Best Laptop For Under 400 - Top Picks & Guide

Do you need a new laptop but your budget feels tighter than a drum? It’s a common problem! Finding a reliable laptop for under $400 can feel like searching for treasure. You see lots of cheap options, but many reviews warn about slow speeds and frustrating crashes. You worry about buying something that quits working in just a few months.

This sweet spot—under $400—is tricky. You want something fast enough for homework, browsing, and streaming, but the low prices often mean big compromises. We understand the headache of sifting through confusing specs and unclear promises. You just want a machine that works without emptying your wallet.

Good news! We have done the hard work for you. This guide cuts through the noise. We show you exactly which laptops offer the best speed, storage, and battery life in this budget range. By the end of this post, you will know the top contenders that give you the most bang for your buck.

Ready to stop stressing and start clicking? Let’s dive into the best budget laptops available right now.

Top Laptop For Under 400 Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)

READY FOR ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 mm micro-edge bezel display, and 79% screen-to-body ratio, you’ll take this PC anywhere while you see and do more of what you love (1)
MORE SCREEN, MORE FUN – With virtually no bezel encircling the screen, you’ll enjoy every bit of detail on this 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (2)
ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Tackle your busiest days with the dual-core, Intel Celeron N4020—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (3)
4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (4) (5)
STORAGE AND MEMORY – An embedded multimedia card provides reliable flash-based, 64 GB of storage while 4 GB of RAM expands your bandwidth and boosts your performance (6)

SaleBestseller No. 2

Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6" Laptop Computer - 20GB RAM - 1.2TB Storage - Intel Core | Microsoft Office 365 Included, 256GB SSD and 1TB Cloud Storage, Webcam, Windows 11 no Mouse | Essential Laptop

【Responsive, with powerful performance】Engineered with military-grade quality, the IdeaPad 1i laptop is ideal for on-the-go work, school, or entertainment. Powered by an Intel Core processor, this 15″ device boasts speedy responsiveness for all your apps—so you can multitask to your heart’s content. Plus, huge amounts of storage mean you can save your entire multimedia library on your PC without compromise.
【Key Features】Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast, stable connections. Includes USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, RJ-45, and audio combo jack for versatile connectivity. Features Dolby Audio dual speakers, dual mics, and an HD webcam with privacy shutter for clear communication. The sleek design blends durability, simplicity, and modern style for everyday productivity.
【Immerse yourself in the experience】With its narrow bezels and stunning display, the IdeaPad is sure to turn heads—even while yours stays focused on the 15-inch high-def wide-angle view. TÜV Certified Low Blue Light helps avoid eye fatigue. What’s more, Dolby Audio ensures you’ll enjoy premium sound on a videocall, watching a movie, or just listening to your favorite tunes.
【No waiting required】You need to trust that your device can keep up when you’re on the go. With its rapid-charging technology, the IdeaPad laptop delivers 2 hours of use on a 15-minute charge. And when it comes to your privacy and protection, we’ve got you covered. The webcam includes a privacy shutter, so you can ensure you’re off-camera when you want to be.
【Smart features work for you】: Based on use, the IdeaPad 3i laptop automatically adjusts to optimize performance, extend battery life, and lower thermals to run more efficiently with Smart Power. Smart Wireless technology seamlessly detects any interruption in connectivity and troubleshoots dynamically to reconnect you in real time .Comes with Windows 11 for enhanced security, productivity features, and a modern user experience—no setup required. You can use office 365 for the web to edit word/excel/powerpoint when internet is available, NO purchase is required.

SaleBestseller No. 3

HP Rose Gold Ultrabook Laptop with Microsoft Office 365, Intel 2-Core CPU, 1.1TB Storage (1TB OneDrive and 64GB SSD), 8GB RAM, Windows 11, No Mouse

【Exceptional Storage Space】Equipped with DDR4 RAM and eMMC Solid State Drive, runs smoothly, responds quickly, handles multi-application and multimedia workflows efficiently and quickly.
【Processor】Intel Celeron N4500(2 Cores, 2 Threads, Max Boost Clock Up to 2.80Ghz, 4MB Cache). Intel UHD Graphics 600. This 14-inch laptop is also equipped with Windows 11 S, which makes your work or study easy and convenient.
【Tech Specs】1 x USB-C 3.0. 2 x USB-A 3.0. 1 x HDMI. 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack. 1 x SD Card Reader. Wi-Fi. Windows 11 S, 1-Year Microsoft Office 365, Bluetooth. Up to 11 hours and 30 minutes battery life. HP Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support. HD Audio with stereo speakers.
【Designed for the Office】With Windows 11, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Bluetooth. Up to 11 hours and 30 minutes battery life. HP Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support. HD Audio with stereo speakers, it ensures a stylish and innovative look, excellent portability, and is suitable for daily work and play. It is a great choice for businesses, offices, or students.

