Laptops under $500

Designed for student but perfect for professionals, this is a tough laptop indeed. The optional touchscreen can be useful if you select this option, with its multitouch display that makes app management much easier. Even if you skip over the touchscreen, you're still left with a good sized screen that's in HD and comes with a cool backlight. With portability in mind, it's no wonder that this laptop is light and slim, but that doesn't have a negative effect on either power or durability. This is one tough laptop, but it's powered by some Intel® processors and great onboard Intel® HD Graphics so it's got the power to keep you going through work or play. The perfect finishing touch is the Intel® HD Audio which will make your Spotify sound flawless or your YouTube videos sound as crisp as imaginable. Whether it's for getting down to your homework, starting a new online lesson plan, or kicking back with Reddit, this laptop will do the job and do it well.

Frequent travelers, students, or casual internet surfers are going to fall head over heels when it comes to the beautifully competent Samsung Chromebook 3. 11.6-inches of pure bliss, the Chromebook 3 offers glorious graphics and impeccable clarity, with hard-working hardware that'll make tasks a breeze to do and complete. Serious battery life means you can take this little beauty wherever, whenever, and the LED backlight ensure late night scrolling doesn't have to suffer. There's more to discuss, though, with a resilient keyboard that's spill-resistant, a useful webcam and speakers for optimal Skype calls and video chatting, and a Chrome OS so that you can easily connect to your Google account and get straight to work. All in all, you get stunning visuals, attractive colors and clean lines, portability and a reliable Chromebook that makes work or play and absolute dream. Ideal for students, school or work with a light workload.

After a laptop with incredible speed and durability? You can't go wrong with the DELL Chromebook 3120 11.6, that's for sure. Built with a powerful CPU (Intel Celeron N2840), this DELL Chromebook is a workhorse that is sure to impress. Combine its weighty and impressive features with its rugged charm, and you're onto a winner. The DELL Chromebook 3120 11.6 is sturdy and although looks like a typical laptop, offers the impressive feature of being waterproof - not many laptops can offer this - making it an ideal choice for those who may be accident prone. Complete with a remarkable 11.6 inch screen that's also HD, feel free to indulge in Netflix and enjoy your favorite shows and films in perfect clarity, and with its long battery life, you can continue to watch without worrying about being far away from a plug socket. Therefore, if you are seeking a laptop that is for work and pleasure, the DELL Chromebook 3120 11.6 benefits from no internal fans (making it incredibly quiet), beautiful and vivid visuals, and a design that exudes practicality and durability.

Students, office workers, and casual browsers will fall in love with this cute little powerhouse. However, don't be fooled by the cuteness. This HP Chromebook's design and specs shows that it can cope with demand while looking fantastic. The Intel® Celeron® processor 2 means that you get a fast laptop that won't struggle to multi-task, and your battery life will last, too. For those that get a lot of use from video chats, there are some high-quality visuals involved here, and for Google Hangouts or Skype, there's plenty of viewing angle. What's more, the lovely bonus of noise suppression software means that you get little in the way or background noise. The Intel® HD Audio delivers sound quality that's clear and free from distortion, and the visual from its HD screen are lively and perfectly animated. For low-demand tasks like Facebook or Twitter scrolling you'll get maximum speed, and for more labor-intensive jobs it's not going to struggle either. It's a tank that hides its power in design.

This HP Stream has the flexibility to meet all the different reasons you may need your laptop, switching easily between work and play modes. If you work hard and play harder, then this is the laptop for you. The HP Stream is fully personalizable, in both its design and features, with the ability to choose which of the vibrant colors you would like, giving you the ability to tailor this to your individual style. On top of this, you can also customize the amount of RAM that your laptop has, which can cater your laptop towards your own individual needs, from fulfilling basic tasks to using demanding software applications. If audio is high on your list of demands, the Stream's front facing speakers and Studio Sound give you a HD experience for your ears, giving the optimum experience for playing games, watching videos and for editing software. To top it off, the HP Stream comes in a sleek design that is sure to suit every lifestyle, with a light build that is easy to transport and use easily.

Professionals who work online will love nothing more than an Acer Chromebook. Notorious for their high performance and impressive durability, this Chromebook is a wonder to look at and use. Sleek corners and a beautiful white coloring make this laptop ultra-modern. Ideal for students and professionals alike, this is the perfect companion for those who do a lot of web browsing, streaming content, or video calling their friends. The Acer has an Intel Celeron N3060 dual-core processor which can easily handle any online application and allows speedy surfing of the internet. You also get a compact 11.6 inch HD display that'll make viewing your content a breeze and joy. Plus, because you don't have a heavy operating system in the background, you also get a long battery life with up to 10 hours of use from a single charge. The Acer Chromebook 11 CB3 is just what you need if you like to spend time in Cyberspace.

