The best laptop under $500 right now — Save $450 on HP OmniBook with an Intel Core 5 315 CPU and Wi-Fi 7

The HP OmniBook 3 is currently the best laptop available for under $500 in the US, available directly from HP for $449.99, a 50% saving of $450 from its suggested retail price of $900. The standout feature of this laptop is the Intel Core 5 315 CPU, which delivers surprisingly fast performance compared to other processors in the same price range.

With a single thread rating of 4,000 marks and a multithreaded rating of over 15,300, this processor is significantly faster than Apple's cheapest laptop, which costs 55% more. The Core 5 315 also boasts a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of delivering up to 15 TOPS, a feature not found in other comparable chips in the same price range.

In terms of memory and storage, the OmniBook 3 comes equipped with 8GB of soldered RAM and a 256GB SSD, both of which are standard configurations for this price point. The laptop features a large 16-inch IPS screen with a 2K resolution, offering excellent display quality. While the battery is relatively small at 41Whr, the overall design is reasonable given its 3.61lb weight and 16-inch size, making it suitable for students and high schoolers.

However, there are a few drawbacks, including a limited number of ports and a slower processor than some of its competitors.

Despite these minor issues, the HP OmniBook 3 offers a compelling package for those in need of a budget-friendly laptop with fast performance and a capable display. While there are alternatives available, such as the Dell 15, the OmniBook 3 stands out for its superior CPU performance and added features like the NPU. For users who require a larger SSD or are willing to settle for a slower CPU, the Dell 15 could be a more cost-effective option. However, the HP OmniBook 3 remains the best value for money among the choices currently available.