If you’re a high school or future college student and need a good, but low price laptop that still offers excellent performance and great battery life, you should know that as technology has become significantly more affordable in recent years, there are more good options than you might expect, even under $400. Before you research them or simply buy the one recommended by an online ad or in-store salesperson, you should decide how much memory you need, what you’ll be doing with the laptop and thus, what is “enough power” for your purposes, as well as how much storage space you’ll need to operate the programs you wish to install. After all, gaming computers need more memory and storage space than regular computers do, but if you only plan to use a few Microsoft Office programs for school assignments, you might not need all that memory or storage (which can significantly impact the laptop’s price).
Below is a list of the best laptops and their specs and features so you can choose the best laptop for college under $400 and feel good about the tool that’s going to store and enable the majority of your school work (and independent projects, entertainment time, and likely professional pursuits, too) without splashing out a lot of money on overpriced name brands or the latest bells and whistles you won’t actually need.
With an anti-glare screen and Intel Core processor, this laptop is perfect if what you need is a great laptop for school work. It comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and it is a very lightweight laptop at just 2 pounds. It also comes complete with Windows 10 Pro, a smartcard, HDMI, and a camera, so you can do much more with it than just your homework. What’s more, the laptop has a 12.5-inch screen that makes it perfect for people who carry it around from class to class.
Dell laptops are some of the best, and this particular computer has an excellent rating on Amazon, with 82% of the reviewers leaving it 4 or 5 stars. The graphics are good enough for people to play basic games on, and while there is no USB-C port, it is still a high-quality laptop that should last for quite a while. If you regularly use MS Office, this Dell computer is perfect, and at a price of under $160 for a refurbished computer, it’s well worth it for high school and college students to give it a try.
This laptop is part of the Dell Inspiron 3000 series and offers a 15.6-inch screen, an 8-GB processor, and 128 GB of storage. It has a solid-state drive (SSD) and a 1080p panel that makes the colors pop out at you. If you need more storage space or memory, you can always add that later on without adding too much to the price of the laptop. In fact, considering its price, this laptop offers a lot for both home and office use, so you should find it useful for many years to come.
The Dell 3511 comes with the Windows 10 operating system and is black in color, which means it will match any room you put it in. The computer is also highly rated by customers on Amazon, with 100% of all reviewers giving it either 4 or 5 stars. This says a lot about this particular laptop.
The Acer Aspire 5 15 laptop is such a good computer that it even has features you don’t see in laptops that cost a lot more. It has an Intel Core i3 processor and a 15.6-inch computer screen, which makes it big enough for both home and business use. It also comes with high-tech capability that protects your eyes if you decide to work on your computer at night or spend too many hours at a time working on it. This makes it perfect for both students and business-people.
The Aspire laptop even comes with a backlit keyboard, which is something usually not seen in computers this inexpensive. In fact, in many professional reviews by critics, the Acer Aspire laptop is considered a top pick for computers under $400. To be sure, when you’re researching the best budget laptop computers, this one should definitely be on your list.
This computer is both a laptop and a tablet with a 14-inch screen, and one of the features that makes it stand out is its excellent hardware and a high-tech keyboard that is easy to use. The aluminum alloy lid gives it a very sturdy feel, and once you open up the lid you’ll be able to enjoy a rotatable 360-degree HD display that is second to none. It even has a backlit keyboard that is rarely seen in a 2-in-1 computer, as well as a battery that lasts for a full eight hours on a single charge.
The only drawback to the computer is that you can’t add any memory, but the 4 GB should be enough for most of the things you do unless you want to install a bunch of high-tech games. This makes it a perfect device for both students and small business-owners, among others.
This computer is consistently rated one of the best Chromebooks on the market. You get 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage, as well as a very lightweight design that is perfect for students who have to carry a laptop all over campus. Its Chrome OS and touchscreen display also allows you to use a stylus if you wish. It comes with a backlit keyboard and a battery life of up to ten hours, making it perfect for those long nights of working or studying.
Even better, you can use this computer as either a laptop or a tablet, making it a very versatile device. The slimness of the computer and the 360-degree rotatable feature are two more reasons to fall in love with this computer. You’ll have to buy the pen separately, but this is the perfect computer for people who prefer the Chrome operating system over Windows laptops, and it’s perfect for taking notes in class.
