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Are you looking for the best programming laptop under 500 Dollars ? Here you’ll find the best that suits your style. After several hours spent on research, we selected the seven best budget-friendly programming laptops to make your search easier. Among these laptops, ✅ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop emerged as the best pick, thanks to its outstanding features.
Aside from that, the other six laptops also have good features that can enable you to perfect your programming skills without compromise.
That said.
Let’s see the comparison table for the best programming laptop under 500 Dollars
Comparison Table For The Best Programming Laptop Under 500 Dollars
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Product Name Product Image Specifications ASUS VivoBook 15 Slim Laptop 
Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
Display: 15.6-Inch
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 128 GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home SHP Laptop 15-ef0021nr Professional Laptop 
Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
Display: 15.6-Inch
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home2022 Newest Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop 
Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U
Display: 15.6-Inch
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 128 GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 11Acer A515-46-R3UB Professional Laptop 
Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U
Display: 15.6-Inch
RAM: 4 GB DDR4
Storage: 128 GB SSD
Operating System: WindowsHP Laptop 
Processor: AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
Display: 14-Inch
RAM: 4 GB DDR4
Storage: 128 GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Thin and Light Laptop 
Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
Display: 15.6-Inch
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 128 GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home SHP Stream Laptop Laptop 
Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
Display: 14-Inch
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Storage: 64 GB eMMC
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Best Programming Laptop Under 500 Dollars; An Overview
With the advancement in technology, different laptops troops in and out of the competitive market, making it more challenging to know which would be best suitable for your job.
On the other hand, it offers you plenty of options – making it possible for you to have enough to choose from any time you are searching for a specific laptop.
However, speaking of the best laptop for programming, programming is never a light computational task that can be done with any laptop.
It has to do with creating applications and system software for divergent purposes.
To achieve all this, you’ll need a good laptop with solid features to get the best performance output.
However, since we are constrained by budget, it will be ideal if we keep certain features on a low level.
Thankfully, there are still some budget-friendly laptops that can handle programming when placed on minimal settings.
To that effect, let’s look into the features you’ll likely see in the best programming laptop under 500 dollars
Required Specs For The Best Programming Laptop Under 500 dollars
This section will guide you on how to pick the best laptop that suits your budget and the specs they come with.
Processor and Graphics
Generally, as a programmer, you need a fast and efficient processor to help you execute your codding functions in the least time possible.
Programming requires a powerful CPU for the application challenge.
The highest programming laptop you can get with a sub 500 dollars budget is one with an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor.
These are low-end processors that can handle programming functions at minimal settings.
Overall, they can deliver nothing less than above-average performance without fault.
Similarly, programming needs a dedicated graphics card to be able to process all demanding graphical functions.
A dedicated graphics is a graphics card that features a dedicated VRAM that is capable of tackling any graphic demand regardless of the workload.
On the other hand, the integrated graphics card shares memory with the motherboard before it can deliver.
Most of the laptops in this review come with integrated graphics since a sub-500 budget cannot afford a programming laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
RAM and Storage
Like the processor, a programming laptop requires a huge RAM size to execute its operations well.
Also, the RAM joins hands with the processor to ensure a fast boot-up time for the system.
Plus, it facilities how fast you can perform multiple functions simultaneously, without slowing down.
As such, your programming laptop needs nothing less than 8 GB of RAM to run well.
However, you can still consider a laptop with 4 GB of RAM within this price range.
This may give you a subpar performance, but it still delivers.
Moving to the storage.
Programming applications and software come with heavy files that occupy larger space than you can imagine.
So, we suggest a good storage size and options so you’ll have free access to save and retrieve your files without delay.
Specifically, a laptop with at least 128 GB SSD storage will be preferable.
Display and Resolution
As a programmer, you’ll spend most of your time working on your laptop’s screen.
That is the more reason you need a laptop with good display features.
Also, consider a portable laptop that would let you work from anywhere of your choice, especially if you are a programmer always working on the go.
Specifically, a laptop with at least a 13-15-inch screen display with a Full HD resolution will offer a moderate weight size and bright color output.
Also, it is possible to get a display with IPS and anti-glare features all under 500.
Ports and Connectivity
The best programming laptop should come with good arrays of ports regardless of the price tag.
A good selection of ports will enable you to connect all the necessary accessories to your device without struggle.
As such, your laptop must come with at least USB ports, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a Headphone/Microphone combo so you won’t run out of connectivity.
Operating System and Battery Life
Finally, the best Operating System to run programming is Windows OS.
This is because it is compatible with software applications used for programming.
Aside from that, other operating systems can work very well, including Chrome, Mac, and Linux.
Lastly, you need a long-lasting battery to help you stay connected for long working hours.
At least a battery life that can up to 5 hours goes a long way to help you work
Now the review in detail.
