Do you dream of a laptop that works like a tablet too, but your wallet says “no”? It feels like the best 2-in-1 laptops cost a fortune, right? Finding a great convertible laptop for under $500 can feel like searching for hidden treasure. You want the flexibility to type papers, watch movies in tent mode, and still have money left over. The problem is, many budget models sacrifice speed or screen quality, leaving you frustrated.
Don’t let a tight budget stop you from getting the versatile machine you need. We dug deep to find the top convertible laptops that deliver performance without emptying your bank account. Keep reading to discover our expert picks, what features truly matter in this price range, and how to score the best deal. Get ready to transform how you work and play with a fantastic, affordable 2-in-1!
Top Convertible Laptop Under 500 Recommendations
No. 1
BWPED 15.6" 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop, 360° Flip Convertible, Core m3 8100Y, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, IPS Full HD Display, Wi-Fi 5 BT5.1 Win 11 Pro Lightweight Notebook Computer for Work & Study
- 【Ultimate 2-in-1 Versatility: Laptop, Tablet, & Beyond】 Experience the perfect fusion of power and flexibility with this 360° flip convertible laptop. The Intel Core m3 processor and 16GB RAM effortlessly handle work, study, streaming, and light gaming, making it the singular high-performance device for every need.
- 【Stunning 15.6" FHD Touchscreen for Work & Play】 Interact naturally with the responsive 15.6" IPS Full HD touchscreen. Enjoy vibrant colors and wide viewing angles whether you're presenting, sketching, binge-watching, or browsing. This convertible laptop offers an immersive visual experience in any mode.
- 【Peak Performance with 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD】 Say goodbye to slowdowns. The substantial 16GB RAM (dual-channel) and speedy 512GB SSD ensure lightning-fast boot times, instantaneous app launches, and smooth multitasking. Store all your projects and media while enjoying a consistently fast, responsive laptop.
- 【Engineered for Mobility: Lightweight & All-Day Battery】 Designed for on-the-go productivity, this remarkably lightweight notebook computer is powered by a long-lasting battery. Stay connected with fast Wi-Fi 5 and comprehensive ports (USB, HDMI, Type-C). Work, study, or relax anywhere with ease.
- 【Fully Loaded & Ready-to-Use: Win11 Pro & Office】 Start achieving from day one. This touchscreen laptop comes pre-installed with Win11 Pro for advanced security and features, and includes a lifetime license for Office 2024, offering incredible value and immediate readiness for any task.
No. 2
HP 2023 Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook Laptop, 14" HD IPS Touchscreen, Intel Celeron Processor up to 2.60GHz, 4GB Ram, 64GB SSD, 4K Graphics, Super-Fast 6th Gen WiFi, Chrome OS, Dale Blue(Renewed)
- 14" HD IPS Touchscreen Display with 360 Flip, Intel 4K Graphics
- Intel Celeron Processor up to 2.60GHz, 4GB Ram, 64GB SSD
- 2x USB Type C, 1x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Jack,
- Super-Fast 6th Gen Wifi and Bluetooth 5, 720P Webcam with Integrated Dual Array Digital Microphones
- Chrome OS, Dale Blue Color, AC Charger Included
No. 3
HP Chromebook x360 14b-cd0035cl 14 Inch FHD IPS 2 in 1 Touchscreen Laptop Convertible Intel Processor N200 8GB LPDDR5 RAM 128GB UFS Intel UHD Graphics 720p Webcam Backlit ChromeOS (Renewed)
- Versatile 2-in-1 Design with Full HD Touchscreen: The HP Chromebook x360 features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS 250 nits display that delivers crisp, clear visuals with wide viewing angles. The touchscreen functionality enhances interaction, making it easy to navigate apps and content. The 360-degree hinge allows you to switch seamlessly between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes, providing flexibility for different tasks and environments, whether you’re working, streaming, or browsing.
