Best laptop for working from home under $500 [16 Gb-2 TB]

In recent years, more and more people are working from home. If you’re one of those people, you know that you need a good laptop to get the job done. But what’s the best laptop for working from home for under $500? Our expert guide will help you make the right choice.

How we Choose the best laptops for working from home.

Our team does research and interviews many people who work from home. We ask about their laptop requirements, the type of work our participants do, how much they travel, what software they use, and more.

We also ask about the problems they face with their current laptops. Based on this information, we decide which laptops are best for working from home.

We also take into account the different needs of our participants. Some need a powerful laptop for working from home under a $500 budget, while others just need a basic laptop for browsing the web and checking email.

Pro Tip:
Our team has tested over 20 different laptops and selected the best ones for working from home based on the information that our participants provide. Our recommended laptops are tested and verified to meet your needs for a great work-from-home experience.
Dell Inspiron 3000

Dell Inspiron 3511

  • Screen Size: 15.6″
  • Memory: 1 TB
  • RAM: 32 GB
HP Notebook 15

HP Notebook 15

  • Screen Size: 15.6″
  • Memory: 1 TB
  • RAM: 16 GB
MacBook Pro 2015

MacBook Pro 2015

  • Screen Size: 15.4″
  • Memory: 512 GB
  • RAM: 16 GB
Dell Inspiron 3510

Dell Inspiron 3510

  • Screen Size: 15.4″
  • Memory: 16 GB
  • RAM: 2 TB
ASUS VivoBook 17

ASUS VivoBook 17

  • Screen Size: 17″
  • Memory: 1 TB
  • RAM: 8 GB
Lenovo Ideapad 3i

Lenovo Ideapad 3i

  • Screen Size: 15.6″
  • Memory: 512 GB
  • RAM: 12 GB
HP Pavilion 15

HP Pavilion 15

  • Screen Size: 15.6″
  • Memory: 512 GB
  • RAM: 16 GB
HP Ryzen 3

HP Ryzen 3

  • Screen Size: 14″
  • Memory: 16 GB
  • RAM: 1 TB
Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5 A515

  • Screen Size: 15.6″
  • Memory: 256 GB
  • RAM: 8 GB

Dell Latitude 7480

  • Screen Size: 14″
  • Memory: 512 GB
  • RAM: 16 GB

Before we list the laptop check and test the below features to see if they’re ideal for working from home,

1: Size and portability: You want a laptop that is easy to carry around and that has good battery life.

2: Processor and graphics: You want a laptop that can handle all of your work needs.

3: Hard drive: You want a laptop that has enough storage for all of your files.

4: RAM. You want a laptop that can handle all of your tasks without slowing down.

5: the webcam is important: You want a laptop that has a good webcam for video conferencing.

6: the screen size is important. You want a laptop that has a good screen size for working from home.

7: Laptops that have the necessary software requirements for working from home are important to consider. Many jobs require specific software, and without installing the right software on a laptop, it can be difficult to work from home. If your laptop is not able to install software that you want to use then your laptop is useless.

8: Budget is another important factor when choosing a laptop for working from home.

9: Keyboard and trackpad are also important when looking for a laptop to work from home. A laptop with a good keyboard and trackpad will make working from home much easier.

  • Size and Portability
  • Excellent Battery Life
  • Hard Drive
  • RAM
  • Webcam
  • Screen Size
  • Software Requirements
  • Budget
  • Comfortable keyboard and Trackpad

Size and Portability

If you’re looking for a laptop to use primarily for working from home, you’ll want to focus on two main criteria: Size, Weight, and Portability

The ideal laptop for working from home weighs between 4 and 6 pounds and has a screen size of between 14 and 15 inches. It’s large enough to be comfortable to work on for extended periods of time.

Some programs, like video editing, graphic design, and coding, require a larger screen, so if that’s the case for you, opt for a 17-inch laptop. And if you have poor eyesight, a larger screen will be easier on your eyes.

Excellent Battery Life

A laptop with a battery life of 10 to 12 hours is perfect for working from home. You’ll be able to get a full day’s work done without having to worry about recharging.

And, if you’re working on an important project, you won’t have to worry about losing power in the middle of it.

