Finding the best laptop under £200 is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Part of it is the ongoing global silicon shortage, making it harder and harder for laptop makers to mass produce portables with lower-end hardware. Hence, finding good options at such a cheap price point can get pretty exhausting, at least in the current market.
Fortunately, the stock situation has recently improved, with older sub-£200 laptops returning to popular e-commerce websites at retail prices. While they don’t pack the most powerful or the latest hardware, they still should get you through day-to-day usage, e.g., browsing the web, checking emails, attending meetings, and possibly even re-visiting some older PC games.
Put simply, laptops at this price might be the best option for students on a budget as long as they don’t need to run processor-heavy or graphically intensive tasks. Plus, taking the price into account, it should give you some headroom to spend on a Microsoft Office 365 or Xbox Cloud Gaming subscription.
This guide to the best laptops under £200 in the UK covers not only budget Windows portables but also Chromebooks. Thus, you are bound to find something here that will suit your needs.
Our List of the Best Laptops Under 200 Pounds
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The Best Laptops Under £200 in the UK (Reviews)
Below are our picks for the best laptops under 200 pounds in the UK. We have briefly discussed every laptop, highlighting various aspects like build quality, features, performance, and more. You will also find Amazon buy links to all the sub-£200 laptops showcased here.
Once again, we advise you to keep your expectations fairly low about these devices, since most of them are equipped with a low-end chipset, less onboard memory, and a mediocre screen. Despite the compromises, they should be fine for school and office work. Now, let’s proceed to the list of the best laptops under 200 pounds.
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 11.6”
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- Display:6” 768p w/ Anti-Glare Coating
- Processor: AMD Athlon Silver 3050e (2C/4T) w/ Radeon Graphics
- Memory: 4 GB DDR4
- Storage: 64 GB eMMC
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Inputs: 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x HDMI, 1 x SD Card Reader, 1 x 3.5mm Audio Out
Lenovo’s IdeaPad lineup of laptops has always been the staple when it comes to entry-level laptops. The 11.6” IdeaPad 1 is currently the cheapest model in the portfolio, designed to be carried on the go.
Despite its price, the IdeaPad 1 sports a relatively modern design. The chassis is 18.8mm thin and weighs around 1.4 kg, making it an exceptional portable machine. The device is only available in gray color.
The 11.6-inch screen has a resolution of 1366 x 768, slightly sharper than an HD display. The bezels are pretty thick, but the anti-glare screen coating is a welcoming addition. The IPS panel offers good brightness and a wide viewing angle, but it doesn’t get bright enough for outdoor use.
The built-in stereo speakers come with Dolby Audio enhancement, making them a decent choice for casual media consumption. The IdeaPad 1 also features a webcam with a physical privacy shutter, which is always nice to have.
This particular IdeaPad laptop is equipped with the AMD Athlon Silver 3050e processor and 4 GB of DDR4 memory. The APU gets you two cores that peak at a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz, and it does support simultaneous multi-threading (four threads).
The hardware is adept at handling simple day-to-day productivity tasks quite well, albeit it easily hits the RAM limit with three or four active browser tabs. The low-power chipset, paired with a low-resolution screen, gives the IdeaPad 1 an above-average battery life of up to eight hours.
With only 64 GB of flash storage, the IdeaPad 1 is very restricted in terms of storage capacity. But it’s a common thing across most portables within this price point. Fortunately, the remaining storage space is sufficient for installing all the essential apps. Those who are always connected can rely on cloud storage services for more file space.
The IdeaPad 1 comes preinstalled with Windows 10 S. It’s a streamlined version that forces users to install apps from the Microsoft Store only, with Edge being the default browser. Fortunately, you get the option to opt out of the S mode, but at the cost of a performance hit. It’s worth mentioning that this laptop is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11.
All in all, the 11.6” Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a decent Windows laptop for the price, though with a few limitations. Lenovo even bundles in a year of Office 365 Personal subscription with the device for free, giving you full access to Microsoft’s cloud and disk-based app suite.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Fairly slim and lightweight | Mushy typing experience, awkward trackpad placement |
| Capable enough to run productivity apps | 4 GB of memory limits multitasking |
| Above-average battery life | Limited storage capacity |
| Upgradable to Windows 11, includes Office 365 | S mode is enabled by default |
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2. Jumper EZbook X3
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- Display:3” 1080p (Full HD)
- Processor: Intel Celeron J3455 (4C/4T) w/ Intel HD Graphics 500
- Memory: 8 GB LPDDR3
- Storage: 256 GB (128 GB eMMC + 128 GB SSD)
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Inputs: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x TF Card Reader, 1 x 3.5mm Audio + Mic Combo
When it comes to laptops, Jumper isn’t the first brand that comes to mind. But if you need a little bit more performance and features for the money, the Jumper EZbook X3 is a fantastic choice.
