College life requires a reliable laptop that can handle assignments, online classes, and entertainment without costing too much. For students on a budget, finding a quality laptop under $500 can be challenging but not impossible. This guide reviews the best laptops for college students under $500, highlighting affordability, performance, and features to meet various needs.
After finding the perfect laptop for your college needs, you might also want to enhance your study sessions with a great pair of headphones. Whether you need to block out noise in the library or enjoy some music between classes, explore these gaming headsets under $75 for affordable and high-quality options.
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i Spin 2-in-1 Laptop
Best Overall Laptop for College Students under $500
$299 at Amazon
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Acer Chromebook Plus 514
Best Multi-Purpose Laptop for College Students under $500
$358 at Amazon
-
Acer Chromebook Spin 513 Convertible Laptop
Best Lightweight Laptop for College Students under $500
$220 at Amazon
-
HP Newest 14" Ultral Light Laptop
Best Mid-Range Laptop for College Students under $500
-
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop touchscreen
Best High-End Laptop for College Students under $500
$363 at Amazon
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Best Laptops for School in 2024
Ace your studies with our top laptop picks for school, designed for every student's needs.
Game Rant’s Best Laptops for College Students under $500
Best Overall Laptop for College Students under $500
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i Spin 2-in-1 Laptop
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i Spin 2-in-1 Laptop uses a quad-core Alder Lake CPU for blazing speed and has 4GB RAM to suffice for most tasks. This Chromebook has a total of 128GB storage to store a good amount of data and comes with a fast WiFi 6 adapter. This 2024 edition is an affordable laptop for students that is capable of running most applications satisfactorily and boasts a touch display.
- Operating System
- ChromeOS
- CPU
- Intel N100
- GPU
- Intel UHD Graphics
- RAM
- 4GB
- Storage
- 128GB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 12.2", 1920x1200p
- Brand
- Lenovo
Pros
- Multifunctional 2-in-1 design
- Fast WiFi 6 capabilities
- Great value for students
Cons
- Limited 4GB RAM
- Mixed quality opinions
$299 at Amazon$349 at Best Buy$320 at Newegg
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i Spin 2-in-1 Laptop is the best overall laptop for college students under $500. Its 2-in-1 design allows it to function as both a laptop and a tablet, making it versatile for various tasks, from taking notes in class to streaming videos. The Intel N100 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics provide solid performance for everyday activities, and the 1920x1200 resolution offers clear and sharp visuals. This combination makes it a top pick among budget-friendly options, offering both functionality and affordability for college students.
While the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i has many strengths, it does have some limitations. The 4GB of RAM may be limiting for more intensive applications, and opinions on its build quality are mixed. However, the touch display and WiFi 6 capabilities enhance the user experience. These features make it the best overall laptop for college students under $500 who need a reliable device for schoolwork and light web browsing.
Best Multi-Purpose Laptop for College Students under $500
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
$358 $400 Save $42
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 boasts a Ryzen 3 7320U APU with a powerful integrated GPU to power the pixels. This Chromebook provides an excellent configuration for intensive work which includes a quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB. Its good quality IPS panel is a noteworthy feature, which provides good color accuracy.
- Operating System
- Chrome OS
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
- GPU
- Radeon 610M
- RAM
- 8GB LPDDR5X
- Storage
- 128GB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14", 1920x1200
- Camera
- 1080p
- Network
- WiFi 63
- Brand
- Acer
- Model
- CB514-3H-R6G5
Pros
- Speedy performance with AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
- Ample 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
- Great for multitasking and media
Cons
- Limited to Chrome OS
- Moderate build quality
$358 at Amazon$451 at Newegg$763 at Walmart
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is considered the best multi-purpose laptop for college students under $500. It features an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and Radeon 610M GPU, providing a smooth and responsive experience. The 14-inch display with a 1920x1200 resolution delivers clear and vibrant visuals, ideal for both academic work and leisure activities. With 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of storage, it offers ample space and speed for multitasking and media consumption.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 operates exclusively on Chrome OS, which may not suit everyone's needs. However, its performance is excellent for daily tasks and productivity. The 1080p camera offers clear video calls, and the WiFi 63 connectivity provides stable internet access. The design of this model is perfect for both work and entertainment, making it the best multi-purpose laptop for college students under $500.
