You don’t necessarily need laptops with high specs for routine office work. Business laptops with high specs are essentially needed for demanding tasks, especially for technical jobs.
But most of the office work (that we often do i.e., dealing with spreadsheets, emails, clients, teams, SaaS and CRMs, and multitasking, etc.) can easily be handled on cheap business laptops that are usually available for under $500.
That’s why, after sharing the best laptops for small business owners, today, we are curating the best business laptops under $500 that can efficiently manage routine office work.
If you’re looking for the best laptop under $500 for work, here are the key specs that make a laptop ideal for business use.
Ideal specs for business and work:
If you get these specs, your machine won’t disappoint you at work.
- Processor: Core i5 or higher (i7 is best processor for a business laptop)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 or higher
- Storage: 512GB SSD or higher
- Display: 14 inches or higher
- Webcam: good quality
- OS: Windows or iMac doesn’t matter.
Any laptop with the above-mentioned specs is good for work. If you could find more than these specs (that you will find in our list) it will boost your productivity to the next level.
These affordable business machines we tested and reviewed have even better specifications than the minimum ones mentioned above.
Lastly, this list doesn’t contain Macbooks, if you love Apple laptops, then here are Macbooks under $500; these MacBooks are renewed but in very good condition.
And if you need powerful yet affordable computers, here are the ten best business computers that can handle any task you throw at them.
Now let’s discuss the best small business laptops under $500.
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Best Work Laptop under 500: 2025 Newest Acer Aspire 3
Specifications
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: 4.3 GHz ryzen_5
- RAM: 8 GB DDR5
- Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon R5
- Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 3
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Laptop Weight: 3.92 pounds
Review
When it comes to choosing a laptop for business, you want something that excels in three key areas: productivity, durability, and compatibility and this machine is a perfect fit under your budget.
With most business tasks shifting to the cloud, laptops need to run seamlessly with a variety of web-based applications. Services like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive for storage, and QuickBooks or other cloud-based tools for bookkeeping, are staples for modern businesses. This means that having excellent RAM is essential for smooth multitasking.
The Acer Aspire 3 comes with 8GB of DDR5 RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking even with multiple tabs or cloud-based applications running simultaneously. Whether you’re managing spreadsheets, attending virtual meetings, or handling administrative tasks, the 8GB of RAM gives you the performance you need to stay productive.
As discussed earlier, 8GB of RAM is typically the sweet spot for a business laptop under $500. It ensures reliable performance without unnecessary slowdowns, even when you have numerous applications running in the background.
The 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Display of the Acer Aspire 3 offers a crisp and clear picture, which is crucial for business tasks.
A clean, vibrant display will not only help you stay focused on your work but will also provide comfort during Zoom meetings, presentations, or video calls.
The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor provides ample power for everyday business tasks and outperforms older i7 chips, making it an ideal choice for productivity-focused work.
While this model weighs 2.1 KG, it’s still lightweight enough for those on the go. If you travel frequently for business, it may be slightly heavier than some ultra-portable options, but it’s manageable for most users. For business professionals who work in different locations, the Acer Aspire 3 remains a solid, dependable choice.
17-inch Laptop with 1 TB SSD Storage: HP 2024 Newest 17″ Business Laptop
Specifications
- Display size: 17.3 Inches
- Processor: 4.4 GHz core_i3_1215u
- RAM: 16 DDR4
- Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
- Number of Processors: 6
- Wireless Type: 801.11ac
- Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 3
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Laptop Weight: 4.6 pounds
Brief review
If you are looking for budget friendly business machine with a large screen, The HP 2024 Newest 17″ Business Laptop is worth considering.
For just under $500, it offers an ideal blend of performance, features, and price.
Other than its large screen, it comes with a decent amount of fast memory, huge storage, and capable processor. All these features make it a perfect laptop for productive work at an affordable price.
The Intel 6-Core i3-1215U processor along with a 16GB of RAM ensures smooth performance for everyday business tasks. A machine with 16GB of RAM means you won’t experience sluggishness, even when running multiple programs or browser tabs simultaneously.
The 512GB SSD not only provides ample storage for your business documents, presentations, and software but also delivers faster load times and boot-up speeds compared to traditional hard drives.
