The 7 Best Laptops for College Under $500 Reviewed

If you are in the market for a new laptop for college, then chances are strong you are on a budget. While you can find laptops under $500 dollars, it’s hard to know which one meets your needs. We found the seven best laptops that will fit most budgets.

Many of the affordable laptops right now are actually Chromebooks that use Google Chrome as the operating system. However, these offer a different experience with a minimalist approach. We focused on laptops using one of the tried and true operating systems, including both Windows and macOS. The two main operating systems offer more usability and still give incredibly easy access to Google Chrome.

Furthermore, Chrome has a tendency to be power-hungry but is so frequently used for the wide expanse of internet-based software, so you will find options on this list capable of handling the workload. Find everything you want and need in the right price range to make college a little easier, at least tech-wise. Take a look.

Best Laptops for College Under $500

1. HP 14-inch Touchscreen Home and Business Laptop

The HP 14″ Touchscreen Home and Business Laptop offers everything you need for school on a tight budget. While the price is just at the top of most budgets, it offers far more than you would think possible for the price. For one, you get a fast Ryzen 3-3200 processor ready to power up quickly and keep the computer working quickly.

Second, the computer comes with a whopping 8 GB of RAM, which translates to running multiple apps or browser tabs with ease. Add in 128 GB of memory on a solid-state drive (SSD) for storage and speed. While it’s not the most memory, most people use cloud or external storage as it’s affordable and readily available.

Next, the computer offers a 14-inch size, a built-in HD webcam with a microphone, a fingerprint reader, and a built-in media reader for easy photo transfer. As with all HP computers, it runs Windows 10 in S mode, but it’s free to switch to Windows 10 Home. It also includes an energy-efficient LED backlight screen. Additionally, it weighs just over three pounds.

The size is perfect to fit in most backpacks or messenger bags. It’s big enough to keep two apps open and on the screen at once. Moreover, it’s a large enough size to make online virtual meeting easy on the eyes along with everything else you try to do on the computer.

2. Apple MacBook Air MD760LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop

If you thought Apple laptops were out of your price range, you are right. However, you can buy a renewed or older version in your range. The Apple MacBook Air MD760LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop is a renewed product but absolutely up to the task at hand. Apple makes computers with hardware built to last for at least a decade. Honestly, you will outgrow the available operating systems before the computer will die!

One problem with Mac is the storage, and with this one, you only get 128 GB, which isn’t a lot but more than sufficient with all of the other storage options available today. Moreover, the battery will last for around ten hours, depending on what you are doing on the computer. Furthermore, it comes with everything you know and love from Mac, including affordable software, a built-in camera, Siri, FaceTime, Safari, and so much more.

With a new 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, your Mac and Wifi will run faster than you thought possible. Mind you, this doesn’t come with the new M1, but it also is around half the price! As for computer memory, this comes with four gigabytes, perfect for running a few apps at once with quality speed.

Moreover, the computer weighs just under three pounds, and it’s slim too! At 13.3 inches, the screen size is more than adequate for any task, although bigger is better until it’s time to travel. Mind you, this option does not come with Retina as that often comes with a much higher price tag, and you still get 1440 x 900 resolution on an LED-backlit display.

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3. ASUS VivoBook Flip 2020 Premium Thin and Light 2-in-1 Laptop

If you are looking for a two in one laptop with a very affordable price tag, you need the ASUS VivoBook Flip 2020 Premium Thin and Light 2-in-1 Laptop. You can even pick from three different sets of stats for more or less memory. If you already prefer saving on the cloud or using an external drive, then this will offer plenty of memory at 128 GB. It offers a touch screen display with a flip design, too, offering more functionality.

The only reason this option is lower on our list is because the screen is only 11.6 inches, which is sufficient but still small. If you need multiple items up on the screen at once, visibility will be a little difficult. The computer offers 4 GB of memory and offers flash memory for extra speed.

