Best budget laptop: cheap Windows models & Chromebooks | Stuff (2024)

3. Asus Chromebook CX1100

At the time of writing, the Asus Chromebook CX1100 can be snapped up for a truly great price. And no, that’s not a typo. One of the cheapest notebooks from a well-known brand you’re likely to find, its price makes it an absolutely superb option for a spare machine, or a first PC for a younger child.

The caveat is that it runs Chrome OS — Google’s own operating system that’s much less feature-packed than Windows. Still, you can download all sorts of Android apps, and we think it’s perfect for basic tasks like email, browsing, media consumption and more.

Given its pared-back nature, you’re getting weaker hardware in comparison to other more expensive items on this list, but Intel’s Celeron N3350 processor and 4GB of RAM should suit casual users — especially when you take into account the smaller 11.6in, 1366 x 768 screen.

It won’t blow your mind of course, but at this price, it doesn’t have to.

4. Huawei MateBook D 15

Currently available for a budget price, we think Huawei’s MateBook D 15 is certainly one of the best budget laptop options around. The specs start strong with an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and a generous 512GB of nippy SSD storage.

Other notable tricks which impressed us include a built-in fingerprint sensor, and an included 65W USB-C charger that’s fast enough to provide up to two hours of use on a 15-minute charge.

Specs aside, we think it’s one of the best-looking notebooks on this list too, with definite Apple-esque design vibes. Weighing just 1.56kg and with a 15.6in Full HD screen, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve got your money’s worth when you open it up.

Throw in Wi-Fi 6 for the latest in speedy Wi-Fi smarts (though you’ll need a recently released router to take advantage of it), and Huawei’s offering is up there with the very best.

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.

• Read more: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review

7. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3

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

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 andbest 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.

• Related: Which is the best Apple MacBook for you? MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro

About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.