Before we jump into the list of the best laptops for Zoom Meetings under $500, let me explain why these options are highly suitable for your needs and how you can choose the perfect one for your Zoom conferences without any confusion.
Whether you’re a business professional, a remote worker, a student, or simply want to connect with friends and family, you have two primary choices for leveraging Zoom: Zoom Meetings and Zoom Rooms.
To figure out the best laptop for Zoom conferences, we’ll first explore the necessary specs to get the most out of your experience from both.
We’ll split this into two sections: one for individual Zoom Meetings users and another for professionals looking to leverage Zoom Rooms.
Both will enable you to understand, what is the best computer for Zoom meetings and what laptop do you need for your Zoom calls.
On this page
Here’s how to choose a laptop for Zoom meetings:
Zoom itself provides helpful guidance on recommended computer specs. Analyzing these, we can conclude:
If you are wondering, ‘What kind of computer do I need for Zoom meetings?’ then you should understand this: You can run Zoom on any computer with the following specifications, so any computer above these specs will be best for Zoom meetings and conferences.
- We recommend an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor or better. These offer the processing power needed for seamless video conferencing.
- opt for a 6th generation processor or later for best results. Avoid Atom and Y series processors as they may not handle Zoom effectively.
- If your chosen processor lacks an Intel GPU, ensure it has at least 8 cores for smooth video encoding and decoding.
- Finally, Windows 10 64-bit is required for compatibility with Zoom’s full suite of features.
If you are not using Zoom but any other alternative like Skype or Meet, you still need a good machine. Therefore, you can consider the above-mentioned specs as the minimum laptop requirements for the best video conferencing experience.
The great news is that we have many laptops on our list with the required specs for a great Zoom experience or video conferences.
Computer system requirements for Zoom Rooms:
According to the Zoom, for an optimal Zoom Rooms experience with one screen, ensure your system meets these requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit or macOS 10.11 or higher
- Processor: Intel Core i5 4th generation (T) or higher desktop CPU (recommended)
- RAM: 8GB minimum (dual channel recommended for multitasking)
- Graphics: Integrated graphics with dedicated video memory is recommended for smoother video processing.
- M1, M2, and M2 Pro Mac Users: These powerful chips require only 8GB of unified memory.
The list of the best laptops we have compiled has enough specs to meet your needs for Zoom conferences.
But if you want to go above and beyond. Finding well-reputed laptops with the necessary specs for dual, triple, or quadruple screens within your $500 budget is challenging. In such cases, opting for a dedicated small business laptop might be a better option.
Hopefully, this information helps you select the perfect laptop for your Zoom needs!
Here’s another key point: If you don’t need virtual backgrounds without a greenscreen, even a cheap laptop can handle your Zoom calls with ease. For those users, we’ve included some affordable options in the list.
In essence, this list features business-oriented laptops well-suited for Zoom calls and meetings. However, we recommend choosing the one that best fits your needs to avoid future upgrades.
Keeping all that stuff in mind and many other needs like schooling, teaching, gaming, etc., we have picked the best laptops for Zoom on our list.
By the way, before we proceed to the vast list, you can pick the best laptop for Zoom under $500 or $300 from the following best-picked Zoom laptops.
Now, let’s discuss all the best laptops for Zoom meetings. There are some other places to buy computers but if you buy on Amazon, you get a 90-day money-back guarantee.
HP 15 FHD Business Laptop (best for overall work)
Specifications
- Display: 15.6″ diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), micro-edge, anti-glare
- Storage: 512 GB
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U (up to 4.3 GHz)
- Memory: 16 GB
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Best for: Online Classes, Google Classroom, Remote Learning, Zoom Ready.
- Built for: Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, and Commercial Enterprise.
- Graphics Card Description: Integrated
- Webcam: Integrated 720p
Brief Review
As we have mentioned the specifications needed to run Zoom smoothly, we know that any computer exceeding those requirements suits Zoom. The HP 15 FHD business notebook, with significantly better specs than necessary, is therefore the best laptop for Zoom Meetings under $500.
Overall performance
The HP 15 business Laptop is the best laptop for Zoom under $500. It has a processor with a 4.3 GHz clock speed that’s among business laptop processor recommendations, additionally, it has fast 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage. All the amazing features make it also the best laptop for routine and small business use for under $500.
With a much faster processor and 16GB RAM, you can open a ton of tabs and run some apps like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Docs, and Excel simultaneously.
