5. Asus Vivobook E510MA
| Asus Vivobook E510MA specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 15.6-inch FHD |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Silver N5030 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 128G |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Dimensions | 45.79 x 29.2 x 6.4 cm; 1.4 kg |
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 Surface Laptop Go 2 specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 12.4” PixelSense touchscreen |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Dimensions | 27.82 x 20.62 x 1.57 cm; 1.13 kg |
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
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 11” HD |
| Processor | Intel Celeron |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| OS | Chrome OS |
| Dimensions | 29 x 20.78 x 1.78 cm; 1.2 kg |
This transforming Chromebook can switch from laptop to tablet in an instant, thanks to its specially designed hinge. With a 11in Full HD screen, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, we think this should make for a very capable basic workhorse, with some media watching and Android gaming on the side.
With an attractive design and USB-C charging, it could make for a quality pared-back machine for those looking for something more slimline than a Windows or Mac alternative.
8. HP 17-cn0000sa
| HP 17-cn0000sa specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 17in Full HD |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1125G4 Processor |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Dimensions | 25.78 x 40.07 x 2.06 cm; 2.05 kg |
Its Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM might not get your spec-loving heart racing, but this sleek laptop’s 256GB SSD storage is pretty ample, at least.
And while it doesn’t have the firepower for intensive tasks, it’s still made our list thanks to a large, 17in Full HD screen, fast charging, eight hours of battery life, and a design that’s anything but budget.
Throw in materials made from ocean-bound plastic, and there’s a lot we love at this price.
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.
