The top laptops for budget-conscious shoppers
If your laptop is nearing the end of its lifespan, it's wise to start looking for a replacement proactively.
If you’re not a gamer or designer and simply need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks, you might be asking, “What’s the best affordable laptop?”
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There isn't a single answer, but there are many good, budget-friendly laptops on the market today. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 high-quality yet affordable laptops.
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To meet this criteria, we’ve chosen the best budget laptops available for under £500. We’ve also categorized them by price point to help you find one that fits your budget, and we’ve explained why each laptop made our list.
Acer Chromebook 314
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Specifications:
Processor: MediaTek MT8183C
OS: Chrome OS
Memory: 4GB RAM
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Display: 14-inch touchscreen
The Acer Chromebook 314 leads our list of budget-friendly laptops for three main reasons: it’s easy to use, affordable, and reliable. Operating on Chrome OS, like all Chromebooks, this laptop has enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing, checking emails, and streaming Netflix.
Chromebooks are designed to be economical devices that handle daily activities efficiently, and the Acer Chromebook 314 perfectly fits this description.
HP 15a-na0001sa Chromebook
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Celeron N4500
Operating System: ChromeOS
Memory: 4GB RAM
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Display: 15.6 inches
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The HP Stream 11 is an excellent budget laptop with a sleek, modern design.
It offers up to 11.5 hours of battery life, features a built-in HD webcam, and includes an H1 security chip for enhanced protection against viruses.
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Running on ChromeOS, this device supports various workflows and is user-friendly. While it may not be the fastest or most feature-rich laptop, its affordability makes it a great choice for those on a budget.
Samsung Chromebook 4
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Specifications:
Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
Operating System: Chrome OS
Memory: 4GB RAM
Storage: 32GB eMMC
Display: 11.6 inches
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The Samsung Chromebook 4 is ideal for multitasking, known for its impressive battery life and sleek design. Reviewers praise its comfortable keyboard and exceptional battery performance. Its silver plastic chassis gives it a look similar to most MacBooks.
Like other Chromebooks, it isn’t designed for running large programs, but it's an excellent choice for tasks like emailing, staying connected, and online shopping.
Samsung Chromebook 4
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Specifications:
Processor: MediaTek P60T
Operating System: Chrome OS
Memory: 4GB RAM
Storage: 64GB eMCP
Display: 10.1-inch touchscreen
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet operates like a typical Chromebook but stands out with its versatility. It transforms from a standard laptop into a standalone tablet thanks to its detachable keyboard. This dual functionality allows it to handle basic daily tasks and easily convert into a handheld device when needed.
Microsoft Surface GO 2
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Specifications:
Processor: Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y
Operating System: Windows 10 S
Memory: 4GB to 8GB RAM
Storage: 64GB eMMC to 128GB SSD
Display: 10.5-inch touchscreen
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The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a highly compact and portable 2-in-1 device, ideal for people on the move. It comes in various colors and can be used with the Surface Slim Pen or quickly attached to its keyboard to breeze through emails. The only drawback is that the keyboard and pen are sold separately.
Acer Aspire 3 15.6in AMD Athlon 8GB 128GB Laptop
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Specifications:
Processor: AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
Operating System: Windows 11 in S-mode
Memory: 8GB RAM
Storage: 128GB SSD
Display: 15.6-inch screen
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Looking for an affordable laptop that excels in everyday tasks? The Acer Aspire 3 stands out as one of our top picks. Why? This device boasts impressive specifications, featuring an AMD Athlon CPU and 8GB of RAM.
Combined with its high-speed SSD storage, this laptop effortlessly handles multitasking and application use. If you often experience eye strain from extended screen use, Acer's BlueLightShield technology provides relief by reducing blue light emissions.
Acer Spin 513 LTE 2 in 1 Chromebook
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Specifications:
Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
Operating System: ChromeOS
Memory: 8GB RAM
Storage: 128GB eMMC
Display: 13.3 inches
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When it comes to affordable laptops, this Acer stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship, long battery life, and reliable performance. While it may not handle intensive gaming or large-scale creative projects, this versatile two-in-one tablet and laptop excels at everyday tasks.
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Its sleek metal chassis combines durability with a lightweight design. It features a variety of ports, including USB 3.0 and USB Type-C, ensuring seamless connectivity.
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The IPS LCD display is perfect for streaming content, adding to its appeal as a well-rounded device.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
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Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i5
Operating System: Windows 10 S
Memory: 4GB to 8GB RAM
Storage: Options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB
Display: 12.4-inch touchscreen
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Similar to its counterpart, the Microsoft Surface Go 2, this laptop offers a higher-end experience that belies its price tag. It impresses with its quality construction, stylish appearance, and portability. Offering more power and storage capacity than entry-level laptops, it excels in various tasks.
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However, despite its premium design, it lacks features like a backlit keyboard and fingerprint scanner, which could be considered drawbacks.
ASUS CX1 17.3" Chromebook
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Specifications:
Processor: Intel Pentium Silver
Operating System: Chrome OS
Memory: 4GB RAM
Storage: 4GB + Cloud storage
Display: 17.3 inches
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For those seeking a swift and budget-friendly laptop, Asus presents this Chromebook designed for speed. It effortlessly handles multiple programs simultaneously, ensuring efficient completion of complex tasks. The laptop is also ideal for leisure activities with its spacious, high-resolution Full HD screen and Intel UHD graphics, offering superb clarity for streaming videos and utilizing creative applications.
Which laptop brand offers the best value for money?
In the past, answering this question was simpler, but now, several computer manufacturers compete in the realm of affordable laptops.
Your choice should depend on how you intend to use your laptop. Consider which operating system suits your needs best. For instance, if you require specific programs like Microsoft Office, a Chromebook may not be suitable. However, if you seek a reliable laptop for basic tasks, a more expensive option may not be necessary.
To make a confident decision, consult our guide on what to consider when purchasing your next laptop.
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What defines a budget laptop?
Typically, budget laptops fall around or below the £500 to £600 range.
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Laptops are available to fit any budget, ranging from under £200 to well over £1000. With this price range comes a diverse range of features, but not everyone requires all the extras.
Among budget laptops, there is a significant variation from the most basic models to those that border on premium in terms of appearance and performance. The primary distinction lies in performance. If you need to run demanding programs like Photoshop or video editing software, or if gaming is a priority, a budget laptop might not be sufficient. The same applies if you are in need of a laptop for business purposes.
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Which laptop is best suited for basic tasks?
Our top picks for basic computing needs include:
1) Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook HP 15a-na0001sa
2) Chromebook
3) Acer Aspire 3
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Which budget laptop stands out?
The Acer Chromebook 314 is our preferred choice due to its dependable Chrome OS, responsive touchscreen, and impressive battery life.
We also recommend the HP 15a-na0001sa Chromebook and Acer Spin 513 LTE 2-in-1 Chromebook, both known for their durability and longevity, making them ideal for everyday workloads.