Best Gaming Laptops Under 500: Top Budget-friendly Picks for 2023‍

The best gaming laptops under $500 are:

1. Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3CZ
2. Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop
3. ApoloSign 15.6'' Laptop
4. Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop
5. ASUS VivoBook Go 14 Flip
6. HP 2022 14" FHD IPS Display Laptop
7. Lenovo IdeaPad 14" Laptop
8. HP 15.6 Inch Laptop
9. SGIN 17" Laptop

Laptops have become an essential tool for everyday tasks, work, and entertainment. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find a good laptop that fits our budget.

For users who don't necessarily require high-performance gaming systems or workstation laptops, there are plenty of choices under the $500 price range that offer solid features and capabilities.

When looking for the best gaming laptops for under 500$, it's crucial to find one that strikes a balance between price and performance. They can still have decent processors, good battery life, and satisfactory storage capacities for the average user.

Key factors to consider during purchase include processor speed, memory, storage type, screen size, and battery life. Prioritizing these critical elements can make a significant difference in your overall experience and help you choose the best laptop under $500 that meets your needs.

Additionally, pay attention to details like the operating system, display resolution, and connectivity options – ensuring that your selection will be compatible and convenient to use in various settings.

The weight and design of the laptop should also be taken into account, especially for those who need a portable and stylish or portable machine for everyday use.

Taking these factors into account and carefully comparing several laptop models will help you make the right choice.

I spent hours researching and testing various laptops to find the best ones under $500 that offer great value and performance, just right for a wide range of users.

Best Gaming Laptops Under 500

I've searched far and wide to compile a list of the best gaming laptops under 500. Discover your perfect match below!

Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3CZ

I believe the Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3CZ is a great choice for those looking for a powerful and affordable laptop under $500.

Pros

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 3700U processor

• Crisp 15.6" Full HD IPS display

• Convenient fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard

Cons

• Limited 256GB NVMe SSD storage

• Cooling fan noise might be an issue for some users

• Not ideal for heavy gaming performance

Buy Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3CZ on Amazon

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3CZ impressed me with its AMD Ryzen 7 3700U processor, which offers desktop-class performance in a slim and stylish package. The 15.6" Full HD IPS display delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it an enjoyable experience for browsing, watching videos, or working on documents.

One feature I found particularly helpful was the fingerprint reader, which provides an added layer of security and convenience for quick logins. The backlit keyboard enhanced my typing experience, especially when working in low-light environments. Acer also has a number of laptops that are great for cyber-security purposes. You can check some out in this list of the best laptops for pentesting.

However, I must mention that the 256GB NVMe SSD storage capacity might not be enough for users who need ample space for their files and applications.

Additionally, while the laptop can handle general tasks efficiently, it's not ideal for more demanding games or running graphics-intensive games. Lastly, some users might find the cooling fan noise a bit bothersome during resource-intensive activities.

Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3CZ is one of the best gaming laptop under 500$. Its combination of power, visual clarity, and user-friendly features make it a great option for everyday use, as long as you can look past its minor limitations. Acer also makes some of the best laptops for digital marketing, you can check them out.

Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop

The Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a solid laptop for those on a budget, offering a great touchscreen, speedy performance, and sleek design.

Pros

• 15.6" HD touchscreen display

• 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor

• 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage

Cons

• Battery life could be better

• No backlit keyboard

• Limited ports

Buy Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop on Amazon

I recently got my hands on the Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3, and I must say, it has been excellent for everyday use. The 15.6" HD touchscreen display is responsive and vibrant, making browsing and working on this laptop a breeze.

Moreover, the 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor ensures speedy performance for daily tasks and smooth multitasking with the 8GB DDR4 RAM.

My favorite part about this laptop, though, is the 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. Booting up my system and loading my favorite applications has been a joy, as everything is so much faster compared to traditional hard drives.

The solid-state drive also means less noise and less energy consumption, while offering ample storage for my files and programs.

However, the Ideapad 3 is not without its flaws. The battery life, for instance, lasts only up to 7 hours, which I found shorter than I'd like. Additionally, the lack of a backlit keyboard can be inconvenient when working in dimly lit environments, and the limited ports might require investing in some adapters for connecting multiple devices.