This machine also comes with a Microsoft Office Lifetime License that makes it an even better value.
There are many other great features you can expect from your business machine. Thus this a great pick for those who need a large screen business laptop under $500.
40 GB RAM 1TB SSD Laptop Under 500: ASUS VivoBook 15
Specifications
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: 3.5 GHz ryzen_3
- Memory: 40 GB DDR4
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Wireless Type Bluetooth: 802.11ac
- Number of USB 2.0 Ports: 1
- Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 2
- Battery Life (in hours): 8 Hours
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Laptop Weight: 3.97 pounds
Brief review
The ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop is another best business laptop under $500 because when I tested this, this ran like a workhorse. I appreciate ASUS’s build quality, but this machine impressed me with its many other great features.
So, the ASUS VivoBook 15 can be highly recommended if you’re looking for a fast laptop under $500 with a ton of storage.
This matters a lot in some cases.
For instance, if you run an agency or firm—such as a software development agency—or work in graphic design, including photo or video editing, where you need to run multiple apps and store creative work, you require a lot of memory and storage. That’s where this machine wins its place.
It’s a no-brainer, with 40 GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, you can multitask and store large files without worrying about slowdowns or running out of space.
The other best part is that ASUS machines are highly durable, so you can keep this machine for a decade to come.
While discussing visuals, with its 15.6″ Full HD Anti-Glare display it’s perfect for tasks like hosting virtual meetings or presentations.
As it’s lightweight thus it’s easy to carry and won’t let you feel burdened if you are always on the go.
Lastly, with Windows 11 Pro and features like AI Copilot, the ASUS VivoBook 15 takes your productivity to the next level.
In a nutshell, if you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, and performance-driven laptop for under $500, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is a perfect laptop for routine office work and extensive jobs.
Best work laptop under $400: HP Pavilion 15 16 GB RAM 1 TB SSD
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: 4.1 GHz apple_ci3
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
- Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
- Graphics Card Ram Size: 1 GB
- Wireless Type: Bluetooth
- Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 1
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Laptop Weight: 3.74 pounds
Brief Review
If you’re looking for a powerful and budget-friendly work laptop, the HP Pavilion 15 is a solid pick under $500. As most professionals rely on cloud apps in the office but need a powerful device for multitasking, thus due to its incredible features, this laptop is a great choice for professionals, remote workers, and freelancers who need reliability without overspending.
With its 16 GB RAM, whether you’re juggling multiple apps, managing large databases, or working on complex projects, this machine keeps everything running smoothly.
Although it comes with an older processor that’s a little drawback of this machine, but with up to 4.1GHz, it delivers the speed and efficiency that busy professionals need.
If you have to deal with video calls and conferences, this machine again catches the eyes with its anti-glare technology and clear, crisp visuals.
It’s also a good business laptop to buy for those who need something portable. The HP Pavilion 15 is lightweight and easy to carry. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity makes it simple to sync with external devices like headsets, keyboards, and printers.
In a nutshell, if you need a reliable, high-performance HP laptop under $500, the HP Pavilion 15 is can be your one-time investment for a decade.
New Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Business Laptop Under $500
Specifications
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: 1.8 GHz apple_ci5
- RAM: DDR4
- Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
- Number of Processors: 10
- Wireless Type: 802.11ac
- Number of USB 2.0 Ports: 1
- Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 2
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro S
- Laptop Weight: 3.65 pounds
Brief Review
The Dell Inspiron 3520 3000 15 stands out as one of the best business laptops under $500, offering a rare combination of features at this price point. With a sleek and professional design, it not only looks great on your desk but also delivers the performance needed for demanding tasks.
Equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, and an Intel 10-Core i5-1235U processor, this ultrabook is tailored for professionals who need a laptop capable of multitasking, handling heavy workloads, and running modern productivity tools without lag. The powerful specs make it ideal for tasks like data analysis, document management, video conferencing, and light creative work.
The Intel 10-Core processor, known for its speed and efficiency, ensures that you can seamlessly switch between applications, whether you’re working with spreadsheets, presenting a pitch, or streaming content during breaks. Moreover, the high-performance AMD R series graphics deliver sharp visuals, enhancing your experience in business applications that require precision and clarity.
