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 are curious to know what is the best laptop to buy for under 500 for work, here is what makes a laptop a good business laptop.
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.
Our business laptops under the $500 list have even better specifications than the minimum ones mentioned above. And the other fantastic thing is that these are really cheap laptops which are best for business.
Without wasting your time, let’s discuss the best small business laptops we picked for you for under $500.
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.
On this page
Best Work Laptop under 500 (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.
The Aspire 3 offers essential ports for business tasks, including HDMI and USB options, as well as Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable internet connections. While the lack of Bluetooth might be a downside for some, it’s not a deal-breaker for most business users who rely more on wired connections or other wireless technologies.
Acer laptops have earned a strong reputation for their durability and performance, especially in the budget category. The Acer Aspire 3 continues this legacy, making it a trustworthy option for small business owners, home office users, or anyone in need of a solid and cost-effective laptop.
In short, the Acer Newest Aspire 3 is one of the best options for small businesses or professionals who need a business laptop under $500. With powerful processing, solid RAM, an excellent display, and a reputation for reliability, it provides all the essentials for everyday business tasks. Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or on the move, the Aspire 3 is a versatile and budget-friendly choice for your business needs.
HP Newest 17″ Business Laptop: The Perfect Budget Solution for Professionals
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
The HP 2024 Newest 17″ Business Laptop stands out as one of the best business laptops under $500. Offering an ideal blend of performance, features, and price, it caters to professionals, individuals, and small businesses seeking a reliable, budget-friendly device.
With its large screen, fast memory, generous storage, and capable processor, it delivers all the essentials for productive work at an affordable price.
The large 17.3-inch Full HD display is perfect for professionals who juggle multiple tasks, such as managing documents, attending video conferences, and editing spreadsheets. The IPS technology ensures vivid colors and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for collaborative work in meetings or presentations.
The Intel 6-Core i3-1215U processor combined with 16GB of RAM ensures smooth performance for everyday business tasks. Whether you’re handling emails, using business apps, managing large files, or conducting research, this laptop handles multiple applications with ease. 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.
Microsoft Office Lifetime License
The inclusion of a Microsoft Office Lifetime License makes this laptop an even better value. With access to Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you won’t need to pay for ongoing subscriptions. This is especially valuable for professionals and small businesses that rely on these tools for everyday tasks and collaboration.
With fast internet connectivity options and the capability to handle essential business apps and software, the HP 17″ Business Laptop enables you to work from virtually anywhere. Whether you’re in the office, at home, or traveling, this laptop provides the flexibility needed for modern business environments.
ASUS VivoBook 15: 40 GB RAM 1TB SSD Laptop Under 500
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 the next eye-catching option for any business owner looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful laptop under $500.
ASUS is already a well-known brand in the gaming industry, and the qualities that make their gaming laptops stand out—like large screens, excellent graphics, and durability—also make this laptop an ideal choice for business use. These attributes ensure long-term reliability, making the ASUS VivoBook 15 a great investment for professionals.
Its 15.6″ Full HD Anti-Glare display offers clear and sharp visuals, making it perfect for tasks like hosting virtual meetings or presenting business pitches. A screen like this ensures that all your work is easy on the eyes and looks professional, whether you’re working in a brightly lit office or a dim home environment.
When it comes to speed and storage, this machine doesn’t disappoint. With 40GB of RAM and a 1TB PCIe SSD, it ensures quick data processing and ample space to store your files. This combination makes it perfect for business owners who need to download, store, and send files efficiently without dealing with lags or storage issues.
For productivity, the numeric keypad and responsive touchpad play a significant role. Tasks like number crunching or scrolling through documents become easier and smoother, saving time and effort.
Additionally, its lightweight design makes it a great option for professionals who are always on the go. Whether you’re commuting or traveling for business, this laptop won’t weigh you down.
Lastly, with Windows 11 Pro and features like AI Copilot, the ASUS VivoBook 15 takes your productivity to the next level by providing tools tailored for work environments.
In short, if you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, and performance-driven laptop for under $500, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is a perfect fit. It offers all the essential features needed for business tasks, ensuring it’s an excellent choice for small business owners, professionals, and travelers alike.
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
The HP Pavilion 15 is one of the best work laptops under $500, offering incredible performance and features that cater specifically to professionals, remote employees, and freelancers looking to boost productivity on a budget.
With 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, this laptop delivers exceptional multitasking capabilities and ample storage space for all your files, whether you’re working on demanding projects, running multiple apps, or managing large databases. The Intel Core processor with speeds up to 4.1GHz ensures smooth and efficient performance, making it ideal for professionals who rely on speed and reliability.
