The 10 Best Windows Laptops in the UK for 2023 Reviewed

The best Windows laptop provides you with unmatched performance thanks to fast processors, longer battery life, quick refresh rates, and seamless connectivity options. With a well-rounded and all-purpose laptop, you’ll be able to seamlessly sprint through everyday tasks and, with some, even handle resource-intensive ones like coding.

However, choosing a laptop amidst an assortment of options can be difficult. That’s why we’ve found and reviewed the best Windows laptops in the UK in 2023 based on criteria like their pricing, processors, display quality, graphic cards, and battery life. Read on to learn why the Acer Aspire 5, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, and Acer Aspire 5 Slim are among the market’s top picks.

The Best Laptops for Windows Ranked for 2023

The Acer Aspire 5 has everything an ideal productivity laptop should have, including a powerful CPU, a high-quality display, and an exceptional price value proposition. However, any of the top 10 picks could be the best laptop for you, as everyone’s needs are different.

  1. Acer Aspire 5 – The best Windows laptop as it’s affordable, provides excellent performance, plus comes with a backlit keyboard, an FHD screen, and a high screen-to-body ratio.
  2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – The best budget laptop with a 15.6-inch display that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. There’s also integrated Dolby Audio for a superior multimedia experience.
  3. Acer Aspire 5 Slim – Popular laptop that’s ideal for regular usage thanks to its powerful quad-core Ryzen 3 3200U processor, its HD display, and expandable RAM (up to 16GB).
  4. OTVOC VocBook 15 – A refreshing laptop with 16GB RAM, a wide-viewing angle of 178 degrees, and an above-average 8-hour battery life, plus it can simultaneously connect to two 4K screens.
  5. ASUS TUF Gaming F15 – A highly rated gaming laptop with a GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card and WiFi 6 support, plus surround sound and two-way noise cancellation.
  6. Acer Nitro 5 – One of the best gaming laptops with an IPS display and 144 Hz refresh rate, ray tracing, Dolby Audio, and a keyboard with a red backlight.
  7. HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T – A 2-in-1 laptop that doubles up as a tablet. It has a spectacular OLED panel, a touchscreen with stylus support, superb audio quality, and an attractive design.
  8. HP Elitebook 840 G9 – The best business laptop with WiFi 6E support and 16GB RAM on the basic model. Measuring just 14 inches, it’s very portable, perfect for those who travel frequently.
  9. Dell Inspiron 3000 – A well-rounded laptop with the latest Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, it’s made of sustainable materials and impresses with its 1920 x 1080 resolution.
  10. HP 17 – A PC competitor with the biggest screen on a laptop (17.3 inches) and dozens of configurable options to choose from. Plus, it also offers an above-average 9 hours of battery life.

Should You Buy the Best Windows 10 Laptop?

Windows 10 has been a reliable and widely adopted operating system for years, offering stability, compatibility, and a vast library of applications. However, Windows 11 brings forth a host of new features, enhancements, and a refreshed user interface. It introduces:

  • A new start menu
  • Improved multitasking capabilities
  • A modern and visually appealing design with a centered taskbar

If you value these new features, a Windows 11 PC or laptop might be the way to go. That said, all compatible Windows 10 hardware is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11 — but because Microsoft changed its hardware requirements for Windows 11, not all Windows 10 devices are eligible. To qualify, you must have:

  • A recent Intel
  • AMD or ARM-based processor
  • At least 4GB RAM/64GB storage
  • A 9-inch or larger 720p monitor

It’s crucial to consider the longevity of the operating system. While Windows 10 will continue to receive support until October 14, 2025, Windows 11 is expected to have a longer support lifecycle. Opting for the latest installment ensures access to the latest features, security updates, and ongoing support for an extended period.

All in all, choosing between a laptop or computer with Windows 10 or 11 boils down to your specific needs, hardware compatibility, and preferences. Windows 10 provides a stable and mature operating system with widespread compatibility, while Windows 11 offers new features, enhancements, and a modern user interface.

The Best Microsoft Laptops for the UK Reviewed

Our team has explored tons of the market’s top Windows laptops. These proved to be standout options, but to help you better understand how they made it on our list, we’ll explore each one in more depth below — including their best features, each one’s pros and cons, and pricing.

