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If you’re on the hunt for a laptop under $400, our team of experts has done the research and compiled a shortlist for you. This selection encompasses a range of sizes, display options, memory, and storage capacities.
These picks each have their own strengths and are worthy contenders for the title of the best budget laptop. However, your specific priorities may vary, and it’s important to consider other factors as well. We’ll guide you through each of these options to help you find the ideal model for your needs.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Acer Aspire 3 | Check Price | |
 | Lenovo C340 | Check Price | |
 | Lenovo Chromebook Duet | Check Price | |
 | Acer Aspire 5 | Check Price | |
 | ASUS VivoBook 14 | Check Price |
Best Laptops for Under $400 Reviews
In curating this list of budget laptops, we carefully assessed various features to ensure that we present you with the best devices available in the market. Despite their affordability, we ensured that these laptops meet essential specifications. Additionally, we took into account crucial factors like battery life, memory capacity, operating system, and graphics card capabilities.
1. Acer Aspire 3
The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim stands out with its powerful processor, the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U from the latest-gen AMD Ryzen 7000 series. Not only does this processor deliver impressive budget-friendly performance, but it also boasts excellent energy efficiency, allowing for an impressive 11-12 hours of battery life.
With 8GB of RAM, this laptop offers decent memory capacity for its price point, and it features the latest LPDDR5 technology, providing better future-proofing. The laptop not only performs well but also sports an attractive design with reasonable build quality. Additionally, it comes equipped with a numpad on the keyboard, HDMI ports, USB-C ports, and a multi-card slot, making it versatile for connecting with other devices.
The only drawback is the limited 128GB SSD storage capacity, which may not offer ample space. However, considering the high quality of its other components, it’s still a worthwhile purchase. You can easily expand the storage by adding an external SSD or upgrading the internal SSD.
2. Lenovo C340
If you’re interested in Chrome OS, the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 offers an attractive and budget-friendly choice. Despite its 15-inch display, it remains lightweight due to its Chromebook nature, which relies on less powerful and consequently lighter components. While the processor and integrated graphics may not be top-of-the-line, they still provide sufficient performance thanks to Chrome OS’ cloud-based approach.
In terms of storage, this Chromebook offers up to 64GB, which should suffice given the cloud-centric nature of Chrome OS. However, it would have been preferable to have more than 4GB of RAM, especially considering the number of tabs you’ll likely open in your Chrome web browser.
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to a maximum of 12 hours, making it the best in its class among our selections. Although it lacks an SD card reader, it offers charging support and video output through the USB-C port, along with a Kensington lock for enhanced security.
One drawback is the absence of stylus support for the touchscreen, although it’s worth noting that this Chromebook does have a touchscreen, which sets it apart from others. Additionally, the keyboard on this machine stands out as the best among all the laptops on our list.
3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Consider the Lenovo Chromebook Duet as another excellent option. This versatile 2-in-1 device functions both as a laptop and a tablet, boasting an impressive 11-hour battery life and reliable performance for everyday tasks. Its exceptional portability allows you to easily switch to tablet mode for video streaming or attach a keyboard for typing tasks.
For an affordable Chrome OS device, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet ticks most of the essential boxes and comes at a price lower than many competing options like the Apple iPad and Surface Pro.
Boasting a rapid boot time of as little as eight seconds, this device ensures you’re always ready for work or play. Its verified boot system enhances security by keeping your files free from viruses, and automatic updates seamlessly run in the background.
The tablet features a distinct dual-tone design in Ice Blue and Iron Grey, with a sophisticated fabric texture on the stand cover. Its 10.1-inch display boasts slim 9.13mm bezels and a vibrant FHD (1920 x 1200) resolution at 400 nits brightness, delivering sharp details and vivid colors.
However, it’s important to note that for a true tablet experience, a dedicated tablet like the iPad might still be a better choice. Although responsive, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet may not match the iPad’s snappiness. Nevertheless, it is more than sufficient for everyday use.
