✓ Updated: May 2026 | 4 products compared
Look, I'll be honest with you straight away. Finding genuine ASUS-branded laptops under £500 in the UK market is properly difficult. ASUS typically positions their laptops slightly above this price bracket, with even their entry-level VivoBook range usually starting around £550-600. For higher-spec ASUS models, check out our ASUS Vivobook S14 M3407HA Ryzen 9 270 review, or if you're open to exploring premium alternatives, our Microsoft Surface Laptop Snapdragon X Elite review or best Apple laptops. But here's the thing: this guide covers the best budget laptop options available right now under £500, including upgrade components that can transform cheaper machines into decent performers. If you're searching for the Best ASUS Laptops Under £500, this guide covers the realistic alternatives that actually deliver value without the premium badge.
Four budget laptops stand out that punch well above their weight. Some aren't ASUS, granted. But they offer the same features you'd expect from ASUS's budget range: Full HD displays, SSD storage, Windows 11, and enough power for everyday computing. And one of them is a RAM upgrade that'll breathe new life into any budget laptop you already own.
TL;DR - Quick Picks
Best Overall: Crucial 8GB DDR4 RAM for transforming any budget laptop into a capable machine with a simple upgrade.
Best Complete Laptop: Lapbook S15 N2 offers brilliant balance with 512GB storage and Full HD display for under £300.
Best for Multitasking: ACEMAGIC 17.3" packs 16GB RAM and a massive screen for serious productivity work.
Cheapest Option: Fusion5 A90B+ gets you into Windows 11 for under £250, though compromises are inevitable.
| Product |
Best For |
Key Spec |
Price |
Rating |
| Crucial DDR4 RAM 8GB 3200MHz SODIMM CL22, Laptop Computer Memory, Mini PC (or 2933MHz, 2666MHz) - CT8G4SFRA32A |
Best Overall |
8GB DDR4-3200, CL22 |
£69.00 |
★★★★½ (4.8) |
| 15.6" Full HD Laptop - 8GB RAM 512GB M.2 SSD Windows 11 Home, Dual-Band WiFi, Integrated Webcam - S15 N2 15 Inch Lightweight Laptop |
Best for Everyday Use |
8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 15.6" FHD |
£379.99 |
★★★★☆ (4.3) |
| ACEMAGIC 17.3 Inch FHD Laptop with Quad-Core N95 Processor up to 3.4GHz, 16GB RAM DDR4 512GB SSD Notebook Laptops, 1.5w Dual Speakers, HDMI, WiFi 5, BT5.0, 3*USB3.2, Type-C, TF, 6000mAh Long-Battery |
Best for Multitasking |
16GB RAM, 17.3" screen, N95 CPU |
£499.99 |
★★★★☆ (4.2) |
| Fusion5 14.1" A90B+ Pro 128GB Windows 11 Laptop - 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage, Full HD IPS, Bluetooth, Dual Band WIFI Laptop, USB 3.0, Expandable Storage |
Best Budget |
4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 14.1" FHD |
£239.99 |
★★★½☆ (3.9) |
Best Overall
Editor's pick: ASUS Chromebook Plus 15 CX1505CTA Laptop | 15.6" Full HD Screen | Intel Core 3 N355 Processor | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD | Google Chrome OS
Best for Everyday Use
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Best ASUS Laptops Under £500
Right, let's talk about what actually matters when you're shopping for budget laptops. The spec sheets can be confusing, so here's what to prioritise and what you can compromise on.
RAM: The Most Important Spec
Memory makes or breaks a budget laptop. 4GB is the bare minimum for Windows 11, but you'll feel the limitations immediately. 8GB is the sweet spot for everyday use, letting you run multiple browser tabs, Office programmes, and video calls without slowdown. If you can find 16GB under £500 (like the ACEMAGIC), grab it. RAM is often soldered on budget laptops, so you can't upgrade it later.
Storage: SSD is Non-Negotiable
Don't even consider a laptop with a mechanical hard drive in 2026. SSDs are standard now, and they make a massive difference to boot times and general responsiveness. 128GB is tight but manageable if you use cloud storage. 256GB is comfortable for most users. 512GB is brilliant and gives you proper breathing room. The Lapbook's 512GB SSD is one reason it's such good value.
Display: Full HD Minimum
All the laptops in this Best ASUS Laptops Under £500 guide offer Full HD (1920x1080) displays, and that's what you should demand. Lower resolutions look fuzzy on modern screens. IPS panels give better viewing angles and colour than cheaper TN panels. Screen size is personal preference: 14 inches for portability, 15.6 inches for balance, 17 inches if it's staying on a desk.
Processor: Don't Obsess Over It
At this price point, you're getting entry-level Intel Celeron, Pentium, or N-series chips. They're all adequate for basic tasks and all struggle with demanding workloads. The difference between them is minimal in real-world use. Focus on RAM and storage instead, which have bigger impacts on everyday performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't buy based on processor name alone. An Intel i3 with 4GB RAM will feel slower than a Celeron with 8GB. Don't assume you can upgrade everything later. Most budget laptops have soldered RAM and limited upgrade options. And don't forget to factor in the operating system. Some ultra-cheap laptops ship with Windows 11 S Mode, which limits what software you can install.
Price Brackets Explained
Under £250: Basic machines with compromises. Expect 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, entry-level processors. Fine for light use only. £250-350: The sweet spot for budget laptops. You'll find 8GB RAM, 256-512GB storage, and Full HD displays. The Acer Aspire Go 15 is another solid option in this bracket worth considering, as is the HP Chromebook 15 Celeron N4500 if you're open to Chrome OS. £350-500: You start getting better build quality, 16GB RAM options, and slightly faster processors. Still budget, but with fewer compromises.
