How we tested value for money

Real-world workloads, not synthetic scores

We prioritized mixed workloads that match common buyer intent: note-taking, document editing, light photo edits, web research, video calls and streaming. Rather than chase single-core benchmark numbers, we measured day-to-day responsiveness, battery longevity under mixed use, and thermal throttling on budget CPUs.

Price-normalized scoring

Each model received a price-per-performance score so readers can directly compare two laptops at different price points. This mirrors the approach used in buying guides for creators weighing hardware tradeoffs, like our coverage of future-proof laptops that consider AI accelerators and warranty tradeoffs (Buying Guide 2026: Future‑Proof Laptops for Small Creators).

Promotion verification and historic price checks

We verified current discounts against historical pricing to ensure a sale is genuine. For site operators and coupon creators, policy changes matter — we used guidance from platforms that track coupon creator shifts to avoid linking broken codes (Navigating Platform Policy Shifts).

What 'budget' means in 2026

Budget tiers explained

We define budget laptops in three tiers: ultra-budget (under €350), mainstream budget (€350–€650) and high-value budget (€650–€900). Different buyers need different tradeoffs — students may prefer battery and portability, while small creators prioritize display quality and memory.

Where manufacturers cut costs

On budget models you commonly see plastic chassis, TN or lower-tier IPS displays, soldered RAM, and smaller batteries. Lenovo often offsets these with good keyboard design and solid warranty options — an important factor when maximizing lifetime value.

Why value matters more than spec sheets

Raw clocks and core counts only tell part of the story. Software optimization, thermals and I/O matter for the daily experience. For shoppers who flip devices or build small creator rigs, resources like building low-cost inference farms can explain when to prioritize CPU vs. external accelerators (Turning Raspberry Pi Clusters into a Low-Cost AI Inference Farm).

Top Lenovo budget picks (quick comparison)

The table below compares the best budget Lenovo models we tested. Price ranges reflect typical street prices and current promotional windows; always double-check live deals linked later in this guide.

In-depth model reviews & buying guidance

IdeaPad 1 / 3 — the ultra-budget everyday machine

The IdeaPad 1 and 3 are Lenovo's