7 Best 2 in1 Laptops Under 500

Whether you’re in need of a laptop for business, gaming, or multimedia projects, there’s no denying the versatility and appeal of 2-in-1 laptops. However, with the market saturated with numerous models at varying prices, finding the right one can be a daunting task, especially on a budget of less than $500.

But fear not, as we’ve got you covered. In this review, we’ve meticulously curated a list of seven of the best 2-in-1 laptops under $500, solving your dilemma and providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Best Budget 2-in-1 Laptops Under $500

 

1. ASUS VivoBook (Best 2 in 1 Laptops Under 500)

 

If you’re on a budget and seeking a reasonably priced 2-in-1 laptop, the ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 is an excellent choice. Its standout feature is its thin and lightweight design, crafted with premium materials for a sleek aesthetic. With its long battery life, this affordable convertible laptop is perfect for users who require extended usage throughout the day.

The VivoBook Flip 14 boasts an impressive thin keyboard with well-defined corners and edges, complemented by sturdy 360-degree hinges that ensure a secure display position. When transformed into tablet mode, it maintains a cool and lightweight feel, distinguishing it from bulkier convertible laptops, thanks to its slim and portable design.

Featuring a 14-inch FHD touch display, the VivoBook Flip 14 offers crisp visuals, although glare may be an issue in outdoor or brightly lit environments. Despite its compact size and lightweight build, it does not compromise on functionality, featuring a responsive touchpad and thin keyboard.

In terms of performance, the VivoBook Flip 14 is equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and 4GB of RAM. However, its limited storage capacity with a 128GB SSD and relatively modest processor performance are notable drawbacks, reflected in its affordable price tag.

While ideal for everyday tasks and light usage over extended periods, the VivoBook Flip 14 may not be suitable for more demanding tasks such as photo or media editing. If you require higher performance, consider exploring other convertible laptops with superior specifications.

2. ASUS Chromebook Flip

 

If you’re in search of a lightweight, fast, and premium convertible Chromebook, the ASUS Chromebook Flip is the ideal choice for you. While it may appear pricier than other Chromebooks on the market, its exceptional features justify the extra investment. Let’s explore why.

Competing with entry-level Windows laptops in terms of price, the ASUS Chromebook Flip offers a convertible design with a premium look and feel. With its metallic body, sharp screen, comfortable backlit keyboard, and impressive battery life, it outshines its plastic counterparts. Featuring a 12.5-inch display with IPS technology, it delivers solid performance for running Android apps in beta version and multiple Chrome tabs simultaneously.

The design of the laptop bears resemblance to the MacBook, albeit with the ASUS logo prominently displayed on the lid and bezel. Its stable 360-degree hinges allow effortless conversion into tablet mode. While the laptop lacks Type-A USB 3.0 ports, it includes all other necessary connectivity options, which can be addressed with the purchase of adapters for older devices.

The Chromebook Flip sports a sharp 12.5-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution and decent color reproduction. The backlit keyboard ensures comfortable typing even in low-light environments.

Finally, in terms of performance, the laptop does not disappoint. Equipped with an Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor and 4GB of RAM, it enables smooth multitasking without any hiccups.

3. Microsoft Surface Go

 

If you’re in search of an ideal budget tablet or convertible laptop, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is the perfect choice for you. However, if you prioritize longer battery life, you may want to consider exploring other options on this list. Nevertheless, the Surface Go 3 offers nearly every desirable feature for its price range.

One of the standout features of this tablet is its Windows operating system. Unlike iOS and Android, Windows offers greater versatility, and the inclusion of a touchpad provides additional convenience beyond stylus or touchscreen input.

Contrary to the perception that Windows machines lack sturdy build quality, the Surface Go 3 defies expectations with its sleek design and premium feel. Equipped with a kickstand, it seamlessly transitions between laptop and tablet modes.

The 10.5-inch touchscreen delivers strong graphics and offers an immersive experience despite its compact size. While enabling the Windows Hello facial recognition feature enhances security, it may present some challenges during login. The optional backlit keyboard enhances usability, though it is best used on a desk for optimal comfort.

The optional pen adds versatility, allowing users to take notes, sketch, and digitally sign documents with ease. Performance-wise, our tests with the standard configurations featuring an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM yielded impressive results. However, it falls short of the speed offered by some competitors.

