Best laptop under 300 $ in 2024

Best Laptop Under 300 $: Top 7 Cheap Models of 2024

Finding the best laptop under 300 dollars can be challenging for people on a tight budget. Some may even consider budget laptops “cheap,” thinking that they are lower quality or not as sturdy. Is this true? The answer is no. Cheaper laptops are generally made with cheaper materials, but they are equivalent to their more expensive counterparts in performance. Moreover, they are often the same brand and usually use the same quality components, but they just cut some corners to save money on manufacturing.

We tested many Windows laptops and Chromebooks from different brands to provide you with many choices. On the other hand, Apple laptops are too out of range for this price unless you can settle for a secondhand option or a very old model.

Top 7 Best Laptops under 300 $

1Acer Aspire 5 – The Most Powerful option
2ASUS Laptop L510 – Ultra thin laptop
3HP Stream 11 – Best Windows laptop
4Lenovo IdeaPad 1 – Best for students
5Acer Chromebook Spin 311 – Best 2-in-1 model
6Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus – Large FHD screen
7Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 – Best ChromeOS laptop

Should I buy laptops under 300 $?

There are certainly lots of benefits to owning a laptop under 300 dollars. The main benefit is that at such a low price, you get a fantastic computer for basic tasks such as typing documents, spreadsheets, browsing the web, and streaming videos. These budget laptops usually have the latest features, such as an HD display that is great for watching videos or editing pictures, a fingerprint sensor, and a backlit keyboard so that you can see what you’re typing in the dark. They have enough power to do basic video editing and basic lightweight gaming. However, you should note that these are not professional laptops but provide the quality of more expensive computers at a cheap price tag.

The Best Laptop Under 300 USD – Reviews

1. Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5 - The most powerful option
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Mobile Processor
  • GPU: ‎AMD Radeon Vega 6 Mobile Graphics
  • OS: ‎Windows 10 Home S
  • RAM: 4GB DDR4
  • Storage: 128GB NVMe
  • Battery Life: ‎‎7 Hours
  • Weight: ‎3.97 lbs
Pros
  • Beautiful display
  • Great sound quality
  • Plenty of ports
  • Backlit keyboard
  • Advanced security features
Cons
  • Mediocre battery life

The Acer Aspire 5 A515 is a thin, sleek laptop under 300 US dollars that does more for its price. It comes with a powerful touchpad and a convenient backlit keyboard to keep you comfortable even in low light. The thin 15.6″ inch full-HD IPS display gives you a stunningly beautiful viewing experience perfect for homework or watching Netflix from your lap! With fast WiFi 6 802.11ac, everything loads quickly and streams smoothly without interruption. Acer laptops are usually equipped with powerful processors and excellent graphics. Powered by an AMD Radeon Vega 6 Graphics card, this PC can handle any task, including gaming (especially at minimal settings). The AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Mobile Processor lets you get things done quickly and efficiently with 8GB of RAM while 128GB of NVMe SSD provides faster data access speeds compared to other laptops in this category, all at an unbeatable price point!

Windows 10 Home (S mode) means system requirements are at the core for an even faster, safer, and more reliable experience. The best thing about the Acer Aspire 5 A515 is that it’s packed with many ports, so there should be a port no matter what device you need to plug into. The Acer Aspire 5 A515 is not a gaming laptop, but if you want a laptop that can easily handle your day-to-day office and college work and play your casual games, you can confidently pick this best gaming laptop under 300$.