1. Acer Aspire 5 — The Best UK Windows Laptop

The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the most well-rounded Windows laptops on the market right now. With a Ryzen 3 3350U processor, it’s a workhorse that’s perfect for office work and college as it can handle multiple tasks simultaneously without breaking a sweat. So if you’re a multi-tasker and want dozens of tabs open, this will serve you nicely.

Keeping its use case in mind, the processor is more than sufficient, and it pulls through together nicely for a chill gaming session as well. You can easily run lighter titles like Rocket League and Valorant. The battery life of 8 hours is more than decent and will easily carry you through the day.

It has several appreciable add-ons, like the fingerprint sensor at the top left side of the touchpad adds an extra layer of security, which becomes very important when your office has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) system that determines the extent of an employee’s use of personal devices in the office.

Acer Aspire 5

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£719.20 Windows 10 Home (Upgradable to Windows 11) 1920×1080 (FHD) ‎AMD 3.5GHz 4GB AMD Integrated 4GB 128GB 8 hours

At just 0.7-inch thickness and around 4 pounds in weight, the thin and light feel of the laptop makes it super convenient to carry around. The display is 15.6 inches with an 82.58% screen-to-body ratio and is a stunning bright Full HD screen. Considering its price, the display is as good as it can get.

On the left side, you’ll find a Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting the device to a network, an HDMI port, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, and a single USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port. Additionally, there’s also a USB 2.0 Type-A port and a combo audio jack on the right side.

The difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 is the amount of data that can be transferred. With USB 2.0, you get 480Mbps speed, and with USB 3.0, you get 5Gbps transfer speed. All things considered, the laptop has everything except for a memory-card reader, so you won’t to able to directly insert your mobile phone or camera to access the data.

On the bright side — quite literally — the laptop offers a backlit keyboard which is very convenient in dark environments, and there’s sufficient room to dig your fingers in and type fast.

Concluding, the Acer Aspire 5 is a solid laptop that offers an incredible value-for-money package for both work and play, making it ideal for just about everyone. As it’s easily upgradeable despite having a solid base offering, we have no doubt that it’s among the very best laptops in the UK.

Pros

  • The best Windows 10 laptop
  • A long-lasting battery of around 8 hours
  • Impressive quad-core performance
  • Slim and attractive chassis
  • Fingerprint scanner and a backlit keyboard

Cons

  • Doesn’t have an integrated memory card reader

2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 — Best Budget Laptop Windows Laptop UK

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 packs a hefty punch for its price, so if your memo is a lot for as little as possible, this one is for you. It comes with a 256GB SSD — which is more reliable, durable, and lightweight than traditional HDDs. With a Solid-State Drive, your device will boot up within seconds and run without issues — you’ll also get better data transfer speeds.

The laptop’s typing experience is phenomenal, too. The keys are well-spaced, and the typing feels responsive and substantial but soft at the same time. So, although it isn’t a full-sized keyboard, it’s pretty convenient to work with.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£311.41 Windows 11 Home 1366x 768

(HD)

3 GHz core i3 Intel UHD graphics 8GB 256GB 7 hours

The 11th Gen Intel Core processor can get you through the day as far as web browsing or streaming is concerned, and with a 7-hour battery life, it’ll manage a full day on moderate use. There’s also an integrated Dolby audio system that’ll greatly enhance your multimedia experience.

What’s nice is that there’s a privacy shield on the 720p webcam so that when you’re not using it, you’re protected from hackers and intruders. And similar to our first product — the Acer Aspire 5 — it has a 15.6-inch display along with a classy black body.

It edges past the Acer Aspire 5 with 8GB RAM and pre-installed Windows 11, hence why it’s often considered the best Windows laptop under 300 pounds when it frequently goes on discount. That said, as with most modern budget laptops, extensive gaming or video editing isn’t ideal, but it handles most user needs effortlessly.

