25th Jul 2025
With such a digital world around us, it’s almost impossible to stay offline for everyday tasks. Whether that’s studying for school or university, or buying online, or saving money through comparison and cashback websites, being online feels like an essential part of life.
But laptops and phones cost money, not to mention finding cheap broadband. The good news is there are some ways to get free and cheap laptops and smartphones, to help you get online even if your money is tight.
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Getting Free laptops and computers
Free or Cheap Laptops for Students
Getting free laptops and computers:
It isn’t easy to get one but there are schemes out there especially designed to help low-income households access to the tech they need.
Visit the library
It’s not a long-term solution, but your local library will have free internet and computers you can use. Sometimes, you have to book time ahead during busy periods, so make sure you speak to the librarian about how it works. Libraries offer so much more than books and free computers too: if you’re struggling, they’re a great place to ask for community help. Librarians are more than book shelvers, they are a wealth of community knowledge and may also know of local charities or groups who provide free or subsidised technology to those in need.
Claiming Universal Credit?
Jobseekers claiming Universal Credit may be eligible for a grant towards a new device. Speak to your job coach if it will make the difference between you being out of work or getting a job. You can also visit the Job Centre to complete your weekly job search, do your CV, and other work-related tasks as well as check your Universal Credit account.
Charity Grants and Help
If you are on universal benefits, a student, disabled or a low income family, then the Charity Excellence Framework may be able to help.
They offer a wide range of laptops, computers, software and IT support and equipment and have a comprehensive list of organisations who may be able to help in your area. charityexcellence.co.uk If you don’t have access to a computer, try contacting the library or a community group for help or call 07595371444 for more information.
The Good Things Foundation is a charity which was set up to fix the digital divide. They encourage companies to donate their IT equipment to their National Device Bank and the IT equipment, once professionally and securely wiped of all data, can be re-used across community organisation nationwide. To find out more go to www.goodthingsfoundation.org
If you have a disabled or seriously ill child, the Family Fund can provide grants for technology to support them with their learning and digital development.
You can apply if you are the parent or carer of a disabled child and meet the eligibility criteria. Go to familyfund.org.uk for more information or call 01904 550055 where someone will be able to give you help with an application.
Subsidised Computers:
If you aren’t eligible for a free computer you may be able to get one much cheaper than in the shops through organisations like Get Online@ Home. They sell heavily discounted computers and tablets to customers who meet the criteria for their subsidy scheme.
You need to be part of a low-income family that receives state benefits, lives in a community with a limited access to technology or is disabled.
Their PCs range from £99 and laptops from £199. Even if you aren’t eligible for the subsidised price, the devices are still available to purchase and much cheaper than average.
The devices are not bottom of the barrel rejects, they are refurbished and specifically for low income customers.Visit getonlineathome.org for more information about how they might be able to help you.
There are disability grants available for children and adults to help with technology equipment, including computers. There is a whole list available on disability-grants.org but these can change so check them out carefully to find the ones which may suit your needs best.
The Restart Project is based in North London but they list reuse projects across the UK that accept devices that people may no longer need but which can be repaired and refurbished not only to help people but also to reduce the e-waste mountain. therestartproject.org
Free or Cheap Laptops for Students:
It’s now impossible to study at a higher level without a laptop or desktop computer. While students are of school age, they may be able to access schemes or borrow devices from their school. But at college and university age, this isn’t always an option.
If a student has a long term health condition or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia or dyspraxia, then they could be eligible for a Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA). If you think you might be eligible for funding which can be several thousand pounds, then go to www.gov.uk and look at their finance student section and where to find your local DSA assessment centre.
You can also get student discounts on brand new tech from the Apple Store during the summer months, usually incorporating free accessories like AirPods or keyboards. The Apple Education Store offers 10% off year-round for students, parents, and people who work in educational institutions.
If you belong to a trade union, they may also have grants or bursaries to give towards a device. You don’t always have to be a member, either. For example, the Society of Authors Crisis Fund can help with one-off grants even if you’re not a member (but you must be a writer making the majority of your income from writing).
Second-Hand Tech Shops
It’s easier than ever these days to bag a second-hand tech bargain. There is the small catch that most of these are online: for example, you’ll need to be able to get onto the eBay website to find devices and bid on auctions.
If you’re buying online, never buy outside of the platform – for example, eBay has buyer protection in case the device is broken or wrongly advertised, but they can’t help if you arrange to pay outside of the platform.
If you live near a town with a CEX, pop into the store to find out more about the tech they have on offer. You can reduce the price even further if you have old phones, DVDs, computer games or other tech that you don’t use anymore to trade in for a voucher.
Coupon Websites
Keep an eye on websites like Groupon and Wowcher, too. Again, you will need to borrow a device or use the library computer to access these. However, they can help you bag a bargain on refurbished laptops, tablets, and smartphones at a fraction of the price of other shops.
Older people and technology:
AbilityNet has a UK wide network of tech volunteers who offer support to older people. Whether you need assistance setting up a new device, connecting to the internet or need support connecting to family and friends online, abilitynet.org.uk can help.
Volunteers are DBS checked and can assist you by phone, over the internet or at home. They can help you choose equipment that meets your needs as well as guidance on how to shop safely online. They will try and find a volunteer in your area. Call 08000487642 for further information.
Don’t be afraid to ask and who knows, it could open up a whole new and exciting world. And if you can’t find something right for you, you could always try good deals and coupon codes – for example, if you get a good eBay coupon, that might offer a nice discount on your purchase.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
