Group test: what's the best budget laptop?

The Top 5 Laptops for less than £600

If you need an affordable, portable laptop, a netbook isn’t always your best option. PC Advisor picks out the best 5 sub-£600 models and puts them through their paces.

5. Asus X501A-XX402H

Asus X501A-XX402H
  • Reviewed on: 18 February 13
  • RRP: £339 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

Asus gets all the basics right with the X501A, providing a sturdy, portable laptop with good battery life. It offers good value if you just need a basic laptop for undemanding tasks.

4. Lenovo G580

Lenovo G580
  • Reviewed on: 14 February 13
  • RRP: £399 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

If you have a limited budget, the G580 is a good choice. Its touchpad is a bit annoying, but in every other respect, it's a capable workhorse.

3. Acer Aspire V3-571

Acer Aspire V3-571
  • Reviewed on: 7 September 12
  • RRP: £450 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The Acer Aspire V3-571 laptop is a great example of just how much can be achieved within the constraints of a severely limited budget.

2. Dell Inspiron 15R-5521

Dell Inspiron 15R-5521
  • Reviewed on: 14 February 13
  • RRP: £499 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

Dell hardly puts a foot wrong with the Inspiron 15R, providing a well-built laptop with good performance and an attractive screen for just under £500. Battery life is a particular strength too, and ensures that the Inspiron 15R will earn its keep for both work and play.

1. Toshiba Satellite L850D

Toshiba Satellite L850D
  • Reviewed on: 15 February 13
  • RRP: £339.97 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 6 out of 10

If you’re looking for an affordable laptop designed with entertainment in mind, then the attractive screen and audio features of the L850D will certainly appeal. However, the undernourished processor is a little disappointing and may struggle with anything other than basic web browsing and business software.

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