We’ll start by walking you through the different types of laptops out there, so you can figure out which category suits your lifestyle and budget best. Then, we’ll break down the key features to watch for - including processors, graphics, battery life, storage, and screen - without all the confusing jargon. Think of it as a cheat sheet for making smart, stress-free decisions. And of course, no guide would be complete without some specific product recommendations to get you started. So, grab a coffee, and let’s find your perfect laptop! 

Types of laptops

Understanding the different models available out there in the laptop market is the perfect way to start your search. Let’s think about the strengths and weaknesses of each type before we start to narrow down your options.   

Ultrabooks and Lightweight Laptops

If you need a lightweight and portable laptop for life on the go, an Ultrabook is the way to go. These super slim laptops are convenient without feeling cheap or underpowered. Most come with good capability for everyday tasks such as browsing, writing, Zoom calls, and light photo or video editing. They usually have a long battery life too - often 10+ hours - which means you can leave your charger at home for the day. And let’s be honest - they look great. The likes of ASUS Zenbook and HP OmniBook X AI 14 have a clean, minimalist design that’s just really satisfying. 

There are a few things to keep in mind with an Ultrabook though. Whilst it's usually the case that the bigger the screen size, the heavier the laptop - you can get 13.3-inch models that weigh as little as 1kg (2.2 lbs) - you may find the screen on an Ultrabook to be a little small for viewing documents, editing or streaming. 

Another thing to consider is if you’re into gaming, video editing, or anything performance-heavy, then a super-portable laptop might not be able to keep up with your needs. You can include separate graphics cards, but this will add to the overall weight. However, if your priority is a laptop that’s easy to carry and handles daily work without fuss, an Ultrabook is a solid investment. 

Gaming Laptops 

A gaming laptop is designed to handle the high-performance demands of the latest AAA titles with their incredible visuals and vast game worlds. That requires powerful components including high-end graphics cards (GPUs), fast processors (CPUs), high-refresh-rate displays, and efficient cooling systems. The result is fast-paced titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Call Of Duty, and Baldur’s Gate 3 being brought to life without any lag or visual stuttering for incredibly immersive entertainment – while you also enjoy the added benefit of being able to play anywhere. Gaming laptops are also popular with content creators who need serious horsepower for tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. 

A dedicated graphics card is essential for smooth gameplay. The AI-enhanced GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards have been a big hit with gamers since they arrived in early 2025. Ranging from the entry-level RTX 5050 to the cutting-edge RTX 5090, they provide lag-free visuals and excellent in-game responsiveness. The slightly more affordable AMD Radeon RX 9000 series graphics cards are also popular, while cheaper gaming laptops feature older generation cards, such as the GeForce RTX 40 series. 

Pair your GPU with a capable processor (at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), plus 16GB of RAM (short-term memory) and a Solid State Drive (long-term memory). If you're working with a tighter budget, prioritise GPU and CPU to get the best value for money. If you're into esports or fast-paced shooters, a laptop with a high refresh rate display (120Hz, 144Hz, or even 240Hz – this how many times a second the image updates) will also keep everything looking smooth. Gaming laptops can get hot under pressure, so a good thermal design helps avoid performance dipping due to overheating during long sessions. 

2-in-1 Laptops (Convertible and Detachable) 

A 2-in-1 laptop is a clever hybrid offering the power and productivity of a traditional laptop combined with the flexibility and ease of use of a tablet. They are designed for people who want a versatile device that can adapt to different needs - whether you're typing out an email, sketching with a stylus, or binge-watching a show. Thanks to a touchscreen and clever hinges or detachable keyboards, these devices switch between modes with minimal fuss. 

There are two main styles of 2-in-1 laptops: convertible and detachable. Convertible models such as the HP Omnibook Flip and Samsung Book5 Pro 360 have hinges that let the screen flip around 360 degrees, so you can use the laptop in tent mode for presentations, tablet mode for drawing or note-taking, or regular laptop mode for typing. These models usually have more robust specs and a sturdier build, making them a great choice if you plan to do a lot of typing or need solid laptop performance with the bonus of touch and flexibility. 