For professionals who frequently handle files on the go, the 1TB PCIe SSD offers lightning-fast storage and retrieval, allowing you to save, access, and share documents in seconds. The Bluetooth connectivity further simplifies your workflow by enabling quick and wireless data transfers or connecting peripherals like headphones, keyboards, or printers.
While its weight may be slightly higher compared to some ultrabooks, the Dell Inspiron 3520 3000 15 compensates with its durability and robust build, making it a great choice for professionals who prioritize performance and reliability over portability.
Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or a small business owner, this laptop is designed to meet the needs of modern professionals. Its combination of power, storage, and display ensures that you stay productive and efficient without exceeding your budget.
If you’re in the market for a work laptop under $500 that balances style and substance, the Dell Inspiron 3520 3000 15 is a compelling choice.
For Creative Professionals: HP Pavilion x360 14-inch Laptop
Specifications
- Display size: 14 Inches
- Processor: 4.5 GHz core_i3
- Number of Processors: 6
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth
- Ports:
- USB 2.0: 2
- USB 3.0: 1
- Average Battery Life: 9 Hours
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Laptop Weight: 3.35 pounds
HP Pavilion x360 14-inch Laptop Review:
The HP Pavilion x360 14-inch Laptop that’s priced at $500 is an excellent choice for small business owners, professionals, and students who need a balance of performance, portability, and versatility.
Its sleek design, lightweight build, and 6-core 4.5 GHz Core i3 processor ensure smooth multitasking, making it a great option for small businesses and professionals on the go. With 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD, it delivers fast performance for everyday tasks, whether you’re handling documents, dealing with SaaS products like business apps and CRMs, browsing the web, or streaming content.
With a 14-inch display, lightweight design, and 9-hour battery life, it’s ideal for business professionals who travel frequently or work remotely. Let’s say, you’re an employee of a company and you work from home or work on hybrid model, but company haven’t provided you any machine, this can be a great laptop for you in that case.
The 360-degree hinge allows it to function as a laptop, tablet, or presentation device—making it perfect for client meetings, note-taking, and creative work.
Business-friendly features:
- Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Bluetooth, and 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi, ensuring seamless file sharing and connectivity with peripherals.
- Touchscreen Display: Enhances productivity by allowing easy navigation, annotation, and interaction with business apps.
- Windows OS: Ensures compatibility with business software, cloud platforms, and collaboration tools.
Our final verdict:
If you’re a business owner, freelancer, or professional looking for an affordable yet powerful device for daily work, the HP Pavilion x360 14-inch Laptop is a great investment. Its combination of speed, portability, and flexibility makes it a reliable tool for work, presentations, and on-the-go productivity.
Dell Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop
Specifications
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: 1 GHz celeron
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Hard Drive: 1 TB HDD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
- Graphics Card Ram Size: 16 GB
- Wireless Type: Bluetooth
- Ports:
- USB 2.0: 1
- USB 3.0: 2
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Laptop Weight: 3.9 pounds
Brief Review
The Dell Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop is a solid choice for professionals and small business owners looking for high memory and storage capacity at an affordable price.
With 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 1TB HDD, this laptop is built to handle multitasking and large data storage needs. Whether you manage spreadsheets, handle business software, or store large media files, it ensures smooth operation. While the Intel Celeron 1GHz processor is on the entry-level side, the large RAM helps keep performance stable for routine office tasks.
Storage & business utility:
- Ample Storage: The best side of this machine is its ample storage. 1TB HDD provides plenty of room for business documents, media files, and software, making it ideal for those who prefer offline storage over cloud-based solutions. But it’s not as fast as SSDs.
- Smooth Multitasking: The 16GB RAM ensures seamless performance when running multiple applications or keeping multiple browser tabs open.
Portability & connectivity:
Lightweight Design: It’s extremely lightweight thus a good fit for many professionals. Weighing just 3.9 pounds, it’s easy to carry for business meetings or remote work.
Multiple Ports: With USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, you can easily connect peripherals like external drives, printers, and other accessories.
Windows 11 Pro: Provides enhanced security and business-friendly features, making it a great choice for professionals.