Nonetheless, despite these shortcomings, the Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 is a reliable laptop for those looking to purchase a quality device under $500.

Its performance, touchscreen capabilities, and sleek design make it a good value for the price, but keep in mind that you might need to sacrifice a bit in terms of battery life and connectivity options.

You might want to explore the great laptops for music production that Lenovo notably manufactures.

ApoloSign 15.6'' Laptop

This laptop is a great value-for-money option for those looking for cheap gaming laptop under 500, or a lightweight, functional laptop under $500.

Pros

• Efficient performance with Windows 11

• Gorgeous 15.6 inches FHD IPS display

• 12GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage

Cons

• Not suited for heavy gaming

• Limited USB ports

• Non-mainstream brand

Buy ApoloSign 15.6'' Laptop on Amazon

I recently purchased the ApoloSign 15.6'' Laptop and was impressed with its sleek design and lightweight build, and it served as the perfect travel companion for my vacation. With only 3 pounds of weight and a slim profile, it's an excellent choice for light work and entertainment on-the-go.

The performance of this laptop was quite impressive, thanks to the Intel Jasper Lake N5095 processor and 12GB RAM. I seamlessly managed my work and other applications without any lags.

Additionally, it comes with SSD storage, which makes startup and data access much faster. I also found the ergonomic keyboard comfortable for typing and the trackpad pretty responsive.

One thing I must emphasize is its stunning 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display. The text and colors appeared vivid and sharp, which made it perfect for work, study, and streaming videos.

The available ports include Type C, HDMI, USB 3.2, headphone jack, and TF card slot for added convenience.

However, potential buyers should be aware that it may not be suitable for high-end gaming, as this laptop is designed for productivity and everyday use.

And although the build quality is fantastic, you may need an extra USB port or two, especially if you work with several peripherals.

In conclusion, the ApoloSign 15.6'' Laptop offers incredible value at under $500. I would recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable, slim, and lightweight laptop for everyday use and entertainment.

Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop

This Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for those seeking a solid gaming laptop under 500 dollars.

Pros

• Lightweight and sleek design

• 11th Gen Intel Core i3 Processor

• 15.6" HD Touchscreen display

Cons

• No backlit keyboard

• Limited to Windows 11 Home

• 1366 x 768 screen resolution

Buy Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop on Amazon

I recently got my hands on the Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop, and I must say, I'm quite impressed with its performance. As a secondary laptop for work and home use, it's been a fantastic addition to my collection cheap gaming laptops.

It's both lightweight and sleek, which gives it the appearance of a more expensive laptop. The 11th Gen Intel Core i3 Processor provides smooth multitasking capabilities, even with multiple applications and browser tabs open.

The 15.6" HD touchscreen is quite responsive and makes it easier for me to navigate through documents and websites. However, one drawback I've noticed is the screen resolution, which is limited to 1366 x 768, something to consider if you're looking for a sharper display.

Furthermore, there's no backlit keyboard included, which would have been a nice addition for those late-night work sessions.

In terms of connectivity, the Ideapad 3 offers a good variety of ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, and 1 x Combination Audio Jack. Additionally, the laptop comes with Wireless-AC Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth Combo, ensuring stable connections for your devices.

One thing to note is that this laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home, limiting some customization options. But overall, my experience with the Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop has been enjoyable and satisfying, especially given its affordable price tag. For anyone searching for budget gaming laptop or a dependable laptop under 500 dollars, this could be an excellent choice.

ASUS VivoBook Go 14 Flip

The ASUS VivoBook Go 14 Flip is a versatile and affordable choice for those seeking a laptop under $500 with a great mix of portability and functionality.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable design

• Convertible 2-in-1 with various viewing modes

• ASUS Antibacterial Guard for hygienic use

Cons

• Lower-end Intel Celeron processor

• Limited storage space with 64GB eMMC

• 4GB RAM could inhibit multitasking

Buy ASUS VivoBook Go 14 Flip on Amazon

Having just used the ASUS VivoBook Go 14 Flip, I'm impressed by its sleek, convertible design that allows for multiple viewing modes, including tablet, tent, stand, and laptop. The 360° hinge is durable, making it easy to switch between modes seamlessly. The lightweight and thin profile (only 1.50kg and 1.69cm) makes it a breeze to take with me on the go.

