Home PC Chromebook The Best Chromebooks Under $200
TechJunkie Expert Recommendations
TechJunkie is supported by our readers. When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Read More.
Although a few Chromebooks manage to creep into the high-end market to compete against MacBooks and Microsoft’s Surface Laptops, many Chromebooks come at an affordable price tag. They offer a fantastic way to browse the web, create projects, and watch videos without emptying your pockets. Such devices had gotten more popular, especially when more and more people started working from home. Many of you might’ve thought that the cheapest Chromebooks are priced between $400 and $500, but you can find models that cost $200 or less. Of course, you shouldn’t expect the most advanced specs when purchasing a cheap Chromebook. They usually have displays with lower resolutions, slower processors, and limited storage. These more affordable options are ideal for those who need a computer for basic tasks. Such Chromebooks can’t handle games or programs that require a ton of processing power, and you might end up being disappointed if you try pushing them to their limits. Like any gadget you spend money on, it would always be best to do your research before buying it. Lucky for you, we’re happy to help, so here are the best Chromebooks you can get your hands on in 2022 that cost under $200.
The HP Chromebook 11a is among the best budget-friendly Chromebooks available because, for only $135, you get a Chromebook with a vibrant display and impressive build. It’s perfect for those who need to bring a laptop to school or work because of its small size. It features an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen display with a 178-degree wide-viewing angle. Some might not like the screen’s thick bezels, but those with ultra-slim bezels are usually the high-end models. You can expect a decent performance from its MediaTek MT8183 processor and MediaTek Integrated Graphics. Its 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage is expected, given its affordable price, but at least it comes with a microSD slot that allows you to expand its storage. Users can use this Chromebook for video calls since it comes with the HP True Vision 720p HD camera. It also has integrated dual array digital microphones and tuned stereo speakers. The HP Chromebook 11a’s keyboard is pretty spacious and responsive, but we can’t say the same about its trackpad. The device supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, which are probably seen as outdated for tech enthusiasts but alright for the average joe. In terms of connectivity, the Chromebook comes with one USB Type-C port, one USB TYpe-A port, and a headphone/mic combo jack. The device’s battery life is not so bad because you can get close to nine hours of usage per charge.
Lightweight and portableDecent touchscreen display and keyboardExpandable storageSuper affordable
Trackpad could be betterNeeds more portsOnly 4GB RAM720p webcam
If you feel like an 11.6-inch Chromebook is too small for you, you can go for a larger option like the Lenovo Chromebook S330. It has a 14-inch FHD display, which is somehow better than many of its more affordable rivals. The display has a 180-degree hinge, adding flexibility to how you use the device. The Chromebook uses a MediaTek MTK8173C Processor and 4GB RAM, but some have reported that the laptop can sometimes be slow. It’s why such devices are only suitable for simple workloads. You get up to 64GB of eMMC storage, but if this isn’t enough, you can get more storage via a cloud service like Google Drive or an SD card. The Chromebook doesn’t disappoint with its connectivity because you get a USB Type-C port, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI port, and an audio jack. It supports Bluetooth 4.1, but you can only connect up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The Lenovo Chromebook S330 has a built-in mic, 720p webcam, and dual 2W speakers, which are enough for regular video calls. Regarding battery performance, the device promises up to ten hours of usage per charge. You can rest assured that the Chromebook will stay protected from any viruses thanks to its built-in virus protection.
14-inch FHD display with 180-degree hingeExpandable storageDecent port selectionDual 2W speakersBuilt-in virus protection
Display could be betterOverall performance can get slow at times
For those looking for an affordable, minimalist, durable Chromebook, the Samsung Chromebook 4 would be perfect for you. It features an 11.6-inch display that’s anti-reflective and has an HD resolution. You get a full-sized keyboard, but its trackpad is pretty small. The device can handle accidental drops and bumps because of its military-grade durability. Its system is also well-protected because it has built-in virus protection. It has an Intel Celeron Processor N4000 processor and 4GB RAM, which won’t promise the most lightning-fast performance, but it’s enough for browsing the internet or using Microsoft Office. The Chromebook only has 64GB of eMMC storage, so you might need to invest in an external hard drive if you handle large files regularly. Its battery life is impressive for its price because you can get up to 12.5 hours of usage on a single charge. Since the Samsung Chromebook 4 runs on Google’s Chrome OS, you can easily access the Google Play Store, Google Drive, and Google Docs. You can also use helpful voice commands via Google Assistant. The Samsung Chromebook 4 is an excellent entry-level laptop, but it could use a more modernized design and more color options to choose from.
Decent CPU performanceCompact and portable12.5-hour battery lifeGoogle Assistant supportMilitary-grade durability
Basic designLimited RAM and storageDisplay could be better
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet shouldn’t even be on this list because it used to be worth over $200, but its price has dropped to $149 as of July 2022. It’s pretty unique because it’s a laptop-tablet hybrid. You get a 10.1-inch touchscreen display you can use as a tablet, and then you attach its keyboard to use it like a laptop. It undoubtedly beats many of its rivals on this list because its display has a Full HD resolution, and you get 128GB of SSD storage. The performance its MediaTek Helio P60T processor gives users isn’t so bad, but you’ll still have setbacks due to its limited 4GB RAM. Since the Lenovo Chromebook Duet acts as a tablet, it’s only fitting that it has cameras. The device has an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP selfie camera, but its photo and video quality won’t make your jaw drop. You don’t get many options when it comes to connectivity because it only has a USB Type-C port, but you can still connect external devices via Bluetooth. The Chromebook features a 7,180 mAh battery, which lasts up to ten hours before running out of juice. Customers will receive a free USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter, a 5V/2A AC adapter, and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for parts and labor.
2-in-1 design10.1-inch FHD touchscreen display128GB SSD10-hour battery lifeLightweight and portable
Keyboard and touchpad feel cramped4GB RAMNeeds more portsStill not powerful enough for multitasking
The ASUS Chromebook C423NA is another budget-friendly Chromebook on the larger side. It has a 14-inch display with an HD (1366 x 768) resolution, LED backlighting, an anti-glare panel, and a 60Hz refresh rate. Its display features a 180-degree hinge, allowing you to lay the screen flat on your table and let your peers see what you’re doing. ASUS ensured that its hinge went through necessary testing, so you can rest assured that the hinge won’t give up on after only a couple of months. Unlike many cheap models, this device features a modern aesthetic and slimmer bezels compared to its competitors. The Chromebook has an Intel Celeron Dual-Core N3350 processor and 4GB RAM, which is enough for any program that doesn’t need too much power. The device only has 32GB of eMMC storage, but you can quickly get more space by using its SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. You can use the Chromebook for video calls because it has an HD webcam, but you can’t expect it to have the best quality. The ASUS Chromebook C423NA comes with two USB Type-A ports, two USB Type-C ports, and one headphone/mic combo jack. ASUS claims that the device offers users up to 10 hours of usage per charge.
Modern design14-inch HD display with 180-degree hingeExpandable storageHas Type-C and Type-A ports10-hour battery life
Weak CPUDisappointing display resolution and brightness
50 Articles Published
We're not just tech junkies, but we're also tech experts. Each and every "Best of.." list on TechJunkie is curated by our content-area subject matter experts to provide a well-rounded, unbiased perspective to help and inform you, our reader. Our lists are constantly reviewed and updated, so you can be sure you're reading relevant and up to date information.
Copyright @2024 TechJunkie
Copyright @2024 TechJunkie
If you don’t see an app that should be here, let us know what it is
