Students need laptops that are fast, reliable, lightweight, and affordable. Luckily, today’s budget laptop market has improved enough that you can find strong performance even under €400.
A good student laptop must handle:
- Online classes
- Assignments
- Browsing + research
- Google Docs / MS Office
- Streaming
- Video calls
- Light multitasking
In this guide, we highlight the best budget laptops under €400, comparing performance, battery life, display quality, and real usage reliability.
What Students Need in a Budget Laptop
The ideal student laptop must balance:
- Good performance
- Long battery life
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable keyboard
- Clear display
- Stable WiFi
- Affordable price
Students do not need expensive gaming hardware. Instead, they need a balanced machine that runs smoothly without lag.
Key Features to Look for Under €400
1. Processor (CPU)
The CPU determines overall speed. Look for:
- Intel Core i3 (10th gen or newer)
- Intel N-series (N200/N305) for basic use
- AMD Ryzen 3 (3000/5000 series)
- AMD Athlon Gold for light tasks
These are enough for studies, web apps, and online classes.
2. RAM
Minimum requirement:
- 8GB RAM (essential for smooth performance)
Avoid 4GB unless it’s expandable.
3. Storage
Best options:
- 256GB SSD (fastest)
- 128GB SSD (acceptable for cloud users)
SSD is mandatory — HDDs are slow.
4. Display
For comfort and long study sessions:
- 14″ or 15.6″
- Full HD (1080p) recommended
5. Battery Life
Students need:
- 6–10 hours of real usage
Longer battery = better usability during classes.
6. Build & Portability
Look for:
- Lightweight (1.3kg–1.7kg)
- Durable hinges
- Comfortable keyboard
7. Webcam + Microphone
Online classes require:
- HD webcam
- Clear dual microphones
Best Laptops for Students Under €400 (Top Picks)
Each laptop below includes an official brand website link, perfect for affiliate usage.
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 — Best Overall Budget Student Laptop
Official Website: https://www.lenovo.com/
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 offers excellent value with fast SSD storage, a clean design, and smooth daily performance.
Key Advantages:
- Great for homework & browsing
- Fast boot time with SSD
- Lightweight design
- Good battery life
- Reliable build quality
Best For:
General students needing smooth performance for daily tasks.
2. HP 14s – Best Lightweight Student Laptop
Official Website: https://www.hp.com/
The HP 14s combines strong performance, a lightweight design, and dependable build quality.
Key Advantages:
- Thin & portable
- Full HD display
- 8GB RAM + SSD
- Reliable battery life
- Perfect for note-taking
Best For:
Students who travel often or carry their laptop to class.
3. ASUS VivoBook 15 – Best Large Display Under Budget
Official Website: https://www.asus.com/
The ASUS VivoBook 15 provides a bigger screen, comfortable keyboard, and strong multitasking ability.
Key Advantages:
- 15.6″ Full HD display
- Fast and smooth UI
- Comfortable typing
- Expandable RAM options
Best For:
Students needing a large screen for long study hours.
4. Acer Aspire 1 – Best Value for Basic Tasks
Official Website: https://www.acer.com/
The Acer Aspire 1 is an excellent choice for lighter tasks such as browsing, notes, office apps, and video classes.
Key Advantages:
- Very affordable
- Lightweight
- Good battery backup
- Great for Google Workspace and online learning
Best For:
Students with basic computing needs and online study focus.
5. CHUWI HeroBook Pro – Best Budget Laptop for Online Classes
Official Website: https://www.chuwi.com/
The CHUWI HeroBook Pro is surprisingly powerful for the price and includes a clean 1080p screen.
Key Advantages:
- Full HD display
- Smooth performance for daily tasks
- Large trackpad
- Quiet operation
Best For:
Students looking for a fully functional laptop at a very low price.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo IdeaPad 1 | Best overall performance | All students |
| HP 14s | Lightweight & premium feel | College commuters |
| ASUS VivoBook 15 | Large display | Heavy note-taking |
| Acer Aspire 1 | Best value | Basic online students |
| CHUWI HeroBook Pro | Ultra-budget option | Online classes |
How to Choose the Right Laptop Under €400
Need the most balanced experience?
- Lenovo IdeaPad 1
Want a lightweight laptop to carry daily?
- HP 14s
Prefer a bigger display for study sessions?
- ASUS VivoBook 15
Need basic performance at low cost?
- → Acer Aspire 1
Need the cheapest student-capable laptop?
- CHUWI HeroBook Pro
Where to Buy Budget Laptops for Students (Trusted Retailer)
eBuyer is a trusted UK-based electronics retailer offering a wide range of budget laptops suitable for students. They stock popular student-friendly brands like Lenovo, HP, ASUS, Acer, and more, making it easier to find affordable laptops under €400 for online classes, assignments, and everyday study needs.
🌐 Official Website: https://www.ebuyer.com/
Final Verdict:
A budget laptop under €400 can still deliver great performance for studying, research, writing assignments, and attending online classes.
For most students, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 offers the best balance of speed, portability, and reliability.
If portability matters, the HP 14s is lightweight and durable.
For students who love big screens, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is perfect.
If you’re on a tight budget, the Acer Aspire 1 or CHUWI HeroBook Pro offer impressive value.
Good student laptops don’t need to be expensive — they just need to be stable, fast, and comfortable to work with.