The touch screen provides an excellent and responsive experience, detecting even the slightest fingertip movements. I enjoyed using this laptop for both work and entertainment as it features a 14” HD Wideview touch display with up to a 178° viewing angle. The Quiet Blue color adds a touch of style and modernity to the laptop.

One unique feature I appreciate is the ASUS Antibacterial Guard. With hygiene being more important than ever, this surface treatment has been scientifically proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria by more than 99% over a 24-hour period.

Though the laptop has its strengths, the lower-end Intel Celeron N4500 processor could be a drawback for those who require more robust performance. In addition, the 64GB eMMC storage space and 4GB DDR4X RAM might limit multitasking capabilities and storage options, especially if you need to run multiple applications or store large files.

Overall, the ASUS VivoBook Go 14 Flip offers good value for the price. If your needs can accommodate the limitations of its processor, storage, and RAM, this portable and versatile laptop under $500 could be an excellent fit for you.

Dell Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop

The Dell Inspiron 3000 is an affordable laptop suitable for business uses and light multitasking.

Pros

• Good performance with Intel Celeron N4020 Processor

• 16GB RAM allows for multitasking

• Spacious 1TB HDD

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks

• Basic 1366 x 768 display resolution

• No optical drive

Buy Dell Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop on Amazon

When I started using the Dell Inspiron 3000, I quickly realized that it was a budget-friendly laptop that provided a sufficient performance level for basic tasks. The Intel Celeron N4020 Processor ensured I could accomplish daily work tasks without any hiccups. The 16GB RAM also allowed me to run several applications simultaneously with ease.

While the 1TB HDD offered ample storage for my files and photos, I noticed that the display resolution, at 1366 x 768, wasn't ideal for intricate visuals or those who might require higher screen quality. However, the laptop's 15.6-inch HD energy-efficient LED-backlit display ensures that images and videos are clear and bright, and the larger keycaps and spacious touchpad provided a comfortable user experience.

In terms of connectivity, this laptop features the essential ports, including USB 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI 1.4b, an SD Card Reader, and a headphone/microphone audio jack. The system runs on Windows 11 Pro, offering an improved user experience. However, if the reader wants a device for more graphic-intensive tasks or gaming, the Dell Inspiron 3000 might not be the best choice as its processor and graphics coprocessor are not the most powerful on the market. If you are looking for a great speaker as your main requirement, check out this list of the laptops with the best speakers.

Overall, the Dell Inspiron 3000 is a reliable laptop for a business environment and light multitasking while staying on a budget. Its pros vastly outweigh the cons, and I would recommend it for those who need a cost-effective device for everyday work purposes.

HP 2022 14" FHD IPS Display Laptop

The HP 2022 14" laptop could be the right choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking smooth multitasking and casual gaming.

Pros

• Impressive FHD IPS display

• Smooth multitasking with 8GB RAM

• Responsive 256GB PCIe SSD storage

Cons

• Loud fan noise when active

• Missing SD card reader

• Touchpad and boot-up issues reported

Buy HP 2022 14" FHD IPS Display Laptop on Amazon

After using the HP 2022 14" FHD IPS display laptop for a while, I can say that it performs well on various tasks, including web browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. The AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB RAM ensure that the laptop handles multiple programs simultaneously without any hiccups.

The 256GB PCIe SSD offers enough storage capacity and fast data transfer speeds, enhancing the overall performance of the laptop. Moreover, the AMD Radeon Graphics provide solid image quality that can be appreciated while watching movies or working on some basic photo editing.

However, during my usage, I noticed some drawbacks of this laptop. Firstly, the fan noise can be quite loud when it's active, which might distract some users. Additionally, contrary to the product description, the laptop lacks an SD card reader – a feature that some users might find essential.

Lastly, I came across reviews mentioning touchpad and boot-up issues, which may lower the overall user experience. In conclusion, the HP 2022 14" FHD IPS display laptop is an affordable option for those primarily needing a device for general tasks, and playing games, but with some potential drawbacks to consider before purchasing.

