A laptop can look perfectly capable in a product listing and still feel cramped once you open a dozen browser tabs, join a video call, and start editing a document. The Best laptop under 400 choices are not interchangeable. Screen quality, storage, memory, and operating system make a bigger difference than a long processor name.
We compared nine laptops covering Windows machines, Chromebooks, renewed models, and a few unusually well-equipped options. The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 is our top pick, while the list also includes the best choices for portability, ChromeOS, touch input, connectivity, and basic schoolwork.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Display | Memory and storage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASUS Vivobook Go 15 | Best overall | 15.6-inch FHD | 8GB, 256GB SSD | Everyday Windows use |
| 2 | ASUS 15-inch Chromebook | Best Chromebook | 15-inch FHD IPS | 4GB, 128GB | Web-based work |
| 3 | HP 15.6-inch Ryzen Laptop | Best touchscreen | 15.6-inch HD touch | 8GB, 128GB SSD | Touch-friendly Windows use |
| 4 | Acer Aspire Go 15 | Best connectivity | 15.6-inch FHD IPS | 8GB, 128GB UFS | Ports and wireless speed |
| 5 | HP 14-inch N150 Laptop | Best storage setup | 14-inch HD | 8GB, 256GB SSD plus 128GB UFS | Files and schoolwork |
| 6 | HP 14-inch Ultralight Laptop | Best portable option | 14-inch HD | 8GB, 192GB combined | Carrying between classes |
| 7 | HP 14-inch Ultrabook | Best compact Windows laptop | 14-inch, not specified | 4GB, 128GB SSD | Light daily tasks |
| 8 | HP 14-inch Celeron Laptop | Best basic renewed laptop | 14-inch HD | 4GB, 64GB SSD | Simple home computing |
| 9 | Dell 15.6-inch Core Ultra 5 | Best performance hardware | 15.6-inch FHD | 16GB, 512GB SSD | Multitasking, if available within scope |
1. ASUS Vivobook Go 15: Best Overall
Pros
- Sharp FHD screen with a spacious 15.6-inch view
- 8GB DDR5 memory and 256GB SSD
- Webcam privacy shutter
- Numeric keypad and lightweight design
- Claimed battery life of up to 11 hours
Cons
- WiFi 5 is older than several rivals
- Display brightness is listed at 250 nits
- Windows 11 Home in standard configuration is not specified beyond the listing
Best for: someone who wants the most balanced Windows laptop in this group.
The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 is the laptop we would hand to most people first. It has the right combination of screen space, usable storage, modern memory, and a mainstream Windows setup without leaning too heavily on one narrow use case. The 15.6-inch FHD panel gives documents, websites, and streaming video more room than the 14-inch HD screens on several HP models.
Its AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor has four cores and eight threads, a meaningful advantage for ordinary multitasking. That does not turn the Vivobook into a workstation, but it gives the machine a sensible foundation for browser tabs, office work, video calls, and light gaming. The 8GB of DDR5 memory should also feel less restrictive than the 4GB configurations found in the HP 14-inch Celeron Laptop and HP 14-inch Ultrabook.
Storage is another practical win. The 256GB SSD leaves more room for applications and personal files than the 64GB drive in the HP 14-inch Celeron Laptop. ASUS also includes a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad, which is useful for spreadsheets and data entry. The 720p HD camera has a physical privacy shutter, and the listing also identifies it as an infrared camera.
The screen is good for the class, though not especially vivid. ASUS lists 250 nits of sustained brightness and 45% NTSC color coverage, so it is better suited to indoor use than bright rooms or color-sensitive creative work. WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 are functional, but the Acer Aspire Go 15 and HP 14-inch Ryzen Laptop have newer wireless specifications.
The Vivobook weighs 3.59 pounds and measures 0.7 inches thick, keeping it reasonably portable for a large-screen laptop. Its 42Wh battery is advertised for up to 11 hours, though real battery life depends on software, brightness, and usage. Choose it over the HP 15.6-inch Ryzen Laptop if storage and a sharper display matter more than touch input. For a broad range of school, home, and office tasks, this is the safest place to start.
2. ASUS 15-inch Chromebook: Best Chromebook
Pros
- FHD IPS display
- HDMI output plus USB Type-C and USB Type-A
- 128GB of storage
- ChromeOS is straightforward for web-based work
- Fast WiFi is listed
Cons
- 4GB of DDR4 memory limits heavier multitasking
- ChromeOS cannot run every Windows application
- Renewed condition requires closer inspection of the listing
Best for: students and home users who work mainly in browser-based services.
