laptop typically do n’t fare chintzy but there are some out of sight gems to be regain . Well , they wo n’t be hide from Trusted Reviews expert squad . Here are the very good budget laptop you may bribe .
Buying a budget laptop can mean there are compromise to be had but they are n’t all immediately evident , and that ’s why we test each so good . Once we ’ve done that , we use our expertness to help you decide just what model is right for you .
So , we ’ve assemble a list of laptops that be around the £ /$500 mark , while also let in more low-cost modeling for those that want the big savings possible . Every laptop include on this listing has been thoroughly tested by a phallus of our squad of expert .
We use industry - standard benchmarks to evaluate both the carrying into action and battery life , while also spending a workweek with the portable so we can shape our own real - domain impressions . We then compare the laptop computer to what ’s available on the marketplace before reaching a final grudge . Those that achieve at least a four - star rating are considered for this Best Budget laptop computer list .
If you ’re glad to increase your budget to get a trivial more calibre , then we recommend learn out the following guide : Best Ultrabook Laptops , Best Student LaptopsandBest Overall Laptops .
We check that to forever update these lists as well , so check that to bookmark this page to keep up with all of the top - scoring budget laptops that pass through the Trusted Reviews labs .
Best Budget Laptop at glance
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How we test
determine more about how we test laptops
Every laptop computer we go over goes through a series of consistent checks designed to guess primal things including build quality , performance , cover timber and battery life story .
These include formal semisynthetic benchmarks and scripted tests , plus a serial of genuine world checks , such as how well it launch the most oftentimes used apps .
We also check that to use every laptop we review as our primary machine for at least a week to ensure our review is as accurate as possible .
HP Pavilion SE 14
Pros
Cons
Asus Vivobook Go 15 OLED
HP Chromebook x2 11
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
MSI Modern 15
Trusted Score
The HP Pavilion SE 14 deal all the fundamentals you ’d expect from a standard laptop while also gasconade a few thoughtful extras that are usually appropriate for pricier models .
At just 1.4 kg and measure out 323.7 x 215 x 17.9 mm , the Pavilion SE 14 is the perfect sized laptop computer for anyone who commutes or oftentimes travels . Although its innovation is somewhat uninspired , it ’s still a smart look laptop computer with no piercing edge nor any creaks when in use .
Its selection of port is peculiarly impressive , especially when you debate its price , with two USB - As on either side , a type - century interface , an HDMI and a 3.5 mm audio recording combo diddly too . There ’s even a fingerprint reader which is conveniently fix on the keyboard deck of cards .
Budget - friendly laptops seldom include a utilitarian feature like a fingermark reader , so we earnestly value this cellular inclusion .
Although the Pavilion SE 14 ’s IPS display can progress to a maximum luminance of a solid 267 nits , it ’s deserving pointing out that the screen covers just 58.1 % of the sRGB gamut which essentially intend the display is n’t the right at create vibrant colours .
Running on the Intel Core i5 - 1335U processor , the HP Pavilion SE 14 may not boast utmost processing power but we still found it had more than enough oomph for everyday nursing home and employment tasks .
We even recover that gaming was n’t much of a challenge for the Pavilion SE 14 either , with less demanding games such as Turbo Overkill and Serious Sam 4 running comfortably , despite the want of consecrate dGPU .
Annoyingly , the laptop computer comes compact with spate of bloatware although this can be easy removed .
Battery life is admirable , with an average time of just over six hr in - between charges . In fact , we find oneself it is potential to eke out seven hours if you ’re careful .
If you need a authentic laptop computer for everyday home or office staff working , all for an affordable price , then the HP Pavilion SE 14 is one of the best we ’ve reviewed .
commentator : Alun TaylorFull review : HP Pavilion SE 14 limited review
TheAsus Vivobook Go 15 OLEDgives a luxury cost increase to an otherwise value laptop oblation , making it the ideal pick if you want a laptop computer that does n’t cost the Earth but need a vibrant display .
For around £ 500/$500 , even less if you choose for the depressed spec , you could get this laptop and its 15.6 - column inch 1080p OLED venire . The display invites a deluxe video viewing experience , carry in your prize exposure and is well up to the labor of the color demand of basic redaction .
Aside from the terms - defying video display , it comes with classic Asus Vivobook looks that has you looking fashionable even at this note value cost . The flashiness of this laptop is indorse up by an Intel Core i3 - N305 buffalo chip . Our review unit was partner off with 8 GB Aries the Ram and 256 GB SSD , which adds up to a gadget that is a prosperous word processor and equal to multi - tasker . It ’s an idealistic machine for shoal , and watching those streaming services after the bell shape has echo . you’re able to even do a bit of game cyclosis and , on this display , it ’s a wondrous affair to behold on such a reasonably priced twist .
downcast price does n’t intend low barrage fire life here , with a solid eight hours usable , getting you through that work 24-hour interval . For recharging , it ’ll take you around two hour .
Reviewer : Josh BrownFull reappraisal : Asus Vivobook Go 15 OLED recap
If you ’re after a various budget laptop , then theHP Chromebook x2 11is a very alluring proposition . Unlike a lot of hybrid laptops , the Chromebook x2 11 acts more like a tablet , with the bundled keyboard and rear cover being full detachable . The pad portion is especially light , at just 580 guanine , and felt very solid in hand . The keyboard keys extend solid travel and a decent amount of tactility with the trackpad offering a grand amount of real estate for the terms .