Lenovo IdeaPad 14" Laptop

The Lenovo IdeaPad is a budget-friendly laptop that is ideal for everyday tasks and light workloads.

Pros

• Efficient Intel Pentium N5030 processor

• 256GB SSD storage (128GB emmc+128GB micro SD card)

• 10 hours of battery life with rapid charge feature

Cons

• 4GB DDR4 RAM might be insufficient for heavier usage

• HD (1366x768) display is not as sharp as FHD or higher resolutions

• Windows 11 Home in S mode (can switch to regular Windows 11)

Buy Lenovo IdeaPad 14" Laptop on Amazon

When I first started using the Lenovo IdeaPad, I noticed it had a sleek design with a compact 17.9 mm chassis, which made it convenient for carrying around. The Intel Pentium N5030 processor allowed me to multitask effortlessly and surf the web smoothly. Moreover, the laptop proved to be energy efficient, providing up to 10 hours of battery life and supporting a rapid charge feature.

The 14" diagonal HD display, although not as sharp as some higher-end models, was sufficient for basic web browsing and casual gaming. The onboard Intel UHD Graphics 605 offered decent image quality for everyday use. One drawback I faced was the 4GB RAM, which might not be suitable for more demanding tasks or multitasking numerous applications.

Although the laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, switching to regular Windows 11 was a straightforward process, opening up more possibilities in terms of app availability. The provided ports, including HDMI Outputs, USB Type A, and USB Type C, gave me the flexibility to connect various peripherals and devices.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 14" Laptop is a great value laptop for those seeking a budget-friendly, efficient, and portable device for light everyday work or personal tasks. However, if you anticipate heavier usage, it might be worth considering a laptop with more RAM and a better display resolution.

HP 15.6 Inch Laptop

The HP 15.6 Inch Laptop is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable laptop under $500 with impressive performance and portability.

Pros

• Thin and light design with great screen-to-body ratio

• Impressive Intel Iris Xe Graphics

• Smooth multitasking with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage

Cons

• Battery life could be longer

• No optical storage device

• Slightly noisy cooling system

Buy HP 15.6 Inch Laptop on Amazon

I recently had the chance to use the HP 15.6 Inch Laptop, and I must say, I was quite impressed with its overall performance and design. The thin and light build made it easy to carry around, and the 82% screen-to-body ratio provided an immersive experience while working on-the-go.

The Intel Iris Xe Graphics caught my attention as it delivered crisp visuals and a satisfying level of performance, making it perfect for casual gaming or streaming videos. Multitasking was a breeze, thanks to the laptop's 8 GB RAM and the speedy 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage. I could easily switch between several open applications and manage my files without any noticeable lag.

However, I noticed the battery lasted for about 7 hours and 15 minutes, which might not be enough for users who require all-day power. Additionally, this laptop does not include an optical storage device. While this may not be a deal-breaker for some, it could be a drawback for those who often use CDs or DVDs.

One minor issue I experienced was the noise produced by the cooling system. It wasn't too loud, but it was noticeable when the laptop was under heavy load. Regardless, the HP 15.6 Inch Laptop remained cool during prolonged use, which was a plus.

In conclusion, the HP 15.6 Inch Laptop is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable and portable laptop with great performance. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics and smooth multitasking capabilities make it suitable for work, entertainment, and casual gaming. Keep in mind, though, that the battery life could be better, and the lack of an optical storage device might be limiting for some users.

You might want to explore HP's range of great laptops under $1,000 as well.

SGIN 17" Laptop

The SGIN 17" laptop is a budget-friendly option that provides users with a large display and efficient performance.

Pros

• Stunning 17-inch FHD IPS display

• Quiet fanless heat dissipation

• Long-lasting 8000 mAh battery

Cons

• Limited storage capacity

• Unknown brand

• No dedicated graphics card

Buy SGIN 17" Laptop on Amazon

I recently purchased this SGIN 17" laptop, and I am delighted with its 17-inch full HD IPS display. The vibrant colors and sharp text make watching movies and browsing the internet a visual treat. The laptop's fanless design ensures noiseless heat dissipation, which is great, especially during long work hours when I don't want any disturbance from the laptop's fan.

