The 10 Best Laptops Under $400 of 2020 Reviewed
For most people a laptop is not a luxury – it is a requirement.
Students need a good laptop to pursue their studies, and people in the workforce need one to work remotely or on the road.
And not just in fields like computer science or engineering that require serious computing power – writers and business students need laptops, too. Even stay-at-home mom’s and dad’s need a good laptop to stay productive while chasing the kids, and older kids need laptops too.
But for most people stretching their budget to accommodate new equipment is not an easy task. They aren’t in a position to drop a couple thousand dollars on a screaming fast Razer Blade gaming laptop – they are simply trying to find a budget laptop that will meed their computing needs without wrecking their bank balance.
If that sounds like you – take heart. There are a number of quality laptops that cost under $400. So read on to find out what you should look for in an inexpensive laptop, and which models deliver good features at a great price. You likely won’t find an internal DVD drive or a top of the line graphics processor, but it will still reliably handle most day to day tasks.
Need to skip to our top pick in a hurry? Check out the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. It has an excellent mix of power and features at a very competitive price.
Best Laptops Under $400
Finding a good laptop on a tight budget can be a challenge. With so many models and variations from different manufacturers it can seem like an overwhelming task. So we did most of the work for you, sorting through features and owner feedback to narrow down the field. From that research here are our picks for the best laptops under $400:
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Lenovo has built its stellar reputation on a simple formula: do things well, without it costing the earth. The perfect example of that is the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, which comes with many features that you would ordinarily find on devices with a higher price tag, only with this device, it’s entirely affordable.
It’s aimed at those people that need everyday performance, but who don’t need to pay for higher-end devices that’ll come cluttered with features they won’t need. If you’re a student or a professional, then this device could be the one that’s right for you. The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Mobile Processors will make multitasking a straightforward task, while the impressive 14-inch screen and Dolby Audio technology will ensure that you hear everything as it’s supposed to sound. The battery life is also impressive, in large part because there’s an option that allows you to get into “battery saving” mode — highly useful when you’re working in a cafe and can’t get near to an outlet. There’s also plenty of ports included for the price, with three USB ports and HDMI output. There’s also a webcam, and Lenovo has included a nice touch for privacy-conscious people: there’s an in-built shutter that you can close over, so you can have peace of mind that no-one is watching you.
Perhaps the biggest selling point of this device is the flexibility. It’s an IdeaPad, which means you can effectively use it as a tablet or a laptop. Of course, for the price point, you can’t expect it to compete with the top of the line models that are offered by Lenovo and other manufacturers, but you will find that there’s much to love about this handy and portable machine.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Mobile Processors with Radeon Graphics deliver powerful performance for everyday tasks
- Dopoundsy Audio delivers crystal-clear sound, while the 14-inch FHD screen and narrow side bezels give you more viewing area and less clutter
- Quick and quiet with Q-control – Effortlessly swap between fast and powerful performance and quiet battery saving mode
- Connect with ease using Bluetooth 4.1, up to 2x2 Wi-Fi 5, three USB ports, and HDMI
2. ASUS VivoBook 15
When you first see the ASUS VivoBook 15, you would think that it costs a lot more than it does. That’s because the design is flawless. There’s very little dead space surrounding the screen; ASUS has ensured that as much space as possible is used up. The four-sided NanoEdge display is “frameless,” which means the display has 88% screen-to-body ratio. If you’re looking to be immersed in the video that you’re watching, then this will be the best laptop under 400 for your needs.
