7 Best Chromebooks for University Students That Cost Under £400

Starting university means more than moving into halls and attending lectures; it also means finding the right tools to succeed.

A laptop quickly becomes essential for essays, research, presentations, and, of course, a bit of Netflix in between.

But cost is always a concern and you need the right balance of budget and performance.

That’s where Chromebooks step in, offering budget-friendly performance without unnecessary complications.

ChromeOS runs smoothly on cheaper processors, making these devices reliable for everyday student tasks. They’re lightweight, secure, and built with simplicity in mind, giving students what they need without draining their bank accounts.

For students heading to university, they provide a cost-effective balance between performance and practicality, with enough options to suit different study needs.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514

Cost: £399 at AO

Chromebooks remain a strong option for students on a budget, offering affordable efficiency through ChromeOS, which requires fewer resources than Windows or macOS.

This allows smooth performance even on less powerful and cheaper processors.

The new Acer Chromebook Plus 514 uses the Intel Core 100U CPU, significantly stronger than earlier budget models.

While it cannot run triple-A games or complex software, it handles academic tasks reliably.

For everyday use, including writing assignments and online research, the device performs smoothly.

HP Chromebook Plus

Cost: £399 at Very

For students considering ChromeOS, the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch offers strong performance and practicality. It has over 11 hours of battery life, making it a reliable choice for long study days.

The premium-feeling build gives it a quality edge.

It also has a top-notch display and quiet cooling fans, perfect for all-nighters in the library.

This Chromebook is unsuitable for creative disciplines requiring intensive software, such as graphic design or videography.

For courses like Business Studies or Creative Writing, however, it provides consistent performance and dependable value.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

Cost: £399 at Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is tailored for students who need lightweight portability.

At 1.17kg and 11.8mm wide, it fits easily in a bag. The Neptune Blue finish and metal frame provide durability and style.

Its 1080p Full HD display delivers sharp visuals for streaming, editing, or light gaming.

Gemini integration enhances productivity.

HelpMeRead extracts key points, summarises long articles, and simplifies complex concepts, making research more efficient. HelpMeWrite supports assignments, emails, or posts, ensuring content is clear, well-structured, and appropriately styled.

For students on a budget, this Chromebook balances affordability with performance.

Portability, premium design, and AI-powered tools make it a practical study companion that helps stretch limited finances without sacrificing efficiency.

ASUS Chromebook CX1400

Cost: £329 at Very

The ASUS Chromebook CX1400 is built for students heading to university who need reliable performance without overspending. Lightweight, secure, and simple to use, it’s a practical choice for study and downtime alike.

Its 14-inch Full HD display offers sharp visuals and vivid colours, while the anti-glare panel eases long reading sessions. The 180° hinge is ideal for group work, letting students share content easily.

Powered by an Intel Celeron N6000 processor, it handles everyday tasks smoothly. With up to 10 hours of battery life, students can move between lectures, libraries, and halls without needing constant recharging.

Access to over two million apps on Google Play means productivity tools, streaming platforms, and study aids are readily available. From essays to Netflix, the Chromebook adapts to both work and relaxation.

Fast boot-up times and built-in virus protection ensure a secure, stress-free online experience. For new undergraduates, it’s an affordable laptop designed to make university life more manageable.

Acer Chromebook Spin

Cost: £229 at Very

For students wanting an adaptable device, the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 is a flexible choice.

Its 360° hinge allows laptop, tablet, tent, or display modes, making it useful for lectures, group projects, or streaming.

Powered by an Intel N100 CPU with 4GB of RAM, it delivers responsive performance for coursework and everyday tasks. With 128GB of storage, students have space for apps, assignments, and entertainment.

Battery life reaches up to 10 hours, enough for a full day on campus.

Students can work across classes, libraries, and study sessions without worrying about frequent charging.

The 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen provides more detail than Full HD, while Corning Gorilla Glass protects against scratches and cracks.

Running ChromeOS, the Spin 314 offers simplicity, speed, and strong security. With access to over three million Android apps on Google Play, students can download tools for study, productivity, and relaxation.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

Cost: £249 at Currys

Weighing only 1.3kg, the Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook is designed for portability. It fits easily into a backpack, making it convenient for studying in the library, a café, or outdoors.

Running ChromeOS, it offers access to essential apps through Google Play, from Microsoft Office to Netflix.

With up to 13.5 hours of battery life, students can handle a full day of lectures, assignments, and evening streaming without interruption.

The Full HD display ensures coursework and entertainment appear sharp and detailed. A Full HD webcam with a privacy shutter keeps video calls clear while maintaining personal security during downtime.

Powered by an octa-core MediaTek processor and 4GB of RAM, it smoothly handles browsing, emails, and document editing. Front-facing stereo speakers also make sharing videos or presentations with friends and classmates effortless.

With the added protection of Google’s H1 Security Chip, the Slim 3 emphasises safety alongside efficiency.

ASUS CM14 Flip

Cost: £349 at Currys

The ASUS Chromebook Flip offers students both laptop and tablet functionality in one device. Its 360° hinge allows quick switching between modes, including tent mode, ideal for watching films or presentations hands-free.

Weighing 1.56kg, it remains portable enough for daily university use.

With up to 14 hours of battery life, students can attend lectures, study in the library, and relax in halls without carrying a charger.

The 14-inch Full HD display provides clear visuals for coursework, browsing, and streaming. A bundled stylus makes note-taking and sketching easy, while microSD support ensures storage can expand as student needs grow.

Connectivity is simple, with one USB-A and two USB-C ports available.

Built to military-grade durability standards, the Chromebook Flip is tough enough for life on the go, from campus commutes to long study days.

Running ChromeOS, it offers a secure and straightforward experience. Access to Android apps through Google Play means students can download tools for productivity, creativity, and entertainment.

Choosing the right laptop is a crucial step for students starting university.

Chromebooks provide an affordable, reliable option for those on a budget, offering strong performance, long battery life, and secure, streamlined software.

There are devices suited to different study habits and campus lifestyles. They handle everyday tasks like essays, research, and streaming with ease, while remaining portable enough for library sessions, lectures, and downtime.

For students who want efficiency without overspending, these Chromebooks deliver value and versatility.

Investing in the right laptop now ensures a smoother, more productive university experience from the first day to graduation.