2. ASUS Laptop L510

ASUS Laptop L510 - Ultra thin laptop
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1080) Display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
  • GPU: ‎Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • OS: ‎Windows 10 Home
  • RAM: 4 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 128 GB eMMC‎
  • Battery Life: 8 hours
  • Weight: 3.59 pounds
Pros
  • Sharp FHD display
  • Light weight body
  • Portable design
  • Good battery life
  • Includes 1 year Microsoft 365 subscription
Cons
  • Middling keyboard

ASUS L510 is an ultra-thin laptop that offers powerful performance with its Intel Celeron N4020 Processor in a sleek design. This Asus laptop is the best laptop under $300 for gaming. With its 15.6” FHD display, you’ll enjoy stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. ‎Intel UHD Graphics 600 and 4 GB RAM provide plenty of power for multitasking, while the 128GB storage ensures you can easily store all your files. Windows 10 Home in S Mode gives you an intuitive user interface and access to your favorite Microsoft Office apps. And with the included 1 year Microsoft 365 subscription, you’ll be able to stay productive on the go.

3. HP Stream 11

HP Stream 11 - Best Windows laptop
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 11.6 inch HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare Display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4020
  • GPU: ‎Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • OS: ‎Windows 11 Home in S mode
  • RAM: 4 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 64 GB
  • Battery Life: 13 hours
  • Weight: ‎2.37 pounds
Pros
  • Attractive design
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Impressive battery life
  • SD card slot for storage expansion
  • Full sized keyboard
  • An HDMI and USB 3.0 ports
  • Includes one year of Office 365 Personal
Cons
  • Fuzzy screen
  • Poor camera quality
  • Cheap screen
  • Can’t keep up with heavy tasks

The HP Stream 11 is the best laptop under 300 $ for students and busy professionals. It is one of the best HP laptops under 300 $ that features an impressive Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 4 GB of RAM, so you can easily power through your work. The 11.6” HD Anti-Glare Display ensures a clear view of your tasks, while the Windows 10 operating system provides a user-friendly experience. With up to 13 hours of battery life, you can stay productive even when away from an outlet. And at just 2.6 pounds, it’s easy to take with you wherever you go. The included Microsoft 365 subscription offers access to essential tools like Office and OneDrive.

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 1

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 - Best for students
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 14.0 inch HD (1366 x 768) Display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core Processor
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • OS: Windows 10 S
  • RAM: ‎4 GB DDR4
  • Storage: ‎64 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎‎12 Hours
  • Weight: 3.09 pounds
Pros
  • Smooth keyboard
  • Lightweight design
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Long battery life
  • Snappy storage
Cons
  • No USB-C ports
  • Dim screen backlight

If you need a reliable laptop that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 is here to help. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 4GB RAM, this computer can handle any task you throw at it – from watching videos to browsing the web. For storage, you get 64 GB of SSD. Plus, its High-definition 14-inch display and Dolby Audio speakers create a crisp, immersive viewing experience whether you are watching your favorite shows or video conferencing your colleagues and classmates over its 720p HD webcam.

This Lenovo computer is just over 3 lbs and less than 1 inch thick and is perfect for on-the-go use. WiFi 802.11 ac and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity ensure you stay connected no matter where you go, while its multiple ports and slots, including a microSD card reader, a microphone/earphone combo jack, and an HDMI and two USB 3.1 Gen 12 (Type-A) ports to make it easy to connect external devices.

5. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 - Best 2-in-1 model
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 11.6 inch HD Touch IPS Display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4020
  • GPU: ‎‎Mediatek
  • OS: Chrome OS
  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: 32GB eMMC
  • Battery Life: ‎‎10 Hours
  • Weight: ‎‎0.01 ounces
Pros
  • Versatility of 2-in-1 laptop
  • Smooth keyboard
  • Responsive touchpad
  • Both USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports
Cons
  • Small screen with thick bezels
  • Low-resolution display
  • Meager internal storage

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is the best laptop under 300$ for anyone who wants a powerful and versatile convertible laptop. It has a sleek design, a backlit keyboard with anti-ghosting technology, and a 360° Hinge that allows it to go from laptop mode to tablet instantly.

