Best Budget Windows Laptops in the UK

Looking for a good value Windows laptop without spending too much? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll show the best budget Windows laptops in the UK. These laptops are great for everyday use like browsing, emails, work, or study. They are also perfect for watching videos or light gaming. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get something reliable. We’ve picked laptops that offer good value and solid performance. All options are easy to find in the UK. Whether you’re a student, worker, or just need a second device, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best budget picks available right now.

1. Acer Aspire 1 A115-32

• Processor: Intel Celeron N4500

• RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable)

• Storage: 64GB eMMC (expandable via M.2 slot)

• Display: 15.6” Full HD (1920×1080)

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home in S Mode

The Acer Aspire 1 A115-32 is the cheapest laptop in the UK, designed for basic everyday tasks. It features an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM, which are fine for browsing, emailing, and light productivity. The 15.6″ Full HD screen is a pleasant surprise at this price point, offering crisp and clear visuals that are ideal for streaming or working on documents. Battery life is also solid, lasting up to 9.5 hours, so you can stay unplugged throughout the day. Wi-Fi 5 connectivity ensures quick and stable internet access without frustrating drop-outs.

Out of the box, it includes a 12-month Microsoft 365 subscription with access to Word, Excel, and 1TB of OneDrive storage—great for students or casual users. However, the 64GB storage is quite limited, and the preinstalled Windows 11 in S Mode can be restrictive. Thankfully, both are fixable: adding an extra M.2 SSD and more RAM is easy, and S Mode can be disabled through the Microsoft Store or by doing a fresh install of Windows. Once tweaked, this little machine becomes a surprisingly capable and flexible budget laptop.

Pros:

• Crisp Full HD display

• Long battery life

• Expandable RAM and storage

• Includes Microsoft 365 for one year

• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Limited 64GB storage out of the box

• Windows S Mode is restrictive by default

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2. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (15IJL7)

• Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) TN panel, 220 nits with anti-glare coating

• Processor: Intel Celeron N Series

• RAM & Storage: 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC storage

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

• Battery Life: Up to 11 hours

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (15IJL7) is a reasonably priced laptop that is built for everyday tasks and casual use. It delivers responsive performance for browsing, word processing, and media playback, thanks to its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM. With a 128GB hard drive, there’s enough space for documents, photos, and basic software without slowing the system down. The 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare screen keeps visuals sharp and easy to view in various lighting conditions. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6 support ensure you stay connected, while the numeric keypad adds comfort for users dealing with data entry.

Its lightweight, 17.9 mm-thin design makes it ideal for work or study on the go. It’s not a powerhouse, but the IdeaPad 1 balances portability, battery life, and simplicity very well. The integrated Intel UHD graphics are sufficient for streaming and light use, and HD Audio enhances your experience when watching videos or joining video calls. The inclusion of a camera privacy shutter is a welcome bonus, and the 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal adds extra value. It’s an affordable and practical option for students or anyone who needs a basic, reliable laptop for daily use.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact design

• Full-size keyboard with numeric keypad

• Long battery life (up to 11 hours)

• Anti-glare Full HD display

• Includes 1-year Microsoft 365 subscription

Cons:

• Limited RAM and storage

• Basic processor not suited for heavy multitasking or gaming

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3. HP Stream 14″

• Intel Celeron N4120 Processor

• 4 GB RAM

• 64 GB eMMC Storage

• 14-inch HD Display with Micro-Edge Bezel

• Windows 11 and 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription

The HP Stream 14 laptop is an excellent option for anyone seeking an affordable, portable, and reliable device for everyday use. Weighing in at just 3.24 lbs, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around, whether you’re commuting or traveling. The 14-inch HD display features a slim, micro-edge bezel that gives you an impressive screen-to-body ratio. The laptop’s performance is more than adequate for light tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and using Microsoft Office apps. It handles daily tasks smoothly, making it a solid companion for students, professionals, or anyone who needs a basic, functional laptop.

