Best Laptop For Working From Home Under $500

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The best laptop for working from home under $500 is a tricky question. There are so many factors to consider, including the size of your budget, what you need it for, and how much you can afford to spend on a laptop.

The best laptops under $500 consumer reports is a list of the best laptops for working from home. It includes models that cost less than 500 dollars.

If you’re looking for the best laptop for working from home around $500, you’ve come to the perfect spot.

The pandemic of the Coronavirus has totally transformed the ‘traditional’ workplace, ushering in a new age of ‘Work from Home.’ To minimize the spread of coronavirus and enable workers to work from home, most businesses and employers have digitized their work culture. As a result, there is a greater need for digital equipment than ever before.

A laptop is the first and, perhaps, the finest gadget for this. Attend meetings, work on business projects, and handle client problems all from the comfort of your own lap with this portable computer. During your tea break, you may also play games, binge-watch Netflix, and listen to music.

However, it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack to discover the finest laptop for working from home around $500. There are a lot of them, so you’ll need a computer that can do more than just produce presentations or spreadsheets. It also has to be able to join Zoom meetings, use office applications, and execute programs efficiently.

So, what can you expect from a $500 laptop and which components should you consider without sacrificing anything?

So, let’s see what we can do.

Recommended Specs for a Work From Home Laptop on a Budget

Processor 1

Whether you’re browsing the web, watching YouTube, or holding Zoom meetings, you’ll need a powerful processor to handle data and instructions. Laptops that have a strong CPU can think and work quicker, thus the more powerful the processor, the better.

Intel and AMD are the only CPU brands we’ve seen in a cheap laptop. Both are suitable for both business and everyday usage. However, today’s AMD CPUs are more powerful and energy-efficient than its counterparts while remaining affordable.

AMD Ryzen CPUs, particularly the 4th and 5th generations, are excellent options for office and commercial usage. AMD Ryzen 5 4500U and AMD Ryzen 5 5500U seem to be the same. They are capable of running any video editing program or office applications without difficulty.

If you prefer Intel, you can get 10th and 11th generation CPUs for less than $500. On the list, you’ll find both i3 and i5 CPUs; however, we suggest searching for i5 processors from the 10th or 11th generations ($100, give or take). They are strong and can easily perform heavy activities like as video or picture processing, as well as run entry-level games.

2) Recall

Even a powerful CPU cannot handle everything; it need assistance to execute applications smoothly. Memory (RAM) plays a role in this. Memory, often known as RAM, stores short-term data that a processor need to complete its duties. Without memory, a CPU must do all of these tasks, causing the laptop to slow down. As a result, plenty of RAM is required.

We suggest getting a laptop with 8 GB of RAM and, if feasible, checking whether there is space for future extension.

Just so you know, increasing memory won’t significantly improve speed; you’ll also need a powerful processor to transmit the data RAM delivers to it. Upgrading RAM won’t help if the CPU isn’t strong enough.

3) Safekeeping

The amount of storage you need in a notebook is entirely up to you. We suggest purchasing at least 128 GB of storage if you plan on keeping hundreds of presentations or spreadsheets, photos, and other material.

What’s more essential in this case is the kind of data storage device. An HDD provides greater storage for a lower price, but it can slow down your laptop’s speed and functionality.

A solid-state drive, on the other hand, is more expensive but substantially increases laptop speed and performance. So, go for an SSD, and if you can’t live without storage, buy a spare HDD to use as a backup.

4) Webcam

Because working from home necessitates frequent Zoom meetings and video conferencing, a laptop with an integrated camera is a must. Look for a laptop with a 720p webcam since it creates clearer, brighter pictures.

For the majority of people, it is sufficient; but, if you need crystal clear pictures with correct colors, purchasing an additional device such as a webcam would be ideal.

5) Other essential specifications

Aside from the primary characteristics listed above, you should search for a Full HD display (1920 x 1080 pixels) with a 13 to 15-inch screen, a variety of connectors such as HDMI, and at least two USB ports to connect a second monitor, HDD drive, or webcam.

Because you’ll be working in your room most of the time, the battery isn’t as essential; nevertheless, for emergencies, we suggest buying a laptop with a battery life of up to 3 hours.

