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Best Laptops Under £500 in 2026: Top Budget Picks
Finding a good laptop without breaking the bank is more achievable than ever.
Whether you're a student looking for something reliable, a professional needing a dependable work machine, or simply after an everyday laptop that won't slow you down, the sub-£500 market delivers solid options in 2026.
You don't have to sacrifice performance for price. From business-ready machines to budget-friendly options, this guide covers six of the best laptops under £500 currently in stock at Laptop Outlet, with real specs and honest guidance to help you choose right.
| Please note: All products featured in this article were priced under £500 at the time of writing. Prices are subject to change and may vary over time. |
6 Laptops That Deliver Brilliant Value Under £500
Each of these picks comes from a different corner of the market. So, whatever your needs, there's likely a match here for you.
1. Lenovo V15 G4 – AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
Key Specifications
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U (4-core, up to 4.3GHz)
- 16GB RAM
- 256GB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen4)
- 15.6" Full HD (1920×1080) LCD Anti-glare
- AMD Radeon 610M Graphics
- Windows 11 Pro
- Wi-Fi 5 | Bluetooth 5.1
- USB Type-C | USB-A | HDMI | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | Ethernet
- 1.65kg Weight
The Lenovo V15 G4 punches well above its price with 16GB RAM and Windows 11 Pro out of the box — specs you'd normally pay more for. It's a strong pick for small business owners and students handling presentations, spreadsheets, and video calls throughout the day.
Connectivity is thorough too, with Wi-Fi, HDMI, and USB-C all included. If you want reliable all-day performance without compromise, this is one of the best laptops under £500 to seriously consider.
2. MSI Modern 15 B7M-086UK – AMDRyzen 7 7730U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Key Specifications
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (8-core, up to 4.5GHz)
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- 15.6" Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-Level, 60Hz
- AMD Radeon Graphics (integrated)
- Windows 11 Home
- USB Type-C | USB-A | HDMI | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | Ethernet
- 1.75kg Weight
- Backlit keyboard | MIL-STD-810G rated
The MSI Modern 15 brings an 8-core Ryzen 7 processor to this price range, making it a capable option for creative tasks, content work, and heavy multitasking. The IPS-level display and Wi-Fi 6E make the everyday experience noticeably smooth and fast.
At just 19.9mm thin with military-grade build quality, it handles daily commutes well. A thoughtful choice for hybrid workers who want genuine power in a slim, stylish package without pushing over the £500 mark.
3. Refurbished HP 250 G9 – Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Key Specifications
- Intel Core i5-1235U (10-core, up to 4.4GHz)
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- 15.6" Full HD (1920×1080) SVA Anti-glare
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Windows 11 Home
- USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, RJ-45 Ethernet
- HD Webcam with AI noise reduction
- TPM security chip | Norton 360 Deluxe included
- 1.74kg Weight
- 1-Year Warranty
The HP 250 G9 is a well-rounded refurbished business laptop offering a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 and 512GB storage at an appealing price. The AI-enhanced webcam and dual-array noise reduction are particularly useful for those who attend frequent video calls or online meetings.
HP's build quality is reliable, and this Excellent-condition refurb comes with a 1-year warranty and Norton security included. For anyone after a thoroughly tested, trustworthy everyday laptop, this is a very smart buy indeed.
4. Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Book2 Business – Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
Key Specifications
- Intel Core i5-1240P (12-core, 12th Gen)
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB SSD
- 14" Full HD (1920×1080) PLS Display
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Windows 11 Pro
- Intel vPro | Microsoft Secure-Core PC certified
- TPM 2.0 | BitLocker | IR Camera | Fingerprint Reader
- Wi-Fi | Backlit keyboard
- ~1.51kg Weight
The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Business is an enterprise-level machine at an accessible price. Intel vPro, Microsoft Secure-Core certification, BitLocker encryption, and Windows Hello biometrics make it one of the most security-focused laptops under £500 available right now.
At just 14 inches and around 1.5kg, it's also the most portable Windows laptop in this list. If you travel frequently, handle sensitive data, or need a polished professional machine, the Galaxy Book2 delivers without asking you to break the bank.
5. EntityBook Intel Celeron – 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD 14" IPS HD
Key Specifications
- Intel Celeron N4020 (dual-core)
- 4GB RAM
- 128GB SSD
- 14" IPS HD Display
- Windows 11 Home
- Dual Band Wi-Fi
- USB-A, USB-C, HDMI
- HD Webcam with Microphone
- ~1.4kg Weight
The EntityBook is the most budget-friendly option on this list, and that's exactly the point. If you need a lightweight, no-fuss laptop for browsing, emails, and basic document work, it does the job well without unnecessary extras pushing up the cost.