Next, the computer includes Windows 10 in S mode, which is streamlined for security and performance. You can only get apps from the Microsoft Store, and it requires Microsoft Edge for browsing security. You can switch to Windows 10 Home if you prefer. It also includes Microsoft Office 365 Personal.

You will love that this laptop comes with an HD webcam and building microphone along with stereo speakers. It also has Bluetooth, and you can enjoy music for up to 8 hours thanks to fantastic battery life. Add in a free micro SD card for even more storage too!

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4. Lenovo Ideapad 3 14-inch HD Display Premium Laptop

Get the Lenovo Ideapad 3 14″ HD Display Premium Laptop for the midrange price and size. At 14-inches, it’s ready to function well without being a space hog in your backpack or on a table at the library or coffee shop. Moreover it’ offers an incredible price but it’s lower on our list because it comes with a lower processor – the Intel Pentium Gold 6405U 2.4 GHz but it is a dual-core.

The HD screen offers an LED-backlit anti-glare display. It also offers an impressive 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB SSD drive. Yes, you give up storage, but the computer is fast and ready to work! It also comes with Windows 10 in S mode but doesn’t include Office, and the battery life is short to at about six hours.

Also, it doesn’t include a numeric keyboard on the right side, so maybe don’t choose this option if you’re are in a number centric program. Otherwise, it has exactly what you need, including an AllyFlex mousepad, a built-in webcam, and Bluetooth too. All in a very slim, black case perfect for any setting.

It’s lightweight, too, at just 3.3 pounds, making it perfect for squeezing into your backpack effortlessly. Lastly, it’s a great option for online classes, too, and multiple programs open at once or heavy browsing.

5. 2020 Newest HP 14-inch HD Screen Laptop

HP makes it on the list again with an impressive computer, unlike the others. If you need more processing power, then you need the 2020 Newest HP 14″ HD Screen Laptop because it comes with the AMD Athlon Silver 3050U with up to 3.20 GHz although, the HP above as the prettier processor.

The HP laptop offers an incredible 12 GB of RAM, perfect for short term task and lots of them! If you plan to have multiple tabs open on your browser, a research paper, music, videos, and more, you need this multi-tasking design. Also, it includes a 256 GB SSD drive for plenty of storage and quick access. No slow computer for you!

As this isn’t an Apple laptop, it comes with Windows 10 pre-installed and ready to get you working. However, the screen isn’t as fantastic as some of the other options at just 1366 x 768 pixels, which isn’t quite HD. If you are an art major or graphics major, look further up the list.

It does come with the coveted HD webcam, a microphone, and Bluetooth. If you do class online or need to attend zoom meetings with teachers or classmates, this is a necessity, not a want. It’s also not a touchscreen either, but that’s honestly not a necessity, especially if you have a tablet too.

Not many computers in this price range offer such exceptional RAM for short-term program use. The RAM makes a great option for people who need to work on several assignments at once or spend a lot of time online.

6. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop offers more memory than some of the other options and a fabulous processor too. Honestly, we can’t find anything wrong with this option as it even comes with a numeric keyboard, although this does place the trackpad off to the left quite a bit, which may be uncomfortable for many. Otherwise, it offers everything you need, even for more taxing school assignments.

With this Acer laptop, you get a Ryzen 3 processor with an impressive 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. Run as many programs as you like and open as many browser tabs as you like with 8 GB of short term memory. However, the 256 isn’t the largest but pretty standard for a blazing fast SSD drive.

The computer also comes with Windows 10, which you can see on a gigantic 15.6-inch screen. Of course, the big draw to the laptop is the slim design and the low price too. It’s also light at under four pounds. Moreover, the battery can actually last longer than 8 hours, making this a fantastic option for students with a full class load.

It doesn’t have the highest resolution at 1920 x 1080 pixels, but it’s definitely enough to view anything you need. The only reason it’s lower on our list is because it doesn’t have a built-in camera or microphone, although you can add those. For the price, it still packs a powerful punch and offers the vast majority of what a student needs.