Its 15.6-inch HD touchscreen with anti-glare technology not only enhances the viewing experience but also allows you to work comfortably in various lighting conditions. Whether you’re reviewing reports, conducting research, or joining virtual meetings, the screen delivers crisp visuals and reduces eye strain during extended use.
The lightweight design makes it portable and easy to carry, whether you’re commuting, traveling for business, or working from a coworking space. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity simplifies wireless data transfers and enables seamless connection to external devices like headsets, keyboards, or printers, ensuring a smooth workflow.
For remote employees and freelancers, the HP Pavilion 15 offers everything you need to stay connected and productive. Its powerful specs make it suitable for video conferencing, cloud-based collaboration tools, and even light content creation.
In short, if you’re searching for a reliable and high-performing HP work laptop under $500, the HP Pavilion 15 stands out as a perfect choice. It combines speed, storage, portability, and professional-grade features to meet the needs of business users and professionals alike.
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.
HP 14″ HD Laptop for Business with all ports under $500
Specifications
- Display: 14 Inches
- Processor: 2.3 GHz athlon
- RAM: 8 GB SODIMM
- Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon
- Wireless Type: 802.11ac
- Average Battery Life: 8 Hours
- Laptop Weight: 3.25 pounds
Brief Review
HP 14″ HD Laptop is one of the business laptops under 500. Specially designed for small businesses and students.
Its beautiful design, lightweight, and productive fast processor make it an appealing choice for small startups and company employees.
Its primary purpose behind its measured size and weight is to make it highly portable for business owners and employees.
However, there are some other choices with better processing speed and comparatively large displays at the same price. You should check this Broage IP business laptop as the best alternative.
So overall, if you have to travel a lot, and want to keep an easy-to-carry gadget along with you, the HP 14-inch business laptop could be your choice.
2022 Dell Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop: Cheapest work laptop
Specifications
- Display: 15.6 Inches
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Memory Speed: 2.8 GHz
- Storage: 1 TB HDD 5400 rpm
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
- Wireless Type: Bluetooth
- Laptop Weight: 3.91 pounds
Brief Review
Among all business laptops under 500 dollars, the 2022 Dell Inspiron 3000 business laptop has the most extensive memory and storage.
Usually, you get these specs in laptops that often priced under 1000. But you can get such incredible features for just under $500.
So this machine is great for all multitasking and other routine small business office work.
On its huge memory, you can store photos, videos, or other stuff that occupies ample space.
In short, whatever the work you do with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, this laptop handles everything you throw its way.
It’s an excellent pick for those who don’t use cloud-based hosting and want to keep data with them.
You can store tons of data on 1TB storage.
Although the storage is HDD type, that means it’s comparatively slower than the advanced SDD storage type.
But 16GB DDR4 won’t let you down on multitasking. You can open tons of tabs and apps on it at the same time.
Additionally, this one is an excellent pick for technical things. For instance, if you have planned to start a web development business or are good at programming and looking forward to beginning a programming startup, this surely won’t disappoint you.
Additionally, the Intel UHD Graphics processor will give you a great experience visual experience.
HP Elitebook 840 G3 (Best renewed laptop under $500)
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 under 500
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.
HP EliteBook 840 G3 14″ Business Laptop with Windows 10 Pro
Specifications
- Display: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: 2.6 GHz core_i7_6600u
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Memory Speed: 3.4 GHz
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Wireless: Bluetooth, 802.11a
- OS: Windows 10 Pro
- Weight: 2.78 pounds
Brief review
HP EliteBook 840 G3 Business is another best business laptop under $500 that meets all business needs. It has a sleek design and is lightweight, and fast.
Besides low storage, it could be a great choice for small business owners and enterprise employees who sometimes have to travel and carry the gadget daily (sometimes).
It’s great for small business tasks, and as it’s renewed, it’s available even under $400.
The availability of Bluetooth, and faster WiFi, makes it more appealing.
But as it has low storage, it might not be an excellent pick for those who want to keep data on the gadget. However, if you use cloud hosting, then you might not care about the space.
For instance, I have 516GB of storage and hardly use it. All of my drives are always empty, but one Windows drive is. I use Google Drive to keep my important data and delete all other unnecessary files after a month.
So if you have a similar business to my copywriting service, say you are looking for laptops for your small business blog writers, then, believe me, they will love it.
It’s highly recommended for all such jobs where most work is based on browsing and cloud hosting.
Additionally, I love the HP keypad and touchpad. The key spacing is even great and enhances performance. I use this HP laptop, so I love it.
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.