This Chromebook 4 by Samsung has a 15.6-inch HD screen and the Intel UHD Graphics 600 feature, providing you with clear graphics and the ease of working with a computer whose screen is not too small for you. You get 6 GB RAM and 64 GB SSD, and its ultra-thin lightweight design means you can carry it around with you everywhere without it causing you any aches and pains. And while it may not have a graphics card suitable for high-tech video game installations, it is a good laptop for routine tasks.
This is also a nice-looking computer with a battery that can last up to ten hours, and at a price of below $300, you get a lot of bang for your buck. And with 85% of all reviewers on Amazon giving this computer either 4 or 5 stars, you can rest assured this is one laptop you won’t regret buying such a good build quality for arguable the best deal around.
This Lenovo Chromebook Duet is both a laptop and a tablet, and its 10.1-inch screen is often the best choice for students who want to keep their laptop in their backpack all day long. It provides you with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, and you get great graphics, a Chrome operating system, and its design allows for a very user-friendly device. In fact, for almost anything you need to do, this 2-in-1 computer will make you glad you purchased it.
If you research this computer, one of the things you’ll find is that the majority of customers who left a review – a full 87% of them – gave them either 4 or 5 stars. With the exception of heavy-duty gaming programs, this computer should be the only laptop you’ll ever need.
This Microsoft Surface Go 3 computer offers features such as touchscreen display, 10.5-inch screen, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and Intel Pentium processor. It is a high-tech computer without the high-tech price and is super-lightweight at just 1.2 pounds. This is a tablet only, so if you want either a stylus or a keyboard you’ll have to buy it separately. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic choice for people who want a computer for basic tasks, such as checking email and taking notes in class.
Even better, the computer comes with one Type-A port and two Type-C ports, enabling you to hook up to numerous other devices. It also has a long-lasting battery that can last for up to ten hours, meaning you can spend all day in class without having to recharge it. Plus, you get the Microsoft name that is reputable and dependable, which means a lot when you’re buying a computer.
If you need a computer with top-notch graphics but you’re on a budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 laptop is definitely worth considering. It provides you with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB of storage, and the AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor means you can even load computer games onto the laptop and enjoy great graphics with high screen resolution as you play. It isn’t recommended for super high-tech games that take up huge amounts of memory, but it can accommodate lots of other games easily.
When you’re looking for the best gaming laptops for people who wish to spend as little as possible on their computer, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a great option. You also get an anti-glare screen and multiple slots for USB devices and mousepads, and because it has the Radeon Vega 3 Graphics card, it can be used for most video editing and graphics tasks.
This HP laptop has tons of features you wouldn’t expect on a computer costing less than $330. This includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability, USB type-C port, Intel Celeron N 4000 processor, 4 GB RAM, and 128 GB of memory. It also comes with a webcam, B&O audio, a bonus mouse, and even a sleeve that you can use to cover and protect the laptop. The 14-inch screen has anti-glare properties, and the computer is very thin, light, and portable, which means you can carry it with you all day without any aches or pains.
To make things even better, the computer offers an eco-friendly design, which includes mercury-free display backlights and arsenic-free glass on the display itself. It also comes in a nice silver design so that it matches any decor, and it’s capable of running tons of Android apps that you used to run only on your phone or tablet.
If you insist on having a touch screen display with your laptop, this is a computer you might want to consider. You get a webcam, Bluetooth capability, HDMI, Vega 3 graphics, and a Windows 10 operating system. You also have RAM capability of 8 GB and storage space of 128 GB, making this a great computer even for playing most video games. In fact, the Vega 3 graphics will surprise you because they are much better than most people expect from a computer that costs less than $350.
A total of 88% of all reviewers gave this laptop either 4 or 5 stars, and you’ll be amazed at what it does when you consider its price. It also weighs less than 4 pounds, allowing you to carry it around for long periods of time without suffering any aches or pains. You even get three USB ports to use as you wish.
This laptop has a 15.6-inch screen and enough great features to enjoy whether you use it for personal, school, or business use. You get 8 GB RAM and 128 GB of storage, as well as a great-looking backlit keyboard and Windows 10 operating system. In fact, you can even make the computer extra-secure by using your fingerprint to open and close it. It comes in a neutral slate-gray color and has an ergonomic design that allows you to work on it for long periods of time without getting sore.
Finally, you get both Type A and Type C UBS ports, and the UHD Intel graphics mean your photos will be clearer and brighter than ever. And at less than 4 pounds, you can work on it all day without feeling any aches and pains.
