Our Top Picks
Shopping for an ASUS laptop under 500 dollars means accepting a few trade-offs before you even open a listing. At this budget, the manufacturer trims memory, storage, and processor tier, so the real question is which compromise hurts you least. A student writing essays can live with a modest processor but not with 4GB of RAM. A parent buying a first laptop for a child may care more about a durable shell and a webcam shutter than about speed. Matching the compromise to your daily routine is the whole game.
This guide covers eight ASUS listings, almost all built around the Vivobook Go 15 family plus two Chromebook CM15 variants. They are not gaming machines, and none of them pretends to be; the integrated graphics shown in the titles are meant for browsing, documents, video calls, and streaming. If you land here from a gaming search, treat these as capable everyday laptops, and keep in mind that a Chromebook runs a different operating system than Windows. Prices move often, so confirm that the listing you pick still falls under 500 dollars on the day you buy.
Quick Picks
ASUS Vivobook Go 15 15.6” FHD 60Hz Laptop with Intel Processor N150, Intel UHD Graphics, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Mixed Black
One of the consumer electronics options compared in this guide.
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ASUS Chromebook CM15 Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, MediaTek Kompanio 540, 128GB Storage, 8GB RAM, ChromeOS, Pure Grey, CM1505CM4A-AS88
One of the consumer electronics options compared in this guide.
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ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Sheild, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AS33
One of the consumer electronics options compared in this guide.
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ASUS 2023 Vivobook Go 15 Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Mixed Black, E1504FA-AS52
One of the consumer electronics options compared in this guide.
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ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 8GB, 512GB, Windows 11 Home, Cool Silver, Military Grade Durability, Fast Charging, Webcam Shield, E1504FA-AS54
One of the consumer electronics options compared in this guide.
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ASUS 15.6” Vivobook Go Slim Laptop, Thin & Portable for Student Study, Intel Dual Core N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 11, Star Black, L510KA-ES04
One of the consumer electronics options compared in this guide.
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ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Shield, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AB34
One of the consumer electronics options compared in this guide.
View on AmazonASUS Chromebook CM15 Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, MediaTek Kompanio 540, 64GB Storage, 4GB RAM, ChromeOS, Pure Grey, CM1505CM4A-AS44
One of the consumer electronics options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon| Product | Best for | Key spec from the title |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (N150) | Lightest use | Intel N150, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, FHD 60Hz |
| ASUS Chromebook CM15 (128GB) | Cloud-first work and school | MediaTek Kompanio 540, 8GB RAM, 128GB, ChromeOS |
| ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (Ryzen 3, 128GB) | Windows on a tight budget | Ryzen 3 7320U, 8GB DDR5, 128GB SSD |
| ASUS Vivobook Go 15 E1504FA | Roomy storage | Ryzen 5 7520U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD |
| ASUS Vivobook Go Slim (Ryzen 5) | Durability-minded buyers | Ryzen 5 7520U, 8GB, 512GB, Military Grade Durability |
| ASUS Vivobook Go L510KA | Basic student study | Intel Dual Core N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD |
| ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (Ryzen 3, 256GB) | Middle ground storage | Ryzen 3 7320U, 8GB DDR5, 256GB SSD |
| ASUS Chromebook CM15 (64GB) | Simplest, lowest-tier option | Kompanio 540, 4GB RAM, 64GB, ChromeOS |
How to Choose
Memory sets the ceiling on everyday speed
Eight gigabytes of RAM is the number to look for. Modern browsers with a handful of tabs, a video call, and a document open can overwhelm 4GB, and the slowdown shows up as lag when you switch windows. Several listings here carry 4GB, which is fine for a single-task machine but frustrating for a student who juggles a dozen tabs. DDR5 memory, mentioned on the Ryzen 3 entries, offers more bandwidth than older memory types, though the practical gain for web use is small.
