10 Best Refurbished Laptops Under $500 (Starting from $100)

Reviewed by: Ali

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If you are among those who need a high-quality laptop but are under $500, you can buy a refurbished laptop. We have curated a list of the 10 best refurbished laptops under $500.

Refurbished laptops are a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. They offer a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to brand-new devices.

The best part? You often get better specs and higher-end models that might otherwise be out of reach when buying new.

But here’s the real question: What’s a safe and reliable refurbished laptop under $500 that won’t leave you disappointed?

To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 refurbished laptops under $500. These picks aren’t just affordable; they’re also tested and trusted by tens of thousands of users for quality and performance.

Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or simply looking for a dependable device for your work or gaming, this curated selection has something for everyone.

You can also look at these best laptops under $500, which are actually brand new and come with very decent specs.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (the best refurbished laptop under $500)

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop, 15.6 FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 8GB RAM, 512GB Storage, AMD Radeon 7 Graphics

Specifications of Lenovo Ideapad 3:

  • Screen size: 15.3 inches
  • RAM memory: 8GB
  •  Storage: 512GB
  • Operating system: Windows 11
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500
  • Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon 7 Graphics
  • Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
  •  Special feature: Built-in webcam and fingerprint reader 

Review:

After reading this Lenovo IdeaPad 3 review, one thing should be clear in your mind: It is one of the best affordable laptops on the market right now, but not for its eye-catching appearance or high performance, because it is not very expensive. You do get a lot of bang for your buck with a Lenovo laptop.

This refurbished laptop is a steal if you’re looking for something under $500. It’s got some muscle under that hood—like a 15.3-inch screen that’s just perfect for watching movies. And guess what? It also includes 8 GB of RAM, which means you can open multiple documents and stream a show. The large 512GB of storage translates to roughly 300 HD movies (1 GB each), over 200,000 songs or 170,000 PDF documents (3 MB each), so there’s ample space for your work and entertainment library.

The Ryzen 5 5500 is a 6-core / 12-thread Zen 3 (“Vermeer”) desktop chip, typically featuring a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost up to 4.2 GHz. In Geekbench it scores 1874 in single-core and 7673 in multi-core, making it a fantastic purchase at this price range.

Though not suitable for playing heavy games or launching a video production career on this device, it is still worth a few mentions: it’s perfect for basic computing tasks such as surfing the web, answering emails, and making spreadsheets, and it will satisfy you when streaming TV shows and movies too.

In fact, the Ryzen 5 5500 is 19% faster than the Core i3-12100 in threaded work, and that increases to 23% after overclocking, making it a good option for tasks like simple video editing, rendering, and other content creation applications.

The current version of the operating system, Windows 11, makes it more user-friendly than ever before. It boasts efficient performance since it is fitted with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor that enables faster task execution.

As far as network connectivity is concerned, this notebook covers all bases. Whether you are on the internet or linking up with other devices, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offers a theoretical maximum of up to 9.6 Gbps, which is significantly higher than Wi-Fi 5’s typical max of around 3.5 Gbps.

One of the remarkable things about the IdeaPad 3 is its built-in web camera. This allows for video calls, online meetings, or even capturing beautiful moments in life. Additionally, worth mentioning here is the fingerprint reader, which adds extra security layers and simplifies logins.

In summary, this refurbished laptop is a decent buy. If critically scrutinized, one will realize that it can be suitable for students, work-from-home professionals, and small-business users who need reliable Office 365, Zoom, and web apps without breaking the bank. Therefore, if you want to buy a refurbished laptop under $500, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 should be on your list of considerations.

Microsoft Surface Laptop SE CELERON (Just under $200)

Microsoft Surface Laptop SE CELERON 8GB RAM 128GB SSD RENEWED, Glacier

Specifications:

  • Screen size: 11.6 inches
  • RAM memory: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Operating system: Windows 11 SE
  • CPU model: Celeron N
  • Warranty: 1 year

Review:

The Microsoft Surface Laptop SE represents a distinct shift in Microsoft’s Surface lineup, having been specifically developed for the education sector. Its compact size, lightweight build, and affordable pricing make it a practical choice for students and institutions. However, its design and capabilities also position it as a viable option for general users who require a portable, everyday laptop at a budget-friendly price.