The 11.6″ HD touchscreen display and Intel Celeron N4020 processor let you efficiently work on projects or surf the web, while 4GB of LPDDR4 memory ensures smooth performance. With Bluetooth 5.0 and Google Chrome, you can access to 2 million Android apps. This best Chromebook under 300$ is perfect for students or busy professionals. This device has 32GB of internal storage and can hold all your essential files and documents. Additionally, it has MediaTek graphics that allow you to easily view multimedia content and enjoy your favorite movies and games.

6. Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus

Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus - Large FHD screen
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 15.6-inch FHD LED (1920 x 1080) display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron Processor N4020
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • OS: Chrome OS
  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: ‎32GB eMMC
  • Battery Life: ‎‎12 Hours
  • Weight: 3.80 lbs
Pros
  • Strong build quality
  • Long battery life
  • Comfortable keyboard
  • One USB-A and two USB-C ports
Cons
  • Meager storage
  • No HDMI port

Among the best Chromebooks under 300 $, the sleek and efficient Samsung Chromebook 4 + is perfect for all your activities, with ample processing power and long battery life. With an immersive 15.6” screen in a compact frame and sturdy chassis, the Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus is ideal for college students and office workers. Its Gigabit WiFi ensures your internet connection stays fast when you browse the internet or download files to its 32 GB SSD storage. With military-grade durability and advanced security features, including multiple layers of built-in virus protection, you can be assured that your data will always be safe on this Samsung notebook laptop. Moreover, made by the dominant brand, this laptop doesn’t stop at aesthetics either; the Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus offers exceptional battery life, with over 10 hours of regular use between charges.

7. Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11

Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 - Best ChromeOS laptop
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 11. 6 inch HD(1366 x 768) Non-Touchscreen Display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 Dual-Core Processor
  • GPU: Intel HD Graphics 400
  • OS: Chrome OS
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 16GB eMMc Flash Memory
  • Battery life: 11 hours
  • Weight: 3. 09 pounds
Pros
  • Compact and sturdy design
  • Spill-resistant keyboard
  • LTE option
  • Plenty of USB ports
Cons
  • Low resolution display
  • No SD card reader
  • Awkward touchpad

If you are in the market for a low-cost laptop for basic web browsing and word processing, the Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook is a good option. This laptop has an 11.6-inch HD display and is lightweight and easy to carry. It has a speedy Intel Celeron N3060 processor, 4 GB of memory, and a 16 GB solid-state drive for storage.

The Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook runs Chrome OS, so it’s not good for heavy-duty browsing, but the laptop boots up quickly and is secure enough for most users who want to avoid security issues. This best laptop for 300 dollars has a good battery life for such a low-priced laptop, and it’s reasonable to replace if something goes wrong.

4 GB of memory is enough for basic tasks but you probably won’t want to run too many applications at once; multitasking can be sluggish sometimes. Among Dell laptops under 300 $, the Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook is good for basic web browsing, word processing, and streaming music and videos.

The HD webcam has two microphones that help reduce noise and eliminate echo during video chats. The battery is a 3-cell Lithium-ion battery that gives up to 11 hours of battery life. This best $300 laptop also has a built-in SD card reader, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one HDMI port, and an audio jack. It also has a wireless card with Bluetooth 4.0 to connect wirelessly with other Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones. The Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 comes preloaded with the Google Chrome OS operating system that boots up instantly on start-up. The Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook is the best laptop under $300.

Other Notable Mentions

Asus Vivobook E203MA

Asus Vivobook E203MA - Best thin and lightweight laptop under 300 $
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 11.6-Inch HD LED backlight display (1366 x 768)
  • CPU: Intel Celeron Dual Core N4000 Processor
  • GPU: ‎Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • OS: ‎Windows 10 Home
  • RAM: 4GB DDR3
  • Storage: 64GB eMMC
  • Battery Life: ‎10 Hours
  • Weight: ‎2.2 pounds
Pros
  • Beautiful display
  • Ultra Portable design
  • Good Storage capacity
  • Plenty of ports
Cons
  • Mediocre webcam
  • Poor battery life

If you are looking for a powerful and slim laptop that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, look no further than the Asus Vivobook E203MA. Weighing in at only 2.18 lbs, this laptop is one of the best laptops under 300 $ for on-the-go use. With its 11.6″ HD display, you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows in vivid detail. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 Dual-Core Processor and 4 GB of RAM, this laptop will have no trouble keeping up with your multitasking needs. And thanks to its 64GB of storage, you’ll be able to store all your important files without worrying about running out of space. Moreover, you have an HDMI port, USB-C, and USB 3.0 for connectivity, so you are never short on ports.

