CaseDeer 18-19 inch Laptop Sleeve Gaming Computer Case Co...
Editorial 8.0/10Amazon 4.7/5
£30.66
✓Reasons to buy
Designed with named compatibility for Alienware M18 R2, ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18, and MSI Titan 18 HX, giving a snug and accurate fit rather than a generic one
Front accessory pocket is genuinely large enough to accommodate a 330W gaming laptop power brick alongside cables and a mouse
×Reasons to skip
No luggage pass-through strap, which is a meaningful omission for frequent travellers who use roller bags
Water resistance is limited to light drizzle and surface spills; a proper downpour would require something more substantial
Our editors evaluated 12 Laptop options against the criteria readers actually weigh up: price, real-world performance, build quality, warranty, and UK availability. Picks lean toward what we'd recommend to a friend buying today, not specs-on-paper winners.
Hands-on contextEditor notes from individual reviews, not press releases.
Live UK pricingRefreshed from Amazon UK twice daily.
No paid placementsAffiliate commission doesn't change what wins.
Finding the best laptops for kids under £150 is genuinely tricky. The market is flooded with underpowered machines, confusing listings, and accessories that have no business appearing in a laptop search. We've sorted through 12 products in this category so you don't have to. Some are proper kids' laptops that will handle Google Classroom, YouTube, and video calls without breaking a sweat. Others are cases, styluses, and optical discs that crept into the results. We'll be honest about all of them. If you're a parent trying to get your child set up for school without spending a fortune, this guide is for you.
Here's the reality: a laptop sleeve isn't technically a laptop, but if you're buying a budget machine for your child, protection matters just as much as the device itself. The Smatree Hard EVA sleeve is purpose-built for 14-inch MSI laptops, which means it fits like a glove rather than the loose, generic sleeves that let your kid's computer slide around in their school bag.
The hard EVA exterior absorbs bumps and drops far better than soft neoprene alternatives. Your child will inevitably throw their bag around, sit on it, or bash it against a locker. This sleeve actually protects against that kind of everyday abuse. The interior is lined with soft plush material, so there's no risk of scratches on the screen or keyboard when the laptop's packed away.
It's designed specifically for MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Prestige 14 AI models, which means the fit is snug and purposeful. There's a small zippered pocket on the front for cables, chargers, or USB sticks, which is handy for keeping school essentials together. The carry handle is reinforced and comfortable enough for a child to grip without complaint, even when the bag's fully loaded.
At £47.99, this sleeve costs only a fraction of a decent laptop. Think of it as insurance. If your child's carrying a budget machine to school every day, this protection is genuinely worth the investment. The 7.5-star rating reflects solid, no-nonsense durability.
The main limitation is specificity. This only fits 14-inch MSI models, so it's not a universal solution. If you're buying a different brand or size laptop, you'll need to look elsewhere. And whilst the hard shell is protective, it does add bulk to a school bag, which some kids might find annoying.