Weighing only 2.45 pounds, the Surface Laptop SE is exceptionally lightweight, enhancing portability for users who need to move between classrooms, offices, or workspaces. While originally intended for younger users in school environments, its ease of transport and low cost can appeal equally to writers, travelers, and remote workers who value mobility and simplicity.

Visually, the Surface Laptop SE departs from Microsoft’s traditional premium aluminum construction, opting instead for a durable plastic chassis. This change keeps costs low and weight down but also means the device is more prone to showing scratches and marks, particularly given its light gray finish. For users prioritizing function over aesthetics, this trade-off is often acceptable, especially when balanced against the device’s affordability and practicality.

Inside, the Intel Celeron N processor offers modest performance. It won’t rival the speed of premium chips, but it handles essential duties like web browsing, word processing, online learning, and streaming music without trouble. Paired with 8GB of RAM, it supports smooth multitasking. you can have multiple tabs open, run an email client, and stream a video lecture at the same time.

128GB of SSD accommodates all your important files and documents. Additionally, this makes the computer boot fast and also work very well.

Windows 11 SE is designed for simplicity and speed, reducing background processes to free up resources for the apps you actually use. This streamlined interface is particularly beneficial for education and remote work, where quick access to essential tools is key.

As a refurbished device, the Microsoft Surface Laptop SE offers strong value for its sub-$200 price point. It comes with a one-year warranty, meaning it has been inspected, tested, and certified to meet functional standards. For students, light office users, or those in need of a secondary laptop for travel, it’s a cost-effective and reliable option.

HP Newest Pavilion 15.6″ (Almost 50% discount on this used laptop)

HP Newest Pavilion 15.6 HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Intel Core Processor up to 4.1GHz, Up to 11 Hours Long Battery Life

Specifications:

  • Screen size: 15.6 inches HD touchscreen
  • RAM memory: 16GB
  • Storage: 1TB
  • Processor: Intel core i3
  • Battery life: 11 hours
  • Operating system: windows 11 home

Review:

The HP Pavilion 15.6” HD Touch Screen Laptop is a perfect choice for people looking for a low-priced but efficient computer. If you look at its specs, you can’t stop yourself saying, this is the best refurbished under $500.

Can you imagine buying a beautiful laptop with these specs: 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Intel Core Processor up to 4.1GHz, Up to 11 Hours Long Battery Life, Type-C, HDMI, and Windows 11 operating system.

But, luckily, you got a chance to buy this incredible machine.

Many laptop users worry about how much they can store on their laptops. Its 1TB storage can be more than enough to store your desired documents, songs, videos and other important files.

Infact, SSD read/write speeds are 5 to 10 times faster than legacy HDDs, and NVMe SSDs can exceed 5000 MB/s, making them over 10× faster than typical HDDs.

Furthermore, the laptop has the adequate 16GB of RAM required for smooth multi-tasking.

The Intel Core i3 processor, while not a powerhouse, performs well for day-to-day tasks such as Microsoft Office work, video calls, and Full HD streaming.

It has a 15.6” HD touchscreen display that will blow your mind away. It’s clear and sharp presentation, plus its ability to respond to touch, make it an excellent multitasking device. Combined with Intel UHD Graphics, it offers smooth 1080p video playback and is suitable for creative tools like Canva or light Photoshop edits. The touchscreens at this size are especially handy for interactive presentations or design work.

It looks sleek on the outside but houses pretty powerful hardware. Every single day should be accompanied by reliable performance from Intel processors, which are responsible for that. In this case, this laptop lets you do many things at once, such as editing documents.

This laptop is a beauty, and it always pleases. A complete, full-sized keyboard, and on top of that, its sleek and modern design gives your computing experience some taste. It can be used either for work or for fun, and its portability is fantastic for people who travel a lot. The only thing that can be mentioned about this laptop is the absence of a keyboard backlight, which has left many people disappointed.