Another standout feature is the long battery life. The HP Stream 14 keeps you productive all day with fast-charge technology, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power during your workday. Additionally, the inclusion of Microsoft 365 Personal for 12 months is a major bonus, offering access to tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, plus 1TB of OneDrive storage. While it’s not the fastest laptop on the market, its performance is more than enough for basic tasks, and the value for money is hard to beat.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable design

• Long battery life with fast-charging

• Includes Microsoft 365 Personal for a year

• Good performance for everyday tasks

• Stylish and durable build

Cons:

• Limited storage space (64 GB eMMC)

• May struggle with more demanding applications

• Performance can lag with multiple apps open

• No dedicated graphics card

• Low RAM (4 GB) for heavy multitasking

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4. ASUS Vivobook 15

• CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 3 7302U

• RAM: 8 GB

• Storage: 512 GB PCIe G3 SSD

• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches, Full HD

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

The ASUS Vivobook 15 strikes a solid balance between budget, design, and functionality. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 3 7302U processor, paired with 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, it offers decent performance for general tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The 15.6-inch Full HD screen stands out with its clear, crisp visuals, making it a good choice for watching movies or light gaming. The laptop’s integrated AMD graphics can handle everyday tasks with ease, but it’s not designed for demanding gaming or heavy multimedia editing.

Though it offers great value for the price, the Vivobook 15 does feel on the heavier side, making it less portable for those who need to carry it around frequently. However, its sturdy build ensures it’s durable for home use. The keyboard layout is standard for a UK model, and the inclusion of a webcam is a bonus for video calls. If you’re looking for a laptop that delivers reliable performance for home use without breaking the bank, the Vivobook 15 is a great option.

Pros:

• Affordable, great value for money

• Clear, vibrant Full HD screen

• Reliable performance for everyday tasks

• Large storage space (512 GB SSD)

• Good webcam for video calls

Cons:

• Heavy and not ideal for frequent travel

• Integrated graphics not suitable for high-end gaming or video editing

• Relatively bulky design

• Limited portability due to size

• Average battery life compared to lighter laptops

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5. Lapbook S15 N2

• 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080 resolution)

• Intel Quad-Core CPU

• 8GB DDR4 RAM

• 512GB M.2 SSD

• Windows 11 Home pre-installed

The Lapbook S15 N2 offers a well-rounded laptop experience with a stunning 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display. The resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels provides sharp, vibrant visuals that make streaming, photo editing, and general browsing enjoyable. The colors are rich and the screen offers excellent clarity, making it perfect for a variety of media tasks. Whether you’re watching movies or working on spreadsheets, the screen doesn’t disappoint.

Under the hood, this laptop is powered by an Intel Quad-Core processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB M.2 SSD. This combination provides smooth multitasking, whether you’re working with documents, editing media, or running multiple applications. The machine is lightweight and easy to carry, which is great for those who need a portable device for both work and play. The battery life is impressive, offering over 6 hours of usage with power-saving settings, making it ideal for extended work or study sessions.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable

• Full HD display with vibrant visuals

• Quick performance with ample multitasking power

• Great battery life (over 6 hours)

• Easy setup and user-friendly Windows 11 interface

Cons:

• Limited to 8GB RAM, which may be restrictive for heavy multitasking

• No dedicated graphics card for intensive gaming or graphic work

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6. ASUS Vivobook 14

• Intel Celeron N4500 processor

• 4GB RAM

• 128GB eMMC storage

• 14-inch Full HD display

• Windows 11 S Mode

The ASUS Vivobook 14 E410KA is a good value and stylish laptop designed for everyday computing. Weighing only 1.3kg, it’s highly portable, making it an excellent choice for students, professionals, or anyone on the go. The 14-inch Full HD display offers clear and vibrant visuals, ideal for streaming or browsing. With the Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 4GB of RAM, it provides solid performance for basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and light multitasking. Additionally, the 128GB eMMC storage ensures quick boot times and responsive access to files, even if the storage capacity is limited.

One of the standout features of the Vivobook 14 E410KA is its long-lasting battery life. You can easily work or play throughout the day without needing to carry the power adapter. The laptop also comes with a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365, giving you immediate access to essential apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While the performance is generally smooth, the laptop can struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking. The keyboard layout, though functional, may take some time to get used to, especially the placement of the arrow keys.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable design

• Long-lasting battery life

• Full HD display for vibrant visuals

• Includes 1-year Microsoft Office 365 subscription

• Affordable and great for everyday tasks

Cons:

• Limited storage (128GB eMMC)

• Can lag with heavy multitasking

• Keyboard layout may be uncomfortable initially

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7. HP EliteBook 830 G5

• Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U (4 Cores, 3.40 GHz)

• RAM: 16GB DDR4

• Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD

• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

• Display: 13.3″ Full HD (1920 x 1080)

The HP EliteBook 830 G5 is an inexpensive, well-rounded business laptop designed for professionals and students alike. Powered by an Intel Core i5-8250U processor, it can handle multitasking and demanding applications with ease. Coupled with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, users can run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns. The 256GB NVMe SSD ensures fast boot-up times and quick access to files, making it a solid choice for those who need efficient and reliable performance.