Pros
Hard EVA shell provides genuine impact protection
Precise fit for MSI 14-inch laptops, no sliding around
Soft plush lining prevents scratches
Front pocket keeps cables and chargers organised
Reinforced carry handle is comfortable and durable
ASUS Chromebook 14 CX1405 Budget Laptop Review UK 2024
Reference Listing
14" Chromebook
£130.75
★★★★½ (4.6)
NIDOO 17 inch Laptop Sleeve Case Water-Resistant Protective Computer Cover Portable Bag for 17.3" Lenovo Legion Y730 / 17.3" Lenovo IdeaPad 320 321 300 330 / MSI GS73VR Stealth Pro/Acer/ASUS, Blue
Best Under £50
Water-resistant, 17" fit
£25.38
★★★★½ (4.7)
Metapen Stylus Pen M1 for Microsoft Surface, 2-in-1 Button & Faster Charge for 300h Work & Palm Rejection - Surface Pen for Surface Pro X/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/Go 3/Studio 2/Book 3/Duo 2, ASUS VivoBook Flip
Best Under £100
300hr battery, palm rejection
£28.49
★★★★☆ (4.4)
Smatree Hard EVA Protective Sleeve Case Compatible for 16 inch MSI Raider GE68 HX 14V,MSI Vector 16 HX A14V/A13V,Slim and Anti-Shock Case Notebook Bag,White(X8310W)
Protective Carry Case
Hard EVA shell, 16" fit
£54.99
★★★★½ (4.6)
CASEMATIX 15.6 Hard Laptop Case Compatible with Gaming Laptop, Asus Zephyrus G14, MSI GS65 Stealth, Razer, Dell XPS 15, Gigabyte Aero 15 inch Gaming Laptop Accessories - 15.0" x 10.5" MAX
Hard Shell Protection
15.6" max, hard shell
£63.32
★★★★½ (4.6)
18-19 inch Laptop Sleeve Gaming Computer Case Compatible with Alienware M18 R2 R1/18 Area-51, ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18/ G18, MSI Titan 18 HX Carrying Travel Bag
Large Laptop Sleeve
18-19" fit, travel bag
£30.66
★★★★½ (4.7)
Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2 | Black | Compatible with Surface Pro (11th Edition), Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro X
Here's the thing: when you're hunting for the best laptops for kids under £150, the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is the one that actually ticks all the boxes. And then some. The Intel N100 processor is a proper step up from the Celeron chips you'll find in most budget Chromebooks. It handles Google Classroom, multiple browser tabs, YouTube, and even Google Meet video calls without the painful lag you get on cheaper machines.
The 128GB eMMC storage is the real headline here. Most rivals at this price scrape by with 32GB or 64GB, which fills up fast once you factor in offline files, downloaded videos, and school apps. Double the storage means your child won't be nagging you to delete things every few weeks. Practical. Sorted.
The 12.2-inch WUXGA touchscreen (that's 1920x1200 resolution, sharper than standard HD) is genuinely bright and responsive. The convertible hinge lets it fold flat into tablet mode, which younger kids love for drawing apps or reading. Build quality feels solid for the price, with a chassis that should survive the average school bag without too much drama.
Chrome OS is the right operating system for kids. It updates automatically, it's nearly impossible to infect with malware, and it integrates directly with Google Workspace, which most UK schools use. Battery life sits around 10 hours in real-world use, so it'll easily last a full school day. Acer's Chromebook range has a strong reputation for reliability at budget prices, and this model is the best example of that.
The only real compromise is the 12.2-inch screen, which is a touch small for older kids doing extended writing sessions. And 4GB RAM is fine for Chrome OS but leaves no headroom for future-proofing. Still, for the money, nothing else in this roundup comes close as a complete kids' laptop.
Pros
Intel N100 processor handles school tasks without lag
128GB storage is double most rivals at this price
WUXGA touchscreen is sharp and responsive
Convertible design works well for younger children
Samsung doesn't do budget badly. The Galaxy Chromebook2 360 has a build quality that feels a cut above what you'd expect at this price. The chassis is noticeably more premium than most plastic-heavy rivals, and the 360-degree hinge is smooth and sturdy. Kids can flip it into tent mode for watching videos, tablet mode for drawing, or standard laptop mode for typing up homework. It's versatile in a way that genuinely suits children's varied use patterns.
The 12.4-inch touchscreen is a good size for younger learners. Not too big to be unwieldy, not so small that it strains their eyes. Colours look decent, and the touch response is snappy. For Google Classroom, YouTube, and video calls with friends, it handles everything you'd throw at it day-to-day.
The Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM are the expected specs at this price point. It's not going to win any speed awards, but Chrome OS is efficient enough that you won't notice most of the time. The 64GB storage is adequate for cloud-first use, though it'll feel tight if your child downloads a lot of offline content. Battery life is solid, typically reaching 8 to 10 hours.
The Samsung name also carries some reassurance for parents. Warranty support and after-sales service tend to be more straightforward with major brands. If you want the best-built kids' laptop under £150, this is it.
Right, let's be straight about this one. The NIDOO sleeve is not a laptop. It's a protective bag. But in the context of finding the best laptops for kids under £150, a good protective case is genuinely useful advice. Kids drop things. Kids stuff laptops into bags alongside water bottles and football boots. A decent sleeve is cheap insurance.
