For a US buyer with a firm $400 ceiling, the strongest options in RTINGS’ September 29, 2026 guide are all Chromebooks: the ASUS Chromebook CX15 for everyday work, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 for watching video, and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 11 for compact tablet-style use. The key first question is whether the apps you need run on ChromeOS: it cannot install most Windows or macOS programs.
Which laptop under $400 should you choose?
RTINGS’ US-focused guide, updated September 29, 2026, names the ASUS Chromebook CX15 its best tested pick under $400. It recommends the two Lenovo detachables for more specific needs: media viewing and compact portability. RTINGS says it has no Windows models it recommends at this budget. These are model-family recommendations, not a guarantee that every configuration or listing is priced below $400.
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| Model | Best for | Screen and form | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Chromebook CX15 (2026) | Everyday web-based work, schoolwork and longer typing | 15.6-inch conventional laptop | ChromeOS compatibility; RTINGS describes its display as comparatively washed out |
| Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) | Video and tablet viewing | 13-inch detachable with OLED display | Cramped keyboard; older model, so current stock and bundle need checking |
| Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 11 (2024) | Compact carry and tablet-style use | 11-inch detachable with kickstand | Smaller display and keyboard; stylus varies by configuration |
1. ASUS Chromebook CX15 (2026): best for everyday use
RTINGS names the CX15 the best laptop under $400 it has tested. Its 15.6-inch display offers more room for side-by-side windows than the smaller detachable models, and RTINGS describes its keyboard as comfortable for writing and schoolwork. Ports support connecting an external monitor and accessories, and RTINGS says it handles web and Android apps well.
The important limitation is software compatibility. ChromeOS cannot install most programs made for Windows or macOS. Before buying, check that your work, school, or hobby apps are available as web apps or Android apps, or otherwise supported on ChromeOS. If your workflow depends on a Windows or Mac desktop program, this shortlist may not fit.
#1 Best Overall
- 15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY — Super slim bezel design with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate, vibrant 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit sustained brightness
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U PROCESSOR — Designed for thin laptops, this processor gives you fast performance for browsing and light gaming with longer battery life with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- 8GB MEMORY + 512GB STORAGE — Faster memory that smoothly runs multiple applications at once with supersized storage for files, documents and more
- WI-FI 5 AND BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Seamlessly and quickly connect your devices
- SOUND BY SONICMASTER — Crisp, multi-dimensional sound with built-in speakers and an array microphone
2. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021): best for media
The 13-inch Duet 5 is RTINGS’ choice when watching video is the priority. Its OLED display is the standout, and its keyboard detaches so you can use it as a tablet. RTINGS estimates around eight hours of video playback or 10 hours of light use; actual runtime varies with the unit and how it is used.
Its keyboard feels cramped for long typing sessions, according to RTINGS, making it better suited to short writing tasks than sustained laptop work. Because this is a 2021 model, check that the listing is for the exact model you want, confirm its condition and included keyboard, and make sure the final price still meets your budget.
Rank #2
- SLIM. LIGHTWEIGHT. READY TO GO: The all-new slim design is perfect for busy lives on the go.
- SKILLFULLY DESIGNED. MILITARY TOUGH: Built with premium craftsmanship to withstand the occasional drop or ding.
- ALL-DAY, ALL-IN-ONE CHARGING: Power through your school day – and beyond – with a long-lasting 12-hour battery.¹
- 3X FASTER THAN THE PREVIOUS GENERATION OF WIFI: Crush your schoolwork in record time with Wi-Fi that’s three times faster than the previous generation of Wi-Fi.
- YOUR PHONE AND CHROMEBOOK WORK BETTER TOGETHER: Easily transfer files between devices, and control your phone right from your Chromebook.
3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 11 (2024): best compact detachable
RTINGS recommends the 11-inch Duet Gen 9 for compact use. It comes with a detachable keyboard and kickstand; stylus inclusion depends on the configuration, so verify the bundle rather than assuming one is included. Its smaller screen and keyboard make it less comfortable for extended work than the Duet 5.
RTINGS estimates around seven hours of video playback or nine hours of light use. Treat these as review estimates, not guaranteed battery life for every configuration or workload.
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
How to choose between them
Check app compatibility first
All three picks run ChromeOS. It suits browser-based work and Android apps, but it does not install most Windows or macOS desktop programs. Confirm that the specific applications you rely on will work before weighing screen size or portability.
Match the screen and keyboard to your use
- Choose the CX15’s 15.6-inch screen and conventional keyboard if you expect to type for longer stretches or want more workspace.
- Choose the Duet 5’s 13-inch OLED screen if video viewing matters most and you value switching to tablet mode.
- Choose the Duet Gen 9 11 if compact carry and tablet-style use outweigh a smaller screen and keyboard.
Verify the exact listing and total price
Configurations, sellers, condition, bundles, stock and prices can differ within a model family. Before checkout, confirm the exact model or SKU, whether it is new or refurbished, which keyboard and stylus are included, and the final price. A Best Buy US category-page snapshot available during research showed multiple laptop listings and a Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook at $399; that is a point-in-time inventory example, not a lasting price promise or an additional recommendation. Check current Best Buy laptop listings.
Sources and buying context
The model recommendations, comparisons and battery estimates above are from RTINGS’ under-$400 laptop guide, updated September 29, 2026. RTINGS says its recommendations factor in price, visitor feedback and availability, and notes that specifications can vary among configurations. Prices and availability can change, so verify them with the seller before purchasing.
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