A micro laptop with 11 inch or smaller screen size is the best option for people who emphasize mobility and size over other criteria, even if the market for ultraportable laptops is massive.
Looking to buy a laptop but not sure which is the best 11-inch laptops under $500 model to go with? Perhaps our list might help you limit your search options in such cases. Depending on the reason you need a laptop, you may find a wide variety of options.
Is it worth it to buy one of those laptops, on the other hand, if you do? Take a look at our list of the best 11-inch laptops to get a feel of current industry trends.
Shopping for a laptop might be confusing, so we’ve put up a buying guide to help. Go ahead and let me get started without delay.
9 Best 11 inch Laptops Under $500 in March 2024 [Recommended]
Check out this list of some of the greatest 11-inch laptops I’ve put together.
01. Best Functional Laptop: HP Pro x360
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Typically characterized by a sleek and thin body, HP Pro x360 laptops are the perfect combination of sleek looks and superior construction. Best of all, the 2-in-1 laptop is under $500. The HP Pro x360 is perfect for students and anyone who needs a durable yet lightweight laptop.
It is powered by an Intel Pentium N6000 Quad-Core processor and has 8GB of high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM. The system offers decent performance even when handling everyday tasks, and can handle gaming to some extent. In that regard, we can appreciate the addition of Intel UHD graphics.
In any case, the laptop’s storage capacity is a 128GB PCIe SSD, which is good in terms of speed but enough to store all your records. It has an 11.6-inch screen with 1366 x 768 pixels.
At just 3.24 pounds, this HP laptop is ultralight, making it easy to carry and work on the go. A rare feature that sets this laptop apart from your average laptop is its extended battery life, which runs up to 10 hours on a 4-cell battery.
Overall, the HP Pro x360 is one of the best sub-$500 options due to its lightweight, making it easy to carry the device around home, school, and elsewhere.
PROS
- Thin and lightweight
- Great battery backup
- Good execution and performance
- Premium build
- Easily portable
- Great display
CONS
- Storage capacity might not be enough
02. Best Versatile Laptop: Microsoft’s Surface Go 2 laptop is the best in the market.
With a solid processing core and productivity-focused features, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is one of the best 11-inch PCs on the market.
A new Intel Core M3-8100Y chipset is used by Microsoft, which can run at 3.4GHz. Because of Hyper-threading on the dual-core CPU, you’ll be able to express yourself more freely when working on moderately taxing tasks like online photo editing or video streaming. Passive cooling is possible because of a decreased TDP of 8W, which prevents the processor from overheating.
An integrated coprocessor with a wide breadth that allows graphics output through DisplayPort, HDMI, and others, the Intel UHD Graphics 615 offers basic graphics capabilities. When it comes to RAM allocation, you have access to 8GB of system memory. More demanding multitasking needs may be met without encountering any noticeable lag with this browser, which can open up to 20 Chrome tabs.
Fast and efficient Windows 10 Home S mode starts in a flash thanks to the 128GB solid-state drive, which is lightning fast. When it comes to screen space, Microsoft supplies a 10.5-inch panel running at 1920×1280 pixels. The Surface Go 2 has a 1500:1 contrast ratio and a Gorilla Glass 3 protective layer, making it a powerful tablet.
The Surface Go 2 has a built-in Kickstand and a unique Keyboard cover that can be purchased separately. In addition, the device is pen-compatible and equipped with two cameras and studio-grade microphones for increased professional visibility.
However, with the integrated surround sound for music listening at the helm, consuming media, or seeing movies, streaming on Netflix at enviable speeds becomes more efficient. The guarded front-facing shooter is what makes this distinct, and it has the potential to greatly increase security. If you don’t need the Type-C shell, the Surface Go 2 weighs 1.22 pounds without it.
The Surface Connect and Type-Cover connectors are featured in the connectivity options of the device. A TPM security chip, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5, and a Snapdragon advanced X16 LTE modem for voice calls are all included in the phone’s additional and helpful capabilities.
A major selling factor is that the battery may last for up to 10 hours under typical conditions. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is certainly one of the greatest options for the best 11-inch laptop under $500 with a creative and imaginative approach to computing.
03. Best Performative Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
If you are still seeking a cheap and relevant 11-inch laptop for your travels across the world, the Lenovo 300e may be able to help you limit your search down to a single device.
To get by with an entry-level Intel Celeron N3450 CPU, fundamental tasks like streaming and MS Office usage are well-served. The Intel HD 500, an integrated graphics card, supports the quad-core processor’s burst clock rates of up to 2.2GHz.
