When it comes to finding the best laptops under $400, Amazon offers a wide range of options that can suit various needs, whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who just needs a reliable device for everyday tasks. In this article, we will explore the top 10 laptops under $400 available on Amazon as of 2024. These budget-friendly laptops deliver good performance without breaking the bank, making them ideal for anyone looking to get the best value for their money. For a quick overview, you can check out our comprehensive table at the end of this introduction.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core... | $299.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Laptop, 15.6” FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11... | $358.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop, Intel Dual Core Processor, 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD + 128GB eMMC, 15.6"... | $339.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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LENOVO IdeaPad 1 Laptop, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel Celeron N4500 Processor, 20GB RAM, 1TB SSD, SD... | $419.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
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hp Newest Essential 15 Laptop, 16GB RAM, 640GB(128GB SSD+512GB USB), 15.6" Anti-Glare Display, Intel... | $399.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
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HP 2023 Newest 14 Laptop for Productivity and Entertainment,14" FHD Display, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, AMD... | $379.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
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HP 15 Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3-5300U Processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD Storage, 15.6-inch HD Micro-Edge... | $319.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
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NIAKUN 16 Inch Laptop Computer, Gaming Laptop, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, N95 Processor, FHD 1920 * 1200,... | $359.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
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hp Newest 15.6" Anti-Glare HD Laptop, Intel Quad-core Processor, 16GB RAM, 128GB SSD+ 128GB JVQ USB... | $359.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
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HP Essential Laptop, 14" HD Display, Intel Celeron N4120, 16GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, Webcam, HDMI, Wi-Fi,... | $243.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Buying Guide for Best Laptops Under $400
Before diving into our curated list, it’s essential to know what to look for when purchasing a laptop under $400. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Processor
The processor is fundamentally important for the overall performance of your laptop. Look for models equipped with at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3. These processors provide decent performance for general tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos.
2. RAM
Opt for a laptop with a minimum of 4GB of RAM; however, 8GB is ideal for smoother multitasking. Insufficient RAM can slow down your laptop significantly, so choose accordingly based on your usage needs.
3. Storage
In this price range, laptops often feature either HDDs or eMMCs. A 256GB SSD is preferable for speed, though HDDs might offer more storage at a lower price point. Consider how much storage you will need for your files and applications.
4. Display Quality
A good display can enhance your experience. Look for a laptop with at least a 1366 x 768 resolution. If you’re into media consumption, consider a laptop with an IPS panel for better viewing angles and color accuracy.
5. Battery Life
Given the price range, battery life can vary significantly. Aim for a laptop that offers at least 5-6 hours of battery life under regular use. This will ensure you can work or enjoy media without frequent plug-ins.
6. Weight & Portability
If you plan on carrying your laptop around, weight and size are important factors. Look for a lightweight model that is easy to transport, particularly if you’re a student or frequently engage in remote work.
7. Brand and Warranty
Finally, consider the reputation of the brand and the length of the warranty. Established brands typically offer more reliable customer support and warranty options, which can be invaluable if you run into issues.
Top 10 Best Laptops Under $400
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 1
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a compact and lightweight laptop that comes packed with decent specifications making it an excellent choice for everyday tasks. Running on an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, it offers good performance for browsing, productivity, and multimedia consumption.
Features include:
- 14-inch HD display (1366 x 768)
- 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home installed
Battery life is around 7 hours, making it ideal for students or professionals on the go. Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is one of the best laptops under $400 for those looking for a reliable device without splurging.
- MULTITASKING MASTER - The IdeaPad 1 is a thin and compact laptop that offers responsive performance and anticipates your every need for effortless on-the-go multitasking
- MORE EXPANSIVE DISPLAY - Indulge in a better binging experience by immersing yourself in your favorite shows with a borderless display for more screen while listening to clear, rich audio from two Dolby Audio speakers
- PERFORMANCE ON THE GO - Zip along while multitasking across several tabs, the new AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor built on UMA architecture delivers punchy mobile performance with a 20W thermal design point
- LIGHTEST PART OF YOUR DAY - Weighing just 3.5 lbs, the effortlessly cool cloud grey laptop is lighter than your water bottle and just as essential
- SOLID SECURITY - Keep your home life private and be seen only when you want to be with the 720p camera that comes with a physical privacy shutter
2. HP Stream 14
The HP Stream 14 is a stylish, budget-friendly laptop designed especially for students. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and the bright blue color gives it a modern touch.
Key specifications include:
- 14-inch HD display (1366 x 768)
- Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC
- Windows 11 S mode
This laptop has about 12 hours of battery life, making it perfect for long school days. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly to complete your assignments, the HP Stream 14 is a fantastic choice.
- 【Processor & Graphics】Intel Celeron N4120, 4 Cores & 4 Threads, 1.10 GHz Base Frequency, Up to 2.60 GHz Burst Frequency, 4 MB Cahce, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Handle multitasking reliably with the perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value
- 【14" HD Display】14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView. With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups
- 【RAM & Storage】Upgraded to 16GB high-bandwidth DDR4 Memory (2400 MHz), Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. 128GB high-speed eMMC Storage for your office and webinar needs. With 128GB Ghost Manta SD Card.
