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Cheap Laptops Under £400

Laptops for browsing, email, streaming and homework, all under £400. At this price, memory and storage make the biggest difference.

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58 laptops

What to expect from a cheap laptop

Under £400, you’re choosing which corners get cut. The laptops here handle browsing, email, streaming, documents and video calls well, but they usually have a basic screen, plastic body and modest processor.

The specs that make the biggest difference at this price are memory and storage. Aim for 8 GB of memory and at least 128 GB of storage on Windows; anything less gets slow and full quickly. Chromebooks need less, which is why many cheap laptops run ChromeOS. If you go for one, check its update end date.

Look at the screen next: a Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen is far nicer to use than a lower-resolution one. Renewed laptops can get you more for the same money, at the cost of age.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cheap laptop?

The best cheap laptop is the one with enough memory and storage for what you do. For light use, look for 8 GB of memory, 128 GB or more of storage and a Full HD screen, then compare battery life and weight.

Is a cheap laptop good enough for students?

For writing essays, research and video calls, yes. For specialist software, such as engineering or video tools, check the course requirements and budget for 16 GB of memory.

Should I buy a cheap Windows laptop or a Chromebook?

At this price, a Chromebook usually feels quicker because ChromeOS needs less memory and storage. Choose Windows if you need specific Windows programs.

Will these laptops always be under £400?

Prices change often, so a laptop can move above or below £400. The Amazon button on each laptop shows the current price.