9 Best Laptops Under $400 – Top Picks For Budget Buyers
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In today's fast-paced world, having a reliable laptop is essential for both work and play. However, not everyone has the budget for a high-end machine. Fear not! We've compiled a list of the 9 best laptops under $400, perfect for those seeking a good budget laptop without breaking the bank. From lightweight laptops for on-the-go productivity to convertible laptops for versatility, we have something for everyone.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Laptop Under $400
When you're on a budget, finding the right laptop can be a daunting task. To make your decision easier, consider these key factors when looking for the best laptop under $400:
1. Processor
The processor plays a crucial role in determining the performance of your laptop. Look for a laptop with an Intel Core i3, Intel Pentium, or AMD Athlon processor to ensure smooth and reliable performance for everyday tasks.
2. RAM
RAM is essential for multitasking and handling multiple applications simultaneously. For a budget laptop, 4GB of RAM should be the minimum, but if you can find a laptop with 8GB of RAM within your budget, it's definitely worth considering.
3. Storage
Storage capacity is crucial for storing your files, documents, and multimedia content. A 128GB or 256GB SSD is preferable in a budget laptop, as it offers faster performance and better durability compared to traditional HDDs. Some budget laptops may come with eMMC storage, which is not as fast as an SSD but is still an improvement over HDDs.
4. Display
Pay attention to the display size and resolution when choosing a budget laptop. A 14- or 15.6-inch Full HD display is ideal for most users, offering a balance between portability and screen size. Some budget laptops may have lower resolution screens, but Full HD should be your target if possible.
5. Battery Life
Battery life is essential if you plan to use your laptop on the go. Look for laptops with at least 6 hours of battery life to ensure you can work or browse without constantly needing to recharge.
6. Operating System
Consider whether you prefer a Windows laptop or a Chromebook, as each has its advantages and drawbacks. Windows laptops offer a familiar user interface and are more versatile, while Chromebooks are generally faster and more secure due to their reliance on cloud-based applications.
7. Weight and Portability
If you plan to carry your laptop around frequently, prioritize lightweight and portable options. A laptop weighing around 3-4 pounds should be comfortable to carry and fit easily in most backpacks.
8. Additional Features
Consider any additional features you may need, such as a touchscreen, convertible design, SD card reader, or USB-C ports. While these features may not be essential, they can enhance your laptop experience and make it more convenient and enjoyable to use.
Keep these factors in mind while browsing through the list of the best laptops under $400 to find the perfect device for your needs and budget.
Here are some free or affordable software options that can help users make the most of their budget laptops:
- Productivity Tools:
- LibreOffice: A free and open-source office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
- Google Workspace: A suite of free cloud-based productivity tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
- Photo Editing Software:
- Antivirus Programs:
- Avast Free Antivirus: A reliable and comprehensive antivirus solution that provides real-time protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats.
- AVG Free Antivirus: A well-known antivirus program that offers essential protection for your laptop.
- Video Editing Software:
- Lightworks: A professional video editing software with a free version that offers basic features for casual users.
- Shotcut: A free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with a wide range of features and support for many video formats.
- Cloud Storage:
- Google Drive: Offers 15GB of free cloud storage for storing and sharing files, photos, and documents.
- Microsoft OneDrive: Provides 5GB of free cloud storage for users to store and share their files across multiple devices.
- Note-taking and Organization:
- Evernote: A popular note-taking and organization app with a basic free plan that allows users to sync notes across devices.
- Microsoft OneNote: A versatile note-taking app that is free to use and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications.
By using these free or affordable software options, users can enjoy a wide range of features and capabilities on their budget laptops without breaking the bank.
Our Top Picks for Best Laptops Under $400
| No. | Laptop Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Display | Operating System | Weight (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Acer Aspire 5 | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U | 4GB | 128GB SSD | 15.6″ Full HD | Windows 10 | 3.97 lbs |
| 2. | ASUS VivoBook 15 | Intel Core i3-1005G1 | 8GB | 128GB SSD | 15.6″ Full HD | Windows 10 | 3.75 lbs |
| 3. | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | AMD Ryzen 3 3250U | 4GB | 128GB SSD | 14″ HD | Windows 10 | 3.30 lbs |
| 4. | HP 14-inch Laptop | AMD Athlon Silver 3050U | 4GB | 128GB SSD | 14″ HD | Windows 10 | 3.24 lbs |
| 5. | Dell Inspiron 15 3000 | Intel Core i3-1005G1 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 15.6″ Full HD | Windows 10 | 4.41 lbs |
| 6. | Acer Chromebook Spin 311 | Intel Celeron N4000 | 4GB | 32GB eMMC | 11.6″ HD Touchscreen | Chrome OS | 2.62 lbs |
| 7. | ASUS Laptop L210 | Intel Celeron N4020 | 4GB | 64GB eMMC | 11.6″ HD | Windows 10 | 2.31 lbs |
| 8. | Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 | Intel Celeron N4020 | 4GB | 64GB eMMC | 11.6″ HD Touchscreen | Chrome OS | 2.64 lbs |
| 9. | HP Pavilion x360 | Intel Pentium Silver N5000 | 4GB | 128GB SSD | 14″ HD Touchscreen | Windows 10 | 3.55 lbs |
This comparison table provides a quick overview of the key specifications for each of the best laptops under $400 mentioned in the list. Use this table to compare and choose the laptop that best suits your needs and preferences.
1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a fantastic option for those looking for a versatile and reliable laptop under $400. With an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, Intel UHD graphics, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and a 128GB SSD, it's perfect for everyday tasks and even light video editing.
Pros:
- 15.6-inch Full HD display with great viewing angles
- SD card slot for easy storage expansion
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- Not suitable for heavy gaming
Why we recommend it: The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is perfect for students and professionals who need a good budget laptop with excellent performance for everyday tasks.
