Hardware

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 12-inch Touchscreen Laptop (THH-00001)
ranked #10 among Laptops priced $500-1000
A Surface device designed to be (relatively) affordable, this laptop by Microsoft can handle everyday tasks in style.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, S Edition
Screen
12", 1536×1024(1536 × 1024, 1.6MP), Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core i5-1035G1
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics
Memory
8 GB, Dual-Channel
Storage
128 GB total, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing

Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible Chromebook (CP311-3H-K9K9)
ranked #11 among Laptops priced under $500
This versatile Chromebook offers a great experience for the price and is a compelling option if you can`t quite decide between getting a netbook or a
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
12", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
CPU
MediaTek MT8183
GPU
ARM Mali-G72
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total
Pricing

Acer Chromebook 311 (CB311-9H-C29L)
ranked #2 among Laptops priced under $500
Chromebooks excel as easy-to-carry travel companions for those of us who need to remain connected on the go, and this model is no exception. A USB-C d
Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Screen
12", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N4000
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader
Pricing

Acer Aspire XC Desktop PC (XC-830-EB12)
ranked #9 among Stationary Computers priced under $2000
If you need a cost-effective computer to handle homework, this could be the solution for you. Sacrifices were made to design a computer priced sow low
Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Productivity-Focused User
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, Home Edition
CPU
Intel Pentium Silver J5040
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 605
Memory
8 GB
Storage
1 TB total, Media Card Reader, DVD, 72000+ RPM hard drive (fast)
Pricing

Lenovo 14-inch IdeaPad 3 Chromebook (82KN0002CF)
ranked #3 among Laptops priced under $500
Even by Chromebook standards, this netbook is a bit humble, but it's a cost-efficient solution for everyday needs.
A few characteristics could impe
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
MediaTek MT8183
GPU
ARM Mali-G72
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

HP 14-inch Laptop (14-fq0038ca)
ranked #13 among Laptops priced $500-1000
This cost-efficient laptop could be a compelling option for everyday tasks and entertainment. It's not the most powerful PC out there, but it has a qu
Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, Home Edition
Screen
14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD Ryzen 3 3250U
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
Memory
8 GB
Storage
512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing

Google Pixelbook Go (GA00519-US)
ranked #14 among Laptops priced $500-1000
This premium Chromebook comes with a few extras like an FHD touchscreen, extended battery life and some additional horsepower.
Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
13", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core m3-8100Y
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 615
Memory
8 GB
Storage
64 GB total
Pricing

Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (C434TA-DSM4T)
ranked #12 among Laptops priced under $500
Chromebooks can be quite versatile, but the most affordable models can come a little short for more advanced users. By investing more in a model like
Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core m3-8100Y
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 615
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader
Pricing

Acer 14-inch Chromebook 314 (CB314-1H-C1S4)
ranked #4 among Laptops priced under $500
This Chromebook has a larger screen, helping readability without compromising ease of transportation too much.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Screen
14", 1366×786(1366 × 786, 1.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N4000
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

HP 14in Chromebook (14a-NA0010ca)
ranked #15 among Laptops priced under $500
This Chromebook offers a pretty compelling solution if you're looking to handle everyday communication and connectivity away from your main rig.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, VA or SVA Display
CPU
Intel Celeron N4000
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, eMMC Storage (slow), Micro SD Storage Expansion
Pricing

Asus C523NA 15-inch Chromebook (C523NA-BB02-CB)
ranked #5 among Laptops priced under $500
With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user additional room to work. If you find readi
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N3350
GPU
Intel HD Graphics 505
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14-inch Netbook (82GW0047CF)
ranked #6 among Laptops priced under $500
Built for price-effectiveness above all, this laptop might still be worth a look if you're happy with products from the Microsoft store. It's not a po
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, S Edition
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD 3020e
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

HP 14-inch Laptop (14-fq0008ca)
ranked #7 among Laptops priced under $500
This laptop is as modest as it gets, but if you need more versatility than a Chromebook can offer, this could be worth a look.
Luckily, this laptop
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, S Edition
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD 3020e
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (C523NA-BS01-CB)
With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model could be of interest if you care less about portability than having space to work. This co
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N3350
GPU
Intel HD Graphics 505
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Asus VivoBook 15 M515 (M515DA-BS31-CB)
This laptop won't break any speed records, but it's a cost-effective solution to handle everyday homework and going online.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, Home Edition
Screen
15", 1366×798(1366 × 798, 1.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD Ryzen 3 3250U
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
Memory
8 GB
Storage
512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing

Asus L410 14-inch NetBook (L410MA-SH01-CB)
ranked #8 among Laptops priced under $500
This laptop is all about cost-effectiveness, and if you're strapped for cash, it could be a compelling option, especially if you're a patient person c
Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, S Edition
Screen
14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N4020
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) (C523NA-DH02)
ranked #9 among Laptops priced under $500
With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user a larger picture to work with (but not nec
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N3350
GPU
Intel HD Graphics 500
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Nintendo Switch Lite (HDH-001)
This smaller version of the Nintendo Switch is dedicated to mobile gaming. So you do lose the option to connect this version of the console to the TV
Who it's For
- Gamer
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Nintendo Switch
Screen
6", 1280×720(WXGA, 720p, 0.9MP), Touch Screen
CPU
Nvidia Tegra X1
GPU
Nvidia Maxwell 256
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader
Pricing

Nintendo Switch (HAC-001(-01))
The Nintendo Switch is the game console you can either use in the living room as a "regular" game console, or on the move as a tablet. This slight rev
Who it's For
- Serious Gamer
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Nintendo Switch
Screen
6", 1280×720(WXGA, 720p, 0.9MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Touch Screen
CPU
Nvidia Tegra X1
GPU
Nvidia Maxwell 256
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader
Pricing

Nintendo Switch (OLED model) (HEGSKAAAA)
The Nintendo Switch is the game console you can either use in the living room as a regular game console or on the move as a tablet. This third revis
Who it's For
- Serious Gamer
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Nintendo Switch
Screen
7", 1280×720(WXGA, 720p, 0.9MP), OLED Display, Touch Screen
CPU
Nvidia Tegra X1
GPU
Nvidia Maxwell 256
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader