Welcome to our latest blog post on the best laptops under $400 in 2023! In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable and affordable laptop is essential for staying connected, productive, and entertained. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect laptop that meets your budget and performance needs.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you and narrowed down the top seven laptops that offer exceptional value for money, all priced under $400. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday use, this list has something for everyone.
Join us as we dive into the world of affordable laptops and help you find the perfect one to suit your needs without breaking the bank. So, without further ado, let’s explore the top seven best laptops under $400 in 2023 and make an informed decision for your next laptop purchase!
The Best Laptops Under $400 you can buy in 2023.
So, here is the list of Best Laptops Under $400 of 2023. If you want more information and updated pricing on the products mentioned, be sure to check the links in each product we mentioned.
1. Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020)
Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) is a versatile 2-in-1 convertible laptop that offers a seamless blend of performance, design, and portability. The sleek and thin profile of the laptop makes it highly portable, and the 360-degree hinge allows for easy conversion between laptop and tablet modes. The laptop is well-built with a durable finish that doesn’t scratch easily, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
The Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) boasts impressive performance. Powered by an Intel Core processor, it offers smooth multitasking capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly switch between apps and tasks without any lag. The laptop also features ample storage space with its SSD storage, ensuring quick boot-up times and snappy performance. The long battery life of over twelve hours of light productivity and nearly eight hours of video playback ensures that users can work or enjoy multimedia content on the go without worrying about frequent recharging.
The Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) is sleek and modern, with a premium look and feel. The 15-inch display provides ample screen real estate for work or entertainment purposes, and the 360-degree hinge allows for versatile usage modes. The laptop also features a backlit keyboard, making it convenient to work even in low-light conditions. The laptop’s durable build and scratch-resistant finish ensure that it can withstand the rigors of daily use and maintain its aesthetic appeal over time.
2. ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a mid-range laptop that offers a decent balance between performance and affordability. With its sleek design and competent performance, it caters to users who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks. The laptop features a 15.6-inch display with good color accuracy, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and casual gaming. It also has a satisfactory I/O coverage, including USB Type-C, HDMI, and a MicroSD card reader, providing versatility in connectivity options.
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is powered by an Intel Core processor, which delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption. The laptop also has ample storage space with its SSD storage option, allowing for fast data access and quick boot-up times. However, it’s worth noting that some of the USB Type-A ports run at 2.0 speeds, which may be limiting for users who require high-speed data transfer or use multiple peripherals.
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is sleek and modern, featuring a slim profile and a lightweight build that makes it portable and easy to carry around. The laptop has a comfortable keyboard with good typing experience and a responsive touchpad for smooth navigation. The display is decent with good color accuracy, but the average webcam may be a downside for users who require high-quality video conferencing. Additionally, the laptop lacks an RJ45 port, and the presence of USB 2.0 ports in 2021 may be disappointing for users who rely on high-speed data transfer.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 (2020)
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 (2020) is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that offers impressive performance and functionality at an affordable price point. With a 14-inch display and a weight of just 3.64 pounds, it’s a portable option for on-the-go users. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, providing smooth and responsive performance for multitasking, web browsing, and media consumption. With 256GB of storage, there’s ample space for storing files, documents, and multimedia content.
In terms of design, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 features a sleek and modern aesthetic with a slim profile and a durable build quality. The 2-in-1 form factor allows for versatile usage modes, including laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes, making it adaptable to different tasks and scenarios. The 14-inch display is a Full HD touchscreen that offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it suitable for both work and entertainment purposes.
When it comes to performance, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 delivers impressive results. The Intel Core i5 processor combined with 8GB of RAM provides smooth and snappy performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption. The laptop also features integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, which offer decent graphical performance for casual gaming and multimedia editing. The battery life is also noteworthy, providing all-day usage without frequent recharging.
4. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is a budget-friendly laptop that offers decent performance and comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor, 8GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD in the A515-44-R2SA model. The laptop features a 15.6-inch display with Full HD resolution, providing clear visuals and vibrant colors for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. The design of the Acer Aspire 5 is sleek and minimalistic, with a matte finish and a slim profile, making it portable and suitable for daily use.
In terms of performance, the Acer Aspire 5 delivers decent results for its price range. The AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor provides smooth and responsive performance for multitasking, web browsing, and content creation tasks. The 8GB of memory allows for smooth operation of multiple applications simultaneously, while the 512GB SSD offers ample storage space for files and documents. The laptop also features integrated AMD Radeon graphics, which offer decent graphical performance for casual gaming and multimedia editing.
One area where the Acer Aspire 5 may fall short is in terms of build quality. Some users may find the overall build to be less premium compared to higher-end laptops, with plastic construction and less sturdy hinges. Additionally, the keyboard and touchpad may not offer the same level of tactile feedback and accuracy as more premium laptops. However, considering its budget-friendly price point, the Acer Aspire 5 still provides good value for money with its performance and features.
5. ASUS VivoBook Flip 14
The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 is a budget convertible laptop that offers style and innovation at an affordable price. The laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H CPU, AMD Radeon Graphics, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD in the reviewed model, providing decent performance for everyday tasks and content consumption. The design of the VivoBook Flip 14 is sleek and eye-catching, with a thin and flat aluminum body that gives it a premium look and feel. One unique feature of this laptop is the numeric pad built into the touchpad, which adds convenience and productivity for users who frequently work with numbers.
The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 offers decent specifications for its price range. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H CPU provides smooth and responsive performance for multitasking, web browsing, and light content creation tasks. The 8GB of DDR4 RAM allows for smooth operation of multiple applications simultaneously, while the 512GB SSD offers ample storage space for files and documents. The laptop also features AMD Radeon Graphics, which offer decent graphical performance for casual gaming and multimedia editing.