The ASUS 15-inch Chromebook is the cleanest alternative to a Windows laptop here. ChromeOS keeps the interface focused on web apps, which makes this model a natural fit for Google Docs, webmail, streaming, and browser-based school platforms. It is not the right answer for software that specifically requires Windows, but it avoids much of the clutter that can make entry-level Windows machines feel slow.
Its 15-inch FHD IPS display is one of the stronger screen combinations in the group. Full HD gives text and video more definition than the 1366 by 768 panels used by both HP 14-inch models lower in the list. IPS technology should also make viewing angles more forgiving when the screen is shared across a table.
Connectivity is unusually useful for a Chromebook in this category. ASUS lists one USB Type-C port, one USB Type-A port, an HDMI output, and a headphone and microphone combo jack. That HDMI port makes it easier to connect a classroom projector or second display than it is with a laptop that relies on adapters. Bluetooth and fast WiFi are also included, though the specific WiFi generation is not stated.
The main compromise is 4GB of DDR4 memory. A few open tabs and ordinary writing are fine, but large numbers of tabs, web applications, and video calls at the same time can push this configuration hard. The 128GB storage capacity is more comfortable than the HP 14-inch Celeron Laptop's 64GB SSD, but ChromeOS users should still rely on cloud storage for a large media collection.
At 4 pounds, this is not the lightest 14-inch option, yet the larger display makes the extra size reasonable. It is also a renewed model, so buyers should pay attention to the condition details and included accessories. If your work is browser-first, the ASUS Chromebook is more coherent than buying a low-memory Windows machine and expecting it to handle everything.
3. HP 15.6-inch Ryzen Laptop: Best Touchscreen
Pros
- Large touchscreen display
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor
- 8GB LPDDR5 memory
- 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
Cons
- Screen resolution is 1366 by 768
- Storage is smaller than the ASUS Vivobook Go 15
- Windows 11 is configured in S Mode
Best for: people who genuinely want touch input on a larger Windows laptop.
The HP 15.6-inch Ryzen Laptop is the obvious pick for anyone who expects to tap, swipe, and pinch the screen. Its micro-edge HD touchscreen makes casual navigation feel more direct, especially for scrolling through websites or interacting with large on-screen controls. The trade-off is resolution. At 1366 by 768, it is less crisp than the FHD displays on the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 and Acer Aspire Go 15.
Performance is more competitive. The Ryzen 3 7320U uses four cores and is paired with 8GB of LPDDR5 memory, the same broad processor and memory class that makes the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 our top pick. AMD Radeon graphics handle everyday video playback and light entertainment, but the listing does not establish this as a gaming laptop for demanding titles.
The 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD should make Windows startup and application loading feel responsive. It is enough for documents, school files, and a modest application collection, though the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 gives you twice the stated SSD capacity. Windows 11 in S Mode improves the focus on approved applications, but users who need unrestricted desktop software should confirm the available path out of S Mode before buying.
HP includes a physical camera shutter and a dedicated microphone mute button with an active LED. Those are thoughtful privacy controls for remote classes and video meetings. The 720p True Vision camera adds background-noise filtering, while WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 are newer than the wireless connections listed for the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.
The laptop weighs 3.52 pounds, which is reasonable for a 15.6-inch touch machine. Its weakness is the display resolution, not its general responsiveness. Pick this HP when touch is central to how you work. If touch is merely a nice extra, the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 gives you a more detailed screen and more storage.
4. Acer Aspire Go 15: Best Connectivity
Pros
- 15.6-inch FHD IPS screen
- Two USB Type-C ports and two USB Type-A ports
- HDMI 2.1
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 or above
- 8GB DDR5 memory
Cons
- Windows 11 Home is in S Mode
- 128GB UFS storage is modest
- Intel Core 3 N355 performance is not fully detailed
Best for: users who connect several accessories or external displays.
The Acer Aspire Go 15 makes a strong case with its ports. Two full-function USB Type-C ports support data, DisplayPort, and charging up to 45W, and there are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports as well. Add HDMI 2.1, a headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot, and this is the most flexible machine here for a desk with several peripherals.
The 15.6-inch FHD IPS panel is also a clear step above basic HD screens. The 1920 by 1080 resolution gives spreadsheets and long web pages more usable space, while IPS keeps the picture easier to view from an angle. Acer adds BluelightShield for reduced blue-light output, which may be useful during long reading sessions, though it does not change the panel's underlying resolution or color characteristics.
Inside, the Aspire Go 15 has an Intel Core 3 N355 processor, 8GB of DDR5 memory, and 128GB of UFS storage. That memory allocation is sensible for general Windows work. UFS storage is not the same as a conventional NVMe SSD, so buyers who install many large applications should consider the capacity carefully. The AcerSense utility can manage battery, storage, and applications from one place.