Important Note: We made sure our list contained laptops under $500 at the time of writing, but laptop prices fluctuate a lot, so you may have to spend a little more than $500 (often $600) to obtain what you want.

Under $500 laptop for working from home

Ideapad 3 by Lenovo (No. 1)

2) HP 14

3) HP 15

4) HP Pavilion 15.6-inch monitor

Acer Aspire 3 (No. 5)

Asus Vivobook 15 (No. 6)

Acer Spin 3 (number 7)

HP 15-dy1036nr (HP 15-dy1036nr) (HP 15-dy1036n

9) Surface Pro 7 (Microsoft)

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (10)

Lenovo Ideapad 3

14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
Ryzen 5 5500U processor
AMD Radeon 7 Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
256 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

The Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a strong laptop that can take on any task you put at it. A powerful 5th generation Ryzen 5 5500U CPU powers this nimble device, with 6 cores to let you to move between several applications without freezing or hanging.

When it comes to excellent graphics and a crisp PowerPoint presentation, the beautiful 14-inch display speaks for itself. Aside from that, Lenovo equipped it with 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD to ensure that applications operate smoothly and that it boots up fast.

Despite its portability, Lenovo has given the laptop a robust construction that will endure for a long time. Moreover. Intelligent thermals are also included, as well as three distinct performance settings to choose from.

Above all, it has WiFI 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connection, something we haven’t seen in a low-cost Work From Home laptop before. In terms of the camera, Lenovo has an HD built-in webcam with Privacy Shutter to prevent your personal information from being misused.

The Lenovo Ideapad 3 also comes with a 4-hour battery life and a slew of connectors.

Pros

Exceptional performance
The Ryzen 5 CPU is fantastic.
Long-lasting battery
A Webcam with a Privacy Shutter
A backlit keyboard is a huge bonus.

Cons

Considering the price, there aren’t any.

14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
Ryzen 5 5500U processor
AMD Radeon 7 Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
256 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

When you want to enjoy amazing performance wrapped in a beautiful display, the HP 14 is without down one of the finest laptops for working from home around $500.

There’s nothing this beast can’t handle thanks to its AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU and AMD Radeon Graphics.

Not only that, but you’ll also receive a 14-inch display with pixels beyond your wildest dreams and audio that will immerse you in your project.

In terms of memory and storage, the HP 14 has 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD, allowing you to install your favorite applications, gather critical data, and watch movies without interruption.

As much as we like HP’s internal specifications, we equally enjoy its exterior design, which is made of solid silver plastic and is thin and portable.

The battery lasts for 6 hours and can be charged from 0 to 50% in 45 minutes, which is quite amazing.

Finally, this laptop comes with Windows 10 Home Edition as an operating system.

Pros

Battery that lasts a long time and charges quickly
A stunning display of vibrant color
Take on difficult jobs with ease.
Constructed entirely of plastic
There are many ports to choose from.
Type-C (Universal Serial Bus)

15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
11th generation i5-1135G7 processor
Intel Xe Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
256 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

The HP 15 laptop has the same style and appearance as the HP 14, but it has a larger display. It has a 15.6-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels, allowing you to multitask and work on two separate applications or documents at the same time. The panel has a thin design with a micro-edge display that makes it simple to carry around.

It has a new 11th generation Intel Core i5 CPU that provides smooth performance whether you’re using Microsoft Office applications, editing pictures or videos, or running hundreds of Chrome tabs.

Photoshop and Illustrator, for example, are heavy-duty programs that operate smoothly and make your editing chores simpler. HP’s integrated Intel Xe Graphics offer clear, bright pictures with correct color and beautiful visuals on the graphic side.

When it comes to memory, you’ll receive an 8 GB system with a 256 GB SSD to boost your productivity and get things done fast.

Most importantly, HP includes a True Vision 720P HD camera with an integrated dual array microphone, which creates pictures with improved clarity and sound with crisp and clear audio, allowing your teammates to see and hear you clearly.

The battery can last for 7 hours of mixed use and 10 hours of video playing, making it an ideal gadget for watching Netflix on weekends.

Pros

Long-lasting battery
The processor delivers outstanding results.
NVMe SSDs are very fast.
There are many possibilities for connection.
Fast-traveling keys with a snappy snappy snappy snappy snap

15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
11th generation i5-1135G7 processor
Intel X Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
512 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

HP Pavilion 15.6 stands out from the rest with its rugged construction and portable design, providing unrivaled performance for everything from everyday activities to running large applications without a hitch.