It's especially suited to younger students, retired users, or families needing a secondary home device. The compact build and 14" IPS screen make it easy to use anywhere. Simple, affordable, and practical: exactly what a first or backup laptop should be.
6. ASUS VivoBook 15 X1504VA-NJ1617W – Intel Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Key Specifications
- Intel Core i5-1334U (10-core, 13th Gen, up to 4.6GHz)
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD
- 15.6" Full HD (1920×1080) IPS, 60Hz, Anti-glare
- TÜV Rheinland eye-care certified display
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Windows 11 Home
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.2
- USB-C 3.2, 2× USB 3.2, USB 2.0, HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm
- ~1.7kg Weight
The ASUS VivoBook 15 X1504VA-NJ1617W is the most complete all-rounder on this list. You get a 13th Gen Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, Wi-Fi 6, and a TÜV Rheinland-certified display for eye comfort: all for under £500. That's exceptional value for money by any measure.
Fast charging, antimicrobial surface protection, and military-grade build quality add real-world practicality. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a home user, this VivoBook handles everything smoothly. Easily one of the best laptops under £500 available right now.
Side-by-Side: All 6 Models at a Glance
Not sure which one is right for you? This quick comparison lays out the key specs so you can spot the best fit for your use case at a glance.
|
Model |
Brand |
Processor |
RAM |
Storage |
Screen |
OS |
Best For |
Condition |
|
Lenovo V15 G4 |
Lenovo |
AMD Ryzen 5 7520U |
16GB RAM |
256GB NVMe SSD |
15.6" FHD TN |
Win 11 Pro |
Business, Students |
New |
|
MSI Modern 15 B7M-086UK |
MSI |
AMD Ryzen 7 7730U |
8GB DDR4 |
512GB NVMe SSD |
15.6" FHD IPS-Level |
Win 11 Home |
Creatives, Hybrid Workers |
New |
|
HP 250 G9 |
HP |
Intel Core i5-1235U |
8GB DDR4 |
512GB NVMe SSD |
15.6" FHD SVA |
Win 11 Home |
Office, Remote Work |
Refurbished |
|
Samsung Galaxy Book2 Business |
Samsung |
Intel Core i5-1240P |
8GB DDR4 |
256GB SSD |
14" FHD PLS |
Win 11 Pro |
Business, Security-Focused |
Refurbished |
|
EntityBook Intel Celeron |
Entity |
Intel Celeron N4020 |
4GB |
128GB SSD |
14" IPS HD |
Win 11 Home |
Light Tasks, Secondary Device |
New |
|
ASUS VivoBook 15 X1504VA |
ASUS |
Intel Core i5-1334U |
16GB DDR4 |
512GB NVMe SSD |
15.6" FHD IPS TÜV |
Win 11 Home |
All-Rounder, Every Use Case |
New |
On an even tighter budget? Don’t worry! Check out our range of the best laptops under £300 to find a great machine that fits your needs perfectly.
Your Decision Simplified
Every laptop on this list earns its place; here's how to narrow it down to the right one for you.
There's a lot of choice here, so think about what matters most to you. Students and remote workers benefit from long battery life, lightweight builds, and strong connectivity. Professionals handling sensitive data will appreciate enterprise-grade security features. Budget-conscious buyers can still find genuinely capable machines without compromising on essential performance.
The best laptops under £500 in 2026 don't ask you to make big compromises. There are solid options here for every lifestyle, every workflow, and every level of experience.
Browse the full range of laptops & notebooks at Laptop Outlet and find your perfect match.
A Few Things You Might Want to Know...
Are budget laptops worth buying in 2026?
Yes. Modern budget laptops pack impressive specs; many offer Core i5 processors, fast SSD storage, and Windows 11 at genuinely accessible prices.
How much RAM do I need for everyday use?
At minimum, 8GB. For smooth multitasking and future-proofing, 16GB is better and increasingly common under £500.
Is a refurbished laptop a good idea?
Absolutely. Certified refurbished laptops are tested, restored, and often include a warranty — giving you better specs for less.
Can I do light video editing on a laptop under £500?
Yes. Look for at least an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD to handle light editing comfortably.
Do any sub-£500 laptops have good battery life?
Yes. Several models here offer 10+ hours unplugged. Look for efficient processors and lightweight builds to maximise battery performance.
Is Wi-Fi 6 worth looking for in a budget laptop?
It can be. Wi-Fi 6 delivers faster speeds on busy networks; worth prioritising if you use cloud-based tools or work from shared spaces regularly.
| Read More: |
| Best Budget Laptops Under £400: Clearance Sale 2025 |
| What Is the Best Budget Gaming Laptop to Buy? |
| Best Budget Laptops for Everyday Use: Affordable Choices for 2025 |
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