Of course, the screen display is only one part of the ASUS. It has many other qualities. For example, the company has gone to great lengths to ensure that the battery is as good as possible. While the battery will last a long time, when you do need to charge, you’ll find that you’re able to charge up quickly — it’s possible to reach 60% in just 49 minutes if you’re not using the device while you charge. It’s compact, too, making it an ideal option for users who are on the go. Reviewers are eager to point out that this is an excellent laptop for the cost. As with any device with this price-point, it’s important to be realistic about the capabilities, but even with that view, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is impressive in regards to both style and performance. The 8GB of ram only elevates the credentials of a website that everyone seems to like. Even though a great effort has been made to make the device as small as possible, ASUS hasn’t compromised on the essentials of what people look for in a laptop, so you’ll still find an HD camera.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- 15.6 inch Full HD (1920x1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio
- Compatible with Google Classroom; run Google Classroom on Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer 11
- Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU (4M Cache, up to 3.4 GHz)
- 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
3. Dell Inspiron 3000
If you’re looking for the best 11 inch laptop that boasts high-performance and long battery life, then the 2020 Dell Inspiron 3000 may be the device that you’re looking for. This is aimed at people who require much from their device; that is, it’s reasonable that they’ll spend all day on their laptop, working through tasks. Fortunately, the specs of this laptop mean that it can easily handle all that comes its way. The Intel 10th Gen Dual Core i3-1005G1 Processor, 8GB of ram, and 128GB SSD gives the laptop a level of performance that is far greater than the price point would suggest. And so does the design: this comes with a 15.6 inch touchscreen, which is something that you would expect to find on more expensive options. It also comes with plenty of ports, so you’ll be able to get to the files and devices that you need when you need them: there’s 2 USB 3.0 ports, 1 2.0 port, and an HDMI port.
The reviews for this product are extremely good, with many people commenting that the speed and overall performance of the laptop exceeded their expectations. Another point of praise was the feel and style of the laptop, and the quality of the display. Given all of the qualities of the laptop, it’s reasonable that this could have cost a little more, but we’ll be happy that it doesn’t.
4. HP 14 Inch Non-Touch Premium Laptop
If you’re looking for a premium HP laptop without the expensive cost, then the 2020 Newest HP 14 Inch Non-Touch Premium Laptop could signal the end of your search. There’s much to love about this device beyond the price. For instance, the 8GB of ram is truly generous for a machine of this cost, as is 256GB SSD. With those types of specs, this might just function as a gaming laptop under 400. The 14-inch screen is decently sized; this is large enough to enjoy movies and other videos, small enough to make the laptop portable. Indeed, portability is a big selling point of this laptop — with a weight of just 3.24 lbs, you can reasonably take the machine with you no matter where you’re going.
The AMD Athlon Silver 3050U Processor makes this machine more than adept at handling whatever you throw it’s way. If you’re looking for a laptop that can perform well and multitask without showing any signs of lag or slow performance, then this model is worthwhile thinking about. In short: it’s fast, it’s well-built, and the battery is long-lasting. These are the basics that every college student or light laptop-user will be looking for, and this laptop delivers that and much more. The inclusion of a webcam and Windows 10 makes it an even more attractive proposition. As with any laptop, it’s always worthwhile looking at the reviews of people who have bought and used the device before. And on that front, the device comes highly recommended.
5. Dell Inspiron 14
It can sometimes be surprising just how much you value you can get for your money in this day and age. The Dell Inspiron 14 definitely falls into that category. A convertible touchscreen laptop; is this the best laptop under 400? Possibly. The 2-1 feature gives this device a fun feel, but while it may be fun, there’s still much to love when it comes to performance. There’s a 14-inch display that’ll make working on your device or watching videos straightforward, while the 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8145u Processor will ensure that you’re never shy when it comes to performance. In general, it’s not intended to be used as the primary device, or at least not if you have high requirements due to your work or studies. But it’ll work well as a second-device or as your first device if you just need a laptop that’ll do the basics.
It’s a light laptop, which makes it ideal for taking with you while you’re on the move. There are also plenty of connection options (such as several USB ports) and a large amount of internal storage that’ll help to keep all your important documents and files safe and organized. In all, this laptop will appeal to people who are looking for something fun and light.
- Fun and functional 2 in 1 laptop
- Windows 10 S Home operating System.Dell Mobile Connect is not available on Windows 10 in S mode
- 14.0-Inch HD (1366 x 768) LED-backlit Touch Display
- 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8145u Processor (4MB Cache, up to 3.9 GHz)
- 4GB (4Gx1) DDR4, 2666MHz
6. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Chromebooks are strangely underrated in the world of computers. These are devices that offer excellent value for money, long battery life, high performance, and security. It’s basically everything anyone would look for you in a laptop. While there are many good Chromebooks to choose from, one of the very best is the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5. It gives you a little bit of everything; it’s a traditional laptop, it’s a touchscreen device, it’s powerful, and portable. The 13-inch display is high-quality and will make watching videos and working on projects a dream from beginning to end.