Acer Aspire 1 A115-31-C2Y3

Acer Aspire 1 A115-31-C2Y3 - Best sub300 $ laptop
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit TN display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core Processor
  • GPU: ‎‎Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • OS: Windows 10 S
  • RAM: ‎4 GB DDR4
  • Storage: ‎64 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: ‎‎10 Hours
  • Weight: 4.2 pounds
Pros
  • Big screen
  • Sharp display
  • Slim and lightweight design
  • Attractive looks
Cons
  • Mediocre webcam

The Acer Aspire 1 A115 is the best Acer laptop under 300 $ perfect for all your everyday computing needs. This laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core Processor and 4GB of DDR4 memory, so it can handle anything you throw at it. The 15.6″ Full HD Widescreen LED-backlit TN display provides stunning visuals and incredible detail, while the Intel UHD Graphics 600 ensures smooth graphics performance.

With its 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1, the Acer Aspire 1 A115 is smooth at wireless connectivity. But at the same time, you are never short on wired connectivity with 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet capabilities via RJ-45 port. And at the same time, you got plenty of ports like two USB 3.1, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port, an HDMI port, and a Combo headphone / microphone-in jack. It comes with 64 GB of storage, and with up to 10 hours of battery life, you can stay productive or entertained all day without worrying about recharging.

HP Chromebook 14

HP Chromebook 14 - Best HP laptop for 300 USD
  • Specification:
  • Screen: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) micro-edge display
  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4020 processor
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • OS: Chrome OS
  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: ‎32GB eMMC
  • Battery Life: ‎‎‎13.5 Hours
  • Weight: 3.24 lbs
Pros
  • Fast performance.
  • Great speakers
  • Available in Cool colors
Cons
  • Poor keyboard layout
  • Outdated trackpad.

The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop is perfect for busy professionals who need a reliable device that can keep up with their demanding schedules. Its Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 4GB of RAM ensure smooth performance even when multitasking, while the Chrome OS operating system provides quick and easy access to your most important files. And at the same time with 32GB of built-in storage, you’ll have plenty of room to store your most important documents and photos. The HP laptop under 300 $ comes with a comfortable backlit keyboard, so you never have to worry about being unable to type in low-light conditions. The 14-inch HD screen places all your work right in front of you, so there are no distractions while operating on tight deadlines. Plus, its battery lasts over 13 hours between recharges, making it ideal for busy people.

Buyers Guide: Things to consider when buying the best laptop under 300 $

Cheap laptops may not come as perfect all-rounders. Therefore, you need to know what features mean the most to you. Here are some important considerations you need to make before buying the best laptop for under 300 dollars.

Operating system

The first thing to consider when looking for the best laptop under 300 $ is the operating system. As we have mentioned earlier, iOS is beyond the scope of this price range, as Macbooks are expensive. But there are many laptops that come with Windows 10. Many people prefer Windows laptops because of the flexibility they offer in terms of hardware compatibility and rich software pool. However, if you are looking to use your laptop mainly for web browsing and email checking and you deem better online security, ChromeOS provides a better option.

Processor

The processor is one of the most essential components of a laptop. It should have a powerful processor. But it doesn’t need to be a very high-powered one to get things done. A strong dual-core processor will do the job well for most daily tasks, and it must be clocked at a higher speed of about 2.0 GHz or more. Also, if your daily tasks require more RAM usage, then you need to go with quad-core. However, at sub-300, a quad-core processor is rare but not impossible.

