They call it portable for a reason. If you are looking for a laptop that lives up to its surname to work on the move, moving it from one place to another with the least possible effort, you have come to the right article.
In this ultrabook buying guide, you will find a selection of the best lightweight laptops under 500 USD to work wherever you are and a series of criteria to make your choice right.
Best Lightweight Laptop Under 500 USD
More than anything because you are going to find the best options to consider when buying a laptop to work with. You will see models from renowned firms such as Lenovo or Apple so that you have the guarantee that their operation will be optimal.
When choosing a laptop with these characteristics, a number of factors must be taken into account. For starters, the most obvious has to do with your weight. A heavy laptop will be of little use to use outside the home.
It does not matter if you go by car, the process of having to move the computer will not be pleasant, especially if you have to carry it at some point or other, so it is better to bet on a light model and whose weight does not exceed two kilograms. In this way, you will not have any problem to move it how you prefer.
You will see much lighter models, but since we wanted to make a varied selection, you may be interested in a particular computer even if it weighs a little more. And this is where the other most important element comes in: the technical specifications. It is not the same to need a computer because you work as a salesperson and you have to use Excel tables or show your catalog to potential clients than a user who wants a laptop for photographic editing.
Obviously, the characteristics that each model requires are totally different, so you should go looking at the specifications to choose the one that best suits your needs. The size of the screen is also very important.
Of course, the diagonal will influence the weight, as it increases the size of the laptop. So you should take this characteristic into account when choosing the model that best suits your needs.
Best Lightweight Laptop Under $ 500 | Comparison Table 2021
Image | Title | Brand | Buy |
---|---|---|---|
ASUS Vivobook 2019 Premium 14 HD Non-Touch Laptop Notebook Computer, 2-Core AMD A6 2.6GHz, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB HDD (8GB RAM) | ASUS | Check Price | |
2021 HP 14" HD Laptop Thin and Light, Intel Celeron N4020 (Up tp 2.8GHz), 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 1 Year Office 365, Webcam, HDMI, WiFi, Google Classroom or Zoom Compatible,w/128GB SD Card,GM Accessories | HP | Check Price | |
Alldocube I7Book, Laptop 14-inch, Intel Core i7-6660U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, FHD IPS Display, 10000mah, 2.4G+5G WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, Type C, 3xUSB 3.0, HDMI, Windows 10 | ALLDOCUBE | Check Price | |
2021 HP 15.6" Thin Laptop, Intel N4020, 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Webcam, 1-Year Office365, Wi-Fi, Dual Core up to 2.8 GHz, Windows 10 S, FHD Display, Google Classroom Zoom School Business Ready, ROKC Bundle | HP | Check Price | |
2020 HP 15.6'' HD LED Display Intel Pentium Gold 6405U 4GB DDR4 RAM 500GB HDD Windows 10 Scarlet Red | HP | Check Price | |
Lenovo Ideapad 3 15.6-inch FHD Premium Laptop PC, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 10 Home 64 bit, Cherry Red | Lenovo | Check Price | |
2021 Acer Aspire 1 15.6" FHD Laptop Computer, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 1 Year Office 365, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Webcam, HDMI, Win 10 S, Black, 128GB SnowBell USB Card | Acer | Check Price | |
HP Elitebook 8470p Laptop webcam optional - Core i5 2.5ghz - 8GB DDR3 - 500GB HDD - DVD - Windows 10 home - (Renewed) | HP | Check Price | |
BOCCONI 14.1 Inch Windows 10 Laptops Ultra-Thin Laptop 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Intel N5000 Quad Core Full HD 1920x1080 IPS Notebook with Backlit Keyboard Traditional Laptop Computers | WAKST | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Lightweight Laptop Under 500 Dollars | 2021 Products Overview
1. ASUS Vivobook Premium 14 best lightweight laptops under 500
- Upgrade RAM for Multitasking, Available at 4GB
- Upgrade SSD for Fast Bootup and Program Running, Available at 128GB SSD
- AMD A6-9225, 2.6GHz, Boost to 3.0GHz, 2 Cores, AMD Radeon R5 Graphics
- 14 inch HD LED Non-touch Screen (1366 x 768), Built-in HD Webcam, 802.11ac Dual Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
- No DVD-RW, Windows 10 Home 64-Bit, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 Type C, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Display Port, 1 x Headphone output/Microphone input combo, 4-in-1 memory card reader
- ASUS VivoBook 14 is the compact laptop that immerses you in whatever you set out to do.
