Finding a laptop within your price range is always a difficult task, specially laptops under $400. Also, we have reviewed backlit gaming keyboard laptops under 400 and the best gaming laptops under 400.
Best Laptops Under 400 buyer reports & ratings
Below is comparison table of our best laptops under 400 buyer reports & ratings
List of Top Rated Best Laptops Under $400
- Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
- Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop Under 400
- HP Stream Laptop PC
- Lenovo IdeaPad 330 15.6-inch HD Business Laptop PC
- HP Chromebook X360 Touchscreen Laptop
- ASUS Chromebook 15
- Microsoft Surface Go
#1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
Aspire 5 laptop is a powerful and portable budget laptop. You can get a satisfying performance in every aspect of everyday use. Build using 8th Gen Intel Core Processor, aspire 5 can manage difficult tasks without any problem. With its 15.6″ big and Full HD IPS screen, you can see things more clear and sharp. It can be your good companion while you travel.
Do your old laptop halt while loading multiple apps? Aspire 5 supercharge your multi-app loading process with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. Intel Core i5-8265U processors make apps load faster and allow various tasks to run simultaneously without lag. Its lightweight design and lightweight aluminium top cover makes this laptop thing and great for travel purpose.
You don’t have to worry about connecting other devices, as Aspire 5 comes with a range of different ports, including HDMI, USB Type-C & USB 3.1. Get the strong wifi signal by using its 2×2 802.11ac.
Do you love to work with the backlit keyboard, it has a built-in fingerprint reader which provides easy, secure access with just one touch.
#2. ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
No matter you are at work or playing games, ASUS VivoBook 15 is the small laptop that helps you in whatever your task is. Due to its new frameless, all side NanoEdge and ultra-slim 5.7mm bezel display give an incredible 88% screen ratio for splendid views.
The ErgoLift hinge with lightning keyboard helps in more comfortable typing. VivoBook 15 comes equipped with AMD R5 processor with superb AMD Radeon enables you to complete your tasks without any problem.
VivoBook 15 comes with multiple connectivity options, including USB Type C, HDMI, microSD card reader and USB 3.1 and 2.0 ports. All these connectivity options help you to connect with other devices without any problem.
VivoBook 15 is the laptop with backlit keyboard, which makes it compact and easy to work, and provides a pleasant typing experience.
Security is everybody’s concern these days, but VivoBook 15 has a built-in fingerprint sensor on the touchpad, so you don’t have to type of password every time.
Asus VivoBook 15 Quad-Core processor gives some excellent work performance for different tasks, i.e., MS Office, web browsing, and watching streaming services.
ASUS VivoBook boot time is awe-inspiring with a solid-state drive and ddr4 memory in seconds. Display and graphics cards are elite quality, so you can play games at reasonable frame rates. You can also use this machine for development environment laptop.
I recommend this to people who need a laptop for basic work needs, light entertainment/shopping, and light gaming. I would re-buy it.
#3. Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop Under 400
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 14 delivers speed and power, and boost your productivity and creativity by using its mobile processor. The Flex 14 2 in 1 laptop built using the latest AMD Ryzen processor, which provides excellent touchscreen and pen response time, fast reboot time, and lag-free multitasking.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 14 comes equipped with full of all latest ports, including USB-C 3.0, two USB 3.0, and HDMI output. The Flex 14 allows you to connect to multiple external devices, i.e. monitors, keyboards, mice, external storage and printers. You don’t need any extra dongles and adapters.
You don’t have to worry about going power out, because Flex 14 comes with up to 8 hours of battery life. So, you can work, play, and stay in the loop all day, from anywhere. Are you getting a low battery message? Don’t worry, by using its rapid charge technology allows you to recharge up to 80% in just one hour.
Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or collaborating online, you’ll enjoy the seamless performance with amazing visuals, every time.
Don’t look for a Thunderbolt 3 port in this price range, but don’t worry you can connect to multi-devices by using its USB 3.1 Type-C port, an HDMI video output, an audio jack, and a connector for the AC adapter.
#4. HP Stream Laptop PC
The HP Stream 14 is one of the most popular laptops in the $400 price range. It has decent specs and is specially designed for travelers. It’s available in two different sizes, 11-inch and 14-inch, and there’s not really a big different price between them, so you can pick the one that’s most convenient.