Graphics Card

A dedicated graphics card is out of reach for this price range. But if your main focus is entertainment and office work, even an integrated graphics card will yield good performance. Dedicated graphic cards are essential for heavy visual rendering in gaming or heavier tasks like heavy video editing. They are expensive, and to find the laptops with even the low-end GPU, you’ll have to look at gaming laptops for under 800 $.

RAM

The amount of RAM in your laptop is another important component when looking for the best cheap laptop under 300$. The more RAM you get, the better performance you can achieve with your laptop. However, you don’t need more than 4 GB of RAM for daily routine tasks. Therefore, when choosing a cheap laptop under 300 $, make sure it comes with at least 4 GB of RAM.

Storage

Internal storage is the amount of memory available for saving files like software, music, videos, etc. Good laptops under 300$ have an SSD drive and a flash memory chip that is much more compact and quicker than a hard drive. Therefore, look for laptops with a good amount of SSD storage. For casual users, even a 32 GB SSD can be sufficient at this price. However, if you want to store many things on your laptop, ensure it has at least 60GB of SSD space or more.

Screen

The display is also one of the essential components to look at when choosing your best cheap laptop under 300$. The screen size is another factor to consider in your search. If you are looking for a 17-inch laptop, you should raise your bar and look for laptops under 500 $. However, for laptops under $ 300$, you expect options from 11 to 15 inches of screens.

Also, it should have at least HD resolution, meaning the display will be 1366 x 768 pixels. Some laptops will even come with Full HD 1920 x 1080 screens. Finally, screens with IPS technology for better visuals and color accuracy, micro-edge technology, LED backlighting, anti-glare, and touchscreens are always a plus.

Connectivity

Apart from reliable WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless connection, the best cheap laptop under 300 $ should have at least 2 USB ports, a USB type C or type A port, an SD card slot, and an HDMI port. Also, audio jacks for speakers should be present.

Battery life

Generally, cheap laptops come with better battery life because of their lower specs. Therefore, you can expect your best laptop under 300 $ to last for a whole day on a single charge. We would recommend you look for laptops that can last for 8 hours and more so that you can keep up with your work from home and, at the same time keep your entertainment going so that you stay fresh.

People Also Ask

Are budget laptops of lower quality compared to more expensive ones?

No, laptops for under 300 $ are not necessarily of lower quality. They often use the same brand and quality components as more expensive laptops. However, manufacturers may cut some corners to save costs on manufacturing. But overall, budget laptops provide a good value for their price.

Can the best laptop under $300 handle video streaming and online content consumption?

Yes, the best laptop under 300 $ can handle video streaming and online content consumption, including streaming services like Netflix or YouTube. However, you may experience limitations with high-resolution streaming or very demanding video formats.

Are these best laptops under 300$ suitable for gaming?

While the best laptops under $300 are not designed for heavy gaming, some models may be able to handle basic lightweight gaming with their respective integrated graphics cards. It is rare that you find gaming laptops under 300 $. For more demanding gaming, it is recommended to consider higher-priced gaming laptops.

Are there any laptops under 300$ with long battery life?

Yes, some best laptops under 300 $ offer impressive battery life, ranging from 7 to 13 hours. Check the specifications of the laptops on our list to find models with extended battery performance.

Final Words

We’ve done our best to help you find the best laptops under 300 $ that offer the best value for your money. These cheap laptops will ease your daily tasks while providing you with power and speed for all your net surfing and multimedia entertainment.

Though we can’t promise that these laptops will be able to go head-to-head with the higher-end models, they certainly do their best and will definitely hold you off until you can afford a more expensive model.

Not all of them are perfect, but almost everyone has something unique to offer, so it all comes down to personal preference.

We hope you enjoyed our article on the top laptops under 300$ and that it helped you make up your mind when looking for a new laptop. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave us some feedback using the form below.

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