4. HP Pavilion 2 in 1

 

If you’re a student on a budget and in search of the best HP laptop that won’t break the bank, consider the HP Pavilion 15. While it may not boast top-tier power, it offers a range of decent features that are sure to impress.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its utilization of AMD Ryzen technology, a rarity in HP’s lineup. Its value proposition, balancing performance with affordability, earns it a place on our list.

Constructed primarily of plastic, the laptop still manages to exude attractiveness, with the sleek black HP logo on the lid lending it a modern and stylish appearance. The HD display offers sharp visuals, although HP makes some compromises in terms of display quality.

Given its price point, the laptop’s audio capabilities may not rival those of pricier models, but it performs adequately for everyday use, such as listening to music and watching videos while browsing the web. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-6200U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB hard drive for external storage, the laptop offers more than enough performance for its reasonable price.

Featuring a full HD display and an impressive design, the HP Pavilion 15 delivers excellent value for your money. While it may not be the fastest laptop on the market, it still provides a satisfactory multitasking experience. With improvements to the keyboard and reduction of bloatware, HP could elevate this notebook to surpass its competitors.

5. Lenovo Flex 14

 

If you’re in the market for a mid-range 2-in-1 laptop, the Lenovo Flex 14 is an excellent choice to consider. While it may not boast high-end hardware or discrete graphics, it offers everything you need for daily tasks at an affordable price. However, it may not match up to the impressive features of the Lenovo Yoga 920.

One of the main selling points of this laptop is its modern components housed in a slim and lightweight body, all at a very reasonable price. Whether you’re a student or simply in need of an affordable laptop for everyday work, the Lenovo Flex 14 is hard to beat.

In terms of design, the laptop doesn’t disappoint. Sporting a luxury brushed aluminum chassis, it exudes a premium and classy feel that belies its price point. The matte Onyx shell with hinges adds to its attractiveness, with the hinges enabling smooth 360-degree rotation of the display without any issues, providing a reliable experience.

Performance-wise, the combination of 8GB DDR4 RAM, an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics, and a 256GB NVMe SSD ensures smooth operation for everyday tasks. While it may not be suited for heavy multitasking or demanding applications, it excels in light web browsing and running lightweight applications, making it perfect for everyday use.

 

6. Samsung Chromebook Pro

 

If you’re in search of a premium Chromebook with a beautiful design and high-end features, consider giving the Samsung Chromebook Pro a try. Known for delivering top-notch products in the Chromebook arena, Samsung doesn’t disappoint with this model.

Crafted from magnesium alloy, the Chromebook Pro’s chassis exudes a strong, premium feel. Samsung offers two models for their Chromebook line: the Pro and the Plus. While both models share similar specifications, they differ in colors and CPUs. Here, we focus on the Chromebook Pro.

Featuring sturdy 360-degree hinges, the laptop offers seamless transitions between various modes, whether it’s tent mode or laid-back mode. While it may not be the most flexible or user-friendly tablet on the market, it certainly isn’t awkward either. We adore this laptop for its exceptional screen, compact design, lightweight build, and small footprint.

The Samsung Chromebook Pro comes with limited connectivity options, which is understandable given its size and intended use. Its keyboard boasts good key feedback, offering an enjoyable typing experience. However, the keyboard and trackpad may not impress all users. Additionally, the laptop includes a stylus in the package.

With a mind-blowing display boasting a resolution of 2400×1600 pixels, the Chromebook Pro delivers outstanding screen quality, color accuracy, and contrast. Equipped with an Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor, it handles multitasking with ease. Despite minor drawbacks, the Samsung Chromebook Pro is a high-end convertible laptop that offers excellent value for your money.

 

7. Acer Chromebook

 

The Acer Chromebook R13 joins the ranks of convertible Chromebooks, offering an affordable option priced at less than $500. Designed to handle basic tasks with ease, this convertible Chromebook provides access to a range of Google software, including the Chrome web browser, Google Docs, Gmail, and various Android applications from the Google Play store.

If you’re a student or simply working within a tight budget, the Acer Chromebook R13 is an ideal solution for fulfilling your writing tasks without breaking the bank.

However, it’s important to note that the R13 Chromebook may not deliver top-notch performance. If you require a device with exceptional performance capabilities, you may want to explore other options on the market with better specs and performance.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right budget 2-in-1 laptop can be daunting, but our list simplifies the process by highlighting versatile options under $500. Whether you’re a student, professional, or enthusiast, there’s a laptop for you. From the sleek ASUS VivoBook to the premium Samsung Chromebook Pro, each offers unique features. Consider your needs and preferences to find the perfect fit. We hope our guide has helped. Happy shopping!