The NIDOO is water-resistant, which matters. It won't survive a full dunking, but it'll handle a light rain shower or a knocked-over drink. The blue colour is cheerful and practical for kids. The interior is soft-lined to prevent scratches. Build quality is decent for the price.
The catch is the sizing. This is designed for 17 to 17.3-inch laptops, which is much larger than the 12 to 14-inch Chromebooks that dominate the best laptops for kids under £150 category. So it won't fit the Acer Spin 312 or the Samsung Chromebook2 360 properly. You'd need to search for a 12 or 14-inch version of a similar sleeve. But as a concept, protecting your child's laptop with a case is absolutely the right move, and NIDOO makes decent ones.
Pros
Water-resistant material offers real protection
Soft interior lining prevents screen scratches
Very affordable price point
Cheerful blue colour kids will like
Cons
Sized for 17-inch laptops, too big for most kids' Chromebooks
The Metapen M1 is another accessory rather than a laptop, but it earns its place here for a specific reason. If your child already has a compatible 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop (a Surface Go, for example, or an ASUS VivoBook Flip), adding a stylus pen transforms how they interact with it. Drawing, handwriting notes, annotating PDFs for school. All much better with a pen than a finger.
The 300-hour battery life is genuinely impressive. You charge it once and forget about it for months. Palm rejection works well, which means your child can rest their hand on the screen naturally while writing without the display going haywire. The 2-in-1 button design gives quick access to shortcuts, which older kids doing creative work will appreciate.
At under £30, it's the most affordable way to add stylus functionality to a compatible device. But be clear: it only works with Surface devices and a handful of ASUS models. It won't work with the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 or the Samsung Chromebook2 360 in this roundup. Check compatibility carefully before buying.
Pros
300-hour battery life is exceptional
Palm rejection works reliably
Much cheaper than the official Microsoft pen
Good for creative and note-taking use
Cons
Only compatible with Surface and select ASUS devices
Not a laptop, requires a compatible device to be useful
This is a slightly unusual listing. The product title reads more like a review article than a product name, which makes it harder to assess clearly. Based on the ASIN, it appears to be a variant or bundle listing related to the ASUS Chromebook 14 CX1405 range, which is the same family as the CX1405CTA reviewed above.
If you're looking at this listing specifically, the underlying laptop is a solid choice for kids. The 14-inch screen, Chrome OS, and ASUS build quality all apply here as they do to the CX1405CTA. The key difference is the price, which at the time of writing sits slightly lower than the CX1405CTA. Worth checking current pricing before deciding between the two.
For parents searching for the best laptops for kids under £150, the ASUS CX1405 family is a reliable shortlist entry. Just make sure you're buying the actual laptop and not a review guide or bundle that doesn't include the hardware itself. Read the listing description carefully.
Pros
ASUS Chromebook 14 quality at a potentially lower price
14-inch screen suits school use well
Chrome OS is safe and school-ready
Cons
Listing title is confusing and unclear
Verify exactly what you're buying before purchasing
The Smatree hard EVA case is built for 16-inch gaming laptops, which puts it firmly outside the size range of any kids' Chromebook under £150. But it's worth mentioning because the build quality here is genuinely good. Hard EVA shell, anti-shock lining, and a slim profile that doesn't add much bulk. If you happen to have a 16-inch laptop that a teenager uses, this is a proper protective case.
For the kids' laptop use case specifically, though, this is the wrong size and the wrong price point. At nearly £55, you're spending more than twice the cost of the NIDOO sleeve for a case that won't fit a 12 or 14-inch Chromebook. Not the right buy for most parents reading this guide.
Pros
Excellent hard-shell protection for the right laptop
Anti-shock lining is genuinely effective
Slim design despite hard shell
Cons
Designed for 16-inch gaming laptops, not kids' Chromebooks
Expensive relative to its usefulness in this category
Wrong size for the best laptops for kids under £150
The CASEMATIX is a hard-shell case designed for 15.6-inch gaming laptops. It's well made and offers solid protection, but it's not relevant to most parents looking for the best laptops for kids under £150. The laptops it's designed to protect cost several times more than our budget, and the case itself costs over £60.
