5 Best Laptops for Students Under $500 in 2024

Introduction

Finding a good laptop on a budget can be challenging, especially for students. Whether you need a device for online classes, assignments, or streaming your favourite shows, a reliable laptop under $500 can fulfil your needs without breaking the bank.

Laptops for Students Under $500

This article will explore the five best laptops for students under $500 for 2024. Each option is carefully selected for its features, performance, and value.

1. ASUS Vivobook Go 15 Ryzen 3 7320U

The ASUS VivoBook Go 15 is a standout option for budget-conscious students. This laptop offers great performance for its price, featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display that provides vibrant and crisp visuals.

Specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB NVMe SSD
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

This laptop is perfect for basic tasks such as word processing, creating presentations, and browsing the web. Additionally, it supports essential connectivity options, including USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and Type-C, HDMI, a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi. Fast charging is another handy feature, allowing you to charge from 0 to 60% in just 50 minutes.

Its built-in HD webcam, equipped with a physical shutter, also ensures privacy during virtual classes. Lightweight and affordable, this is a reliable choice for students prioritising functionality over luxury.

Pros:

• It is an affordable price point, ideal for students.
• Crisp and vibrant Full HD display for enhanced visuals.
• Decent RAM and SSD storage for smooth performance.
• Fast charging (0-60% in 50 minutes) adds convenience.
• Lightweight and portable design.

Cons:

• Limited storage capacity (128GB).
• Not suitable for multitasking with heavy applications.

Ideal For:

Students seeking an affordable laptop for assignments, online classes, and basic computing tasks.

2. HP 15 Intel Core i3-1215U

The HP 15 Laptop is an excellent choice for students seeking slightly better performance. Thanks to its Intel Core i3-1215U processor, it offers enhanced multitasking capabilities. Best Laptops for Law Students

Specifications:

• Display: 15-inch Full HD
• Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB NVMe SSD
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

This laptop provides a smoother experience for multitasking and slightly more demanding tasks, such as running multiple apps or streaming high-definition content. While it lacks fast charging, it compensates with robust build quality and an intuitive interface.

The HP 15 is perfect for students who are willing to invest a little more for better performance without exceeding the $500 budget.

Pros:

• Faster processor for improved multitasking.
• Sturdy and reliable build quality.
• Full HD display for better viewing experience.
• User-friendly interface with Windows 11 Home pre-installed.

Cons:

• Lacks fast charging.
• Limited storage space for large files or multimedia.

Ideal For:

Students handling assignments that require multitasking, such as running multiple applications simultaneously.

3. ASUS Vivobook Go 15 Ryzen 5 7520U

The ASUS VivoBook Go 15 is an upgraded version featuring the Ryzen 5 7520U processor. This model is ideal for students who want to handle slightly more demanding tasks like light photo or video editing. Top 5 best video editing laptops of 2024

Specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS

This laptop offers the same sleek design and excellent I/O options as its predecessor but with better performance and significantly more storage. The extra storage is especially useful for students who need to save large files, such as project reports or multimedia content.

With a modern silver finish and Windows 11 Home pre-installed, it perfectly balances style, power, and affordability.

Pros:

• Generous 512GB SSD storage for saving large files.
• Improved processor for light multimedia tasks like photo and video editing.
• Sleek and modern design.
• Excellent display quality with IPS technology.

Cons:

• It’s slightly more expensive compared to the Ryzen 3 model.
• It’s still not ideal for demanding gaming or intensive software.

4. ASUS VivoBook 16

The ASUS VivoBook 16 is slightly above the $500 price range (priced between $510 and $600) but offers excellent value for students who can stretch their budget. It boasts powerful specs that make it ideal for multimedia tasks and even light gaming.

Specifications:

• Display: 16-inch Full HD IPS
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS (8 cores)
• RAM: Up to 24GB
• Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

With a large, vibrant screen, this laptop is perfect for watching movies, editing photos, or working on group projects. Its powerful Ryzen 7 processor can handle demanding applications, making it suitable for graphic design or multimedia students.

The I/O options include a full-size HDMI port, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, and a headphone jack, offering excellent versatility. While slightly over budget, its unmatched performance makes it worth the investment.

Pros:

• Powerful processor with eight cores for smooth performance.
• Ample storage space for large files and multimedia.
• Exceptional RAM configuration for better multitasking.

Cons:

• Exceeds the $500 budget (priced between $510 and $600).
• It has a slightly bulkier design, reducing portability.

Ideal For:

Students working on multimedia projects or needing a laptop for occasional gaming or video editing.

5. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i

If portability is your priority, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is a compact and lightweight option that doesn’t compromise performance. Designed for students who are always on the move, it offers great functionality in a smaller package.

Specifications:

• Display: 14-inch Full HD IPS
• Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Weighing only 3.3 lbs and measuring 0.78 inches thick, this laptop is easy to carry around. It features an HD webcam, AI noise-cancellation microphones, and an SD card reader, making it ideal for online classes, Zoom meetings, or creative work on the go.

Its compact design doesn’t sacrifice connectivity. It has USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack, ensuring you’re covered for peripherals.

Thanks to its portability and dedicated SD card reader, this laptop is particularly suitable for students studying photography or video production.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight (3.3 lbs), perfect for portability.
• Adequate performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking.
• Includes an SD card reader, ideal for photography students.
• HD webcam and noise-cancelling microphones enhance video conferencing quality.

Cons:

• Smaller displays may not appeal to everyone.
• Storage capacity may fall short for those with heavy storage needs.

Ideal For:

Students seeking a lightweight laptop for basic computing and creative tasks on the go.

Which Laptop Should You Choose?

The right laptop for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

1. ASUS VivoBook Go 15 Ryzen 3 7320U – Best for basic tasks on a tight budget.
2. HP 15 Intel Core i3-1215U – Ideal for multitasking and better overall performance.
3. ASUS VivoBook Go 15 Ryzen 5 7520U – Offers a balance of performance and storage.
4. ASUS VivoBook 16 – Perfect for multimedia tasks and students who can stretch their budget slightly.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i – Best for portability and creative professionals.

Conclusion

Choosing a laptop doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. The models listed here represent some of the best budget-friendly options for students in 2024.

Each laptop offers unique features to meet students’ diverse needs, whether for basic tasks, multitasking, or creative projects. Explore your options, prioritize your requirements, and make an informed decision to get the most value for your money.

FAQs

1. What are the best laptops for students under $500 in 2024?

The top laptops include the ASUS Vivobook Go 15, HP 15, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i, and ASUS VivoBook 16, offering powerful specs for budget-conscious students.

2. Which laptop is the most portable for students?

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is the lightest option, featuring a compact design, ideal for students on the go.

3. Which laptop is best for multitasking?

The HP 15 with an Intel Core i3 processor provides excellent multitasking performance for students.

4. Can I use these laptops for video editing?

Yes, the ASUS VivoBook 16 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i offer decent performance for light video editing thanks to their robust processors and storage.

5. Which laptop has the best display for media consumption?

The ASUS VivoBook 16 offers a 16-inch Full HD display, making it ideal for watching videos and media.