It is a medium-sized laptop that is made for people who need the device for occasional jobs like browsing, checking emails, video chatting, social media etc. I would not recommend it to those who have to run bulky applications. However, one can run MS Office and other average programs effortlessly.
This model is available in Aqua Blue, which we find quite attractive. It has been dramatically improved compared to previous models, and we believe this is the best laptop on the list for under $400 dollars.
Multitasking transmission as well as relatively demanding application execution. The only downside to this device is its limited storage space. However, you can always use the memory card to get more space. The keyboard has good comments. We highly recommend this laptop for writers or college students who need to write a lot for homework.
If the laptop seems a little slow out of the box, consider removing the bloatware that ships with it. It may take a few hours, but it will reward you with much higher performance and free up valuable data storage space.
Overall, although it has speed and space limits, it is still a great laptop for many uses. If you need an ultra-budget laptop with good battery life, then this is the option.
#5. Lenovo IdeaPad 330 15.6-inch HD Business Laptop PC
Versatile and economical laptop, the Lenovo Ideapad 330 is an excellent family laptop: ideal for office, internet and multimedia applications.
The Lenovo Ideapad 330 replaces the Lenovo Ideapad 330S at the top of our ranking. This more affordable version is a great alternative to the newer and lighter 330S. Compared to other laptops in the category, we particularly appreciate the quality of its components such as its 17.3-inch Full HD screen or Dolby Audio allowing an extraordinary sound experience. It is a robust computer, with excellent finishes, a 6 hour battery life and a user-friendly backlit keyboard.
We can regret the absence of a dedicated graphics card, which will limit its gaming use, but this model is not made for that. Everything has been done to create the best multimedia and family laptop for less than $500, and the least we can say is that the bet is successful! Well done Lenovo.
#6. HP Chromebook X360 Touchscreen Laptop
The HP Chromebook x360 12b has a 12 inch 1366 x 912 touch screen in a 3: 2 Pixelbook format, ideal for browsing the web. This convertible can be used in ordinary laptop mode or as a tablet.
In the entry-level category, the HP Chromebook x360 12b wins hands down. Its specifications have undergone upgrades compared to other entry-level products in the same category: a Celeron N4000 2C / 2T 1.1 / 2.6 GHz processor, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage eMMC.
But this chromebook stands out above all by its metal chassis, an Intel 9560 provides 2 × 2 802.11ac and by its Bluetooth 5.0. But above all, it is equipped with a Full HD + 3: 2 screen.
In terms of connectivity, this chromebook is equipped with a USB3.1, 2 x USB-C 3.1 for charging / data / DisplayPort, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a slot for a MicroSD card. We are happy to see that HP has chosen a smart combination of ports that allows users to use modern standards and maintain compatibility with most of the devices they already own.
This chromebook could make a great extra laptop for light travel, for example. It can also act as a high-performance tablet.
#7. ASUS CHROMEBOOK 15
This Asus Chromebook is a great looking laptop with a large 15.6 “screen. Even with the big screen, this laptop is still physically small due to the very narrow (6mm) screen bezels. The anti-glare coating of the screen will also be welcome if you work outdoors or in bright light environments.
The battery life is good at 10 hours. Battery life and lightweight (3.1 lbs) will make this a great laptop for traveling or other highly mobile uses.
With an Intel Celeron N3350, 32GB of solid-state memory, and 4GB of RAM, you’ll get good performance for basic tasks like document editing, email, and web browsing.
Although it’s incredibly thin and light, you’ll still find all the usual ports you need to connect on the go, including USB Type-C, micro HDMI, and a headphone jack. It also has a microSD card reader to collect your photos and other important files on the go.
Please note this is a Chromebook, so it will use Chrome OS instead of Windows. However, Chrome OS offers several benefits, such as improved security, lower cost, and better use of storage resources. Still, if you want to use Windows apps, you should consider a different model.
This laptop / tablet combo offers the power you need when you’re at home, but it can also be as portable as any tablet on the market. This will be great for writing that essay and then watching a movie on the go.
