Best Budget Laptops UK 2026: 6 Picks Under £500, Reviewed
A good laptop doesn't have to cost a fortune. For under about £500 you can now get a fast Chromebook with all-day battery or a Windows laptop with 16GB of RAM. There are still plenty of poor cheap laptops about, with slow processors, tiny storage and dim screens. Below are six 2025 and 2026 models worth considering on Amazon UK: three Chromebooks and three Windows laptops, each with an honest short review.
How we chose: this is a researched buying guide, not a hands-on test. We haven't tested these laptops ourselves. Our reviews are based on manufacturer specifications and independent reviews from PCMag UK, Notebookcheck, Which?, T3, The Independent, IT Pro and others, and we check each model's specs and price against its Amazon UK listing, the maker's website and a review site before we link to it. Laptop prices rose through 2026 as memory costs climbed, and they change daily, so check the latest price and seller before you buy.
At a glance
| Model | Best for | Software | Processor | RAM / storage | Screen | Weight | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 | Budget pick | ChromeOS | Intel Core 3 100U | 8GB / 128GB | 14in Full HD IPS | about 1.44kg | £380.00 |
| Acer Chromebook Plus 514 | Best Chromebook | ChromeOS | Intel Core 5 120U | 8GB / 512GB SSD | 14in 1920 x 1200 IPS | 1.41kg | £374.99 |
| Acer Chromebook Plus 516 | Big screen | ChromeOS | Intel Core i3-1315U | 8GB / 128GB | 16in 1920 x 1200 IPS | 1.7kg | £424.99 |
| ASUS Vivobook Go 15 | Budget Windows | Windows 11 Home | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U | 8GB / 512GB SSD | 15.6in Full HD | about 1.6kg | £479.00 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15 | Best Windows | Windows 11 Home (Arm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 | 16GB / 512GB SSD | 15.3in 1920 x 1200 IPS | about 1.6kg | £669.00 |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 15.6 | Deal pick | Windows 11 Home | Intel Core 5 120U | 8GB / 256GB SSD | 15.6in Full HD IPS | 1.55kg | Coming soon |
1. Best budget pick (if it drops back near £300)
ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (CX3402CVA)
Price: £380.00 on Amazon UK, checked 29 Oct 2026 (CX3402CVA-PQ1398, sold by XeroTech; Amazon's own stock had sold out. It was £299.99 from Amazon on 28 Oct, so wait for it to drop back near £300)
The CX34 is the budget laptop we'd point most people to when it's near £300. At £380 the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 below is better value. It carries Google's Chromebook Plus badge, which means a proper Intel Core 3 processor, 8GB of RAM, a Full HD screen and a 1080p webcam rather than the bare-minimum parts found in older cheap Chromebooks. UK reviews from Sync Computers and Compare Electronic both name it the best-value Chromebook Plus at the moment, and Google promises updates until June 2032.
Key specs
- Processor: Intel Core 3 100U
- Memory and storage: 8GB LPDDR5, 128GB
- Screen: 14in 1920 x 1080 IPS, anti-glare
- Webcam: 1080p with privacy shutter
- Software: ChromeOS with Chromebook Plus features, updates to June 2032
Pros
- Excellent value for a Chromebook Plus
- Quick for browsing, Google Docs and streaming
- Long software support
- Full HD screen and webcam
Cons
- 128GB fills up if you store lots locally
- Battery life is only average, reviewers say
- Plain, plasticky design
- No Windows apps
Verdict and best for: Students, sofa browsing and anyone whose work lives in a web browser.
Watch out for: Several CX34 versions exist with i3 or i5 chips and different storage. Check the model code CX3402CVA and the processor before you buy.
2. Best Chromebook overall
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-5H, Core 5)
Price: £374.99 on Amazon UK, checked 28 Oct 2026 (NX.JKAEK.005, sold by EVERCHOICE and dispatched by Amazon)
The 2025 Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is the Chromebook to buy if you want something that feels quicker and lasts longer than the CX34. The Core 5 version pairs a 10-core Intel Core 5 120U with a 512GB SSD, far more storage than most Chromebooks, plus a taller 16:10 screen and Wi-Fi 7. Acer quotes up to 17 hours of battery life, and Compare Electronic names it the best laptop under £500 for students.
