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LaptopsHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Laptops for Kids UK 2024 | Apple, HP and More 1
  • 10 Best Laptops for Kids UK 2024 | Apple, HP and More 2
  • 10 Best Laptops for Kids UK 2024 | Apple, HP and More 3
  • 10 Best Laptops for Kids UK 2024 | Apple, HP and More 4
  • 10 Best Laptops for Kids UK 2024 | Apple, HP and More 5

10 Best Laptops for Kids UK 2024 | Apple, HP and More

Finding the right laptop is tricky for anyone, but perhaps even more so when shopping for kids or a shared family computer. There are hundreds of options on the market and all of them claim to be the best in some way or another. So how do you identify exactly what you need from this machine? 


To help you out, we’ve put together a buying guide that'll advise you on a product that both you and your child will be happy with, whether it's mainly for school and homework or for gaming and entertainment too. All of our options are available on Amazon, John Lewis and Argos from trusted brands like Acer, Apple, HP and Lenovo. 

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Laptops for Kids

1

Microsoft

Surface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC
Surface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC

The Power and Function of a Laptop With the Portability of a Tablet

2

Lenovo

IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
IdeaPad Duet Chromebook

A Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop From a Reliable Range

3

Acer

Chromebook CB514CB514-1HT
Chromebook CB514

A Robust Aluminium Laptop With Mammoth Battery Life

4

ASUS

VivoBook X705 Celeron Laptop
VivoBook X705 Celeron Laptop

A Larger Screen Option With Big Storage

5

Apple

MacBook Air 2020
MacBook Air 2020

A Worthwhile Investment With 18 Hour Battery Life and Apple's M1 8-core GPU

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Guide
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Laptop for Kids in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Decide Between Windows, Chrome and Apple Operating Systems
  2. Pick a Manageable 11-13" Screen Size if Portability Is Important
  3. Look For at Least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of Flash Memory
  4. Make Sure It'll Have Enough Battery for the Day and Level of Use
1

Decide Between Windows, Google’s Chrome OS and Apple’s Mac Operating System

Decide Between Windows, Google’s Chrome OS and Apple’s Mac Operating System

If You're After a Simple Interface That's Easy for Your Child to Use, Choose Apple

Apple products use their App Store marketplace, which has thousands of games and educational tools available. Their interface is simple and easy to use, and there are also fewer models, so it’s slightly less confusing when comparing products. Plus, if the rest of the family use Apple devices, you can sync everything up. 


There are plenty of safety features, too, but you'll need to find and implement these on your own, which may require some tech knowledge if you're not already a convert. And as with all products from this brand, the price tag comes with the infamous 'Apple Tax'.


If you've settled on Apple, you might need to pick up a MacBook adaptor 

For the Most Effective Kid-Safe Features, Get Windows

As well as being the most common, the main draw of products that use Windows operating systems is that they have a specific mode called ‘S mode’, a more locked-down version of their system, which is ideal for young users. 


Essentially, this means whoever is using it can only visit websites on Microsoft’s Edge browser, which has great parental controls. Plus, they’ll only be allowed to download content from the official app store, so there’ll be no sneaky applications from dodgy websites. 

If You're an Android User Wanting to Run Apps from Play Store, Opt for Chrome OS

The Chrome OS operating system allows for your child to use web applications (that you’ve allowed through security) as well as running apps from the Google Play store. This is the app marketplace used on Android phones, so this might be a good option if you or they already use Android. 


On the other hand, if your child has been asking for a phone for games but you’re not sure, this could be a good compromise. Chrome laptops are also known for being affordable. 

2

Pick a Manageable Screen Size of 11-13 Inches for Portability

Pick a Manageable Screen Size of 11-13 Inches for Portability

While we often believe that a bigger screen is better, this isn’t always true when considering a laptop and will depend on where they'll use it. Though it will be preferable if your child intends to use their laptop primarily for entertainment, the bigger the screen, the more it’s going to weigh, which is worth a thought if they need to take their machine to school. 


Screens around 11-13 inches usually weigh around 1-1.5 kg, which we think is a manageable amount for them to lug around whilst still having enough screen surface to see everything properly. Anything over this is better suited to kids who'll use their laptop mostly at home for streaming, gaming and TV. 


Considering something more portable? Read our reviews of the best tablets for kids

3

Check That the Storage Is at Least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of Flash Memory

Check That the Storage Is at Least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of Flash Memory

There are two types of storage used on a laptop: RAM and flash memory. The bare minimum we would recommend is 4GB of RAM and 64GB of flash memory. This would be more than adequate for school purposes. 