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7. Jumper Ebook X3 13.3-inch Laptop Computers

Don’t let the price or the off-brand name fool you; the Jumper Ebook X3 13.3″ Laptop Computer will meet all of your needs and keep money in your pocket. Mind you, this option isn’t as powerful as our favorite option above, but it’s not nearly as expensive either. However, it does supply enough of what you need to get most school projects done, but you may not want this option if you are in any video graphics or techie classes.

What you will love about this particular option is it comes with a full year of Office 365 included with your purchase. With Office 365, you get Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Onenote, Publisher, and Access. It will all run quickly with an Intel Apollo Lake N3350 dual-core processor for smooth operation and the ability to multi-task.

Furthermore, the computer offers an adequate 4GB of RAM capable of allowing for a few applications to open at once with ease. It also has 64 GB in an SSD for extra speedy access to your stored items. Now, as you can see, this is not a lot of storage, you will need a cloud or external storage to work with this computer, but both are simple options. On the plus side, you can upgrade the RAM to up to 256 GB later when it’s in your budget with an easy access panel.

Finally, the computer offers a 13.3 inch HD screen, and it’s light weight and slim at 8mm and 2.7 pounds. The computer also comes with a one year warranty. Do note this option does not come with a camera or microphone, so if you need it for Zoom meetings or something similar, this isn’t the right option. Also, the battery only lasts about six hours.

Buying Guide for Laptops for College Under $500

Before you buy, take a look at some key factors to consider to make the right choice for your needs.

System Requirements

Computers come with many different factors to consider, and laptops come in all shapes and sizes. If you want the minimum computer settings, let’s look at the CPU first. Try not to go under an Intel Pentium Gold or the equivalent. However, an Intel Core i5 would be preferable, at least in this price range, and it’s not an easy feat to find one.

As for RAM, you can get by with 4 gigabytes, but 8 GB is definitely preferable, especially if you run a lot of items at once on your computer. Storage should be a secondary consideration as so much can be stored elsewhere. A 64 GB is doable but not preferable. Instead, try to pick one of the many options with 256 GB for things you want local or system requirements. Just make sure it says SSD for a solid-state drive; otherwise, you will have an archaic computer slower than Flintstone’s car!

College Classes

Ultimately, the computer you choose depends on the degree path you are on. If you are going into graphic design, a lower end quality just won’t get the job done. You will need to consider the refresh rate and many other factors. However, if your classes only require web searching and Office, most computers will suit your need. However, for those with online classes, a faster computer will make life so much easier. Make sure to pick a computer with a webcam built-in, speakers, and a microphone.

Display

Another key feature to consider is screen size. No one wants to be stuck staring at a tiny screen. However, you need to find a happy balance between a big enough screen and space. If you are already lugging a bunch of college books, you don’t want to have to carry a super large screen that often weighs more. A 14-inch screen tends to be a happy medium between the right weight and size for travel and visibility.

Questions About Laptops for College Under $500

Should I make battery life a priority?

Battery life for laptops under $500 are often not the absolute best. The most you can hope for is about eight hours. However, if your class load is light, a six-hour battery may work for your needs.

Do I need a touchscreen laptop?

No, you don’t need a touchscreen laptop, but many people want one. Not everyone likes using the keyboard or the built-in track mouse. With a touchscreen, you have more personalized ways of interacting with the computer. Also, it’s often easier to hold in different settings and often comes with a better display.

Can I use a tablet instead as they are around the same cost?

Yes, a tablet is an option. Many people still gravitate toward a laptop because it’s what they are familiar with, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best option. In fact, a tablet could more than suit your needs. Weight the pros and con’s though, as you will need to purchase more accessories and often end up with a much smaller screen.

How should I use my laptop for college?

For a few tips on how to use your laptop for school, watch this video:

Conclusion

The best value for a tight budget it s the HP 14″ Touchscreen Home and Business Laptop. It offers the best screen size, a fabulous processor, and more than enough speed thanks to the SSD drive and the memory size too. It’s everything you need, and you can even game on it for lightweight games too!

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