The 13.3-inch Full HD display offers vibrant visuals, ideal for working on detailed tasks or enjoying multimedia content. The lightweight, portable design makes it easy to carry around, while Windows 11 Pro provides a secure and productive environment. However, the battery life falls short of expectations, lasting around 7.5 hours instead of the promised duration. Additionally, there are some minor cosmetic imperfections, and the battery had a 15% depletion upon arrival, which was disappointing for a product labeled as “new.” Despite these issues, the EliteBook 830 G5 remains a solid option for business and remote work.

Pros:

• Powerful Intel Core i5 processor for efficient multitasking.

• 16GB of RAM ensures smooth performance across applications.

• Fast 256GB NVMe SSD for quick boot-up and file access.

• Lightweight and portable design, perfect for on-the-go productivity.

• Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced security and productivity tools.

Cons:

• Battery life is shorter than advertised, averaging around 7.5 hours.

• Minor cosmetic imperfections due to the refurbished nature of the laptop.

• Battery arrived with a 15% depletion, not ideal for a “new” product.

8. Dell Inspiron 15

• 15.6-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1080) display with 120Hz refresh rate

• AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Processor

• 8GB LPDDR5 RAM

• 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD

• Realtek Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity

The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 is a well-rounded laptop that delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. The 15.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant visuals, making it great for streaming, work, or light content creation. The anti-glare coating reduces reflections, and the narrow border design enhances the overall viewing experience. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, this laptop ensures smooth multitasking, whether you’re working on productivity tasks or enjoying casual media. The 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD allow for quick data access, reducing lag and improving boot-up times.

However, there is a notable issue with the keyboard. The advertised F5 key suggests a backlighting feature, but the laptop I received does not have this function, which was disappointing. The lack of backlit keys is a minor drawback, especially if you prefer to work in low light. Despite this, the laptop offers solid performance with clear audio from its two tuned speakers, ideal for video calls or streaming. The overall build quality feels durable with a sleek carbon black finish, and it provides excellent connectivity options like USB 3.2, HDMI, and microSD card reader. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast, reliable wireless connections.

Pros:

• Vibrant 15.6-inch FHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Reliable AMD Ryzen 5 performance for multitasking

• Quick boot-up and ample storage with 512GB SSD

• Clear audio from two tuned speakers

• Durable build and excellent connectivity options

Cons:

• No backlit keyboard, contrary to advertised image

• Lacks advanced graphics for heavy content creation

• Limited to basic gaming and media tasks

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How to Choose A Cheap Laptop in the UK?

When looking for a budget-friendly laptop in the UK, it can be overwhelming due to the wide range of options available. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and how much you’re willing to spend. In this article, we will guide you on how to select the best cheap laptop that fits your requirements, focusing on factors like performance, portability, and value for money.

1. Determine Your Budget

Before you start shopping, the first step is to decide how much you’re willing to spend. Laptops in the UK can range from as low as £150 to over £1,000. If you’re looking for an affordable laptop, your budget will likely be between £200 and £500. Keep in mind that the lower the price, the more likely it is to compromise on features like performance or battery life. Setting a budget will help you narrow down your options.

2. Identify Your Primary Use

What do you plan to use the laptop for? This will influence the type of laptop you should buy. If you only need a device for basic tasks like browsing the internet, checking emails, and word processing, a cheaper model should be enough. However, if you plan to use demanding applications, such as video editing or gaming, you will need a more powerful laptop, which can be more expensive. Knowing your primary use will help you make a smarter decision.

3. Processor (CPU) – The Heart of Your Laptop

The processor is one of the most important components of any laptop. It controls how fast your laptop runs and handles tasks. For budget laptops, the most common processors are Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium, and AMD Ryzen. While these processors are sufficient for basic tasks, they might struggle with heavier applications.