Wireless features are excellent for the category. WiFi 6 supports dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections with 1x1 MU-MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.1 or above is listed. Video calls get a 720p camera with temporal noise reduction and Acer PurifiedVoice with AI noise reduction. The Copilot key is included, though its usefulness depends on how much you want to use Microsoft's assistant.
The 3.81-pound chassis is still manageable, but this is not the most compact choice. Windows 11 Home in S Mode is another limitation for users who need software outside the approved app ecosystem. For a desk-bound student or home worker who needs HDMI, multiple USB ports, and a sharp screen, the Acer is more practical than the HP 14-inch Ultralight Laptop. For larger local file collections, the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 remains the better fit.
5. HP 14-inch N150 Laptop: Best Storage Setup
Pros
- 8GB DDR4 memory
- 256GB SSD plus 128GB UFS storage
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
- HDMI and USB-C connectivity
- Camera privacy shutter
Cons
- 1366 by 768 display resolution
- Windows 11 Home is in S Mode
- The listing identifies a very lightweight chassis without clarifying the unit context
Best for: users who want substantial local storage for documents and media.
The HP 14-inch N150 Laptop is built around storage rather than screen resolution. It combines a 256GB SSD with 128GB of UFS storage, giving users more room for documents, photos, and downloaded media than most of the other compact HP machines here. The SSD should keep the operating system and frequently used applications responsive, while the secondary storage can hold less frequently accessed files.
Its Intel N150 processor has four cores and can reach up to 3.6GHz with turbo boost, according to the listing. That is appropriate for browsing, document editing, streaming, and online learning. The 8GB of DDR4 memory is a more comfortable starting point than the 4GB in the HP 14-inch Ultrabook and HP 14-inch Celeron Laptop.
The display is the compromise. HP uses a 14-inch 1366 by 768 anti-glare panel rated at 250 nits. Anti-glare treatment helps in rooms with reflections, but the resolution leaves less room for side-by-side work than the FHD ASUS and Acer models. For writing and school portals it is serviceable. For wide spreadsheets or detailed creative work, it is not the screen we would choose.
Connectivity is well considered. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 support newer wireless connections, while the port selection includes USB-C, two USB-A ports, HDMI, a headphone and microphone combo jack, and an AC smart pin. The 720p camera has a privacy shutter, and the built-in AI noise reduction should help reduce distractions on calls.
Windows 11 Home in S Mode can be a real restriction if you have a specific desktop application in mind. Check that requirement before choosing this HP. If storage matters more than a high-resolution display, it is more capable than its screen suggests, and it makes a sensible companion for school files, downloaded content, and everyday household tasks.
6. HP 14-inch Ultralight Laptop: Best Portable Option
Pros
- Lightweight 3.24-pound design
- 8GB DDR4 memory
- USB-C, two USB-A ports, HDMI, and microSD
- 192GB combined storage setup
- Compact 14-inch size
Cons
- Intel Celeron processor is entry-level
- HD display is less detailed than FHD alternatives
- Storage includes a supplied SD card rather than one internal drive
Best for: students and commuters who want a light laptop with useful ports.
The HP 14-inch Ultralight Laptop is easy to understand. It is designed to move between a backpack, classroom, kitchen table, and home office without making portability a project. At 3.24 pounds and 0.71 inches thick, it is lighter than the larger-screen machines from ASUS, Acer, and HP.
HP pairs its Intel Celeron processor with 8GB of DDR4 memory. That memory amount is helpful when several browser tabs and documents are open, but the processor remains aimed at basic browsing, editing, and streaming. It should not be treated as a high-performance machine. The listing specifically presents it for home office work, school, and everyday use.
The storage arrangement needs a closer look. The stated 192GB combines 64GB of eMMC storage with a 128GB Ghost Manta SD card. That gives you useful room for files, but it is not the same as having a single 192GB or 256GB internal SSD. The distinction matters when installing applications or moving the card between devices.
Port selection is a genuine strength. There is one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, HDMI, a headphone and microphone combo jack, and a microSD slot. Those connections are more convenient than relying on dongles, especially for students using projectors or older USB accessories. For advice on choosing a machine around a tight workspace, the laptop size that works in cramped spaces can help frame the portability trade-off.
The 14-inch HD display is suited to documents and web pages, but the ASUS 15-inch Chromebook and Acer Aspire Go 15 offer more detailed FHD panels. Windows 11 S Mode is another consideration. Choose this HP for its low carry weight and port selection, not for demanding software or graphics work.