Key specs
- Processor: Intel Core 5 120U (10 cores)
- Memory and storage: 8GB LPDDR5, 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 14in 1920 x 1200 (16:10) IPS, 60Hz
- Connections: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Wi-Fi 7
- Battery: up to 17 hours (Acer)
- Weight: 1.41kg (Acer)
Pros
- Plenty of power for ChromeOS
- 512GB SSD, rare on a Chromebook
- Taller 16:10 screen
- Long rated battery life and Wi-Fi 7
Cons
- Costs more than the CX34
- Still 8GB of RAM
- No Windows apps
- Screen is fine rather than great
Verdict and best for: Students and home users who want a fast, low-maintenance laptop that lasts all day.
Watch out for: Acer sells this as several CB514-5H versions with Core 3 or Core 5 chips and 128GB or 512GB storage. Match the exact part number on the listing.
3. Best big-screen Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H)
Price: £424.99 on Amazon UK, checked 24 Oct 2026 (NX.JCMEK.003, new from BOX UK; the £329 offer from 23 Oct has gone)
If you want a big screen, the Chromebook Plus 516 gives you 16 inches and a full number pad. The Independent names it the best Chromebook for students and T3 calls it a great-value Windows alternative, with a bright display and respectable performance. Both note that battery life and build quality are only average.
Key specs
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1315U (6 cores)
- Memory and storage: 8GB, 128GB
- Screen: 16in 1920 x 1200 (16:10) IPS
- Keyboard: full size with number pad
- Battery: up to 10 hours (Acer); The Independent saw over 7 hours
- Weight: 1.7kg
Pros
- Big, bright 16in screen
- Number pad for spreadsheets
- Good keyboard and large trackpad
Cons
- Average battery life
- Feels cheap, reviewers say
- Weak speakers
- 128GB storage
Verdict and best for: Spreadsheets, homework and streaming on a bigger screen at a desk.
Watch out for: At 1.7kg it is less portable than the 14in models. At today's Amazon price it also costs more than the Chromebook Plus 514, which has a faster chip and far more storage, so only pick the 516 if you really want the bigger screen.
4. Cheapest Windows laptop
ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (E1504FA, Ryzen 5)
Price: £479.00 on Amazon UK, checked 23 Oct 2026 (E1504FA-BQ2075W, sold by TEKshop)
If you need Windows on a tight budget, the Vivobook Go 15 gives you a Ryzen 5 chip, a 512GB SSD and long battery life. It's not perfect. PCMag UK scored it 2.5 out of 5 and criticised the dim screen on its test model, the unlit keyboard and the ageing processor. It did measure over 13 hours of battery life, though, and for documents, browsing and video calls it does the job.
Key specs
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U (4 cores, 8 threads)
- Memory and storage: 8GB LPDDR5 (soldered), 512GB SSD
- Screen: 15.6in 1920 x 1080 (panel type varies by version; OLED versions exist)
- Battery: 13 hours 27 minutes in PCMag's video test
- Weight: about 1.6kg (Which?)
Pros
- Full Windows 11 for a low price
- 512GB SSD
- Long battery life in tests
- 180-degree hinge and webcam shutter
Cons
- Dim, washed-out screen on basic versions
- Keyboard isn't backlit
- 8GB RAM can't be upgraded
- Older Zen 2 processor
Verdict and best for: Anyone who must run Windows software such as desktop Office but has a small budget.
Watch out for: There are many E1504FA versions with different screens and storage. Look for the exact code and, if the price is close, choose an OLED version.
5. Best Windows laptop
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15 (15Q8X10, Snapdragon X)
Price: £669.00 on Amazon UK, checked 29 Oct 2026 (83N3006SUK, sold by Amazon), up from £595 on 23 Oct and well above our usual £500 budget, so watch for a deal
This is the budget laptop we'd pick for Windows if your budget stretches to the top of this range. It has 16GB of RAM, double most rivals, and a Snapdragon X chip that gives remarkable battery life. Notebookcheck measured 19 hours in its Wi-Fi test and praised its speed, quiet running and keyboard. The trade-offs are a dim 300-nit screen, a 720p webcam and weak graphics. Because it uses an Arm chip, check any specialist or older Windows software you rely on will run.
Key specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 (Copilot+ PC)
- Memory and storage: 16GB, 512GB SSD
- Screen: 15.3in 1920 x 1200 (16:10) IPS, about 300 nits
- Battery: 19 hours in Notebookcheck's Wi-Fi test
- Connections: Wi-Fi 7, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI
Pros
- 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- Outstanding battery life
- Quiet and quick for office work
- Taller 16:10 screen
Cons
- Dim screen with weak colours
- 720p webcam
- Some older Windows apps and games won't run on Arm
- Currently about £669 on Amazon UK, well above £500
Verdict and best for: Home workers and students who live in Office, Teams and browsers and want all-day battery.