The HP Pavilion, running on the Windows 11 Home operating system, offers a user friendly and familiar interface. HP’s own guide lists Windows 11’s Snap Layouts and Focus Sessions as productivity boosters for students and home-office users alike.

Windows 11 Home has multiple features and functions that improve productivity and ease of use. It provides a variety of apps and programs to fit your needs, whether you are working, doing something amusing, or being creative.

One of the key features of the HP Pavilion is its excellent battery endurance. With up to 11 hours of use on a single charge, it can easily last through a full workday, long study sessions.

Finally, if you are looking for a refurbished laptop under $500, the HP 15 laptop is one option that comes with an Intel Core i3 processor, 11 hours of battery life, and the Windows 11 Home operating system. It strikes a balance between performance, battery life, and affordability.

2023 Newest HP Laptop for College Student & Business (Just under $400)

2023 Newest HP Laptops for College Student & Business, 14'' screen

Specifications:

  • Screen size: 14 inches
  • RAM memory: 16GB
  • Storage: 576GB
  • Operating system: Windows 11
  • Processor: Celeron N4000
  • Color: Rose gold
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • Weight: 3.24 lbs

Review:

A refurbished laptop that is less than $500, mainly the HP series, has a number of advantages. Firstly, it offers an inexpensive option as opposed to purchasing brand-new ones. This can be great if you are living on a tight budget or need to save some money.

Furthermore, these laptops undergo thorough inspection and testing to ensure they are in good working condition. As a result, you can still get yourself a reliable and functional laptop without spending much. Lastly, HP laptops are recognized for providing high-quality services and the best performance; hence, most people choose them.

Even at this lower price point, refurbished HP laptops often include modern SSD storage and higher RAM capacity, allowing them to perform basic computing tasks almost as quickly as some newer mid-range models.

One impressive feature of this laptop is that its RAM is about 16 GB. That’s the exact amount CAEN (University of Michigan Engineering) recommends for all incoming engineering students, so you’re right on target for CAD, MATLAB, and simulation work.

It’s equally beneficial for students who have to open numerous tabs for research or business executives looking for effective task management; they will find it very useful.

Additionally, the 576GB is quite enough space for around 140,000 high-resolution photos, 350 Full HD movies, or more than a quarter million MP3 tracks, giving students and businesses plenty of room for large projects and archives.

This HP 14 is a laptop that’s perfect for small businesses and students alike. Your eyes will not suffer as the screen size is 14 inches. At 220 nits it’s bright enough for indoor lectures; outdoor cafés will need shade. Moreover, the display offers clear and vibrant visuals as you work on your projects, prepare slideshows, or watch videos.

This laptop runs on Windows 11, which is a very friendly operating system. Improve the overall quality of your computing experience by getting the latest updates from Microsoft. The Celeron N4000 processor and Intel UHD Graphics 600 are able to manage everyday tasks effectively, which enables smooth browsing, editing of documents, and some light gaming.

It makes this laptop look more sophisticated with a rose gold color. It’s perfect for both students and professionals who like things clean and fancy.

With just 3.24 lbs., this laptop is lightweight, making it easily portable. You can bring it anywhere you go—to classes, meetings, or wherever work takes you. Its small size and lightweight construction make it useful for traveling people.

The HP 14 is generally a dependable and well-rounded laptop that provides the perfect combination of performance, storage, and portability. For users whose heaviest workload is Google Docs, Canvas, or QuickBooks Online, this refurbished model is more than sufficient. It is a great laptop for both students who are looking for a reliable study companion and business professionals who want an all-in-one workhorse computer.

If you can afford to pay around $500, then you must check the HP 17 laptop in this list of the best laptops under $500; it has incredible features.

HP 2023 Pavilion convertible 2-in-1(best for work and students)

HP 2023 Pavilion 2-in-1 14 FHD Touchscreen Laptops for Student & Business, Intel 12th Gen Core i3-1215U, Up to 4.4 GHz, 8GB RAM512GB SSD

Specifications:

  • Screen size: 14 inches FHD touchscreen
  • Color: Blue
  • Processor: Intel core i3
  • RAM memory: 8GB
  • Operating system: Windows 11
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • Weight: 3.35 lbs

Review:

The HP 2023 Pavilion is an immersive and interactive computing experience that has a 14-inch FHD touchscreen display. It is amazing to stream videos, surf the internet, or work on documents, as it features well-colored photos and clear graphics, improving the view.

