Best budget laptop: cheap Windows models & Chromebooks

5. Asus Vivobook E510MA

The second-cheapest notebook on our list is another Asus entry, and can currently be bought for a very wallet-friendly price. Despite its cheap price, it’s not a Chromebook — it’s running Windows 10 as standard.

We think this makes it an ideal laptop for slightly older children who are looking to use fully-fledged apps and software for school/hobbies, or other casual users. Its 15.6in screen doesn’t have a Full HD resolution (running 1366 x 768 pixels), but we find that is still sharp enough for comfortable use.

Your savings mean you’re only getting an Intel Celeron N4020 CPU, along with just 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but again, as far as first laptops are concerned, you could do far worse. Plus, the Enter key is highlighted in bright green, which, as we all know, makes everything faster.

6. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2

Microsoft’s beautiful Surface Laptop Go 2 is a tad over $500/£500, but we couldn’t help but include it at this price, given the design and build quality on offer.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a lovable budget touchscreen laptop that is extremely portable, admirably powerful and good-looking (in our opinion). Just as you’d hope, it brings the essentials of the Surface Laptop experience to the budget buyer crowd.

Available in a range of alluring hues, we think its 12.4in screen makes it an ideal choice for those looking for something that can slip into the trimmest of bags, while an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD are far from shabby given the RRP.

There are a few compromises. Its display isn’t as colourful or contrasty as the expensive models. The keyboard doesn’t have a backlight and you get a plastic touchpad instead of a glass one.

If you’re willing to pay a little more then you can open up higher-specced models, but for a daily driver for work and movies, we’re sure this will serve you well.

7. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3

This versatile Chromebook easily transforms from laptop to tablet mode, thanks to its well-designed 360-degree hinge. The compact 11-inch Full HD screen, along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, makes it a solid choice for those needing a capable device for basic tasks like browsing, word processing, or streaming. It’s also perfect for casual Android gaming, which is a nice bonus.

What I really like about this Chromebook is its sleek, minimalist design. It feels modern and lightweight, making it ideal for anyone who values portability. The inclusion of USB-C charging is a great touch as well, especially since it’s becoming a standard across devices.

If you’re after something more compact and streamlined than a traditional Windows laptop or MacBook, this Chromebook offers an affordable yet stylish alternative. While it may not be a powerhouse, it’s a smart, efficient option for everyday use without the bulk.

8. HP 17-CN0000SA

Its Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM might not be the most thrilling specs for power users, but for everyday tasks, this laptop performs well enough. The 256GB SSD is a solid feature at this price point, offering ample storage for files, apps, and media.

While it might struggle with demanding applications like video editing or heavy multitasking, it’s still a worthy contender thanks to some impressive features. The large 17-inch Full HD screen is great for streaming or working, and the fast charging capability, paired with eight hours of battery life, makes it a practical choice for those on the go.

One of our favourite aspects, though, is the design. Despite its budget price, it looks far more premium, with materials made from ocean-bound plastic. It’s a nice touch that not only makes the laptop feel more eco-conscious but also helps it stand out in a sea of budget options. At this price, it’s a great deal.

How to choose the best budget laptop

A budget laptop is a machine that doesn’t cost very much and sits right at the bottom of the spec range. These machines are affordable, and often sacrifice build quality and processing power in order to undercut the machines found in Stuff’s best mid-range laptop guide and best premium laptop guide.

As we mentioned in the introduction, these budget laptops won’t be playing AAA games any time soon, but if you’re after a simple word processor and internet browser, these machines are ideal. Our selection spans Windows and ChromeOS machines (sorry, there’s no such thing as a budget MacBook), with a range of screen sizes and performance potential.

While not all budget laptops force you to compromise, it’s worth deciding what’s most important to you: a notebook with the longest battery life might not have the most powerful components, and while a 13in screen is great for portability, you might struggle to fit two documents side-by-side.

It’s also worth checking out Stuff’s guide to the best tablets, as these, when paired with a keyboard accessory, are also a good option for browsing the internet and homework.

How long will a budget laptop last?

A cheap laptop typically lasts between 3 to 5 years, depending on several factors, including usage, build quality, and maintenance.

Entry-level laptops, often used for basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming, might serve you well for a few years. However, as software and operating systems evolve, they may demand more resources, leading to slower performance on older hardware.

Physical wear and tear also play a role; components such as the battery can degrade over time, resulting in reduced battery life and performance issues.

If you notice significant slowdowns, compatibility issues with newer software, or hardware failures, it might be time to consider an upgrade, especially if it impacts your productivity.

When should I upgrade my cheap laptop?

Deciding when to upgrade your cheap laptop can depend on several things. Firstly, if your laptop struggles to run essential applications, or if you experience frequent slowdowns, crashes, or freezing, it may no longer meet your needs. If it’s taking longer to boot up or load applications, those performance lags can severely hinder productivity.

Secondly, consider your evolving needs; if you’ve taken on more demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or software development, your current machine might not be capable enough.

Additionally, if the laptop’s battery life diminishes significantly, reducing usability to a point where you’re tethered to a power outlet, it’s a strong signal to upgrade.

Finally, if your laptop can’t support the latest operating system or software updates, you might miss out on important features and security updates, making an upgrade necessary for optimal performance and security.