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Authored by: SynergyPost|Date Written: 2025-06-17

Best Budget Laptops Under $500 CAD: Top Picks for Students, Work & Everyday Use [2024]

In today's fast-paced world, a reliable laptop is no longer a luxury but a necessity, whether you're a student juggling assignments, a remote worker managing projects, or simply seeking a dependable device for everyday tasks. The good news? You don't have to spend a fortune to get a capable machine. Budget laptops have made incredible strides, offering impressive specifications and smooth performance that defy their affordable price tags.

We've scoured the Canadian market to bring you a curated list of the best budget laptops available for under $500 CAD. These aren't just cheap alternatives; they're genuine productivity powerhouses designed to deliver unbeatable value without compromising on the essentials. From ample RAM and speedy SSDs to vibrant displays and portable designs, these picks are perfect for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a smart, practical investment for their computing needs.


2025 17.3 Inch N97 Processor Laptop

This expansive 17.3-inch laptop stands out immediately with its generous screen real estate, offering an immersive viewing experience perfect for multimedia consumption, detailed spreadsheets, or side-by-side multitasking. Powered by an N97 processor capable of speeds up to 3.6GHz, combined with a robust 16GB of RAM and a swift 512GB SSD, this machine is engineered to handle your daily computing demands with ease. It's an excellent choice for those who prioritize screen size and internal memory for productivity and entertainment without breaking the bank.

Currently available at a "Best price" of $494.99 CAD, marked down 10% from its original $549.99, this laptop offers significant savings and exceptional value. Its ample RAM ensures smooth multitasking across numerous applications, while the 512GB SSD provides lightning-fast boot times and quick access to all your files. For students working on research papers or remote employees needing a large canvas for their work, this laptop delivers a desktop-like experience in a portable form factor.

Tactical Advantages

  • Generous 17.3-inch display for enhanced productivity and entertainment.
  • Ample 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD provide excellent multitasking and storage capabilities.
  • Strong value proposition with a 10% discount and "Best price" badge.

Operational Risks

  • The "2025" naming convention can be misleading for consumers.
  • Larger screen size may reduce portability for on-the-go users.

15.6" Laptop Computer with Processor

This 15.6-inch laptop is a fantastic all-rounder for students and everyday users, boasting a crisp Full HD screen that brings visuals to life, whether you're attending online classes or streaming your favourite shows. With 16GB of RAM and a spacious 512GB SSD, it provides the kind of performance and storage typically found in higher-priced models, ensuring smooth operation for web browsing, word processing, and light creative tasks. Running on Windows 11 Pro, it offers enhanced security and business-oriented features right out of the box.

Currently available at an incredible 31% off, bringing the price down to just $449.99 CAD from $659.99, this laptop truly embodies the "get more for less" marketing angle. Its Intel Quad Core processor and integrated Intel GPU are perfectly suited for daily productivity, while the inclusion of a webcam and light makes it ready for video calls and virtual meetings. This is a prime example of a budget-friendly machine that doesn't skimp on essential features, making it an ideal companion for academic pursuits or remote work setups.

Tactical Advantages

  • Exceptional value with a significant 31% discount.
  • 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD offer robust performance and storage for the price.
  • Comes with Windows 11 Pro, providing advanced features and security.

Operational Risks

  • The generic "Processor" description lacks specific model details.
  • No explicit mention of battery life or overall weight for portability assessment.

ASUS Vivobook Go 15 Laptop

Field Eval:

4.4 / 5.0

The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 is a highly portable and budget-friendly 15.6-inch laptop, making it an excellent choice for students and individuals constantly on the move. Featuring an anti-glare Full HD display, it's comfortable for extended use, whether you're studying in a brightly lit cafe or working from home. Its compact design and reputable ASUS build quality, combined with essential connectivity like USB-C and Wi-Fi 6E, position it as a reliable daily driver for essential tasks.

Priced at an attractive $399.00 CAD after a 20% discount from $499.00, this laptop is an unbeatable value proposition, reinforced by its "Best price" badge and a strong 4.4/5 star rating from over 1,200 reviews. While it comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB UFS storage in this specific configuration, which is suitable for basic web browsing, email, and document editing, its impressive 8-hour battery life and lightweight chassis (1.63 kg) make it a standout for portability and long study sessions.

Tactical Advantages

  • Extremely affordable with a strong 20% discount and "Best price" badge.
  • Excellent portability at just 1.63 kg and an impressive 8-hour battery life.
  • Reputable ASUS brand with positive user reviews and modern connectivity (Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C).

Operational Risks

  • Limited 4GB RAM and 128GB UFS storage may be restrictive for heavy multitasking or large files.
  • Windows 11 Home in S Mode limits software installation to the Microsoft Store unless switched out.

AOC 2025 Laptop Computer with Processor 12th Alder Lake N97

The AOC 2025 Laptop presents an impressive blend of performance and value, featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD screen that delivers clear and vibrant visuals for all your computing needs. Under the hood, it's equipped with a 12th Gen Alder Lake N97 processor, clocking up to 3.6GHz, coupled with a generous 16GB of RAM and a swift 512GB SSD. This configuration ensures a responsive and efficient user experience, capable of handling everything from intensive research to running multiple productivity applications simultaneously.

This laptop truly shines in terms of savings, offering a substantial 34% off its original price, bringing it down to just $459.99 CAD from $699.99. This makes it one of the most cost-effective options for gaining access to 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage within this budget. Ideal for remote workers and students, its powerful internal components provide the necessary horsepower for demanding academic projects or professional tasks, offering premium features at a fraction of the cost.

Tactical Advantages

  • Outstanding value with a massive 34% discount, making it highly affordable for its specs.
  • Robust 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD provide ample memory and fast storage.
  • Features a 12th Gen Alder Lake N97 processor, offering modern performance for daily tasks.

Operational Risks

  • AOC is less known for laptops, which might raise brand recognition concerns.
  • The "2025" designation is a marketing ploy and doesn't reflect the actual model year.

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