In 2025, the UK laptop market continues to offer an array of choices, especially for those on a budget. Laptops under £400 have gained prominence due to their affordability and ability to meet basic computing needs. These options are crucial for students, professionals, and casual users who require a reliable device without breaking the bank. Our selection criteria focused on performance, display quality, battery life, and overall value. We see a new laptop under 400 this month (feb 2025) the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 which offers exceptional value if you are happy with a Chromebook OS.
Top Picks with Detailed Reviews
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
- Key Features:
- Price: £279
- Display: 14-inch, 1080p
- CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB UFS
- Pros:
- Affordable price.
- Decent performance and battery life.
- Sharp display with good viewing angles.
- Good connectivity options.
- Cons:
- Limited to basic computing tasks.
- Expert and User Reviews:
- Experts commend its smart design and functional keyboard, while users appreciate its performance and affordability【6:0†source】.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6-inch Laptop
- Price: £399
- Processor: 13th-generation Intel Core i5
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Review Highlight: Known for its excellent performance and rare 512GB SSD storage at this price point. It offers impressive multitasking capabilities【4:0†source】.
- User Rating: 4.5/5 stars, praised for performance and display quality
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
- Price: £349
- Processor: Intel Core i3
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Review Highlight: Best value for portability and versatility, performs well with lighter applications【4:0†source】.
- User Rating: 4.3/5 stars, appreciated for versatility and portability
Key Takeaways
| Laptop | Price | Pros | Cons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 | £279 | Affordable, good display | Basic tasks only | |||
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 | £399 | Intel Core i5 (13th Gen) | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6" Full HD | 4.5/5 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Ch. | £349 | Intel Core i3 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 14" Full HD | 4.3/5 |
Buying Guide
- Performance Needs: Look for a CPU like Intel Core i3 and at least 8GB RAM to ensure smooth basic multitasking.
- Display Size and Quality: A display of 14 inches with Full HD resolution is ideal for most users.
- Battery Life: Aim for laptops that offer at least 10 hours of battery life for prolonged use.
- Additional Features: Consider hybrid capabilities if flexibility between laptop and tablet use is desired.
Hope this helped!
Overall, each of these laptops offers something unique. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 stands as our top recommendation, providing the best value for budget-conscious buyers with its impressive features and performance.