#8. Microsoft Surface Go
Starting at just 1.3 lbs, new 10” Surface Go is our smallest, lightest Surface yet. It fits easily in your bag and gives you laptop performance with tablet portability.
Count on new Surface Go to run Office and other day-to-day software and apps, with a powerful Intel processor and up to 9 hours of battery life.
Sleek and slim, the new Surface Go is designed with a stunning 10” PixelSense Display with touch screen that’s perfect for browsing, working, and binge watching.
Designed for the latest Windows laptop operating system and Office 365, Surface Go runs Windows 10 in S Mode, to do the things you want with protection you can count on and performance that lasts.
Place Surface Go in Laptop Mode by opening and adjusting the built-in Kickstand and adding removable Surface Signature Type Cover.
Close the Kickstand, and detach or fold Surface Signature Type Cover back for an ultra-portable, stand-alone Intel tablet.
Pair with the new Surface Mobile Mouse in the color of your choice for precise navigation and control.
Up to 9 hours of video playback using pre production Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y Processor, 128GB, 8GB RAM device. Testing consisted of full battery discharge during video playback. All settings were default except: Wi-Fi was associated with a network and Auto-Brightness disabled. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors.
What to expect from laptop of less than 400 Dollars?
As we’ve already discussed, budget notebooks will generally have low-end processors and limited RAM and data storage capabilities. This is fine, depending on your usage.
The screen size will vary from 11 “to 15.6”. However, keep in mind that larger screens are also not the best in terms of resolution or graphics quality. Laptops with larger screens will also weigh more and be larger in physical size.
Battery life will also vary significantly. However, laptops in this price range will often have relatively good battery life because the components consume less power. It is not uncommon to find laptops with more than 10 hours of battery life.
Some of the laptops also have fast charging capabilities. Removable batteries can be a benefit, but it’s rare in this category, and extra batteries can be expensive.
You can also search for used or refurbished laptops under $400. They will often provide higher specifications for the money. It is common for refurbished laptops to be nearly as good and new and come with a warranty.
You could do the research for days to select the best budget laptop for you and still make the wrong choice. Fortunately, we’ve already researched that for you. Here you will find the most reliable and powerful laptops that are available for less than $400.
How to Compare Budget Laptops
Before deciding, you should think about how you will use the laptop. These laptops will often have low-end processors, limited RAM and data storage capacity, and smaller displays. The recommended use for budget laptops in this price range is:
- Web browsing
- Video broadcast live
- Business applications
- University homework
- Travel
- Entry level games
- Advanced video editing
- Design assisted by computer
- Games in higher configurations
- C ++ programming
- Virtual reality
We highly recommend that you choose a cheap laptop with an Intel Celeron or Core i3 (or better) processor and at least 4GB of memory. For data storage, we recommend a minimum of 128GB for a Windows laptop and a minimum of 32GB SSD for a ChromeBook.
In the table below, we describe the most important specifications to keep in mind before buying a laptop, depending on how you will primarily use the laptop.
Other features may not be absolutely necessary, but they are still valuable to some people. These additional features will generally require trade-offs in other specifications to keep the laptop’s price low. You will need to prioritize what is most important to your specific use.
Touchscreens are especially useful when using a convertible laptop as a tablet. Laptops with a writing pen can be used for artist sketches or for taking notes in the classroom. Fingerprint readers can be a security advantage if you use your laptops frequently in public places.
Budget laptops in this price range have decent performance, not extremely fast, but not too slow either. They are mostly preferred for basic tasks like working in MS Office, browsing, watching movies, casual games and video chat.
We have listed these laptops according to their specifications, sales, positive reviews, value, and build quality. These laptops can be used for casual tasks by college students, entrepreneurs, graphic designers, and video editors.
Some of them may have some heating issues, and if that happens we suggest you start using a cooling pad. In addition to traditional laptops, you can also find some netbooks and Chromebooks in our list of the best laptops under $300.
Laptops Under 400 Black Friday 2023
We have created a list of the most discounted cheap and best Laptops Under $400 Black Friday deals and Laptops Under 400 Cyber Monday deals for this year’s holiday season 2023.
Also See: Best Laptops Under $700 – Tablets With USB-C – HDMI 2.1 Monitors