One thing that surprised me was how long the battery lasted. Equipped with an 8000 mAh battery, I can work and watch movies for up to 8 hours before needing a recharge. For a laptop that falls under the $500 price range, this battery life is quite impressive.

However, the SGIN 17" laptop does come with some drawbacks. The storage capacity, at 256 GB, can be limiting for users like me, who require more space for their files and applications. Although it supports a 512 GB TF card expansion, investing in additional storage is an added expense.

As an unknown brand, I was initially skeptical about choosing the SGIN laptop. But to my delight, its performance has exceeded my expectations for its price. Still, the skepticism may be a deterrent for potential buyers.

Lastly, the laptop does not come with a dedicated graphics card, which makes it less suitable for graphic-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. However, for everyday tasks without graphics processing power, such as browsing, streaming videos, and working with documents, the integrated graphics processor and coprocessor suffices.

In conclusion, the SGIN 17" laptop stands out as a budget-friendly option for those looking for a budget laptop, with a great display, quiet performance, and lasting battery life. While its storage capacity and lack of dedicated graphics card might be a downside, its price and impressive features make it suitable for everyday use.

Buying Guide

When I am shopping for a laptop under $500, there are several factors I consider to make sure I choose the best product for my needs. It is essential to think about performance, portability, battery life, and display, among other features. Here's a friendly guide to help you choose the best laptop for your budget.

Performance

One of the essential features to consider is performance. In this price range, I expect a laptop to have at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. A minimum of 4GB of RAM is necessary for everyday tasks, but if multitasking is essential, I suggest opting for 8GB of RAM.

Portability

I often look for laptops that are lightweight and easy to carry around. A slim design and a weight of around 3-4 pounds are ideal for taking the laptop on-the-go. It should also fit comfortably in a backpack or laptop bag.

Battery Life

Battery life plays a significant role in the overall usability of a laptop. I prefer a laptop with at least 6 hours of battery life for everyday usage. This ensures that I won't have to worry about constantly charging my device, especially when I am on the move.

Display

The display of a laptop is essential for both work and entertainment. A Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is ideal for a crisp and clear image quality. I would avoid laptops with a resolution lower than this, as it can cause strain on my eyes during extended use.

Remember to keep these features in mind while shopping for a laptop under $500, and you should be well on your way to finding the perfect device for your needs and budget. Don't forget to compare multiple options, read reviews, and pay attention to any additional features that may be important to you. Good luck in your search!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top laptops for students on a budget?

As a student on a budget, I found that some of the best laptops are the Acer Aspire 5, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, and HP Stream 14. These laptops offer good performance and reliability for everyday tasks like taking notes, browsing the web, and watching videos.

Which affordable laptops are best for gaming?

While being on a budget, it's a bit tough for avid gamers to find budget gaming laptops. However, I discovered that the Acer Nitro 5 and the ASUS TUF Gaming are decent options for casual gamers. These laptops feature dedicated graphics cards and provide a satisfactory gaming experience for many popular titles.

What are the best Windows laptops under $500?

In my search for the best Windows laptops under $500, I've come across the ASUS VivoBook 15 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3000. These machines offer reliable performance, adequate storage, and smooth multitasking capabilities for everyday use.

Can you find reliable laptops at a budget price?

I can confidently say that yes, you can find reliable budget gaming laptops under 500$. Brands like Acer, Lenovo, and HP often have lower-priced models that still provide good performance and durability. It’s essential, however, to carefully research and read user reviews before making a decision best budget gaming laptop.

What are some recommended budget laptops for 2023?

Some budget laptops that I would recommend for 2023 are:

• Acer Aspire 5

• Lenovo IdeaPad 3

• HP Stream 14

• ASUS VivoBook 15

These laptops provide processing speed, power and a reliable performance without breaking the bank and should be suitable for most basic tasks.

Where can I find the best deals on budget laptops?

I often find the best deals on budget laptops by keeping an eye on online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Additionally, signing up for newsletters and following tech websites and blogs can help me stay updated on the latest discounts and sales events.