The best cheap laptops from all the biggest brands

In need of something adaptable? Enter the Microsoft Surface Go 3(opens in a new tab), the latest iteration of Microsoft's iconic 2-in-1 laptop-tablet combo. 

It's made for anyone whose office or working situation changes on-the-fly, day-to-day. If you call the airport your second home, or you're always on the move and don't want to be held down by a clunky device, this is perfect. Hence the "Go" moniker. 

But don't be fooled by its small size. The Go 3 still packs a punch. It has a high-res 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, plus the best webcam you’ll find at this price. It's powered by an Intel Pentium processor, which runs Windows 11 effortlessly. But some reviewers say the battery runs down faster that the advertised 11 hours.

In 2023, a laptop is more than a device for storing files and browsing the web. It’s also a personal entertainment system. If you’re big on streaming Netflix, Prime, and Disney+ on your portable laptop, the Acer Chromebook 314(opens in a new tab) is a top option.

It has a 14-inch screen that delivers a clear, crisp picture — not to mention enough battery life (an impressive 12 hours) to get through a good binge watch.

It’s built for much more than streaming, too. It can power through tasks and multitasking with relative ease, and has features for keeping jobs and documents organised — ideal if you work remotely or need files literally at your fingertips.

As far as Chromebooks go, the HP Chromebook 14(opens in a new tab) is pretty much the complete package. It’s a laptop that churns through everyday tasks without fuss — emails, browsing, working on documents, binging the latest Netflix series. And if streaming is a deal breaker, the 14-inch screen and solid speakers make a great combo.

With the Google Play Store, there’s access to over 3 million apps and the ability to switch between your phone and Chromebook while using apps. The basics come highly recommended, too — the keyboard and trackpad are a dream to use. Not to mention a good selection of ports for all devices and situations.

Of course, it’s basic compared to some of HP's hi-spec models, but the power of the brand’s tech can be felt in this pared-down machine.

If you need a laptop that not only doubles, but triples — converting between laptop, tablet, and tent — the Samsung Chromebook 2(opens in a new tab) is an excellent choice. In fact, we rate is as the best Chromebook on this list, purely for its commitment to value for money.

As an update of Samsung’s previous Chromebook, this is a stripped-back version. It doesn’t come with an S-pen stylus, for instance, but you can buy it separately. What it does offer is a bright HD touchscreen, solid audio, a comfortable user experience, and a built-in webcam. The battery is also respectable for this price, clocking a few extra hours than competing budget models, and there's a wealth of Chrome-friendly apps.

It’s basic stuff but gives you plenty of bang for relatively few bucks — not to mention reassurance of a top brand in tech giants Samsung.

The designers of the Acer Swift 1(opens in a new tab) created a simple but pleasing-to-look-at laptop with pretty impressive specs. 

You'll find a spacious and comfy keyboard, a 14-inch hi-res display, and all the standard HDMI and UBS port options. Unlike the other options on the list, the Acer Swift 1 has a fingerprint sensor for quick, easy and secure access without the need of a password. That all comes in a thin and lightweight chassis.

The speakers on the Acer Swift 1 aren't the best in the world, but few budget laptops offer jaw-dropping speaker output. What you'll get is something you can hear fine in your living room or bedroom. One bonus is a 16-hour battery life — significantly higher than other options at this price.

The HP Stream 11(opens in a new tab) comes with some noteworthy features. It comes with a one-year subscription to Office 365, which includes Excel, Word, and Powerpoint. You'll be surprised by the quality of the display for the price. It's full UHD, which means you can stream films and play games in 4K.

The 11-inch laptop has advanced WiFi connectivity, and since this HP laptop is engineered without a fan, it should be quiet while you squeeze the 10 hours of battery life out of it. The HP Stream 11 also has ports so you can connect it to other devices and accessories, plus a built-in webcam. 

If you are buying for university, or carrying to and from work, it's pleasingly lightweight to sling in your bag— just over 1kg. Best of all, it's very, very affordable —the cheapest laptop on this list of very cheap laptops.