We’ve tested many laptops here on DiscoverLaptop and what we found.
If you’re using 3D modeling and rendering programs, then you need an even more powerful battery.

We found that for normal use, the battery lasts about 7-9 hours. However, if you’re using demanding programs, then the battery life drops to about 4 hours.

Overall, if you’re going to be working from home on your laptop, make sure you have a charger handy. And if you’re using demanding programs, it might be worth investing in a backup battery or an external charger.

Here are some Creative tips on: How to save battery life while you work from home.

Hard Drive

500 GB is usually enough, but if you have a lot of large files, you might want to consider a 1TB hard drive.

If you’re working from home, you need a laptop that can handle everything from video conferences to storing important files.

The first thing you need to consider is how much space you need. If you’re only working with a few files, then a small hard drive will suffice. However, if you’re dealing with large video files, Courses, software, and lots of images, then you’ll need a larger hard drive.

Another important consideration is speed. If you’re constantly transferring large files back and forth, then you’ll need a fast SSD hard drive. Otherwise, a slower hard drive will be just fine.

Finally, consider whether you want an external or internal hard drive. External hard drives are convenient because they can be plugged into any computer. However, internal hard drives are typically faster and more reliable.

RAM

Whether you’re working from home or telecommuting, you need a reliable laptop that can handle all of your tasks. Do you need more RAM? Is there a perfect amount of RAM for working from home?

RAM is important for many reasons, but it is especially important if you plan on using your laptop for work purposes.

If you plan on using your laptop for work, it is important to choose a model that offers a good amount of RAM. The more RAM that your laptop has, the more smoothly it will run and the more able it will be to handle multiple tasks at once.

It is also important to make sure that you can upgrade your laptop’s RAM in the future, as your needs may change and you may need more memory than you originally thought.

Our expert team has reviewed many laptops and found that 8GB is the minimum amount of RAM you need for working from home. 16GB is ideal, and 32GB or 64GB is the maximum you should get.

Some people might say that you don’t need that much RAM for working from home, but if you’re doing anything more than just browsing the internet and checking email, you’ll want at least 8GB.

If you don’t want to be stuck with the same amount of RAM for the next few years, you’ll want to make sure to choose a model that has an extra RAM slot. That way, if you need more memory down the line, you can easily upgrade without having to replace your entire laptop.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a laptop with an extra RAM slot. First, check what type of RAM your computer uses. DDR3 is the most common right now, but some laptops use DDR4. Second, make sure there’s enough space in the RAM slot for an upgrade. Some laptops have soldered-in RAM that can’t be replaced.

Webcam

Webcams are very helpful when you work from home. They allow you to see and communicate with your co-workers, clients, and customers. A high-definition (1080px) webcam is even better because it gives you a clear picture of the person you’re talking to.

We take the time to test and verify all laptops before adding them to our selection. This is to ensure that our customers only receive the best products.

All of our laptops come equipped with a 1080px webcam. This allows for clear and concise video communication. Whether you’re talking to family or colleagues, you’ll be able to see and hear them perfectly.

We know that not everyone needs the same type of laptop. That’s why we offer a wide variety of laptops, all with different specs and features. You’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs on our website.

Screen Size

As the number of people working from home continues to grow, so does the need for laptops that can accommodate this new way of life. But what is the best screen size for a laptop that will be used primarily for working from home?

Business document editing and graphic designing are two activities that benefit from a larger screen. Plus, the higher resolution screens on these laptops make it easier to see small details.

However, if you need to take your laptop with you on the go, a bigger screen might not be the best option. A smaller laptop will be more portable and easier to carry with you when you’re traveling. Plus, battery life is often better on smaller laptops since there’s less display to power.

A 15-inch screen laptop is a mid option for you. It is suitable for every type of work, from students to busy professionals.

When it comes to laptops, we usually select the mixed laptop depending on the buyer’s needs and wants. However, a 15-inch screen laptop is perfect for those who want a balance between portability and power. It is not too big or too small, making it ideal for everyday use.

If you are looking for a laptop that can do everything, then a 15-inch screen laptop is the best option for you. It has the right mix of features and performance that makes it perfect for any type of work. So, if you are still undecided on which size to get, go for the middle ground and get a 15-inch screen laptop.