4. Acer Aspire 5
Acer is a renowned brand, consistently producing high-quality laptops at remarkably affordable prices. Their distinctively sleek and compact designs set them apart in the market. Among their impressive product line, the Aspire 5 stands out with its exceptional features. This high-performance laptop is tailored for experts and gamers seeking to elevate their computing experience.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen processor, the Aspire 5 delivers exceptional performance and boasts an impressive battery life. Its slim and lightweight design allows you to meet the demands of a laptop on the go, enhancing your workflow and productivity. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen 3000 series processors and Vega 6 mobile graphics, it offers advanced capabilities fine-tuned to meet your daily needs.
With a WiFi 6 Dual-band connection, this laptop provides 3X faster connectivity compared to previous models, ensuring seamless browsing, gaming, and streaming across multiple devices. Acer’s purified voice technology enhances your audio experience, ensuring clear communication in online meetings and calls. Furthermore, the TrueHarmony technology elevates the sound quality of its dual speakers.
Featuring a 15.6-inch full HD screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and an impressive 82.58% screen-to-body ratio, the Aspire 5 offers a premium visual experience. It provides ample storage with 4GB DDR4 memory and a spacious 128GB SSD, while the integrated Windows 11 Home operating system ensures top-notch security, protecting against malicious software.
To cater to various connectivity needs, this laptop offers a wide range of ports, including 2 USB 3.2 ports, a USB type C port, HDMI 2.0, and more. Acer claims that this laptop can deliver up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, ensuring all-day productivity. Lastly, the manufacturer provides a one-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind and support for your investment.
In summary, Acer’s Aspire 5 is a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance or features. With its powerful AMD Ryzen processor, fast connectivity, clear audio, and impressive display, it’s a compelling choice for professionals, students, and casual gamers. The laptop’s versatility, robust hardware, and long-lasting battery make it an ideal companion for both productivity and entertainment. Acer’s commitment to quality is further evident through the included one-year limited warranty, providing added assurance in your purchase. Expect a dependable and efficient laptop that caters to your daily computing needs while remaining budget-friendly.
5. ASUS VivoBook 14
Asus is a well-recognized brand known for delivering high-quality, sleek laptops to users. Among the array of Asus laptops available, the Asus VivoBook 14 emerges as a top choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option under $300. Powered by the Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, this laptop offers the necessary performance to efficiently handle your tasks. Its 14-inch full HD display enhances your entertainment experience.
The integration of an Intel UHD graphics card empowers you to effortlessly edit videos and enjoy multimedia content. In terms of storage capacity, the laptop boasts 4 GB of DDR4 memory and a 128GB SSD, providing ample space to store a multitude of files and media. The NanoEdge display extends your screen real estate, offering an immersive viewing experience for both work and play. Additionally, the anti-glare coating on the panel minimizes unwanted distractions.
Prioritizing security, Asus has incorporated an inbuilt fingerprint sensor, allowing you to conveniently start the laptop with a simple touch. Running on Windows 11 and equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor, this laptop ensures efficient and swift task execution. The 178° viewing angle enhances your visual experience, while the laptop’s lightweight design, weighing only 3.3 pounds, makes it highly portable.
The laptop’s ergonomic build and full backlight keyboard enable comfortable usage even in low-light environments. It has been thoughtfully designed for an improved user experience, with 1.4mm key travel ensuring typing comfort. The upgraded Wi-Fi 5 dual band offers a reliable and interference-free connection. Additionally, various connectivity options include 1 USB 3.2 port, 1 USB Type-C 3.2 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 audio combo jack, and a Type A jack.
In summary, the Asus VivoBook 14 is a standout choice among laptops under $300, offering a blend of performance, functionality, and portability. With its Intel Core i3 processor, full HD display, and efficient storage options, it caters to both work and entertainment needs. The inclusion of Windows 11 and a fingerprint sensor for security adds to its appeal. Its ergonomic design, lightweight build, and improved Wi-Fi connectivity further enhance the user experience. For those seeking a budget-friendly laptop without compromising on essential features, the Asus VivoBook 14 is a compelling option.
Final Verdict
While the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim stands out as a powerful contender for a laptop under $400, there are other options that excel in different aspects. We recommend taking a closer look at our mini-reviews of each laptop to make an informed choice that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.