For a computer priced at under $300, the Tulasi has a lot of storage space (256 GB) and a lot of memory (12 GB). It has an Intel Celeron N 4120 processor and is ultra-thin and lightweight, making it perfect for people who carry around their laptops from one location to another. This is a fast computer that you can use for browsing, checking email, basic word processing, and even playing video games. The computer offers 6 hours of battery life and is a great-looking device as well.
In addition to all of this, the Tulasi laptop offers two USB 3.0 ports, micro SD slot, and the Windows 11 Pro operating system. While the brand name might not be familiar to everyone, this is a reputable brand that produces top-notch computers at prices that won’t break the bank. It is the perfect computer for school, home, or business use.
If you want a lightweight, basic laptop that does a lot but you don’t need tons of memory or storage space, this is the computer for you. The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is priced at under $200 and has 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of memory. Not only does it have the Chrome operating system, but it is a gorgeous white color that blends in with any decor and has an 11.6-inch display that makes it easy to work with and to see the screen. And when you consider that 87% of all reviewers on Amazon rated this computer either 4 or 5 stars, it quickly becomes clear why it’s so popular.
The computer flips quickly and easily between being a laptop and a tablet, and you get several different ports for all of your USB devices. Even better, it sets up in seconds and is extremely user-friendly, and it even comes with a built-in camera that provides you with convenience and even more ways to have fun.
Okay, so this one’s a tad more than $400, but keep in mind it also goes on sale frequently. With this computer, you get a full HD display and tiny bezels, fast charging, and a good number of ports for convenience. It is available in colors such as black, gold, burgundy, and blue, and because of the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, you can even play many of the video games on the market today. It is thin and portable, and you can enjoy nearly ten hours of use on just one battery charge.
HP is known for making excellent computers at great prices, and this one is no different. If you use it for gaming, you’ll be able to enjoy great graphics and a powerful cooling system that keeps the computer at the right temperature the entire time. You also get the Windows 11 Home operating system, and you can charge the battery to 50% in less than an hour.
With a 14-inch touchscreen display and an Intel Celeron N 3450 processor, this is a great laptop that is inexpensive yet offers tons of great features. It has a backlit keyboard, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage, not to mention access to more than 2-million Android apps. Even more impressive is the fact that the battery will last up to 12 full hours on just one charge, which means you can use it all day long without having to recharge it.
You also get a few features that you don’t normally get with a laptop in this price range, including a backlit keyboard, an all-metal chassis, nice speakers, and an intuitive touchpad that is very user-friendly. With this computer, you get a sharp-looking device and sharp features, and you’ll be surprised by everything it offers when you start using it.
If you’re looking for a laptop/tablet device that costs under $200 yet offers very good performance, this computer made by Gateway is one to consider. You get 4 GB RAM and 64 GB SSD, as well as a super-lightweight design and a black color that matches anyone’s decor. It has also gained a 4.3-star rating on Amazon, with nearly 80% of all reviewers giving it either 4 or 5 stars. You even get a headphone jack, USB 2.0 slot, and a micro SD slot.
This Gateway computer has a camera and Bluetooth capability, and the 11.6-inch screen is perfect because it isn’t too small to work on or too large to transport frequently (such as across a college campus). The computer is great for basic tasks, checking email, and numerous other tasks, and the best part is that you can have it set up in minutes, which means you don’t have to wait long to start using it.
For a computer that’s under $400, this premium laptop offers quite a bit, including 16 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. It also comes with perks such as a webcam, Bluetooth capability, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and Windows 10 operating system. This particular computer even comes with one year of Microsoft Office 365 for free. It comes in five different colors in case you’re looking for a unique design, and if you want a long battery life, you’ve got it because this one offers nearly 12 hours of battery life on one charge.
Whether you need Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, you’ll be able to enjoy it with this computer, and because it weighs just a little more than 3 pounds, you can carry it around from one location to another with ease. You also get dual speakers, a multi-format SD media card reader, and even a slot for your headphone set, so it is ready to go when you are.
The good thing about this computer is the number of perks you get for the price, which includes storage capacity of a full 320GB, 12-hour battery life, a thin lightweight design, neutral black color, webcam, and one year free of Microsoft Office 365. The Windows 11 operating system also offers many advantages, as does the fact that you can run multiple browser tabs and applications at the same time without any problems. For a computer that costs so little, the ASUS 2022 version does quite a bit.