However, if you’re wanting the laptop to be an entertainment device too, then consider bumping this up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of flash. If you’re selecting a Windows operating system, then it may be worth going even higher. The files that run their system can take up a huge amount of space, which would not leave much room for games or other apps. 

4

Make Sure It'll Have Enough Battery for the Day and Level of Use

Make Sure It'll Have Enough Battery for the Day and Level of Use

While it is still important, battery life is not the issue it was 5 or 10 years ago. Most laptops, even the economical options, will last a full day at school or an evening session at least. 


However, we’d recommend something that lasts at least 9 hours. This way, they can use it both at school and for some entertainment in the evening if they (or you) would like without plugging in. It can then be popped on charge overnight ready for the next day. 


Don't forget a good laptop backpack if they'll be carting it to school or college

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Laptops for Kids in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Microsoft

Surface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC

Microsoft Surface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC  1

The Power and Function of a Laptop With the Portability of a Tablet

2

Lenovo

IdeaPad Duet Chromebook

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook 1

A Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop From a Reliable Range

3

Acer

Chromebook CB514CB514-1HT

Acer Chromebook CB514 1

A Robust Aluminium Laptop With Mammoth Battery Life

4

ASUS

VivoBook X705 Celeron Laptop

ASUS VivoBook X705 Celeron Laptop 1

A Larger Screen Option With Big Storage

5

Apple

MacBook Air 2020

Apple MacBook Air 2020 1

A Worthwhile Investment With 18 Hour Battery Life and Apple's M1 8-core GPU

6

Microsoft

Surface 4

Microsoft Surface 4  1

A Laptop That Grows With Your Child

7

Acer

Chromebook Spin 311

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 1

Built to Military Grade Specifications

8

HP

Chromebook 1111-v001na

HP Chromebook 11 1

The Perfect Size for Little Hands

9

Google

Pixelbook Go

Google  Pixelbook Go 1

Great Choice for a Premium, Lightweight Chromebook

10

Dell

G15 5515 Gaming Laptop

Dell G15 5515 Gaming Laptop 1

A Trusty Stead for Gaming, Streaming and Entertainment

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Microsoft
Surface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC

Surface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Surface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Surface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£559.15
Mid
Reference price
£559.15
Mid

The Power and Function of a Laptop With the Portability of a Tablet

This super lightweight offering from Microsoft is capable of being either a tablet or a laptop – just attach the keyboard, flip up the kickstand on the back of the screen, and you're away. Whether being used for homework, social media or TV in the car, this well-built machine is exceptional.


It runs on a full Windows 11 operating system, so it's capable of all the functions a normal laptop would be. It also comes with Windows S mode, which is the safety feature built with children's use in mind, a good battery life, and super-fast speeds. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Lenovo
IdeaPad Duet Chromebook

Reference price
£229.00
Low Mid

A Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop From a Reliable Range

This laptop from Lenovo is compact and light, but capable of withstanding plenty of use with its sandblasted aluminium cover. Price-wise, it's one of the most affordable in their ThinkPad range, yet it doesn't scrimp on the necessities. 


Additionally, it has enough power for a day's work, as well as a little more in the tank for homework or TV. An excellent choice if you can't decide between a laptop and a tablet, it's easily converted and has an 8MP rear camera for snapping photos too. 

No.3

Acer
Chromebook CB514CB514-1HT

Chromebook CB514 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Chromebook CB514 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Chromebook CB514 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£362.32
Mid

A Robust Aluminium Laptop With Mammoth Battery Life

Built from aluminium, this frame is solid and resilient, which is particularly useful if it's being carted around a lot. There's also a mammoth battery life of 12 hours, which could easily make it through two days of school. Plus, it has integrated anti-virus software so your child and their homework files will be safe. 


The screen is full HD (and a touchscreen) so they'll have ultimate viewing pleasure when watching their favourite movies, and with the operating system Chrome OS, they'll have access to Google Play. The keyboard is bouncy and responsive as well as being backlit, making it perfect for those late-night essays.

No.4

ASUS
VivoBook X705 Celeron Laptop

Reference price
£349.99
Low Mid

A Larger Screen Option With Big Storage

This well-priced bundle is a great choice for children, even coming with headphones and a case. The long-lasting battery life means only charging once a day, and there's a massive 1TB available for your child to store all the school stuff they have going on. There's also a slot for a microSD card should they want to keep movies or bigger files.


Furthermore, the build quality is strong, and it should survive the general rough and tumble of a child's clumsiness. With a 17.5" screen and a weight of 2 kg, this is one of the biggest out there, so bear that in mind if you're not using it solely for home use.