Software Requirements

When adding a laptop to our list we consider the top and most famous software requirements like Adobe and Microsoft that you’ll need to get your work-from-home setup up and running. We only add laptops that have the capability to run these programs, so you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting the best of the best.

Adobe and Microsoft have both increased their requirements for laptops in recent years. This means that it’s becoming more difficult to find laptops that meet their standards.

We take many days to test all laptops for their ability to run Adobe and Microsoft software smoothly. This is because we want to ensure that our buyers will be able to use these programs without any issues. We also add programs that we think will be beneficial for work from home.

Budget

We all know how important it is to have a laptop that meets our needs and budget. So, when we set out to find the best laptops under $500, we knew we had to find machines that offered outstanding performance without breaking the bank.

After scouring the market, we’ve put together a list of the best laptop for home offices under $500 that offer great performance without sacrificing features or quality. From powerful Intel Core i5 processors to full HD displays, these laptops have it all.

So, if you’re in the market for a new laptop and don’t want to spend more than $500, be sure to check out our list of the best laptops under $500. You’re sure to find the perfect machine for your needs and budget.

Comfortable keyboard and Trackpad

A comfortable keyboard is essential for anyone who spends a lot of time typing on their laptop because some time is spent with your hands in an unnatural position.

A backlit keyboard is very helpful when you’re working in low-light conditions. It’s also great for working in dimly lit coffee shops or on long flights when the overhead lights are turned off.

If you frequently find yourself working in low-light conditions, a backlit keyboard is an absolute must-have feature on your next laptop.

A laptop with a high-quality Trackpad is very useful for work. It makes it easier to do things like edit documents and browse the web. A Trackpad also allows you to use gestures to perform various tasks.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a laptop with a high-quality Trackpad. The first is to make sure that the Trackpad is large enough for your needs. The second is to check the sensitivity of the Trackpad. The third is to make sure that the trackpad supports all the features you need.

We’ve gathered the top laptops that fulfill all of the requirements for a great work-from-home experience. Here are our picks for the best laptops for working from home:

#1: Dell Inspiron 3000

The Dell Inspiron 3000 is our top choice for a work from home laptop. All users find this laptop excellent for their needs, with its impressive performance and features.

The Dell Inspiron 3000 offers great value for the price and is our top pick for a work from home laptop.

Our Top Pick

Dell Inspiron 3000

Dell Inspiron 3511

  1. Display: 15.6 Inches
  2. CPU: 2.4 GHz Core i5
  3. Color: ‎Black
  4. RAM: 32 GB
  5. Storage: 1 Tb SSD
  6. Battery: 8 hours
  7. Weight: 3.7 Pounds

#2: HP Notebook 15

The HP Notebook 15 is a work from home laptop that is the most user friendly and has an attractive design. Amazing performance and it is one of the best 5-star laptops under 500. Some of its features include a 15.6-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, and a 1TB hard drive.

Its advantages are that it is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. Plus, its long battery life means you can stay productive even when you’re away from an outlet. And finally, its price tag makes it a great value for your money.

Premium Pick

HP Notebook 15

  1. Display: 15.6 Inches
  2. CPU: Intel® Celeron®
  3. Color: ‎Black
  4. RAM: 16 GB
  5. Storage: 1 Tb SSD
  6. Battery: 7 hours
  7. Weight: 3.92 pounds

#3: Apple MacBook Pro 2015

You won’t find a better price for a laptop with these specs anywhere else. Under $500, this MacBook Pro is a steal. You’ll be amazed at the performance and unbelievable value you get for your money.

It’s packed with powerful features and yet still has a very reasonable price tag. So if you’re looking for the best value for your money, the MacBook Pro is definitely the way to go

If you’re looking for a high-powered laptop to help you stay productive while working from home, the Apple MacBook Pro is a great choice. It’s equipped with a powerful Intel processor and plenty of RAM to handle even the most demanding tasks.

Plus, the crisp Retina display is perfect for working on complex documents or browsing the web. And with its long-lasting battery, you can stay focused all day long. Best of all, the MacBook Pro is surprisingly affordable given its impressive specs.