- Efficient Performance for Everyday Tasks: Powered by an Intel Processor N200, this Chromebook offers reliable performance for everyday computing tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to run multiple apps and browser tabs simultaneously without slowing down your productivity.
- Ample and Fast Storage with UFS Technology: The HP Chromebook x360 comes with 128GB of UFS storage, which provides quicker data access. This ensures that your files, applications, and media load quickly and efficiently, giving you more time to focus on your work or entertainment.
- Enhanced Visuals and Connectivity: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics deliver smooth visuals for streaming videos, viewing photos, and other graphics-intensive tasks. The laptop also features a built-in 720p HD webcam, perfect for video calls and online meetings, providing clear and crisp video quality. Additionally, the backlit keyboard allows for comfortable typing in low-light environments, enhancing usability during nighttime or dimly lit settings.
- Seamless ChromeOS Experience with Elegant Design: Running on ChromeOS, the HP Chromebook x360 offers a fast, secure, and easy-to-use operating system that automatically updates and provides access to a vast array of apps through the Google Play Store. The sleek design adds a touch of elegance and modernity, making it a stylish choice for both personal and professional use. The laptop’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity ensure you stay connected to the internet and your devices without any hassle.
No. 4
Dell Latitude 3190 11.6" HD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop Intel N5030 1.1Ghz 4GB Ram 256GB SSD Windows 11 Professional (Renewed)
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
No. 5
Svikou 11" Gray 2-in-1 Convertible Touchscreen Laptop, FHD (1920x1200) IPS Display, in tel N100 Processor, 16GB RAM 1TB SSD, Facial Recognition, Backlit KB, USB-C,Win 11 Pro for Students & Travel
- 【Portable 360° Touchscreen Design】 – Experience unmatched flexibility with the 11-inch mini touchscreen that supports full 360° flip capability, allowing seamless transitions between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. Whether for typing, presenting, or browsing, the ultra-compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go professionals and students alike.
- 【Intel Celeron N100 Power 】– Powered by the latest Intel 12th Gen Celeron N100 processor, this laptop delivers enhanced speed and performance with 4 cores and 4 threads, reaching up to 3.4 GHz. Ideal for smooth multitasking, from document editing to light gaming, ensuring you stay productive without any slowdowns.
- 【Stunning 1080P Display 】– Immerse yourself in vibrant visuals with the 16:10, 1920x1200 full HD IPS display, boasting 100% sRGB color accuracy for brilliant and true-to-life images. With a 1080P 60Hz refresh rate, it’s perfect for watching movies, editing photos, or giving presentations with crisp, vibrant detail and a wide viewing angle.
- 【Fast and Efficient Storage】 – With 16GB of high-speed DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB SSD storage, enjoy lightning-fast performance for all your tasks, from booting up the system in seconds to storing large files effortlessly. Whether you’re juggling multiple applications or managing heavy workloads, this laptop offers ample storage and speed for optimal productivity.
- 【Innovative Backlit Keyboard & Versatile Touchpad 】– Experience a sleek ultra-thin scissor-switch keyboard with responsive, illuminated keys for effortless typing, even in low light. The unique elliptical touchpad goes beyond navigation, allowing you to control both volume and screen brightness with simple gestures, making your workflow smoother and more intuitive.
No. 6
Lenovo 2023 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop,14Inch IPS 2K(2240x1400) Touchscreen Intel 10-Core Processor i7-1255U Up to 4.60GHz 16GB Ram 512GB SSD Backlit Keyboard Fingerprint Reader Win11 OS(Renewed) Blue
- 13.9” IPS 2K(2240x1400) Touchscreen Display with 360 Flip, Intel Graphics
- Intel i7-1255U Processor, 16GB LPDDR4x Ram, 512GB PCIe SSD
- 1x HDMI, 1x Combo Headphone / Microphone Jack, 1x SD Card Reader, 2x USB Type-A 3.2, 1x USB Type-C 3.2
- Super-Fast WiFi 6 and bluetooth, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader
- Windows 11 OS, Lenovo AC Charger Included, Pastel Blue
No. 7
HP OmniBook 5 Flip 2-in-1 Touch Screen i7 Laptop, 16GB DDR5 RAM 1TB SSD Intel Core 7 150U Processor(Beat i7 1355U), 14" FHD+IPS Display, Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 6E, 5MP IR Privacy Camera, Win 11 Pro
- 【Unleash Blazing Speed】Engineered for performance, this HP i7 laptop is powered by an Intel Core 7 150U processor(10-core, up to 5.4 Ghz) and 16GB RAM, providing seamless multitasking for business applications, complex student projects and light gaming and content creation—built for users who demand a high-performance 2025 business laptop.