In addition, Lenovo offers a 4GB, LPDDR4 RAM module that is still one of the quickest in an 11-inch notebook. The tiny 64GB eMMC memory module limits your storage options. Windows 10 Home version is included as far as the operating system is concerned, and it may be utilized in S mode as needed.
With a total resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, the 11.6-inch in-plane switching (IPS) widescreen display is very bright. The touch panel on this tiny convertible, on the other hand, really makes a statement. Another set of important features includes a standard, spill-resistant keyboard with stereo speakers, an HD webcam, and a thin chassis that weighs in at just over 3 pounds.
Lenovo has done an excellent job with the port configuration, which includes HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and many more. Even when it comes to networking, this laptop has Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1 to its name. The battery backup was enough, but we were hoping for more. However, there aren’t many laptops like the Lenovo 300e in this price range.
For a hybrid 2-in-1 laptop, a screen size of 11.6 inches or more is preferable. It is possible to use them as touchscreen tablets or laptops with a 90-degree angle because of their small size.
Selecting an 11-inch hybrid laptop that has the best of both worlds is crucial. With Windows 10 and a large, ergonomic keyboard, HP’s x360 ProBook provides exactly that.
It is common for a tablet of this size to include 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of solid-state storage.
Two drawbacks exist, both of which are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Stylus not included, despite the fact that it is a two-in-one
A touchscreen pen is required if you want to scribble notes or create pictures on the go. A little over three pounds makes it a touch heavier than most other 11-inch laptops.
In spite of this, the ProBook is still far lighter than any other laptop of equal size. As a result of its lightweight and hybrid design, this laptop is particularly well-suited for college students.
04. Best Performative Laptop: Asus Laptop L210
We live in a technologically advanced world. Large, heavy workstations and tiny, light laptop computers are only a few examples of the wide range of computer configurations available today. Gaming laptops and entry-level PCs alike are an Asus specialty. Asus’ L210 is an 11.6-inch ultraportable laptop computer built by the company.
2.8GHz is the maximum clock speed of the latest Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core CPU. Everyday things like surfing the web and editing documents (such as Excel sheets) are no problem for it. In addition to playing back high-definition movies, the Intel UHD 600 may share the system’s RAM with other applications.
With 4GB DDR4 RAM and 64GB eMMC as operating and storage memory, the device boots up quickly and accesses data with ease. Windows 10 S-mode is pre-loaded on the L210, although the home edition of Windows 11 may be added afterward. An overburdened home version with a slew of programs might put a strain on the computer’s capabilities.
Displaying the laptop’s portability is made easy with an 11.6-inch high-definition screen. At a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, it is capable of showing pictures. To create room for a full-sized keyboard, Asus deleted the Numpad. Comfortable key spacing and adequate key travel contribute to a positive user experience. Because it is larger and more sensitive, the touchpad supports multi-touch gestures with ease.
The laptop weighs in at a featherweight of 2.31 pounds. With its matte black finish, this gadget is both stylish and impervious to dust and fingerprints. There are enough ports on the ASUS L210 for most users’ needs. One Type-C USB 3.1 port, two Type-A USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack are all included. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.0 are used to establish a connection.
On average, L210 users get around 10 hours of use out of their laptops. An 11-inch screen, a dual-core Intel Celeron CPU, speedier boot speeds using eMMC flash memory, and a wide range of connectivity choices will keep you busy on the go. The Asus L210 Vivobook punches beyond its weight with its feature set, making it one of the best 11-inch laptops under $500 on the market.
05. Best Laptop for Aesthetics: Asus Chromebook 9
Is your balance shaky? Or perhaps you’re searching for a robust laptop to present to your younger siblings or son. Take a look at this little laptop on our list of the best 11-inch laptops. It packs a strong punch in a compact package.
The Asus Chromebook is one of the most gorgeous 11-inch laptops you’ll ever see. Accidental bumps and drops are minimized thanks to a plastic barrier protecting the laptop. While the spill-resistant keyboard is one of its most enticing characteristics, who doesn’t wish for one?
For the price, the hardware and specs are sufficient, and the 2.2-pound weight makes it portable enough to carry with you almost everywhere.
Video streaming and other forms of entertainment are a breeze with the 1366×768 HD display, and the 4GB RAM ensures that you’ll never have any lag.