The Apple MacBook Pro is our third choice for the best laptop for working from home. You won’t believe the performance you’ll get from this machine at this price.

It’s a high-performance computer that is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. The beautiful design and powerful features make it a great choice for anyone looking for the best laptop for working from home.

Best Budget

Apple MacBook Pro 2015

  1. Display: 15.4 Inches
  2. CPU: Core i7
  3. Color: ‎Silver
  4. RAM: 16 GB
  5. Storage: 512GB SSD
  6. Battery: 11 hours
  7. Weight: 4.49 pounds

#4: Dell Inspiron 3510

If you frequently run multiple applications at once, or if you plan to in the future, the Dell Inspiron 3510 laptop is a great choice for you.

Built-in security features and apps help protect your data, and the free upgrade to Windows 10 gives you peace of mind that your operating system will be up-to-date.

Dell Inspiron 3510 is a powerful, reliable, and affordable laptop. With long battery life and a sleek design, it’s perfect for getting work done anywhere, anytime.

Editors Choice

Dell Inspiron 3510

  1. Display: 15.4 Inches
  2. CPU: Intel Celeron N4020
  3. Color: ‎Black
  4. RAM: 16 GB
  5. Storage: 2 TB SSD
  6. Battery: 11 hours
  7. Weight: 4.07 pounds

#5: ASUS VivoBook 17

ASUS VivoBook 17 offers endless possibilities for users who want to get the most out of their laptops.

The ASUS VivoBook 17 comes with a stunning design and three great features in one package – a Stylus Pen, Ballpoint Pen, and USB 3.0 64GB. This is a great way to get all the features you need in one convenient package.

Affordable

ASUS Vivo Book 17

ASUS Vivo Book 17

  1. Display: 17 Inches
  2. CPU: Intel Core i5
  3. Color: ‎Transparent Silver
  4. RAM: 8 GB
  5. Storage: 1 TB SSD
  6. Battery: 9 hours
  7. Weight: 6.07 pounds

#6: Lenovo Ideapad 3i

The Ideapad 3i was built for people who want the power to do both work and play. With a robust processor and graphics card, it can handle all the latest games and photo/video editing programs with ease.

So whether you’re working from home or taking a break to relax, the Ideapad 3i has you covered.

Perfect For Work

Lenovo Ideapad 3i

  1. Display: 15.6 Inches
  2. CPU: Intel Core i3
  3. Color: ‎Almond
  4. RAM: 12 GB
  5. Storage: 512 GB SSD
  6. Battery: 8 hours
  7. Weight: 3.75 pounds

#7: HP Pavilion 15

The HP Pavilion laptop is thin and portable, so you can easily take it with you to meetings or on business trips.

With a fast bootup time of just 15 seconds, you’ll be up and running in no time. So you won’t have to wait long to get started working. Plus, it’s been tested to install Adobe and Microsoft products quickly and smoothly.

Stylish Look

HP Pavilion 15

  1. Display: 15.6 Inches
  2. CPU: Athlon Silver 3050U
  3. Color: ‎Natural Silver
  4. RAM: 16 GB
  5. Storage: 512 GB SSD
  6. Battery: 10 hours
  7. Weight: 3.75 pounds

#8: HP 14 Ryzen 3

The Ryzen 3 is a great choice for working from home. Its performance is top-notch, and it’s very affordable. You’ll be able to get your work done quickly and efficiently with this laptop. HP 14 Ryzen 3 is the best-performance laptop under 500.

Using Microsoft Office programs like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint on the HP 14 Ryzen 3 is a breeze thanks to the large, responsive touchscreen.

Whether you’re working on a school project or putting together a work presentation, you’ll be able to do it quickly and easily on this device.

Great Choice

HP 14 Ryzen 3

  1. Display: 14 Inches
  2. CPU: Ryzen 3 3250U
  3. Color: ‎Natural Silver
  4. RAM: 16 GB
  5. Storage: 1 TB HDD
  6. Battery: 11 hours
  7. Weight: 3.31 pounds

#9: Acer Aspire 5 A515

If you’re looking for a laptop with amazing features but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Acer Aspire 5 is the best Acer laptop under 500.

