Can you get a good laptop for under $300?

Yes, you can find reliable laptops under $300 that are perfect for web browsing, schoolwork, light office tasks, and streaming. Brands like Lenovo, HP, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung offer budget-friendly models with great value for money.

Which is the best cheap laptop under $300?

Some of the best laptops under $300 include the Lenovo IdeaPad 1, HP Stream 11, ASUS L210, Acer Chromebook 314, and Samsung Chromebook 4. Each model suits different needs like portability, office work, or streaming.

Is it better to get a Chromebook or a Windows laptop under $300?

It depends on your needs. Chromebooks are faster, more secure, and great for web-based tasks. Windows laptops offer more flexibility if you need Microsoft Office, offline software, or broader app compatibility.

What should I look for in a laptop under $300?

When buying a laptop under $300, prioritize at least 4GB RAM, SSD or eMMC storage, good battery life, a lightweight build, and a screen size that matches your daily needs.

Can you do schoolwork or remote work on a $300 laptop?

Yes, many laptops under $300 are capable of handling schoolwork, attending virtual meetings, browsing the internet, and completing assignments using web-based apps or Microsoft Office programs.

Articles

Cheap Laptops Under $300: Best Budget Picks for 2025

Todd Hebert April 28, 2025

Looking for a powerful yet affordable laptop under $300? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a student, a remote worker, or simply need a secondary device, finding a reliable laptop at this price point can feel overwhelming.
Good news — we’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best cheap laptops under $300 that don’t sacrifice performance for price.

In this guide, you’ll find the top budget laptops for everyday use, streaming, light gaming, and remote work — all under $300!

Table of Contents

Why Choose a Laptop Under $300?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a laptop that handles basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, video conferencing, and streaming.
Laptops under $300 are ideal if you:

Need a basic device for school or work
Want an inexpensive backup laptop
Are buying a laptop for a child or senior
Need a lightweight machine for travel

While you won’t get high-end gaming specs, you will find excellent value laptops that cover 90% of everyday needs.

Best Cheap Laptops Under $300 (2025 Picks)

Here’s our curated list of the top-performing laptops under $300 that deliver great bang for your buck.

1. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14″ Laptop

Price: $249
Specs:

AMD Athlon Silver Processor
4GB RAM, 128GB SSD
14″ HD Display
Windows 11 Home in S Mode

✅ Great for students and casual browsing.

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2. HP Stream 11.6″ Laptop

Price: $219
Specs:

Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage
11.6″ HD Display
Windows 11 S Mode

✅ Lightweight and ultra-portable, perfect for travelers.

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3. ASUS L210 Ultra Thin Laptop

Price: $229
Specs:

Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage
11.6″ HD Display
Windows 11 Home in S Mode

✅ Slim, stylish, and comes with a year of Office 365.

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4. Acer Chromebook 314

Price: $239
Specs:

Intel Celeron N4000 Processor
4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC
14″ Full HD Display
Chrome OS

✅ Excellent battery life, perfect for students and casual users.

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5. Samsung Chromebook 4

Price: $199
Specs:

Intel Celeron Processor
4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC Storage
11.6″ HD Display
Chrome OS

✅ Ultra-lightweight with military-grade durability.

SHOP NOW

How to Choose the Right Laptop Under $300

Before making your purchase, keep these key tips in mind to choose the best budget laptop:

1. Decide Windows or Chrome OS

Windows laptops are better if you need Microsoft Office apps like Word or Excel.
Chromebooks are faster and safer for basic tasks, but mainly rely on web-based apps.

2. Focus on Storage and RAM

Aim for at least 4GB RAM for smooth multitasking.
SSD or eMMC storage is faster than traditional hard drives.

3. Screen Size Matters

11–12 inches: Ultra-portable, ideal for travel.
14 inches: Comfortable for work and media consumption.

4. Battery Life

Look for laptops offering 8+ hours of battery backup for all-day use without being tied to a charger.

5. Ports and Connectivity

Ensure it has enough USB ports, a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 support for future-proof connectivity.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Budget Laptop

Pros	Cons
Affordable pricing	Limited storage space
Lightweight and portable	Lower processing power
Great for everyday tasks	Not ideal for heavy multitasking
Good battery life	May need cloud storage options

Final Thoughts: Are Laptops Under $300 Worth It?

Absolutely — if your needs are basic, a laptop under $300 is a fantastic investment.
You can browse the web, attend virtual meetings, complete schoolwork, and even enjoy light entertainment without breaking the bank.

Each laptop listed above offers great value, but your best pick depends on your specific needs:

Need Windows OS? → Lenovo IdeaPad 1 or HP Stream 11
Prefer Chrome OS simplicity? → Acer Chromebook 314 or Samsung Chromebook 4
Want ultra-portability? → ASUS L210 Ultra Thin

Whatever you choose, these affordable laptops will help you stay productive without spending big.

Quick Summary Table

Model	Price	Best For
Lenovo IdeaPad 1	$249	Students, work
HP Stream 11	$219	Travelers
ASUS L210 Ultra Thin	$229	Everyday use + Office
Acer Chromebook 314	$239	Students, casual use
Samsung Chromebook 4	$199	Ultra-portable users