The Best Budget Laptop for Writers in 2025

A good writing laptop doesn’t need to be packed with power – it just needs to support your writing sessions. That means a comfortable keyboard, long battery life and a screen that won’t leave your eyes sore after an hour. Everything else? Nice to have, but not essential. You’re not after a gaming laptop here but just the best budget laptop for writers that will see you through your writing projects!

The problem is, budget laptops are a mixed bag. Some are so slow you’ll spend more time staring at loading screens than actually writing while others have keyboards that feel like clunky. And then there are the ones that die after three hours, forcing you to stop mid-sentence and hunt for a charger.

I’m here to make your search a lot simpler. I’ll break down the best budget laptops for writers at £500 or less, whether you prefer Windows, ChromeOS, or macOS.

Best Overall Budget Laptop for Writers – Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)

If you want the best budget laptop for writing, full stop, the Acer Aspire 3 is the one to get. It has a 15.6 inch screen, which means more room for your words and less squinting at small text. The keyboard is full-sized and well-spaced, making it easy to type for hours without feeling cramped.

It’s also fast where it matters. This laptop has 8GB of RAM, which helps it switch between documents and research tabs without lagging. RAM (short for Random Access Memory) is what keeps things running smoothly when you have multiple programs open – it’s the difference between a laptop that can handle multitasking and one that freezes every time you switch tabs.

Battery life is 11 hours, so you won’t be reaching for the charger halfway through the day. And at 3.9 lbs, it’s light enough to take anywhere. Unlike a MacBook, it also has all the essential ports (USB, HDMI, and a headphone jack) so you can connect accessories without carrying extra adapters.

For a budget laptop at £500 that gets all the writing essentials right, this one is hard to beat.

Best Budget Windows Laptop for Writers – ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605

If you prefer Windows, the ASUS Vivobook 16 gives you a bigger screen and is overall a more powerful laptop. 

The 16-inch display makes it easier to keep multiple documents open at once. Whether you’re writing with research notes on the side or just want bigger text, the extra space makes a difference. The keyboard is backlit, well-spaced, and has a comfortable keypress, so typing feels natural and effortless.

It also has plenty of power. With 8GB of RAM, it handles multiple apps and browser tabs without freezing or slowing down. If you’re the kind of writer who jumps between Scrivener, Google Docs, and research sites, this laptop keeps up.

Storage is another strong point. It has 512GB storage, giving you plenty of space for drafts, manuscripts, and client work – which means less waiting and more writing. 

Battery life is 8-9 hours, which might just stretch to a full day of work. At 4.1 lbs, it’s still portable, and with USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI ports, you can plug in accessories without needing extra adapters. If you need a fast, capable Windows laptop with a large screen and plenty of storage, this one delivers.

Best Cheap Chromebook for Writers – Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook

For writers who work primarily in Google Docs or web-based apps, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook is a great choice. It boots up in seconds, runs smoothly without maintenance, and updates automatically so you don’t need to worry about your laptop slowing down with time. 

One of its biggest advantages is versatility. The screen flips around so you can use it like a tablet, making it perfect for reading drafts or making quick edits. The 14-inch touchscreen is bright, clear, and easy on the eyes, and if you prefer to type, the backlit keyboard feels surprisingly good for a Chromebook at this price.

Unlike Windows laptops, it’s virus-resistant and doesn’t need extra security software. ChromeOS is lightweight and clutter-free, meaning no bloatware slowing you down. Battery life is also a win – lasting up to 10 hours, even with multiple tabs open so you won’t be tied to an outlet all day. And at just 3.3 lbs, it’s light enough to take anywhere.

Best Budget MacBook for Writers – MacBook Air M1 (Refurbished)

Personally for me and thousands of other customers, the best laptops for writers come from Apple, but let’s be honest, they’re expensive! But if you’re determined to use mac, there’s only one real budget-friendly option – the MacBook Air M1.

Also, Apple might not sell “cheap” laptops, but if you buy one refurbished, you can get one of the best writing machines ever made at a reasonable price. Backmarket is a great website to find reliable second hand macbooks with different tiers for the condition you want the laptop in. 

There are a lot of reasons to go down the Apple route. First, the Magic Keyboard. If you care about key feel and typing accuracy, this is hands-down one of the best laptop keyboards available. It’s responsive, comfortable and there’s no other keyboard like it. 

Along with the high quality webcam, the battery life is insane, lasting up to 15 hours on a single charge. It’s also lightweight at 2.8 lbs, making it ideal for writing on the go. Unlike most budget laptops, it has a fanless design, meaning zero noise, zero distractions while you work.

For writers who want macOS, a top-tier keyboard, and all-day battery life without overspending, the Macbook Air M1 is one of the best laptops you can buy. 

Ready To Get The Best Budget Laptop?

Even on a budget, you can still get a great writing laptop that’s comfortable, reliable and lightweight whether you’re writing a novel, drafting articles, or working on client projects.

The best buy that balances price, keyboard quality and battery life is without a doubt the Acer Aspire 3. But if you’re set on a MacBook, you can still get one on a budget with a refurbished M1 MacBook Air.

So what are you waiting for? Your new writing laptop is waiting for you (and it won’t break the bank!)