Best Lightweight Laptop for College Students under $500
Acer Chromebook Spin 513 Convertible Laptop
$220 $280 Save $60
The Acer Spin 513 is a 13.3-inch Chromebook equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. It runs on Chrome OS, includes a Full HD touchscreen, and offers up to 13.5 hours of battery life.
- Operating System
- ChromeOS
- CPU
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Kryo 468 (8-core, 2.4 GHz)
- GPU
- Qualcomm Adreno 618
- RAM
- 8GB LPDDR4X SDRAM
- Storage
- 128 GB eMMC
- Battery
- 14 Hours
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 13.3", 1920 x 1080
- Speakers
- Stereo
- Colors
- Steel Gray
- Dimensions
- 12.2 x 0.61 x 8.24
- Weight
- 2.65lbs
- Brand
- Acer
- Model
- R841T-S4ZG
- Adaptor and Battery
- 2-Cell Li-Ion, 36 watt
- Display type
- LED
- Webcam
- 1280x720 HD
- Connectivity
- 801.11ac, Bluetooth
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
Cons
- Mixed battery performance
- Basic build quality
$220 at Amazon$270 at Newegg$232 at Walmart
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 Convertible Laptop is recognized as the best lightweight laptop for college students under $500. It's easy to carry around campus, weighing just 2.65 lbs and featuring a sleek design. Its 13.3-inch LED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 provides clear and crisp visuals, ideal for academic purposes. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Kryo 468 processor and Adreno 618 GPU, this Chromebook delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks.
Although some have mixed opinions on its battery life and build quality, the Spin 513 delivers amazing portability and versatility, making it perfect for students on the go. With up to 14 hours of battery life, it can last through a full day of classes and study sessions. This combination of features and price establishes the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 as the best lightweight laptop for college students under $500.
Best Mid-Range Laptop for College Students under $500
HP Newest 14" Ultral Light Laptop
The HP 14-inch ultra-light laptop is a functional, budget-friendly piece designed to meet everyday computing needs without exceeding one's budget. Under the hood, the unit has an Intel Quad-Core N4120 processor with speeds of up to 2.60 GHz, ensuring seamless performance for daily tasks. It also comes with 8GB RAM and 192GB Storage(64GB eMMC+128GB Micro SD) for ample storage space for applications and files.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home in S mode
- CPU
- Intel Quad-Core N4120
- GPU
- Intel UHD Graphics 600
- RAM
- 8GB RAM,
- Storage
- 64GB eMMC+128GB Micro SD)
- Battery
- 11 Hours
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14" HD Display
- Ports
- 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C ports, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A ports, 1 x HDMI
- Weight
- 3.24 pounds
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, 802.11a/g/n/ac
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
Cons
- Limited storage capacity
- Runs Windows 11 Home in S mode
$290 at Amazon$280 at Walmart$677 at Newegg
The HP Newest 14" Ultralight Laptop is the best mid-range laptop for college students under $500 who need a reliable device without spending a fortune. With an Intel Quad-Core N4120 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU, it offers good performance for everyday tasks. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life of up to 11 hours, making it perfect for students on the go.
While the laptop is portable and easy to use, there are mixed reviews regarding its performance and speed. The storage capacity, split between 64GB eMMC and 128GB Micro SD, may be insufficient for those with extensive storage needs. Even with these limitations, its affordability and easy-to-use nature make it an excellent choice for students, solidifying its position as the best mid-range laptop for college students under $500.
