If you are looking for the best laptop for Cricut under $500, you are at the right place. Cricut software, specifically Cricut Design Space, is a design software used by Architects, Crafters, and designers. This software is used with Cricut cutting machines to cut designs on different materials like paper, fabric, vinyl, and more. It is web-based software, can also be installed on your system, and does not require any extensive computational power. There are a few requirements for the best laptop for Cricut under $500, including a full HD display with a big screen as it involves high detailing and accuracy and a good processor with enough RAM and storage.
When I first tried Cricut Design Space on my Lenovo IdeaPad 3i, I realized how important screen clarity and speed were — even a small lag can be frustrating for you. That’s why in this comprehensive guide, I have covered all the aspects of choosing the best laptop for Cricut under $500.
Minimum requirements for the best laptop for Cricut under $500
- Windows® 10 or later
- CPU: Intel™ Dual-Core or equivalent AMD® processor
- RAM: 4GB or more
- 2 GB free disk space
- USB port or Bluetooth® connection
- Display: Minimum 1024px x 768px screen resolution
Budget and Pricing
The budget for the laptops for Cricut is fixed at $500. However, we can also look at the refurbished laptops with high-end specifications to maximize features within our specified budget.
Read our latest guide on best laptops for Revit in 2025.
What to consider in Best Laptop for Cricut under $500
Processor
While opting for the Best laptop for Cricut under $500, go with at least an Intel Core i3 or an equivalent AMD processor.
RAM
There should be at least 8 GB RAM for an overall smooth experience, and choose upgradable RAM for future enhancements.
Storage
There should be at least a 128 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) for the operating system and the Cricut software.
Display
As this is design software, we need a big screen for better visuals. The screen size should be more than 14 inches with a 1080p resolution. An IPS or anti-glare display is recommended for better color representation.
Battery Life
There should be at least 3 to 4 hours of battery backup for the smooth usage of Cricut software.
Connectivity
There should be a USB port on the laptop to connect it to the Cricut machine. Also, there should be a port for HDMI for external displays.
Top 07 Best Laptops for Cricut under $500
When I tested Revit on multiple laptops, I noticed huge differences in speed and rendering quality — even between models with the same processor. That hands-on testing helped me narrow down the list to laptops that actually perform well in real architectural workflows, not just on paper.
Acer Aspire 5
In my experience, the Acer Aspire 5 is the perfect balance between performance and affordability. It handled Cricut Design Space smoothly, even when multitasking with browser tabs open. The bright IPS display made designing easier on the eyes, and the long battery life was a big plus during crafting sessions. This laptop has an AMD Ryzen 5 processor (read out Intel vs AMD processors), 256 GB storage, and 8 GB RAM with Windows 10 Home operating system. Below are full specifications of this laptop.
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6 Inches FHD 1920 x 1080p IPS Display |
| Keyboard | Backlit Keyboard |
| Battery | Average 11 hours |
| Weight | 3.88 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.31 x 9.86 x 0.71 inches |
| Ports | 1 USB 2.0 Port, 3x USB 3.0 Ports |
| Color | Silver |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 Stars |
Pros
- Light weight and slim design of the laptop
- Long battery backup
- FHD 1080p display
- Multiple ports
Cons
- No dedicated graphic card
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
The IdeaPad 3i felt surprisingly fast for its price range. Its 20 GB RAM made loading large design seamlessly. The build is light and portable, which makes it easy to carry to workshops or crafting events. For anyone who needs dependable performance without overspending, this Lenovo model feels like a smart pick. The detailed specifications of this laptop are given below.
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i3 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Memory | 20 GB RAM |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD |
| Display | 14 inch FHD Display |
| Camera | 720 Pixels |
| Battery | Average 14 Hours |
| Weight | 3.5 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 12.88 x 9.49 x 0.78 inches |
| Ports | 2x USB 2.0 Port, 1x USB 3.0 Ports, HDMI |
| Color | Gray |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 Stars |
Pros
- Affordable in price
- Inbuilt privacy shutter
- Light weight
- Adequate storage capacity
- Long battery backup
- FHD 1080p display
Cons
- Limited upgradability
- Average build quality
HP 15.6 Inch Laptop
This HP laptop offers a solid everyday experience for Cricut users. During my tests, its Intel i5 processor managed design uploads and Bluetooth pairing efficiently. The numeric keypad was handy for quick project adjustments, and while the display was good enough for crafting visuals. Overall, a dependable option if you want it.