Pros

  • A comfortable keyboard for smooth functioning
  • It’s an affordable laptop for work and play
  • A decent 720p webcam
  • 8GB high-bandwidth RAM
  • Integrated Dolby audio system

Cons

  • Battery life could be better

3. Acer Aspire 5 Slim — Popular Laptop With Expandable RAM Up to 16GB

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim is a powerful laptop that looks and feels premium despite being affordable. It comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, so big thumbs up for that. You can push its boundaries thanks to its capability to expand its 4GB RAM to 16GB, as a memory extension feature is rarely found in laptops of this range.

The laptop measures 14.3 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches, which is standard for budget laptops. What gives it a premium look is its Aluminum lid which can be turned back up to 180 degrees, so you can even lay the laptop flat on the desk. The bezels are extremely slim, making for an impressive 82.58% screen-to-body ratio.

Similar to other premium Aspire 5 models, the 15.6-inch display is bright and comfortable to watch, beautifully warding off the reflections on the screen. While viewing, we recommend avoiding going below the 45-degree mark for perfect vision as the screen becomes a little dull after that — nothing too bothersome though.

Acer Aspire 5 Slim

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£475.00 Windows 11 S 1920x 1080p (FHD) Ryzen 3 3200U AMD Radeon Vega 3 4GB (expandable to 16GB) 128GB 7.5 Hours

Adding to the premium feel, it has a backlit keyboard, something even the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 lacks, plus its 1920 x 1080 resolution is better than many others, including the IdeaPad 3. One little letdown of this product which the IdeaPad 3 covers really well, is the number pad — it’s narrower than you’d expect, but it’s still decent, and the functional trackpad makes up for it.

The laptop can work on countless Chrome tabs at a time with its powerful Ryzen 3 3200U processor. Also, there’s built-in Alexa to help you run quick commands from the laptop, such as increasing or decreasing the volume or brightness and for quick Google searches.

Yes, the speakers of Acer 5 Slim aren’t the best we’ve seen, which is why we recommend that you get a speaker along with the laptop if you want to stream shows on the laptop.

Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim is a refreshing model with narrow bezels that looks futuristic and brings the best of both worlds to users with its inexpensive price and high-end features. With an industry average of 7.5 hours of battery life, there’s little to not like about this laptop.

Pros

  • RAM is expandable to 16GB
  • Narrow bezels with an 82.58% screen-to-body ratio
  • Powerful quad-core Ryzen 3 3200U processor
  • Impressive resolution of 1920 x 1080
  • Comes with built-in Alexa

Cons

  • Lacks a USB-C port

4. OTVOC VocBook 15 — A Beast of a Laptop With Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life

The OTVOC VocBook 15 is what we’d easily consider the best cheapest Windows laptop, perfect for users who want something fresh. While most laptops in the market today have 4-12GB RAM, this laptop boasts a spectacular 16GB RAM for faster and smoother functioning.

It’s one of the fastest and most efficient laptops in its price range (even with a 1.1 Ghz processor), and it’ll race through any task you put in front of it, from extensive web browsing to video editing or even gaming.

What makes this laptop truly stand out is its ability to connect with two 4K screens at the same time. This comes in handy when you want to multitask or share your stuff (photos or videos or a project you’re working on) with everyone in the room. With a stunning 15.6-inch Full HD display, you get exceptional clarity and color accuracy.

OTVOC VocBook 15

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£305.23 Windows 11 Home 1920 x 1080(FHD) ‎1.1 GHz Celeron Intel UHD Graphics Integrated 16GB 256GB (expandable to 4TB) 8-10 hours

It has a wide-viewing angle of 178 degrees, so irrespective of the angle from which you’re viewing, you get crystal-clear vision. On top of that, you can bend the laptop up to 180 degrees, meaning you can fully open and lay it flat on the ground if you need to.

The laptop features the powerful Intel N5100 chipset that delivers amazing visuals and seamless multitasking, so it performs even the most demanding of tasks like it’s a cakewalk. Not to forget, the 8-hour battery will last you the entire day for peak productivity and uninterrupted work from anywhere. However, the keyboard isn’t backlit, but unless this is what you want, it usually isn’t a deal breaker.

Overall, we’re glad that the OTVOC VocBook 15 is here to stay because the features this laptop provides for its price point are almost too good to be true. It shapes up as tough competition to the industry juggernauts like Acer, Lenovo, and Dell.

