Best 17-inch Laptop Under $500
Empire Laptops is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
You don’t have to break the bank for a great laptop. We know you don’t want to compromise on quality or size, either. That’s why we’ve found the best 17-inch laptop under $500.
It can be hard to find a good laptop for under $500. You want something with a big screen but don’t want to break the bank. Most laptops in this price range have small screens or are low quality.
You may be wondering what to expect from a laptop that is under $500. You can generally expect decent performance and some features not typically found on budget laptops. However, there are some trade-offs to consider as well. For example, most laptops in this price range do not have the best graphics or battery life.
So, it is essential to decide your priorities before making a purchase.
We’ve got you covered with our buyer’s guide to the best 17-inch laptops under $500. In this guide, we’ll go over what features you can expect to find in a laptop at this price point, and we’ll recommend our top picks.
Why choose a 17-inch screen?
While laptops have made huge technological strides in recent years, their main USP has remained portability.
The bigger the screen size, the less portable they become, and so typical laptop displays range between 13 to 15 inches. But, the smaller screens have limitations.
A smaller screen might have a higher resolution but less working space. This can be frustrating when trying to multitask or when working with large files such as video editing.
With a 17-inch screen, you get the best of both worlds. You still have a portable laptop to take with you on the go, but you also have plenty of working space.
When juggling multiple tasks, it is common to need a bigger view of what you’re working on. Photographers and video editors typically look for screens of a larger size so they can see all aspects at once without getting bored or distracted by small windows into their respective applications; this way, there’s less eye strain when editing photos/videos!
Bigger isn’t always better, though. The best gaming laptop will have a screen no larger than 15 inches, and this is widely seen as the sweet spot for gamers. However, choosing a 17-inch screen is a smart move for the rest of us because it allows for more productivity and is akin to having your desktop computer with you.
Best 17-inch Laptop Under $500 | Compared
CLICK any image to check Ratings, Opinions, and Reviews
| Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | 2022 HP Pavilion 17.3" FHD IPS Laptop Computer | Buy Now | Best Overall 17 Inch Laptop under $500 |
 | Asus Chromebook 17 Laptop | Buy Now | Best 17-Inch Chromebook under 500 |
 | HP 17 Business Laptop Computer | Buy Now | Best 17-inch Business Laptop Less Than $500 |
 | HP 17 Laptop | Buy Now | Best 17-inch Laptop for Students sub-$500 |
 | Acer Aspire 3 17.3" FHD Laptop Computer | Buy Now | Best Acer 17-Inch Screen Less Than $500 |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | Buy Now | Best for Creators 17 Inch Laptop |
 | Dell Inspiron 5770 | Buy Now | Best Dell 17-inch Laptop under $500 |
Best 17 inch Laptop Under 500 Dollars | Reviews
1. HP Pavilion
- HP is one of the best laptop manufacturers worldwide, as seen from its wide range of high-end and budget devices. Therefore, it isnt strange that the first recommendation on our list comes from this giant manufacturer. Le'ts look at some of its specs to understand better and help you make the best purchase decision.
- GPU and CPU: It's particularly heartwarming that HP didnt miss on some of the most critical features of this product despite its price range. It boasts an 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1111564 processor with an Intel Turbo Boost Technology, powerful enough to run several essential functions. This processor also equips the Laptop with 2-way processing ability, promoting maximum efficiency and power to run several operations. Intel UHD graphics also provide pretty decent image and video quality for better viewing and usage. These two specs prove that HP offers value for money, despite a products price range.
- Display and Keyboard: This product comes with a 17.3 FHD IPS screen size for a better and broader viewing experience. It is further equipped with anti-glare properties for usage in different lighting conditions, especially in sunny environments. It is also worth noting that on top of it all, this Laptop comes with an HP True Vision 720P camera with two integrated dual-array microphones. The keyboard is full-size and has integrated numerics for more accessible and better input. You will enjoy using it in your different use cases.
