Best Laptops Under $500: Consumer Reports

Finding a good laptop under $500 can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Consumer Reports has tested dozens of laptops in this price range and found a few that offer good performance and features. Here are our top picks.

Our Top Picks

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (15 inch): This laptop is our top pick for the best laptop under $500. It offers a good balance of performance, features, and battery life.
Acer Aspire 5 (15 inch): This laptop is a close second to the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. It offers similar performance and features, but it has a slightly shorter battery life.
HP 15-dw0000: This laptop is a good option for those who need a laptop for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and writing documents.
ASUS VivoBook 15: This laptop is a good choice for those who want a laptop with a large screen. It has a 15.6-inch display, which is larger than most laptops in this price range.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000: This laptop is a good option for those who need a laptop that can handle some light gaming. It has a dedicated graphics card, which is not common in laptops in this price range.

What to Look for in a Laptop Under $500

When shopping for a laptop under $500, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Processor: The processor is the brain of the laptop. It determines how fast the laptop can perform tasks. For a laptop under $500, you’ll want a processor that has at least two cores and a clock speed of at least 2.0GHz.
Memory: Memory, also known as RAM, helps the laptop store and process data. For a laptop under $500, you’ll want at least 4GB of memory.
Storage: Storage is used to store your files, programs, and data. For a laptop under $500, you’ll want at least 128GB of storage.
Display: The display is what you see on the laptop. For a laptop under $500, you’ll want a display that has a resolution of at least 1366 x 768.
Battery life: Battery life is important if you plan on using your laptop away from an outlet. For a laptop under $500, you’ll want a battery that can last for at least 6 hours.
Features: Some laptops come with additional features, such as a webcam, microphone, and speakers. These features can be useful, but they’re not essential.

Conclusion

Finding a good laptop under $500 is possible, but it takes some research. By following the tips in this article, you can find a laptop that meets your needs and budget.

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