Which laptop should you buy in 2026? Buying advice by budget

I wrote my first laptop buying guide back in 2011. It was all about hard drives, DVD writers and Windows 7. Fifteen years and hundreds of reader questions later, almost everything has changed, so I have rewritten this article from scratch for 2026.

As before, I don't recommend specific brands or models. Instead, this guide explains which specifications you can expect for your budget and what to look out for. With that knowledge, you can judge any laptop in a shop or online yourself.

The short answer

No time to read everything? For a laptop you want to use for five years or more, these are sensible minimums in 2026:

• Processor: a recent Intel Core Ultra 5, AMD Ryzen 5 AI, Qualcomm Snapdragon X or Apple M-series chip. As a rough cross-platform guide, look for a PassMark CPU Mark score above 8,000.
• Memory (RAM): 16 GB. Eight GB can feel restrictive on a Windows laptop, especially if you keep several apps and browser tabs open.
• Storage: a 512 GB SSD.
• Screen: at least Full HD (1920 × 1080 or 1920 × 1200) and around 300 nits of brightness or more.
• Operating system: Windows 11, macOS or, on a small budget, ChromeOS.
• Ports: at least one USB-C port that supports charging.

Short on time and just want a good all-round laptop? Aim for roughly £600–£850. That is a useful target for balancing performance, screen quality and battery life, though local prices and sales can shift the value sweet spot.

What determines the price of a laptop?

The processor used to be the most expensive part. In 2026, memory and storage costs have become a bigger factor for manufacturers, partly because AI data centres are increasing demand for memory chips. Notebookcheck reported that HP said memory accounted for about 35% of PC component costs, compared with 15–18% two quarters earlier. Asia News Network also reported laptop price increases by Samsung and LG.

My advice: buy what you need, but don't skimp on RAM. Memory is soldered into many thin laptops, so adding more later may be impossible. Check the exact model's upgrade options before buying.

The processor: which names should you know?

Intel no longer has the field to itself. In 2026, these are the main processor families to consider:

For normal use, avoid the very cheapest chips in Windows laptops: Intel Celeron, Intel Processor N (such as N100 or N150) and AMD Athlon. They can be acceptable in a basic Chromebook for browsing and email, but may feel slow in a Windows laptop.

A Core Ultra 5 or Ryzen AI 5 is enough for office work, browsing, streaming and light photo work. A 7 can help with video editing, programming or heavier multitasking. A 9 is aimed at demanding professional workloads.

My rule of thumb: PassMark CPU Mark above 8,000

As a quick filter, I look for a PassMark CPU Mark score above 8,000. It is a rough guide, not a guarantee: benchmark scores do not tell you everything about battery life, cooling or how a laptop feels in everyday use. Compare chips within the same benchmark and check a review of the exact laptop.

Before buying, look up the processor in the PassMark CPU list. For example, an Intel Celeron N4120 scores around 2,400, an AMD Athlon Gold 7220U around 4,900, while an Intel Core 5 120U scores around 14,800. Scores can change as the database is updated, so treat these as approximate examples.

Memory (RAM)

• 8 GB: only for light use, such as a basic Chromebook. Some entry-level Macs also have 8 GB; check the configuration and workload carefully.
• 16 GB: a sensible minimum for most Windows 11 laptops in 2026.
• 32 GB: useful for video editing, gaming, programming, heavy multitasking or keeping a laptop for many years.

Storage (SSD)

Hard drives have largely disappeared from mainstream laptops, so every laptop in this guide should have an SSD. Pay attention to capacity:

• 256 GB: can be limiting unless you keep most files in the cloud.
• 512 GB: a sensible starting point for most people.
• 1 TB or more: useful if you store lots of photos, video or games.

Check whether the laptop has a second M.2 slot if you might want to add storage later. Larger and gaming laptops are more likely to offer one, but always check the exact model.

Windows, macOS or ChromeOS?

