Best Laptops under $400 in 2024

Best Laptops under $400 in 2024

As a seasoned digital nomad who’s been through my fair share of laptops, I can confidently say that the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i is an outstanding choice for those seeking a versatile and dependable laptop without breaking the bank. Its 12.2″ touch display offers a perfect blend of typing and interactive experiences, making it ideal for students and occasional users like myself.


Finding a laptop that 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 the best budget laptops under $400, perfect for gamers, students, and professionals who want a laptop that fits their needs without breaking the bank.

Once you’ve chosen a top-notch laptop within $400 budget, don’t forget to enhance your usage experience with some essential accessories. A high-quality mouse is a must-have, particularly if you work on your laptop for extended periods. Explore our suggestions for the best wireless laptop mice that offer improved comfort and precision to make your daily tasks smoother.

Game Rant’s Best Laptops under $400

The Latest HP Ultralight Laptop with a 14-inch Screen, priced under $400, offers the ideal blend of portability and functionality. It boasts an Intel Quad-Core N4120 processor and Intel UHD Graphics 600 graphics card, guaranteeing seamless operation for regular duties. Furthermore, this laptop comes with 8GB of memory and 192GB of storage (comprising 64GB eMMC and a 128GB Micro SD slot), offering ample room for documents, media, and essential apps.

As a busy professional and student juggling multiple projects and deadlines, I understand the importance of having a reliable, affordable laptop that can keep up with my demanding lifestyle. After extensive research and testing, I can confidently say that the laptop weighing just 3.24 pounds, offering connectivity options such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards 802.11a/g/n/ac, is an exceptional choice for those seeking a versatile and affordable device.

For budget-conscious users seeking a versatile laptop, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is an outstanding option. This device shines in managing numerous tasks, making it the top all-around laptop available under $400. With its AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and 8GB of LPDDR5X memory, it offers swift and smooth performance for everyday needs. The 14-inch screen, boasting a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, delivers crisp and vivid images that are perfect for both professional tasks and relaxation.

As a delighted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for the Acer Chromebook Plus 514. Despite sporting only 128GB of storage, this beauty delivers an impressive performance. One feature that truly stands out is its crisp 1080p camera, perfect for all those video calls we love. Running on Chrome OS, it offers a seamless user experience, handling tasks from the professional to the personal with ease. Add its budget-friendly price tag to the mix, and you’ve got the best multi-purpose laptop available under $400 – quite the catch!

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.

Although the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 is praised for its budget-friendly price and sleek construction, it receives varying opinions concerning battery life and general performance. Nevertheless, boasting a run time of up to 14 hours per charge and extra amenities like a 1280×720 HD webcam and stereo speakers, this model shines as the top lightweight laptop priced under $400.

Among mid-range laptops priced under $400, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i Spin 2-in-1 stands out for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It’s powered by an Intel N100 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics, delivering sufficient performance for everyday duties, making it a preferred option for students and infrequent users. Furthermore, the 12.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, improves both typing work and interactive activities.

Although the laptop offers many benefits like WiFi 6 for fast internet connections and a quad-core Alder Lake CPU, it has some limitations too. The 4GB RAM and 128GB storage might not be enough for demanding applications. Nevertheless, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i is a reliable and versatile laptop choice, making it an excellent mid-range option under $400, further establishing its reputation as one of the best in this price range.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is highly praised as a top-tier laptop priced under $400, boasting an elegant design and robust performance. It sports a 13.5-inch screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, delivering vivid and sharp visuals ideal for both work and leisure activities. Driven by an Intel Core i5 processor and armed with 8 GB of RAM, it manages multiple applications effortlessly. The 256 GB SSD ensures swift boot-up times and sufficient storage for your documents.

Although there are some concerns regarding screen brightness and longevity, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 stands out due to its exceptional abilities and attributes. Weighing only 2.79 pounds and offering a battery life of up to 11.5 hours, it’s an excellent option for those who require a dependable device while traveling. This laptop combines power, portability, and premium features at a budget-friendly price, making it the top high-end laptop under $400 without a doubt.

The HP Chromebook 14a Laptop stands out as a top choice under $400 for budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize both affordability and reliability. It boasts a 14-inch touchscreen with a micro-edge BrightView display, offering a pleasant viewing angle for everyday activities. Driven by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, this Chromebook manages basic tasks admirably, making it ideal for students and casual users.

While this Chromebook’s everyday performance is commendable, some users may find the 64GB eMMC storage limiting if they require more space. Nevertheless, its remarkable battery life lasting up to 12 hours ensures uninterrupted usage throughout the day without frequent recharges. In summary, given its features and affordability, the HP Chromebook 14a Laptop is an excellent budget option under $400.

Choosing the Best Laptop under $400

When choosing a budget laptop, consider aspects like:

  • Performance: Look for laptops with at least 4GB of RAM and a solid processor for everyday tasks.
  • Battery Life: Make sure the laptop offers a decent battery life for on-the-go use.
  • Build Quality: A well-built laptop can last longer and endure daily wear and tear.

FAQ

Q: Can I find a good laptop under $400?

Absolutely! You’ll find numerous trustworthy laptops priced below $400. These devices come equipped with fundamental features suitable for daily activities, making them an excellent option for cost-savvy users.

Q: Are budget laptops suitable for gaming?

Economical laptops priced below $400 can manage simple gaming tasks, yet they might encounter difficulties with advanced or demanding games. These devices work optimally for casual gaming and less graphically demanding titles.

Q: How much storage should I expect in a budget laptop?

Affordable laptops priced around $400 usually include 64GB of eMMC memory, sufficient for everyday tasks. However, if you have larger storage requirements, you might need to invest in an external drive.

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2024-08-03 16:06