The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 also brings some unique features to the table, such as the built-in numeric pad in the touchpad, and Antibacterial Guard technology that helps combat bacteria on the surface of the laptop. These features add value to the overall package and make the VivoBook Flip 14 stand out in the mid-range laptop market. However, it’s worth noting that the laptop’s performance may not be suitable for heavy gaming or resource-intensive tasks, as it is designed for everyday use and light content creation.
6. Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021)
Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021) is a budget Windows 2-in-1 tablet that offers a sleek design and solid build quality, as highlighted in the reviews. Its magnesium chassis gives it a sturdy feel and durability, similar to its predecessor, the Surface Go 2. The 10.5-inch display is sharp and bright enough for most settings, although its small size may make multitasking challenging.
The Surface Go 3 has been reviewed to have performance and value that are slightly below expectations for a third-generation product. The tablet is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 processor, which may not deliver top-tier performance for intensive tasks but is sufficient for everyday productivity and light browsing. The battery life is also adequate for regular use, allowing for several hours of usage on a single charge.
The Surface Go 3 also offers versatility with its detachable keyboard and kickstand, allowing for easy switch between tablet and laptop modes for productivity on the go. The tablet comes with Windows 11, offering access to a wide range of apps and software from the Microsoft Store. The tablet also includes USB-C and USB-A ports for connectivity, although some reviewers have noted the absence of Thunderbolt support.
7. Acer Aspire 1
Acer Aspire 1 is a budget-friendly laptop that offers basic specifications, a simple design, and modest performance. The laptop is equipped with an Intel Celeron or Pentium processor, which provides entry-level performance suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption. The laptop typically comes with 4GB of RAM and a small amount of storage, such as 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage, which may limit its capability for demanding tasks or large file storage.
In terms of design, the Acer Aspire 1 features a simple and minimalist design with a plastic chassis, which may not offer the same level of durability and premium feel as higher-end laptops. The laptop typically has a 14-inch display with a basic HD resolution, which may not deliver the best visual quality but is suitable for everyday tasks. The laptop also offers a basic selection of ports for connectivity, such as USB ports, HDMI, and an SD card reader, although it may lack more advanced ports such as USB-C or Thunderbolt.
The performance of the Acer Aspire 1 is modest and is geared towards basic tasks. It may struggle with resource-intensive applications or multitasking due to its limited processing power and RAM. However, it can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and streaming multimedia content with ease. The laptop typically runs on Windows 10, which provides access to a wide range of software and applications for everyday productivity.
You may also like: 7 Best Business Laptops (April 2023)
Best Laptops Under $400 Buying Guide for 2023
When choosing the best laptops under $400 for 2023, it’s important to consider various factors to ensure that you get the best value for your budget. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Consider specifications
Pay attention to the specifications of the laptops, such as the processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card. Look for laptops with a decent processor, sufficient RAM (at least 4GB), and ample storage (preferably 256GB or more) to ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks.
Determine your usage
Consider how you plan to use the laptop. If you need a laptop for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption, a budget laptop with an entry-level processor and integrated graphics may suffice. However, if you plan to use it for tasks that require more processing power, such as video editing or gaming, you may need to prioritize a laptop with a more powerful processor and dedicated graphics card.
Check battery life
Battery life is crucial, especially if you need to use the laptop on the go. Look for laptops that offer decent battery life, ideally around 6-8 hours or more, to ensure that it can last through a typical workday without needing frequent recharging.
Build quality and portability
Consider the build quality and portability of the laptop. Look for laptops that are well-built and durable, with a portable and lightweight design if you need to carry it around frequently.
Compare prices
Compare prices of different laptops within your budget and consider the best features and specifications offered within that price range. Keep in mind that laptops under $400 may have some limitations in terms of performance and features compared to higher-priced laptops, so it’s important to manage your expectations accordingly.
By considering these factors and doing thorough research, you can choose the best laptop under $400 for 2023 that meets your specific needs and offers good performance for your daily computing requirements.
Best Laptops Under $400 FAQ
What is the best convertible laptop under $400 for 2023?
The Asus VivoBook Flip 14 is considered the best convertible laptop under $400 running Windows operating system. It offers powerful specs in a premium and portable chassis, with a great display, comfortable backlit keyboard, and a battery that can last up to 8 hours on a single charge.
Which is the best laptop under $400 overall for 2023?
The Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) is considered the best laptop under $400 overall. It is a well-built 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a thin and light design, as per the reviews from RTINGS.com. However, it’s important to note that laptop rankings and availability may change over time, so it’s recommended to refer to up-to-date reviews and rankings for the most accurate information.
What is a budget-friendly gaming laptop under $400 for 2023?
The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 7 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that is known for its impressive gaming performance and high native screen resolution, as per the recommendation from PCMag.com. It’s important to note that gaming laptops at this price point may have limitations in terms of performance and features, so it’s important to carefully consider your gaming requirements and budget before making a decision.
Conclusion
After reviewing various sources, it can be concluded that there are some excellent options for laptops under $400 in 2023. The Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) is highlighted for its well-built 2-in-1 convertible design, 1080p display, spacious keyboard, and responsive touchpad, making it a compelling choice for multitasking needs.
The Asus VivoBook Flip 14 is also noted as a top choice for its premium and portable chassis, powerful specs, great display, comfortable backlit keyboard, and long battery life, particularly for those seeking a Windows operating system. Additionally, the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 7 is highlighted as a budget-friendly gaming laptop with impressive gaming performance and high native screen resolution, making it an attractive option for gaming enthusiasts.
It’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the best laptop under $400 for 2023, keeping in mind factors such as design, display, keyboard, performance, and battery life. Conducting thorough research, reading reviews, and comparing specifications can help you make an informed decision and find the perfect laptop that meets your requirements without breaking the bank.