7. HP 14-inch Ultrabook: Best Compact Windows Laptop
Pros
- Lightweight 3.24-pound chassis
- Quad-core Intel N150 processor
- 128GB SSD
- WiFi 6
- Windows 11 Home and web-based Office access
Cons
- Only 4GB of memory
- Display details are limited in the listing
- Not suited to heavy multitasking
Best for: light office work, browsing, and short study sessions.
The HP 14-inch Ultrabook is the compact Windows option for people whose workload stays modest. Its 3.24-pound chassis is easy to carry, and the 14-inch form factor gives it a better balance between screen area and portability than a 15.6-inch laptop. The blue finish is a visual distinction, but the useful difference is the combination of low weight and Windows software support.
The Intel N150 processor is listed with four cores, four threads, and speeds up to 3.6GHz through Intel Turbo Boost. That is a reasonable platform for browser work, web-based Office, document editing, and video streaming. The 128GB SSD should help startup and application loading feel more direct than a machine based only on slower flash storage.
Memory is the weak point. With 4GB of RAM, this HP has less breathing room than the ASUS Vivobook Go 15, Acer Aspire Go 15, and HP 14-inch N150 Laptop. A few ordinary tabs are fine, but users who keep many large pages, office applications, and calls active together may notice slowdowns. This is a laptop that benefits from disciplined multitasking.
The listing provides limited display information, so we would not buy it specifically for screen quality. WiFi 6 is a welcome inclusion for newer wireless networks, and the advertised access to Office for the web suits users who keep documents online. For more demanding Windows work, how much extra headroom a faster laptop provides is useful context before settling on a 4GB configuration.
The HP is best viewed as a simple, light Windows notebook. Skip it if you need local storage for large files, a high-resolution display, or heavy multitasking. Pick it when the main requirements are carrying convenience, a real Windows environment, and ordinary web and document work.
8. HP 14-inch Celeron Laptop: Best Basic Renewed Laptop
Pros
- Compact 14-inch design
- Windows 11
- 64GB SSD
- Integrated webcam
- HD display for basic tasks
Cons
- 4GB RAM
- 1366 by 768 glossy display
- Renewed model with the oldest platform in the group
Best for: email, simple documents, streaming, and uncomplicated home use.
The HP 14-inch Celeron Laptop is the most basic Windows machine in this roundup. Its purpose is straightforward: provide a compact screen, a webcam, and a familiar operating system for simple tasks. It can make sense for email, light document editing, web browsing, and streaming when expectations remain realistic.
The Intel Celeron dual-core processor is listed with speeds up to 2.60GHz. Combined with 4GB of RAM, that specification points to a narrow workload. It is not the laptop for keeping a large browser session open beside multiple office applications. The HP 14-inch Ultrabook is a better step up for multitasking because it uses a quad-core N150 processor, though it also has 4GB of memory.
The 64GB SSD is enough for the operating system and a small collection of applications, but it leaves little room for a large local media library. The 14-inch HD BrightView LED display uses a 1366 by 768 resolution and a glossy, non-touch finish. It should be readable indoors, but the glossy surface can reflect windows and lamps more readily than the anti-glare panel on the HP 14-inch N150 Laptop.
At 4.45 pounds, this renewed HP is also heavier than the other compact 14-inch models here. The webcam is included, but the listing does not provide the richer privacy and call controls found on several newer laptops. Its pink finish is distinctive, though color should not outweigh the limited memory and storage.
This model is worth considering only when the workload is genuinely light and the renewed condition is acceptable. Anyone deciding between this and the HP 14-inch Ultralight Laptop should favor the latter for its 8GB memory, broader port information, and lighter chassis. Choose the Celeron model only for simple computing with minimal local storage needs.
9. Dell 15.6-inch Core Ultra 5: Best Performance Hardware
Pros
- Intel Core Ultra 5 225U processor
- 16GB of RAM
- 512GB SSD listed in product information
- 15.6-inch FHD display
- Copilot key and ComfortView
Cons
- This listing is outside the stated category threshold
- The comparison data does not establish full port details
- It is more hardware than a basic user may need
Best for: buyers who need substantially more multitasking headroom and can confirm the listing fits their requirements.
The Dell 15.6-inch Core Ultra 5 is the outlier in this group. Its Intel Core Ultra 5 225U processor, 16GB of RAM, and stated 512GB SSD are far more capable on paper than the entry-level configurations elsewhere. That makes it attractive for heavier browser use, large documents, remote work, and multitasking.
The 15.6-inch FHD screen is listed at up to 300 nits, giving it more brightness headroom than the ASUS Vivobook Go 15's stated 250 nits. Dell also adds ComfortView to reduce blue-light emissions, and the lifted hinge is intended to improve typing angle and airflow. These are practical refinements for someone who spends long hours at the keyboard.