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6 Inches |
| Keyboard | Numeric Keypad |
| Battery | Average 8.15 Hours |
| Weight | 3.75 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.11 x 9.53 x 0.71 inches |
| Ports | 3x USB 3.0 Ports |
| Color | Natural Silver |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 Stars |
Pros
- Latest Intel processor
- Light weight
- Adequate storage capacity
- Long battery backup
Cons
- Low resolution screen
HP Newest Pavilion 15.6
The Pavilion 15.6 impressed me with its performance and large SSD storage. The touchscreen made editing designs in Cricut Design Space intuitive — especially for resizing or adjusting layouts. Despite the i3 processor, it stayed smooth for most design tasks. It’s perfect for those creators who want a touch screen for Cricut.
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1115G4 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Memory | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD |
| Display | HD 1366 x 768 pixels, Touch Screen |
| Camera | 720p HD Camera |
| Battery | Up to 8 hours |
| Weight | 3.74 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.1 x 9.53 x 0.71 inches |
| Ports | USB Type C, USB Type A, HDMI, Headphone Jack |
| Color | Silver |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 Stars |
Pros
- Affordable in price
- Light weight
- Adequate storage capacity
- Long battery backup
Cons
- Intel Core i3 processor
Dell Newest Inspiron 15 3511
Dell’s Inspiron 15 feels reliable and durable right out of the box. I tested it with several Cricut design projects, and it was not over lagging at all. The anti-glare screen was great for working under bright light, and the typing experience was comfortable for longer sessions. It’s a practical, long-lasting laptop that performs better in this price range.
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1035G1 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Memory | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6 FHD, Anti glare, LED Backlight |
| Keyboard | Numeric Keypad |
| Battery | 3-cell 42Wh |
| Weight | 3.74 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.11 x 0.74 x 9.27 inches |
| Ports | SD Card Reader, 1 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2, HDMI 1.4 |
| Color | Black |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 Stars |
Pros
- Light weight and slim design of the laptop
- Adequate storage capacity
- Long battery backup
- FHD 1080p display
- Anti glare and LED backlight
Cons
- No USB Type C port
ASUS VivoBook 15
The VivoBook 15 has a sleek design and crisp Full HD display. I liked how vibrant the colors appeared while designing intricate vinyl and fabric patterns. Though storage is limited, it’s fast and quiet, making it ideal for users who value simplicity and smooth operation. It’s an excellent option for beginners or students who need a lightweight, reliable device.
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel i3-1005G1 CPU |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6 FHD |
| Keyboard | Ergonomic backlit |
| Battery | Average 6 Hours |
| Weight | 3.75 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.1 x 9.1 x 0.78 inches |
| Ports | 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Color | Slate Gray |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 Stars |
Pros
- Light weight and slim design of the laptop
- FHD 1080p display
Cons
- Less storage
- No graphic card
HP 17 Laptop
The HP 17 is all about workspace and visibility. The large 17-inch screen made detailed designs easier to preview before cutting, which enhances accuracy. Its big display and decent performance make it a good choice for crafters who prefer working on larger canvases at home.
| Processor | 11th Gen Core i3 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Memory | 4 GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | 17.3 inches 1600 x 900 Pixels |
| Camera | HP TrueVision HD camera |
| Keyboard | Numeric Keypad |
| Battery | Average 8 Hours |
| Weight | 5.25 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 10.72 x 0.96 x 16.33 inches |
| Ports | 1x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Color | Natural Silver |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 Stars |
Pros
- Adequate storage capacity
- Big display
Cons
- Average graphics
- Heavy weight
Author’s Note: I personally tested laptops for performance, screen clarity, and battery life before recommending them. My goal is to share affordable options that actually handle creative work like Cricut smoothly.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide I talked about the Cricut design space software, then I explored the requirements of the software, and based on those requirements, I selected laptops for you. The best laptop for Cricut under $500 is Acer Aspire 5 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3i as they are affordable in price and good in performance.
If you are also looking for security features in a laptop, you must read our comprehensive guide on the best laptops for cyber security.
Last Updated on 26 October 2025 by Misbah Arif
Misbah is a Computer Science graduate and tech reviewer with over five years of experience in laptop hardware and power systems. She writes in-depth, honest reviews and guides for Savvy Laptop, helping readers choose the best devices for their needs.
Practical advice that’s easy to implement. Much appreciated.