SaleBestseller No. 4

ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Sheild, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AS33

15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY — Super slim bezel design with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate, vibrant 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit sustained brightness
AMD Ryzen 3 7320U PROCESSOR — Designed for thin laptops, this processor gives you essential performance for browsing and productivity with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
8GB MEMORY + 128GB STORAGE — Faster memory that smoothly runs multiple applications at once with large storage for files, documents and more
WI-FI 5 AND BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Seamlessly and quickly connect your devices
SOUND BY SONICMASTER — Crisp, multi-dimensional sound with built-in speakers and an array microphone

SaleBestseller No. 5

acer Aspire Premium Slim Laptop - 15.6" Full HD IPS 1080P Display - AMD Ryzen 3 7330U Quad-Core Processor - 8GB RAM - 256GB NVMe SSD - Webcam - Wi-Fi 6 - Windows 11 - W/O Mouse

Purposeful Design: Travel with ease and look great doing it with the Aspire's thin, light design.
Ready-to-Go Performance: The Aspire 3 is ready-to-go with the latest AMD Ryzen 3 7330U Processor with Radeon Graphics—ideal for the entire family, with performance and productivity at the core.
Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD IPS display with 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels.
The HD front-facing camera uses Acer’s TNR (Temporal Noise Reduction) technology for high-quality imagery in low-light conditions. Acer PurifiedVoice technology with AI Noise Reduction filters out any extra sound for clear communication over online meetings.
Wireless Wi-Fi 6 Convenience: Maintain a strong, consistent wireless signal with Wi-Fi 6 (aka 802.11ax) and 2x2 MU-MIMO technology.

Bestseller No. 6

Purposeful Design: Travel with ease and look great doing it with the Aspire's 3 thin, light design.
Ready-to-Go Performance: The Aspire 3 is ready-to-go with the latest AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor with Radeon Graphics—ideal for the entire family, with performance and productivity at the core.
Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD IPS display with 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels.
Internal Specifications: 8GB LPDDR5 Onboard Memory; 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage to store your files and media
The HD front-facing camera uses Acer’s TNR (Temporal Noise Reduction) technology for high-quality imagery in low-light conditions. Acer PurifiedVoice technology with AI Noise Reduction filters out any extra sound for clear communication over online meetings.

Bestseller No. 7

HP 15.6 inch Laptop, HD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home in S Mode, Natural Silver, 15- fc0099nr

MICRO-EDGE HD TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY - Reach out and control your PC with just pinch, tap, or swipe, for a totally intuitive experience with flicker-free, 1366 x 768 resolution visuals
AMD RYZEN PROCESSOR - Experience acceleration for your work and creativity in a laptop powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 processor and boosted with incredible battery life
AMD RADEON GRAPHICS - Experience high performance for all your entertainment whether it's games or movies
STORAGE AND MEMORY - 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD performs up to 15x faster than a traditional hard drive; and 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM memory is power efficient and provides speedy, responsive performance
WINDOWS 11 HOME IN S MODE - Experience the most secure Windows ever built with added protection against phishing and malware

SaleBestseller No. 8

HP Ultra Slim Laptop for Students and Business | 1 Year Office 365 | 1.1TB Storage (1TB Cloud and 64GB Hard Drive) | Intel Quad-Core, 8GB RAM | Windows 11 Home w/o Earbuds

【Make the most out of your 365】Bring your ideas to life.Your creativity now gets a boost with Microsoft 365. Office - Word, Excel, and Power Point - now includes smart assistance features that help make your writing more readable, your data clearer and your presentations more visually powerful. 1 -Year subscription included. Or Lifetime Office 365 for the web allows users to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents online at no cost, as long as an internet connection is available.
【14" HD Display】14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView. With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups. The storage capacity is 64GB hard drive, which includes a 64GB onboard drive.
【Processor & Graphics】Intel Celeron N4120, 4 Cores & 4 Threads, 1.10 GHz Base Frequency, Up to 2.60 GHz Burst Frequency, 4 MB Cahce, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Handle multitasking reliably with the perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value.
【Ports】1 x USB 3.1 Type-C ports, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, and there's a microSD slot
【Windows 11 Home in S mode】You may switch to regular windows 11: Press "Start button" bottom left of the screen; Select "Settings" icon above "power" icon;Select "Activation", then Go to Store; Select Get option under "Switch out of S mode"; Hit Install. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)

The Budget Breakthrough: Your Laptop Under $400 Buying Guide

Finding a capable laptop without breaking the bank is possible. You just need to know what matters most when every dollar counts. This guide helps you choose the best machine for your needs when the budget is firmly set under $400.

Key Features to Prioritize

When shopping in this price range, you must focus on the core necessities. You likely won’t get top-tier features, but you can secure reliable performance for everyday tasks.

