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What led you here is the fact that you are searching for the best laptop under $400, right?

You might be looking for an i5 laptop or a gaming laptop under 400 dollars. It is also possible that you are on the lookout for the best 2-in-1 laptop under $400.

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One thing is clear here, you must stick with that $400 budget.

Getting a new laptop is not an easy task considering that technology is continuously growing. There are a lot of developments in this area that triggers the increase in prices hence the amount that someone is willing to pay gets in the way.

Choosing a $400 laptop is quite challenging because you are after a laptop that is powerful, functional, and can remain relevant over a specific period of time.

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This is the paramount reason why we wrote this article, to help you choose among the best brands with the best specs at the best-given price that is within your budget range.

If you have enough budget like $700 then you would have a better configuration laptops which can be considered as a good gaming laptop.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Laptop Under 400 Dollars

When purchasing a laptop in whatever price range, make sure to consider the factors listed below.

  • Portability – It must be slim-built and lightweight so you can carry it around anywhere.
  • Resolution – At least 1080 resolution for an immersive experience and a full HD display.
  • Battery Life – Must have 8 hours of screen time at a minimum.
  • Specifications – The RAM, processor, and storage must fit well to your needs.

List of Best Laptops Under $400 for Gaming, Personal and Professional Use

ImageProductPrice
CHUWI HeroBook Pro3.9

CHUWI HeroBook ProGood Choice

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  • Intel Gemini-Lake N4020 Quad Core, 8G RAM, 256GB SSD
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Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB4.6

Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UBAmazon’s Choice

  • AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Mobile Processor, 4GB DDR4, 128GB NVMe SSD
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Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT4.3

Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UTAmazon’s Choice

  • 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor, 4GB DDR4, 128GB NVMe SSD
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New Microsoft Surface Go 24.6

New Microsoft Surface Go 2Good Choice

  • Intel Pentium, 8GB Memory, 128GB SSD
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HP 144.5

HP 14Good Choice

  • AMD Athlon 3050U 2.3GHz up to 3.2GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB SSD
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Dell Latitude E7270 UltraBook4.3

Dell Latitude E7270 UltraBookGood Choice

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  • Intel Core i5-6300U, 8GB Ram, 256GB Solid State SSD
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Dell Inspiron 35834.4

Dell Inspiron 3583Amazon’s Choice

  • Intel Celeron – 128GB SSD – 4GB DDR4
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2021 Acer Aspire 14.1

2021 Acer Aspire 1Good Choice

  • Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC
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HP Stream4.3

HP StreamGood Choice

  • AMD Dual-Core A4-9120E Processor, 4 GB SDRAM, 64 GB eMMC
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Flagship ASUS X441BA3.8

Flagship ASUS X441BAGood Choice

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  • AMD A6-9225 up to 3.0GHz, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB HDD, AMD Radeon R4
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1. Laptop with IPS Display – CHUWI HeroBook Pro     

  • Processor:‎ Intel Gemini-Lake N4020 Quad Core
  • Storage: ‎256GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 14.1 inches
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 9 hours
  • Weight: 3.06 pounds

ChuwiHeroBook Pro is a stylish and lightweight laptop that is around 3.06 pounds with a 14.1” anti-glare display and 1920 x 1080 maximum screen resolution that offers stunning graphical details. With its thin design, you can bring it conveniently wherever you go.

The battery can last up to 9 hours that you can rely on as you finish all your tasks within the day. Fast-charging technology is present in this device so that you can continuously enjoy entertainment and work.

ChuwiHeroBook Pro is versatile enough to allow you to attach various devices using its designated ports without hassle.

The 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and ‎2.6 hertz intel core 2 quad processor can make multitasking efficient while the 256GB SSD allows every user to open and switch tabs instantly. With these specs, you will be able to accomplish your tasks as fast as you can because of the lesser occurrence of lags.

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If you want to stay on the budget but at the same time, you want to have a reliable laptop, buy this CHUWI HeroBook Pro–the best laptop under 400 dollars.

Reasons to Buy

  • Decent processing unit
  • Decent variety of functional ports
  • Good battery life
  • Metal Finish Design
  • Powerful Performance

Reasons to Avoid

  • The built is quite heavy for some
  • Lacks backlit keyboard

2. Laptop Compatible with Alexa – Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB

  • Processor:‎ AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core
  • Storage: ‎128GB NVMe SSD
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • RAM: 4GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Weight: 4 pounds

If you want a laptop that can keep up with some of the performance capabilities of high-end laptops, the Acer Aspire 5 is a possible choice that you may want to consider.

This portable laptop weighs 3.99 pounds and has a 15.6” display with 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution, specifically designed to cater to your needs through its impressive features.