After a vibrant, fun, light, and sleek laptop with a difference? The HP Stream is a colorful and smooth laptop that offers any user the basics and great functionality. This laptop is hard-working, well-designed, and comes with the all-familiar Windows 10. At a thin 18.4mm and lightweight 2.6lbs, this 11-inch notebook is easily portable, so you can take it to lectures, business meetings or to the local café for the day. With Intel processors, you can enjoy a reliable performance without having to worry about performance issues; plus, you are able to enjoy your favorite films and TV shows in HD display and amazing picturesque clarity. The battery means you don't have to worry about being unplugged for too long, the DTS Sound + Audio means you can enjoy dynamic sound, and there's a selection of bright and vibrant colors for you to choose from, so the color scheme of your laptop matches your personality.

Equipped with the latest in multimedia features, the Acer Chromebook CB3-532 is the essential everyday device for work and play. Whether it's editing documents, taking notes or online collaboration, the notebook is capable of tackling your day-to-day responsibilities and web-based tasks thanks to a 1.6GHz Intel Celeron dual-core processor with 2GB of RAM. The HD display measures 15.6 inches, the largest size you can find with a Chromebook, for an immersive visual experience. The anti-glare and wide-angle viewing technology make for sharp picture quality, whereas movies and audio sound fantastic due to the full-sized upwards facing speakers. The exceptional touchpad allows you to click, scroll, zoom, pinch and swipe freely and effortlessly. Elsewhere, the built-in 88º wide-angle webcam supports High Dynamic Range imaging for crystal clear video calls. Up to 12 hours of battery life allow you to keep the Chromebook by your side at all times without hassle. Enjoy all-day productivity and entertainment with the Acer Chromebook CB3-532.

The Acer Chromebook 11 is the ultimate solution for on-the-go computing. The first thing you'll notice about the notebook is the slender body frame that weighs just 1.1kg and measures less than 1"" in thickness. Whether you're enjoying your morning commute or travelling internationally, this lightweight and compact device makes for an effortless carry for extended periods of time. When it comes to power, the laptop is outfitted with a 1.6GHz Intel Celeron dual-core processor and 2GB of RAM. This means the Acer Chromebook 11 is able to breeze through your day-to-day applications and web-based tasks with ease. What's more is that the system sports a fan-less design for whisper-quiet computing. The fast wireless connection delivers smooth streaming and web-based media in full detail upon the 11.6-inch HD display. Topped off in a premium white finish, the Acer Chromebook 11 is ready to thrive in just about any situation you find yourself in.

For everyday basic use, it's hard to beat this sleek and impressive HP Chromebook 14. If you're looking for a laptop that lets you do the basics, like browsing the web, emailing, or even some basic photo editing, then this will certainly do the job while looking incredibly attractive, too. This Chromebook is a superbly sleek looking laptop that certainly looks the part, and the power that it packs into its slim chassis is a delightful surprise. The Intel HD graphics only add to the quality, with the inbuilt webcam doing a good job of making Skype an enjoyable experience with crisp visuals. You'll even be able to engage in video editing on this Chromebook, because the Intel® Quick Sync Video Technology is already loaded so that you can get straight to sharing your video creations with your audience - perfect for creatives! To top it all off, the 14-inch screen is the ideal size for watching your own videos or streaming films, and completes the look and practicality of this elegant and enjoyable Chromebook.

The DELL Inspiron 3168 offers power and futuristic design with this 2-in-1 laptop and tablet. This 11-inch beauty is fun but can pack a powerful punch. Its bright red color is stunning and one of its attractive qualities, however, the specs of this laptop are more than impressive. For those who want to binge Netflix in its entirety, its visuals are of high-quality with vibrant colors and crisp lines, but for the busy professionals who need to work on the go, you'll be pleasantly surprised with this machine's 1.6 GHz processor and 2GB of RAM. What's more, for work, you'll find that the inbuilt Intel® Identity Protection Technology is designed specifically to protect companies from identity theft, so this 2-in-1 isn't just fun, it's got a sensitive side too. With four modes to choose from, this is a customizable device that you'll get a lot of fun and flexibility from.

