Finding a quality yet inexpensive laptop to be used at home is an uphill task considering the overall compromises. Another factor that makes this decision of great concern is their need to use a laptop daily.
Hence, it becomes ideal that you have gone through each and every specification of the laptop, from connectivity to the battery, display, and processing.
While buying these laptops, I would recommend you to at least go for a $500 benchmark. This is because, within this price range, you can get optimized performance and basic functions that are needed to support your daily work.
To proceed, here are some of the best laptops for working from home under $500 reviews and buying instructions. So, dive right in for more.
Top Picks of 2023
1. Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K – Best Slim Laptop For Working From Home
To start with, this Acer Aspire 5 is undoubtedly one of the best laptops for working from home under $500, all credits due to its lightweight design and a ton of features that helps you in almost every work.
It has a well-organized construction that provides a combination of roomy storage, processing speed, and decent display at an affordable range. I absolutely love the stylish top that makes it appealing to the eye.
Similarly, the first thing you will notice in this design is its high-speed Ryzen 5 processor that offers impressive performance overall. This 3 3350U has 128 SSD storage that makes it fast for heavy applications, so you most probably won’t encounter any lag while doing the regular work.
I also really appreciate the 4GB RAM and 128GB roomy drive storage that helps you with impressive performance.
Last but not least, it is equipped with USB 3.2, USB-A, and USB-C Type ports, so you can easily connect this device for essential tasks. When it comes to the display, you will be amazed that this budget product has IPS technology that provides you with crisp and sharp color accuracy.
The manufacturers have also added the Purified Voice function that offers a clear voice and clears out any background noise.
- Improved processing speed
- Crisp and sharp display
- Includes decent storage
- Great value for money
- Battery life is not the best
In the end, if you are a budget enthusiast and want something basic yet efficient to be used for working from home, this might be the one for you.
It is equipped with a clear and sharp IPS technology HD display accompanied by a Purified Voice function that provides you with a pleasant experience. Likewise, the high-speed Ryzen 5 processor is impressive for regular tasks without any lag.
2. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13.3″ Laptop – Best Laptop For Working From Home
The runner-up in this list is this Chromebook from Lenovo, famous for its large display and processor that helps you in working from home with absolute efficiency and convenience.
It is primarily designed to provide you with long battery life, better processing performance, and decent graphics. Also, it is stylish and compact, so you can easily transport it from one room to another with ease.
Likewise, this Lenovo design has an Intel i3 Core processor (10th generation) that helps you with a fast speed and no lag. Although it is primarily not for gaming, you can undoubtedly use it for regular work without any lagging, having 64GB SSD storage. However, I would not recommend you use this laptop for outdoor usage because of its dim light that can be an issue to tackle in the natural light.
In the end, speaking of the storage, it comes with 8GB RAM and 64GB internal drive storage that is quite decent for day-to-day applications. It also has a large 13 inches display that has a (1920x 1080) FHD that is okay for this price range and can help you perfectly indoors.
The fact that it incorporates a keyboard makes it highly responsive. All in all, you can get ten hours of battery life in one charge.
- It offers great battery life
- Durable and stylish
- High processing speed
- Offers impressive connectivity
- Brightness needs improvement
In essence, this Lenovo Chromebook is a great alternative to go for, all thanks to its processor and high-quality battery. I absolutely love the grey color convertible design that looks eye-catching and highly convenient. Additionally, it is further equipped with a fast 10th generation processor and roomy drive storage that helps you in working from home with absolute efficiency and response with no lagging.
3. ASUS VivoBook 15 – Thin and Light Laptop
Here comes another budget-friendly product from Asus, popular for its large storage and high-speed processor that serve you well. It is further designed lightweight and stylish, making it aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching.
Similarly, it is inspired by the Asus VivoBook, having a bright display, sound quality, and decent processing speed. All in all, it is an impressive deal under a reasonable range.
In addition, the first thing you will notice in this design is the 15 inches large display that incorporates a decent color accuracy. Hence, using routine applications on this display makes it a pleasing process.
I also really appreciate the 10th generation Intel i3 Core that provides high-speed processing without any lagging. This is accompanied by the 4M cache and 3.4 GHz refresh rate that makes it extremely fast for a budgeted device.
In the end, it also includes an ergonomics keyboard with backlighting with fingerprint sensors that makes it responsive and fast. It further comes with decent storage (8GB RAM and 128GB drive), allowing you to do complicated tasks with great ease and efficiency.
All in all, you are getting a 10 hours battery life in one charge that makes it great for long office working hours.
- Offers improved battery life
- Stylish and contemporary
- Responsive and fast
- Includes a large storage
- Display needs improvement
Final thoughts, this Asus VivoBook is one of the best laptops for working from home under $500 for its quality processing speed and large battery life. I really like the 10th generation processor that supports heavy applications without any lagging.
