£400 Student Laptop UK: 3 Picks Compared (2026)

Finding a reliable student laptop under £400 in the UK means balancing everyday speed, battery life and build quality. These budget-friendly picks are suited to essays, web research, video calls, streaming and online learning.

We compare the Acer Aspire Go 15, HP Laptop 15 and Asus Vivobook Go 15, focusing on processor and graphics class, memory, storage, real-world battery performance, keyboard and screen quality, portability and ports.

Guide updated September 14, 2026. Shop prices have their own check dates.

3 picks

Best overall

Our pick

Acer Aspire Go 15

Why it fits you

A straightforward Windows laptop for web research, documents, video lessons and everyday schoolwork.
Its larger display is comfortable for reading, while the lightweight design makes it practical for carrying between classes.
Performance is suited to basic study rather than demanding creative work or gaming.

est. £299

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Key Specs

Display

15.6"

Processor

120U

Graphics

Integrated Intel UHD Graphics

RAM

16 GB

Storage

512 GB

Battery

53 mAh

2 alternatives

Also a strong fit for what you told us.

HP Laptop 15

Why it fits you

The stronger processor, 8GB of memory and SSD storage provide a smoother experience for multitasking between browser tabs, office apps and video calls.
The full-size screen and keyboard suit essay writing and online learning, making it the most balanced choice for general education use.

Key Specs

Display

15.6-inch IPS 60Hz

Processor

AMD Ryzen 3 7320U

Graphics

Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics

RAM

8GB

Storage

256GB SSD

Battery

Up to 10 hours

est. £349

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Asus Vivobook Go 15

Why it fits you

This is the most capable option here for study multitasking, with a Ryzen 5 processor and generous 512GB storage for coursework, downloads and applications.
Its Full HD display is well suited to reading and split-screen work. It offers more headroom than the other two, though it remains intended for everyday productivity rather than intensive graphics work.

Key Specs

Display

15.6-inch Full HD IPS 60Hz

Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 7520U

Graphics

Integrated AMD Radeon 610M

RAM

8GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Battery

Up to 12 hours

est. £389

Estimated list price — we haven't checked a shop yet.

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Prices change often — check the retailer for the current price.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a £400 laptop good enough for university students in the UK?

Yes, a laptop under £400 can handle documents, web browsing, video calls, presentations and online learning. Choose at least 8GB of memory and an SSD for smoother everyday performance.

How much RAM should a student laptop under £400 have?

8GB of RAM is the practical minimum for studying in 2026, while 16GB is preferable for heavier multitasking. Avoid models with 4GB unless your needs are very basic.

Can these budget student laptops run Microsoft Office and Teams?

Yes, the Acer Aspire Go 15, HP Laptop 15 and Asus Vivobook Go 15 are suitable for Microsoft Office, browser-based study tools and Microsoft Teams, provided they have current Windows support.

What ports should UK students look for on a budget laptop?

Useful ports include USB-A for accessories, USB-C for newer devices, HDMI for an external monitor and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 6 is also helpful for reliable connections in halls or shared accommodation.

3 picks

Acer Aspire Go 15

2 alternatives

HP Laptop 15

Asus Vivobook Go 15

Frequently asked questions

More picks for United Kingdom