Feel in touch with your laptop with the Acer One, a basic touchscreen companion to help you at work and at play. If your house is scattered with digital devices, the hybrid nature of this laptop makes the Acer One able to perform all the necessary tasks. This means that you can scrap your gadget menagerie for one single and high-performing device. From tablet mode to tent mode, the Acer One uses the latest technology to transform into a number of different devices. These can make each task that you perform easier, from reading an e-book to filling in a spreadsheet. Not only this, but the tablet and tent modes combined with the HD touchscreen that comes with IPS tech make this laptop fine for entertainment, such as watching movies or reading. The Acer One is designed for custom usage, and the multi-touch screen enables you to feel closer to your device.

New and improved, the HP Stream is a fun and exciting design that brings joy to all your daily tasks. From its vibrant blue design to its increased efficiency, this a great all-round laptop for the everyday. With fast boot times, this laptop is a speedy and fast paced alternative to more powerful laptops, allowing you to get the job done from any location at a fraction of the normal time. Not only this, but its dual core processing unit gives you a more reliable and consistent service that you can trust to work at its best whenever you need it. Its Windows is also more reliable than ever before, allowing applications and software to run as smoothly as you need them to complete daily tasks, such as browsing the internet. If you are looking for a secure laptop to help you fulfil basic activities, there could be no better option than the vivid simplicity of the HP Stream.

The HP Stream is a fun, nimble, and colorful laptop for those who need a basic workstation that allows them to complete tasks such as completing homework and watching their favorite shows and films. Designed in a vibrant purple color, this laptop is the life of the party when it comes to coloring and design: smooth, rounded corners, vivid purple exterior, and beautifully modern white keys - this laptop is a loud and vivacious machine. While the Stream is by no means a powerhouse, this machine can complete the most basic of tasks, and complete them well. Designed with simplicity in mind, the Stream is ideal for high school students or those who needs a laptop for the sake of internet surfing, streaming, long battery life, and portability. With a standard 4GB of RAM, this laptop offers all the features you want, without slowing you down and causing you issue.

If you like to live life through a screen, there could be no better Chromebook than the Acer 15. With its anti-glare screen, you won't have to squint against the sun ever again, having a laptop that can fully adapt towards you needs and lighting conditions. Be prepared for full immersion into your videos and games content, with upward-facing audio speakers that are simply out of this world, giving you realistic sound that makes it seem like you're sitting in front of a live show. Never stay disconnected again with the Acer Chromebook's excellent fast connectivity and clear webcam, allowing you to see your friends and relatives as if they are in the same room as you. With a 1366 x 768 pixel screen resolution, this laptop can help to make your communication efforts refreshing by enabling you to view your friends and relatives away from pixelated screens, and switch to technicolor.

The Acer Chromebook 14 is a solid powerhouse of a Chromebook, complete with a very minimalist look that has an air of sophistication. Plus, with its 12 hors of battery life, you'll remain energized throughout the entire work day. Don't be fooled by its slim and elegant appearance, though. This Chromebook is an absolute tank when it comes to knocks and drops, with the Corning® Gorilla® Glass only adding to the durability. It's fast too, with the Intel processor making multitasking seamless and without lag, while the addition of a USB C port will make data transfer incredibly swift. The 14-inch screen is made possible by the incredibly thin bezel, meaning that your eyes will happily feast on the full HD2 display. Professionals will live the wide angle HD webcam that means you can fit more people into the shot when video conferencing, while students will appreciate the dual-array digital microphones that can let you chat with family or friends without the distraction of background noise. Sleek, fast, and massively portable, this is a Chromebook on a mission.

Chromebooks are renowned for a reason. Speedy, modern and ideal for lightwork loads, this line of laptop is simple but super effective and impressive. From note taking to sharing videos with your friends, the ASUS Chromebook is great for writing essays, keeping on top of your workloads and staying connected. This laptop can meet all your demands while looking fantastic, too. Rugged, durable, portable - the Chromebook can withstand knocks and drops but also offers an easy to grip design, limiting accidents from happening. Ideal for those who are clumsy and need a laptop to withstand their accident-prone tendencies. Plus, with its all-new 180-degree hinge, you can fully open out your laptop for easy viewing, which is super handy for group projects (or easy Netflix sessions). If you're a student who is need of a laptop that isn't going to rob you blind but also ensure you can work to the best of your ability, then look no further. With an ultra-modern design and all the features you need, the ASUS Chromebook Celeron is your perfect partner in crime.