The finely tuned battery that may last up to 10 hours can support heavy usage of media and those users who are always on the go. It includes multiple ports too like one USB 2.0 port and three USB 3.0 ports that you can use to connect other devices.

The laptop’s innovation includes a 3.5 GHz ryzen 3 processor, 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and 128GB NVMe SSD storage. These are just right to boot up Windows in a few seconds and at the same time launch different applications instantly.

If you want to innovate your work or study experience, this Acer Aspire 5 is an amazing choice for you. You will enjoy the great features without going beyond your budget.

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Reasons to Buy

  • Good battery life
  • Decent processing unit
  • Backlit keyboard
  • Compatibility with Alexa

Reasons to Avoid

  • Limited storage capacity
  • The built is quite heavy for some

3. i3 Laptop – Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT

  • Processor:‎ 1.3 GHz apple_ci7
  • Storage: ‎1 TB Flash Memory Solid State
  • Screen Size: 15 inches
  • RAM: 32 GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 17.5 hours
  • Weight: 7.79 lbs

Another stunning laptop under $400 from Acer is the Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT, an all-metal device that radiates durability and lies within an affordable price range.

The laptop has a 15.6” display and weighs 4.19 pounds. It has a maximum screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels that gives sharp details and crisp images.

What’s good about this device is it has a BlueLightShield technology that can protect your delicate eyes from direct exposure to blue light.

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It offers a powerful level of productivity because it can last up to 8.5 hours and if you still need to use other devices, you can use one USB 2.0 port and three USB 3.0 ports that allow you to accomplish more tasks within the day.

The 4G DDR4 RAM and ‎4.1 GHz core i3 provide an unmatched speed as you switch from one tab to another. Its storage is decent enough at 128GB NVMe SSD that is enough to boost your productivity.

If you want to experience a seamless performance without having to deal with so many technical difficulties, you must consider getting this Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT.

Reasons to Buy

  • Decent collection of ports
  • Good battery life
  • Super Performance
  • Quality Speaker and Camera

Reasons to Avoid

  • The built is quite heavy for some
  • Limited storage capacity
  • Display may disappoint you

4. Best Touchscreen Laptop – New Microsoft Surface Go 2

  • Processor:‎ Intel Pentium
  • Storage: ‎128GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 10.5 inches
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Weight: 2.68 lbs

Get things done with the New Microsoft Surface Go 2 – best 2-in-1 laptop under 400. It has the portability of a tablet and versatility of a laptop – yes, you will experience two features in a single device.

The laptop has a 10.5” touchscreen display and 1920 x 1280 pixels resolution that is great for streaming videos, web browsing, or reading e-books.

This ‎1.2-pound laptop is super light that you can simply slide it inside your back and you’re good to go anywhere!

It is equipped with ports that you can utilize for your convenience; and if you are concerned about its battery, the New Microsoft Surface Go 2 can last for up to 10 hours whether you use it as a laptop or tablet.

Microsoft made sure to equip the laptop with a 1.7 GHz core i9 7740x processor, 8 GB RAM, and 128GB SSD  to ensure the seamless completion of various tasks.

If you want a 2-in-1 device that you can carry anytime and anywhere, consider this aesthetically designed New Microsoft Surface Go 2 now.

Reasons to Buy

  • Good battery life
  • Touchscreen display
  • Convertible laptop

Reasons to Avoid

  • Has no built-in keyboard

5. Best for College Students – HP 14

  • Processor:‎ AMD Athlon 3050U 2.3GHz up to 3.2GHz
  • Storage: ‎128GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • RAM: 4GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
  • Weight: 3.33 lbs

For a buyer who is searching for a laptop under $400 budget, this HP 14 might be the one that you are looking for.

HP 14 is a premium laptop that has a 14” display and weighs around 3.3 pounds. It has a maximum screen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels that can quite maintain the vibrant colors in your videos or even photos.

Its battery can stand a five-hour usage and has ports that can accommodate several devices. These ports include a USB Type-C, USB Type-A, headphone and microphone port, and an HDMI port to name some. This only shows the many potentials of this laptop.

Spending a little below $400 will lead you to a device that has a powerful performance brought by AMD Athlon Silver 3050U (2 Cores, 2.3GHz up to 3.2GHz) processor, the 4GB DDR4 RAM, and the 128GB SSD.

Just so you know, this laptop can handle data processing tasks without any glitch.

HP 14 is a processing unit that lets you stay within a budget but lets you experience a hassle-free achievement of your tasks or assignments.

