The Acer Aspire 5 is the finest laptop you can buy for less than $400, based on my research and testing of many models. For its reasonable price and robust features, portability, and overall attractiveness, this laptop model was my clear choice.
When looking for a low-cost laptop, you don’t have to make many hard choices.
A well-specced machine with a fast Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, plenty of RAM, a sharp 1080p display, and even a backlit keyboard is available.
Furthermore, all of this is available for less than $400.
So, if you’re looking for a good deal on a laptop, check out our list of the best budget laptops under $400!
This article includes:
- Specifications that are important for a laptop that comes in this budget.
- Laptops from Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer, Asus, etc.
- Final Verdict on my favorite budget laptop from these 10.
- And much more
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Here is a comparison of the 10 laptops on my list:
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Acer Aspire 5 |
| Check Price |
 | Asus VivoBook 15 |
| Check Price |
 | Lenovo 15.6 |
| Check Price |
 | Asus L402YA |
| Check Price |
 | Dell Inspiron 2020 |
| Check Price |
 | Dell Inspiron 14 |
| Check Price |
 | HP Pavilion 15.6 |
| Check Price |
 | Asus VivoBook F510QA |
| Check Price |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad S340 |
| Check Price |
 | HP 15-inch HD |
| Check Price |
10 Top Laptops Under $400 2023
Here are all the details about the 10 affordable laptops under $400.
1. ACER ASPIRE 5
Acer Aspire 5
Acer is a ruler when it comes to launching laptops that are super affordable or cost-effective.
The Aspire 5 is a popular choice among gamers looking for the best laptop under $400. It has a powerful processor and a long battery life.
It has a plastic body and is classically covered by an aluminum sheet. The display is appreciated because it does not expose the eyes to harmful color rays.
This laptop provides an excellent experience due to its excellent features and flawless craftsmanship.
| Hardware Specifications Of Acer Aspire 5 |
|---|
| Processor | 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8265U, 1.6 GHz Quad-Core processor |
| Graphic Cards | Intel UHD 620 |
| Display | 15.6 Full HD IPS display with 1920×1080 Resolution |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Price | From $319.99 |
Pros
- It has a very bright display.
- It is super affordable.
- It is very thin and has less weight.
Cons
- Unfortunately does not have an SD card slot.
- The graphics are not very great.
- The crafting quality or base quality is not extremely strong.
My Say: If you hate having to charge your laptop while it is in use, I recommend this one. It has a long battery life, a powerful processor, and high-end graphics (Intel UHD 620). This laptop is cheaper in comparison.
2. ASUS VIVOBOOK 15
Asus VivoBook 15
This is one of the most recently launched machines, and it has received a lot of support from students and people who travel frequently and want a laptop that costs less than $400, which sounds like a great deal.
This laptop’s grey color gives it a very royal and classy appearance, and it is a lighter-weight laptop. It has a fantastic combination of vibrant visuals.
The display is quite decent and has great viewing angles, and it also provides a great experience to people who want to use a laptop for work or as a source of entertainment.
| Hardware Specifications Of Asus VivoBook 15 |
|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-8145U Dual-Core Processor (Turbo up to 3.9GHz) |
| Graphic Cards | Intel UHD 620 |
| Display | 15.6-Inch Full HD NanoEdge Display with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution |
| RAM | 8GB RAM (Upgradable up to 16GB) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs |
| Storage | 128GB SSD (Upgradable) |
| Price | From $381.99 |
Pros
- Well-equipped ports or slots are needed.
- Convenient keyboard with a huge touchpad.
- Good for quick connectivity to the internet.
- Upgraded Bluetooth system
- A powerful processor that is Intel Core i3.
Cons
- The storage is less.
- Adequate graphics are offered.
My Say: This one has great connectivity and a powerful processor along with satisfactory graphics and a good display Guess what all of this is at a super cheap price.
3. LENOVO 15.6
Lenovo 15.6
This is one of the most unique laptops, with some incredible performance features for the best gaming laptop under $400.
If you are a true gamer with extensive knowledge, you will know that the AMD Radeon R7 outperforms the Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i5.