Storage and operating system go together
A Windows machine with 128GB of storage fills up fast once system files, updates, and a few apps are installed; 256GB is a more comfortable floor, and 512GB suits anyone who stores photos or school projects locally. A Chromebook is different: ChromeOS is lightweight and leans on cloud storage, so 64GB or 128GB can stretch further. If you rely on Microsoft Office desktop apps or specialized Windows software, pick a Windows model. If your work lives in a browser and Google tools, a Chromebook can be a smart fit.
Processor tier matters less than you think, until it does
The Intel N150 and N4500 chips shown in the titles are entry-level parts built for light tasks. The Ryzen 3 7320U and Ryzen 5 7520U are a clear step up and handle multitasking with more composure. If you plan to edit photos, keep many tabs open, or keep the laptop for several years, the Ryzen options deserve the extra spend. For email, streaming, and spreadsheets, the entry parts can keep up, though they may feel slow when Windows updates run in the background.
What to ignore and where corners get cut
Ignore terms like “slim” and “portable” as selling points on their own, since nearly every 15.6-inch laptop is both. Pay attention to the display line instead: Full HD resolution is standard here, but a 60Hz refresh rate and basic panel quality are typical, and color accuracy is not a priority. Budget models also tend to skimp on keyboard backlighting, port variety, and battery size. Features that do add value include fast charging and a webcam shield, both mentioned in some titles.
One more habit pays off: compare listings that share a model name but differ in memory or storage. Two Vivobook Go entries can look identical in a search result while one carries 128GB and the other 512GB, and the gap in usefulness is far larger than the gap in sticker difference. Read the full specification line, not just the product name, and note whether the operating system is Windows 11 Home or ChromeOS before you add anything to a cart.
The 8 Best Options
ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (N150)
This listing pairs a 15.6-inch Full HD 60Hz screen with an Intel N150 processor, Intel UHD Graphics, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. It is aimed at people who want the cheapest route to a Windows-class screen size for light browsing and documents.
- Strength: a full-size 15.6-inch FHD display gives room for reading and spreadsheets.
- Strength: the entry-level processor is aimed at low-demand tasks and basic use.
- Trade-off: 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage leave little room to grow.
Skip it if you multitask heavily or keep many browser tabs open.
ASUS Chromebook CM15 (128GB)
The title shows a 15.6-inch FHD display, a MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and ChromeOS. It suits students and remote workers whose tools run in a browser and who value a simple operating system.
- Strength: 8GB of RAM is a comfortable amount for ChromeOS multitasking.
- Strength: 128GB of storage is generous for a Chromebook.
- Trade-off: it cannot run standard Windows desktop software.
Skip it if you need Windows-only programs such as certain design or accounting tools.
ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (Ryzen 3, 128GB)
This Vivobook Go 15.6-inch FHD slim laptop uses a Ryzen 3 7320U quad-core processor, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, a 128GB SSD, and Windows 11 Home, with fast charging and a webcam shield. It targets Windows buyers who want a step above the Intel N-series entries.
- Strength: 8GB of DDR5 memory makes everyday multitasking smoother.
- Strength: fast charging and a webcam shield add practical convenience.
- Trade-off: 128GB of storage can fill quickly on a Windows machine.
Skip it if you plan to store a large photo library or many applications locally.
ASUS Vivobook Go 15 E1504FA
This model lists a Ryzen 5 7520U processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, and a 15.6-inch FHD display. It is for buyers who want the most storage and a stronger processor within the same family.
- Strength: 512GB of storage gives breathing room for files and apps.
- Strength: Ryzen 5 offers more headroom than Ryzen 3 or the Intel N-series options.
- Trade-off: the title carries an older model-year label, so verify the current warranty and condition.
Skip it if you prefer a listing with a clearer, more recent product description.
ASUS Vivobook Go Slim (Ryzen 5)
The listing combines a Ryzen 5 7520U, 8GB of memory, a 512GB drive, Windows 11 Home, and advertises Military Grade Durability, fast charging, and a webcam shield. It suits students and commuters who toss a laptop into a bag daily.
