The best laptops under 40,000 hryvnia in 2026 – the latest top list
December 11, 2025
2026 is already here, and a budget of 40 thousand hryvnias still lets you pick up a genuinely powerful and modern laptop that won’t drive you crazy with slowdowns after a few months. The market has exploded lately: new processors now consume less battery while handling almost anything, 120-144 Hz screens have become common even in the mid-range, and many models now weigh under 1.5 kg. In short, for this price you no longer have to choose between “nice but weak” and “powerful but heavy like a brick”.
Many people still think that up to 40k means only basic office machines or old overheated gaming laptops. In reality, things have changed a lot. Today in this price range you can actually find a device that handles video editing, runs new games at medium-high settings, and lasts a full day on battery. The main thing is not to grab the first deal you see during a sale, but to understand which specs really matter for you in 2026.
This article includes only the models that are truly available in Ukraine right now, have passed normal tests, and don’t disappoint their owners. No “it used to be good back in 2024”, only current laptops you can go out and buy today. Let’s get into it!
1. Acer Aspire 17 A17-51M-76M2
The seventeen-inch Acer Aspire 17 A17-51M-76M2 stands out right away with its huge screen - a real desktop replacement for anyone who works with lots of spreadsheets or simply likes everything big and easy to see. The matte IPS panel has almost no glare, and the Intel Core 7 150U, while not a gaming beast, feels very snappy in daily use: a browser with twenty tabs, Word, Excel, Zoom - everything runs smoothly with no stutter. The keyboard with a separate numpad and backlight is a pleasure for those who work with numbers in the evenings.
It weighs a bit over two kilos, so carrying it daily in a backpack won’t be fun, but at home or in the office it sits perfectly. The battery is average, around 6-7 hours of real use, but there is fast charging via Type-C and even Thunderbolt 4, which is rare in this segment. Overall, it’s a classic “workhorse with a big display” that doesn’t try to be anything else but does its job honestly.
Key specs:
Processor: Intel Core 7 150U (10 cores, TDP 15 W)
Display: 17" IPS, 1920x1080, 60 Hz, matte
Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5 4800 MHz + 512 GB SSD
Ports: HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4, 2×USB-A
Battery: ≈6-7 hours mixed use
Weight: 2.09 kg
Best for:
Those tired of squinting at 15-inch screens and wanting a large view
Accountants, analysts, and anyone who lives in Excel
People who rarely carry their laptop and mainly use it as a stationary device
2. Acer Swift Go 14 OLED SFG14-63-R88C
Acer Swift Go 14 OLED is a completely different story - lightweight, thin, and packing a gorgeous 2880x1800 90 Hz OLED screen. The picture is stunning: blacks are truly black, colors are rich, and watching shows or editing photos is a pleasure. The Ryzen 5 8645HS inside is quite fast, especially in performance mode - it handles 1080p video editing easily, and games like CS2 or Dota are playable on medium settings.
It weighs only 1.25 kg and is barely noticeable in a backpack. The aluminum body feels cold to the touch and looks more premium than its price. The keyboard has backlight, key travel is pleasant, and the touchpad is large and responsive. The battery lasts about 8-9 hours of YouTube or office work - impressive for such a bright screen. Bonus features include a 1440p webcam and two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Key specs:
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS (6 cores, up to 5.0 GHz TDP)
Display: 14" OLED, 2880x1800, 90 Hz, 100% DCI-P3
Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5X 6400 MHz + 512 GB SSD
Ports: 2×Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, card reader
Battery: ≈8-9 hours light use
Weight: 1.25 kg
Best for:
Those who travel a lot and care about every gram of weight
Movie and TV show fans - the OLED here is excellent
Freelancers who edit video or work with photos
3. HP 17-cn3034ru
HP 17-cn3034ru is another large 17-inch option. The display is also Full HD IPS, though brightness is a bit more modest at 300 nits, but the anti-glare works great. The i7-1355U processor is roughly on par with the Core 7 150U from the Acer, meaning it’s more than enough for work and browsing, but will slow down in heavier professional apps. However, HP’s keyboard is traditionally comfortable, with a numpad and precise key travel.