Watch out for: Older IdeaPad Slim 3 models with Intel or Ryzen chips use similar names. Check the code 15Q8X10 and the Snapdragon chip.
6. Worth it on a deal
Samsung Galaxy Book4 15.6 (NP750XGK-KG3UK)
Price: We're still confirming the exact Amazon UK listing, seller and price for this model. The link will appear here once it's checked.
The Galaxy Book4 is usually more than £500 in the UK, but it drops a long way in sales, and Very has sold it for £399. At that price it's a good-looking Windows laptop with a 10-core Core 5 chip, a full set of ports including HDMI and Ethernet, and Dolby Atmos speakers. It also works well with Samsung Galaxy phones. Only 256GB storage and 8GB soldered RAM hold it back. Buy it when it's on offer, not at full price.
Key specs
- Processor: Intel Core 5 120U (10 cores, up to 5GHz)
- Memory and storage: 8GB LPDDR4x (soldered), 256GB NVMe SSD, microSD slot
- Screen: 15.6in 1920 x 1080 IPS, anti-glare
- Connections: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6
- Battery and charging: 54Wh, 45W USB-C
- Weight: 1.55kg
Pros
- Slim metal-look design
- Ethernet and HDMI built in
- Galaxy phone features such as Quick Share
- Good value when discounted
Cons
- Full price is well over £500
- 256GB storage
- 8GB RAM can't be upgraded
- 1MP (720p) webcam
Verdict and best for: Samsung phone owners who want Windows and can wait for a sale.
Watch out for: Only buy it if it's under about £500. The Core 3 version (NP750XGK-KG4UK) is slower.
Buying tips for budget laptops
Chromebook or Windows? Under £400, a Chromebook Plus usually feels quicker than a Windows laptop at the same price, starts in seconds and updates itself. Pick Windows if you need desktop programs, such as full Office apps, specialist software or games.
Look for the Chromebook Plus badge. It guarantees at least an Intel Core i3 or equivalent, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a Full HD screen and a 1080p webcam. Older non-Plus Chromebooks can be painfully slow.
Avoid tiny storage and old chips. On Windows, skip laptops with 4GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB eMMC storage, or Intel Celeron and Pentium chips. Aim for 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD as a minimum, and 16GB and 512GB if you can.
Check the screen. Look for Full HD (1920 x 1080) or higher and an IPS or OLED panel. Avoid 1366 x 768 and TN screens, and be wary of brightness below 250 nits.
Match the exact model code. Laptop makers sell many versions under one name, with different processors, screens and storage. Compare the full code, such as CB514-5H or E1504FA, with the spec list before you buy.
Check update dates. Every Chromebook has an end date for updates, listed on Google's Auto Update policy page. Newer Chromebook Plus models are supported for 10 years from launch.
Wait for a sale if you can. Budget laptops often drop by £50 to £150 around Black Friday. See our Black Friday deals 2026 page.
FAQs
What is the best budget laptop in the UK?
If you're happy with ChromeOS, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (Core 5, 512GB) is our pick, and the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheapest one worth buying. If you need Windows, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15 with Snapdragon X has 16GB of RAM and around 19 hours of battery in Notebookcheck's tests.
Should I buy a Chromebook or a Windows laptop?
A Chromebook is faster and simpler than a Windows laptop at the same price, and it gets automatic updates for years. Choose Windows only if you need desktop software such as full Microsoft Office apps, specialist school or work programs, or PC games.
How much RAM does a budget laptop need?
8GB is the minimum for Windows in 2026 and is plenty for ChromeOS. If you keep lots of browser tabs, Teams and Office open together on Windows, 16GB makes a noticeable difference. On most budget laptops RAM is soldered, so you can't add more later.
Is a MacBook Air worth it on a budget?
Apple's cheapest laptops cost well over £500 new, so they're outside this guide. If you can stretch, a Mac lasts a long time, but every pick here does everyday work for much less.
Are refurbished laptops a good idea?
They can be, if they come from the maker or a reputable seller with at least a 12-month warranty. Check the battery health and the date software updates end, especially for older Chromebooks.
Sources: manufacturer specifications from ASUS, Acer (acer.com/gb-en), Lenovo (PSREF) and Samsung, plus each laptop's Amazon UK listing. Independent reviews: PCMag UK's Asus Vivobook Go 15 review, Notebookcheck's Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15Q8X10 review, Which?, T3's Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review, The Independent's best laptops for students, IT Pro, Sync Computers' ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 review and Compare Electronic's best laptop under £500 UK guide. We have not tested these laptops ourselves.