- The new frameless four-sided NanoEdge display keeps dimensions down to a minimum, giving VivoBook 14 a footprint thats appreciably smaller than its predecessor. It takes up less space on your desk, leaving more room for you.
2. HP 14 inch TouchScreen: Lightweight laptops under 500 USD
- PROCESSOR:Intel Celeron N4020 (1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.8 GHz burst frequency, 4 MB L2 cache, 2 cores)
- MEMORY: 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (1 x 4 GB) Transfer rates up to 2400 MT/s. 1 x 4 GB; STORAGE: 64 GB eMMC
- DISPLAY: 14 Touch Screen diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC
- Ports: 1 X USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C; 2 X USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A; 1 X AC smart pin; 1 X HDMI; 1 X headphone/microphone combo; 1 X multi-format SD media card reader; 1 X HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones
- OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 10 Home in S Mode. Accessories: Legendary Computer Travel Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port Fitting up to 15.6 Inch Laptop, Legendary Mousepad
3. Alldocube I7Book, Laptop
- 💻【Powerful Processor and certified windows 10 OS】With Intel Core Skylake i7-6660U 14nm chipset, frequency ranges from 2.4GHz to 3.4GHz, 4MB high speed cache, intel Iris Graphics 540 GPU, Fully meet your office, design, game, entertainment and other needs. Pre-installed genuine windows 10 OS, supports office software such as excel, word, PPT, WPS, PS etc, be your office assistant perfectly.
- 💻【Large storage and excellent heat dissipation】Built in 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, this windows laptop ensures to have enough running speed and sufficient storage to store your files and data, you can also expand your storage by SSD and SD card (SSD max to 1TB, SD card max to 256GB). built-in the powerful cooling module, making the laptop stay at normal temperature even you playing it for a long time.
- 💻【Vivid images】With 14-inch gorgeous FHD IPS screen, up to 90% screen-to-body ratio, 5mm narrow bezel, 178-degree viewing angle, 1080P 1920x1080 resolution, More contents can be displayed during reading and document processing, this 14-inch laptop can bring you unobstructed high-definition view.
- 💻【Abundant interfaces and elegant metal case】Alldocube I7Book build-in rich ports: 3xUSB 3.0, 1xType C, 1x HDMI ports, 1x earphone jack, 1x DC jack, 1x TF card slot, meet your several multimedia needs like connecting with outer devices like TV, Printer, scanner, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. Using metal material to build a strong and sturdy appearance, lightweight to 1.35kg, fashion and portable.
- 💻【Other highlight function and our service】This 14-inch notebook computer also has many other highlight functions: built-in dual-band 2.4G+5G wifi and Bluetooth 5.0, ensures to have a stable and fast network connecting, 10000mah offers long battery life up to 8 hours, full-size edge to edge keyboard and large touchpad for easy navigation, we offer 1-year warranty, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
4. HP 15.6″ Thin Laptop under $500
- 【Inspection & Upgrade】RAM and Hard Drive Is Upgraded for Better Multitasking and Larger Storage Space. Current Configurations Specified by Item Title.
- 【CPU & GPU】Intel Celeron N4020 (1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.8 GHz burst frequency, 4 MB L2 cache, 2 cores), Intel UHD Graphics 600
- 【Screen & Webcam】15.6 diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC, HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones
- 【Ports & Accessories】1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 HDMI 1.4b; 1 RJ-45; 1 AC smart pin; 1 headphone/microphone combo, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (1x1) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, ROKC HDMI Cable, 1-Year Office 365 Personal Subscription.
