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10 Best Laptops Under 400 Dollars 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,330
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
4620 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Fast performance for everyday tasks, though not comparable to high-end laptops.
Display
Screen brightness and quality are impressive, providing great visuals.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting through classes without frequent charging.
Build Quality
Quality build and appearance are surprisingly good for the price.

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable laptop under 400 dollars. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, which provides sharp and vibrant visuals, making it suitable for everyday tasks and media consumption. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor and AMD Radeon Graphics, it offers decent performance for productivity tasks, web browsing, and light gaming. The 8GB LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 128GB NVMe SSD provides fast boot times and quick access to files, although the storage capacity may be limiting for users with larger media libraries or numerous applications.

The laptop excels in connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 support, ensuring a strong and stable internet connection, and various ports including USB Type-C, USB 3.2, and HDMI, offering flexibility for peripherals. However, the absence of a backlit keyboard may be a drawback for those who work in dimly lit environments. Additionally, running Windows 11 S Mode, users are restricted to apps from the Microsoft Store, which could be limiting but can be switched out of S Mode if needed.

The build quality is commendably lightweight and slim, making it portable and travel-friendly. The battery life is around 11 hours, which is impressive for extended use without frequent charging. This laptop is well-suited for students, professionals, and casual users who need a reliable and budget-friendly device for general use.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,330
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
4620 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Fast performance for everyday tasks, though not comparable to high-end laptops.
Display
Screen brightness and quality are impressive, providing great visuals.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting through classes without frequent charging.
Build Quality
Quality build and appearance are surprisingly good for the price.
#2

HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, 14" HD Display, Chrome OS, Thin Design, 4K Graphics, Long Battery Life, Ash Gray Keyboard (14a-na0226nr, 2022, Mineral Silver)

Rating
9.8
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
2110 reviews

Display
Works amazingly well with a crisp screen picture and impressive battery life, needing a charge only once every few days.
Battery Life
Works amazingly well with a crisp screen picture and impressive battery life, needing a charge only once every few days.
Build Quality
Super durable, even surviving drops thanks to its textured covering.

The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop offers a decent package for users seeking a budget laptop, especially for tasks related to home, work, and school. Equipped with an Intel Celeron N4120 processor and 4 GB of RAM, it handles basic computing tasks smoothly. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications due to limited processing power and memory. The 64 GB eMMC storage, while fast, offers limited space, which might necessitate external storage solutions for users with larger file needs.

The 14-inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels is adequate for everyday use, although it lacks the sharpness and clarity of higher-resolution screens. The anti-glare feature helps reduce eye strain during extended use. One of its strong points is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 14 hours, which is great for long days of work or study without frequent recharging. The laptop is lightweight and portable, making it convenient for users on the go.

Build quality is solid, and the design is sleek and modern in Mineral Silver color. Connectivity options are robust with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, and it includes multiple USB ports for peripheral connections. The Chrome OS provides a secure and user-friendly environment, especially for those familiar with Android apps, but it might not be suitable for users needing Windows-based software. This Chromebook is ideal for students, casual users, and professionals who need a reliable and portable device for everyday tasks, but it may not suffice for heavy multitasking or advanced computing needs.

Rating
9.8
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
2110 reviews

Display
Works amazingly well with a crisp screen picture and impressive battery life, needing a charge only once every few days.
Battery Life
Works amazingly well with a crisp screen picture and impressive battery life, needing a charge only once every few days.
Build Quality
Super durable, even surviving drops thanks to its textured covering.
#3

Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel Celeron N4500, 8GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 1920x1080 px, 720p Camera, Chrome OS, Abyss Blue

Rating
9.6
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
818 reviews

Display
The Chromebook arrived in perfect condition and the screen is huge, great for watching movies or videos in good quality.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 hours with moderate use and only takes about an hour to fully charge.
Build Quality
Build quality is robust, and the laptop feels comfortable to use, although it lacks a touchscreen.
Operating System
ChromeOS offers a seamless experience with plenty of apps and features for browsing, emails, and multimedia.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook offers a good combination of performance and portability for a laptop under $400. Powered by the Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming smoothly. The 64GB eMMC storage, while not very large, is adequate for basic use and can be complemented with cloud storage options. The 15.6” FHD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels provides clear and vibrant visuals, making it suitable for watching videos and general use.

The slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, although its 5.49-pound weight might still feel a bit hefty for some users. Battery life is impressive with up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, ensuring productivity throughout the day without constant recharging. Connectivity options are diverse, featuring multiple USB ports and support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac, allowing for versatile connectivity with peripherals and the internet.

Running on Chrome OS, the laptop benefits from regular updates, enhanced security, and a user-friendly interface, although it may not support all applications available on other operating systems. The HD 720p camera is decent for video calls but may not be the best in low-light conditions. Build quality is robust with a sleek Abyss Blue finish, though it may lack the premium feel of more expensive models. In conclusion, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook is a solid choice for students, casual users, and professionals needing a budget-friendly laptop for basic tasks.

Rating
9.6
Display
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
818 reviews

Display
The Chromebook arrived in perfect condition and the screen is huge, great for watching movies or videos in good quality.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 hours with moderate use and only takes about an hour to fully charge.
Build Quality
Build quality is robust, and the laptop feels comfortable to use, although it lacks a touchscreen.
Operating System
ChromeOS offers a seamless experience with plenty of apps and features for browsing, emails, and multimedia.

Buying Guide for the Best Laptops Under 400 Dollars

Choosing a laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you're working within a budget. It's important to understand the key specifications that will impact your experience and ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some essential specs to consider when selecting a laptop under $400.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop, responsible for executing tasks and running programs. In budget laptops, you'll typically find Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3, or similar processors. These are suitable for everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and using office applications. If you need a laptop for more demanding tasks like photo editing or light gaming, look for a slightly higher-end processor within your budget.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. For budget laptops, 4GB to 8GB of RAM is common. 4GB is sufficient for basic tasks, but if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously or use more memory-intensive programs, aim for 8GB. More RAM allows for better performance and a smoother user experience.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop. Budget laptops often come with either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) storage. SSDs are faster and more reliable but may offer less storage capacity compared to HDDs. For general use, a 128GB or 256GB SSD is a good choice as it provides quick access to files and faster boot times. If you need more storage for files like photos and videos, consider a laptop with a larger HDD or an external storage solution.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. Budget laptops usually have screens ranging from 11 to 15 inches with resolutions like HD (1366x768) or Full HD (1920x1080). A Full HD display offers better clarity and is preferable if you plan to watch videos or work with detailed content. Consider the screen size based on your portability needs; smaller screens are more portable, while larger screens provide a better viewing experience.
Battery LifeBattery life is important for using your laptop on the go. Budget laptops typically offer between 4 to 8 hours of battery life. If you need a laptop for travel or long periods away from a power source, look for models with longer battery life. Keep in mind that battery performance can vary based on usage, so consider your typical use case when evaluating this spec.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the durability and feel of the laptop. Budget laptops may use plastic materials, which can be less durable than metal. Consider how often you'll be transporting your laptop and choose one that feels sturdy and well-built. A solid build can withstand daily wear and tear better, ensuring your laptop lasts longer.
Ports and ConnectivityPorts and connectivity options determine how you can connect peripherals and other devices to your laptop. Common ports include USB, HDMI, and audio jacks. Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports for your needs and consider additional features like an SD card reader or Ethernet port if necessary. Good connectivity options enhance the versatility of your laptop.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that manages your laptop's hardware and software. Common options include Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux. Windows is versatile and supports a wide range of applications, making it suitable for most users. Chrome OS is lightweight and ideal for web-based tasks, while Linux offers customization for tech-savvy users. Choose an OS that aligns with your familiarity and the tasks you plan to perform.

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