Graphics & visuals:
The Intel UHD Graphics processor ensures a decent visual experience, whether you’re working with business presentations, light photo editing, or streaming content. However, for high-end graphic design or gaming, a dedicated GPU would be preferable.
Final verdict:
The Dell Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop is an excellent budget-friendly choice for business owners, freelancers, and professionals who need large storage, smooth multitasking, and a Windows 11 Pro setup. While its HDD storage is slower compared to SSDs, the 16GB RAM compensates well for productivity tasks. If you prioritize storage space and multitasking over processing speed, this laptop is a great investment.
Best cheap work laptop: HP Elitebook 840 G3 (Renewed)
Specifications
- Display: 14 Inches
- Processor: 2.6 GHz core_i7
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 SDRAM
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Wireless Type: Bluetooth
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Laptop Weight: 2.5 pounds
Brief Review
HP Elitebook 840 G3 is one of the business laptops under 500 that can be a perfect choice for those who want to keep their gadget with them for a day long.
It has excellent features, and it’s exceptionally lightweight. It’s just 1.14 KG.
As we have mentioned in the beginning, memory is the only thing you can not compromise on a business laptop, along with an incredible processor.
Its 16GB DDR4 SDRAM makes it a high performance on tough jobs.
Additionally, Its key spacing is at least compatible with my fingers. At least its light strokes on the fingers create good sensations for me.
As you know there are two ways to buy cheap business laptops: One is to buy a laptop at these best times to get a discount and the second is to buy a refurbished one; it is refurbished, so it’s available for under $500
If you are short on budget, why don’t you consider availing of this opportunity?
Lenovo Ideapad 3i 15.6″ FHD Business Laptop
Specifications
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: 3 GHz apple_ci3
- RAM: 12 GB DDR4
- Memory Speed: 4.1 GHz
- Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Wireless Type: Bluetooth, 802.11b/n/ac
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
Brief Review
This is the latest best business laptop under $500 with very cool features. If you can’t afford more than $500, this machine is matchless in its specifications.
Let’s dig deep into the specifications and see how these specifications will enhance your productivity.
Let’s begin with the display.
It has a 15.6″ large display that’s suitable for any technical and general business use. The FHD display makes it the best choice for photo and video editing.
Due to 12GB memory, this laptop becomes compatible with most technical apps and software. So you enjoy your technical jobs like coding programming, video editing, bookkeeping, and other similar jobs on a big real estate.
Secondly, it has advanced big storage. 512GB SSD storage makes it suitable for any small business owner who wants to keep secretive data in the device. The fingerprint feature makes it more secure than ever.
The advanced processor, fast memory, and storage, along with 6MB L3 Cache, 10nm, 2 Cores & 4 Threads, are enough for any business and home office use. You can run tons of tabs, commercial software, and apps like Zoom simultaneously, and it won’t let you down.
The WiFi, Bluetooth, Webcam, and fingerprint reader are additional eye-catching features you enjoy with this laptop.
A slight tilt and 180-degree rotation of the real estate not only make it the best choice for small business owners but students as well.
It means if you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or freelancer and continuing your studies, this machine is best suited for you.
As debated in business vs. consumer laptops, you can’t find such features in regular laptops.
The graphics card is integrated, but it’s enough to run your apps smoothly and let you do technical work without hindrance.
This business laptop has the following ports: A power connector, HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0 Type A, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, a Headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm), and 1 Card reader.
Overall, if we compare it with Acer Aspire 5, which has been our top pick for two years, this laptop has more amazing business features. And as it’s the latest model that arrived in 2022, it gives it an extra edge to secure the top pick position.
As it’s exactly below $500 so, you save almost $50 if you choose this business laptop rather than Acer Aspire 5. However, both are the best business laptops under $500.
32GB RAM laptop under $300: HP EliteBook 830 G7 (Used)
Specifications
- Display size: 13.3 Inches
- Processor: 1.8 GHz apple_ci7
- Number of Processors: 4
- RAM: 32GB DDR4
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Laptop Weight: 4.69 pounds
HP EliteBook 830 G7 brief review:
The HP EliteBook 830 G7 is a powerful business laptop that offers a great balance of portability, performance, and security for professionals, freelancers, and small business owners. If you are ok with a renewed laptop and you need a powerful machine on a budget, the HP EliteBook 830 G7 is a great pick for you.