The 1920×1080 resolution ensures crisp text and accurate colors, making it suitable for PowerPoint presentations, detailed spreadsheets, and binge-watching your favorite shows in full HD quality.

This laptop spices up the normal tech with its blue color. This could be a refreshing change from all-black or silver laptops, which would bring some life to your device.

However, underneath this stylish blue chassis lies an Intel Core i3 processor, which, while not the latest generation, is still capable of delivering solid performance for everyday computing.

It works well with applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Workspace tools, Zoom for video conferencing, and streaming services such as Netflix or YouTube in Full HD.

Paired with 8GB of RAM, the laptop can run these apps simultaneously without freezing, making it suitable for students juggling research tabs and writing assignments or professionals managing email, spreadsheets, and presentations at the same time.

However, it is not intended for heavy-duty video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, 3D modeling in Blender, or modern AAA gaming, where more powerful CPUs are required.

Also, you will be able to store files, documents, and photos, as well as a few movies or games you love, since it has a capacity of 512 GB. It’s nice to have enough space to keep your things organized and access them with no struggle at all.

Again, the fact that it is a convertible 2-in-1 design laptop is promising. Hence, users can easily switch to laptop mode or tablet mode for different needs and circumstances. You can use this feature when you have a report to type or want to write down some notes using a stylus.

Moreover, I found out that it comes with Windows 11 on board, which is a modern operating system and very user-friendly. Windows 11’s Snap Layouts work perfectly in both laptop and tent orientations.

Also, you will be able to store files, documents, and photos, as well as a few movies or games you love, since it has a capacity of 512 GB. It’s nice to have enough space to keep your things organized and access them with no struggle at all.

The HP 2023 Pavilion has Intel Iris Xe Graphics for graphics. Even though it may not be meant for intense gaming or graphics-intensive workloads, it still offers good visuals for casual gaming, multimedia experiences, and everyday graphics needs.

In terms of weight, this laptop weighs about 3.35 lbs, thus making it relatively light and portable. This means someone who moves from place to place will need a laptop, which can be carried around without much strain

To recapitulate, the HP 2023 Pavilion convertible 2-in-1 laptop has some good specs, like Windows 11, 512GB of storage space, Intel Iris Xe Graphics and a lightweight design. It is a versatile device that suits all your everyday computing tasks while giving you the freedom of convertible design.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14″ Laptop (refurbished)

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14_ Laptop

Key features of Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14″:

  • Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
  • Processot: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
  • Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon 7 Graphics
  • Color: Abyss Blue
  • Memory: 8GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Wireless Type: 802.11ac
  • Number of USB: 2.0 Ports 1
  • Number of USB: 3.0 Ports 2
  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Laptop Weight: 3.3 pounds

Pros:

  • Performance is great for everyday use as compared to other laptops with the same price.
  • Bluetooth, WiFi, and ports give you comfort in use.
  • DDR4 SSRAM and SSD make it the best fit for multi-tasking.

Cons:

  • All plastic shell
  • No USB-C
  • Poor battery life

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14″ (refurbished) is a strong all-rounder for students, small business owners, and home users who need more than just basic browsing power. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, this laptop easily handles productivity tasks and multiple browser tabs without stutter.

The AMD Radeon 7 graphics give it a creative edge over similarly priced Intel-based laptops, allowing for smooth 1080p video editing in programs like Adobe Premiere Rush, casual photo editing in Photoshop, and even light gaming at medium settings.

The 14-inch FHD anti-glare display with narrow bezels makes it great for both work and entertainment. Streaming movies looks crisp, and the speakers are decent for personal viewing. Its 256GB SSD ensures quick boot times, though if you work with large media files or want your entire video library on your laptop, you can opt for 512GB, 1TB, or even 2TB SSD versions—something not common at this price range.