Best High-End Laptop for College Students under $500
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop touchscreen
$363 $505 Save $142
Asus Chromebook Flip C434is a study, well-built touchscreen laptop with an aluminum finish that adds a touch of class and style. Featuring a 14-inch Touchscreen and ultra-narrow bezels, this laptop has the power and flexibility to get everything done.
It also has a durable 360-degree hinge that can flip the touchscreen display for a more comfortable working experience. In addition, it's powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor for fast performance.
- Operating System
- Chrome OS
- CPU
- Intel Core M3-8100Y Processor,
- GPU
- Intel HD Graphics 615
- RAM
- 4GB DDR3 RAM
- Storage
- 64 GB
- Battery
- 10 Hours
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14" Full HD Touchscreen 4-Way NanoEdge
Pros
- Stylish aluminum build
- 360-degree hinge for versatility
- Long battery life
Cons
- Brightness issues
- Only 4GB RAM
$363 at Amazon$425 at Newegg
The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is the best high-end laptop for college students under $500, featuring a strong aluminum build and a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen. The 360-degree hinge allows for easy transitions between laptop and tablet modes, providing flexibility for various tasks and settings. With an Intel Core M3-8100Y processor, this Chromebook delivers fast and efficient performance suitable for daily tasks and schoolwork.
The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 offers up to 10 hours of battery life, making it ideal for students on the go. While some might find the 64 GB internal storage limiting and there have been reports of brightness issues, these minor drawbacks do not overshadow its overall value. The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 remains a top choice in its price range, securing its position as the best high-end laptop for college students under $500.
Best Budget Laptop for College Students under $500
HP Chromebook 14a Laptop
$194 $298 Save $104
The HP Chromebook 14a is a 14-inch touchscreen laptop featuring a micro-edge BrightView display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It operates on Chrome OS and is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor with a base frequency of 1.1 GHz, bursting up to 2.8 GHz, alongside 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage.
- Operating System
- Chrome OS
- CPU
- Celeron N4020
- GPU
- Integrated
- RAM
- 4 GB
- Storage
- 64 GB eMMC
- Battery
- 12 Hours
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14 Inches, 1366 x 768
- Speakers
- HD Audio
- Network
- 802.11ac
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Touchscreen functionality
- Long battery life
Cons
- Screen resolution could be higher
- Limited storage space
$194 at Amazon$140 at Newegg$230 at Target
The HP Chromebook 14a Laptop is regarded as the best budget laptop for college students under $500. Its 14-inch touchscreen with a micro-edge BrightView display provides a decent visual experience for everyday tasks. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor and equipped with 4 GB of RAM, it handles basic computing needs efficiently. This combination makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious college students.
While the HP Chromebook excels in many areas, there are some limitations to consider. Its 1366 x 768 resolution may not satisfy those seeking higher definition, and the 64 GB of eMMC storage might necessitate external solutions for larger files. However, with its impressive battery life of up to 12 hours and user-friendly design, it emerges as the best budget laptop for college students under $500 who need a reliable and affordable device for their studies.
More
Best Chromebooks for Students in 2024
Start the school year right with our guide detailing expert picks for the top Chromebooks for students.
Selecting the Best Laptop for College Students under $500
When choosing a laptop for college, consider:
- Performance: Look for a laptop with a smooth processor and enough RAM to handle multitasking and coursework.
- Portability: A lightweight and compact design makes it easier to carry around campus.
- Battery Life: Long battery life allows your laptop to last through lectures and study sessions without needing frequent recharges.
FAQ
Q: Can a laptop under $500 handle multitasking?
Yes, many laptops under $500 are equipped with decent processors and sufficient RAM to handle multitasking for everyday tasks and coursework.
Q: Are budget laptops reliable for online classes?
Absolutely, budget laptops can be reliable for online classes, especially those with good webcams and microphones.
Q: What should I look for in a budget laptop for college?
Key features to look for include performance, portability, and battery life to ensure the laptop meets your academic needs.
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