- RAM and Storage: Despite this products low price range, HP gave it 8GB of DDR4 RAM, adequate for different uses. Therefore, it can be entertainment, professional, learning, or office Laptop. It has a multiple 256GB SSD (solid-state drive), which offers a faster start-up time and data access. The SSD also guarantees you reduced heat production and longer-lasting battery power. The only problem is its lack of enough space.
- Ports and Connections: Like any other HP device, this product comes loaded with several ports and connection options. These include 1USB Type-A, two superspeed USB Type-A, 1 AC bright pin, 1 HDMI, and a headphone/mic combo jack port. We also have to mention the RJ-45 Ethernet port. As for connectivity, it offers Bluetooth support, high-speed WiFI connectivity, and Ethernet.
2. ASUS Chromebook 17
- Retailing at slightly below $300, the Asus Chromebook 17 is one of the cheapest laptops you can get at the moment. Do not be misled by its price range as it has a load of qualities that you will find worthy. Let's look at these to help you understand why they are featured on our list.
- CPU and GPU: You shouldnt expect sophisticated CPU and GPU properties for a budget Chromebook, and therefore, the Intel Celeron Processor N series processor works just fine for this Laptop. It packs an Intel Dual-Core Celeron N4500 processor with a base frequency of 1.1 GHz and a maximum Turbo frequency of up to 2.8GHz. Other GPU properties include Smart Cache and 2 Threads. As for the GPU properties, this product has Integrated Intel UHD graphics that give clear and crisp images and videos. You can therefore enjoy the different Chromebook functions thanks to the GPU properties.
- Display and Keyboard: A laptops display and keyboard are necessary features that everyone should consider when shopping for a new one. This Asus Chromebook comes with a 17.3-inch Full HD screen for widescreen viewing and usage. The screen is further equipped with an energy-saving LED backlight display for better viewing. The keyboard is a full-size keyboard with a numeric display for easier data input. It is also well-spaced and defined.
- RAM and Storage: A Chromebook has limited functions, and therefore you don't need lots of RAM. This product boasts 4GB DDR4 RAM, which adequately supports most of its functions. It has 32GB of eMMC storage, which is enough for most of your files.
- Ports and Connections: This device has several external ports and slots. These include 2 USB-C 3.2 and 2 USB A 3.2 ports, 1 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a Micro SD card reader slot. It also uses the Chrome OS and supports Bluetooth connectivity.
3. HP 17 Business Laptop Computer
- If you need a budget computer that can guarantee powerful performance, this is one of the best options. You will enjoy advanced multitasking, a fantastic gaming experience, easier browsing, and basic programming. Let's delve deeper into the supporting features:
- GPU and CPU: This Laptop is powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor with speeds of up to 4.1GHz. This feature delivers powerful processing, smooth gaming ability, multiple tab browsing, smooth gaming experience, and demanding computing ability. As for the GPU, this product has Intel UHD Graphics that offers excellent color and impressive images or videos. You will enjoy playing games and performing demanding computing owing to this feature.
- RAM and Storage: The RAM of the laptop matters as it dictates whether you will enjoy maximum efficiency and speedy operation or not. Luckily, HP equipped this budget laptop with 8GB of high bandwidth DDR4 RAM to support various functions and answer demanding computing needs. This product has a 256GB SSD, reportedly over 10× faster than an HDD of a similar capacity when it comes to storage.
- Display and Keyboard: A good laptop should have a powerful display. Fortunately, this device is equipped with a 17 inch Full HD Anti-glare display that guarantees you precise and high-quality images and videos. The Intel UHD Graphics further enhances this. It also has a full-size keyboard with a numeric pad for proper input and usage.
- Ports and Connections: This device comes with 1 USB 2.0 Type-A and 2 Superspeed USB Type-A ports which guarantee quick data transfer. You also get an HDMI port, a headphone/microphone jack, and an RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port.