Pros

  • 512GB NvMe SSD storage
  • Powerful 16GB RAM
  • The best budget Windows laptop
  • Its storage can be expanded up to a whopping 4TB
  • Easy and quick to set up

Cons

  • Loud fan noise can be off-putting for some
  • The keyboard isn’t backlit

5. ASUS TUF Gaming F15 — The Best Gaming Windows Laptop With WiFi 6 Compatibility

The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a robust 1080p gaming laptop with a 15-inch display and 16:9 aspect ratio. It has a pleasant gaming aesthetic that’s been a delight for gamers for the past few years. The balanced design will blend into any professional or gaming environment.

It has a backlit keyboard that’s very comfortable to use with its WASD keys firmly set in, and the trackpad is spacious, highly responsive, and smooth to run your fingers on. However, there isn’t capacitive touch — technology that helps your trackpad differentiate between the different strokes — which makes it more intuitive and user-friendly.

That said, considering what is on offer, unless this is something you’d want, it’s generally not a deal breaker because whether it’s video editing, using multiple tabs simultaneously, or of course, gaming, you can do everything with this laptop.

Asus TUF Gaming Laptop

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£534.52 Windows 11 Home 1920 x 1080 (FHD) ‎4.5 GHz core i5 ‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 8GB 512GB 5 hours 30 minutes

The 720p webcam is perfect for meetings, and you get a consistent 54 frames per second for lag-free and smooth gaming. Windows 11 also comes pre-installed, so you don’t have to worry about any updates. The new WiFi 6 support is a standout feature of this laptop, as it’s much faster than the WiFi 5 that most laptops are compatible with.

The graphics performance is superb thanks to what is possibly one of the best graphics cards in a laptop right now – the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU. Its powerful processor, the Intel Core i5-11400H, will make even the most intense workloads look like a walk in the park.

As a bonus, you get an immersive gaming experience with its 7.1 channel surround sound, the two-way AI noise cancellation technology delivers crystal-clear sound, and there’s an array of ports to connect your headphones and other devices to the laptop. You get an:

  • RJ45 LAN port
  • 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
  • 1x USB Type C port with Thunderbolt 4

Plus DisplayPort support — which is primarily meant for connecting a display device and a video source. The only thing that could be improved with this UK laptop is the battery life. It lasts for less than 6 hours on a single charge, which is a little low, but again, gaming means heavy usage, so the battery life is really on par with any 8-hour laptop meant for normal use.

Pros

  • A clear 1080p display for superior gaming
  • It offers excellent value for money
  • One of the best gaming laptops in the UK
  • The laptop comes with WiFi 6 support
  • Powerful RTX 2050 graphics card
  • Impressive surround sound for immersive gaming

Cons

  • Battery life is less than 6 hours

6. Acer Nitro 5 — Best Windows Gaming Laptop with IPS Display and 144Hz Refresh Rate

The Acer Nitro 5 is a power-packed gaming laptop capable of running almost any game without issues, thanks to its DirectX 12 Ultimate — a graphics application programming interface that stimulates the path of light rays as they interact with objects in a scene for a more realistic and accurate rendering of light, shadows, and reflections.

Beyond this, you’ll know it’s a gaming laptop because of its sturdy and sporty hood that’s cut around the edges, and what truly provides the gaming ambient is its red-lit keyboard. The display is a stunning IPS screen with a 144 Hz of refresh rate (the number of times your screen refreshes in a second). A high refresh rate like this ensures smooth gaming.

And if you’re wondering whether an IPS display is on par with an LED one, you’ll be glad to know that the former actually produces brighter and more accurate colors, plus more viewing angles than its counterpart.

Acer Nitro 5

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£699.00 Windows 11 Home 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Intel Core i5 10300H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 8GB 256GB 11 hours

Another feature is its Variable Rate Shading, which helps you concentrate on your game by reducing the picture quality of the background and increasing the picture quality of the main object on the screen.

For example, if you’re playing a racing game, the car and other details in the foreground will become more prominent on the screen, and the background will appear less detailed when compared to the car. This helps the device manage the processing power more efficiently by directing it to where it matters.

With an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, you get an immersive and intelligent gaming experience at 1080p with AI support. You can easily play Assassin’s Creed Valhalla at Ultra HD, which is a demanding game.