The battery situation is less impressive - 41 Wh, which means around 5-6 hours in real use. But there is a physical webcam shutter, which is a nice touch. The body is plastic but well assembled with no creaks. Overall, it’s a simple, reliable laptop for those who want a big display without any extra features.
Key specs:
Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U (10 cores, TDP 15 W)
Display: 17" IPS, 1920x1080, 60 Hz, 300 nits
Memory: 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz + 512 GB SSD
Ports: HDMI 1.4, USB-C 3.2, 2×USB-A
Battery: ≈5-6 hours
Weight: 2.08 kg
Best for:
Those who want a big display without paying extra for OLED
Users who appreciate a physical webcam shutter
Those who prefer a simple, predictable device
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4. Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14IAP8
The compact Lenovo Yoga Slim 6 14IAP8 is simply a beauty. The 14-inch OLED with HDR, Dolby Vision, and 100% DCI-P3 looks stunning, making it hard to look away. The fully aluminum body feels cold and solid, and the 1.35 kg weight makes it barely noticeable in a bag. The i7-1260P, though from an older generation, is still very capable, especially paired with 16 GB of fast LPDDR5.
The 65 Wh battery is one of the best in this list, easily delivering 10-11 hours of YouTube or document work. It’s Intel Evo certified, meaning optimized performance and longer battery life. There’s also MIL-STD-810H durability - it’s not meant for drops, but it will handle bumps and vibrations on the go.
Key specs:
Processor: Intel Core i7-1260P (12 cores, TDP 28 W)
Display: 14" OLED, 1920x1200, 60 Hz, HDR, 100% DCI-P3
Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5 + 512 GB SSD
Ports: 2×Thunderbolt 4, HDMI
Battery: ≈10-11 hours
Weight: 1.35 kg
Best for:
Movie lovers and anyone who watches a lot of content while traveling
People who need long battery life
Those who want a premium build and display for a reasonable price
5. HP Pavilion 16-af0013ru
HP Pavilion 16-af0013ru looks like a classic everyday-use model - the aluminum body doesn’t attract too many fingerprints, though the lid still collects some. The 16-inch IPS display with 1920x1200 resolution and 300 nits brightness delivers solid image quality for document work or video watching. The anti-glare coating helps in bright rooms, though viewing angles aren’t perfect when looking from the side. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125U with 12 cores (2 performance at 1.7 GHz and 10 efficiency at 0.7 GHz) plus an NPU for simple AI tasks handles office apps and light editing easily, and the Intel Arc graphics manage basic photo editing. The 1.77 kg weight makes it convenient to carry, and the keyboard with backlight and a numpad is comfortable for data entry.
The 59 Wh Li-Pol battery delivers 7-8 hours of mixed use, and charging with a 65 W USB-C adapter is fast. Ports include HDMI 2.1, two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort, USB-A 3.2, and an audio jack, plus a Copilot key for Windows 11 Home. The webcam shutter adds privacy, though the speakers are average - fine for calls, but for music it’s better to use headphones. Overall, the model suits those who want a balance between size and mobility.
Key specs:
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U (12 cores, TDP 15 W)
Display: 16" IPS, 1920x1200, 60 Hz, matte, 62.5% sRGB
Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5X (6400 MHz), 512 GB SSD
Ports: HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, USB-A 3.2
Battery: 59 Wh Li-Pol, USB-C charging
Weight: 1.77 kg
Best for:
Those who work with office apps and occasionally use AI tools
Users who need a numeric keypad for spreadsheets
People who want a laptop with a webcam shutter for everyday use
6. ASUS VivoBook 16X K3604VA
ASUS VivoBook 16X K3604VA combines plastic and aluminum in a chassis that holds its shape well, though key presses can sometimes cause a slight flex. The 16-inch IPS 1920x1200 display with 300 nits brightness and 45% NTSC coverage offers acceptable colors for browsing or document work, and the matte finish reduces glare, although blacks in darker scenes are not very deep. The Intel Core i5-1335U with 10 cores (2 performance cores at 1.3 GHz and 8 efficiency cores at 0.9 GHz) and Iris Xe graphics handles multitasking like several Chrome tabs plus Word, though it heats up noticeably under heavy load. The backlit keyboard with numpad is convenient, and the touchpad is large, though gestures aren’t on a premium level.