Otherwise, if you are a student who uses Google Meet for online classes or a freelancer who works from home, this could be the best long-lasting laptop solution to all your problems.
Weight and battery life
As it’s lightweight and has a good battery life, you can take it while traveling.
Overall, it’s one of the high-quality business laptops for Zoom meetings and many other tasks – even multitasking.
Our final verdict
When it comes to business conferences, homeschooling, fitness classes, or any other similar tasks requiring much time on your computer, the HP 15 Laptop is the best laptop for Zoom meetings.
2022 HP 11.6-inch – cheapest laptop for Zoom calls
Specifications
- Display size: 11.6 Inches
- Processor: 2.8 GHz celeron
- RAM: 4 GB DDR4
- Storage: 128GB + 1TB one-drive
- Wireless Type: Bluetooth, 802.11a
- Battery Life: 14 Hours
- Operating System: Windows 10 sekunda
- Weight: 3.67 pounds
Brief Review
The 2022 HP Stream 11.6-inch Laptop is the cheapest laptop for Zoom meetings and calls. It arrived in 2022 but it’s still good to use especially for those who want to save the buck. It has attained good recognition among students, small businesses, and youngsters due to its affordability and compatibility with Zoom.
In fact, it’s the best solution for those who are considering Chromebooks or want to use Zoom on a phone. Instead, you can opt to buy this inexpensive laptop for an even better experience.
There are three main reasons why this laptop is becoming so eye-catching.
- It’s a brand-new laptop.
- It’s available at a very cheap price.
- It has some amazing features to run routine apps like Zoom.
That’s why this is our best pick for under-budget Zoom calls. If you are looking for a cheap laptop for Zoom meetings, due to its reasonable RAM and processor, sound webcam, and HD screen, the 2024 HP 11.6 laptop is best for Zoom meetings and conferences, any basic use, and other personal use.
Now let’s dig deep into the laptop.
Performance (based on RAM and processor)
Overall, this is a great machine for basic and simple use.
By basic and simple use, I mean you can use it for routine tasks, but you can’t run heavy apps. Let’s say you can run Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, but you can’t do technical work.
It also has 1-year Microsoft 365 in the bundle. So you can use it to create and organize files.
Secondly, it’s good for watching videos due to its HD screen.
Watching videos and other entertaining tasks doesn’t take much, so it’s out of the question whether it’s compatible with such tasks. Definitely, it’s great for all such tasks.
It has 4GB advanced RAM type and the latest processor. Both make it great for quick processing and multitasking. Although 4GB can’t afford heavy multitasking, yet you can open at least a ton of tabs on your browser.
If you put a heavy load, it will start freezing.
Storage:
It lags behind due to its storage. Currently, its internal storage is 128GB, and that’s not a sound one. When you buy it you should rely on cloud storage. Luckily, you will get 1TB of one-drive storage for a year along with this laptop.
Isn’t it a great offer?
Battery life:
Its battery life is good enough to keep your work on for a full day. You should expect 11 to 14 hours of battery life.
Our final verdict:
If you really need a cheap business laptop, then this latest HP laptop is an amazing choice under your budget. And it is worth the money. It has enough features to handle all your routine tasks.
Additionally, you get the following extra features: 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1; 1 HDMI; Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2×2), 1 headphone/microphone combo; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 combo; 1 media card reader.
But, if you run a business and you have many others tasks to do on your laptop, you should consider buying a heavy machine. Otherwise, this will hang things up. We have reviewed business laptops in different ranges, let’s say, under $500, under $1000, and some powerful laptops for small business owners.
2024 Newest HP FHD IPS Business Laptop
Specifications
- Screen size: 15.6 Inches
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Memory: 12GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U
- Total USB Ports: 3
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI
- Battery life: Up to 11 hours
Brief Review
The 2024 Newest HP FHD IPS Business Laptop has all those features required to run Zoom and other video conferencing apps like Skype. And it’s still cheap to buy. It’s priced under $400 and that’s what anyone can afford to spend.
You can’t find these specs at such cheap prices often. So it’s a great chance to grab such a decent machine at such discounted prices.
It has a pretty cool screen resolution and fast memory and storage types.
Suppose you have many other things to do on your computer, such as web browsing, working on office documents, media playback, streaming, and other daily computing tasks. In that case, it can easily handle all that stuff due to its fast CPU and RAM. In short, it’s the best laptop for Zoom and Microsoft Office-related tasks.