It has an 11th generation i5-1135G7 CPU with 8 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, and a Turbo Boost speed of up to 4.2 GHz. The integrated Intel Iris X graphics chip allows you to play entry-level games at acceptable frame rates and with stunning images.

The display features a 15.6-inch micro-edge screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a brightness of 250 nits, and NTSC color accuracy of 45 percent. The display is large and has thin bezels, making it one of the lightest business laptops on the market.

The keyboard features loud and punchy keys, making it very simple to write late at night while everyone is asleep. It prevents them from being awakened by typing sounds.

To summarize, the HP Pavilion 15.6 is a capable but cheap laptop for people looking for the finest laptop for working from home around $500.

Pros

The screen to body ratio is 81 percent.
Solid-state drive with high performance
For all-day productivity, use the numeric keypad.
USB Type-C is included.

15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
10th generation i5-1035G1 processor
Intel UHD Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
256 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

Another excellent laptop for personal and business usage is the Acer Aspire 3. It’s powered by an Intel Core i5 CPU from the 10th generation, and it’ll handle all of your daily computer activities with ease.

It also has a 15.6-inch Full HD display and Dual-Band Wi-Fi for a lag-free internet connection. Apart from that, Acer fitted it with 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD to facilitate multitasking.

Both the keyboard and the trackpad are excellent, providing tactical feedback with quick responses. Not to mention Numpad for more efficiency. The i5 CPU works in tandem with Intel UHD graphics to create pictures that are vibrant and colorful. Additionally, you will get 3 hours of battery life. With a weight of 5.40 pounds, the Acer Aspire 3 deserves the title of portable laptop, making it very simple to transport anytime, anywhere.

The main disadvantage of the Acer Aspire 3 is its poor build quality, which includes a cheap plastic body that requires additional care to keep it in good working order.

Pros

Excellent webcam
Effortless multitasking and solid performance
Speakers with acceptable sound
The trackpad and keys are both smooth.
The display is bright and clear.

Cons

Keyboard with no backlight
Build using low-cost plastic

15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
10th generation i5-1035G1 processor
Intel UHD Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
512 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

The Asus Vivobook 15 is a high-performance laptop with a strong plastic shell that keeps it cool under pressure. It has a 15.6-inch display with an 88 percent screen-to-body ratio and a viewing angle of 178 degrees. While working outside of your house, the screen is very bright, allowing you to easily view the text, documents, or movies.

It is equipped with an Intel i5-1035G1 CPU, which has the capability to perform some of the most demanding editing and conferencing jobs with ease.

Above importantly, it has an integrated fingerprint sensor, which raises the bar on laptop security. For storage, Asus includes 8 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD right out of the box.

You’ll be able to type quickly and comfortably thanks to the Ergolift design. With its backlit keyboard, which provides enough light to reflect keys, you can work late at night.

Finally, the 3.75-pound body has a smooth trackpad and a lengthy battery life. Overall, the Asus Vivobook 15 is the finest laptop for working from home under $500, thanks to its incredible features and increased storage.

Pros

Typing position has improved.
Design that is slim and light.
Keyboard with backlighting
With amazing acoustics and a deep and clean bass
Rapid recharging

Display: 14-inch touch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
10th generation i5-1035G1 processor
Intel UHD Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
256 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

If you want a 2 in 1 (touchscreen) laptop but don’t want to sacrifice performance, the Acer Spin 3 is a fantastic option. It features a beautiful 14-inch Full HD IPS display with integrated touch, and it can be used as a laptop or tablet, depending on your needs.

If you want to take notes on ideas or review during your Zoom conference, Acer has made it very simple for you by including a rechargeable stylus. When reading Ebooks or PDFs, the stylus may be used to doodle, take notes, or highlight text.

Acer also includes 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD for installing and running graphic design, conferencing, and gaming software. Not only that, but it has a 12-hour battery life and quick charging to provide you the energy you need. It features 1 X USB 2.0, an SD card reader, HDMI, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector, and an Active Stylus Dock as far as ports go.

