5 Best Budget Laptops for 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, a reliable laptop doesn’t have to break the bank. Budget laptops under $500 offer solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, light productivity, and even some creative work. For 2025, we’ve focused on models that balance affordability, battery life, and modern features like Wi-Fi 6 support. Based on expert reviews, here are our top five picks, all priced under $500 at major retailers like Amazon and Dell.
1. Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) – Best Overall Windows Laptop
Price: $317.99
Key Specs: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 15.6-inch 1920×1080 IPS display, AMD Radeon Graphics, up to 16 hours battery life, Windows 11 Home.
This versatile Windows machine shines for its smooth handling of daily operations and impressive endurance. It’s lightweight at 3.77 pounds, making it easy to carry, and includes Wi-Fi 6 for reliable connectivity.
Pros: Excellent battery life, affordable entry price, decent port selection.
Cons: Basic display quality, limited upgrade potential.
Ideal for students or remote workers needing a no-frills Windows setup.
2. Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus – Best 2-in-1 Convertible
Price: $499.99
Key Specs: Intel Core i3-1315U processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS touch display, Intel UHD Graphics, up to 11 hours battery life, Chrome OS.
The Flex 5i stands out with its sturdy 360-degree hinge for tablet mode, sharp touch screen, and pen support—perfect for note-taking or sketching. At 3.52 pounds, it’s portable yet durable.
Pros: Flexible design, strong Chrome OS performance, backlit keyboard.
Cons: Average battery compared to rivals, stylus sold separately.
A top choice for Google ecosystem users who value versatility.
3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 – Best Detachable 2-in-1
Price: $369.00
Key Specs: MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC, 10.95-inch 1920×1200 IPS touch display, ARM Mali-G57 MC3 graphics, up to 6 hours battery life, Chrome OS.
This ultra-light detachable (1.12 pounds without keyboard) turns into a tablet effortlessly, with a bundled keyboard and stylus in some configs. It’s one of the cheapest convertibles available.
Pros: Compact and sharp screen, includes accessories, headphone jack.
Cons: Modest performance for multitasking, shorter battery.
Great for on-the-go users prioritizing portability over power.
4. Dell Inspiron 15 (3535) – Best for Storage and Display Refresh
Price: Starting at $399 (base config)
Key Specs: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 15.6-inch 1920×1080 IPS display with 120Hz refresh, AMD Radeon 610M Graphics, up to 16 hours battery life, Windows 11 Home.
With ample storage and a smoother 120Hz screen, this is a solid desktop replacement for media consumption and light editing. It’s budget-friendly yet packs more SSD space than most.
Pros: Generous storage, high refresh rate, long battery.
Cons: Older Wi-Fi 5, dimmer display in bright rooms.
Suited for home users who need extra space without extras.
5. Acer Chromebook Plus 515 – Best Large-Screen Chromebook
Price: $390.00
Key Specs: Intel Core i3-1215U processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS storage, 15.6-inch 1920×1080 IPS display, Intel UHD Graphics, up to 10 hours battery life, Chrome OS.
This big-screen Chromebook delivers snappy performance akin to pricier models, thanks to its Core i3 and fast UFS storage. It includes a 1080p webcam and plenty of ports.
Pros: Enhanced Chrome OS features, good value for size, solid webcam.
Cons: Non-backlit keyboard, slightly dim screen.
Perfect for those wanting a bigger display for work or entertainment on a dime.
When choosing a budget laptop, consider your OS preference—Chrome OS for simplicity and cloud reliance, or Windows for broader software compatibility. Check for sales, as prices fluctuate, and prioritize at least 8GB RAM for future-proofing. These picks represent the best value in 2025, ensuring you get quality without compromise.