The Intel UHD 605 graphics might not be a great choice for extensive jobs but it’s good for a smooth video conferencing experience.
Also, it has an HDMI port, Webcam, and Bluetooth, making it a perfect machine for Zoom meetings and teams.
In short, it’s the best budget laptop for Zoom meetings and works.
Apple MacBook Pro for Zoom meetings
Specifications
- Display size: 13.3 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 2560×1600 Pixels
- Processor: 2.7 GHz core_i5_family
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel Iris Graphics 6100
- Wireless: 802.11abg
- Item Weight: 3.48 pounds
Brief Review
No doubt, Apple products are the most reliable ones in the market. But Apple machines are always expensive. It’s literally hard to find the best Macbooks under 500 with great specifications.
You can only get the used ones.
There is nothing wrong with using renewed computers because those are refurbished and ready to use once again.
There are two best Macbooks for Zoom for under $500, and the first one is MacBook Pro MF839LL/A.
MacBook Pro MF839LL is one of the finest machines under $500. The reason is that it has pretty cool memory and processing speed.
Suppose you want your machine to load quickly and don’t let you down in multitasking. Say, while your Zoom calls, you have some presentations, or other similar tasks, for which you need to run some other apps, then MacBook Pro MF839LL can handle all the jobs at once.
Secondly, it’s also an excellent machine for less demanding games. You can easily play games such as Diablo III, Counter-Strike: GO oder Dota 2, and other similar games.
If you think that the screen size is not suitable for you, then you can get one of the best business monitors under 200 dollars. Connect that monitor with your mac, and enjoy the best experience of your conferences and meetings.
So besides those business tasks, it’s the best laptop for Zoom and gaming for under $500.
Best MacBook Pro for online conferences
Specifications
- Display size: 13.3 Inches
- Processor: 2.7 GHz Core_i5_2300
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel Iris Graphics 6100
- Wireless Type: 802.11abg
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
Brief Review
This machine is pretty identical to the previous one. However, the claimed weight of the device is so low that it becomes an eye-catching gadget for everyone.
MacBook Pro MF839LL is the best laptop for long Zoom calls and also for light gaming.
That’s why if you are a college student, and looking for an affordable Macbook for Zoom and college, then MacBook Pro MF839LL can be your choice.
You can easily keep it with you all day long. And it’s also good for light editing and other graphics-related tasks.
Overall, if you are looking for a Zoom laptop, and want to stick to Apple, then MacBook Pro MF839LL is the best Macbook for Zoom for under $500.
Acer Aspire 5 – best budget laptop for Zoom calls
Specifications
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
- Processor: 3.5 GHz ryzen_3
- Memory: 4 GB DDR4
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon Vega 6
- Processor Count: 4
- Battery Life: 10 Hours
Brief Review
Indeed, Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best budget laptops for Zoom and other similar apps. Acer is among the top business laptop brands offering the cheapest business solutions.
My words are not for nothing. It’s one of the best Acer laptops for personal tasks like video conferencing.
The reason is that it has a fantastic sound and large quality display, but it also has a speedy processor and meets the minimum requirements for Zoom virtual background without a green screen.
Isn’t that great?
So, Acer Aspire 5 is the best budget laptop for Zoom and Skype.
Although its memory and storage aren’t great, that’s not an issue if you are not looking for a business laptop to multitask and run some heavy apps.
Zoom, Meet, Skype, and other similar apps don’t require adorable specifications. 4 GB of memory is enough to run Zoom, and so it has. I have personally used it, and it worked pretty fine.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim laptop has many other things to catch your eye. Its screen is so much large that it can be the best laptop for Zoom fitness classes. You can easily see things from a distance and even easily record your lessons.
Its audio quality also makes it the best laptop for Zoom music lessons. If you don’t want external speakers, then this gadget won’t disappoint you.
It’s also appealing for business owners because of its WI-FI 6 and HDMI port that is essentially needed for in-house jobs and it can be your best companion for your mobile office.
Best Lenovo Business Laptop for Zoom calls
Specifications
- Display size: 14 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1922 x 1080 Pixels
- Processor: 2.4 GHz amd_a_series
- Memory: 12 GB DDR4 SDRAM
- Storage: 1 TB HDD 5400 rpm
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon Graphics
- Processor Count: 2
- Weight: 3.53 pounds
Brief Review
Lenovo V14 is among the best cheap business laptops for Zoom and Google classrooms.