4. HP 17 Laptop
- HP is the king of budget laptops. It has something for everyone, even though features often differ depending on the price. The HP 17 Laptop is a fantastic budget option you can consider. Take a look at the following features:
- CPU and GPU: This product has an AMD Athlon Silver 3050U mobile processor, which offers the versatility you need in a laptop. The processor has speeds of 2.3GHz base clock and can click up to 3.2GHz. AMD Radeon Graphics further enhances it for crisp and clear images. You will enjoy high performance and immediate responsiveness regardless of the use case. Thanks to the GPU and CPU properties, you can effectively stream and watch movies, play games, and perform various tasks.
- Display and Keyboard: This product has a narrow-bezel screen which allows you to enjoy the comfort you deserve, especially while editing your photos. The screen has a crisp quality of 1.4 million pixels and a Full HD resolution. You will enjoy high-quality images and videos. It also boasts a fully packed and well-designed numeric keyboard with more accessible and faster input. The keys are well-raised and defined for better usage, and you will enjoy typing away as you work or look for information.
- RAM and Storage: This Laptop comes with 4GB RAM, which does the work even though it is relatively lesser. It is further equipped with a 256GB PCle NVMe M.2 SSD, faster than the standard HDD. Therefore, you will enjoy better and faster usage and improved operation, which will come in handy, especially for students.
- Ports and Connections: The ports and connectivity options matter in a computer. You can effortlessly connect this laptop to its Wi-Fi 6(1×2) and Bluetooth 5.2 technologies. Despite its price range, it has several ports for connectivity and charging purposes, so you will never go wrong with an HP device.
5. Acer Aspire 3
- Like HP, Acer also has laptops for people in all economic classes. The Aspire 3 is a good option if you are looking for a relatively cheaper option. It has better qualities and specs than some of the laptops we have reviewed. Let's take a look at some of the qualities:
- CPU and GPU: A laptops performance greatly relies on its CPU and GPU, which explains why this is the first specs we review when talking about laptops. It runs on an Intel core i3-1005G1 processor, which is OK for its price tag. Remember, this tenth-generation processor came out recently and is quite powerful. It also runs on Windows 10, a relatively robust operating system. Like most of the devices that run on Intel processors, this Laptop has Intel UHD graphics known worldwide for their amazing images.
- Display and Keyboard: A laptops display also tells more about its overall performance. Devices with a poor display cannot perform specific operations such as gaming and a few types of schoolwork. The Acer Aspire has a 17.3 inches LED screen size with a relatively higher screen to display ratio for better viewing. Its resolution stands at 1600 × 900, which is relatively low, though it can still serve you well.
- RAM and Storage: Acer is quite generous with its devices RAM regardless of the price range. This particular device comes packed with 8GB RAM, which you can easily extend to 12 GB. You are guaranteed a memory speed of 3.4 GHz, which is relatively faster for a product of its price range. You can tell that Acer is giving you a steal, a chance you should jump on. The storage is quite generous. Acer has equipped this device with 1 TB of storage for your files and documents.
- Ports and Connections: The Acer Aspire supports a range of connectivity options that you will find valuable. Thanks to Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth technology, and webcam connectivity, you get Ethernet technology. The Webcam camera resolution is 640 × 480, which is relatively low. As for ports and slots, this device comes with 2 USB 2.0 ports, a 3.2 Generation 1 Type-A port, and an HDMI input port. If you are looking for a budget laptop, you cannot go wrong when purchasing this mid-range option.
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Who doesn't love the Lenovo IdeaPad 3? It is arguably the best option for anyone looking for a decent, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable laptop. It boasts several outstanding features, which you will see as we delve deeper into its offers.
- GPU and CPU: The IdeaPad 3 has several variations with differing qualities. The cheaper version of this device has relatively less powerful features, which can still serve you effectively. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes packed with an Intel Core i3 processor that is fast responsive and works well for several functions. You can easily handle several applications, which is good if you multitask or switch through different applications. This is one of the reasons why you should consider buying this mid-range laptop. It is also worth noting that it runs on Windows 10, a powerful and better equipped operating system.