Detachable models are more like tablets with clip-on keyboards. They’re ultra-portable, often super lightweight, and fantastic for casual use, reading, or quick tasks on the go. Some lower-priced detachables come with more tablet-like performance better suited for surfing, streaming and social media, rather than heavy multitasking or gaming. But more high-powered models such as the Microsoft Surface Pro and Asus Zenbook DUO are available – and very popular! 

Budget Laptops 

A budget laptop is the no-frills, dependable option when all you need is a digital workhorse to help with your daily computing tasks. Perfect for browsing, emailing, streaming, or light productivity, these laptops won’t break the bank but they can still be surprisingly capable for everyday tasks. When choosing your budget laptop, making a few smart sacrifices with the specifications can help you stay within your price range without ending up with a frustrating device. The key is to prioritise what really matters to you and be flexible with the rest.  

The first option to consider is a Chromebook, which run on ChromeOS, a web-based operating system designed mainly for online use. They’re light, competitively priced and great for everyday tasks and entertainment. You get a streamlined experience that boots up fast and offers excellent security, but the downside is that you can’t install some software, such as Photoshop or Microsoft Office. There are online workarounds for some things, but a Chromebook is definitely suited to lighter, everyday computing.  

If you need more than streaming and surfing, then it’s worth investing in a Windows laptop. When it comes to solid performance, look for at least an Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 processor. These can handle day-to-day tasks fine - but don’t expect high-end gaming or heavy multitasking. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM if you want smooth multitasking - 4GB might work, but you'll soon feel the limits if you open too many tabs or apps. For storage, a Solid State Drive (SSD) makes a massive difference in speed compared to older hard drives, even if it’s only 128GB. If that’s the case, then cloud storage or an external drive could help.  

Try to find Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution display in your budget range, as everything from Netflix to spreadsheets will look crisper and clearer. A lot of affordable models offer 6-8 hours of battery life, which is fine for a workday with a break or two – but it’s worth checking the customer reviews. All in all, budget laptops are about smart compromises - pick one that matches your everyday needs without paying for features you won’t use. 

AI Laptops 

Whether you’re managing heavy workloads, editing media, or just browsing the web, AI-powered laptops offer a smoother, smarter computing experience that adapts to your needs. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more powerful and personalised features in the months and years ahead. 

An AI laptop will give you faster results and better privacy when using tools such as image editing, voice recognition, and real-time language translation. Advanced threat detection and proactive protection constantly analysis of what is happening on your laptop in order to spot any security breach and quickly contain it. All this is especially helpful for creators, professionals, and students who use demanding applications or multitask regularly.  

Most manufacturers are incorporating AI into their latest laptop designs, with basic tools like voice dictation, background blur on video calls, and smart photo editing now common across new Windows laptops. However, to get the full experience of advanced AI features, a laptop needs specific hardware, including an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) – which is a dedicated chip built to run AI tasks locally on the device. NPUs are found in newer processors such as the Snapdragon X Elite, Intel Core Ultra, and AMD Ryzen AI chips. Which means full-fat AI laptops, such as the Copilot+ PCs range or HP Omnibooks, are at the more expensive end of the market right now.  

How to Choose a Laptop 

Choosing the right laptop can feel challenging when there are so many features to consider and technical terms involved, but understanding the key features makes the process much easier. In this section, we’ll explain the main components - including the processor, RAM, storage, graphics, operating system, battery life, and screen quality - and how each one affects performance and usability. By learning what these features do and how they relate to your needs, you'll be better equipped to pick a laptop that truly suits your lifestyle and budget. 

Best Laptops for Specific Needs  

Now we’ve explored all the key features, it’s time for some product recommendations for specific needs. Hopefully, with a clearer picture of your own requirements and which features will best suit them, we can guide you towards your perfect match. 