There’s little to complain about on the sound front, as the Dolby Audio software delivers premium sound quality, but as a gaming laptop, the camera isn’t its strongest point, and understandably so. At its highest setting of 30 fps (frames per second), the 720p camera is a bit blurry, but if you need a camera for regular video calls, it’ll do just fine.

Besides gaming, streaming with this laptop will also be a breeze, thanks to rapid WiFi 6 support for quick and seamless connectivity. There’s also an 11-hour battery life, which makes it a compelling value package overall.

Pros

  • Stellar connectivity with WiFi 6 support
  • FHD display for clear visuals
  • 11 hours of battery life
  • High 144Hz refresh rate
  • Cool-looking keyboard with red backlight

Cons

  • The camera isn’t of the best quality

7. HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T — 2-in-1 Laptop plus Tablet for Superior Portability

The HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T is a stunning business convertible laptop with premium features. What sets this Windows notebook apart from its older versions and other laptops in the market is its OLED panel – most laptops on our list have an FHD screen. OLED is better because the contrast, color reproduction, and viewing angles of OLED are superior to that on offer with FHD displays.

The older versions of the HP Spectre have been known for their phenomenal keyboards and trackpads, and this model is no exception in that regard. Despite being a compact-sized laptop, the typing experience is quite comfortable and enjoyable. The trackpad is massive, but as with MacBook pads, it’s incredibly responsive and smooth.

HP Spectre x360

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£1165.59 Windows 10 Pro (Upgradable to Windows 11) 1920 x 1280 (FHD) 2.8 GHz core i7 family Intel Integrated 16 GB 512 GB 10 hours

The key selling point has to be convertibility and versatility. You can turn the keyboard 360 degrees and use it as a tablet. Here, the display ratio of 4:3 does its trick and makes the tablet comfortable to hold. The touchscreen display enhances productivity, and the stylus is a superb add-on.

You get an HP Pen MPP 2.0 stylus that’s perfectly smooth and offers an accurate amount of sensitivity on the screen, but remember that you can use any compatible stylus with this laptop, such as the Microsoft Surface Pen.

A feature that makes the HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T so remarkable for watching content is its spectacular sound quality. You can tune in at high volumes without worrying about sound clarity, and if you’re a bass head, this might just be your new favorite device for listening to music. On comparing, we figured that the audio quality and volume capacity was as good as a MacBook Air.

Pros

  • It comes with a high-utility stylus
  • 2-in-1 laptop plus tablet with 360-degree flexibility
  • Responsive touchscreen display
  • Spectacular OLED display
  • Above-average battery life of 10 hours

Cons

  • A little heavy to carry around

8. HP Elitebook 840 G9 — Best Business Laptop With 16GB RAM and WiFi 6E Support

The HP Elitebook 840 G9 is one of the best business laptops on the market, with Wi-Fi 6E compatibility and 5G mobile broadband. It’s not a budget laptop by any means, but if you look at some of the Elitebook models by HP, this is among the affordable options.

There are ample RAM and storage options to choose from – from 16 to 64GB RAM and 512GB to 4TB SSD storage. You can choose one according to your use case – most consumer laptops don’t give you this liberty. Even the basic model has a massive 512GB storage, so there’s hardly any under-equipped model with this series of business laptops.

Right off the bat, what strikes us as a much-needed feature for a business laptop is the compact 14-inch display. This brings about maximum portability. The chassis of this laptop is similar to the Elitebook 845 G9, measuring 12.42 x 8.82 x 0.76 inches.

HP EliteBook 840 G9

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£1,259.99 Windows 11 Pro 1920 x 1200(FHD) ‎3 GHz core i7 family Intel Iris Xe Graphics 16 GB 512 GB 14 hours

This is a bit smaller than the standard size, but it makes it perfect for carrying around in meetings. The entire chassis is made of aluminum, and the hood looks slim but tough. It also breaks the norm of 720p webcams. The HP Elitebook G9 features a decent 5MP camera along with other advanced tools that allow you to select the framing for your head and upper body while using it.