The 42 Wh Li-Ion battery lasts around 6 hours in office tasks, with 65 W USB-C charging. Ports are diverse: HDMI 2.1, two USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2 with Power Delivery, USB-A 2.0 and audio jack, plus a webcam shutter. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide stable connectivity, and MIL-STD-810H adds confidence in durability. The DOS system lets you choose what to install, and 16 GB DDR4 at 3200 MHz plus a 512 GB SSD ensure quick startup.
Key specs:
Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U (10 cores, TDP 15 W)
Display: 16" IPS, 1920x1200, 60 Hz, matte, 45% NTSC
Memory: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz), 512 GB SSD
Ports: HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2
Battery: 42 Wh Li-Ion, USB-C charging
Weight: 1.76 kg
Best for:
Students or office workers who multitask a lot
Those who appreciate having Ethernet for a stable connection
Users who value durability certification for travel
7. Acer Aspire 5 A515-57-59NG
Acer Aspire 5 A515-57-59NG in a plastic chassis is a solid option for those who don’t chase premium looks but want more performance within budget. The 15.6-inch IPS 1920x1080 display with 250 nits and ComfyView coating reduces eye strain during long sessions. Colors at 45% NTSC are fine for text and spreadsheets, but not for photo work. The Intel Core i5-12450H with 8 cores (4 performance at 2.0 GHz and 4 efficiency at 1.5 GHz) and UHD Graphics 48EU can handle 4K video playback or light indie games, with moderate heating thanks to the 45 W TDP. The backlit keyboard with numpad is comfortable for numbers, and the fingerprint reader speeds up login.
The 48 Wh Li-Pol battery offers 5-6 hours of autonomy, with 90 W USB-C charging. Ports are generous: HDMI, USB-C 3.2, three USB-A 3.2, audio, and Ethernet for wired internet. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 are stable, and the 32 GB DDR4 plus 512 GB SSD provide plenty of room for files. DOS out of the box gives freedom to choose the OS.
Key specs:
Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H (8 cores, TDP 45 W)
Display: 15.6" IPS, 1920x1080, 60 Hz, matte, 45% NTSC
Memory: 32 GB DDR4, 512 GB SSD
Ports: HDMI, USB-C 3.2, 3x USB-A 3.2, Ethernet
Battery: 48 Wh Li-Pol, USB-C charging
Weight: 1.76 kg
Best for:
Those who work with video or play light games on integrated graphics
Users who need lots of RAM for heavy documents
People who prefer wired internet for reliability
8. HP 15-fc0158ru
HP 15-fc0158ru with a plastic body is lightweight and compact, though the lid can scratch slightly when carried in a bag. The 15.6-inch IPS 1920x1080 display at 300 nits with anti-glare and 45% NTSC provides a clear picture for daily tasks. Viewing angles are wide, though brightness drops in direct sunlight. The AMD Ryzen 7 7730U with 8 cores at 2.0 GHz base and 16 threads plus Radeon Vega 8 performs well in browsing or Photoshop, and the 15 W TDP keeps temperatures in check. The keyboard with backlight and numpad is responsive, and the webcam shutter is a nice privacy feature.
The 41 Wh battery with a 45 W adapter lasts 6-7 hours. Ports include HDMI 1.4, two USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2, and audio. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 work without issues, and 16 GB DDR4 at 3200 MHz plus a 1 TB SSD provide generous storage. DOS allows customization, and the 1.59 kg weight makes it easy to carry.
Key specs:
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (8 cores, TDP 15 W)
Display: 15.6" IPS, 1920x1080, 60 Hz, matte, 45% NTSC
Memory: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz), 1 TB SSD
Ports: HDMI 1.4, 2x USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2
Battery: 41 Wh, 45 W charging
Weight: 1.59 kg
Best for:
Those who need lots of storage and a large SSD
Users who rely on AMD performance for multi-threaded workloads
People looking for a lightweight option with backlit keys
9. Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 ABP
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 ABP with aluminum and plastic is office-oriented, with a sturdy MIL-STD-810H-certified chassis, though the hinges could be a bit stiffer. The 16-inch IPS WUXGA 1920x1200 display at 300 nits with low blue light reduces eye strain. Colors at 45% NTSC are basic, and the matte coating helps indoors. The AMD Ryzen 5 7430U with 6 cores at 2.3 GHz and Radeon Graphics handles Excel, Zoom, and a few tabs easily, with 12 threads helping in parallel tasks. The backlit keyboard with numpad and the fingerprint reader are standard business perks.