It has a huge memory and ample storage.
That’s why this could be an eye-catching machine for business owners and freelancers who want to store their massive data on computers.
Photography and videos take more data than other stuff. So this could be a fantastic pick if you are a photographer or you have huge data to store on it.
Regarding Zoom, undoubtedly, it is the best laptop for using Zoom.
A few things are apparent that one must keep in mind before purchasing it. It has 14 14-inch displays, and its processor count is also 2. That means you may be required to have a physical green screen if you want to use a virtual background.
However, not everyone needs to change their background without a physical green screen.
Pretty cool Webcam, Microphone, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Windows 10 Pro, and KKE Mousepad are other appealing things.
Dell Latitude E6430 – laptop for Zoom under $300
Specifications
- Display size: 14 Inches
- Processor: 2.6 GHz apple_ci5
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Storage: 320 GB Hybrid Drive
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Brief Review
It’s basically a renewed item. That’s why it’s available for under $300 with some cool features.
We often use renewed items, and it’s never been disappointing for us to use renewed computers.
If you have a tight budget, you can go for it.
Here is when it’s an excellent fit for you.
If you are looking for a laptop for Zoom and other personal use, then Dell Latitude E6430 is one of the best Zoom Laptops under $300.
Indeed, there is no comparison between this gadget and any expensive ASUS machine because quality comes with a price.
I was trying to explain that it’s the best laptop for Zoom under $300, keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
This is an excellent pick for long Zoom calls and other personal use.
Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop for online meetings
Specifications
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768 Pixels
- Processor: 1.1 GHz Pentium
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
- Memory Speed: 3.1 GHz
- Storage: 256 GB PCIe SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD 605
- Processor Count: 4
- Weight: 3.91 pounds
Brief Review
If you are looking for a handy Dell laptop for a Zoom meeting, the Dell Inspiron 15 is worth considering.
This computer is available for under $500.
Say you have $500 in your pocket and are looking for a beautiful Dell machine for Zoom meetings; this machine is enough for you.
Besides its fast memory and storage, it has 802.11AC WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 3.2, and HDMI for business use.
Additionally, it has a 720p HD Webcam and Digital Microphone Ideal for Home, small business, school, online classes, Google Classroom, remote Learning, and Zoom.
Best ASUS VivoBook 15 for online meetings
Specifications
- Display size: 15.6 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: 3.4 GHz core_i3
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
- Graphics Card Ram Size: 8 GB
- Wireless Type: Bluetooth, 802.11ac
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
Brief Review
Some people love ASUS. The reason is that ASUS laptops are reliable and durable. Secondly, if you are looking for a laptop with the best camera for zoom under 500 bucks, then the ASUS VivoBook 15 laptop can be your choice.
If you love ASUS and looking for an affordable machine for Zoom or streaming, then ASUS Vivobook 15 is available for under $500.
It’s one of the top-rated laptops on Amazon and has an excellent selection of Zoom and other apps.
Many people look for dance classes and other online classes, as it has a large screen, so it is the best laptop for Zoom classes and other online classes.
Although the storage isn’t great, if your main purpose for buying a laptop is Zoom, then storage must not be your priority.
If this is so, then ASUS Vivobook would not disappoint on your purchase.
Can you use Zoom on any laptop?
Yes, Zoom is compatible with any laptop as it does not require a specialized device to run the application. The minimal computer requirements for Zoom are so low that it can be utilized on virtually any laptop.
How much RAM do you need for Zoom calls?
While Zoom calls can be managed with 2GB of RAM, if you plan to engage in Zoom meetings involving video playback, it is recommended to have a minimum of 4GB of RAM.
What is the minimum laptop for Zoom?
The minimum requirements for a laptop to run Zoom are as follows:
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit or macOS 10.11 or higher
- Processor: Intel Core i5 4th generation (T) or higher desktop CPU (recommended)
- RAM: 8GB minimum (dual channel recommended for multitasking)
- Graphics: Integrated graphics with dedicated video memory is recommended for smoother video processing.
- M1, M2, and M2 Pro Mac Users: These powerful chips require only 8GB of unified memory.
Are Chromebooks good for Zoom meetings?
Yes, Chromebooks are suitable for Zoom meetings as long as they meet the minimum specifications required for running Zoom effectively.