For better performance, look for an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. These will cost a little more but offer a noticeable improvement in speed. Avoid older processors if you want to get the best value for your money, as they can be slower and less efficient.

4. RAM – Memory Matters

The next key component to consider is RAM, which affects how many programs your laptop can handle simultaneously. For basic tasks, 4GB of RAM will usually be enough. However, if you want to run more applications at once or multitask, 8GB of RAM is ideal. Many budget laptops come with 4GB, but you might find some with 8GB for just a little more money.

Be aware that some cheap laptops may have non-upgradable RAM. If you can, choose a laptop with upgradeable RAM. This way, you can improve its performance in the future without having to buy a new laptop.

5. Storage – HDD vs SSD

Storage is another important factor when choosing a laptop. Laptops come with two main types of storage: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). HDDs are slower but offer more storage space for less money. If you’re on a tight budget, you may find a laptop with 1TB HDD storage for a lower price. However, an SSD is much faster, which makes the laptop feel quicker in terms of booting up and running applications.

While SSDs tend to be more expensive, they offer a much better experience. If you can afford it, aim for a laptop with at least 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage. If your budget is tight, look for a laptop with an HDD and consider upgrading to an SSD later.

6. Display – Quality Matters

For a comfortable viewing experience, you need to think about the laptop’s display. Cheap laptops usually have 13 to 15-inch screens, which are good for general use. The display resolution is also important. The most common resolution for budget laptops is 1366 x 768, but you may find some with Full HD (1920 x 1080) displays. A Full HD screen offers sharper images and better video quality.

While a higher resolution might increase the cost slightly, it’s worth considering if you plan to use the laptop for watching videos or viewing photos. Additionally, if you’re using the laptop for work or studying, a clearer display can reduce eye strain.

7. Battery Life – Essential for Portability

Battery life is a key factor in choosing a laptop, especially if you plan to use it while travelling or studying in different locations. Budget laptops typically offer around 4 to 6 hours of battery life. While this might be enough for basic tasks, if you need more time on the go, look for a laptop with a longer-lasting battery.

Some models offer up to 10 hours of battery life, which is ideal if you’re always on the move. Keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on how you use the laptop. Intensive tasks, such as video streaming or gaming, can drain the battery faster.

8. Portability and Build Quality

If you need a laptop that you can easily carry around, consider its size and weight. Most laptops are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for students or professionals who need to work on the go. However, you should also look at the build quality. A solid, durable design will ensure that your laptop lasts longer.

Avoid laptops with flimsy plastic bodies, as they are more likely to break or wear down over time. Instead, aim for a sturdy design that balances portability and durability. A well-built laptop will provide better long-term value.

9. Connectivity – Ports and Features

Budget laptops might lack a wide range of ports, but most should include essentials like USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a headphone jack. You should also look for Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 support, as this will ensure a stable internet connection.

If you need a laptop for work, check whether it has a webcam and microphone, especially if you plan to attend video conferences. Some budget laptops may skimp on these features, so make sure they are included if necessary.

10. Brands and Warranty

When choosing a laptop, it’s essential to consider the brand’s reputation for quality and customer service. Well-known brands like Lenovo, Acer, HP, and Dell offer budget-friendly options that are generally reliable. Many of these brands also offer warranties, which can be important if you face issues with your laptop.

Look for a laptop that comes with at least a one-year warranty. This gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong with your device. Some brands also offer extended warranty options for a small fee.

11. Where to Buy

In the UK, there are many places to buy budget laptops. Major retailers like Currys, Argos, and John Lewis often have discounts and deals on laptops. You can also check online stores like Amazon for competitive prices. Don’t forget to compare prices and look for sales or seasonal offers to get the best deal.

Online reviews can also help you decide which budget laptop is right for you. Customer feedback can give you an idea of any potential issues with the laptop, as well as its overall performance.

Conclusion

Choosing a cheap laptop in the UK doesn’t have to be difficult. By considering factors like your budget, usage needs, processor, RAM, storage, and battery life, you can find the right laptop that suits your needs. Look for a balance between performance and affordability, and always check the warranty for peace of mind. Whether you’re using the laptop for work, study, or entertainment, the right choice will offer you great value without breaking the bank.