Tech shopping in 2025 is chaos. Full stop.
Every brand — and their cousin — is dropping “AI-powered” this, “smart” that, and “revolutionary” everything. Spoiler alert: most of it is marketing fluff.

So to save your wallet AND your sanity, here’s the Deals365 Ultimate Budget Tech Buying Guide — the no-BS version. What to buy, what to skip, and how to spot fake deals from ten miles away.

Chapter 1 — The Golden Rule of Tech Buying

Forget the brand name. Forget the hype.
Specs > Everything.
If you learn nothing else from this guide, learn that.

What to look at first:

• RAM
• Storage
• Processor
• Battery
• Build quality
• Price history (we track this for you — you’re welcome)

Chapter 2 — Laptops That Won’t Break the Bank

Best Overall Budget Laptop

Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The people’s laptop.
Cheap. Reliable. No drama.
If this laptop were a person, it would turn up early and bring snacks.

Best for Students

HP 14s — lightweight, battery for days, and occasionally drops below £249 during sale season.

What to AVOID

Any laptop with:

• 4GB RAM
• eMMC storage
• Intel Celeron (unless you’re buying it for your nan who just checks weather and cat videos)

Chapter 3 — Earbuds, Speakers & Wearables

 Earbuds

Reality check: most earbuds under £40 come out of the same two factories.
You’re paying for branding 80% of the time.

Best budget picks:

• SoundPEATS TrueAir3
• TOZO T6
• Redmi Buds 4 Lite

 Portable Speakers

If it isn’t:

• waterproof
• loud
• USB-C
  …leave it on the shelf.

Top deals to watch:

• JBL Go 3
• Anker Soundcore Mini

Chapter 4 — Smart Home on a Budget

Here’s the truth: 80% of “smart home” gadgets are gimmicks.
These five aren’t:

• Smart Plugs
• Smart Light Strips
• Budget Smart Security Cameras
• WiFi Thermostats
• Air Purifier Deals

Our top tip:
Buy smart home devices around Christmas → New Year. The price drops are unreal.

Chapter 5 — Red Flags That Scream “Do Not Buy”

• Fake reviews
• Prices that jump up before “going on sale”
• Brands you’ve never heard of that somehow have 26 features for £12
• Anything saying “AI-powered” but can’t explain what the AI does

Chapter 6 — The Deals365 Cheat Codes

If you want to become “that person” who always finds the deals:

• Use price trackers
• Buy at exact seasonal windows
• Know brand cycles
• Follow Deals365 (obviously — we do the hard work)

Final Verdict

Don’t let brands manipulate your budget.
Shop smart. Compare specs. And let Deals365 hunt the real bargains for you.