Best HP laptops under $400

Top pick: HP 14-inch HD Windows 11 Laptop. It's the sweet spot for a budget HP: a current-generation Intel N150, a comfortable 14-inch screen and a big base of satisfied owners. For everyday browsing, email, video and schoolwork it's the safest all-round choice.

Who the others suit:

• HP Stream 14: long-standing budget favourite with the largest review base — pick it if reliability data matters more to you than speed.
• HP 15.6-inch HD Windows Laptop: the same idea with a bigger screen; better for desk use than a backpack.
• HP Chromebooks (14a-nf0099nr, 14-inch): lighter, faster booting, and a good fit for anyone who lives in a browser and Google apps.
• HP EliteBook 645 G9: a refurbished business machine, tougher build and better keyboard for heavy typing.
• HP 14 Thin & Light / Newest 14": smallest and lightest, in colour; fine as a second, travel machine.

All of these stay under your budget and are HP; skip anything with only 4 GB of memory if you keep many tabs open.