The HP Stream 14 has become a popular choice on Amazon for students and budget-conscious users. Priced at $200-250 USD, this laptop promises basic functionality with Windows 11 and Office 365 included. But does it really deliver? In this unsponsored review I tell the complete truth.
Actual Technical Specifications
It's important to know the exact specs to understand what to expect:
| Feature | Specification | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 14" HD (1366x768) TN | ❌ Not Full HD |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4020 (2 cores) | ✅ OK for basic use |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4 (soldered) | ❌ Not expandable |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC + MicroSD slot | ❌ Very limited |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 600 | ✅ Videos and web |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home in S mode | ❌ Only MS Store |
| Battery | Up to 11.5 real hours | ✅ Excellent |
| Weight | 1.47 kg | ✅ Very portable |
What It CAN and CAN'T Do
WHAT IT CAN DO
Microsoft Office, web browsing (5-10 tabs), YouTube HD, Zoom calls, emails and social media.
WHAT IT CAN'T DO
Gaming, video editing, heavy Photoshop, intensive multitasking, complex programming, 20+ tabs.
Battery Life
11+ real hours in basic tasks. Perfect for taking to class without charger.
Portability
1.47kg: super light and easy to carry. Ideal for students.
Real Advantages and Disadvantages
Unfiltered Analysis
Advantages: Incredible price, excellent battery (11h+), super portable (1.47kg), Windows 11 included, Office 365 free for 1 year, decent HP build quality.
Disadvantages: Ridiculous storage (64GB), soldered non-expandable RAM, basic HD display, limited Windows 11 S, slow processor (Celeron 2-core), no gaming possible.
Comparison with Alternatives
| Model | Price | RAM | Storage | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP Stream 14 | $200-250 | 4GB | 64GB eMMC | ✅ Cheapest option |
| Acer Aspire 5 | $350-400 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | ✅ Much better |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | $320-380 | 8GB | 128GB SSD | ✅ Better choice |
Reality: The HP Stream is NOT "the best option". It's the cheapest. If you can save $100-150 more, any alternative will give you a MUCH better experience.
Who Should Buy This Laptop?
✅ BUY IT IF...
Your budget is max $250, only need Office and browsing, prioritize extreme portability, need long battery life, it's your secondary laptop.
❌ DON'T BUY IF...
You can spend $100-200 more, study design/engineering, want it to last 4+ years, do heavy multitasking, it's your main laptop.