Finding the right Chromebook under $500 can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. In 2023, Chromebooks have become an excellent choice for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle day-to-day tasks with ease. Whether you need a reliable laptop for schoolwork, video calls, or media consumption, there's a Chromebook for you.
1. Best Overall Chromebook Under $500: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023)
If you're on the hunt for the best Chromebook under $500, look no further than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023). This 14-inch model is perfect for younger students and those needing a simple device for light productivity tasks. With a price range between $400 to $500 USD, you can often find the Core i3 configuration, which pairs a powerful Intel Core i3 CPU with an FHD (Full High Definition) touch-sensitive display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It's a fantastic value for the price.
Why We Recommend It
- Sharp 1080p Touchscreen: The 1080p touch-sensitive display on this Chromebook looks sharp and gets bright enough to handle glare in well-lit settings, making it ideal for students working in various environments.
- Great Video Calling Capabilities: With an excellent 1080p webcam and clear-sounding microphones, video calls are a breeze on this device.
- Long-Lasting Battery: Despite its relatively small 56Wh battery, the IdeaPad Slim 3i can run for around 13 hours of light use or 12 hours of video playback, so there's no need to carry a charger around all day.
Drawbacks
- Keyboard and Touchpad Quality: The keyboard feels a bit mushy, and the touchpad is small and can be unresponsive at times. However, these minor inconveniences do not overshadow the Chromebook's overall value.
For students and professionals looking for a well-rounded Chromebook at an affordable price, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023) is the top pick.
2. Best Chromebook for Media Consumption Under $500: Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021)
If your main focus is media consumption, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) is the best option under $500. This Chromebook is essentially a Chrome OS tablet with a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard, offering versatility similar to the popular Microsoft Surface Pro line. Whether you’re watching movies, streaming your favorite shows, or doing light web browsing, this Chromebook has you covered.
Why We Recommend It
- Stunning OLED Screen: The highlight of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 is its gorgeous OLED display, which delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making your favorite movies and shows look fantastic.
- Portable and Convenient: This device is easy to carry around thanks to its compact size. Its kickstand and detachable keyboard provide flexibility, allowing you to use it as both a tablet and a laptop.
- Battery Life: With around eight hours of video playback, the Chromebook Duet 5 offers enough battery life to get you through a couple of movies or a long study session.
Drawbacks
- Audio Quality: The speakers get reasonably loud but sound slightly unnatural, and there's a lack of bass. Additionally, the Chromebook lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, so wireless headphones are your best bet.
- Typing Experience: The included keyboard, while convenient, isn’t ideal for long typing sessions. It's fine for quick emails or light typing, but for more extensive writing tasks, you might want to consider a different device.
For multimedia enthusiasts on a budget, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) is an excellent choice.
3. Best Compact Chromebook Under $500: Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2022)
If you need something compact and portable, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2022) is a great option under $500. This small but mighty Chromebook is perfect for students and professionals who are always on the go. It features a Windows tablet form factor with a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard cover that protects the screen during transport.
Why We Recommend It
- Great Display: The 10.9-inch IPS display is sharp and bright, making it suitable for most lighting conditions. It also supports pen input, although the pen is sold separately.
- Portable Design: Weighing just over a pound, the Chromebook Duet 3 is extremely portable, making it an excellent travel companion.
- Battery Life: With a battery life of around 14 hours for light use, this Chromebook will last you through a full day of work or school without needing to recharge.
Drawbacks
- Typing Experience: The keyboard, while functional, feels cramped and flimsy. It's not the best option for heavy typing tasks, but it will suffice for light web browsing or taking quick notes.
- Limited Ports: The Chromebook Duet 3 only comes with two USB-C ports, one of which is needed for charging. This limited port selection can be inconvenient if you need to connect multiple peripherals.
For those who prioritize portability and convenience, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2022) is a strong contender.
Notable Mentions
Acer Swift 3 14 (2020)
If you’re looking for a smaller laptop that’s still within the $500 range, the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) is a solid alternative to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2023). It boasts a nicer IPS display with full sRGB coverage and longer battery life, but it has an older CPU and lacks a Numpad. It can also be hard to find, as it’s an older model.
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023)
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023) offers a more powerful processor compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023). It features Intel 12th Gen Core CPUs and up to 16GB of RAM, making it ideal for more intensive tasks. However, its battery life is shorter, and the display isn't as bright, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best Chromebook under $500, it's essential to consider your specific needs. For students and light productivity tasks, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023) is our top recommendation. If media consumption is your primary focus, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) offers a stunning OLED screen and great portability. And for those seeking a compact and versatile device, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2022) is a fantastic choice. With any of these options, you’ll get great value for your money without sacrificing performance or convenience.
