If you’re gearing up for the new school year and need a reliable back-to-school laptop without blowing your budget, now’s the perfect time to score a solid device for less. Whether you’re tackling homework, joining online classes, or just binge-watching between study sessions, these five laptops pack surprising performance for under $500.
Acer Chromebook 315 — Just $179 at Walmart
This 15.6-inch Chromebook offers a clean, distraction-free setup with its anti-glare screen and OceanGlass touchpad. Built with students in mind, it’s powered by an Intel Celeron processor and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.
Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast connections, and the dual microphones make remote classes and meetings crisp and clear. It’s perfect for light browsing, writing papers, and streaming shows.
ASUS Vivobook 15.6-inch Laptop — Now $399
Need something a little more versatile? This Vivobook features an Intel Core i5 processor with 10 cores, a full HD screen, and a full-size keyboard with a numeric pad. It’s built for everyday multitasking, online research, and even light gaming. Plus, the 180-degree hinge and webcam shutter make it student- and privacy-friendly.
Lenovo LOQ Essential Gaming Laptop — $480
If you’re a student who needs a laptop that handles both work and play, the Lenovo LOQ is a solid pick. It features a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU. While the GPU is entry-level, it still provides enough power for tasks like engineering simulations, coding, video editing, and more.
You also get 512GB of SSD storage and a 15.6-inch display with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, which is great for casual gaming between classes. It’s a well-rounded option that blends performance and entertainment at an affordable price.
HP 15.6-inch FHD Windows Laptop — Down to $309
The HP 15.6-inch laptop combines a sleek design with dependable performance. It’s powered by an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, making it ideal for running multiple apps simultaneously. With up to 10 hours of battery life and a fingerprint reader for quick logins, this is a no-nonsense device for both studying and entertainment. It even features a Copilot key for fast access to Microsoft’s AI assistant.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook — $429
This Chromebook is an excellent pick for anyone living in the Google ecosystem. With a 15.6-inch touchscreen, 8GB of RAM, and up to 10 hours of battery life, it’s built for on-the-go learning. The device also features verified boot and a webcam privacy shutter for enhanced security, as well as Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C connectivity for seamless integration with modern accessories.
Back-to-school season can get pricey fast, but a capable laptop doesn’t have to drain your wallet. These machines are fast, light, and classroom-ready, making them ideal for students and young professionals who need performance on the go. If you’re heading back to school or just need a reliable laptop upgrade, these are some excellent budget options to consider.