The dedicated Copilot key provides direct access to Microsoft's assistant, while the Intel Core Ultra platform includes an NPU for AI features. The listing does not provide a complete port list, so buyers who need HDMI, USB-C display output, or a card reader should confirm those details before ordering. The laptop weighs 3.67 pounds, which is respectable for a 15.6-inch model with this hardware.
The important issue is category fit. This listing does not sit within the stated under-400 scope, so it should not be the default recommendation for someone shopping strictly within that limit. It is included because the hardware comparison is useful, but the ASUS Vivobook Go 15, Acer Aspire Go 15, and HP 15.6-inch Ryzen Laptop are more relevant to the intended shortlist.
If your workload regularly pushes past ordinary browsing and documents, the Dell shows what extra memory and a larger SSD can change. If you simply need a laptop for school portals, email, and streaming, its stronger hardware is unnecessary. Treat this as a reference point and verify the current listing details before considering it.
How to choose best laptop under 400
The right laptop depends less on a processor label than on how the memory, storage, display, and operating system fit your daily tasks.
Operating system
Windows 11 supports the broadest range of desktop applications in this group. ChromeOS is easier to maintain and works well with browser-based services, but it is not a substitute for Windows software. Windows S Mode can restrict application installation, so confirm that your required tools are available before choosing a laptop configured that way.
Memory
8GB of RAM is the sensible target for ordinary multitasking. It gives browser tabs, documents, video calls, and streaming more room to coexist. A 4GB laptop can handle basic work, but it is easier to overwhelm, especially when the processor is also entry-level.
Storage type and capacity
A 256GB SSD is more comfortable for Windows applications and personal files than a 64GB drive. UFS and eMMC storage can work well for basic use, but a combined storage figure may include a removable card or secondary flash storage. Check whether the stated capacity is one internal drive or a mixture of storage types.
Display
FHD resolution makes text, spreadsheets, and video look sharper than 1366 by 768 HD. IPS panels generally offer better viewing angles, while touchscreens add direct control at the cost of making other compromises elsewhere. Brightness matters in rooms with strong daylight, and a glossy panel can reflect nearby windows.
Ports and wireless
USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack reduce the need for adapters. WiFi 6 is preferable for newer networks, while WiFi 5 remains usable for ordinary home browsing. If you connect a projector, external display, wired accessories, or storage drives, count the ports before buying.
For most shoppers, 8GB of memory and an SSD matter more than a flashy processor name.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 the best laptop under 400 for most people?
It is the strongest all-rounder in this set because it combines a 15.6-inch FHD display, 8GB of DDR5 memory, a 256GB SSD, and a four-core Ryzen processor. Its screen is not designed for color-critical work, but it is a balanced choice for school, office, browsing, and streaming.
Should I choose a Chromebook instead of a Windows laptop?
Choose the ASUS 15-inch Chromebook if your work happens mainly in browser apps such as webmail, online documents, and school portals. Choose Windows if you need traditional desktop programs or want broader software compatibility.
Is 4GB of RAM enough for a laptop?
It is enough for basic browsing, email, document editing, and streaming. It becomes limiting when many browser tabs, video calls, and applications run together, so 8GB is the better target for a laptop you plan to keep for several years.
Does FHD matter on a 15-inch laptop?
Yes. A 1920 by 1080 display gives noticeably more workspace and sharper text than a 1366 by 768 panel. The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 and Acer Aspire Go 15 benefit from this difference, especially for spreadsheets and side-by-side windows.
What does Windows 11 in S Mode mean?
S Mode limits software installation to applications approved through Microsoft's store ecosystem. It can provide a simpler experience, but users who need specialized desktop applications should confirm compatibility or investigate the supported way to leave S Mode.
Is a renewed laptop a safe choice?
A renewed laptop can be suitable when the condition, included charger, return terms, and warranty are clear. The renewed ASUS Chromebook and HP Celeron model should be checked carefully because their condition is part of the buying decision.
The bottom line
The Best laptop under 400 in this group is the ASUS Vivobook Go 15. Its Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB of DDR5 memory, 256GB SSD, FHD screen, privacy shutter, and numeric keypad give it the most complete package for everyday Windows use.
Choose the ASUS 15-inch Chromebook if your work is browser-based and you want a sharp IPS display with HDMI. Choose the HP 15.6-inch Ryzen Laptop if touch input matters, or the Acer Aspire Go 15 if multiple ports and WiFi 6 are central to your setup.
If you are undecided, buy the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 unless you specifically need ChromeOS, touch input, or a larger port selection.
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