The 45 Wh Li-Pol battery lasts 7-8 hours, with 65 W USB-C charging. Ports include HDMI 2.1, two USB-A 3.2, two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DP and PD, Ethernet, card reader, and audio. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are stable, and 16 GB DDR4 at 3200 MHz plus a 512 GB M.2 SSD are fast. DOS is preinstalled, and the 1.7 kg weight balances size and portability.
Key specs:
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7430U (6 cores, TDP 15 W)
Display: 16" IPS, 1920x1200, 60 Hz, matte, 45% NTSC
Memory: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz), 512 GB SSD
Ports: HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-A 3.2, 2x USB-C 3.2, Ethernet
Battery: 45 Wh Li-Pol, USB-C charging
Weight: 1.7 kg
Best for:
Business users focused on security and Ethernet
People who type a lot and value a fingerprint reader
Office workers who need reduced blue light for long sessions
10. HP ProBook 460 G11
HP ProBook 460 G11 immediately stands out with its aluminum body - minimalistic, without extra gloss, and the lid barely collects fingerprints. The 16-inch 1920x1200 IPS display provides more vertical space than standard Full HD. With 300 nits brightness and anti-glare, it’s comfortable to use even near a window. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H with 14 cores (4 performance up to 4.5 GHz and 10 efficiency) and Intel Arc Graphics feels noticeably faster than older U-series CPUs - Premiere handles 1080p editing smoothly, and simple games like Valorant or LoL can reach 60+ fps on medium-low settings. The backlit keyboard with a full numpad has a crisp key feel, and typing is pleasant. There’s also a dedicated Copilot key.
The laptop weighs 1.74 kg and is 17.4 mm thick, fitting into a backpack easily. The 56 Wh battery gives 8-9 hours of office tasks or YouTube, and the included 65 W USB-C charger brings it to 50% in about 30 minutes. Ports cover everything: two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, two USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and a combo audio jack. A webcam shutter, fingerprint reader, and MIL-STD-810H durability add peace of mind during travel. The laptop ships with DOS, and the 16 GB DDR5 at 5600 MHz plus a 1 TB SSD offer plenty of speed and space.
Key specs:
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14 cores, TDP 28 W)
Display: 16" IPS, 1920x1200, 60 Hz, matte, 300 nits
Memory: 16 GB DDR5 5600 MHz + 1 TB SSD
Ports: HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2, Ethernet
Battery: 56 Wh, ≈8-9 hours office use
Weight: 1.74 kg
Best for:
Those who need a work laptop with enough power for editing or light gaming
Users who value fast DDR5 and a 1 TB SSD out of the box
People who often connect external monitors or peripherals via modern ports
Those who appreciate chassis durability and data protection (fingerprint, shutter, MIL-STD)
Conclusion
In 2026, spending up to 40 thousand hryvnias no longer means making big compromises. The market has reached a point where this budget includes laptops with fast DDR5, terabyte SSDs, solid IPS or even OLED screens, and processors that were found in devices twice the price just a couple of years ago. There are models with decent integrated graphics like Arc or Vega 8 that can handle not only office tasks and YouTube but also light editing, Photoshop, and even modern games on low settings.
Some will choose a large 17-inch display for comfortable home use, others will go for a 14-inch OLED and forget about outlets for half a day. There are aluminum models with MIL-STD durability, and plastic ones with 32 GB RAM or a terabyte of storage right out of the box. The range is huge - from purely work-focused machines to almost universal devices that you can take on a trip and still enjoy some gaming in the evening.
The main thing now is understanding what matters most: a big display, battery life, processor power, screen quality, or just everyday reliability. Because at this price, you can easily find a laptop that won’t annoy you after six months and will serve comfortably for the next 3-4 years without upgrades. There is plenty to choose from.