The fact that you get three USB ports and a laptop that weighs less than 3 pounds gives you even more reasons to choose this device the next time you need a computer that can be used for school, home, and business use. For the advantages you receive in return, this computer is priceless.
This 15.6-inch laptop has tons of memory (12 GB) and tons of storage space (512 GB), so even if you intend to use it at work, you’ll get a lot of use out of it. It comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth capability, two USB 3.0 ports, Windows 11 operating system, and an Intel Celeron N 5095 processor. The gray design means it will match anyone’s decor, and it even comes with an excellent fan so that the laptop stays cool for hours at a time. For a computer that’s under $360 (with a massive 73% discount off the retail price), you can’t beat the perks it provides.
Above all else, the laptop is thin and portable, not to mention lightweight. This means you can carry it around all day long without suffering any aches and pains. If you’re a student that goes from class to class all day, or a businessperson who has to attend meetings all day long, this is a great choice because it offers everything you need to make that happen.
What You Should Look for in a Laptop Computer That’s Under $400
If you’ve decided you want a reliable laptop but you only have $400 to spend, not to worry because you can find one that perfectly suits your needs if you know where to look (especially including those on sale and some refurbished options). That being said, you have to first determine exactly what you want and need in a computer. While you want a great price, you also want a great value for the money you’ll be spending, which starts with deciding which features are most important to you. Let’s take a look at some of the features you need to consider so you’ll be more well-versed on which everyday tasks require certain features, when better performance matters, and thus enable you the technical competence to make a good choice in the computer you ultimately purchase.
- RAM. The amount of random access memory you choose matters because it affects the speed of your computer. The good news is, unless you intend to install a lot of video games, you likely won’t need any more than 8 GB of RAM. Even 4 GB will do if you’re just doing basic tasks, such as web browsing, checking email, and basic typing of documents, to name a few. That being said, getting as much RAM as possible is always a good idea.
- Display screen size. Laptops under $400 often have small screens, but because computers are now more advanced than ever, you can get cheap laptops with 15.6-inch screens, and this is a great size for everyone. In fact, unless you actually prefer smaller screens, finding a new laptop with a fairly large screen shouldn’t be a problem. Along these same lines, you should also decide if a touchscreen display is important to you, because not all computers have this feature.
- Storage space. The amount of storage you need will be different from the next person, and unless you don’t intend to download or save anything, you’ll need at least a little bit of storage on your computer. Storage space is inside of your hard drive, and the number usually ranges from 64 GB to 512 GB, but you can also find computers with 1 TB or more of space. For this decision, just think about how many documents you will be saving and how many games and other things you’ll be downloading on a regular basis.
- Processor. The central processing unit (CPU) will vary with each computer. Your processor affects the overall performance of your computer, so it matters what type you have. Try to find at least an i3 processor because this is perfect for light to medium tasks. If you’re going to be playing games instead, you should look for AMD Ryzen units for the best results. Fortunately, information about the processor is always clearly marked on the computer so it shouldn’t be difficult to find what you want.
- Battery life. As you can imagine, some people need batteries with a long life and some people don’t. This is something else that should be listed somewhere on your computer or the box it came in, so you can easily decide which one is right for you. While some batteries last 5-6 hours, others last 10-12 hours or more, and if you need your computer all day long, your best option is to choose a battery that lasts as long as possible.
These things being said, you’ll want to make sure your computer isn’t too inexpensive. It doesn’t mean that the computer is sub-par or inferior, but it does mean that the storage and memory capabilities are a lot lower. If you’re planning to do very basic work on the computer, this won’t matter, but if you need a lot of storage and memory, you’ll need to plan to get as close to the $400 mark as possible. The price point of the computer will matter because you can find them in various ranges, but finding something affordable shouldn’t be difficult.
Conclusion
Finding the best laptop for college under $400 is not as difficult as it once was, especially because the prices are now more competitive than ever, and you won’t necessarily have to sacrifice on quality or functionality just because you’re getting a “cheap laptop” as compared to top-of-the-line options. Deciding exactly what you need in a laptop is your first step, but remember that if you’re only going to be completing basic tasks (like high school homework, college applications, or even college or internship assignments), you can save yourself even more money because you won’t need a ton of memory, storage, or bells and whistles that can bump the prices up. And while the basic design or the color of the computer doesn’t matter to most people, you can still find some variety in that area as well. Just do some research so that when you do purchase something, you’ll find it’s just right for you.