In addition, the roomy drive storage and the contemporary design make it one of my favorites. On the whole, it is quite speedy and responsive for working from home.
4. 2023 Newest HP 15.6″ FHD 1080P IPS Anti-Glare Laptop – Best Budget Laptop For Working From Home
Last but not least in this list is the HP anti-glare laptop that is absolutely functional for its price, all thanks to its processing speed and accessories that serve you well.
It is best known for its ability to support Ethernet, Wifi 6, and Online Meeting Ready, which allows you to easily work from home. In addition, the large drive storage and high-quality display make it stand among its competitors with a similar price range.
Likewise, this HP laptop comes with a thin and lightweight design that makes it comfortable to handle. It comes with an Intel Celeron N4020 processor that makes it great for routine applications and offers impressive speed.
It is accompanied by the 4MB cache and 2.8 GHz refresh rate that helps you with smooth performance and no lag. However, the two cores and threads make it consume more than usual power.
Lastly, this laptop is one of the best budget laptops with IPS technology and large 15 inches display is undoubtedly one of my favorite features of this laptop. Thereby, with this UHD graphic display, you are provided with better color accuracy and reproduction. It further comes with a USB Type-C and HDMI cable that helps you with overall connectivity. On the whole, the 10 hours battery life makes it great for working from home.
- Stylish and modern
- Includes a high-quality display
- It offers a long battery life
- Offers great processing speed
- Storage can be improved
Wrapping up, this HP 2023 laptop is a great way to support your working from home, having a quality processor and a high-end display. It is equipped with a 10th generation processor with a high refresh rate and IPS technology with better color accuracy.
Likewise, the long battery life and decent storage make it worth your money. All in all, it looks eye-catching with its contemporary and stylish design.
What to Look for While Buying the Best Laptop for Working From Home: All You Need to Know
Many people are confused as to what they should consider when it comes to buying laptops (especially budget-friendly). While you want something to support your working from home, it is ideal that you consider the one that helps you with storage, speed, response, and battery life. Here are some things that you should look for while buying the best laptops for working from home under $500;
Processor
The first and foremost important thing anyone should consider while buying a laptop is the processor. For a budget device, it is ideal that you go for either an Intel Celeron processor or Pentium processor.
Here, I would also suggest you go for Ryzen instead of Athlon as it can help you with better optimization and storage. All in all, this will help you with a better refresh rate and storage, making them responsive and performance efficient.
Display
The second most important thing you should look for while buying the best laptop for working from home under $500 is the display. Most commonly, you can get laptops between 13 and 15 inches that are quite decent for routine work.
Here, I would recommend you go for IPS technology as, at a reasonable price, this can help you with better color accuracy and reproduction. However, make sure that your device has at least ten hours of battery life.
Storage
Likewise, storage can directly influence the performance of your laptop. Hence, it is ideal that you go for the one that offers you an enhanced refresh rate and better optimization.
However, keep in mind that apart from RAM and drive storage, it is significant that you consider SSD storage as it can make your Windows better at working and improve the hard disk performance. All in all, it is ideal that you go for 128GB SSD storage.
Networking Options
In the end, it is equally important that you have some kind of networking option on your laptop that can make the working smooth and efficient. For this purpose, try to look for laptops that come with either Wifi 3 or Ethernet.
This can help you with an enhanced refresh rate and better communication. If your budget allows it, I would recommend you go for Wifi 6 that helps you with a better network and allows you to access other sources better.
Finally, I hope that you will be able to choose wisely after reading these brief buying instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the best laptops for working from home?
There are a number of things you should look for while buying a laptop to be used at home. The primary things I would suggest you look for are a quality processor, a long battery, storage, and connectivity options. Once you are done getting these, it is ideal that you go for advanced features such as Ethernet, Classroom networking, RGB light, and so on.
What is the best processor under $500?
Most commonly, at this price range, you can find Intel and Pentium processors. I would recommend you go for a Ryzen or Intel processor as these are equipped with a high refresh rate and better optimization. So, with enhanced storage and no lag, you can easily support your work from home.
What is the best working from a home laptop under $500?
The Asus VivoBook is a great way to support your working from home at a reasonable price range. It is equipped with a 10th generation i3 Core processor and roomy storage that serve you well. Likewise, the responsive keyboard and long battery life make it an impressive alternative.
Final Thoughts
Finding a quality yet inexpensive laptop to be used at home is an uphill task considering the overall compromises. Hence, it is recommended that you do your research about each and every specification beforehand. If you are looking for one, here are some of my recommendations;
- Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim LaptopAcer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim LaptopAcer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim LaptopAcer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim LaptopAcer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim Laptop
- ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light LaptopASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light LaptopASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light LaptopASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light LaptopASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is popular for its stylish design, processing performance, and long battery life.
In the end, I hope that you soon will find a laptop under $500 that works for you.
Here are some other interesting models that you might like: