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LaptopChooser

Best Cheap Laptops for Students

Laptops and Chromebooks under £500 with at least 8 GB of memory and under 1.8 kg. Gaming laptops are left out.

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53 laptops

Choosing a cheap laptop for studying

A student budget rarely stretches far, so this page only includes laptops under £500 that clear a sensible bar: at least 8 GB of memory and under 1.8 kg.

At this price, memory and storage decide how the laptop feels day to day. 8 GB handles notes, browsing and video lectures; 16 GB keeps it quick for years. An SSD is a must: laptops with old hard drives or tiny 64 GB storage fill up and slow down fast.

Chromebooks are worth a look if your course works in Google Docs or Microsoft 365 online. They’re cheap, fast at their price, and get automatic updates until the date Google sets for each model.

Need something for a demanding course? Our university laptop picks go further on memory and battery.

Frequently asked questions

What's the cheapest laptop that's good for students?

Look for 8 GB of memory and an SSD as the minimum. Below that, laptops slow down with a few tabs and Office open. A Chromebook is a good cheap option if your work is all in Google Docs or Microsoft 365 online.

Is 8 GB of RAM enough for a student?

For essays, browsing and video calls, yes. If you can stretch to 16 GB, the laptop will stay quicker for longer.

Are refurbished laptops good for students?

Often, yes, especially business models like ThinkPads and Latitudes, which are built to last. Check the processor generation and how long it will get Windows updates.