No.5

Apple
MacBook Air 2020

Reference price
£887.00
High Mid

A Worthwhile Investment With 18 Hour Battery Life and Apple's M1 8-core GPU

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past 20 years, you'll have seen the meteoric rise of Apple. Though they lead the way in all things 'cool', they're also right up there when it comes to specifications. These laptops cost the same as their Microsoft competitors but offer double the flash memory, and a much better battery life.


Again, these are expensive, which is a big risk regardless of the age of the child you're buying for. However, as with the other Apple product, if you're looking to make an investment that your child can go on to use for the next 5+ years, then a MacBook Air is certainly worth considering. 

No.6

Microsoft
Surface 4

Reference price
£919.00
High Mid

A Laptop That Grows With Your Child

Using a computer built by those who created the operating system is always going to have its advantages. This offering from Microsoft is no exception: it's fast, smooth and sleek. Additionally, it has fantastic battery life, a super-thin touchscreen and enough storage for your young one to never run out.


The only stumbling block is the price tag, which may be a bit of a risk if you're looking for a laptop for a 7-year old. However, if you're looking for something for a slightly older child, say, secondary school years, and don't want to be forking out again when they get to college or uni, it's a great investment. 

No.7

Acer
Chromebook Spin 311

Reference price
£262.52
Low Mid

Built to Military Grade Specifications

Made to military-standard specifications, you know this laptop is going to be more robust than most. The keys are also anchored in, so there'll be no pulling them out any time soon. Moreover, it has a hearty battery life that should see it manage all day without needing any extra juice.


This laptop also can be used in clamshell (traditional laptop) or tablet mode, which is great for long car journey entertainment without having to rest it on their legs the whole time. The only negative is that some users have had issues with the connectivity ports, particularly when charging phones or other electrical devices. 

No.8

HP
Chromebook 1111-v001na

Reference price
£229.00
Low Mid

The Perfect Size for Little Hands

This HP Chromebook offers excellent value. It's an extremely portable size and while many older users may find the keyboard a bit cramped, this actually benefits children as they don't have to overextend themselves during use. It also has a wide variety of apps available as it runs on a Chrome operating system. 


While the RAM storage is okay, the flash storage is minimal, especially when you consider how much space the operating system will take up. To combat this, it's probably worth picking up an additional microSD card, which will give your little one more freedom when downloading apps. 

No.9

Google
Pixelbook Go

Pixelbook Go 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Pixelbook Go 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Pixelbook Go 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£829.00
High Mid
Reference price
£829.00
High Mid

Great Choice for a Premium, Lightweight Chromebook

If you're looking to spend a little more on a something reliable, sturdy and good quality, Google's Pixelbook Go is a great one to consider. It offers plenty of storage, a bright 13.3" screen and a decent battery life, all in a slim and ultra-light frame – hence the name, which refers to its portability. 


In particular, this would be a good choice for an older child who spends a lot of time on their computer for school or college, or perhaps if they're soon to head off to uni. A small downside is that some users haven't been too thrilled with the speakers. 

No.10

Dell
G15 5515 Gaming Laptop

Reference price
£749.00
High Mid

A Trusty Stead for Gaming, Streaming and Entertainment

If you're buying for a young gamer, the G515 Inspiron from Dell is a brilliant choice. It runs on the new Windows 11 and has all gaming specs covered with a backlit keyboard, cooling vents, an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. 


That's not to say that it isn't good for other entertainment and coursework too, and it's even a popular choice among photographers due to its fast-running speeds and ability to multi-task. A good investment if you're willing to spend a bit more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kids Do Homework on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks are excellent laptops for homework because they can be used with either the Google suite of free 'office' tools (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides etc) or software like Microsoft Office and Photoshop. There are also over 200 Chrome apps that run without internet connectivity including Gmail and Google Drive.

What Age Should a Kid Get a Laptop?

Though it will depend on individual development, most kids will be ready to start learning to use a laptop (supervised, of course) at around 2 or 3 years old. This doesn't mean you have to buy them one straight away though – some parents prefer to wait until they start needing one for school, at around age 12-15. 

Top 5 Laptops for Kids

No. 1: MicrosoftSurface Go 3 2-in-1 Tablet PC

No. 2: LenovoIdeaPad Duet Chromebook

No. 3: AcerChromebook CB514CB514-1HT

No. 4: ASUSVivoBook X705 Celeron Laptop

No. 5: AppleMacBook Air 2020

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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