The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 is a great laptop for students thanks to its winning mix of affordability, portability, and solid everyday performance. The 15.6-inch Full HD display is ideal for online studying, watching lectures, and streaming during downtime. The 180° lay-flat hinge is also perfect for sharing. The Go 15 is impressively lightweight for a laptop of this size at 1.63 kg, making it easy to carry between classes. An 8-hour battery is enough for a full day on the go, and you also get a decent selection of ports, including USB-C, 2x USB 2.0, HDMI, and a headphone jack. 

Everyday computing tasks such as note-taking, surfing and streaming are a breeze, and it can also handle tougher tasks such as video editing, using large spreadsheets and coding. The 512GB SSD storage is ideal for large files and entertainment you may want to keep on your laptop. Students will also appreciate features including a webcam privacy shutter, Wi-Fi 6E for faster and more stable internet, and fast charging to quickly top up the battery between classes. The Vivobook Go 15 is a no-fuss, dependable laptop that covers all the essentials. 

The Samsung Chromebook Go is a smart pick for a budget laptop because it nails the basics while keeping the price refreshingly low. Designed with casual users in mind, it’s lightweight, fast, and easy to use. It runs of Google’s ChromeOS operating software, with most tasks done online using web apps, and comes with built-in virus protection and automatic updates - perfect for browsing, working in Google Docs, streaming, and handling day-to-day tasks. The Chromebook Go also boots up super-fast, so you can get straight on with whatever you want to do next. The 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage sound modest, but ChromeOS is very efficient and most files are stored in the cloud, so you’ll breeze through all your everyday computing jobs.  

Another big plus is the battery life, which can stretch to over 12 hours, making it great for all-day work or study. It's also very lightweight at just 1.06 kg and durable, with a spill-resistant keyboard and a rugged build - ideal for kids or travel. So, if you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance laptop for basic productivity or just staying connected, the Samsung Chromebook Go is a reliable and user-friendly option that won’t strain your budget. 

If the Chromebook Go’s 11.6-inch HD display doesn’t feel enough for your entertainment needs, then it may be worth spending a little more on the Acer Aspire 1 A114-33 Laptop. The impressive 14-inch Full HD screen offers sharp visuals and good viewing angles for a comfortable viewing experience without breaking the bank. Weighing 1.45 kg, it's light and compact enough for commuting or resting in your lap. With a battery life of up to 8-10 hours, it easily supports a full day of light use without needing a charge. It also includes a one-year Microsoft 365 subscription, adding value with access to Word, Excel, and other Office apps. Combined with practical features such as Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB ports, the Acer Aspire 1 A114-33 delivers reliable day-to-day usability, making it a strong and affordable option for anyone seeking a dependable, no-frills Windows laptop. 

If you're looking for a no-fuss laptop to handle all of your work essentials, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is a great investment. It’s quick to boot, super responsive, and handles all your standard computing tasks such as browsing, emails, and social media without breaking a sweat. A 12th Gen Intel Core i5 chip makes easy work of juggling a dozen browser tabs, streaming in full HD, or hopping on video calls, while keeping everything smooth and snappy. If you buy it in a bundle with Microsoft Office then you’re all ready for work, with essential apps such as Word and Excel ready to go. 

The 512GB SSD means there's plenty of space for your work files and multimedia while keeping things speedy and smooth. Battery life is solid too - it’ll comfortably last a work day, and if you do need to top it up, Lenovo’s Rapid Charge gives you a decent boost in just 15 minutes. Another standout features is its size and build - true to its name, it’s slim and light enough (at 1.62kg) to slip into your bag or backpack. Despite its portability, the IdeaPad Slim 3 doesn’t feel flimsy, and the 15.6-inch Full HD display with narrow bezels gives you plenty of screen real estate to work comfortably or relax with a Netflix binge. That, plus the decent speakers, reliable keyboard and physical webcam shutter, make the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 feel like a lot of value packed into a modest design. It may not be flashy but for most people’s needs, the IdeaPad Slim 3 hits a sweet spot between performance, storage, and everyday usability. 