- 【Windows 10 S & How to Switch to Windows 10】Windows 10 in S mode works exclusively with apps from the Microsoft Store within Windows and accessories that are compatible with Windows 10 in S mode. To install apps freely, switch to Windows 10 Home following instructions below
5. HP 15.6” HD lightweight laptops under 500 Dollars
- 15.6 diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC, Intel Pentium Gold 6405U (2.4 GHz base frequency, 2 MB L3 cache, 2 cores)
- 500GB Hard Drive, 4GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (1 x 4 GB)
- Optical drive not included, Integrated 10/100/1000 GbE LAN, 1 multi-format SD media card reader
- Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (1x1) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 combo, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C (Data Transfer Only, 5 Gb/s signaling rate); 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (Data Transfer Only); 1 RJ-45; 1 AC smart pin; 1 HDMI 1.4b; 1 headphone/microphone combo
- HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones, Windows 10 Home in S mode
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15″ Laptop
- Powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor with Radeon Vega 3 graphics, the AMD multi-core processing power offers incredible bandwidth for getting more done faster, in several applications at once
- The 15. 6 HD (1366 x 768) screen with narrow side bezels and Dopoundsy Audio deliver great visuals and crystal-clear sound for your entertainment
- 128 GB SSD M.2 NVMe storage and 4 GB DDR4 memory; Windows 10 installed
- Keep your privacy intact with a physical shutter on your webcam for peace of mind when you need it
- Stay connected: 2x2 Wi-Fi 5 (802. 11 ac/ac(LC)) and Bluetooth 4.1; webcam with microphone; 3 USB ports, HDMI and SD card reader
7. Acer Aspire 1 15.6″
- 15.6 FHD Display, 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity, Anti-glare Energy-efficient Widescreen LED.
- Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, Ultra-low-voltage platform. Dual-core, two-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go.
- 4GB DDR4 RAM, Plenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games as well as multiple programs. 64GB eMMC flash memory, This ultracompact memory system is ideal for mobile devices and applications, providing enhanced storage capabilities, streamlined data management, quick boot-up times and support for high-definition video playback.
- Standard Keyboard Allows you to enjoy comfortable and accurate typing. Intel UHD Graphics 600 with shared video memory provide solid image quality for Internet use, movies, basic photo editing and casual gaming. HD Audio with two stereo speakers & Built-in Camera with digital microphone.
- Windows 10 Home in S Mode included. Lithium-Ion Battery, Up to 10-hours Battery Life, 14.31 x 9.86 x 0.78, 4.19 lbs. 2x USB 2.0 ports, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port,, 1x HDMI output expands your viewing options, 1x Headphone/microphone combo jack, 1x RJ-45. Wireless-AC and Bluetooth, Black, Bonus 128GB SnowBell USB Card.
8. HP Elitebook 8470p
- This Certified Refurbishedd product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only Select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbishedd products on Amazon.com.
- Intel Core i5-3320M 3MB Cache, 2.6GHz, Max Turbo Frequency 3.3GHz, 8GB DDR3, 240G SSD Hard Drive, Windows 10 Professional 64-bit English;
- HD Anti-Glare LED-backlit 1366 x 768 Display, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, SuperMulti DVD, Finger Print Reader, SD Card Reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC);
- DisplayPort: 1; VGA: 1; USB 3.0: 2; USB 2.0 Charging Port: 1; eSATA/USB 2.0: 1; 1394a: 1; Docking Connector: 1; ExpressCard/54: 1; RJ-45: 1; RJ-11: 1; Headphone: 1; Microphone: 1
- Lithium-Ion Battery, spill-resistant keyboard
9. BOCCONI 14.1 Inch Windows 10 Laptops
- 【Backlit Keyboard Laptop】-14.1 Inches (Usually Refers to the Diagonal Length of the Screen Rather than the Width of the Screen), Full HD (1920*1080) LCD IPS Display Screen; Fingerprint Recognition Laptop; 2M Front-Facing Notebook Laptops; Built-in Stereo Speakers 8R/1.0W*4; Glass on Panel,3mm Narrow Bezel Screen Design
- 【Ultra-thin Laptop】-Multiport Design: USB 3.0*2; Micro HDMI; DC Slot; 3.5mm Audio Jack; Micro SD Card Slot; Size:315*202*14mm (12.4*7.95*0.55inches),Net Weight :1.35kg (2.97Lbs); Rugged Laptop: Full Metal Case
- 【Long Battery Life Laptop】- 10000mAh Capacity Up to 8 Hours Long Battery Life; 802.11 B/G/N/AC+Bluetooth Wi-Fi; CPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- 【Fathers Day Gifts】-Windows 10 Operating System; Maximum Power Supply Wattage: 65 Watts; Charger: DC 12V 2A; Color: Gray Laptop
How to choose a Best Lightweight Laptop Under $ 500 | Unrivaled Guide 2021
The key: design and autonomy
Ultrabooks are designed to work on the move, which implies two commitments: that they are light so that they can be moved with the least possible effort and that they offer such autonomy that they allow us to use them for at least one day.