In 2011, Windows was the obvious choice for most people. Today, all three systems can be good choices:

• Windows 11: the widest choice of models, software and games. Avoid buying a laptop with Windows 10: support ended on 14 October 2025. Microsoft's consumer Extended Security Updates programme can provide security updates until 12 October 2027 for enrolled devices.
• macOS: a strong choice for battery life, build quality and quiet operation, especially if you already use an iPhone. Apple's MacBook Neo is an entry-level option, but its base configuration has 8 GB of memory; check whether that suits your needs.
• ChromeOS: a good-value option if you mostly use a browser for Gmail, Google Docs and streaming. It is less suitable when you need specific Windows programs.

What is an “AI PC” or Copilot+ PC?

“AI PC” is used broadly for laptops with a neural processing unit (NPU), a dedicated processor for certain AI tasks. Microsoft's Copilot+ PC designation has specific minimum requirements, including an NPU capable of at least 40 TOPS, 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Check Microsoft's current requirements before buying.

That designation enables some extra Windows features, such as live captions with translation and camera effects. It is a nice extra, but usually not a reason on its own to pay more. Cloud-based assistants can run on many laptops. Treat “AI PC” as a feature label and compare the laptop's actual performance, screen and battery life.

Screen, ports and battery life

The screen

• Resolution: at least Full HD (1920 × 1080). A taller 16:10 screen, such as 1920 × 1200, gives you more vertical workspace.
• Brightness: aim for around 300 nits or more. For bright rooms or outdoor use, 400 nits is more comfortable. Budget models may have dimmer screens.
• Panel: IPS is a dependable standard. OLED offers rich colours and deep blacks, but tends to cost more and is often glossy.
• Matte or glossy: matte screens can be easier to use under office lighting or outdoors. Touchscreen does not always mean glossy; matte touchscreens exist.
• Refresh rate: 90 or 120 Hz can make scrolling feel smoother. Gamers may want 144 Hz or higher.

Thirteen to 14 inches is easy to carry; 15 to 16 inches gives you more room for work. Seventeen-inch laptops are less common.

Ports and connections

• USB-C with Power Delivery: lets you charge the laptop with a USB-C charger.
• Thunderbolt 4/5 or USB4: useful for fast external drives or a dock with a monitor and peripherals.
• USB-A: handy for a mouse, flash drive or older printer without an adapter.
• HDMI: useful for a TV, projector or presentation.
• Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7: modern wireless networking; your router must support the standard too.
• 1080p webcam: usually sharper than an older 720p camera for video calls.

DVD drives are rare. If you still need one, an external USB drive is an inexpensive option.

Battery life

Battery life varies widely by laptop, screen, workload and settings. Some efficient laptops can last through a long workday, while a gaming laptop with a separate graphics card may manage only a few hours under load. Do not rely on the manufacturer's headline claim alone: read a test of the exact model. For example, Tom's Guide reported more than 20 hours in its test of one Dell XPS 14 configuration. Results vary by configuration and test method.

What can you expect at each budget?

The figures below are guide prices in euros for Belgium and the Netherlands in autumn 2026. UK readers can compare current prices in pounds on idealo UK. Prices change with sales, configurations and component costs, so treat the ranges as a starting point.

Under £450

It is possible, but compromises are likely. An older Ryzen 5 or Core 5 with 16 GB and a 512 GB SSD can handle everyday tasks. Avoid being tempted by 8 GB, a very slow Intel N-series chip or just 128 GB of storage on a Windows laptop. If you mainly work in a browser, a Chromebook may be the smarter choice.

£450 to £700

A good range for studying and working from home. Look for a responsive processor, 16 GB of memory and a decent screen. Check brightness: some lower-priced models still have dim displays.

£700 to £1,000

This is a strong all-round range for many buyers. You can expect newer processors, a better screen and a more portable build, though battery life and weight still vary by model. Compare independent reviews before choosing.

Over £1,000

At this level, look for 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage and a high-quality screen if you need them. For ordinary office work, these upgrades may be overkill. Choose a more expensive processor only when your workload benefits from it.

