We know times are tough for just about everyone, and that doesn't make it easy to replace old hardware. Fortunately, the list of the best laptops under $500 is slowly expanding with quality devices that are worth the plastic and silicon they were printed on. While this is still a small gathering of sub-$500 laptops, we've completed the most impressive one we've seen in the last year. Our list includes two types of incredibly affordable 2-in-1 laptops and Chromebooks that will get the job done for minimal impact on your bottom line. Each of the products below has received at least four stars in one of our extensive reviews, making them worthy of inclusion in a TechComparison Buying Guide. With this, you can buy one of these laptops knowing that it has been tested and reviewed by our expert editors.
Microsoft Surface Go
The best laptop under €500 to date.CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 4GB - 8GB | Screen: 1,800 x 1,200, 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen | Storage: eMMC 64GB - 128GB Affordable SSD Lightweight and easy to hold Not as powerful as iPad Type of cover not included An affordable Surface device has been in demand since the first Surface Pro, but the wait is finally over. Microsoft's Surface Go is not only the best Windows tablet for extreme mobility, but also the best cheap laptop. Thin, smooth, mobile, and elegant, but without the high cost, Microsoft has packed it all into a Surface for less than $500. Whether you're a student or just want to spend less than a large laptop, the Microsoft Surface Go is a winning solution for both work and play. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go
Acer Switch 3
An alternative Surface Book 2 at half the price.Processor: Intel Pentium Quad Core N4200 @ 1.10 GHz - Intel Core i3 7100U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505 | RAM: 4GB | Display: 12.9-inch, 1920 x 1200 IPS LCD touchscreen | Storage: eMMC 64GB to 128GB Excellent build quality Excellent value Articulating tripod Slower storage options The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is very expensive, but the Acer Switch 3 is a great alternative for much less money. This tablet is based on essentially the same idea as the Surface Book 2, but it's significantly less capable, thanks to low-power components. However, for most tasks, it's a plucky little computer. What this 2-in-1 laptop holds up to Microsoft's "Pro" and "Go" models is that it comes with the keyboard included. Of course, the Acer Switch 3 is offered in several configurations: USB-C, 8 GB of memory, an IPS touchscreen, and an Intel Core i3 7100U processor with the most expensive option. Read the full review: Acer Switch 3
Dell Inspiron 11 2-in-1 Chromebook
The best cheap 2-in-1 Chromebook.CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400 | RAM: 4GB | Display: 11,6-inch (1366 x 768) HD touchscreen | Storage: eMMC 32GB to 64GB durable Long battery life Not very powerful Slower SSD storage The best Chromebook is an affordable product, accessible to everyone. And from this perspective, it's easy to see how the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 cuts the mustard. It's not the most powerful Chromebook on the market, it's what people need: affordable, easy to use, and capable of taking a beating. The Dell Inspiron 11 2-in-1 is ready to handle all your web browsing and document editing. That's why it's one of the best cheap laptops because it won't come out of a simple drop. Read the full review: Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1
Acer Chromebook 15
Proof that 15-inches can be affordable, too < p class="specs__container">CPU: Intel Pentium N4200 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505 | RAM: 4GB | Display: 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) | Storage: 32 GB eMMC Incredible autonomy Attractive design and without fan. The trackpad feels awkward Easy to weigh down with tabs With a shiny chassis that rivals the latest MacBook, it's easier to forgive the fact that the Acer Chromebook 15 is the only laptop in a straight line on this list. Every other laptop on this list is fully convertible, forcing the Acer Chromebook 15 to prove itself more stylish. This beautiful 15-inch Chromebook makes an incredible impression with its 17-hour battery life, too, during our battery test. That's crazy for a 15-inch laptop - Chromebook or not. Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15