- 【Versatile 14" 2K Touchscreen】This 2-IN-1 HP i7 laptop offers 2K touch screen with sharp 1920x1200 resolution, effortlessly transforms into laptop, tent, stand, or tablet mode, ensures fluid motion with rich colors—perfect for fast-paced gaming and creative design work, offering far more flexibility than traditional laptop computers.
- 【High-Speed 1TB SSD】Never worry about storage or performance limits again.HP i7 laptop offers with a high-speed 1TB solid-state drive for essential software, documents, multimedia projects, while also offering faster data access and improved reliability compared to a traditional hard drive, perfect for students and business users.
- 【Rich Connectvity】Equip your mobile office in this Secure Windows 11 Pro HP laptop with versatile ports (2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, HDMI 2.1) and advanced Wi-Fi 6E. The backlit keyboard ensures productivity in any lighting, making this ideal for late-night study sessions or business travel.
- 【Seamless Connectivity & Immersive Entertainment】Enjoy HP-tuned stereo speakers with audio boost deliver rich, clear sound, while the 5MP IR camera with HDR captures stunningly true-to-life images—making every video call, online class, and movie night more vivid and engaging.
No. 8
HP Pavilion x360 11.6-inch Laptop 2-in-1 Touchscreen HD Convertible Tablet Intel Pentium Silver 4GB DDR4 RAM 128GB SSD Intel UHD Graphics Windows 11 Home WiFi Bluetooth HDMI 11m-ap0033dx (Renewed)
- Touchscreen and Convertible Design - The HP Pavilion x360 features a touchscreen interface for intuitive control and a convertible design that allows you to use it as a laptop or a tablet as per your convenience. It's perfect for those who need a versatile device for work, school, or entertainment purposes.
- Powerful Intel Pentium Silver N5030 Processor - Equipped with an Intel Pentium Silver N5030 processor, the HP Pavilion x360 offers fast performance, smooth video streaming, and quick load times. Whether you're working on a project, browsing the web, or watching your favorite show, this laptop can handle it all with ease.
- Ample Storage and Memory - With a 128GB SSD for storing all your important files and 4GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking, the HP Pavilion x360 makes it easy to work or play on the go. Whether you're coding, gaming, or simply browsing the internet, this laptop ensures a lag-free experience.
- Multiple Connectivity Options - It includes a microSD media card reader for easy file transfers, a USB Type-C port for quick charging and data transfer, and an HDMI port for connecting to an external display. Plus, with built-in Wifi and Bluetooth, you can easily connect to the internet and your other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Windows 11 Home in S Mode - This HP laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home in S Mode, an efficient and secure operating system that's designed for superior performance. It's perfect for multitasking and running demanding applications, and it offers a user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Convertible Laptop Under $500
A convertible laptop is a fantastic gadget. It flips and folds, letting you use it as a regular laptop or a tablet. Finding a great one for under $500 takes smart shopping. This guide helps you pick the best machine for your needs without breaking the bank.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at these budget-friendly convertibles, certain features really matter. These define how well the laptop works for you.
Screen Size and Resolution
- Size: Most budget convertibles have screens between 11 and 14 inches. Smaller screens (11 inches) are super portable. Bigger screens (14 inches) are better for watching videos or doing schoolwork.
