Home PC Chromebook The Best Chromebooks Under $300
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We recently published a list of the best Chromebooks under $200—a price point that’s highly affordable for virtually anyone who needs a basic device that can get you through daily emailing and web browsing. The problem with these cheaper devices is that they often have the lowest specs on the market that might not be enough for those who need a Chromebook that packs ample power for work or school. You might be better off increasing your total budget to $300 because you’ll get more options with better specs. Several incredibly competent Chromebook laptops can be found for under $300, and all you need to do is do your research. For those who are somewhat unfamiliar with the idea of a Chromebook, there’s no need to be suspicious about how low the price tags for these devices can go. Unlike the mega-expensive MacBook Pros and their PC equivalents, Chromebooks were not designed to carry out pro-level tasks like audio production or video editing. Instead, they were built as large web browsers with keyboards—meaning they act somewhat like a more powerful extension of your smartphone and can dutifully carry out tasks like emailing and web browsing with ease. The laptops on this list can get you through the average workday (and perhaps even a little Netflix binging when you’re done), and you won’t need to worry about taking out a second mortgage on your home in order to buy one. Let’s take a look at the Chromebooks Under $300
The Samsung Chromebook 4+ is an excellent option for those on a budget because, for only $299, you get a 15.6-inch laptop. Larger laptops benefit those who like multitasking, watching movies, and having more desktop space. Such sizes mean that you get a more spacious keyboard and trackpad. This Chromebook features an LED display with a Full HD resolution. You can’t expect it to handle heavy programs because its Intel Celeron N4000 processor and 4GB RAM can only handle basic tasks. The device’s integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 also promises users a decent visual performance. What many might not like about this Chromebook is how it only has 32GB of eMMC storage. Thankfully, it comes with a microSD card slot for easy storage expansion. The Samsung Chromebook 4+ features dual 1.5W speakers, a microphone, and a 720p HD camera, so you’ll be able to use it for video calls even if it doesn’t guarantee the best quality. The Chromebook gives users an ample port selection because it has two USB Type-C ports, one USB Type-A 3.0 port, and a headphone/mic combo jack. Samsung says that you can expect to get around 10.5 hours of usage per charge, and you can achieve better charging speeds by investing in a 45W fast charger.
Large FHD displaySpacious keyboard and touch padTwo Type-C ports and one Type-A portMicroSD slot
Limited RAM and internal storageCould use an HDMI portDisplay quality and CPU performance could be better
At first glance, you can’t tell that the ASUS Chromebook C523 is an affordable device because of its modern and premium-looking design. This Chromebook features a 15.6-inch Anti-Glare NanoEdge touchscreen display, but its quality is quite underwhelming because it only has an HD resolution. Its screen is flexible thanks to its 180-degree hinge, so you can lay the device flat to share what’s on your screen with your peers. The Chromebook can handle basic workloads to get you through the day thanks to its Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3350 processor, but its 32GB eMMC storage and 4GB RAM might not be enough for those who need to do more advanced tasks. Users have the option to get more storage space by inserting a microSD card in the designated card slot. The ASUS Chromebook C523 also has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The device has a built-in speaker, mic, and 720p webcam and supports voice control via Google Assistant. The Chromebook will last an entire work or school day with you because it has a battery life of ten hours.
Premium-looking designTouchpad and keyboard are comfortable to useAmple portsExpandable storage via microSD card
Display only has an HD resolutionNot the best speakersLacks keyboard lightingOnly 4GB RAM32GB internal storage
If you plan to use a Chromebook at school, an office, or a cafe, it would be best to invest in a device with impressive portability. One example is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, which also acts as a tablet. It features a 10.1-inch WUXGA touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. It becomes a laptop when you attach its detachable keyboard, but its size and spacing feel somewhat cramped. The MediaTek Helio P60T processor of the Chromebook delivers a decent performance, but you still can’t count on it for running heavy programs and doing complicated workloads. The device only comes with 4GB RAM, but what’s impressive about it is that it has 128GB of eMMc storage. Looking at other options within its price range will show you that many budget-friendly options often come with a low storage capacity. Users can use the Lenovo Chromebook Duet to take photos and videos because it comes with a 2MP front-facing camera and 8MP rear camera, but you shouldn’t expect much from its overall quality. The device’s portability would not be worth anything if it had poor battery life, but thankfully, it will last up to ten hours on a single charge. The Chromebook has limited connectivity options because all you get is a USB Type-C port. Upon purchase, customers will get a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labor.
Laptop-tablet hybrid128GB storage10.1-inch WUXGA touchscreen display10-hour battery life
Could use more portsLimited RAMCramped touchpad and keyboard
The Acer Chromebook 314 is another affordable Chromebook that features a touchscreen display. It’s not like touchscreen options that feature a 2-in-1 design, but its touch capabilities will still help increase productivity. The device has a 14-inch HD LCD screen with ComfyView technology. It’s an LED-backlit display, and it uses Intel UHD Graphics 600. The device features an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, which is common in Chromebooks for the same price. Its dual-core CPU can reach a maximum speed of 2.60 GHz. Like other budget options, you might not want to use this if you need to do constant multitasking because it only comes with 4GB RAM. The Acer Chromebook 314 has 64GB of eMMC storage, and you can quickly expand its storage since it comes with a microSD slot. Users can even get ample cloud storage using Google Drive. You can use the device for Zoom calls because it comes with an HD webcam, microphone, and dual speakers, but given its price, their quality won’t really leave you impressed. The Chromebook has a decent port selection because you get an audio line out/headphone jack, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and two USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports. Acer claims you will get up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Touchscreen displayDecent battery lifeExpandable storageAmple ports
Only 4GB RAMWebcam could be betterOutdated design
The HP x360 14a is another Chromebook you can use as a tablet because of its flexible 360-degree hinge, but it’s way different from the Lenovo Chromebook Duet because its keyboard isn’t detachable. The device has a large 14-inch HD touchscreen display with slim bezels. It uses an Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core processor that delivers ample power for basic tasks, and you get decent visuals from its Intel UHD Graphics 600. The device’s 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage isn’t surprising, mainly because it’s super affordable, but at least it comes with a microSD card slot for getting more storage space. It also has two USB 3.0 Type-C ports, one USB 3.0 Type-A port, and a microphone/headphone combo jack. The HP x360 14a has a webcam, and while its720p quality might not be sufficient for tech enthusiasts, it’s indeed enough for those who take video calls once in a blue moon or students who have online classes. HP says the device’s battery life can reach 12.5 hours per charge, but you will only get up to 7 hours if you are fond of watching videos or streaming movies. The Chromebook has a 45W USB Type-C power adaptor and a setup poster.
Snappy and responsive enough for its price14-inch HD touchscreen display with 360-degree hingeMicroSD card slotSleek design
Only 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storageDisplay resolution could be betterUnderwhelming touchpad and speakersDisappointing battery life
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