| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 |
| Best Value | Acer Swift Go 14 |
| Best Premium | Lenovo Legion 5 (Gaming) |
Introduction
Finding the perfect laptop under £900 can be a daunting task with the vast array of choices available. In 2025, several models stand out for their balance of performance, quality, and value. Our expert reviews focus on the top contenders: the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4, Acer Swift Go 14, and Lenovo Legion 5 (Gaming). Each excels in different areas, catering to diverse needs from everyday computing to high-end gaming.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 is a stellar choice for anyone looking for a powerful yet portable laptop. It is known for its exceptional performance and long battery life, making it ideal for productivity tasks, students, and business users who prefer macOS.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Apple M4 chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13-inch Retina
Acer Swift Go 14
The Acer Swift Go 14 is a solid pick for those seeking value without compromising on features. It's an ultraportable Windows ultrabook that offers excellent performance, especially for general office work and students.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra (14th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch Full HD or 2.8K OLED
Lenovo Legion 5 (Gaming)
For gamers and creative professionals, the Lenovo Legion 5 delivers powerful specs with its high refresh rate display and dedicated GPU. It's perfect for those who need high performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13650HX
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 8GB
- RAM: 24GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch OLED WQXGA, 165Hz
| Model | CPU | RAM | Storage | Screen | Battery | Price | Noted for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 13 M4 | Apple M4 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 13" Retina | 15+ hours | ~£900 | Performance, battery, portability |
| Acer Swift Go 14 | Intel/AMD latest | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 14" FHD/OLED | 10+ hours | ~£800-900 | Portability, display, value |
| Lenovo Legion 5 (Gaming) | Core i7-13650HX | 24GB | 1TB SSD | 16" OLED WQXGA 165Hz | Up to 6 hrs | ~£899 | Gaming, power, high refresh rate display |
Buying Guide
When choosing a laptop under £900, consider your primary use case. For general productivity and portability, the MacBook Air excels with its lightweight design and long battery life. If you're looking for a versatile Windows machine, the Acer Swift Go 14 offers excellent value with its performance and display options. For gaming and creative work, the Lenovo Legion 5 provides the best specs, including a powerful GPU and a high refresh rate display.
Conclusion
Each of these laptops offers something unique, making them excellent choices under £900. Whether you need a reliable workhorse, a value-packed ultrabook, or a powerful gaming machine, you can find a great option in this price range. Consider your needs and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and computing requirements.