Reasons to Buy

  • Decent RAM support
  • Decent processing unit
  • Easy to use
  • Stylish and Travel Friendly

Reasons to Avoid

  • Limited battery life

6. Best i5 Laptop for Business – Dell Latitude E7270 UltraBook

  • Processor:‎ Intel Core i5-6300U
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Screen Size: 12.5 inches
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 4 hours
  • Weight: 2 Pounds

Dell Latitude E7270 UltraBook is a laptop that is not overkilling in terms of price but has decent specs that you can rely on in finishing your tasks. This sturdy laptop weighs 2 pounds and has a 12.5” display – the best gaming laptop under 400.

The maximum screen resolution that it can offer is 1366 x 768. For the budget that you have now, this is going to be a good start for you.

It can run on battery power for up to 4 hours approximately. You will also get access to over three USB 3.0 ports and a few functional slots that you might need to use at the same time.

The 2.4 GHz apple ci5 processor may appear a little old at this point because of the newer versions that are available in the market.

Hey! This is the best i5 laptop under $400 – this is a real jackpot! Rest assured that it is capable of giving a solid and reliable performance. With the 8GB RAM and 256GB Solid State SSD, applications can boot up quickly.

This affordable laptop can go a long way as your ultimate partner in your entertainment-related, work-related or even school-related activities. With Dell Latitude E7270 UltraBook, you will never go wrong.

Reasons to Buy

  • Decent RAM support
  • Decent processing unit

Reasons to Avoid

  • Limited battery life

7. Best for Kids – Dell Inspiron 3583

  • Processor:‎ Intel Celeron
  • Storage: ‎128GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 15 inches
  • RAM: 4GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 5 hours
  • Weight: 4.41 lbs

Another contender for the best laptop under $400 is Dell Inspiron 3583 which has a 15.6” display and a 1366×768 maximum screen resolution – decent enough to give you a pleasant viewing experience.

The laptop weighs around 4.41 pounds which is quite heavy compared to its contemporaries belonging to other brands.

The battery life of this device can last up to 5 hours of continuous usage, and it houses several ports like HDMI, Type-A port, and ethernet port. Acceptable features that can get you through your tasks on a day-to-day basis.

‎1.6 GHz Celeron processor, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and 128GB SSD storage are sufficient features to deal with basic activities such as writing, media downloading, and even web surfing. 

If you will only perform the aforementioned basic activities, then you won’t have any problem using Dell Inspiron 3583 – the best laptop under 400.

Reasons to Buy

  • Decent RAM
  • Decent collection of ports
  • Anti-glare Display

Reasons to Avoid

  • The built is quite heavy for some
  • Limited storage capacity

8. Laptop with 1 Year MS Office 365 – 2021 Acer Aspire 1

  • Processor:‎ Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
  • Storage: 64GB eMMC
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Weight: 4.19 lbs

2021 Acer Aspire 1 is a 15.6” stylish laptop that approximately weighs 4.19 pounds. This is a good device for those who are looking for a quality laptop under $400. It has a 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution that features clarity as well as impressive colors.

The laptop provides different ports like HDMI, USB 3.1, and USB 2.0 that the user may use for easy connectivity.

Further, its battery can last up to 10 hours, long enough to let you finish whatever you are doing.

If your goal in purchasing a laptop is to simply write content, send emails or browse the internet then this 2021 Acer Aspire 1 with ‎1.1 GHz celeron n and ‎4 GB DDR4 RAM is the best laptop for you. The 64GB eMMC storage gives you adequate space to store some of your important files.

Overall, if you are going to perform basic or simple tasks then you should get Acer Aspire 1.  It may not be the most powerful laptop considering its hardware, but it will surely do the work.

Reasons to Buy

  • Good battery life
  • Decent collection of ports

Reasons to Avoid

  • The built is quite heavy for some
  • Limited storage capacity

9. Best Laptop for School – HP Stream

  • Processor:‎ AMD Dual-Core A4-9120E
  • Storage: ‎64 GB eMMC
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
  • Weight: 2.9 pounds

Keep yourself productive by having this HP Stream. This 14 inch laptop with 1280 x 800 pixels resolution has the potential to be the best laptop under 400 dollars. Rest assured that the HD display can give you access to clear graphics.

This classy laptop weighs 2.9 pounds, one of the not-so-heavy laptops available today.

HP Stream has a battery that can last between 7 to 8 hours and if you need USB ports to connect other devices, this laptop has various ports that you can use anytime. In other words, this is a laptop with so much potential to be your best buddy in carrying out your tasks.

In terms of processor, it runs on 2.2 GHz amd a4 with 4 GB DDR4 RAM both are enough to sustain basic tasks.

