How much you are willing to spend on a laptop depends on your budget. Ideally, we recommend a laptop under £500 to save money and Dell laptops for the ultimate experience. 

Many people think they can only get a robust laptop if they spend over £1000. However, that is untrue, as careful research and buying from trusted retailers can help you get a powerful, high-end laptop for under £500. 

Top 3 Laptops Under £500

Many laptops under £500 are available. However, choosing one depends on your preferences and budget.  

While it is vital to research your options to find the best budget laptop, choosing one from the options below will save time and effort. 

After researching and testing, here are our top three recommendations for the most affordable laptops, 'best laptops UK' and the 'best Windows budget laptops'. 

DELL Inspiron 15 3501 (CF9C2-CG)

Specifications 

  • Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor 
  • 15.6-inch Full HD Display, 1920 x 1080 Max. Resolution 
  • 8 GB RAM / 256 GB SSD 
  • Intel UHD Graphics 
  • Windows 10 S 
  • HDMI | USB 3.2 
  • Black Colour 
  • 1-Year Warranty 
  • Grade C Condition 

Features

The Dell Inspiron 15 3501 offers affordability and is among the best Dell laptops for daily users because of its price and functionality. It features an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Intel UHD graphics and a 15.6-inch, full-HD display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Windows 10 S powers it and supports HDMI and USB 3.2 ports. 

When we unpacked this laptop, we instantly noticed its simple and ergonomic design. It is subtle and comfortable to hold. It has an Intel Core i3 processor, sufficient for performing day-to-day tasks and handling multiple workloads. It provides a lag-free and uninterrupted performance, allowing you to multitask efficiently. It has a remarkable 15.6", Full HD, anti-glare display with wide viewing angles and a 1920 x 1080 resolution. It provides sharp contrasts and colour accuracy, making it excellent for entertainment, content creation, and audio/video editing. Additionally, there is Waves MaxxAudio Pro for clear sound.  

This budget laptop offers extreme portability with its 1.91kg weight, making it perfect for on the go. It has an 8-hour battery life for consistent use and supports multiple ports for external connectivity. It connects with your phone using Dell Mobile Connect, allowing you to read texts and view images on a bigger screen. In addition, its easy-to-use operating system accelerates functionality, while Bluetooth 5.0 provides excellent range, improved speed, and flawless connectivity. 

Reasons to buy it: 

  • It has an ultralight design 
  • Provides affordability and power in one package 
  • Offers an excellent display and clear audio 
  • Increases productivity and efficiency  
  • Works well under heavy workloads and has a long battery life for uninterrupted use 

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (MMG05-AG) 

Specifications

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor 
  • 15.6-inch Full HD Display, 1920 x 1080 Max. Resolution 
  • 8 GB RAM / 256 GB SSD 
  • AMD Radeon Graphics 
  • Windows 10 Home 
  • HDMI, USB 3.2 
  • Black Colour 
  • 1-Year Warranty 
  • Grade A Condition 

Features 

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 offers solid build quality and decent battery life. It is one of the best laptops under £500, available with a 1-year warranty at Laptop Outlet. 

With an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, this Dell laptop offers multithreading, dynamic performance, speed boosting, and optimal efficiency. It has 8 GB of RAM for accelerating speed and performance and 256 GB of storage for saving your data and files. There is a 15.6-inch, full HD display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution for crisp viewing and AMD Radeon graphics for advanced graphic performance. Windows 10 Home powers it, and it features multi-port connectivity. 

Perfect for daily activities, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 can also be used for advanced tasks. Whether web browsing, video or audio editing, using Microsoft Word, or creating a presentation, it lets you do it all. It offers clear viewing, accurate contrasts, and the perfect screen size for entertainment and games. It has a minimalistic design and supports multiple ports like HDMI and USB 3.2 for effortless external connectivity. It features Dell Mobile Connect for viewing your phone’s content on your laptop’s screen. It provides impressive graphic performance, high-quality video rendering and output, advanced features, and efficient power consumption. There is Waves MaxxAudio for depth and clarity, enhancing stereo separation for dynamic sound and providing understandable audio even in noisy environments. 

In addition, with an 8.5-hour battery life, you can use it for consistent work without any hindrances or disturbances. It weighs 2.3kg, making it easy to carry. It features Windows 10 Home with built-in security protections, a redesigned UI, improved stability and performance, faster performance, and short loading times. 

Reasons to buy it: 

  • It is one of the best budget laptops with advanced features for incomparable performance 
  • Provides fast access 
  • Offers speedy performance without lags and latency 
  • It is multipurpose and has an HD display, dynamic sound, and sufficient battery life for consistent work 

Dell Vostro 3520 (VT35N)

Specifications 

  • Intel Core i3 Processor 
  • 15.6 in Full HD Display, IPS, 1920 x 1080 Max. Resolution 
  • 8 GB RAM / 256 GB SSD 
  • Intel UHD Graphics 
  • Windows 11 Pro 
  • 41 Wh Battery Capacity 
  • USB, HDMI 
  • Black Colour 
  • 1-Year Warranty 
  • New Condition 

Features 

Dell Vostro 3520 elevates performance, productivity, and results with its Intel Core i3 processor, Intel UHD graphics, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch, full-HD IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Windows 11 Pro powers it, and it supports USB and HDMI ports. 