According to a debate among gamers, the AMD Radeon R7 is 18% more efficient than Intel core processors.
| Hardware Specifications Of Lenovo 15.6 |
|---|
| Processor | AMD A12-9720P |
| Graphic Cards | AMD Radeon R7 |
| Display | 15.6-Inch |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Price | From $398 |
Pros
- Great for gaming purposes
- 1 terabyte hard drive
- Appreciable design
- Good RAM
- Superb processor
- HD display features.
- Windows 10
Cons
- Heating issues.
My Say: This one has some fantastic features. a processor that is ideal for gaming, good graphics, and a display that is neither too bright nor too dark for the eyes. It has plenty of storage space and RAM. The price is simply too low.
4. ASUS L402YA
Asus L402YA
This is another option for gamers who have a powerful AMD Dual Core processor. This laptop is available in two different colors: blue and white.
This laptop comes with a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office.
| Hardware Specifications Of ASUS L402YA |
|---|
| Processor | AMD Dual-Core e2-7015 |
| Graphic Cards | Integrated Radeon R2 Graphics |
| Display | 1920 x 1080 pixels (14 inches) |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Weight | 3.60 lbs |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Price | From $239 |
My Say: This is a thin and lightweight laptop with one of the best processors at this price, but it lacks great graphics that would meet the needs and requirements of a gamer.
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5. DELL INSPIRON 2020
Dell Inspiron 2020
This laptop is one of Dell’s most recent models, and it’s an excellent choice for gamers.
It has an Intel core processor, the best graphic cards, and an anti-glare display to protect your eyes.
| Hardware Specifications Of Dell Inspiron 2020 |
|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1035G4 |
| Graphic Cards | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Display | 14. 0-inch HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare LED-Backlit |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Operating System | Windows 10 in S Mode |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD |
| Price | From $427 |
Pros
- Dell Inspiron has great connectivity
- It has all the required ports and slots
- Anti-glare display
- Well-equipped with Windows 10
- The price of this Dell laptop is very affordable
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
6. DELL INSPIRON 14
Dell Inspiron 14
We’ve known Dell for years; it’s renowned for the high quality it provides, including its features and relatively low cost.
The Dell Inspiron 14 is elegantly composed with a classy black matte finish. It has a fantastic display feature called the anti-glare coat that keeps your eyes from straining in bright sunlight.
The combination of the processing system and the RAM it provides results in excellent performance ability.
Based on the features of this laptop, I’m confident that it can handle any task and is capable of performing admirably, and it’s well worth the $400 price tag.
| Hardware Specifications Of Dell Inspiron 14 |
|---|
| Processor | 10th Gen i5-1035G4 |
| Graphic Cards | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Display | 14 Inch HD Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Display |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Weight | 5.47 Pounds |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD (Upgradable) |
| Price | $387 |
Pros
- Extraordinary display
- Matte finish body
- Thin and well designed
- Essential ports and slots
- Value for its cost
- Latest intel core processor.
- Great RAM
Cons
- Poor battery life
My Say: It is a 10th Gen i5 processor along with an antiglare display but has poor battery life. I guess you can look for other options in this range.
7. HP PAVILION 15.6
HP Pavilion 15.6
This laptop encompasses AMD processors as well as a slew of other features that allow the user to multitask while gaming. It is well-known for its safety and adaptability.
| Hardware Specifications Of HP Pavilion 15.6 |
|---|
| Processor | Intel Dual Core AMD A6-9225 2.6Ghz |
| Graphic Cards | AMD Radeon R4 |
| Display | 15.6″ HD (1366 x 768) LED backlight display |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Price | $409 |
Pros
- AMD processor
- Ability to read and write CDs and DVDs
- Has LED display
- The touchpad comes with multi-touch gesture support.
Cons
- Little Bit Costly
8. ASUS VIVOBOOK F510QA
Asus VivoBook F510QA
ASUS offers this laptop at an extremely low price. Instead of an Intel core processor, this has an AMD A12-9720P quad Intel core processor.
