performance is not great and the storage is very limited. It also has a lower-resolution display. You get what you pay for; don't expect much from the HP Stream 14.
Specs & Performance: Side-by-Side
Here's a comparison table to help you quickly evaluate the key specifications and performance scores of each laptop:
| Laptop | Processor | RAM | Storage | Screen Size | Battery Life (Estimated) | Geekbench 5 Score (Single-Core) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo Chromebook Duet | MediaTek Helio P60T | 4GB | 64GB eMMC | 10.1" | 10 hours | 250 |
| Acer Aspire 5 | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U | 4GB | 128GB SSD | 15.6" | 7.5 hours | 700 |
| HP Stream 14 | Intel Celeron N4020 | 4GB | 32GB eMMC | 14" | 8 hours | 200 |
Note: Performance scores are approximate and may vary depending on usage and testing conditions.
What the People Say: Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is crucial when choosing a laptop. We've compiled data from various sources to give you an overview. This will help you see how these laptops perform in the real world.
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Generally positive reviews, highlighting its portability and value. Some users complain about the keyboard size and performance limitations.
- Acer Aspire 5: Users appreciate the larger screen and decent performance for the price. Some report issues with battery life and build quality.
- HP Stream 14: Mixed reviews. It's praised for its affordability. However, many users are disappointed with its performance and limited storage.
Maintenance Costs: Projecting the Future
Don't just think about the initial price. Consider potential maintenance costs. Cheap laptops might require more frequent repairs or replacements.
The Chromebook is relatively low-maintenance due to its OS. The Aspire 5 and Stream 14 may require more frequent software updates and potential hardware repairs. Extended warranties can provide peace of mind.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
Choosing a laptop under $500 requires careful consideration. Each of these laptops has its strengths and weaknesses. Determine your primary needs.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is ideal for portability and light tasks. The Acer Aspire 5 offers a more traditional laptop experience with better performance. The HP Stream 14 is the cheapest option, but it sacrifices performance and features.
Don't forget to consider customer reviews and potential maintenance costs. Making an informed decision is the best way to ensure you get the most value for your money.
Ready to Buy?
Now that you're armed with the knowledge, go forth and conquer the world of budget laptops! Click the links below to check current prices and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have questions? We've got answers!
Q: Can I play games on these laptops?
A: Light gaming is possible on the Acer Aspire 5. The Chromebook Duet and HP Stream 14 are not suitable for gaming.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: If you plan to store a lot of files locally, opt for the Acer Aspire 5 with its SSD storage. Otherwise, cloud storage and external drives can supplement the limited storage on the other models.
Q: Will these laptops last a long time?
A: With proper care, these laptops can last for several years. However, their limited processing power may become noticeable over time. Consider your long-term needs when making your decision.
Q: Are Chromebooks good for everything?
A: Chromebooks are excellent for web browsing, writing, and basic tasks. They are not suitable for running demanding applications or programs that require Windows or macOS.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on these laptops?
A: Upgradability varies by model. The Chromebook Duet and HP Stream 14 typically have limited or no upgradability. The Acer Aspire 5 may allow for RAM and storage upgrades, but check the specifications before purchasing.