Therefore, if you feel that this tough laptop is an ideal choice for your new laptop, you should have a look and decide. It’s built to last, and we’re convinced you’ll be pleased with it.
Are 11s a good investment? “Is Investing in a Laptop a Good Idea?
The diminutive 11-inch form factor “In the case of a laptop, it is understandable to be skeptical of its capabilities. Is it possible for such a little computer to be of great value? Is it sensible to purchase one of these laptops in view of the excess of 15.6″ and 17” PCs on the market?
Definitely! An 11-inch laptop is highly adaptable and practical, with most of its value deriving from its lightweight design, travel-friendliness, and mobility. Aside from the fact that they take up minimum space, small computers may also perform a variety of fundamental computing functions for as little as $200–$300.
06. Best All-Rounder Laptop: Apple Macbook Air
Windows-based PCs generally surpass Apple products when it comes to raw hardware specs. It’s the opposite if you stay with 11-inch models.
Despite its age, the MacBook Air is still a better laptop than the vast majority of current Windows or Chrome OS ultrabooks.
In our selection of best 11-inch laptops under $500, the Air MD711LL has the quickest CPU of any of them. With a solid-state drive of 128GB, it has some of the best storage space.
Buying a refurbished computer is the only way to stay within the $500 limit when using those specifications. They’ve been fixed and restored to factory settings before being resold as secondhand MacBook Air computers.
A brand-new model of this laptop is also available for purchase for a price of somewhat more than $500.
07. Best Laptop for Multitasking: The Lenovo C330 Chromebook
An 11-inch laptop for about $300, the Chromebook C330 offers a lighter option. With a total weight of approximately 2.6 pounds, it’s one of the lightest items on the market today.
Google Play Store apps are designed for this smartphone’s high-performance MediaTek CPU. Speeds of up to 2.1GHz are possible with this chip There will be a visible difference between using an ARM CPU and an Intel CPU while running the app.
This Chromebook features 4GB of RAM, which is usual for Chromebooks in this price range, but it also boasts 64GB of internal storage. For a PC in this price bracket, that’s rare, to say the least. A 100GB extension to Google Drive is also relevant here. When not connected to a power source, this laptop’s battery lasts for around 10 hours.
Talk about images and presentations. Things are kept simple with the 1366 x 768 resolution and an FHD touchscreen. Since most and best 11-inch laptops in the low $500 price bracket have a standard resolution, it’s not surprising that their displays are sharp and pleasing to the eye.
The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is not well supported by the operating system. USB-C and a single USB 3.0 port are both included on the device (along with an HDMI and micro-SD card reader). Only a small number of peripherals and devices may be connected to it.
Lenovo immediately became well-known in the laptop industry. This 11-inch laptop, it brings Chrome OS’s portability, speed, and flexibility to the table. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a great option.
08. The Industry’s Best Chromebook: Samsung Chromebook 3
As an operating system, Chrome OS is somewhere in between an Android tablet and a full-blown laptop. In spite of the fact that it isn’t meant for running Windows software, you still have access to Google Play apps.
With this, you’ll be able to surf the web and watch movies without a problem. It’s true that 64GB isn’t a lot, but the whole idea of a Chromebook is to save data on the cloud.
Additional storage can be added through several USB ports. Finally, you get a battery life that surpasses the bulk of Windows PCs.
This system is usually praised by consumers, however, they regularly point out minor differences in the layout of the keyboard. As a result, you will have to adapt to a more condensed and restructured layout.
This keyboard, for example, does not have a dedicated delete key. Instead, you’ll need to learn how to use key combination shortcuts to access all of the features of a full-size keyboard.
Traveler: Frequent travelers desire compact laptops that take up less luggage space. The tally is 11 “It’s a good fit for my needs.
Slim notebooks are ideal for people who travel frequently and need to work on public transportation.
Student: I got an 11 on the SAT “Students can use a laptop to go around campus, manage their coursework, and relax with a movie in their dorm.
Notebooks in this category tend to be more budget-friendly than others. In the $200-plus price range, you’ll find a wide range of options.
An 11-inch laptop will be sufficient if your daily computer activities are limited to reading email and taking notes in a word processor “There’s no need for anything more than a PC for this. You’ll save money and space in your bag/table by doing this.
To be on the safe side, avoid using an 11 at all costs “Photoshop or other forms of multimedia production may not run well on your laptop.
Due to the fact that the majority of these laptops are equipped with entry-level CPUs and have limited RAM and storage, you will be unable to accomplish such duties properly.