With hybrid architecture, it offers greater flexibility, scalability, and control. It provides integrated cross-platform security and unified compliance. It is ideal for gamers, creators, designers, and editors because of its exceptional everyday use. Its high RAM and sufficient storage let you do more and achieve more. At the same time, its 15.6-inch full HD, IPS, TUV Rheinland-certified display with Dell ComfortView technology provides maximum eye comfort, accurate colour reproduction, wide viewing angles, and powerful multimedia and professional use. It offers smooth and fast performance, while its 41 Wh battery provides long, uninterrupted use. Users can fast-charge their battery using ExpressCharge to avoid slowdowns. There is a comfortable, spill-resistant keyboard for accurate typing and a spacious touchpad with ergonomic wrist angles. You can upgrade its design for a sleeker look and use its FHD webcam with temporal noise reduction, dynamic range and a privacy shutter for seamless and secure video conferencing. It features a built-in dual mic and AI to reduce background noise. 

Additionally, with Waves MaxxAudio-tuned speakers, users will experience enhanced sound quality and optimised audio with the ultimate clarity. We were impressed with its military-grade durability for handling wear, tear, knocks, falls, and extreme temperatures. It features Windows 11 Pro for accelerated usage and provides easy access to many applications and software. It weighs 1.9kg, making it portable and lightweight for students, gamers, and business users. 

Reasons to buy it: 

  • It offers flexibility, scalability, and optimal use 
  • Has an advanced display with many eye-protecting technologies 
  • Provides consistency in daily use 
  • Features high-end audio for clarity 
  • It has a comfortable keyboard, a large touchpad, a long battery life, and fast charging 
  • It offers military-grade durability and a lightweight design 

7 Reasons To Choose Dell Laptops 

Economical 

Dell laptops are economical, suiting different users, particularly those on a budget. They are easy to find and never compromise on quality. 

Simple And Innovative Designs  

You will never have reservations about their designs because they are straightforward and innovative. They now feature sleek, modern designs, combining aesthetics and performance. 

Easy To Upgrade 

Upgrading a Dell laptop's RAM, storage, and processor is easy, enabling a customised experience. 

Versatile Variety

A wide variety of Dell laptops is available, allowing you to choose one according to your preferences. Whether you are a content creator, gamer, designer, programmer, student, or professional, you will have no problems finding a laptop that meets your requirements. 

Feature Basic And Advanced Security 

With these laptops, you will never have to worry about data security and protection, as they feature robust features like fingerprint readers, BIOS-level security, privacy shutters, and TPM, safeguarding essential files and data. 

Durability

Enjoy sustained use and longevity with Dell laptops, which are highly reliable and durable, often featuring military-grade durability. 

Customer Support 

Dell provides reliable, friendly, and responsive customer support with valuable solutions. 

Things to Remember When Buying Budget Laptops 

Here are a few things to remember when buying budget laptops. 

Processor 

Budget laptops commonly feature an Intel Core i3 or Intel Core i5 processor. Both offer the right blend of performance, power, and efficiency. 

GPU 

They feature an integrated graphics card, like Intel UHD graphics, which is sufficient for daily tasks. Finding a dedicated GPU in a laptop under £500 is relatively rare. 

RAM/Storage 

People think they must settle for less RAM and storage with budget laptops. However, that's untrue, as you can easily find affordable 8 GB RAM laptops with SSDs. Avoid settling for anything less than 8 GB RAM for efficient multitasking and system responsiveness. 

Screen Size 

Choose your laptop's screen size wisely. We suggest at least a 14-inch or 15-inch screen with an HD resolution. 

Operating System 

Budget laptops feature different operating systems, so decide according to your preferences. The three most popular operating systems are: 

Windows OS 

Windows is one of the most well-known operating systems, with high versatility and flexibility. It is compatible with multiple apps and is easy to use. 

ChromeOS 

ChromeOS works around web-based applications. It relies on cloud services, offering fast and smooth use. 

MacOS 

While MacBooks are generally expensive, refurbished MacBooks can cost you a lot less. MacBooks feature macOS, favoured by creative professionals around the world. 

Keyboard/Touchpad

Your chosen laptop’s keyboard and touchpad should be accurate, comfortable and spacious. 

Weight 

Budget laptops are usually lightweight; however, check the weight and dimensions to ensure portability. 

Warranty

Always buy from a retailer that provides a 1-year or higher warranty on your laptop. 

FAQs 

Are budget laptops trustworthy? 

Of course, budget laptops are trustworthy. They provide optimal use, increasing efficiency, productivity, and results with robust specifications and uninterrupted usage.

Where should you buy one from? 

Buying a budget laptop from a trusted retailer will ensure quality and price. Do some research before buying one, and choose a retailer that offers a 1-year or higher warranty. Additionally, you can buy refurbished laptops to further lower costs. However, when considering one, always check its condition and buy one with a Grade A rating. 

What about variety? 

A diverse variety of budget laptops is available, allowing you to choose one according to your preferences. Many brands offer them, with Dell being the most trustworthy and reliable. 

Does a budget laptop always feature a warranty? 

No, a budget laptop does not always feature a warranty. The warranty will depend on your chosen retailer and whether it offers one. 

How to choose the best budget laptop? 

Whether you are looking for the best laptop for gaming, the 'best laptop 2024' or the most economical laptops, read listicles, research the top brands for the year, and check out their most affordable options. Shortlist your options, and then choose wisely. 

Can you find an affordable gaming laptop? 

Yes, you can find an affordable gaming laptop. We recommend the MSI Modern 15, ASUS Vivobook 15, and Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 for superior gaming. 

Conclusion

Budget laptops offer the perfect blend of affordability, performance, power, efficiency and functionality, allowing you to experience high performance, comfortable use, plenty of RAM and storage, and HD displays for much less than an expensive laptop. Many brands offer them, but we prefer Dell because it provides durable, high-quality, reliable, and budget-friendly laptops. Research your options before choosing one, and always buy from a trusted retailer for the best price, quality, and warranty. 

Laptop Outlet offers affordable and budget laptops, particularly those under £500. Explore the options available to discover the ideal device for your needs. 

Never compromise on your laptop’s performance. Choose Dell for reliability and durability.