Our 7 Best Programming Laptops Under 500
1. ASUS VivoBook 15 Slim Laptop
Topping on the list of the best programming laptops under 500 is Asus VivoBook 15.
It is also our best pick because it comes with resourceful specifications that can offer above-Average performance in programming.
Design Features
Appearance-wise, it has an attractive slate gray chassis with the Asus logo boldly inscribed on the top cover.
With this body built, the laptop looks sleek and premium.
Furthermore, it is a 15.6-inch screen display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
On the workspace, it features an ergonomic backlit keyboard for more comfortable typing.
Plus, the fingerprint sensor is is activated with Windows Hello to help you secure your system from the invasion of privacy.
That isn’t all.
It has a wide range of ports to connect all the necessary devices to your laptop smoothly.
It comes with Wi-Fi 5, HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.2Type-A, and USB 3.2 Type-C.
Performance
In terms of functionality, it comes with the Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU that runs with 4M Cache memory and up to 3.4 GHz boost frequency.
Supporting the CPU is Intel UHD Graphics for visual processing functions.
Additionally, it features 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 128 GB SSD storage space.
The above storage space might not be enough to store all your programming files.
Hence, you can easily access Google cloud storage for extensive storage performance.
Finally, the Asus ViviBook 15 weighs light at 3.75 pounds and measures 14.1 x 9.1 x 0.78 inches.
Pros
- Portable at 3.75 pounds.
- Windows 10 Home Operating System in S mode.
- Activated Fingerprint sensor.
Cons
- The SSD storage is not enough.
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2. HP Laptop 15-ef0021nr Professional Laptop
Second on the list of the best programming laptop under 500 is HP 5-ef0021nr.
It has exciting features that can befit basic computational tasks like writing, streaming videos, project research, etc.
Design Features
First, the screen is rounded with black plastic frames, holding it firm to prevent damage.
It features up-facing stereo speakers in front of the keyboard, offering a clear and crisp sound anytime you play your favorite music.
Also, it comes in handy with one of the best HP TrueVision HD cameras with dual-array microphones.
That’s not all; it features an integrated numeric keypad for all-day productivity.
The display comes with a 15.6-inch diagonal HD BrightView, micro-edge, WLED-backlit (1366 x 768), and 82% screen-to-body ratio.
You’ll undoubtedly have a stunning visual output anytime you program, watch movies, or stream online.
Performance
Performance-wise, it is powered by AMD Ryzen 3 3200U with Dual-Core, 2.6 GHz base clock, and up to 3.5 GHz max boost clock.
In addition, it comes with AMD Radeon Vega 3, 8 GB DDR4 RAM, and 265 GB SSD storage.
Overall, the laptop is built to keep you productive and entertained through long hours of work and play.
Pros
- Integrated numeric keypad.
- BrightView micro-edge display.
- Full-size keyboard with well-arranged keys.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a touchscreen.
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3. 2022 Newest Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The 2022 Newest Acer Aspire 5 is our 3rd on the list of the best programming laptop under 500.
There’s no limit to what this laptop can do regarding programming and other computational tasks.
Design Features
It is covered in a premium silver chassis with thin and narrow bezels surrounding the display.
Also, knowing that a fingerprint reader protects the laptop with login Windows Hello access, you have nothing to worry about.
The keyboard is fully backlit and comes with well-spaced and evenly arranged keys for comfortable and easy typing.
More so, it has a stunning Full HD widescreen with an 82.58% screen-to-body ratio that offers you more space to stream, create and edit content.
You’ll have no issues connecting your peripherals with a wide range of ports.
It comes with Ethernet RJ45, HDMI 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, DC-in jack for AC Adapter, and Headphone/Speaker Line-Out jack.
For wireless connectivity, it comes with a dual-band Wi-Fi 6, which is 3x faster, with increased efficiency to connect all your apps.
Performance
Performance-wise, the laptop is configured with an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor operating on 4 Cores, 4MB Cache memory, 4 Threads, 2.10 GHz base clock, and up to 3.50 GHz maximum boost clock.
Added to that are Radeon Vega 6 Graphics, 8 GB DDR4 RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage capacity.
That isn’t all about the laptop.
It has a decent battery life that can take up to 8 hours of programming without interruption.
Finally, you’ve got to work seamlessly with Windows 11 Operating System.
Pros
- It looks simple yet attractive.
- Functional numeric keypad.
- Windows 11 Home with 64-bit
Cons
- You won’t find an optical drive on this device.
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Acer A515-46-R3UB Professional Laptop
The Acer A515-46-R3UB is among the best programming laptop under 500.
Design Features
Like the previous laptop, this also boasts an attractive silver casing with thin bezels covering the display.
Typing feels comfortable with its backlit and well-arranged keys; hence, you won’t stress your finger as you type or work in dark environments.