Additionally, if your principal involvement with the laptop is viewing movies, gaming, or going through image albums, the screen real estate may be a restriction.
Indeed, keeping a considerable amount of audiovisual content on these laptops is tough; you will mostly rely on cloud-based storage.
What to Expect in a Mini Best 11-inch Laptop under $500 Configuration and Features
An 11-inch laptop may appear to have only minimal requirements and a skeletal layout. It turns out that there are in fact 11 “Laptops that are now powerful enough to handle the majority of computer operations that people perform on a daily basis. You should keep these things in mind while you evaluate your options:
CPUs: Laptops in this category employ processors such as the Intel Celeron, AMD A9, and Intel X5. These are not highly powerful laptops, but they are enough for everyday duties such as browsing the web, working on papers, checking e-mail, and playing back multimedia stuff.
A minimum of 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage is also recommended. There must be no lags or delays in everyday activities in order for this to be a success. If you’re looking to buy a high-performance laptop, you may want to look at an SSD option. It’s also a lot larger than an SSD, which means the user isn’t going to get the quick read/write performance that an SSD provides.
Most laptops come with high-definition displays that represent colors and details pretty well. To guarantee that your content looks its best, you should have a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768. As a general rule, don’t expect an immersive experience just because you have an 11 “Screen that has a limited amount of space for showing your content.
For 11 applications, battery backup is essential “Laptops are a must. The majority of consumers prefer to use mini laptops without being plugged in. Traveling, vacationing, or attending business meetings are all situations in which you don’t want to be tethered to an outlet. It’s straightforward to discover an 11-inch laptop with a battery life of up to nine hours. It is possible for some products to run for more than 12 hours on a single charge.
The general design of an 11-inch laptop is crucial for mobility, therefore it must be durable but lightweight “Laptops may either make or destroy a deal. You want a laptop that is well-built and capable of withstanding the demands of travel.
However, you also want the chassis to be tiny and lightweight so that the laptop can be put into a bag and carried on the road. Most 11-inch laptops strive to weigh between 3 and 5 pounds and have a thickness of 1 inch or less.
A great deal of peace of mind may be obtained from military-grade construction that has been exposed to extremes in temperature and vibration. Eleven “Laptops may also be used in tablets and other configurations. Regular plane passengers who frequently have to work from cramped seats will find this to be a benefit.
With a score of 11, “Make sure there are USB ports and internet connections available before you embark on a trip with your laptop. Devices and accessories like as keyboards, mice, and storage devices can be connected to USB ports. 802.11ac, or Gigabit Wi-Fi, is the most popular Wi-Fi technology available in the last 11 years “Laptops are a must.
Besides the above, you may purchase eleven other “Notebooks that have additional features. For example, Google Assistant is built into some laptops, allowing you to control the laptop using voice requests and speeding up the process.
Gigabit Wi-Fi is offered by others to ensure your connectivity. A few laptops in this category also feature cloud-based storage choices.
Just because you’re shopping in a little, budget-friendly notebook does not imply that you should accept significant reductions in price.
A well-rounded laptop that defies its price and physical factor can be found by going the extra mile for certain target markets..
FAQs of Best 11-inch Laptops Under $500
Although the future is bright for ultraportable 11-inch laptops under $500, they remain on the lowest end of hardware specs at present. In the near future, this will change when newer, more compact hardware is developed.
For the time being, though, you should be aware that you are unlikely to stumble across a high-end gaming setup or business-class laptop. For the most part, an 11.6-inch laptop can only accommodate up to 4GB of RAM.
Keep in mind, though, that these devices are not meant to hold large amounts of data. When utilizing a tiny 11-inch laptop, you’ll either need to save your data online or purchase an extra USB drive.
What Are The Downsides To 11 Inch Laptop?
Because of their smaller screen sizes, laptops with 11-inch screens can never offer the same level of performance as those with 14- or 15-inch screens. Celeron processors and up to 4 GB of RAM may be found on most of these devices.
The main problem is that there isn’t enough room for 8GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card on the motherboard.
As a result of their small size, you may also get a small solid-state drive. Typical onboard storage is 32GB, with a few versions giving up to 128 GB.
More than just less room for storing data is a problem with this storage capacity, as many users are unaware of it.
If you go for a Windows 10 laptop, you’ll have to deal with Microsoft’s automatic updates all the time.
When you only have 32–64GB of onboard storage, Windows will quickly deplete your storage space.