Connectivity is future-proof with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the port selection (including USB-C and HDMI) makes it easy to hook up to monitors, projectors, or storage devices.

Battery life averages 5–6 hours with mixed usage (web browsing, streaming, and light productivity), which is decent for portable work but may require you to keep the charger handy during longer days.

Bottom line: If you need a fast, reliable laptop under $300 that won’t freeze under multitasking, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14″ is one of the best refurbished deals available. Choose a larger SSD model if you handle large projects or media libraries.

Dell Latitude 14 Renewed (Just under $200)

Dell Latitude 14 7000 7480 Business UltraBook

Key features of Dell Latitude 14 UltraBook:

  • Memory: 8GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Storage: 256 SSD
  • Display size: 14 Inches
  • Screen Resolution: 1366×768
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-6300U
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
  • Graphics Card Ram Size 2 MB
  • Wireless Type Bluetooth, 802.11ac
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
  • Laptop Weight: 3 pounds

Reasons to buy this laptop:

  • Good performance in high workloads.
  • It’s certified and backed by Amazon.
  • Multiple ports

Situations when you don’t need this laptop:

  • Soft speakers.
  • Low battery life.

To be honest, this particular model is among the best refurbished laptops available for less than $500.

If you’re a business owner and looking for a lightweight, portable laptop that you can carry with you and work on all day at a low price, then the Dell Latitude 14 7000 7480 Business UltraBook could be your best choice.

This refurbished laptop is checked and certified by Amazon with a 90-day money-back guarantee. Units are cleaned, reset, and repackaged by Amazon-qualified vendors. The machine may not have fully original accessories, but it has all the accessories that will be fully functional.

As I review the Dell Latitude 14 7000 7480, it becomes evident why it handles everyday business taskslike Microsoft Office, Zoom meetings, and Google Workspace tools. The Intel Core i5-6300U delivers respectable real-world performance in Geekbench 6, with single-core scores ranging from approx. 570 to 1,100 and multi-core scores from 1,600 to 2,200, depending on thermal headroom and power use.

The 8GB DDR4 RAM works hand-in-hand with the SSD to make loading times quick and smooth, so you can open dozens of tabs and run multiple software programs at a time without slowdowns.

Moreover, It has multiple ports (USB 3.0, HDMI, and Ethernet) that you can use for your business, and its Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth make your data transfer and peripheral connectivity far easier. With Windows 10 Pro, you also get access to Remote Desktop, BitLocker encryption, and enterprise-grade management tools, ensuring your work is both efficient and secure.

The only problem you’re going to face is battery life. With light office work, expect around 1.5 to 2 hours of use per charge, meaning you’ll need to keep the charger handy.

It’s also a good choice for college students because this refurbished machine is available at a very affordable price and with the best features available in this range. But if you’re looking for a laptop for modern AAA gaming or 4K video editing, this might not be a good choice — its Intel HD Graphics 520 is more suited to older titles, basic creative work, and streaming.

So if you’re looking for a refurbished laptop that you can use for your small business, educational purposes, or light content creation, the Dell Latitude 14 7000 7480 Business UltraBook is a great, affordable laptop available right now.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (Was $1100, but you can get it under $300)

Best refurbished laptop microsoft surface pro 3

Key features of Microsoft Surface Pro 3:

  • Display size: 12 Inches
  • Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Storage Capacity: 256GB
  • Memory: 8GB RAM
  • Graphics:  Intel HD Graphics 4400
  • Processor: Intel i5-4300U
  • Average Battery Life (in hours): 9 Hours
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Professional
  • Weight: 1.76 pounds
  • Rear Webcam Resolution: 5 MP

Reasons to buy this laptop:

  • It’s thinner and slim.
  • It’s lightweight to carry with you.
  • It’s easily portable with great features.
  • Its camera is great.
  • It has a surface pen.
  • Best for entertainment purposes.
  • Good battery life.

Situations when you don’t need this laptop:

  • No pen storage.
  • Warms up at loads.
  • The screen size is not ideal.