This 13-inch Windows laptop features a quad-core Intel Celeron J3455 processor. It has a base clock of 1.5 GHz and a boost clock of 2.3 GHz. The CPU is paired with 8 GB of LPDDR3 memory, making this device the king of multitasking on this list.
Storage-wise, the EZbook X3 gets you 128 GB eMMC flash and another 128 GB of SSD storage. The SSD is replaceable thanks to the inclusion of an M.2 2242 slot behind the panel. The laptop even supports up to 256 GB TF card expansion just in case you need more local storage space.
The EZbook X3 is one of the only options on this list with a 13.3-inch 1080p IPS display. It gets fairly bright, produces vibrant colors, and offers a wide viewing angle. Combined with dual stereo speakers, watching movies and shows on this laptop is a surprisingly pleasant experience.
All of this hardware is packed into an 18mm thin chassis, and it only weighs 1.23 kilos. It’s super portable and perfect for carrying around classrooms and offices. The 34Wh battery offers up to six hours of battery life (varies by usage), and it only takes around three hours to charge fully over the barrel-style connector.
Other features of the EZbook X3 include a 2 MP webcam, 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2. For those wondering, this laptop does have a UK-layout membrane keyboard. The touchpad is on the smaller side, but it supports multi-touch gestures, a feature often missing on portables of equivalent price. And finally, it comes with a free Windows 10 Home license (upgradable to Windows 11).
Overall, the EZbook X3 is an impressively specced laptop, especially considering the brand’s lesser-known origin. While its price sits slightly higher than the £200 mark, you can often find this model at a steep discount during sales.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent multitasking capabilities | Celeron struggles to run CPU-heavy apps |
| Great storage expansion options | Subpar battery life |
| Slim form factor | Uninspired design |
| Full HD IPS screen | Cramped typing experience |
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3. Chuwi HeroBook Pro+
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- Display:3” 1800p IPS
- Processor: Intel Celeron J3455 (4C/4T) w/ Intel HD Graphics 500
- Memory: 8 GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128 GB eMMC
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Inputs: 2 x USB Type-A (3.0 + 2.0), 1 x HDMI, 1 x MicroSD Card Reader, 1 x 3.5mm Audio + Mic Combo
If you are still on the lookout for a bargain and willing to opt for laptop makers from the Far East, the HeroBook Pro+ from Hong Kong-based Chuwi is a compelling choice.
The chassis is made out of polycarbonate material, weighing only around 1.1 kilos. Even when folded, the laptop is extremely thin and portable, so you can carry it to the school or office without much effort. However, the small 38Wh battery means you will have to carry the AC adapter in your backpack for a day’s worth of usage.
The key highlight of the HeroBook Pro+ is its high-resolution display. The 13.3-inch IPS panel packs a resolution of 3200 x 1800, which is unheard of on a laptop at this price. It’s 1.7x sharper than a 1080p screen and is close to matching the clarity of 4K. The screen gets pretty bright and vibrant as well, so watching videos on this laptop is a visual treat. Texts also look crystal-clear in documents and presentations.
Like the EZbook X3, the Chuwi HeroBook Pro+ is powered by the old and underpowered Intel Celeron J3455 processor. Although it struggles to run everything other than a few instances of document editors and browser tabs, the 8 GB of LPDDR4 memory helps a bit with multitasking.
The HeroBook Pro+ ships with 128 GB of eMMC flash storage. However, it does have a MicroSD slot (up to 128 GB) for easy and seamless storage expansion. Opening the back panel also reveals a spare M.2 slot, which supports up to a 1 TB SSD.
Other features of the HeroBook Pro+ include stereo speakers, HD webcam, 1×1 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. It’s worth noting that the non-backlit membrane keyboard uses the American layout, so you will need to select “English (UK)” as your input language.
The Chuwi HeroBook Pro+, despite being underpowered, is an impressive £200 laptop simply because of its 13.3-inch high-res screen. It even comes pre-loaded with a licensed copy of Windows 10 Home, which costs £100 on its own.
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| Pros | Cons |
| 8 GB of LPDDR4 memory | Weak Celeron processor |
| 1800p display resolution | Mediocre battery life |
| Multi-touch trackpad | Squishy keyboard, no backlight |
| M.2 storage expansion | 1×1 Wi-Fi |
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4. Asus Chromebook C423 (C423NA-EB0197)
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- Display: 14” 1080p (Full HD) w/ Anti-Glare Coating
- Processor: Intel Celeron N3350 (2C/2T) w/ Intel HD Graphics 500
- Memory: 8 GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 32 GB eMMC
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Inputs: 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A, 2 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x MicroSD Card Reader, 1 x 3.5mm Audio + Mic Combo
Chromebooks outsold Macs worldwide in 2020, so there’s clearly a market for these devices in the budget segment. The Asus C423 is one of them, a sub-£200 laptop that runs Google’s Chrome OS.
