Whether it’s for online learning and homework, or video streaming and games – here are our top picks for the best laptops for kids
From copying up homework to keeping up with their favourite TV shows and films, laptops are becoming an essential part of children’s school and home life. If you no longer fancy competing to use your own device have a look at our selection of the best laptops for kids – you might find it isn’t all that expensive to get them their own machine.
Buying a laptop for a child can potentially be a tricky task, however, weighing up price against features, usability and durability. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered; just scroll down to find our pick of the best laptops for kids.
The best laptops for kids still in stock
1. Bmax X14: Premium build at a bargain price
Price: £399 | Buy now from Amazon
While the Bmax brand may not carry the cachet of the more established manufacturers, don’t be put off. While some of the other devices on this list feature plastic cases, the Bmax’s chassis is all metal. You also get a decent 14in Full HD display, and an impressive backlit keyboard.
Specifications-wise it’s not going to stand up to graphically intensive gaming but should be able to handle casual games from the Windows store. Then, when it’s time to switch over to school work, its excellent keyboard has you covered.
As a Windows 10 machine you can set up full parental controls to keep tabs on what your kids can and can’t access, which affords laptop an edge over some of the others on this list.
Read our full Bmax X14 review for more details
Key specs – Processor: Quad-core 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4100; RAM: 8GB; Storage: 256GB SSD; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen size: 14.1in; Weight: 1.56kg
BMAX X14 14.1inch Laptop, Full HD, 2.4GHz Intel Gemini Lake N4100 CPU, 2133MHz 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, 256GB M.2 SSD, All-metal Body, Backlit Keyboard，Windows 10 Home
2. Linx 12X64: Best budget Windows 2-in-1
Price: £230 | Buy now from Amazon
The Linx 12X64 is a bit like a budget Surface Pro. With the keyboard attached it can be used as a standard Windows laptop and with it removed you can take advantage of Windows 10’s tablet mode. There’s even a kickstand on the rear of the device so you can easily prop it up while you’re watching videos.
It isn’t the speediest device on the market, so you won’t want to open a long list of Chrome tabs and it won’t play many games. But for general browsing, watching videos on YouTube and BBC iPlayer, or schoolwork you shouldn’t have a problem, and for the price we really can’t knock it.
Read our full Linx 12X64 review for more details
Key specs – Processor: Quad-core 1.44GHz Intel Atom x5-Z8350; RAM: 4GB; Storage: 64GB eMMC; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen size: 12.5in; Weight: 0.93kg
Linx 12X64 – 12.5-inch Tablet with Detachable Keyboard Intel Atom x5-Z8350 / 1.44 GHz (1.92 GHz Turbo) Quad Core Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage, Windows 10 – LINX12X64
£229.98 Buy now 
The best laptops for kids
3. Chuwi HeroBook: Windows 10 on a budget
Price: £219 | Buy now from Aliexpress
Chuwi may not be a household name, but its HeroBook is more than a match for its big brand competition. It’s built around a 14in Full HD display, which wouldn’t look out of place on a laptop at double the price. While the chassis is built from plastic, it still feels reassuringly solid.
The HeroBook is a fully fledged Windows 10 machine, so that means it’s capable of running all Windows compatible applications. You’re also able to set up a child account and take advantage of Windows 10’s comprehensive parental controls.
If you’re on the lookout for an ultra-budget Windows 10 machine, the HeroBook can’t be beaten for the price. It’s a cracking little laptop.
Read our full Chuwi HeroBook review for more details
Key specs – Processor: Quad-core Intel Atom x5-E8000; RAM: 4GB; Storage: 64GB; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen size: 14.1in; Weight: 1.48kg
4. Google Pixelbook Go: The best Chromebook money can buy
Price: From £629 | Buy now from John Lewis
While most Chromebooks look to court the lower end of the market, the Pixelbook Go is anything but a cutback device. Its slim, lightweight design makes it easy to grab and go, while its brilliant keyboard makes typing a breeze.
The standout feature is its incredible battery life. In testing, it lasted more than 14 hours on a single charge, making this a great option for keeping kids occupied while out and about.
As it’s a Chromebook, it runs Chrome OS rather than Windows 10 or MacOS. It’ll handle any online task without issue, however, gives access to Google’s productivity apps, and you can even install Android apps on it via the Google Play Store. It isn’t compatible with Windows or Mac exclusive applications, though.
Read our full Google Pixelbook Go review for more details
Key specs – Processor: Intel Core M3; RAM: 8GB; Storage: 64GB; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen size: 13.3in; Weight: 1.06kg
5. Acer Chromebook 514: A competent, stylish Chromebook
Price: £229 | Buy now from Currys
Acer’s Chromebook 514 is a full-sized, budget-friendly Chrome OS option. The internal specifications on the 514 aren’t particularly exciting but they should be up to the task of handling most Chromebook applications.
The external design however is very welcome for this price point. It has a premium look and feel that doesn’t reflect the low price. Its keyboard and trackpad are a pleasure to use and the Full HD 14in display is touch enabled.
If you’re on the lookout for a laptop-sized Chromebook but don’t fancy splashing out on the Pixelbook Go, the Chromebook 514 offers a decent, budget-friendly alternative.
Read our full Acer Chromebook 514 for more details
Key specs – Processor: Dual-core 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N3350; RAM: 4GB; Storage: 32GB; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen size: 14in; Weight: 1.5kg
6. Apple iPad 10.2: The best laptop you can buy for less than £500
Price: £349 | Buy now from John Lewis
In our opinion, the best laptop for less than £500… is a tablet. Apple continually expands the capabilities of its iPads and, at this point, they truly are a viable alternative to the traditional laptop. This cheapest model is slim and lightweight, which makes it easy to take out and about, and its 12-hour plus battery life means you won’t be constantly looking for places to recharge.
With access to Apple’s extensive ecosystem of applications for work and play, downloadable TV shows and movies, as well as e-books, it pretty much does it all. You will however have to take into account that if you need a keyboard you’re going to have to pay out a little extra. Apple’s own Smart Keyboard cover costs £159; alternatively Logitech’s Slim Folio will set you back an extra £90.
Read our full Apple iPad 10.2 review for more details
Key specs – Processor: Dual-core A10 Fusion; RAM: 2GB; Storage: 32GB SSD; Screen resolution: 2,160 x 1,620; Screen size: 10.2in; Weight: 0.48kg