Finding alaptopthat offers both performance and affordability can be difficult, especially when working with a budget. However, there are plenty of options that don’t sacrifice quality for cost. This guide reviews thebest budget laptopsunder $400, perfect for gamers, students, and professionals who want a laptop that fits their needs without breaking the bank.
After selecting the best laptop under $400, consider essential accessories to improve your experience. A great addition would be a reliable mouse, especially if you spend long hours on your laptop. Check out our recommendations for thebest wireless mice for laptopsto improve comfort and precision in your daily tasks.
Game Rant’s Best Laptops under $400
HP Newest 14" Ultral Light Laptop
The HP 14-inch ultra-light laptop is a functional, budget-friendly piece designed to meet everyday computing needs without exceeding one’s budget. Under the hood, the unit has an Intel Quad-Core N4120 processor with speeds of up to 2.60 GHz, ensuring seamless performance for daily tasks. It also comes with 8GB RAM and 192GB Storage(64GB eMMC+128GB Micro SD) for ample storage space for applications and files.
The HP Newest 14" Ultralight Laptop is the best overall laptop under $400, perfectly balancing portability with functionality. It features an Intel Quad-Core N4120 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks. Additionally, this laptop is equipped with 8GB of RAM and 192GB of storage (64GB eMMC + 128GB Micro SD), providing plenty of space for documents, media, and essential applications.
Weighing just 3.24 pounds, it doesn’t skimp on connectivity options, including Bluetooth and 802.11a/g/n/ac Wi-Fi. While some have varying opinions on its performance and speed, its overall construction, ease of use, and battery life, which extends up to 11 hours, make it a standout choice for students and professionals seeking an affordable yet capable laptop. Indeed, it remains the best overall laptop under $400.
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 boasts a Ryzen 3 7320U APU with a powerful integrated GPU to power the pixels. This Chromebook provides an excellent configuration for intensive work which includes a quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB. Its good quality IPS panel is a noteworthy feature, which provides good color accuracy.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a standout choice for those looking for a laptop that excels in handling a variety of tasks, making it the best multi-purpose laptop under $400. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, it delivers fast and efficient performance for daily activities. The 14-inch display, with a resolution of 1920x1200, provides sharp and vibrant visuals, ideal for both work and leisure.
Although it comes with a modest 128GB of storage, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 still performs well, featuring a clear 1080p camera suitable for video calls. Running on Chrome OS, this laptop facilitates a smooth operating experience for tasks ranging from professional to personal. These attributes, combined with its affordability, make it the best multi-purpose laptop available for under $400.
Acer Chromebook Spin 513 Convertible Laptop
The Acer Spin 513 is a 13.3-inch Chromebook equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. It runs on Chrome OS, includes a Full HD touchscreen, and offers up to 13.5 hours of battery life.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 Convertible Laptop is recognized as the best lightweight laptop under $400, catering to those who value portability. This model features a 13.3-inch LED display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Kryo 468 processor with the Adreno 618 GPU. It’s equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4X SDRAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, capable of handling daily tasks efficiently.
While the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 is notable for its affordability and light design, it receives mixed feedback regarding battery life and overall performance. Still, with its ability to run up to 14 hours on a single charge and additional features such as a 1280x720 HD webcam and stereo speakers, this model stands out as the best lightweight laptop under $400.
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i Spin 2-in-1 Laptop stands out as the best mid-range laptop under $400, largely due to its versatility and excellent value. It’s equipped with an Intel N100 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics, providing adequate performance for everyday tasks, making it a top choice for students and occasional users. Additionally, the 12.2" touch display, boasting a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels, enhances both typing and interactive experiences.
While the laptop presents numerous advantages, such as featuring WiFi 6 for quick internet speeds and a quad-core Alder Lake CPU, it does face some constraints. The 4GB RAM and 128GB storage might prove insufficient for more intensive applications. However, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i remains a strong option for those seeking a dependable and adaptable laptop, solidifying its status as the best mid-range laptop under $400.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – 13.5"
The Microsoft Surface Laptop features a 13.5-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. Weighing 2.79 pounds, this Matte Black laptop runs on Windows 10 Home, includes integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics, and offers up to 11.5 hours of battery life with USB-C and USB-A connectivity.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is recognized as the best high-end laptop under $400, thanks to its sleek design and powerful performance. It features a 13.5-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, offering vibrant and clear visuals suitable for both professional tasks and entertainment. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and equipped with 8 GB of RAM, it handles multiple applications smoothly. The 256 GB SSD provides quick start-up times and ample space for your files.
While some concerns have been raised about the screen brightness and durability, the laptop’s overall capabilities and features make it a compelling choice. Its lightweight, at just 2.79 pounds, and impressive battery life of up to 11.5 hours make it ideal for those who need a reliable device on the move. With its blend of power, portability, and premium features at an affordable price, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is undoubtedly the best high-end laptop under $400.
HP Chromebook 14a Laptop
The HP Chromebook 14a is a 14-inch touchscreen laptop featuring a micro-edge BrightView display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It operates on Chrome OS and is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor with a base frequency of 1.1 GHz, bursting up to 2.8 GHz, alongside 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage.
The HP Chromebook 14a Laptop is the best budget laptop under $400 for those seeking affordability without sacrificing dependability. It is equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen that features a micro-edge BrightView display, ensuring a satisfactory viewing experience for daily tasks. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, this Chromebook is capable of handling basic tasks efficiently, making it perfect for students and occasional users.
Although the performance is suitable for everyday activities, the 64 GB of eMMC storage might be restrictive for those who need more space. However, the laptop’s long battery life of up to 12 hours supports continuous use throughout the day without the need for frequent charging. Overall, considering its features and performance, the HP Chromebook 14a Laptop remains the best budget laptop under $400.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a good laptop under $400?
Yes, there are several reliable laptops available under $400. They offer essential features for everyday tasks, making them a great choice for budget-conscious users.
Q: Are budget laptops suitable for gaming?
Budget laptops under $400 can handle light gaming but may struggle with high-end games. They are best suited for casual gaming and less resource-intensive games.
Q: How much storage should I expect in a budget laptop?
Budget laptops under $400 typically come with 64 GB of eMMC storage, which is adequate for basic use but might require additional external storage for more extensive needs.