- 【Ports】1 x USB 3.1 Type-C ports, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, and there's a microSD slot
- 【Windows 11 Home in S mode】You may switch to regular windows 11: Press "Start button" bottom left of the screen; Select "Settings" icon above "power" icon;Select "Activation", then Go to Store; Select Get option under "Switch out of S mode"; Hit Install. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)
3. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 offers a larger display and better performance, making it an excellent option if you need more screen real estate. With its sleek design, it’s ideal for both home and office use.
Specifications include:
- 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- AMD Ryzen 3, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
This laptop provides about 8 hours of battery life and comes with a backlit keyboard, making it great for low-light conditions. The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best laptops under $400 for users who want performance and functionality.
- Do What You Do With Exceptional Performance: The 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. And Intel UHD graphics distribute performance where you need it most. With 16GB LPDDR5 memory and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage—the Aspire 5 is made to do it all.
- Clear and Comfortable Viewing: Experience crisp, lifelike colors and sharp details on the 15.6” FHD IPS touch display. You have more space to work thanks to narrow bezels. Equipped with Acer’s suite of visual technologies for dynamic color optimization and viewing comfort.
- The Design: The slim 0.71" body give the Aspire 5 a premium feel and appearance. An ergonomic hinge design lifts the body of Aspire 5 and tilts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling and a better sound experience.
- Smooth Operator: Make light work of your daily tasks, with a full line-up of features to elevate your day-to-day—like a 720p webcam and an air inlet keyboard.
- Internal Specifications: 16GB LPDDR5 memory; 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD to store your files and media; Windows 11 Home
4. Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a versatile and durable laptop that is perfect for everyday computing tasks. The 15.6-inch display provides plenty of viewing space, and it features Dell’s signature build quality.
Key features include:
- 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768)
- Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
This model also includes a numeric keypad, making it a practical choice for students and professionals. With about 6 hours of battery life, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 strikes a great balance between performance and affordability.
![Dell Inspiron 15 3000 3520 Business Laptop Computer[Windows 11 Pro], 15.6'' FHD Touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-1135G7, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51O3nNfyJPL.jpg)
- 【15.6" Full HD Touchscreen】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight. Designed with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability.
- 【11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor】Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. Your always-ready experience starts as soon as you open your device. Turn on, boot-up, and log-in quickly.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSD】16GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. A 1TB NVMe PCIe solid slate drive that leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available.
- 【Easy-to-use Technology】Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep going for longer. Comes with Express Charge capabilities that minimize the time you spend tethered to an outlet and will recharge your battery 80% in 60 minutes. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer.
- 【Windows 11 Professional】Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. Plus, you can switch out of S mode.
5. ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is one of the most stylish and lightweight laptops you can find under $400. It comes with a stunning Full HD display that makes media consumption enjoyable.
Specifications include:
- 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
The battery life here is approximately 7 hours, which is standard for its class. If you’re looking for a laptop with a stunning display that looks good too, consider the ASUS VivoBook 15.
- 15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY — Super slim bezel design with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate, vibrant 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit sustained brightness
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U PROCESSOR — Designed for thin laptops, this processor gives you fast performance for browsing and light gaming with longer battery life with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- 8GB MEMORY + 512GB STORAGE — Faster memory that smoothly runs multiple applications at once with supersized storage for files, documents and more
- WI-FI 5 AND BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Seamlessly and quickly connect your devices
- SOUND BY SONICMASTER — Crisp, multi-dimensional sound with built-in speakers and an array microphone
6. Microsoft Surface Go 3
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is uniquely positioned within this price bracket as a versatile 2-in-1 device. Ideal for users looking for a combination of laptop and tablet functionality.
Features include:
- 10.5-inch PixelSense display (1920 x 1280)
- Intel Pentium Gold, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC
- Windows 11 Home in S mode
This laptop/tablet hybrid has a battery life of about 10 hours, making it perfect for on-the-go productivity. If versatility and portability are your top priorities, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a fantastic option in the best laptops under $400 category.
- The perfect everyday laptop – Ultra-portable at under 2.5 pounds with a vibrant 12.4” touchscreen for work or play, wherever you are.
- Colors you crave – Available in Platinum, Sage, Sandstone, and Ice Blue, all in a durable, cool metal finish [3].
- Get your work done effortlessly – Stream all the latest releases, and run your favorite day-to-day apps, now with faster performance and up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage [4].
- Up to 15 hours [1] of battery life – Power through a full day of work, play, shopping, or streaming. Plus, recharge quickly with Fast Charging.
- Fingerprint Power Button – One Touch sign-in provides fast, secure login, cloud access to OneDrive Personal Vault [7] files, and more.
7. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is an excellent choice for anyone who is heavily into web-based tasks. As a convertible laptop, it offers both laptop and tablet modes for added flexibility.
Specifications include:
- 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Intel Core i3, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC
- Chrome OS
With about 10 hours of battery life, this Chromebook is perfect for students and remote workers who mainly use cloud applications. The flexible design and solid performance make it one of the top contenders in the best laptops under $400 space.