Also, there’s a backlight and low-light adjustment feature for enhancing the picture quality according to the background and lighting of the room. A privacy shutter on the webcam is always appreciated. All of this together ensure superb performance for video meetings.

For a superior viewing experience, the laptop has an anti-glare coating, meaning no matter how bright the environment is, you won’t strain your eyes. While it would’ve been great to have higher resolution, the 1920 x 1200 display delivers super crisp and bright images, and given that the screen is 14 inches, the display feels that much better.

All in all, with its smartly tailored features, the HP Elitebook 840 G9 is the best bet for people looking for a speedy and functioning business laptop with high camera quality.

Pros

  • Best battery life Windows laptop (14 hours)
  • The CPU is from the i7 series, better than the peers
  • 4G and 5G broadband connectivity are available
  • A wide array of RAM and storage combinations to choose from
  • Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a UHD or QHD display

9. Dell Inspiron 3000 — Superb Overall Package Built with Sustainable Materials

The Dell Inspiron 3000 is an ultraportable laptop that’s ideal for budget-conscious users who want a laptop for everyday tasks. It follows in the footsteps of the HP Elitebook 840 G9 by offering multiple combinations of RAM and storage, with the basic model coming in at 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage.

The laptop comes with Windows 11 Pro – impressive at this price point. It has the standard 15.6 inches display, and the Celeron CPU is capable of carrying out basic tasks, such as those involving spreadsheets or formatting a document with ease, but nothing too demanding like gaming or running high-end editing applications.

Dell Inspiron 3000

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£358.31 Windows 11 Pro 1366 x 768 (FHD) ‎1 GHz Celeron ‎Intel UHD Graphics 8GB 256GB 4-6 hours

There’s only so much you can expect from a budget laptop, but the Inspiron 3000 has nearly everything you’d need for your daily tasks. It has a battery that lasts a little less than 8 hours, so if you want a laptop that gets you through the entire day without looking for a power socket, this will do nicely.

Besides being built to last, the stunning black color gives the laptop a sophisticated and clean look, and it’s also pretty lightweight for a 15-inch laptop. It’s worth noting that Dell is taking an environment-friendly approach with this laptop. The packing tray and other packaging materials are almost entirely made of recycled paper, and a lot of recycled plastic has gone into the making of the laptop as well.

A major update that we’ve seen in this series is the display quality jumping from 1280 x 720p to 1920 x 1080p, and as the numbers suggest, they make an enormous difference in the display. The screen is better, brighter, and clearer now.

Pros

  • Easy to carry around, weighing just 3.91 pounds
  • Comes with Windows 11 Pro right out of the box
  • It’s built from recycled materials
  • FHD screen with 1920 x 1200 display

Cons

  • Lacks USB-C port
  • The webcam image quality is poor

10. HP 17 — Best Windows 11 Laptop UK with the Biggest Screen of 17.3 Inches

The HP 17 is a very configurable laptop, and you’ll get everything you can expect from a well-rounded laptop. You can select a combination of both an HDD drive and an SSD drive so that you can have large storage and quick access. There are color options and display options, including a touchscreen display – you can configure the device any way you want. However, there’s no backlit keyboard.

HP 17

Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
£427.22 Windows 11 1366 x 768p (HD+) ‎2 GHz Apple ci3 Intel Integrated 8GB 256GB 7 hours

The main talking point has to be the massive 17.3-inch display – it’s huge, and anyone looking for a PC-like experience with portability is going to love it. What’s more impressive is that the thin bezels around the 17.3-inch display allow you to fit the laptop into a 16-inch laptop bag, making it easy to travel with what’s otherwise not the lightest laptop that we’ve laid our hands on.

Although there are plenty of ports available, the device lacks an SD or microSD card slot. There’s also no ethernet port, and the USB-C port that is there doesn’t support a second display. Also, the barrel connection for charging feels a little dated. But if you don’t seem to find any major utility in these ports, there really isn’t any other issue with this device.

The battery life is average, but it could be better. You’ll get 7 hours of screen time, so this should be enough for most looking to take the laptop out for a day and work wherever you want. Overall though, it’s clear that HP is targeting both the laptop and the PC market with the new HP 17, as it doesn’t take as much space as a desktop, costs less, is portable, and delivers just as powerful performance as a PC.