The display sits at 11 inch and has a quote 400nitsof brightness . We feel that it was capable to offer excellent particular with in general vibrant images and upstanding color , making it a very safe bet for binging your favourite television set show .
Chromebooks are not the most potent machines out there , but the Snapdragon 7c chipping housed inside the Chromebook x2 11 pumped out more than enough power to get through daylight - to - day tasks . It did not stutter with multiple Chrome tab key open and it did n’t get particularly hot or loud , even during our benchmarking run . If you ’re look for something that can take on abstemious creative or gaming work load then you may want to regard theLenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 , but the Chromebook x2 11 has you address when it comes to productivity .
Overall , the Chromebook x2 11 is the gross option for hybrid worker or students who will spend most of their time browsing the entanglement or working with Book central processing unit . It ’s highly portable plan nominate it perfect for ferment on the go and the detachable tablet opens up the doors for TV streaming and doodling . At just £ 499 , this is one of the most low-cost 2 - in-1 laptops on the market mighty now , packed full of flexibility and functionality .
commentator : Reece BithreyFull Review : HP Chromebook x2 11
One of the more interesting launches of last year was Google ’s Chromebook Plus initiative . TheAsus Chromebook Plus CX34is one of the first and it ’s our top pick for a budget Chromebook .
The Chromebook Plus initiative sets new standards for reliable ChromeOS laptops , all while keeping the toll surprisingly low-spirited . antecedently , you could be charge with a pitiful screenland , dissatisfactory webcam and a miserable 4 GB RAM when splashing out around £ 400/$400 on a Chromebook . Chromebook Plus shuns these kinds of devices and the result contribute stunning value .
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 with its 12th Gen Intel Core i3 chip and 8 GB RAM offer impressive swift performance . There ’s little you may throw at a Chromebook , in a productiveness sense , that this ca n’t handle . And this could n’t be said of previous Chromebooks in this cost square bracket .
On top of the pleasing public presentation , the Chromebook Plus CX34 manages to pack in plenty of battery life to well get you a Clarence Day and beyond . There ’s a majuscule selection of ports too . The keyboard is n’t a letdown either , offering up an excellent typing experience .
commentator : Reece BithreyFull review : Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 reassessment
TheMSI Modern 15is a great selection for those on a budget who image a large CRT screen .
The Modern 15 features a 15.6 - inch liquid crystal display cover with narrow bezel to assist in cultivating that modern look . With that being said , the 58 % sRGB colour blank space coverage we measure with our colourimeter means this display is a lilliputian weak , and its 270 nits of smartness means it ’s only desirable for indoor use . For the price , the panel here is fine , with a 1080p resolution offer decent detail and a demarcation ratio of 1300:1 being more than fair to middling .
The Modern 15 come with an Intel Core i7 - 1255U , 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD , which pop the question up a great performance for the money . In this contour , the laptop alfilaria in at £ 729 , which stretches the ‘ budget ’ nature of it a fleck , pushing it more into the mid - range district . But the laptop is available at more low-cost monetary value if you dial down the spectacles . While the sports fan stop number may be a fiddling eminent , MSI offers some neat software - based restraint for keeping the noise low when you need it to be .
The MSI is made totally of plastic but feels right for the price . With a gentle touch modality finish , the general chassis does n’t feel flashy at all . The embrasure option here is decent , with HDMI out and Micro SD , as well as a duad of USB 2.0 port and a singular USB - C connection . We found the keyboard to feel decent too , with a solid amount of travelling and primal action that does n’t sense spongy .
When it come to battery lifespan , the Modern 15 lasted for only around five and a one-half hours , with the unlike power modes only split results by a fistful of minutes . This makes it a pitiable performing artist by comparability to other laptops at this price , which can offer up to eight hours , or more . You ’ll be able to get through most of a working solar day here before you need to reach for a courser , and the Modern 15 uses its own cylindric port , leaving the USB - speed of light larboard free for any other cable’s length or drives .
reader : Andrew WilliamsFull review : MSI Modern 15 recap
Test Data
Full Specs
We ’ve deemed a budget laptop computer to encompass any portable computer that costs less than £ 600/$600 . This could include Chromebooks , Windows laptops or even 2 - in-1 convertible .
That ’s subjective , particularly since two laptops from the same brand can dissent importantly in quality . Lenovo has build up a good report for budget laptops , while Acer offers a lot of low-priced Chromebooks . But we suggest judging each item-by-item laptop on its own merits rather than relying only on the report of a brand .
It really depend on the laptop computer . you’re able to find a lot of sub - par systems for less than £ 600 , but there are also some unco good economic value options at this price point . We suggest show recap for any budget laptop you consider purchase , as specs ca n’t tell the whole level .
If video editing is a priority , then you ’ll need to increase your budget . Heavy workloads such as video redaction will need a beefier performance than what Chromebooks and budget laptops currently offer . The latestMacBook Airis one the best value options for such tasks correctly now , but you ’ll require to bear just shy of a grand for that laptop .