To avoid running out of storage space following a Windows upgrade, buy an external USB hard drive or SD memory card.
Can I Upgrade 11 Inch Laptops Later On With New Hardware?
11-inch models suffer from a second major drawback. As is the case with most ultrathin laptops, laptops of this size are not designed with upgrades in mind.
For the vast majority of computers that come with 4GB of RAM, there is no place for a second slot since the RAM is soldered to the motherboard. You can’t expand the RAM even if you manage to break open the case, which isn’t recommended.
With the motherboard, processor, and USB connections filling up every possible inch of space, there is also an exceedingly unusual M.2. slot. Expect to be unable to expand your storage capacity in the future.
External devices will be required to run “upgrades” on these laptops. External hard drives or monitors and keyboards can be attached through USB or SD card ports.
Why Should I Pick An 11-Inch Laptop Over A Larger Model?
When it comes to this subject, mobility is the most important term. 11.6-inch monitors offer a substantially smaller, lighter chassis than is achievable with any other form of a laptop computer.
While the typical 15-inch laptop has become lighter in recent years, these small ultrabooks will stay much lighter.
The weight limit for 11-inch laptops is normally three pounds. The majority of models of this size weigh less than two and a half pounds on average.
In addition to weight, portability is aided by the overall shape of the device. Except for a few bigger, more robust variations, the majority of them are an inch or less thick when closed.
If you lack the capacity to carry a bigger laptop and prefer to carry your laptop in a backpack or purse, 11-inch variants are an ideal alternative.
These laptops are small and light enough to be carried around all day, whether you’re going from home to the coffee shop or between courses.
Mini 11-inch Laptops Are Made for Whom?
When it comes to compact laptops, there is no way to please everyone. Most of them use low-power CPUs (e.g., Intel Celeron) that are acceptable for everyday tasks like browsing the web or streaming Netflix, but not for intensive work.
Storage options for 11-inch laptops could also be constrained, with only a few laptops reaching 64GB. Therefore, if you’re a devoted gamer hunting for a gaming partner with lightning-fast speed and immersive displays, these laptops aren’t for you.
Similarly, if you are a creative professional who must perform a considerable amount of photo/video editing during the day, you may find these laptops inadequate.
As a result, 11-inch laptops are targeted at a certain demographic. They are geared squarely at students and mobile employees who demand the freedom to work from any place without being constrained to a desk by a huge laptop.
Additionally, they are ideal convertibles for everyday computing tasks such as taking notes, watching movies, or checking e-mail.
Where Can You Use Small 11-inch Laptops?
There are so many laptop models to choose from that it might be overwhelming. Consider the following factors when deciding whether to purchase an 8″ to 11″ laptop or tablet:
Work on academic or training-related tasks while in the classroom by taking notes, drawing, and writing.
Travel: An 11-inch laptop is tiny and lightweight enough to be a perfect travel companion on public transportation, airlines, and vehicles, among other forms of mobility.
Mobile Workstation: From outside the office, utilize an 11-inch laptop to share presentations and documents with coworkers, read work-related papers, and check your e-mail.
Another great usage for an 11 is to make a bracelet “The laptop is used as a second laptop when traveling. If you already possess a powerful, all-purpose laptop, you may utilize this as a supplementary device to bring with you when you’re on the move.
11-inch laptops are suitable for kids at home, as well as for enjoyment in the form of videos and movies. They’re also great in the kitchen.
Best 11-inch Laptops Under $500 Review – 2024
Conclusion on Best 11-inch Laptops Under $500
That finishes our comprehensive list of the best 11-inch laptops under $500 for 2024 which will justify every cent you pay for their financing. Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, Dell, and Samsung all have Chromebooks, but VivoBooks are a potential alternative.
Prior to purchasing an 11-inch laptop, it is necessary to identify your priorities. Consider the major features that you will require from your laptop.
For example, you would be silly to acquire an 11-inch laptop for gaming or graphic editing. If nothing else, it would be a great tool for note-taking and internet surfing. As a last consideration, consider whether you need more storage space, a longer battery life, or more USB ports.
When it comes to computing power, displays, and wireless connectivity, the vast majority of options are equivalent.
Durability is also crucial, as you don’t want to spend on a laptop that looks wonderful and weighs next to nothing but is unable to withstand the rigors of demanding lifestyles.
It doesn’t matter if your laptop starts to act up after a few months of use provided you did your research before making your purchase.
Which of these Mini laptops do you intend to bring home with you?
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