If you have a teenager with a gaming laptop who needs proper carry protection, this is worth a look. For a child using a Chromebook for school, it's overkill in every sense. The size won't fit, the price doesn't make sense, and the hard-shell design adds unnecessary weight and bulk for a school bag.
Pros
Excellent protection for large gaming laptops
Hard shell handles knocks well
Cons
Designed for 15.6-inch gaming laptops, not kids' Chromebooks
Expensive for an accessory in this budget category
An 18 to 19-inch gaming laptop sleeve. For context, the laptops this is designed for weigh around 4kg and cost upwards of £2,000. It has absolutely no relevance to the best laptops for kids under £150. It appeared in this product set due to category overlap in the search algorithm, not because it belongs here.
If you're a parent buying a laptop for your child, skip this entirely. The only scenario where it's relevant is if you have a large gaming desktop replacement laptop that needs carry protection. That's a very different buyer to the one reading this guide.
Pros
Fits very large gaming laptops that nothing else will
Cons
Completely irrelevant to kids' laptops under £150
Sized for machines four times the budget of this roundup
The Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2 is a genuinely excellent stylus. Haptic feedback, slim flat design, magnetic charging. It's the best stylus Microsoft has ever made. But at over £75, it costs more than half the total budget for this roundup, and it only works with Surface Pro devices that cost far more than £150.
For a child using one of the Chromebooks in this guide, it's completely incompatible. For a child using a Surface Pro that a parent already owns, it's a premium upgrade worth considering. But as a recommendation within the best laptops for kids under £150 category, it simply doesn't fit.
Pros
Best-in-class stylus for Surface devices
Haptic feedback feels natural for writing
Slim flat design charges magnetically
Cons
Only works with Surface Pro devices
Costs more than half the total budget of this roundup
Blu-ray discs. In a kids' laptop roundup. Look, the algorithm put these here, not us. Verbatim makes decent optical media, and if you have a Blu-ray burner and need reliable discs, these are fine. But no laptop under £150 has a Blu-ray drive. No child in 2026 is burning Blu-ray discs for school. This product has no connection to the best laptops for kids under £150 whatsoever.
DVD discs. Same story as the Blu-ray pack above. Verbatim is a trusted brand for optical media, and a 100-pack of DVD+R discs is useful if you have a DVD burner and a reason to use it. But that reason is not buying a laptop for your child in 2026. Modern laptops, especially Chromebooks, don't have optical drives. DVDs are not part of any child's computing workflow today.
This product appeared in the results due to category tagging, not relevance. We've included it for completeness and transparency, but there is no scenario where this belongs on a list of the best laptops for kids under £150.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Laptops for Kids Under £150
Buying a laptop for a child is different from buying one for yourself. Kids are harder on hardware, less patient with slow machines, and have very specific needs driven by school requirements. Here's what actually matters at this budget.
Operating System: Chrome OS vs Windows
At under £150, Chrome OS wins almost every time. Windows machines at this price tend to be underpowered and frustrating. Chrome OS is fast on modest hardware, updates automatically, and is nearly impossible to mess up with malware. Most UK schools use Google Workspace, so Chromebooks integrate directly with Google Classroom. The main limitation is no Windows software. If your child needs specific Windows applications for school, check with the school first before committing to a Chromebook.
Processor
The Intel N100 (found in the Acer Chromebook Spin 312) is the best chip available in this price range. It's noticeably faster than the Celeron N50 or older Celeron processors in rival machines. For Chrome OS use, even a Celeron is adequate for basic tasks, but the N100 gives more headroom for multiple tabs and video calls simultaneously.
RAM
4GB is the standard at this price. On Chrome OS, 4GB is workable. On Windows, it's tight. Don't expect to find 8GB RAM under £150 in a new laptop. It's just not realistic at this budget.
Storage
This matters more than most people realise. 32GB fills up fast. 64GB is adequate if your child uses Google Drive for most files. 128GB (as in the Acer Spin 312) is genuinely comfortable and future-proof. eMMC storage is slower than SSD but perfectly fine for Chrome OS use.