Gaming laptops

Gaming laptops with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 or RTX 5060 graphics can be found from roughly £700–£850 and £850 respectively, depending on sales and configuration. Current offers vary, so use those figures only as a rough guide. The same graphics chip can perform very differently depending on the power limit (TGP) set by the manufacturer. Check the wattage and read a review of the exact laptop.

Creative work: photo, video and CAD

For photo and video editing, look for a capable processor and 32 GB of memory. A 1 TB SSD is useful for large project files. Choose a screen with good colour coverage, such as 100% sRGB or a stated DCI-P3 coverage. A dedicated graphics card can help with video editing and 3D, but is not essential for every photo-editing workflow.

Buying smart: my tips

1. Start with how you will use it. Decide on your workload and budget before picking a model.
2. Read a review of the exact configuration. The same model name can hide different screens, processors and memory. Look for measured brightness, battery life and temperatures. Notebookcheck publishes detailed laptop tests.
3. Compare prices. UK buyers can use idealo UK; buyers in Belgium and the Netherlands can use the Tweakers Pricewatch. Compare the same configuration and seller terms.
4. Check the keyboard layout. The UK commonly uses UK QWERTY, the Netherlands often uses US-style QWERTY, and Belgium commonly uses AZERTY. Check the physical keyboard in the listing.
5. Consider refurbished. A two- or three-year-old business laptop can be better built than a new entry-level model. Buy from a reputable seller, check the warranty and make sure the device supports Windows 11.
6. Do not wait forever. Component costs and laptop prices can move either way. If a model meets your needs and has a fair price, there may be little benefit in waiting for a new generation. Some industry forecasts have warned of price rises, but forecasts are not guarantees.
7. Know your consumer rights. In the EU, new goods bought from a trader have at least a two-year legal guarantee. In the UK, the time limit for bringing a claim over faulty goods is generally six years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five years in Scotland. That is a limit for claims, not a six-year warranty. See the official EU guarantee guidance and the UK legislation notes.

Frequently asked questions

The previous version of this guide received almost 150 comments. These were among the most common questions; here is my advice for 2026.

Which laptop should a student buy with £450 to £600?

Look for a Ryzen 5 or Core 5, 16 GB of memory, a 512 GB SSD and a screen around 300 nits or brighter. If you carry it to lectures, check the weight (ideally below 1.6 kg) and battery tests for the exact model.

Can I game on a £450 to £600 laptop?

Light games may run on low settings using integrated graphics, depending on the game and laptop. For demanding games, look for a dedicated Nvidia RTX graphics card, usually at a higher budget.

Do I need a processor rated 5 or 7?

For documents, browsing, email and everyday multitasking, a recent 5-class chip is usually enough. A 7-class processor is useful if your work involves heavier video editing, programming or CAD.

How long will a laptop last?

With 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD and a reasonably recent processor, five or six years is a realistic target for many everyday users. No specification can guarantee a lifespan. If you want to keep it longer, 32 GB can provide more headroom, particularly when memory cannot be upgraded.

Do I need a touchscreen?

No. A touchscreen can be useful for drawing, taking notes or using a laptop as a tablet, but it is not essential for most people. Check whether the extra cost and weight are worthwhile for you.

I give a lot of presentations. What should I look for?

Choose a light 13- or 14-inch laptop with HDMI and USB-C. If you often use older projectors, carry the appropriate adapter. A modern SSD also helps a laptop start quickly.

How can I tell how long the battery lasts?

Battery capacity in watt-hours (Wh) is only one factor. Processor, screen and workload matter too. Check an independent battery test of the exact laptop rather than relying only on the manufacturer's claim.

Do I still need a DVD drive?

Most software is installed online now. If you still use CDs or DVDs, an external USB drive will do the job.

Sources

• Notebookcheck: memory costs and laptop prices
• Asia News Network: reported Samsung and LG price changes
• TechRadar: 2026 PC price forecasts
• Microsoft: Copilot+ PC requirements
• Microsoft: Windows 10 support and ESU
• Tom's Guide: Dell XPS 14 battery test
• Apple: MacBook Neo
• PC Games Hardware: RTX 50-series laptop offers