- Touch Screen Type :Capacitive.Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Work from home, school, or anywhere with the outstanding combination of performance, connectivity, and entertainment enabled by 10th generation InteI Core processors. The Lenovo Flex 5 offers intelligent performance features that adapt to you for a personalized, intuitive, and responsive experience
- This 2-in-1 laptop combines a keyboard and touchscreen to make it easy to interact with everything on your display. You can also use the Lenovo digital pen (sold separately) to quickly write, click or drag files right on the screen
- The 13.3-inch FHD display in this slim, light 360° convertible Chromebook offers beautiful visuals, while narrow bezels minimize distractions. Two user-facing stereo speakers keep you immersed in the experience
- Use your Google account to easily access files, videos, music, and documents stored on the cloud from anywhere. With up to 10 hours of battery life, you'll stay productive
8. HP Pavilion x360
The HP Pavilion x360 is a captivating 2-in-1 laptop that combines functionality with impressive aesthetics. Great for students or casual users, it delivers solid performance for an affordable price.
Key features include:
- 14-inch HD touchscreen (1366 x 768)
- Intel Pentium Silver, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
This model provides about 8 hours of battery life. If you’re looking for a touchscreen laptop with flexibility and nice design, the HP Pavilion x360 should definitely be on your radar.
- FULL HD TOUCH DISPLAY - Intuitive touchscreen technology lets you control your PC right from the vibrant 1920 x 1080 screen, plus be entertained any way you choose with this PC’s 360-degree design
- INTEL CORE PROCESSOR - Offering more than just a performance score, this 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1315U processor advances real-world computing and delivers more ultra-efficient multi-tasking
- INTEL UHD GRAPHICS - Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage; and enjoy higher bandwidth and boosted performance with 8 GB DDR4 RAM memory
- GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE WITH WINDOWS 11 HOME - From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way
9. Samsung Chromebook 4+
The Samsung Chromebook 4+ stands out for its large screen and minimalist design. It’s perfect for anyone who primarily uses web applications and wants a lightweight device.
Specifications include:
- 15.6-inch Full HD display (1920 x 1080)
- Intel Celeron N4000, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC
- Chrome OS
This Chromebook offers roughly 12 hours of battery life, making it suitable for all-day use. With its bigger display, the Samsung Chromebook 4+ is advantageous for media streaming or working with multiple windows side-by-side.
- Large and immersive 15. 6” display in a compact frame
- Military-grade durability
- Ultra-fast connectivity with Gigabit Wi-Fi
- Advanced security with multiple layers of built-in virus protection
- 10. 5 hours of battery life
10. Dell Latitude 3410
The Dell Latitude 3410 is a robust laptop featuring business-oriented features, making it an ideal choice for professionals. It offers a good combination of performance and battery life.
Features include:
- 15.6-inch HD display (1366 x 768)
- Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
With around 9 hours of battery life, it is perfect for business use and can handle various tasks with ease. The Dell Latitude 3410 is indeed one of the best laptops under $400, particularly for office productivity.
- [ INTEL Core i5 Processor ] Released in 2020 The Latitude 3410 Laptop is DELL's latest release in the 14" Latitude 3000 family. It comes with all the latest technology including DDR4 Memory clocked at a whopping 3200MHz and a 10th generation INTEL 4-core Processor. The 4 cores on the Core i5-10210U processor allows for exceptional multitasking. To save power and prolong battery life the processor will run @ 1.6Ghz under low use but will boost to 4.2GHz under heavy use for powerful performance
- [ Display & Graphics ] This Latitude 3410 Laptop comes with a 14" Non-Touch Screen with (1920x1080) resolution for stunningly clear visuals and a integrated graphics card built into the INTEL Core i5-10210U processor which will use the computer's 8GB of RAM for the graphics memory.
- [ High Speed RAM And Enormous Space ] The 8GB DDR4 RAM Running @ 3200MHz will let you smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once and a 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive will provide fast startup, data transfers, and large file storage!
- [ Operating System ] Windows 10 is Microsoft's most battle tested Operating System and if you want to upgrade to the latest windows 11, windows 11 is a simple free upgarade through windows update. Windows Pro comes with everything that Windows Home comes with, plus extra features your organization might require like active directory and bitlocker device encryption (normally an $100 upgrade if purchased seperately).
- [ Extra Details ] A Wecbam comes integrated. Wifi and Bluetooth come integrated. [ PORTS & SLOTS ] uSD 3.0 card reader slot | Universal Audio Jack | USB 2.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port with PowerShare | RJ-45 with status LED | Wedge-shaped Lock Slot | Power-in, 4.5mm barrel with status LED | HDMI 1.4 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port |
Conclusion
Finding the best laptops under $400 doesn’t mean compromising on quality or performance. Each of the models listed here offers solid specifications tailored for various needs, from everyday tasks and studies to professional applications. Whether you need a lightweight Chromebook for casual browsing or a powerful laptop for work, our guide has something for everyone.
Remember to consider your primary use case, be it web-based tasks, multimedia consumption, or business applications, when making your final decision. With the right selection from this list, you’re sure to get a reliable laptop that fits your budget in 2024 and beyond.
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.