- Display and Keyboard: A laptops display and keyboard also matter if you are thinking of buying one. This device has a massive 17.3 diagonal display with a set resolution of 1600 × 900 and will offer you quite an impressive image quality. Also, Lenovo beats several laptops when it comes to the keyboard. It is a full-sized keyboard with independent keys for easier data input, which you need for more effortless operation.
- RAM and Storage: What's a good laptop without an excellent RAM rating? This creation from Lenovo comes with 8 GB RAM to run several programs and for efficient multitasking. The storage stands at 1TB, enough for several files and varied usage.
- Ports and Connection: This device supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies for efficient connectivity. It has both USB 3.2 Type-A and C ports for external connections. You won't miss a thing with this option if you are looking for a mid-priced option.
7. Dell Inspiron 5770
- Closing our list of recommendations is this fantastic, high-quality Dell Inspiron 5770 FHD Windows laptop retailing at below $500. It is packed with loads of unique features which you will find worthy as a user. Let's look at some of these to see what you stand to gain.
- CPU and GPU: Unlike our second product, this item is powered by a more powerful microprocessor. It runs on a 1.6 GHz core I5 microprocessor, powerful enough to handle a range of tasks. This feature also makes it a good option for gamers and heavy users who require powerful laptops. It is further supported with Intel UHD 620 graphics, which offer crisp and clear images. Therefore, you won't miss a moment when watching anything on this Laptop.
- Display and Keyboard: Like all the laptops on our list, this recommendation comes with a 17-inch display, large enough for better viewing. It is arguably a good option for binge-watchers who don't have fancy TVs, considering that amazing graphics also back it. This item has the standard Dell keyboard with a numeric keypad for the keyboard. It contains nothing peculiar, just that the keys are pretty independent for more straightforward navigation and improved data input. You can type faster on such a keyboard.
- RAM and Storage: As we mentioned before, most of these companies are generous regarding their devices RAM, and Dell is not an exception. This product has 8GB RAM, offering you the speed and versatility you deserve. It comes fully equipped with an incredible 1TB storage to hold several files and programs.
- Ports and Connections: This product comes with 3 USB 2.0 ports which helps it link easily with a range of external devices. Note that it also supports wireless connectivity through its Bluetooth 802.11ac functionality. It is pretty visible that a Dell purchase can never turn out disappointing.
Video: Best Laptop Screen Size?
What to expect in this price range
When choosing a laptop with a 17-inch screen for under $500, you can expect to find models with different specs. Let’s dive a bit deeper into them.
Operating system:
The most common operating systems in this price range are Windows and ChromeOS. Windows is the more popular of the two, and for a good reason. It is very user-friendly and has a ton of features and apps. ChromeOS is a bit more limited, but it is still a decent operating system. You may not choose which one you use, and for example, a Chromebook Duet will use the Google Chrome OS with minimal Windows software integration.
Processor:
In this price range, you will find laptops with various processors. The most common ones are Intel Core I processors and AMD Ryzen processors. These are both excellent processors and will provide you with decent performance. However, if you are looking for the best possible performance, you should look for a laptop with an Intel Core I5 processor, but you will need to spend more than $500.
Graphics:
To be completely honest, the graphics in this price range will not be the best. Most laptops will have integrated Intel HD graphics, acceptable for basic tasks but not much else. If you want to do any hardcore gaming or video editing, you will need to spend more than $500.
RAM:
In this price range, you will find laptops with various RAM options. The most common ones are either DDR or DDR SDRAM. Both of these types of RAM are fine for basic tasks, but if you want to do any multitasking, you should look for a laptop with at least 8GB RAM.
Storage:
In this price range, you will find laptops with various storage options. The most common ones are either HDD or SSD. HDD is the more common type of storage, but it is not as fast as SSD. If you want the best possible performance, you should look for a laptop with a 128GB SSD. Most manufacturers use SSDs nowadays, so it’s just the size you’ll need to pay attention to.
Ports
In the sub $500 space, you will find laptops with various port options. USB Type-A and C, HDMI, and Ethernet are the most common. However, some laptops will also have Thunderbolt or DisplayPort. If you need any of these ports, you should ensure that the laptop you are looking at has them.