Fun Fact: Acer is a Taiwanese multinational hardware and electronics corporation, and their name is derived from the Latin word “acer,” which means “sharp” or “keen.”
2. ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a stylish and lightweight laptop that offers great performance at an affordable price range. With an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor, AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB SSD, it's perfect for multitasking and light gaming.
Pros:
- Sleek design and lightweight build
- SD card reader for additional storage
- 15.6-inch Full HD display
Cons:
- Average battery life
- Not suitable for heavy gaming
Why we recommend it: The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a great option for those who want a portable and stylish laptop for everyday use and light gaming.
Fun Fact: ASUS is a multinational computer hardware and electronics company based in Taiwan, and its name is derived from the mythological Greek horse “Pegasus.”
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget laptop with a good balance of performance and features. With an AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor, AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and a 128GB SSD, it's great for both work and play.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Comfortable keyboard
- 14-inch HD display
Cons:
- Limited viewing angles
- Lacks an SD card slot
Why we recommend it: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a well-rounded laptop that offers great performance at a budget-friendly price.
Fun Fact: Lenovo is a Chinese multinational technology company, and its name is a blend of “Le” from Legend (its original name) and “novo,” which means “new” in Latin.
4. HP 14-inch Laptop
The HP 14-inch Laptop is a dependable choice for those seeking a compact and budget-friendly laptop. Equipped with an AMD Athlon Silver 3050U processor, AMD Radeon graphics, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and a 128GB SSD, it's ideal for everyday computing tasks and light entertainment.
Pros:
- Portable design
- SD card reader for additional storage
- Reliable performance
Cons:
- 14-inch HD display lacks Full HD resolution
- Average battery life
Why we recommend it: The HP 14-inch Laptop is suitable for users who prioritize portability and reliability in a budget laptop.
Fun Fact: HP, short for Hewlett-Packard, is an American multinational information technology company, and its founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard flipped a coin to determine the company's name order.
5. Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a popular budget laptop that offers reliable performance and durability. With an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB SSD, it can handle daily tasks and light multimedia consumption.
Pros:
- 15.6-inch Full HD display
- SD card slot for storage expansion
- Good build quality
Cons:
- Limited viewing angles
- Average battery life
Why we recommend it: The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is an excellent option for users who need a sturdy and dependable budget laptop for everyday use.
Fun Fact: Dell Inc. is an American multinational computer technology company, and its founder, Michael Dell, started the company from his dorm room at the University of Texas.
6. Acer Chromebook Spin 311
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop, offering a great mix of performance and flexibility. With an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 600, 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, and 32GB eMMC storage, it's a perfect companion for web browsing, streaming, and document editing.
Pros:
- Convertible design with an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen
- Excellent battery life
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- Chrome OS might not be suitable for all users
Why we recommend it: The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a fantastic choice for users who require a budget laptop with a flexible design and excellent battery life.
Fun Fact: Chromebooks are a type of laptop that runs on Google's Chrome OS, an operating system designed to be used primarily while connected to the internet.
7. ASUS Laptop L210
The ASUS Laptop L210 is an ultra-slim and lightweight laptop, perfect for on-the-go productivity. It features an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 600, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and a 64GB eMMC storage, making it suitable for web browsing, streaming, and basic computing tasks.
Pros:
- Slim and lightweight design
- 11.6-inch HD display
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity
- Not suitable for demanding tasks
Why we recommend it: The ASUS Laptop L210 is a perfect option for users who need a highly portable laptop for basic computing tasks at an affordable price.
Fun Fact: ASUS created the first netbook, the Eee PC, in 2007, which became a highly popular and affordable alternative to traditional laptops.
8. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that offers an excellent balance of performance and price. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 600, 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, it's ideal for browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks.
Pros:
- Convertible design with an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen
- Impressive battery life
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- Chrome OS might not be suitable for everyone
Why we recommend it: The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 is a fantastic option for users who need a budget-friendly and flexible laptop for everyday use.
Fun Fact: Chromebooks are designed to work seamlessly with various Google services, such as Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.
9. HP Pavilion x360
The HP Pavilion x360 is a feature-packed convertible laptop that offers versatility and performance at an affordable price. With an Intel Pentium Silver N5000 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 605, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and a 128GB SSD, it's perfect for multitasking and light multimedia consumption.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 design with a 14-inch HD touchscreen
- SD card reader for additional storage
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Limited viewing angles
- Average battery life
Why we recommend it: The HP Pavilion x360 is an excellent choice for users who want a budget laptop with a versatile design and reliable performance.
Fun Fact: The x360 series from HP is named after its 360-degree hinge, which allows the laptop to be used in various modes, such as laptop, tablet, and tent mode.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the perfect laptop under $400 doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. By focusing on your specific needs and preferences, you can discover a budget-friendly laptop that delivers solid performance, functionality, and reliability. Don't forget to consider additional factors such as battery life, build quality, and upgradeability when making your decision.
Our list of the 9 best laptops under $400, along with the detailed buying guide, comparison table, FAQs, and recommended software options, aims to help you make an informed choice. Remember, a lower price tag doesn't always mean compromising on quality. With a bit of research and patience, you can find a fantastic laptop that suits your needs and fits your budget.
So, go ahead and explore the world of budget laptops, and don't let the price tag hold you back from accomplishing your goals. Whether you need a laptop for work, school, or casual use, there's a budget-friendly option out there just waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are laptops under $400 suitable for gaming?
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on a budget laptop?
Is a budget laptop suitable for video editing?
Should I choose a Windows laptop or a Chromebook?
Can I expect good build quality in a laptop under $400?
How important is battery life in a budget laptop?
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