Also, the display is embedded with a 15.6 Full HD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
It comes top-notch with strong security access via a fingerprint reader, allowing you to sign in to the system without re-entering your password.
It comes with Acer’s Purified voice technology for clear audio sound and improved accuracy.
For connectivity, it has a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 transmitter that is nearly 3x faster, delivering the best experience for browsing, gaming, streaming, and staying connected with multiple devices under one network.
Aside from that, it comes top-notch with other connectivity ports like USB ports, HDMI port, Ethernet RJ45 port, Headphone/Speaker line-out jack, and DC-in jack.
Performance
Moving away from the design, Acer A515-46-R3UB is powered by AMD Ryzen 3 3350U, delivering desktop-class performance and amazing battery life.
It can deliver impressive videos and images with AMD Radeon Vega 6 mobile graphics.
Though the RAM’s capacity is quite low, you can smoothly switch between tabs and work without any slowdown.
Finally, it comes with 128 GB SSD storage which may not be enough to save all your files.
However, you can easily switch to google cloud storage which offers up to 100 GB of free storage space for extensive storage performance.
Pros
- It is shiny in its silver color.
- Adequate 10 hours of battery life.
- Fast delivering Wi-Fi 6.
Cons
- It has a small RAM size.
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5. HP Laptop
Fifth on our list is an HP laptop.
Design Features
This laptop features unique connectivity and productivity attribute.
For connectivity, it has USB ports from different Types and Generations to help you charge and transfer files from one device to another.
Also, it comes with HDMI 1.4b to allow you to connect your laptop to an eternal interface, thereby expanding your viewing angle.
The RJ45 and Wi-Fi connector work hand in hand to ensure you link multiple devices under one network connection.
Furthermore, the display is equipped with an HD resolution on a 14-inch screen.
In addition, it has a nice anti-glare coating to allow you to use the laptop freely on outside settings without any strain on the eye.
Although, the HD resolution might not offer you the best visual if you intend to use the laptop for video editing or any other intensive tasks
But, it offers above-average performance in basic computational functions like streaming, writing, and others.
Performance
For productivity, it comes with a dual-core AMD Athlon Silver 3050U processor with up to 3.2 GHz maximum boost clock.
In addition, it features AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics, has 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and 128 GB SSD storage.
Overall, this laptop was built with productivity in mind, so you won’t get disappointed buying it.
Pros
- Fast processor.
- Great value for money.
- Decent battery life.
Cons
- It lags.
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6. ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Thin and Light Laptop
We have the sixth product on the list of the best programming laptops under 500, and it is the Asus VivoBook 15.
Design Features
It is one of the thin and lightweight laptops in this category.
As such, it weighs 3.97 pounds and measures 14.2 x 9.2 x 0.78 inches
It looks decent in slate gray.
With a 15.6-inch screen display, you have enough workspace to do all your design and creation work.
The display has a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution and a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio.
These combined will deliver unbeatable visual output without any clutter.
It is also equipped with an ergonomic backlit keyboard with a fingerprint sensor to give you awesome typing security access.
Lastly, it features a good array of ports for smooth connectivity.
Performance
In terms of productivity, it comes in handy with Intel Core i3-1005G1 having 4M Cache memory and up to 3.4 GHz boost clock.
More so, it delivers exclusive image and video output with Intel UHD Graphics.
Additionally, it has 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD storage space.
With this, you can multitask smoothly and save some of your work in the above storage space made available.
Pros
- It isn’t heavy at 3.75 pounds.
- Windows 10 Home OS in S mode.
- Decent in slate gray.
Cons
- Inadequate storage space.
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7. HP Stream Laptop Laptop
The HP Stream laptop is also included in our list of the best programming laptop under 500.
Design Features
The comes in a regular business laptop appearance.
Its case is painted royal blue and has 10 hours of battery life.
The port area is decent enough to connect all your favorites peripheral.
The display comes in an HD 15.6-inch resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
On weight, the HP Stream laptop weighs 3.17 pounds and measures 13.27 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches.
Performance
Even without many design features, the laptop is loaded with Intel Celeron N4000 Processor that can handle your programming functions very well.
Also, it has an integrated graphics card and 4 GB DDR4 RAM for decent images and multitasking.
It has a 64 GB eMMC storage option with 1TB of cloud storage.
Overall, this nimble laptop will deliver decent productivity and entertainment with all these features it comes with
Pros
- Decent multifunctional 8 GB DDR4.
- Up to 10 hours of battery life.
- 1TB cloud storage.
Cons
- Poor display.
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Conclusion On the Best Programming Laptop Under 500 Dollars
In conclusion, we have offered you the best programming laptops under 500 Dollars
Secondly, all have exceptional features based on their capacity.
All you need to do is to pick one that can meet your programming or any other kind of need and pay for it.
Alternatively, you can choose our preferred option, ✅ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
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