After all, beyond the “comfort” of the office or our home, we do not know if we will have a plug nearby. A plus that never hurts in this scenario of use is fast charging.
Both commitments are somewhat antagonistic since great autonomy is achieved thanks to a large capacity battery … and those batteries tend to be heavy.
To combat this handicap, design and materials have a lot to say: diagonals that move around 13 inches with some pleasant surprises as a result of the good use of their dimensions, minimum thicknesses, chassis of materials such as magnesium or aluminum to minimize the weight, lines that seek to optimize the available space, minimalism in the offer of ports to continue filing millimeters (watch out for this!) …
Apart from the fact that this shortage of ports and the more well-contained diagonals can irremediably affect its functionality and comfort, ultrabooks have another B-side inherent to their mobile vocation: it is more exposed to possible shocks. In this sense, the material that makes up the chassis, in addition to being light, must be robust and resistant.
Everything else
From here, we have to look under the hood in search of sufficient and balanced hardware considering what we are going to use them for.
In general, its vocation is professional, but under that umbrella are hidden uses as diverse as general office automation or even for heavy programs such as photo and video editing. Below we offer you in a clear and concise way which configuration is the minimum to achieve a good experience in those scenarios.
- I want it for office automation, internet, and content viewing: bet on tenth or eleventh generation Intel Core processors, or fourth-generation AMD Ryzen or the very modern Ryzen 5000 Mobile from AMD U family, both for performance and consumption. The 8 GB of RAM is a very common and solvent figure in this usage scenario. As for storage, SSDs are required at this point and for these uses the 256GB may be enough.
- Gaming: It is rare to see ultrabooks playing games, but there are notable exceptions. The key to playing is the dedicated graphics card, which at least has to be able to move titles to 1080p with the highest image quality and with an average cadence of at least 60 fps. Looking at the titles of the future, it is best to go to the GeForce RTX 3000 family, but models like the 4GB GTX 1650 from NVIDIA or the RX 570 or RX 580 from AMD are a good starting point. Regarding processors, the recommendation is to go for Core i5 or Core i7 of the 9th or 10th generation of Intel or the AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 of the 3rd or 4th generation. The minimum in RAM is 16GB of DDR4 type and has a frequency of 2,666 MHz. Regarding storage, it is essential that it has at least one SSD and, if it is the only unit, that it be at least 512GB to save OS, games, and software.
- If we want it for video and photo editing, in practice the benefits are similar to those of gaming with some nuances. The first thing is to go for models with a dedicated graphics card compatible with the software you are going to use, such as the NVIDIA Quadro or GeForce GTX, AMD FirePro, or Radeon GPU families with at least 4 GB of memory. The more RAM the better and you will also need speed and storage space for specific software and your files. In this sense, you can optimize the performance and cost combo with equipment that combines HDD with SSD units with NVMe M.2 interface. Finally, do not neglect the supply of ports, because it will be common for you to resort to peripherals such as external monitors, hard drives, digitizing tablets.
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