Buying a need-it-now laptop can be like shopping for food while hungry. Are laptops under $500 any good?Īs a rule of thumb, resist buying out of desperation - don't spend $500 because you can't find a cheaper laptop deal available, for example. Use these picks to sort through the competition and don't make rash decisions when you're shopping, because there are a lot of cheap laptops that are just not worth it. It'll also let you know what to look for if you want to continue your budget laptop hunt on your own. Below, you'll find some straightforward buying advice based on our years of testing and review experience to help you understand just what to expect from a laptop priced under $500. High demand for cheap Windows and Chrome OS laptops (also known as Chromebooks) spurred on by the pandemic, paired with parts-supply shortages, have made it harder to find a great laptop for under $500.