Battery life:
Battery life is significant to consider, whichever laptop you choose. There’ll come when you are away from your desk and power supply and knowing you have enough juice in the tank.
The most common ones are either four or six hours. However, some laptops will have up to eight hours of battery life. If you want the best possible battery life, you should look for a laptop with at least eight hours of battery life.
Resolution:
The most common resolutions in this price range are either 1366×768 or 1920×1080. If you want the best possible resolution, you should look for a laptop with at least 1920×1080.
Weight:
Weight is another important consideration, especially if you often plan to carry your laptop around. The average weight of a 17-inch laptop is around six pounds. However, some laptops will be as light as four pounds. Weight is an essential consideration if you are constantly moving, so lugging a brick around will become a chore!
Touchscreen:
A touchscreen is an excellent addition to any laptop, but they are not very common in this price range. If you want a touchscreen, you should be prepared to spend more than $500 and opt for a convertible laptop because they are more expensive.
Keyboard:
The keyboard is essential for any laptop, but it is significant for a 17-inch laptop. You should make sure that the keyboard is comfortable and has a good layout. The best keyboards will have backlit keys, which is a great addition, especially if you plan on using your laptop in low-light conditions.
Trackpad:
The trackpad is another critical consideration for any laptop. You should make sure that the trackpad is comfortable and has good accuracy. The best trackpads will have palm rejection and multi-touch support.
Price:
Of course, the most important consideration is price. You should ensure that you get the best possible value for your money. You will find laptops with various features in this price range, so it is essential to decide what is most important to you.
As you can see, there are many things to consider when buying a laptop in this price range. However, if you take your time and do your research, you will be able to find the perfect laptop for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the best 17-inch laptop under 500 in 2022?
When choosing the best 17-inch laptop under 500 in 2022, you should consider the following factors: storage, ports, battery life, resolution, weight, touchscreen, keyboard, trackpad, and price. You should also decide what is most important to you in a laptop.
What is the purpose of a gaming laptop under 500?
A gaming laptop under 500 is to provide the best possible gaming experience within the budget. A gaming laptop under 500 should have a powerful processor, ample storage, and a high-quality graphics card. It should also have a fast refresh rate and a large screen.
Will a 17-inch laptop fit in a backpack?
It depends on the size of the backpack. A 17-inch laptop will usually fit in a medium-sized backpack. However, if you have a large backpack, it may be too big for the laptop. You should check the dimensions of the backpack and the laptop before purchasing to ensure that it will fit.
How much does it cost to repair a laptop screen?
Screen repairs can range in price from $50 to $200. The cost of the repair will depend on the type of screen, the severity of the damage, and the location of the damage. You should contact a laptop repair shop for an estimate.
Conclusion
When choosing the best 17-inch laptop under $500, you should consider the following factors:
- storage,
- ports,
- battery life,
- resolution,
- weight,
- touchscreen,
- keyboard,
- trackpad,
- and price.
With so many things to consider, it may be overwhelming at first. However, if you take your time and do your research, you will be able to find 1 laptop for you.
So, should you spend your hard-earned cash on a laptop that’s under $500? If you don’t need the best performance and want a laptop with a big screen, then it’s worth considering.
If you are looking for a powerful machine with a large screen, you may want to consider spending more money. However, if you are OK with making some compromises and don’t need the most high-powered device available, there are some excellent options for you in this price range. It all comes down to what your specific needs and wants are.
Just be prepared to make some trade-offs regarding features and quality. It all depends on what you plan to use your laptop for. If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments section below. We love helping our readers find the perfect laptops for their needs!
Empire Laptops is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
- How to Increase Laptop Battery Life: 8 (Proven) Tips to Extend Your Battery’s Lifespan - July 15, 2022
- Comparison of The 10 Best Laptops with 16GB RAM - November 25, 2021
- 9 Best Laptops with Stylus Support: Compare Features & Specs - November 24, 2021