When looking for the top laptop below $500, it’s crucial to proceed with caution.
In today’s highly competitive [laptop market](https://mashable.com/category/laptops), the adage “you get what you pay for” frequently applies. Choosing a “cheap” laptop without adequate research can result in ending up with a slow, outdated device that causes more problems than it resolves. Although Mashable routinely assesses the [best affordable laptops](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-cheap-laptops), a budget of $500 may exclude some well-known budget-friendly choices. Nevertheless, there remain numerous good laptops that fit well within this financial boundary.
Not every laptop we assessed passed the test—like the Samsung Chromebook 4—but the models that did merit your consideration.
### Black Friday Offers Are Here
If cost-effectiveness is your main concern, this is an excellent time to shop. With [Black Friday](https://mashable.com/category/black-friday) upon us, retailers such as [Best Buy](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-best-buy-deals) and [Amazon](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-amazon-deals) are presenting substantial savings on an array of laptops, including [MacBooks](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-macbook-deals), [gaming laptops](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-gaming-laptop-deals), and economical options like [Chromebooks](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-chromebook-deals).
—
### A Brief Overview of Laptop Pricing
Laptops vary widely in cost, ranging from as low as $100 for a fundamental [Chromebook](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-chromebooks) to more than $3,000 for a premium [gaming laptop](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-gaming-laptops). Within Mashable’s guide to the [best laptops](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-laptops), you can find options across various price points. However, with a budget of $500, you’ll have to eliminate high-end categories such as Ultrabooks, MacBooks, and most gaming laptops.
Here’s a summary of common laptop categories:
– **Chromebooks ($100–$650):** These lightweight, portable computers are tailored for web-based services and simple tasks. They are very cost-effective, and at the upper end of this spectrum, cloud-ready gaming Chromebooks can serve as a clever substitute for higher-priced gaming systems.
– **Budget Laptops ($250–$750):** Although they may lack high-end specifications, budget laptops generally provide adequate RAM and storage for routine tasks like schoolwork or office activities.
– **MacBooks ($850–$3,500):** The most affordable [MacBook](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-macbooks) to consider is the [M2 MacBook Air](https://zdcs.link/V0NwL?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=M2%20MacBook%20Air&object_type=roundup&object_uuid=02falkPo600mrCm6WxGHXR9&short_url=V0NwL&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall), which starts at $850 on sale. A fully equipped [MacBook Pro](https://mashable.com/article/apple-macbook-pro-2023) can reach up to $3,500.
– **Ultrabooks ($1,000–$3,500):** These stylish, high-powered laptops are perfect for activities like [photo](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-laptops-for-photo-editing) and (https://mashable.com/roundup/best-laptops-for-video-editing). MacBooks also belong in this category.
—
### What Are the Top Laptops Below $500 in 2024?
To assist you in selecting the ideal laptop for your needs, we have created a comprehensive guide to the best budget laptops under $500, focusing particularly on Chromebooks. While the perfect option will depend on your individual preferences, the [Acer Aspire 5](https://zdcs.link/6gV6j?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=Acer%20Aspire%205&object_type=roundup&object_uuid=02f