Finding a reliable laptop under £500 doesn’t mean settling for subpar performance or outdated tech. With advancements in processors, longer battery life, and improved displays, budget options from trusted brands like Acer, HP, Lenovo, and Asus deliver solid value for students, remote workers, and casual users. Based on expert reviews from sites, we’ve rounded up the top five picks available in the UK. These laptops excel in everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, document editing, and light multitasking, while keeping prices firmly in the affordable zone. Prices are approximate and may vary with deals—check retailers like Currys, Amazon, or Box.co.uk for the latest.
1. Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best Overall Budget Windows Laptop
4.4 out of 5 Ratings
The Acer Aspire Go 15 stands out as the top choice for most users seeking a Windows machine under £500. Priced around £349, it combines snappy performance with a spacious 15.6-inch Full HD display, making it ideal for productivity and media consumption.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i3-N305 (or similar entry-level Intel)
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack
- Weight: 1.7kg
Pros: Excellent value with fast boot times and smooth multitasking; comfortable keyboard for typing; Wi-Fi 6 for reliable connectivity. Reviewers at TechRadar and PCWorld praise its “Chromebook-like low price but with Windows 11 flexibility,” noting it handles web browsing and Office apps effortlessly without lag. 4 3
Cons: Speakers are average for music; not suited for gaming or heavy video editing.
Best For: Students or home office setups needing a larger screen on a tight budget. Available at Currys for £349.
2. HP 15.6″ Laptop | AMD Ryzen 5, 16GB, 512GB SSD – Best for Simplicity
4.5 out of 5 Ratings
HP 15.6″ Laptop | AMD Ryzen 5 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Home True Vision camera | Long battery life | Ample storage | Anti-glare panel
For those who prefer Google’s ecosystem, the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch is a standout at around £399. Its AI-enhanced features, like auto-framing in video calls, make it a smart pick for cloud-based work.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i3-N305
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB eMMC (expandable via cloud)
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080), anti-glare
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- Ports: 2x USB-C, USB-A, HDMI
- Weight: 1.5kg
Pros: Robust build quality that feels premium; vibrant display for streaming; seamless integration with Google apps. TechRadar calls it the “best overall budget laptop in 2025” for its dependable performance and affordability, while PCMag highlights the long battery and comfortable design. 5 0
Cons: Limited offline capabilities; storage is modest without external drives.
Best For: Google Workspace fans or casual users who prioritize portability. Grab it from Amazon UK for £399.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 – Best for Multitasking
4.5 out of 5 Ratings
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook 14 Inch FHD Laptop – (MediaTek Kompanio 520, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC, ChromeOS) – Abyss Blue
At approximately £449, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 offers the best balance of power and portability in this price range, with upgrades that punch above its weight for light creative work.
Key Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U or Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8GB (upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours
- Ports: USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, SD card reader
- Weight: 1.6kg
Pros: Strong multitasking with Ryzen efficiency; solid webcam for Zoom; durable aluminum chassis. Expert Reviews dubs it the “favourite budget laptop” for its 16-hour battery potential and attractive design, and Box.co.uk notes its suitability for students handling essays and lectures. 9 1
Cons: Display brightness could be better in sunny rooms; fans can get audible under load.
Best For: Professionals juggling emails, spreadsheets, and video calls. Find it at Lenovo’s UK site or Box.co.uk for £449.
4. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) – Best for Battery Life
4.6 out of 5 Ratings
ASUS Chromebook 14 CX1405CTA Laptop | 14.0″ Full HD Screen | Intel Celeron N50 Processor | 4GB RAM | 64GB eMMC Storage | Google Chrome OS
The updated Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) shines with midrange features at a budget price—around £299—making it a steal for all-day use without constant charging.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 (12th Gen or equivalent)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Ports: 2x USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, microSD
- Weight: 1.4kg
Pros: Potent processor for the price; comfortable keyboard and trackpad; lightweight for travel. PCMag recommends it as the “top budget clamshell Chromebook” for its value and everyday reliability, with features rivaling pricier Windows models. 0
Cons: Smaller screen limits multitasking; Chrome OS may not suit Windows die-hards.
Best For: Commuters or travelers needing longevity on the go. Available at Very or Amazon for £299.
5. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus – Best Ultra-Budget Option
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus Gemini AI Laptop, i5 Processor, Built in Gemini Quick Insert Key, 8GB Memory RAM 256GB Storage, Neptune Blue
For the tightest budgets, the Samsung Chromebook Go delivers essentials at just £139 (down from £299 in recent sales), proving you don’t need to spend much for basic functionality.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4500
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 14-inch Full HD
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, microSD
- Weight: 1.16kg
Pros: Featherlight and affordable; excellent battery for all-day use; crisp display for the cost. Radio Times highlights it as a “tight budget essential” for work and school, with reliable streaming and browsing performance. 7
Cons: Limited RAM hampers heavy multitasking; basic build feels plasticky.
Best For: Kids, beginners, or secondary devices. Snag the deal at Very for £139.
Buying Guide: What to Consider for Budget Laptops
- Processor & RAM: Aim for at least an Intel Core i3/Ryzen 3 with 8GB RAM for smooth operation—avoid 4GB if possible in 2025.
- Storage: 256GB SSD minimum; cloud storage can supplement.
- Battery & Display: 8+ hours and Full HD resolution are non-negotiables for usability.
- OS Choice: Chromebooks are cheaper and simpler; Windows offers more apps.
- Where to Buy: Watch Black Friday/Cyber Monday remnants at Currys, Amazon, or John Lewis for extra savings. Always check return policies.
These picks represent the cream of the crop under £500, balancing cost with capability. If your needs lean toward gaming or premium builds, consider stretching to £600-700. Happy shopping!