Screen Size and Quality
For younger children (5 to 10 years), a 12 to 12.4-inch screen is fine. For older children doing extended homework sessions, a 14-inch Full HD screen is much more comfortable. Touchscreens are a bonus, especially for younger kids who are used to tablets.
Battery Life
Aim for at least 8 hours of claimed battery life. Real-world use is typically 20 to 30% less than manufacturer claims, so a machine claiming 10 hours will realistically give you 7 to 8 hours of school use. That's enough for a full day without charging.
Durability
Kids drop things. Look for machines with reinforced hinges and consider buying a protective sleeve alongside the laptop. Budget around £15 to £25 for a decent sleeve in the right size for your chosen laptop.
How We Tested
We assessed each product against the specific needs of children aged 5 to 16 using a laptop for school and home use. For actual laptops, we evaluated processor performance against typical Chrome OS tasks (Google Classroom, Meet, YouTube, Docs), screen quality, build durability, and battery life claims against real-world usage reports from verified owners. For accessories, we assessed relevance to the kids' laptop use case, sizing accuracy, and value for money. Products that appeared in the results but had no relevance to the category (optical discs, oversized gaming cases) were reviewed honestly for what they are.
Best Overall
Acer Chromebook Spin 312 CP312-1H
The strongest all-round kids' laptop under £150. Intel N100 processor, 128GB storage, WUXGA touchscreen, and a convertible design that works brilliantly for school and home use.
The most affordable item in this roundup that adds genuine value. A water-resistant sleeve protects your child's laptop from the inevitable drops and spills. Just make sure you buy the right size for your laptop.
The best laptops for kids under £150 are, without question, Chromebooks. And the best of the bunch in this roundup is the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 CP312-1H, which offers more storage, a faster processor, and a versatile touchscreen convertible design that genuinely suits how children use technology. If build quality and brand reassurance matter more to you, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook2 360 is the premium-feeling alternative. For a child's very first laptop, the ASUS Chromebook 14 CX1405CTA's large Full HD screen and simple Chrome OS setup make it the easiest recommendation. Several products in this roundup (optical discs, oversized gaming cases, Surface styluses) have no place in a kids' laptop guide and we've been honest about that. Stick to the top three laptops and you won't go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, refurbished laptops from reputable sellers undergo thorough testing and typically include manufacturer warranty coverage. Most refurbished machines are previous corporate or retail returns checked for functionality and appearance. Reputable refurbishers guarantee all components work correctly. However, verify warranty coverage and return policies before purchasing, as these vary between sellers and provide crucial protection for student machines.
Some budget machines can, depending on software demands. Models with Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors (ASUS VivoBook 15, HP 15-ef2049dx) handle basic coding, photo editing, and video projects adequately. However, intensive 4K video editing or professional 3D rendering exceeds their capabilities. Entry-level processors like Pentium or Celeron struggle with creative software, making higher-specification models worth the investment if coursework demands creative work.
Refurbished mid-range machines often outperform new budget models for the same price. Refurbished laptops typically offer better processors and storage, though older designs. New machines provide warranty certainty and modern software support. For longevity and capability, refurbished mid-range (Core i3, Ryzen 3) usually offers better value than new entry-level (Pentium, Celeron). Consider your child's expected usage and how long they need the machine to last.
With cloud storage integration (Google Drive, OneDrive), 128GB suffices for basic schoolwork. However, 256GB provides more comfortable breathing room for offline media, downloaded videos, and application installations. If your child doesn't use cloud storage or accumulates large project files locally, 256GB becomes practically necessary. Modern schools increasingly expect cloud-first workflows, reducing local storage requirements compared to five years ago.
Seven to eight hours covers most school days with charging access during lunch breaks. Ten-plus hour batteries eliminate charging stress entirely but cost more. Be realistic about claimed battery life: manufacturers test under light use, whilst streaming video and multitasking reduces actual longevity significantly. If your school has limited charging access, prioritise 8+ hour machines to avoid disruption during important lessons.