Processor (The Brain)

What to aim for: Look for Intel Celeron, Pentium, or AMD Athlon processors. These handle web browsing, document editing, and streaming well.
What to avoid: Very old or low-power Atom processors might feel frustratingly slow.

RAM (Short-Term Memory)

The Minimum Standard: 4GB of RAM is the absolute minimum. It lets you run a few programs at once.
The Ideal Goal: If you find a deal with 8GB of RAM, grab it! 8GB significantly improves multitasking speed.

Storage (Where Files Live)

Speed Over Size: Prioritize an SSD (Solid State Drive) over an older HDD (Hard Disk Drive). SSDs make the laptop boot up much faster.
Space Check: Aim for at least 128GB of SSD storage. If you need more space, plan to use cloud storage (like Google Drive) or external drives.

Display and Battery

Screen Size: 11 to 15.6 inches are common. Smaller screens (11-13 inches) are more portable but harder to work on for long periods.
Battery Life: Since budget laptops often have smaller batteries, check reviews for real-world usage times. Aim for at least 5-6 hours of actual use.

Important Materials and Build Quality

Laptops under $400 use materials designed for low cost and light weight. Durability is often a trade-off.

Chassis Construction

Most budget laptops use durable plastic for the main body. This keeps the weight down.
Check hinge quality. A weak hinge is a common failure point on cheaper models. Read user reviews specifically about how the lid feels.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Test the keyboard feel if possible. Mushy keys slow down typing significantly.
The trackpad might feel less smooth than expensive laptops. Look for one that registers clicks reliably.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Small details heavily influence your daily experience when buying a budget machine.

Quality Boosters

Operating System: Laptops running ChromeOS (Chromebooks) often perform better than Windows laptops with the same low-end hardware because ChromeOS is lighter.
Ports: Having enough USB ports (especially USB-A for older devices) and an HDMI port for connecting to a TV saves you from buying extra adapters.

Quality Reducers

Low-Resolution Screens: Screens labeled “HD” (1366×768) look fuzzy compared to Full HD (1920×1080). Stick to at least HD if possible, but know that Full HD is rare under $400.
Slow Wi-Fi Cards: Older Wi-Fi standards can cause slow loading times, even if your internet is fast.

User Experience and Use Cases

What you plan to do with the laptop determines if it’s a good fit.

Best Use Cases for Sub-$400 Laptops

Web Browsing and Email: These machines excel here. You can open several tabs for news, social media, and checking mail without major slowdowns (assuming 4GB RAM minimum).
Streaming Video: Watching Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ works perfectly fine, especially on 1080p screens if you can find them.
Document Creation: Using Google Docs or Microsoft Office Online is smooth. Basic document editing is fast.

Where They Struggle

Heavy Multitasking: Trying to run 20 browser tabs, Spotify, and a Word document simultaneously will likely cause noticeable lag.
**Gaming and Video Editing:** These tasks require dedicated power. These budget laptops cannot handle modern games or complex video editing software.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Laptops Under $400

Q: Can I run Microsoft Word and Excel on a laptop under $400?

A: Yes, you can. You should use the free online versions of Office (Office Online) or subscribe to Microsoft 365. Local installation might be slow on 4GB RAM models.

Q: Are Chromebooks a better choice than Windows laptops at this price?

A: Often, yes. Chromebooks use ChromeOS, which is much lighter than Windows. They run faster on lower specifications.

Q: Is 4GB of RAM enough in 2024?

A: It is the bare minimum. It works for very light use, but 8GB RAM provides a much smoother experience when opening multiple browser tabs.

Q: Should I buy a new or refurbished laptop for under $400?

A: Refurbished models often offer better specifications (like an i3 processor or 8GB RAM) for the same price as a new, very basic Windows machine.

Q: What does “SSD” mean and why is it important?

A: SSD means Solid State Drive. It stores data much faster than the old mechanical Hard Disk Drives (HDD). This makes the computer start up quickly.

Q: Will these laptops be good for schoolwork?

A: Absolutely, for elementary, middle school, and basic high school assignments like research and writing papers. They might struggle with specialized high school software.

Q: Can I watch HD movies on these screens?

A: Yes, most modern budget screens support 720p resolution well. Finding a true 1080p (Full HD) screen might require hunting for a good sale.

Q: How heavy will a laptop in this range be?

A: They are usually quite light, often weighing between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, making them easy to carry in a backpack.

Q: What is the expected lifespan of a budget laptop?

A: If treated well and used for basic tasks, you can expect 3 to 4 years of useful service before performance significantly degrades.

Q: Should I worry about the screen resolution being too low?

A: You will notice the difference compared to high-end screens. Lower resolutions (like 1366×768) mean text and images appear slightly less sharp, but they are usable.