Moreover, its storage capacity is 64 GB eMMC so if you do tasks that are quite demanding then you might experience a slowdown in the performance.

For the performance of basic tasks that require a laptop, choose HP Stream.

Reasons to Buy

  • Good battery life
  • Decent RAM support

Reasons to Avoid

  • Limited storage capacity

10. Best Gaming Laptop – Flagship ASUS X441BA

  • Processor:‎ AMD A6-9225 up to 3.0GHz
  • Storage: ‎500GB HDD
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • RAM: 4GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 5 to 7 hours
  • Weight: 3.90 lbs

Here’s another gaming laptop under $400 – the New 2019 Flagship ASUS X441BA. It has a 14 inch HD display and has a weight of 3.9 pounds. Its maximum screen resolution is 1366×768 pixels, just right for its price.

A device that can give you the visual precision and space that you exactly need to finish your tasks.

With average use, the battery can stay active for 5 to 6 hours. The various ports provided in this laptop is a guarantee that you can connect more devices so that you can execute your duties well.

New 2019 Flagship ASUS X441BA has‎2.6 GHz AMD a6 processor and  ‎4 GB DDR4 RAM allowing you to handle all your tasks smoothly within the day.

The storage has a total of 500GB HDD, quite high enough compared to other devices belonging to the same price tag.

Reasons to Buy

  • Easy to use
  • Decent storage capacity

Reasons to Avoid

  • Not meant for power users

How to Choose the Good Laptop Under $400: Buyer’s Guide

We reviewed some of the best recommended laptop and showed you the specs and some features that you may find useful. At the same time by doing this in depth review we’re hoping we’re able to help you in making the right decision before going out there and completing the purchase.

Check out this buyer’s guide to pick the right laptop under $400 budget –

1. Operating System

One of the first things to consider is what type of OS do you require, will the software or whatever program you wish to use will work with a Windows base laptop or Mac OS?

Most software and hardware are compatible with these popular OS – Mac and Windows.

When it comes to pricing, the Mac laptop could be bit pricey than its Windows counterpart, although tech experts recommend Windows based laptop because of its universality and compatibility with lots of programs.

Unlike the Mac which sells last year’s technology at the same price of the latest Windows based laptop. If you have spare cash to spend then go for the Mac, but if you’re on the practical side then Windows suits you best.

2. Processor and Graphic Card

The latest Intel and AMD processor from core i5 to core i7 and AMD’s Ryzen will work well, coupled with an upgraded video chipset, it will be able to handle most of the programs you wish to run with it.

A good graphic chipset will make any gaming software or online streaming run as smooth and as efficiently.

3. Recommended RAM

The standard 16gb DDR4 RAM is much preferred, but a CPU with minimum 8gb will still do fine and perform smoothly, it will lessen any lag time while in operation.

4. Budget

You can spend around $800 to $2000 on a high-end laptop model, although models that run “AMD” processor cost a lot less than Intel processor.

Tech experts say the Intel processor lasts longer when compared to its AMD competitor, because the Intel processor doesn’t suffer so much even in hot weather condition.

If you’re on a tight budget, a good tip is to buy a refurbished or a reconditioned unit; it will save you a lot of money while still being assured of quality since most retail shops can issue a warranty for a certain period of time.

FAQs on Laptops Under $400

Are Laptops Under $400 Good Enough for Professional Task?

Laptops under 400 dollars can manage video calls, MS Word, Spread Sheet Processing, and other basic productivity tasks effectively. However, laptops on a budget cannot handle high demanding tasks such as photo editing, video editing, coding etc. as it needs more RAM capacity.

Is there a Laptop that is Good Enough for a $400 Price?

Definitely, yes! A $400 dollar laptop is perfect to handle basic tasks like simple accounting or content-writing. In the list that we provided, you will be able to find the best deals for laptops that are under $400. Rest assured that these laptops were carefully reviewed to provide you with the best possible options that will fit your needs..

Are $400 Laptops Powerful Enough for Video and Photo Editing?

Professional video and photo editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, Camtasia, Video Conference are built to work smoothly on devices with high configurations. However, $400 laptops can work with web based video and photo editing apps like Canva.

Conclusion

The best laptop under 400 is the one that has features that are relevant to your work or activities whether as an employee, gamer, employer, or a student.

With this $400 price ceiling, you will need to make compromises so that you can have the most meaningful device suitable to your needs. You can choose a standard clamshell laptop, Chromebook, or even a 2-in-1 laptop according to your preference. Make sure to manage your expectations and enjoy what the laptop has to offer. Hopefully, this article about 10 Best Laptops Under $400 in 2023 will help you decide.