If you need something a little more high-powered from tougher tasks such as handling large datasets, video editing and 3D rendering, then the Asus Vivobook 15 is worth considering. The combination of a 12th Gen Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM and WiFi 6E will power through most tasks and make a big difference for multitasking – everything will feel even faster and more responsive. The Vivobook 15 is a tough cookie too, having been tested to MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards, so throw it in your bag and take on the day! But it’s still a looker, thanks to a slim screen bezel and bright, clear screen technology. plus a 180° lay-flat hinge for sharing.  

If you're looking for a powerhouse gaming laptop, the ASUS Strix comes with a Ryzen 9 processor, RTX 5070 Ti graphics, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD to deliver an impressive package tailor-made for serious players. The cutting-edge Ryzen 9 9955HX processor features 16 cores and 32 threads, which means it can carry out lots of tasks simultaneously without slowing down. The RTX 5070 Ti graphics card is equally effective at making the gaming magic happen. One of the latest cutting-edge NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, it makes games look stunning - sharp, colourful, and incredibly detailed. This laptop is ready to crush modern AAA games such as Call of Duty, Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring at high settings! 

Everything looks great on the 16-inch WUXGA 165Hz IPS display, which offers a perfect balance between speed and visual fidelity. At this resolution (1980 x 1200), the RTX 5070 Ti GPU can push very high frame rates, allowing you to take full advantage of that 165Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. Because everything on-screen refreshes super quickly, your in-game movements feel silky smooth – which also provides a competitive edge when playing online. 

The Strix Gaming Laptop is also built to last. ASUS’s ROG Intelligent Cooling system, featuring a tri-fan layout, vapour chamber, and Conductonaut liquid metal, keeps the hardware running at peak performance without slowing down or excessive noise. We love the Strix design too, with its cool lighting and bold styling that give the ‘real gaming laptop’ vibe. So if you're looking for something that’s not just impressive now but will also stay reliable for years to come, this one ticks all the boxes. 

If you’re blessed with a bigger budget, then the Gigabyte AORUS Master 16 Gaming Laptop offers even more impressive performance! The latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, RTX 5080 graphics, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and 2TB SSD give you that extra boost of speed when it matters, while a WQXGA OLED display takes the resolution up to 2560 x 1600, supported by a 240Hz refresh rate, for even smoother, more detailed and immersive visuals – this is an absolute FEAST for your eyes! Windforce cooling with quad fans and a vapour chamber ensures uninterrupted, peak performance during any marathon session. You also get unbeatable futureproofing thanks to the option of user-upgradeable RAM/SSD, so you’re ahead of the crowd and staying there! 

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Copilot+ is a fantastic choice if you’re after a laptop that embraces AI in every part of your workflow. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip, which includes a 45 TOPS (tera operations per second) Neural Processing Unit for on-device AI processing. That means it can handle tasks like real-time captioning, translations, image analysis, and generating artwork without relying on cloud servers. It’s a game-changer for speed, letting you summarise long documents, transcribe meetings or lectures during Zoom calls, or even co-create art in Paint. All that power, wrapped into a beautiful 16-inch Dynamic AMOLED touchscreen, makes working and learning feel faster and more fun. 

Samsung’s tight integration with the Microsoft Copilot+ AI chatbot and broader Galaxy AI ecosystem gives you even more convenience. You can use voice prompts to ask questions, retrieve contacts, or send messages, helping you find information quickly and intuitively. If you already use a Galaxy phone or tablet, features such as Link to Windows and Circle to Search let you seamlessly pull things from your phone onto the laptop screen. We also love the Recall feature that helps you hunt down photos, videos and files, while Live Captions automatically transcribes spoken audio into text, providing real-time captions for media, calls, and even live conversations. AI is a fast developing world and Samsung promise regular updates to keep you ahead of the curve. 