As with all Chromebooks, there is minimal internal storage, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll never be able to save your files — it’s just that they’ll all be kept in your Google Drive. If you have an issue with your device, then you’ll simply be able to log into another device with your Google Account, and access all your files.
It’s the flexibility of this Chromebook that makes it stand out from the crowd. Use it as a regular laptop and it’ll work perfectly. If you want to mix things up, then you can just slip the screen, and you’ll be in note taking mode; when you buy this device, you’ll essentially have bought two devices: a laptop and a tablet. Because the Chromebook runs exclusively off the internet, the wifi connection is good. This type of setup means that there are fewer internal components, which makes the device extremely light: it weighs in at just 2.97 lbs.
The reviews for this laptop are extremely positive, with many people praising the speed of performance and overall design; they also marvel at the price point. If you’re new to the world of Chromebooks, then it may take a little time to get used to it, but it only takes a few days.
- Touch Screen Type :Capacitive.Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Work from home, school, or anywhere with the outstanding combination of performance, connectivity, and entertainment enabled by 10th generation InteI Core processors. The Lenovo Flex 5 offers intelligent performance features that adapt to you for a personalized, intuitive, and responsive experience
- This 2-in-1 laptop combines a keyboard and touchscreen to make it easy to interact with everything on your display. You can also use the Lenovo digital pen (sold separately) to quickly write, click or drag files right on the screen
- The 13.3-inch FHD display in this slim, light 360° convertible Chromebook offers beautiful visuals, while narrow bezels minimize distractions. Two user-facing stereo speakers keep you immersed in the experience
- Use your Google account to easily access files, videos, music, and documents stored on the cloud from anywhere. With up to 10 hours of battery life, you'll stay productive
7. HP 15-Inch HD Touchscreen Laptop
There’s much to love about the HP 15-Inch HD Touchscreen Laptop. Given the price-range that this device is in, it comes with a whole host of excellent features that ensure buyers will be happy with their purchase. Like what? Well to begin, it’s excellently designed. But this laptop isn’t all about show — it also has a solid performance to back it up. There’s a long-lasting battery, yet it remains thin and portable. Usually you have to sacrifice one or the other, but this laptop combines the two. The 128GB SSD enables a fast bootup — indeed, it takes only seconds — and you’ll find that you have fast performance even when you’re multitasking.
This laptop is especially recommended for those people who need to use the webcam feature, since there are two microphones and there’s in-built noise reduction software that allows for crystal clear conversations. Though there are plenty of features that users will love, the manufacturers have done a good job at keeping things user-friendly. The use is intuitive and you’ll have no problems getting used to the laptop.
- Design and style with performance to match: stay connected and productive with long-lasting battery life and a thin and portable, micro-edge bezel design
- Fast boot up with SSD: Boot up in seconds, transfer files without waiting hours, and enjoy a snappier experience with the internal solid-state drive
- Bios recovery and protection: automatically checks the health of your PC, protects against unauthorized access, secures local storage and recovers itself from boot-up issues
- Reliable Processor: 10th Generation intel(r) core(tm) i3-1005g1, dual-core, 1.2 GHz Base frequency, up to 3.4 GHz with Intel's) Turbo Boost Technology
- Display: 15.6-Inch diagonal HD SVA bright View micro-edge WLED-backlit touchscreen display (1366x768)
8. Acer Aspire 5
Acer makes excellent laptops for all ranges, but when it comes to the entry-level market, and the best 10 inch laptop, they do seem to generally be a step above their competitors. The Acer Aspire 5, for example, is a highly affordable device, yet it still packs a powerful punch. Acer has managed to create a laptop that most people will be able to afford, and they’ve made it appealing too. How? By including the things that people want to have, and leaving out the things that they don’t really need (but would normally pay extra for). The 15.6 screen offers stunning visuals, while the lightness of the product means that it can easily be transported around town. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor provides outstanding battery life and performance, so you can get all the essential tasks taken care of without problem.