Acer Spin 3 provides something for everyone, whether you’re an intern, a normal employee, or the boss.

Pros

Active Stylus (included)
Battery life of a whole day
The display is bright and vivid.
Touchscreen that responds
a 360-degree hinge that may be used in a variety of ways

15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
10th generation i5-1035G1 processor
Intel UHD Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
256 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

The HP 15-dy1036nr combines outstanding performance with a stylish appearance, making it one of the finest laptops for working from home under $500.

HP’s design has a sturdy silver chassis encased in a plastic shell that won’t shatter easily during accidental accidents or spills. It features a 15.6-inch display with an 82 percent screen-to-body ratio and a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution.

The CPU is a 10th generation i5-1035G1 processor with a base frequency of 1.0 GHz and turbo boost capability of up to 3.6 GHz. The CPU, when combined with Intel UHD Graphics, produces visuals that are considerably brighter and more appealing.

HP managed to cram a 15-inch display into a tiny chassis, making it the thinnest and lightest laptop on the market.

You can perform all of your everyday activities with the HP 15 on your lap without the need of an adapter. When the battery goes out, you can charge it to 50% capacity in 45 minutes.

Pros

Micro-edge display with a thickness of 6.5 mm
Gesture support on the touchpad
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 are the most recent versions.
Two sophisticated noise-cancelling microphones

11.2-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
10th generation i3 processor
Intel UHD Graphics (Graphics)
4 GB of RAM
128 GB SSD storage
720p Camera Webcam

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is designed for people who work in the graphic design business and need a high-end computer. This baby has a robust structure that feels durable and lasts a long time, thanks to Microsoft.

Although the basic model costs more than $500, it’s worth a try if you just need a laptop for zoom meetings and simple tasks like making presentations or browsing the web.

It comes with a 10th generation Intel Core i3 CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD, allowing it to handle light office applications and several Chrome apps without a hitch. You’ll also receive a battery that lasts up to 10 hours and can charge up to 80% in only an hour.

The display is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with pen input, so you can draw anything you want and take notes with ease.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is without a doubt the finest laptop for working from home under $500 for people who spend hours on client meetings and require a suitable computer for video conferencing and ordinary office work.

Pros

Amazing cameras
Solid construction and a premium design
Design is slim and light.
There are three distinct modes of use: laptop, tablet, and studio.

Cons

Expensive
Additional accessories come at a price.

15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
11th generation i3-1115G1 processor
Intel UHD Graphics (Graphics)
8 GB of RAM
1 TB Solid State Drive (SSD)
720p Camera Webcam

Finally, we have the Dell Inspiron 15 3000, which is built with Dell’s cutting-edge technology and has a tremendous ability to do jobs quickly. It has an 11th generation Intel Core i3-1115G1 CPU that provides unrivaled performance with no cooling or noise problems.

The graphic card has Integrated UHD Graphics and produces stunning pictures with excellent visuals. When it comes to the display, Dell offers a 15.6-inch Full HD screen that allows you to multitask or run two applications at the same time.

In addition, the trackpad is responsive and smooth, and it supports all Windows motions to make things simpler for you. In terms of memory and storage, you’ll receive 8 GB RAM and a 1 TB hard drive to store massive amounts of data.

To make your notebook quicker, we suggest buying a separate SSD; otherwise, running applications and booting the laptop takes time.

Overall, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a fantastic piece of technology to bring home if you have a limited budget and are willing to sacrifice on performance.

Pros

Dell’s built-in security and a powerful design
Webcam and microphone are excellent.
There are many ports to choose from.
The display is bright and clear.

Final Thoughts

Work from Home laptops have different requirements than conventional office laptops since you don’t have to worry about the two most essential characteristics of office laptops: battery life and mobility. You have an adapter and a power source to charge the laptop at home, so you don’t have to lug it about in your luggage for extended periods of time. As a result, skipping these functionalities in favor of CPU, memory, and display is a worthwhile compromise. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best laptops for working from home. Notebooks with strong performance and a bright, clear display are recommended for around $500.

The best i5 laptop under $500 is a laptop that has been designed for those who want to work from home. It is important to find the right laptop because it will be used for hours on end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best laptop to work from home with?

The best laptop to work from home with is a MacBook Pro.

Which is the best budget laptop for office work?

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