It has 8GB of RAM, which is a surprising feature for the price. This is adequate for your daily tasks.
You can multitask while gaming, working on projects, browsing the web, and much more. The main issue is that it has poor display quality; it is not very bright and may be harmful to your eyes.
The internet connectivity is also adequate, but there is no Ethernet port. It weighs about 3.7 pounds and is light enough to carry around.
| Hardware Specifications Of Asus VivoBook F510QA |
|---|
| Processor | AMD A12-9720P |
| Graphic Cards | AMD Radeon R7 |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD Wide View |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Operating System | Windows 10 in S Mode |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Price | $340-$399 |
Pros
- Super affordable
- Well-equipped processor
- Smooth gaming and multitasking
- Has all needed ports and slots
- Poor display features
Cons
- Poor display features
- Networking or connectivity features are satisfactory and not too great.
My Say: This is a great laptop for cheap prices with multiple other features but has a very poor display, so in case you as a gamer spend a lot many hours on your laptop, this one is not the right one for you.
9. LENOVO IDEAPAD S340
Lenovo IdeaPad S340
Are you a high school or college student, or a business professional? If so, this Lenovo Ideapad S340 is without a doubt the best option for you.
It is designed in such a way that it exudes professionalism. It appears very classy to carry it anywhere you want.
The screen is anti-glare, shielding your eyes from harmful rays. With the help of this option, you can game on this laptop while also multitasking. Isn’t this fantastic? And the price is fantastic.
| Hardware Specifications Of Lenovo Ideapad S340 |
|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-8145U Processor |
| Graphic Cards | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Display | 15.6 Inch HD Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Display |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Weight | 3.96 lbs |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD |
| Price | $340-$399 |
Pros
- Fantastic body design
- Great display features.
- Dual Intel core processor
- Smooth gaming
- Best for students and business people
- Has all needed ports and slots
Cons
- Poor battery life
My Say: It has a dual-core processor and is best known to students and business people. It looks very classy and professional. The battery life is not appreciable though.
10. HP 15-INCH HD
HP 15-inch HD
The HP 15-inch HD is a lightweight and portable laptop that is reasonably priced.
It can boost in seconds and transfer files extremely quickly, allowing you to enjoy the joys of gaming and multitasking.
It has a fantastic feature called Bios Recovery, which automatically monitors the health of your laptop.
| Hardware Specifications Of HP 15-Inch HD |
|---|
| Processor | 10th Generation Intel Core |
| Display | 15.6-Inch (1366×768) |
| RAM | 4GB (not upgradable) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 in S mode |
| Weight | 3.85 lbs |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD |
| Price | $391 |
Pros
- It transfers files in seconds
- It has a long-lasting battery
- Boosts super quick
- Protects your laptop from unauthorized access
Cons
- The RAM is not upgradable
How To Select A Laptop With A Budget Of $400?
Let’s take a look at the specifications that a good laptop should have in the given budget of $400.
1. Processor
Also known as the CPU, it aids in determining the speed at which the computer will process information. And, as a gamer, I’m sure you’re aware that a laptop requires a high processing system speed to enjoy your gaming experience.
High-end laptops now include at least an Intel Core i5 processor, and some even have quad processors.
As a result, you must conduct thorough research to find the best speed processing system to meet your needs.
2. Display
When it comes to gaming, visual or laptop graphics specifications are crucial. If the image or sound quality is not satisfactory, the gamer will not be able to fully enjoy the experience.
In the case of the display, the two main features to look for are:
- Display dimensions, and
- Resolution
1280 by 1024 resolution display screen appears to be adequate for a laptop.
Other certain features that are important for the best laptop display are
- The size of the display.
- Native image resolution.
- The perspective of viewing
- The aspect ratio
3. Graphics Card
A gaming laptop folds higher graphics cards. If you don’t want to play games like those from the 1980s, you’ll need the best graphics cards.
All of the most recent games necessitate the most recent updates, which necessitate modernized graphics cards.
As time goes on, there are many advancements in the field of gaming, so the graphic cards should be of high quality so that they can deal with the new updates.