It’s packed with features typically found on more expensive laptops, but it’s available at an unbeatable price point. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this one.

So whether you’re looking for a fast processor, plenty of storage space, or a top-of-the-line graphics card, you won’t be disappointed with this machine.

With a built-in webcam that takes clear HD pictures and videos, the Acer Aspire 5 lets you see friends and family in beautiful detail. And with integrated eye protection, you can enjoy long video chat sessions without straining your eyes. Plus, the Acer Aspire 5’s sleek design means it looks good wherever you take it.

Amazing Features

Acer Aspire 5 A515

  1. Display: 15.6 Inches
  2. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
  3. Color: ‎Silver
  4. RAM: 8 GB
  5. Storage: 256 GB SSD
  6. Battery: 9 hours
  7. Weight: 3.88 pounds

#10: Dell Latitude 7480

The Dell Latitude 7480 Business Laptop is packed with powerful features to help you get the job done, whether you’re working from home or on the go.

With a fast Intel Core processor and ample memory, this laptop can handle even the most demanding tasks.

Plus, the stunning visuals and high efficiency make it a great choice for businesses that need a reliable and productive workhorse.

Business Laptop

Dell Latitude 7480

  1. Display: 14 Inches
  2. CPU: 2.5 GHz core i7
  3. Color: ‎Silver
  4. RAM: 16 GB
  5. Storage: 512 GB SSD
  6. Battery: 13 hours
  7. Weight: 2.95 pounds

What specifications do I need for working from the home laptop?

When it comes to working from home, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration before making the switch. First and foremost, you’ll need a laptop that is up for the task. Here are a few specs to keep in mind when shopping for a home-office laptop.

First and foremost, you’ll want a laptop with a processor that can handle whatever you throw at it. We recommend an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. You’ll also want at least 4GB of RAM, although 8GB is even better.

Storage is another important consideration. If you plan on storing a lot of files locally on your laptop, you’ll want at least 256GB of storage space.

What are the benefits of working from home?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many employees working from home. While there are some challenges to this arrangement, there are also several benefits.

One benefit of working from home is that it can increase productivity. Employees are not distracted by office chatter and can create a quiet environment that helps them focus on their work. Additionally, they have more control over their surroundings and can take breaks when needed, rather than being tied to a desk for eight hours straight.

Another advantage of working from home is that it saves money. Employees do not need to spend money on gas or public transportation, and they can take advantage of tax deductions for business expenses such as internet and phone service.

Additionally, companies save money on office space and overhead costs when their employees work from home. Finally, working from home can improve work-life balance.

What are some tips for working from home successfully?

1. Get organized and set up a comfortable, dedicated work space in your home. This will help you get into the right mindset for work and minimize distractions.

2. Make a daily schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This will help keep you on track and prevent you from getting sidetracked by household chores or other distractions.

3. Take breaks throughout the day to stay refreshed and focused. Get up and move around, step outside for some fresh air, or take a quick nap if you feel yourself flagging.

4. Stay connected with your co-workers and boss through regular communication. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and help avoid any misunderstandings about expectations or deadlines.

What are some of the challenges of working from home?

It can be argued that there are both benefits and drawbacks to working from home. One of the potential advantages is increased productivity due to the lack of distractions from colleagues.

On the other hand, some people may find it more difficult to stay focused in a home environment, where there are more potential distractions such as family, pets, and housework.

Additionally, working from home can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

How can I improve my productivity when working from home?

If you’re finding yourself less productive while working from home, there are a few things you can do to change that.

First, take breaks throughout the day to get up and move around. Secondly, establish set work hours and stick to them as closely as possible.

Finally, create a dedicated workspace for yourself where you can focus on your work. By following these tips, you can improve your productivity and get more done while working from home.

Also Read:
You want to work remotely and travel, but you need a laptop that’s both powerful and portable. Read our guide on : Best Laptops For Working Remotely

Final Thoughts:

If you are looking for a laptop to buy for working from home, any of the laptops on this list would be a great choice. They are all affordable, have great features, and will get the job done. So, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect laptop for you and get to work!

Irfan Ali Professional Blogger