- Resolution: Aim for at least 1366 x 768 pixels. Higher resolution (like 1920 x 1080 or Full HD) makes text and pictures much clearer. Budget models often stick to the lower setting.
Performance Specs
- Processor (CPU): Look for Intel Celeron N-series, Pentium, or AMD Athlon processors. These handle basic tasks like web browsing and word processing well. Don’t expect heavy gaming performance.
- RAM (Memory): 4GB of RAM is the minimum you should accept. 8GB is much better for multitasking. If you only open one or two things at a time, 4GB works.
Storage Type
- eMMC vs. SSD: Many cheap laptops use eMMC storage. It is slower but cheaper. Look for a laptop with at least 64GB of SSD (Solid State Drive) storage if possible. SSDs make the whole computer feel much faster when starting up.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your convertible lasts. Since these are budget machines, you won’t find premium metal builds often.
Durability Factors
- Chassis Material: Most under-$500 models use strong plastic. Check reviews to see if the hinge feels stiff or wobbly. A sturdy hinge is vital for a convertible, as you move it a lot.
- Keyboard and Touchpad: Test these out if you can. A mushy keyboard slows down typing. Good key travel makes typing comfortable for long homework sessions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few specific components heavily influence your daily use.
Quality Boosters
- Touchscreen Responsiveness: A good touchscreen responds instantly when you tap or swipe. Poor responsiveness makes tablet mode frustrating.
- Battery Life: Look for laptops advertised with 6-8 hours of real-world use. This lets you work through classes or long trips without needing a charger constantly.
Quality Reducers
- Operating System (OS): Some very cheap options run ChromeOS (Chromebooks) or Windows S Mode. While fine for basic tasks, check if you need full Windows compatibility for specific apps.
- Port Selection: Ensure the laptop has the ports you need, like at least one USB-A port and a headphone jack.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *how* you plan to use the laptop. This guides your final decision.
Ideal Use Cases
- Students: Great for note-taking, researching, and writing essays. The tablet mode is perfect for reading digital textbooks.
- Casual Browsing/Media: Excellent for watching Netflix, checking email, and browsing social media. The folding screen makes movie watching easy on a small table.
- Light Productivity: Perfect for basic office tasks using Microsoft Office or Google Docs.
These laptops are generally not for serious video editing, complex coding, or demanding video games. They shine when portability and flexibility are key.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Convertible Laptops Under $500
Q: Can I play modern video games on these laptops?
A: No. The processors in this price range are designed for everyday tasks, not high-end gaming. Simple, older, or browser-based games might work.
Q: Are these laptops heavy?
A: Generally, no. Most budget convertibles weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, making them easy to carry in a backpack.
Q: Is 4GB of RAM enough for Windows 10 or 11?
A: It is the minimum. Windows runs okay, but if you open many browser tabs, the system will slow down. 8GB offers much better performance.
Q: Should I worry about the screen hinges breaking?
A: It is a common weak point in budget models. Always read user reviews specifically mentioning hinge durability before you buy.
Q: Do these usually come with a stylus pen?
A: Rarely. Stylus support is often reserved for more expensive models. If you need a pen, check the product description carefully.
Q: Is it better to get a Chromebook or a Windows laptop under $500?
A: If you only use web apps (Google Docs, web email), a Chromebook is often faster and smoother at this price point. If you need specific desktop software, choose Windows.
Q: How much storage do I actually need?
A: 64GB is enough if most of your work is saved online (cloud storage). If you keep many photos or large files locally, try to find 128GB.
Q: What does “convertible” actually mean for daily use?
A: It means you can fold the screen all the way back to use it like a thick tablet, or prop it up like a tent to save desk space.
Q: Will the battery last a full school day?
A: Maybe. A full 8-hour day is tough on these batteries. Expect 5 to 7 hours of real work time. Always carry your charger just in case.
Q: Are the keyboards backlit?
A: Backlit keyboards (lights under the keys) are a premium feature. You almost never find them on laptops under $500.