However, you cannot expect high-quality cards for less than $400. I’m sure you can make some changes and still be happy. When looking for the best laptops under $400, this feature should be at the top of your list.
4. Hard Drives
The term “hard drives” refers to the required storage space. The most recent low-cost laptops have storage capacities of around terabytes.
SSDs are designed and crafted in such a way that they provide an auspicious future in the field of gaming, but they are extremely expensive despite being extremely reliable choices.
Most laptops offer high-end options that are always popular among gamers:
- SATA HDD
- SSD
5. RAM
This is one of the most important features to consider when purchasing a laptop. This indicates how quickly your systems will run on the laptop.
A laptop must have at least 8 GB of RAM because this is required for users who want to try out new games. Nowadays, the majority of laptops come with 8 GB or more of memory.
RAM is not prohibitively expensive, and you can easily afford it, so why settle for less RAM?
If you need more graphics, you will need more RAM, so make sure you have enough laptop memory to enjoy your gaming experience.
FAQ
What is the best gaming laptop under $400?
It is noticed that many people vote for Lenovo 15.6 laptops as their favorite. It has AMD A12- 9720P. It has amazing gaming graphics – AMD Radeon R7. The display undoubtedly is bright and great. It has 8GB RAM for you to store an ample amount of data and information. The storage is best at this price it is 1 terabyte and it is the only one with this much storage under the $ 400 segment. This is a thin and portable device and the best part is its price, which is $398.
Can You Game on a $400 laptop?
Yes, you can game on a $ 400 laptop but you would have to undergo very good research and choose the right one. You will see that these laptops have quite many restrictions and limitations but you can adjust them if you want to fit them into a lesser budget.
Are These Laptops Ideal for Students?
Yes, these laptops are perfect for students as they can use them for gaming as well as they can be multitasking on these laptops and they come on a budget. LENOVO IDEAPAD S340 is voted as the best choice for students and business people under the $ 400 segment.
What should a $400 laptop include?
A good amount of RAM, a long-lasting battery, mobility, a good display, and plenty of ports.
Is a $400 laptop capable of doing professional duties?
With the help of web-based tools, a $400 laptop can manage video conferencing, spreadsheet processing, and basic productivity tasks that demand minimal degrees of professional expertise. However, if you need a device that can handle more demanding tasks, such as photo or video editing, a device with a sufficient amount of RAM should be considered.
Are laptops under $400 capable of video and photo editing?
Even if you expand the RAM, $400 laptops aren’t powerful enough for professional editors who utilize Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, Camtasia, and other software. Web-based photo editing (think Canva) and video editing (think Animoto) are, on the other hand, well-supported.
Why do most low-cost laptops have longer battery life?
Most low-cost notebooks use power-saving processors that are weak or mid-range. Furthermore, unlike PCs dedicated to high-end gaming, these machines are solely utilized for basic productivity and academic duties, putting less strain on the battery.
Quick Links:
- Best 17-inch Laptop Under $500
- Best Laptop For Law School Students
- Best Laptops for Watching Movies
- 10 Best Laptops For Video Conferencing
- 10 Best Laptops For Data Science
Conclusion
Though all of these options are amazing, have fantastic features, and are well worth the price, there must be a clear favorite; after all, you can’t afford to buy all of them, can you?
So, after analyzing and weighing the pros and cons of all the crazy options up there, I had to come to a decision on which was my clear choice. Lenovo 15.6 is my favorite laptop.
It has an AMD A12-9720P processor, which is popular among gamers. It has incredible gaming graphics for breathtaking visuals and the best gaming experience.
The display is undeniably bright and impressive. It has 8GB of RAM, which allows you to store a large amount of data and information. At this price, the storage is excellent; it is 1 terabyte.
This is a small and portable device, and the best part is the low price of $398. It’s already my favorite. Oh my goodness, this was a challenge.
To begin, it is difficult to find the best laptop for under $400 because you must conduct extensive research to find one within your price range.
Second, you must be certain of your conclusion. So, have you chosen your favorite yet?