The Galaxy Book4 Edge is also a standout everyday laptop in lots of other ways beyond the deep AI integration. The 3K AMOLED display is equally impressive for photo editing, work documents, YouTube breaks, and streaming. Up to 22 hours of video playback from one battery charge is great for life on the go – and it only weighs 1.55kg despite all this first-rate hardware. WiFi 7 ensures super-smooth streaming and gaming. Built-in privacy features including Samsung Knox and secure NPU processing mean your data stays safe even when using AI tools.  

The HP 14sdp5013na is ideal for everyday computing thanks to its blend of practical features and reliable performance at an impressively low price. Powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i31215U processor, it makes easy work of web browsing, Office apps, video streaming, and light multitasking. Its 14-inch Full HD antiglare screen delivers crisp, flicker-free visuals, making it easy on your eyes during long study or work sessions. Portability is another strong suit. Weighing around 1.46 kg and 1.8 cm thin, this HP 14s laptop is easy to carry around. Battery life is solid - up to 8 hours - and with HP’s Fast Charge, it can recharge to 50% in about 45 minutes. 

The HP Laptop 14s-dq5013na comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB, so it’s not built to handle a lot of multitasking or heavyweight tasks such as video editing or gaming. But when it comes to the everyday stuff, this lightweight, well-connected laptop balances performance and portability. You’ve also got plenty of connectivity with a USBC port, two USBA ports, HDMI, a microSD reader, and reliable WiFi 5/Bluetooth 4.2. 

If you’ve got a bigger budget to work with, then the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is very worthy of your consideration. At under 1.2kg in weight and just 12mm thin, it’s easy to carry but still feels robust thanks to a metal chassis. A beautiful 15.6-inch Full HD AMOLED screen brings entertainment to life in rich colours and sharp contrast. The combination of an Intel Core i3 chip, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD is fast and powerful enough to handle all your everyday computing and streaming, as well as some basic games and light photo editing. We also love the battery life of up to 10 hours that keeps any charging worries to a minimum. The backlit keyboard comes with a numeric keypad to help with data entry, which is unusual for a compact machine. The fanless design means it is quiet to run and there is also a decent selection of ports; two USB-C and one USB-A, as well as a HDMI video output. A Chromebook also has the added advantage of excellent security against malware and viruses, so your data should remain safe. 

Maintenance and Longevity Tips

Taking good care of your laptop will keep it running smoothly for years. Start with the basics: keep it clean. Gently wipe the screen and keyboard with a microfibre cloth, and use a can of compressed air to clear out dust from vents and ports. Dust buildup can cause overheating, which slows down performance and wears out internal parts. And try not to eat right over the keyboard - your laptop doesn’t need snacks! 

When your laptop acts up - maybe it’s running slow, freezing, or randomly restarting - don’t panic. Start with some basic troubleshooting: restart it (yes, that really does fix a lot), close background apps, and check for system updates. If it’s still being stubborn, look at your storage - too many files or apps and not enough space can seriously bog things down.  

Sadly, no laptop lasts forever for ever, though. If your spring-cleaning efforts don’t work and your still crashes or struggles with basic tasks it used to handle just fine, it might be time to start thinking about an upgrade. 

There’s a laptop for everyone… 

Hopefully we’ve helped you focus your thoughts on what you need from a laptop. Whether you're looking for a gaming powerhouse or a little budget laptop for streaming and surfing, there’s one out there that fits you (and your budget) just right. What’s more, Very.co.uk will still be here to help after you’ve made your decision too, starting with delivery straight to your door. Of course, your laptop will come with a manufacturer’s guarantee but you can also enjoy extra peace of mind with our optional Very Protect insurance offer, which will ensure we’ve got you covered should anything go wrong. We’ve also got a great range of accessories to enhance your laptop experience, including printers, Xbox Remote Play controllers, headsets and more!