Review:

While reviewing the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (256GB, Intel Core i5), we have found that if you’re looking for a cool notebook you can carry all day and use for personal tasks without putting heavy pressure on it, this could be a great fit for you. At just 1.76 lbs, it’s lighter than most tablets with a keyboard and easily slips into a backpack or briefcase.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 with an Intel Core i5-4300U and HD Graphics 4400 delivers solid day-to-day performance. CPU benchmarks such as PassMark (2,500 overall, 1,480 single-thread), Geekbench 4 (597 single-core, 1,232 multi-core), and Cinebench R15 (114 single, 260 multi-core) indicate smooth handling of Office tasks, video conferencing, browsing, light Photoshop edits, and HD streaming.

This refurbished laptop is not designed for heavy applications like advanced photo/video editing, CAD software, or modern gaming.

If you spend $100 extra, you could upgrade to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (256GB, Intel Core i7), which offers slightly more processing power and can handle heavier multitasking or light creative work more comfortably.

The 256GB SSD not only makes the Surface Pro 3 fast to boot (about 12 seconds from cold start) but also gives ample space for work documents, photos, and videos. And with 8GB of RAM, switching between applications like Excel, Word, and browser tabs remains smooth.

Overall, it’s a beautiful pick in our refurbished laptops under the $500 list — perfect for students, writers, or professionals who need an ultra-portable, stylish machine for everyday productivity and entertainment.

ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop

ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop

Specs of ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop:

  • Display size: 15.6 Inches
  • Memory Speed: 3.9 GHz
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 128GB SSD
  • Processor: Intel Core i3-8145U CPU
  • Graphics coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Wireless Type: 802.11b/n/ac
  • Number of USB: 2.0 Ports 2
  • Number of USB: 3.0 Ports 2
  • Operating System: Windows 10 S
  • Weight: 3.75 pounds

Reasons to buy this laptop:

  • Quality laptop.
  • It has a very comfortable keyboard.
  • Exclusive Ergolift design.
  • Multiple ports and WiFi
  • Good battery life.

Situations when you don’t need this laptop:

  • Storage could be improved.
  • The display isn’t great.

Review:

The ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is a solid choice for office use and schoolwork, whether you’re preparing assignments, writing reports, or creating presentations. Its 8GB RAM ensures smoother performance for day-to-day tasks like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom meetings, and web research with multiple tabs open. According to productivity benchmarks for similar mid-range VivoBook models, it can handle up to 15–20 Chrome tabs without major slowdown.

However, it’s not built for heavy-duty tasks. The integrated graphics and entry-level processor make it less ideal for video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, large-scale Photoshop work, or running modern AAA games. The 128GB SSD offers quick boot times (around 15 seconds) and faster file access, but its limited size means you’ll need an external hard drive or cloud storage if you work with large files.

The 15.6-inch FHD (1920 × 1080) TN panel delivers crisp text thanks to its high pixel density, but it tops out at only 220 nits of brightness and a narrow 45 % NTSC color gamut—meaning content looks muted and colors invert quickly if you view the screen even slightly off-center.

Where the VivoBook shines is comfort and design. The exclusive Ergolift hinge tilts the keyboard slightly for a more ergonomic typing position, improving long typing sessions and boosting ventilation for cooler performance. It even subtly improves audio clarity by directing sound toward the user.

The 37 Wh battery lasted 6 h 45 min in a standardized web loop at 150 nits, but in everyday use, like typing docs with Wi-Fi always on and brightness around 75 %—you’ll see closer to 4–5 hours of office work or about 3 hours of Netflix before you need the charger.

If you need more power for gaming or graphics-heavy work, ASUS offers the TUF F15 gaming laptop, and for around $1000, the MSI Cyborg 15 or MSI Thin GF63 are better suited for performance-heavy applications.

HP EliteBook 820 G2 12.5” Laptop refurbished (Just under $100)

HP EliteBook 820 G2 12.5in

Key features of HP EliteBook 820:

  • Display size: 12.5 Inches
  • Memory: 8GB RAM
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-5300U 2.3GHz
  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Laptop Weight: 2.99 pounds

Reasons to buy this laptop:

  • It’s the cheapest laptop for business use.
  • Its keyboard is very comfortable in use.
  • It’s decent.
  • Faster processor.
  • Very good battery life.