Pros

  • A highly configurable laptop
  • The biggest screen on a laptop – 17.3 inches
  • It comes with Windows 11
  • HD+ display for better clarity on a big screen

Cons

  • Just 7 hours of battery life
  • No option to add a backlit keyboard

The Top Laptops for Windows Compared

Here’s a table highlighting the key differences between each of our top picks so that you can make an informed decision quickly:

Windows Laptop Price OS Resolution CPU GPU RAM Storage Battery
Acer Aspire 5 £719.20 Windows 10 Home (Upgradable to Windows 11) 1920×1080 (FHD) ‎AMD 3.5GHz 4GB AMD Integrated 4GB 128GB 8 hours
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 £311.41 Windows 11 Home 1366x 768

(HD)

3 GHz core i3 Intel UHD graphics 8GB 256GB 7 hours
Acer Aspire 5 Slim £475.00 Windows 11 S 1920x 1080p (FHD) Ryzen 3 3200U AMD Radeon Vega 3 4GB 128GB 7.5 Hours
OTVOC VocBook 15 £305.23 Windows 11 Home 1920 x 1080(FHD) ‎1.1 GHz Celeron Intel UHD Graphics Integrated 16GB 256GB 8-10 hours
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 £534.52 Windows 11 Home 1920 x 1080 (FHD) ‎4.5 GHz core i5 ‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 8GB 512GB 5 hours 30 minutes
Acer Nitro 5 £699.00 Windows 11 Home 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Intel Core i5 10300H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 8GB 256GB 11 hours
HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T £1165.59 Windows 10 Pro (Upgradable to Windows 11) 1920 x 1280 (FHD) 2.8 GHz core i7 family Intel Integrated 16 GB 512 GB 10 hours
HP Elitebook 840 G9 £1,259.99 Windows 11 Pro 1920 x 1200(FHD) ‎3 GHz core i7 family Intel Iris Xe Graphics 16 GB 512 GB 14 hours
Dell Inspiron 3000 £358.31 Windows 11 Pro 1366 x 768 (FHD) ‎1 GHz Celeron ‎Intel UHD Graphics 8GB 256GB 4-6 hours
HP 17 £427.22 Windows 11 1366 x 768p (HD+) ‎2 GHz Apple ci3 Intel Integrated 8GB 256GB 7 hours

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Windows Laptop for You

Choosing the right laptop from the abundance of options can be daunting. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of essential criteria you can use as a checklist while searching for your ideal laptop:

Display

Screen size determines the overall viewing area, and it should be chosen based on personal preference and the intended usage of the laptop. A larger screen may be preferable for gaming, content creation, or multimedia consumption, while a smaller screen can offer better portability.

Display resolution determines the level of detail and clarity, with higher resolutions providing sharper visuals. Additionally, factors like color accuracy, contrast ratio, and brightness levels contribute to an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.

Touchscreen functionality may also be a consideration, depending on your needs and preferences. Our list includes options for various needs, including 2-in-1 laptops, gaming ones, and solutions perfect for business needs.

Battery Life

The battery life of a laptop determines how long you can use it without needing to plug it in, providing you with the freedom to work, study, or enjoy entertainment on the go. The most convenient way to estimate a battery’s life is to look at the manufacturer’s stated number of hours. You can also look at the Watt-hours (Wh) or milliAmp-hours (mAh).

As such, it’s important to carefully review the specifications and the hourly estimations to find one you’d be happy with investing in.

Usage 

Different users have different needs and requirements, whether for work, gaming, content creation, or general everyday use. Assessing your use case helps determine the necessary hardware specifications, such as processor power, RAM, storage capacity, and graphics capabilities.

For example, a professional video editor may require a laptop with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. If you’re a casual user who primarily needs a laptop for web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption, a more budget-friendly option with moderate specifications might suffice.

Hardware

The hardware components of a laptop significantly impact its performance and capabilities. Factors such as the processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card are vital in determining how well the laptop can handle various tasks and applications.

A powerful processor and ample RAM are essential for smooth multitasking, running demanding software, and handling resource-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming.