Somewhat surprisingly for a laptop in this price-range, the Acer Aspire 5 comes with a slew of cool features that’ll make it all the more appealing for people who are looking for a computer that will take care of the basics and a little more. For example, there’s in-built Alexa, so you can make commands using your voice. The sound system is also better than average for laptops in this category, while the backlit keyboard gives the laptop a touch of style. It’s aimed at students and people who want to have access to a decent laptop without spending the earth.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor (Up to 3.5GHz); 4GB DDR4 Memory; 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- 15.6 inches full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS display; AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics
- 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP support
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Backlit Keyboard; Up to 7.5 hours battery life
9. ASUS VivoBook Flip
If you’re looking for a versatile laptop, then the ASUS VivoBook Flip is a good option. This is a 2-1 in flip touchscreen laptop, one that runs off an Intel Celeron Dual Core N4000 Processor. Unlike other laptops in this price point, this laptop comes with one year of Office 365 already included, so you won’t need to pay extra for the first year. Fundamentally this a laptop that’s designed for casual usage; browsing the web, playing light games, and for entertainment purposes. It’s the slimmest ASUS flip available, and also extremely light, which makes it perfect for taking it on the road. Because there’s a special emphasis on the entertainment qualities of the laptop, the sound performance is especially impressive.
There are some recurring themes when it comes to what reviewers mention about this product. They generally note how quick the laptop is, especially considering the price. The battery life is long, and charges quickly too. The one downside is that there aren’t any traditional USB ports, which can be a hindrance, but this is an issue that can be overcome by investing in an adapter, which aren’t expensive.
Ultimately, this laptop will find many fans among people who are using it for school work and mild browsing. It’ll handle more complex tasks OK, and actually pretty well given the cost of the machine, though it should also be noted that the ram cannot be upgraded.
- Powerful & efficient Intel Celeron N4000 1.1GHz (Turbo upto 2.6GHz); 64 eMMC storage, 4GB LPDDR4
- Featuring Windows 10 in S mode operating system with 1 year of office 365 included; Webcam: VGA Camera
- 14" Glossy screen with a Nano Edge FHD display with wide view technology and a touchscreen with upto 178° viewing angle optimized for entertainment
- 13” wide, 0. 6” thin with 0. 3” bezel for a stunning 73% screen-to-body ratio; aluminum chassis and lightweight at 3.3 pounds.
- Portable and convertible 2 in 1 laptop with four viewing modes: Tablet, tent, stand, and laptop.
10. Microsoft Surface Go
The Microsoft Surface Go is a laptop that performs at a standard that far exceeds its cost. It comes with a high resolution 10-inch interactive display that can be touched and written on, or simply viewed. The battery life is especially impressive, with up to 10 hours from a single charge. It’s also stylish, and extremely light — it can weigh as little as 1.15 pounds. That means that you’ll have no issues with transporting it around town. Indeed, you could say that this is a laptop that was designed to be used on the go. No matter where you are, you’ll find that it’s easy enough to get out the laptop and begin working or playing. This is a Microsoft product, so there are some features that are especially useful: it’s big on security, for example.
The flexibility of the laptop essentially means that you get three devices in one — it’s a laptop, it’s a tablet, and there’s also ‘studio mode’ for writing and drawing. This is a device that you can stick with all day. It’ll work great when you’re in the office, be with you when you’re on the commute on your way home, and then it can become your source of entertainment. In a sea of inexpensive laptops, this is one of the best ones, though existing Windows users will find it easier to use.
- High res 10 inch PixelSense Display designed to be viewed, touched, and written on
- Lightest Surface yet, starting at just 1.15 pounds. Aspect ratio: 3:2
- All day battery life, with up to 9 hours of unplugged power. LTE Advanced Up to 8.5 hours of battery life for local video playback
- Comes with Windows 10 in S mode, to do the things you want with performance that lasts, including Microsoft verified security, Windows Defender, parental controls, and world class support
- Includes multi tasking USB C, fast charging Surface Connect, and headphone jack
Upgrading A Bargain Laptop
Just because you buy a lower priced laptop doesn’t mean you can’t make some upgrades to it down the road. Here is a YouTube video that shows how easy it is to do it on our number one pick: