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 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.

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.