- Strength: the same stronger processor and storage as the E1504FA, plus a durability claim.
- Strength: fast charging helps between classes or meetings.
- Trade-off: durability claims in a title are not a substitute for a protective sleeve.
Skip it if you want a 2-in-1 or touchscreen design.
ASUS Vivobook Go L510KA
This listing describes a thin and portable laptop for student study, using an Intel Dual Core N4500, 4GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD, and Windows 11 in Star Black. It is geared toward users with very basic needs.
- Strength: a simple, light-duty setup for homework, documents, and streaming.
- Strength: Windows 11 provides access to standard desktop software.
- Trade-off: a dual-core processor with 4GB of RAM can feel slow with many tabs.
Skip it if you want smooth multitasking or plan to keep the laptop for many years.
ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (Ryzen 3, 256GB)
This variant matches the other Ryzen 3 7320U model but doubles the storage to 256GB while keeping 8GB of DDR5 RAM, Windows 11 Home, fast charging, and a webcam shield. It fits buyers who find 128GB too tight but do not need 512GB.
- Strength: 256GB is a more realistic size for a Windows laptop.
- Strength: it keeps the 8GB DDR5 configuration of the cheaper twin.
- Trade-off: Ryzen 3 sits below the Ryzen 5 options for heavier work.
Skip it if you do photo editing or want the strongest processor in this group.
ASUS Chromebook CM15 (64GB)
The lowest-tier listing here pairs the Kompanio 540 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage on ChromeOS, with a 15.6-inch FHD screen. It is meant for the simplest tasks: web browsing, video streaming, and cloud documents.
- Strength: ChromeOS tends to run lean on modest hardware.
- Strength: it suits shared family use or a first laptop for younger students.
- Trade-off: 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage restrict long-term flexibility.
Skip it if you need local storage for large files or any Windows software.
Which One Fits Your Situation
You need Windows for school or work
The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (Ryzen 3, 256GB) strikes a good balance of 8GB DDR5 memory and workable storage. Step up to the Ryzen 5 model with 512GB if you can stretch the budget.
Your work lives in the browser
The ASUS Chromebook CM15 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB is the clear pick. It delivers a full-size screen and a simple operating system without the overhead of Windows.
You carry the laptop everywhere
The ASUS Vivobook Go Slim with Ryzen 5 pairs a stronger processor with a listed durability claim and fast charging, a sensible combination for daily commuting in 2026.
You want the lowest possible entry point
The ASUS Vivobook Go L510KA or the 64GB Chromebook CM15 cover basic tasks at the lowest tier. Accept that they are best as a second device or a child’s first laptop.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing 4GB of RAM to save money, then replacing the laptop early because it feels slow.
- Buying a Chromebook without checking that your required software works on ChromeOS.
- Ignoring storage size on a Windows laptop and running out of space after updates.
- Assuming every listing stays under the 500-dollar cap; confirm the current figure before checkout.
- Expecting gaming performance from integrated graphics such as UHD Graphics.
Related guides
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- Laptop Backpacks With Usb Charging Port
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these ASUS laptops play games?
Light, older, or browser-based games are possible, but the integrated graphics shown in the titles are not built for modern 3D titles. For serious gaming, you need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Is a Chromebook or a Windows laptop better at this budget?
It depends on your software. Chromebooks are simple and run well on modest hardware, while Windows laptops handle a wider range of programs. Pick the operating system your daily tools require.
Is 8GB of RAM enough?
For browsing, documents, and video calls, 8GB is a comfortable minimum at this price. It will feel noticeably better than 4GB when you keep many tabs open.
Does the 60Hz display matter?
For work, school, and streaming, 60Hz is perfectly normal. A higher refresh rate mainly benefits fast-paced games, which these laptops are not designed for.