Sufficient storage capacity ensures enough space for your files, programs, and media. That said, the graphics card is particularly important for gamers or those with graphic-intensive applications. Choose a Windows laptop that meets your performance requirements and provides an optimal user experience for your intended usage.

Brand 

Different laptop brands have their strengths and weaknesses, reputation, and varying levels of customer support. They offer various models to choose from, catering to different needs and budgets. The best laptop brands often have a strong user community, making finding support, troubleshooting resources, and software compatibility information easier.

Researching and comparing specific models within a brand is crucial, as the quality and features can vary even within a single manufacturer. Going through our expertly written reviews, making your own comparisons with the stated specifications in tables, reading each product’s pros and cons, and considering factors like after-sales support can help you make an informed decision about the brand that aligns with your expectations and requirements.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of a laptop directly impact its portability and ease of use. If you plan to carry your laptop frequently for work or commuting, a compact and lightweight design can make a significant difference in your comfort and convenience.

Smaller and lighter laptops are easier to fit into bags, occupy less space on desks or crowded spaces, and are generally more manageable to carry around. Consider your specific needs, preferences, and usage scenarios to determine the optimal size and weight that’ll balance portability and usability for your Windows laptop.

Price

Your budget plays a significant role in determining the options available to you. Establishing a budget range and finding a laptop that offers the best value for your investment is important. Higher-priced laptops often have more powerful hardware, better build quality, and additional features.

You’ll need to spend more on a laptop for tasks like gaming or video editing. On the other hand, if your needs are more generic, we’ve included the best budget-friendly options that still provide satisfactory performance and reliability.

Are Windows Laptops Better Than Apple MacBooks and Chromebooks?

Windows is a highly popular operating system that offers various software and applications to cater to different needs. Windows laptops come in different hardware options, from affordable models to high-performance machines, allowing you to pick one that suits your requirements for performance, storage, graphics, and display.

Additionally, Windows laptops offer greater customization and compatibility, making them perfect for professionals, gamers, or anyone with specific software needs. On the other hand, Apple MacBooks are known for their premium build quality, sleek design, and quick processors. They’re well-suited for creative professionals and those who value performance, design, and ease of use.

MacBooks typically have a higher price point than Windows laptops, but they often deliver exceptional performance, long-lasting battery life, and excellent displays. MacBooks also provide seamless integration with other Apple devices, making them a preferred choice for users invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Chromebooks, powered by Google’s Chrome OS, are designed for simplicity, fast boot times, and cloud-centric workflows. Chromebooks are generally more affordable compared to Windows laptops and MacBooks. They offer a lightweight and portable option, making them suitable for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. However, their reliance on web-based applications and limited offline functionality may be a drawback for users who require extensive software support or offline capabilities.

Considering your intended usage, desired features, software compatibility, and budget will help guide your decision in selecting the most suitable option. Here’s a table comparing the specs of each:

Parameter Windows  Apple MacBooks Chromebooks 
Operating system  Windows MacOS ChromeOS
Processor  Intel core Intel core or M1 chip Mobile chip
Microsoft Office  Windows Office Mac Office Web apps
Screen size 11-17 inches 12-15 inches 10-15 inches
Storage  128GB – 1TB 128 – 500 GB 32GB+
Battery life  3-12 hours 10-12 hours 10+ hours
Price  $300 – $2,500 $999 – $2,888 $200 – $1,400

Conclusion – What is the Best Windows Laptop in the UK for 2023?

Our list of the best Windows laptop in the UK has everything you could ask for. From budget laptops for everyday casual use to high-end laptops with the latest processors, gaming built, and longer battery life – we’ve covered it all.

However, no matter what you’ve been looking for, the Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent all-season choice. Its AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor is strong enough to handle all kinds of computing needs. Coupled with an 8-hour long battery life and a 15.6-inch bright FHD screen, the Acer Aspire 5 is a complete Windows laptop that gets the job done.

Windows Laptop FAQs

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Krishi Chowdhary

Krishi is an experienced B2B and B2C content writer who reviews and compares different software to help both individuals and businesses find the right programs for their needs. Krishi's specialized writing educational material on customer relationship management (CRM) software and project management tools, but he also covers many other software topics for Techopedia, including antivirus programs.