10 Best Laptops Under 400 Dollars 2025 in the United States

The HP 14 Laptop with Intel Celeron N4020 is a solid choice if you need a lightweight and portable computer for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and document work. Its 14-inch HD display has very thin edges, giving you more screen space in a compact size, though the resolution (1366 x 768) means visuals won’t be as sharp or detailed as more expensive models. The dual-core Celeron processor and 4 GB of RAM are enough for everyday activities but might struggle with demanding apps or multitasking. Storage is limited to 64 GB eMMC, which is quite small and may require you to use cloud storage or an external drive for files and programs.

On the plus side, the laptop runs Windows 11 Home in S mode, which is user-friendly and secure but restricts software installations to apps from the Microsoft Store unless you switch out of S mode. Battery life is good, offering up to 10 hours, so you can use it through a full day without recharging. It has a decent selection of ports (including multiple USB 3.0 and 2.0), allowing connections to peripherals easily.

The build is thin and light, making it easy to carry around, although it isn’t designed for heavy-duty use or gaming despite the mention of 4K readiness—it can handle 4K video streaming but not high-end games smoothly. This laptop is well suited for students, casual users, or anyone on a budget who prioritizes portability and basic computing over power and storage.

The Dell Inspiron 3530 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly laptop under $400 with decent performance for everyday tasks. It is powered by an Intel Core i3-1305U processor paired with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which together provide smooth multitasking for basic activities like web browsing, office work, and video streaming. The 512GB SSD offers plenty of fast storage, so you won’t face long wait times when opening files or applications.

Its 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display delivers clear and sharp visuals, making it comfortable to use for extended periods, especially with Dell’s ComfortView feature that reduces blue light to reduce eye strain. The laptop’s build includes a practical lift hinge that improves typing comfort and adaptive thermals that help keep the device cool whether you're on a desk or using it on your lap. Connectivity is versatile, with multiple USB ports (including USB 3.0 and 2.0) and a memory card slot, allowing you to connect various peripherals easily. Wireless options include the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and reliable connections. The inclusion of Windows 11 Home means you get the latest features and security out of the box.

The Intel UHD integrated graphics are suitable only for basic graphics tasks and light media consumption—not for gaming or heavy graphic design. The laptop weighs around 3.66 pounds, which is average but might feel a bit bulky if you need something highly portable. This model balances performance, storage, and connectivity well for its price range, making it a good fit for students, home users, or anyone needing a reliable everyday laptop on a budget. It is not designed for demanding applications or heavy multimedia work.

The HP Stream 14" HD BrightView Laptop is a budget-friendly option suitable for daily tasks and light computing needs. Featuring an Intel Celeron N4120 processor, it provides basic performance for web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos. A standout feature is its impressive 16GB DDR4 RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking, a rarity in this price range. The storage setup includes 128GB eMMC and an additional 160GB from the docking station, offering ample space for files and applications, though the eMMC type may be slower compared to traditional SSDs.

The 14-inch HD display, while not Full HD, delivers decent clarity for everyday use, and the Intel UHD Graphics ensure sufficient quality for standard visual tasks. The laptop is lightweight at 3.24 lbs, making it portable and easy to carry around. It comes with multiple ports including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a media card reader, covering most connectivity needs. With Windows 11 S Mode, users get enhanced security and performance, though it restricts app installation to those available in the Microsoft Store.

Additionally, the package includes a one-year Office 365 subscription, which can be very beneficial for productivity tasks. However, the 720p webcam is fairly standard and might not be ideal for high-quality video calls. Build quality is decent, but not premium, which is expected at this price point. Battery life is adequate for light usage but might struggle with more demanding tasks. This laptop is best suited for students, casual users, or those needing a secondary device for basic chores rather than heavy computing or gaming.