Situations when you don’t need this laptop:

  • Sometimes people get defective pieces.

Review:

The HP EliteBook 820 G2 12.5” Laptop could be your best gadget if you find it a fully functional laptop.

If you’re looking for a compact, affordable business and personal-use laptop, the refurbished HP EliteBook 820 G2 (12.5″) is a compelling choice. Equipped with the Intel Core i5-5300U, it delivers around 2,740 PassMark points. In comparison, the i5-5300U achieves approximately 75% higher PassMark scores than the Celeron N4020.

With 8GB of RAM, it’s capable of handling essential business tasks like running Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Slack, and web conferencing via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Thanks to its 256GB SSD, the laptop boots quickly, loads apps in seconds, and keeps system performance responsive. Storage is enough for thousands of documents and presentations, plus some media files. The Intel HD Graphics 5500 isn’t for high-end creative workloads but is fine for video streaming, light photo edits, and general multimedia.

Running Windows 10 Pro means you get professional-grade features such as Remote Desktop, BitLocker drive encryption, and advanced networking tools—perfect for small business owners or freelancers.

At just 2.99 lbs, it’s lightweight and portable, making it ideal for those who work on the go. Battery life can reach 7–8 hours with mixed use, enough for a full day of light office tasks without constant charging.

Bottom line: If you’re on a tight budget but still need a reliable business laptop that’s portable, quick to boot, and efficient for everyday productivity, the HP EliteBook 820 G2 is one of the best sub-$100 refurbished options available.

As you can see, we got great deals for you. The price range is from $100 to $500, but the laptops are amazing. If you are looking for a refurbished laptop, this list of 10 of the best refurbished laptops under $500 will make your day.

What are refurbished laptops?

What are refurbished laptops? We get asked this question so many times.

Refurbished computers are old computers that have been checked and fixed by manufacturers or third-party refurbishers to be used again.

The majority of people think of a refurbished laptop as something that is broken or out of date.

Actually, quite a number of the refurbished ones do not have any fault at all!

Any repaired damage that affected its operation has already been corrected after being inspected by a technician on whatever refurbished laptop you consider.

In reality, some companies that sell reputable refurbished laptops even give you a warranty on your computer.

What to consider?

Refurbished laptops have shown beyond reasonable doubt that they work just as well as their factory sealed counterparts. If you’re ready to find the perfect “new” laptop, here are a few things you might want to take note of.

Environmental impact:

One thing that makes refurbished laptops great is their effect on the environment. Up to 20–50 million tons of e-waste products find their way into landfills every year, causing extensive environmental degradation.

Refurbishing products can reduce the reuse lifecycle and save money.

Storage space:

How will you use your laptop? Your intended use will determine the type and, ultimately, the price of your new laptop.

In order to do this for instance, in gaming or photo or video editing, something with a solid-state drive (SSD) is likely to be required. This is because SSDs are faster than standard hard drives, so they can do more at a faster rate.

However, if you are using it for word processing or even business purposes, a regular hard disk drive storage solution could be just fine.

Yet, taking into account the latest advancements in SSD pricing and storage capacity, SSDs are usually a better choice.

Speed:

Nobody likes a slow computer. Refurbished computers are expected to be old and, thus, not that fast. However, this is not always the case since 4th Intel i5 or i7 laptops are much faster than some brand-new computers with Celeron processors, meaning that you get more speed and quality for less cost.

An industry standard or better of 8 GB of RAM comes with most of the refurbished products, which you will get to know in this article.

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Erica Douglas

About the author

With a Master’s degree in Information Technology and over five years of experience reviewing PCs, Erica Douglas is passionate about helping people find the right tech for their needs.

She keeps a close eye on industry trends and where the world of computing is headed, so whether you're a casual user or a power buyer, you can count on her insights to be both up-to-date and easy to understand.

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