10 Best Laptops Under 400 Dollars 2026 in the United States

The Dell 15 DC15250 offers a solid package for those seeking a dependable laptop under $400. Its Intel Core i3 processor is entry-level but sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos. With 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a speedy 512GB SSD, it handles multitasking fairly well and provides plenty of space for files and apps.

The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display runs at 120Hz, which is a nice touch for smoother visuals during scrolling or light media use, plus the anti-glare coating and ComfortView software help reduce eye strain. Build quality feels sturdy and practical with the carbon black finish, ergonomic hinge design for comfortable typing, and a numeric keypad that is handy for number entry. Connectivity is good for the price, including two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth support. It comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, offering a familiar and modern interface.

Battery life is energy-efficient with Express Charge, making it suitable for a typical workday. The integrated Intel UHD graphics are fine for basic visuals but not suited for gaming or heavy graphics work. This Dell laptop is well-suited for students, remote workers, or casual users who want a reliable machine with ample storage, a clear screen, and decent performance at an affordable price. Users needing more power for demanding software or longer battery endurance might want to consider higher-end options.

The HP Pavilion 15.6" laptop offers impressive features rarely seen in the under $400 category. It comes with a solid Intel Core i3 processor that can reach speeds up to 4.1 GHz, which is suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light multitasking. The 16GB of RAM is a strong point, allowing comfortable running of multiple apps and browser tabs without slowdown. Storage is generous with a fast 1TB solid-state drive that provides plenty of space for files and quicker boot times compared to traditional hard drives.

The 15.6-inch display is a touchscreen with HD resolution (1366x768), adequate for casual use but not very sharp by today’s standards. The anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections, although the screen’s brightness and color range (220 nits and 45% NTSC) might feel a bit dull in bright environments. Battery life lasts up to 10-11 hours on a charge, making it great for all-day use without frequent charging. The laptop includes a useful set of ports, including USB Type-C, USB Type-A, and HDMI, covering most basic connectivity needs. It runs Windows 11 Home, offering a familiar and modern operating system out of the box.

The build is lightweight at about 3.7 pounds and reasonably slim, making it easy to carry around. While the specs are strong for the price, the integrated Intel UHD graphics are basic and not suited for gaming or heavy graphic work. The screen resolution might feel low for those wanting crisp visuals or doing photo editing. This laptop is well-suited for students or anyone needing a dependable machine for everyday work, media consumption, and multitasking without breaking the bank.

The HP 15-fc0499nr is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget laptop under $400 that can handle everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light multitasking. It comes with a capable AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor and 8 GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM, which means it can run Windows 11 smoothly and manage multiple apps without much slowdown. The 512 GB SSD offers plenty of storage and quick boot times, which is a nice touch at this price. The 15.6-inch touchscreen with HD resolution (1366 x 768) is responsive and supports touch gestures, though the lower resolution means the image won’t be as sharp or vibrant as higher-end screens.

Battery life is quite impressive, lasting over 10 hours in typical use, so you can work or watch videos on the go without rushing to plug in. The build feels decent for the price—lightweight and portable with a natural silver finish, but it’s mostly plastic, so don’t expect premium durability. For ports, you get a mix including USB-C (data only), two USB-A ports, HDMI, and a headphone jack, covering basic connectivity needs but without charging or video output through USB-C. Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, giving you access to the latest features and security.

This laptop suits students, remote workers, or casual users who want a reliable, touchscreen laptop on a budget. If you're after sharper visuals or more powerful graphics for gaming or photo editing, this model may feel limited due to its HD screen and integrated graphics. However, for everyday use, it offers strong value and good battery life in the under-$400 category.