Performance & speed
With a 1.8 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 4 cores, and a massive 32GB DDR4 RAM, this laptop is built for seamless multitasking. Whether you’re managing business applications, working on cloud-based platforms, or handling light content creation, it delivers smooth performance.
While storage may seem limited for those handling large media files, cloud-based professionals will find it more than sufficient. If your work relies on Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, storage won’t be a concern.
Portability & business-friendly features:
- The compact 13.3-inch FHD display makes it ultra-portable for business travelers.
- Weighing 4.69 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some ultraportable options but still easy to carry.
- Windows 11 Home provides a modern interface with security enhancements.
Ideal for professionals:
This laptop is an excellent choice for business owners, writers, consultants, and remote workers who need a fast and secure device for daily tasks. Its comfortable keyboard and well-spaced keys enhance typing efficiency, making it ideal for professionals who spend hours writing, emailing, or managing business documents.
Final verdict:
The HP EliteBook 830 G7 is a high-performance business laptop perfect for professionals who prioritize speed, security, and portability. If your work is cloud-based or doesn’t require extensive local storage, this is a fantastic investment for productivity and efficiency.
If you have added your business laptop in the cart, you might like to know how to make your business laptop last longer.
Budget business laptop buying guide
A business laptop buying guide is quite different from a simple laptop buying guide.
The reason is that when your primary purpose is business, you definitely focus on specifications that would enhance your productivity in business.
You can also focus on upgradeability and durability for long-term use.
Exploring business tasks, we see that everything is web-based: bookkeeping, invoicing, project tools, business CRMs, data storage, email, and communications system (voice).
So we decided to discuss how you should buy a business laptop and what should be the specification on your business laptop. And why?
In a business computer, the following specifications play a vital role.
- Display
- Memory
- Storage
- Processor
- Keyboard & Touchpad
And if you are a totally cloud-based business, then memory would play a significant role.
Display
The display helps you in productivity. You are more productive when the display size is a highly suitable one.
The most suitable screen size is around 15 inches. But some people prefer even larger screens. Such screens are bad for portability. And that’s why we never recommend it for a business laptop.
Sometimes, we get great features, but the display is lower than our requirements. In that case, it’s best to attach one of the cheap business monitors to that computer.
Memory
No matter whether you are cloud-based or not. The memory could be an essential thing in productivity.
For example, using third-party apps, like Hubspot, Zoho, or PipeDrive, or using your laptop for all such business tasks. In all such situations, you must be doing many tasks at once.
You might need to open multiple apps and tabs at the same.
In that case, if you are short on memory, you will get help multiple times.
Your memory handles to perform many tasks at a time.
That’s why memory should be your main focus, and you should not give a try below 8GB RAM.
Even in memory, there are some types.
DDR SDRAM is fast memory type, and it should be your priority. However, traditional RAMs are also enough for small businesses.
That’s why we have tried to add business laptops with the best possible memory so that you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.
Ideally, you should never buy a business laptop with less than 8GB RAM. So, make sure your laptop has over 8GB DD4 RAM.
Storage
Storage is another key factor that does matter in a business laptop.
It’s not as important as memory. But in many cases, small businesses don’t use cloud hosting and want to use laptop storage.
I use cloud hosting, and I never thought of storage. If you use third-party apps like Google Drive (for free), you shouldn’t think of storage.
Otherwise, storage does matter.
Because there are many things to store, it could be your images, videos, and software to install. In all such situations, storage should be at least 512GB.
We initially mentioned 256GB as a minimum requirement, but that’s for those who use cloud hosting for storage.
Processor:
The processor is the brain of a computer.
Everything you do goes through the processor.
So it’s essential to see which processor your business computer has and how much speed it has.
If you get a speed of more than 3 GHz, then it’s good.
Keyboard & Touchpad
The keyboard and touchpad also help you enhance your productivity.
For example, having a hard keyboard and an insensitive touchpad will ruin your day.
So it’s slightly less important but still significant in a business laptop.
What is the best laptop for business under $500?
Any laptop from any well-reputed brand that has an i5 processor, 8GB DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, business ports, and fast Wi-Fi is the best laptop for under $500.