With its aluminum finish and super-thin 16.1mm chassis, the Chromebook C423 has a surprisingly premium look and distinct feel. Weighing at only 1.2 kilos, it’s lightweight enough to carry outdoors. The 180° screen hinge is tested for long-term durability as well.
The 14-inch screen has a 1080p Full HD resolution, albeit with average brightness and weak color performance. However, it features a matte coating that eliminates distracting glares. The bezels around the screen are also pretty thin, unlike the other options on this list.
Chrome OS isn’t as resource-intensive as Windows, so the dual-core Celeron N3350 keeps up fairly well with regular day-to-day tasks. The 8 GB of fast DDR4 RAM also means you can switch between multiple app windows without any lag.
Unfortunately, this particular variant of the Asus C423 comes with only 32 GB of eMMC flash storage, though you can always use the MicroSD card slot for expanding the local storage capacity. Alternatively, you can use Google Drive or other cloud storage services.
This Asus Chromebook packs a 38Wh battery. Combined with the low-power hardware, it gets you through an entire day. When needed, you can conveniently charge the laptop via any of the two USB-C ports on the sides. The included 45W AC adapter tops up the Chromebook in under two hours.
The 720p HD webcam and the built-in microphone make attending remote meetings and virtual classes easy. The chiclet-style keyboard with its 1.4mm key travel provides a good typing experience. Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2.
The Asus C423 is one of the best Chromebooks you can get for the price. As long as you aren’t doing anything other than productivity work and media consumption, a Chromebook like this one is more than enough.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Snappy performance on Chrome OS | 32 GB internal storage |
| 14” Full HD screen with thin bezels | This C423 variant doesn’t have touch support |
| Excellent build quality for the price | Crappy built-in speakers |
| Display output and power delivery over USB-C | Long-time Windows users may find Chrome OS lacking |
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5. HP Stream (11-ak0026sa)
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- Display:6” 768p w/ Anti-Glare Coating
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4020 (2C/2T) w/ Intel HD Graphics 600
- Memory: 4 GB DDR4
- Storage: 64 GB eMMC
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home S
- Inputs: 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C, 1 x HDMI, 1 x MicroSD Card Reader, 1 x Audio + Mic Combo
Our final choice for the best laptop under 200 pounds is the HP Stream 11-ak0026sa, an 11.6” portable similar to the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 above in this list.
Like other budget-friendly HP laptops, the Stream 11 has a smooth, vertical brushed finish, giving the plastic construction a premium feel. The 17mm thickness and 1.05 kg weight make the device extremely portable for bringing to school or office.
The 11.6-inch display has a resolution of 1366 x 768, a peak brightness of 220 nits, and a subpar color accuracy. The anti-glare coating reduces reflections, which is perfect for taking notes or typing documents in a decently-lit room.
The Gemini Lake Celeron N4020 inside the laptop offers two cores and two threads, with a 1.1 GHz base clock a 2.8 GHz boost clock. The weak CPU is complemented by only 4 GB of DDR4 memory, severely limiting your multitasking capabilities.
The internal flash storage is also limited to only 64 GB, with the Windows 10 Home installation (running in S mode) occupying nearly 40% of the space. Luckily, you have the option to add more storage via the MicroSD expansion slot.
Battery life is above average thanks to the low-powered Intel chipset. Surprisingly, the laptop features a USB-C port, but it doesn’t support power delivery. Hence, you will have to rely on HP’s proprietary connector to charge the Stream 11. Fortunately, charging times are fast over the included 45W AC power brick.
The HP Stream 11 has a webcam with a built-in microphone, as well as stereo speakers. Connectivity-wise, it’s equipped with dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. The laptop is also eligible for the free Windows 11 upgrade, in case you are wondering.
Whether you are working on a project or watching some videos, The HP Stream 11 can handle most of it with ease. Sure it doesn’t have the most capable hardware or a high-resolution screen, but there isn’t much to expect from a Windows portable at this price point.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Good for word processing and web browsing | Underpowered processor |
| Compact and lightweight | 4 GB of non-upgradable RAM is a limitation |
| USB-C connectivity | The screen looks rather washed out |
| Windows 11-ready | 64 GB storage isn’t enough |
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Also, check – Best Budget Projectors in the UK
Best Laptops Under £200 UK: Conclusion
This is where we wrap up our list of the best laptops under £200 in the UK. As you can see, we have described all the budget-friendly portables above and discussed their pros and cons in a detailed manner.
Despite being so affordable, a sub-£200 laptop should still last years of use. The warranty is limited to just one year for parts and defects for most of them, but brands like Asus, Lenovo, and HP are known to provide extended support for their devices.
If you aren’t invested in the Windows ecosystem, the Asus C423 is a good choice. Chromebooks usually age better because of their lightweight operating system and regular updates. With that said, budget laptops running Windows in S mode should also perform adequately.
