It is a common assumption that Chromebooks are less expensive than Windows laptops. However, if you desire the most advanced and cutting-edge Chromebook, you will still need to spend a significant amount, exceeding $900, to obtain top-tier specifications such as 12th generation Intel CPUs or high-resolution 16:10 aspect ratio screens. Nevertheless, there are still affordable options available for Chromebooks.
One of the advantages of the ChromeOS ecosystem is the extensive range of devices that are accessible for under or around $300. In this article, we will focus on precisely that. We have gathered some of the finest Chromebooks from manufacturers like HP, Acer, Samsung, and others, that are available at a variety of retailers. Additionally, we will highlight the features that we admire about each of these devices, including their performance, design, and ports. With such a broad variety of Chromebooks available, you are sure to find one that is ideal for you.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go
Introducing the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go: an affordable Chromebook that comes with a few tradeoffs. While the keyboard is excellent, and the device is sturdy and boasts a decent selection of ports, it does lack a keyboard backlight and features a subpar 720p webcam.
On the upside, this Chromebook offers a long battery life, a great selection of ports, and an LTE option. Priced at $159 from Samsung, it's the best 14-inch Chromebook available for under $300.
Powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 CPU, this device is perfect for everyday tasks and boasts a low-power design that helps to conserve battery life. Paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, the device offers a decent amount of power for browsing multiple tabs and testing out Android apps.
This Chromebook is also Wi-Fi 6 ready, which allows for faster download and upload speeds when paired with a compatible router. The device's battery life is impressive, offering up to 12 hours of use on a single charge.
Despite its large screen size, this is a compact Chromebook that measures 12 x 8.28 x 0.63 inches and weighs just 3.20 pounds. It offers ample space for ports, including two USB Type-C, a traditional USB Type-A 3.2 port, a MicroSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
However, the price tag does come with a caveat. While the screen measures 14 inches, it only features an HD panel with a resolution of 1336 x 768. This may not offer the crispest and clearest visuals, but it does provide room for an extra window. Additionally, the 720p webcam is subpar, which may be a disappointment to some users.
Buy: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go
Lenovo Chromebook 11.6
The Lenovo Chromebook 11.6 is a budget-friendly 2-in-1 that's great for portability and has a good selection of ports, but may have some performance issues with its Mediatek chip.
You can find this Lenovo Chromebook for $179 on Amazon. Despite its low price, it still offers some impressive specs. It features a Mediatek MT8183 ARM-based SoC, which may not be the most powerful chip out there but is still capable of running Android apps smoothly. The CPU is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, so you can browse the web and handle basic tasks without any issues.
The 11-inch display has a resolution of 1366 x 768, which is not the best, but still offers good image quality for its size. The device's compact design measures 11 x 8 x 0.9 inches, making it easy to carry around in a standard sleeve.
One of the standout features of this Chromebook is its port selection. Despite its small size, it still offers 1 USB A 2.0, 1x USB-C 2.0, x microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The device also comes in an "Abyss Blue" color that helps it stand out from the crowd.
However, the Mediatek chip may cause some performance issues, so it may not be the best option for users who need a lot of power. Additionally, it can be difficult to find in some regions.
Acer Chromebook 512
The Acer Chromebook 512 boasts a sturdy design and a compact size, making it an excellent choice for students. It also features a 3:2 aspect ratio screen, a fantastic port selection, and a 1080p webcam. Furthermore, it is frequently available for less than $200, making it an affordable option.
At $117, the Acer Chromebook 512 is the most inexpensive Chromebook on our list. This is particularly advantageous for educational purposes, and it can be purchased in bulk for as little as $150. Although it performs decently, it is a fantastic Chromebook model for beginners to get used to ChromeOS.
Under the hood, the Acer Chromebook 512 is equipped with an Intel Celeron N4020 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage. These specifications are sufficient for web browsing and authorized Android apps in education. Chromebooks are designed to be cloud-based and web-based machines. Instead of saving on the device and computing on the device, applications like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are accessed. All of these are web pages, and we believe they will perform well on this device. We also anticipate excellent battery life, as it is rated for 12 hours, which is outstanding for a low-powered CPU.
The durability of an educational Chromebook is critical since students will subject their devices to the most rigorous tests. Fortunately, this one is compliant with MIL-STD 810G standards. In other words, the laptop can withstand drops of up to 122 cm from surfaces such as tables. The spill-proof keyboard adds to its durability, as it will not be damaged if water falls on it.
The 3:2 aspect ratio is another essential feature to remember. Compared to other Chromebooks, there is more vertical space available for reading documents and scrolling through web pages. According to Acer, it provides 18% more vertical height. The 12-inch screen has a strange 1255 x 912 resolution, which may not lend itself well to multitasking. However, since this is an educational device, reading a single webpage should suffice.
Buy: Acer Chromebook 512
Acer Chromebook 317
The Acer Chromebook 317 is an impressive device available for under $300. It boasts a large 17-inch FHD display, making it ideal for multitasking, and includes a numpad on its full-sized, backlit keyboard.
Retailing for just over $300, the Acer Chromebook 317 is a great value for a 17-inch screen. It's powered by an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor, which is a step up from the lower-end Celeron CPUs found in some Chromebooks on this list. The quad-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage make multitasking and productivity smooth and efficient.
The keyboard is one of the standout features of this Chromebook, with a full-sized layout and a backlit numpad for spreadsheet work. This feature is a rarity in Chromebooks, particularly at this price point. The 17.3-inch touch screen is also noteworthy, as it offers ample space for stacking windows side by side and multitasking.
The port selection is robust, though an HDMI dongle may be required. The left side features a USB Type-C, USB-A, microSD, and headphone jack. On the right side, there's another USB-A port and USB-C. Both USB-A ports are USB 3.0, providing faster data transfer rates.
One minor drawback of the Acer Chromebook 317 is its weight of 4.85 pounds, which is a bit heavier than other devices on this list. However, this is still relatively lightweight for a 17-inch laptop. Additionally, the Intel Pentium CPU is not the fastest available, but it's still capable of handling most tasks efficiently.
Buy: Acer Chromebook 317
ASUS Chromebook Flip C214
The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is an excellent choice for younger kids or college students looking for a durable and portable device. Its ruggedized design can withstand spills and drops, and the convertible form factor allows for versatile use.
For parents, the all-around rubber bumper, spill-resistant keyboard, and ultra-tough hinge provide peace of mind, while the school day-long battery life ensures the device will last throughout the day. Additionally, the world-facing camera allows for new and exciting ways for students to explore and learn.
Internally, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is equipped with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB eMMc storage. While not the most powerful specs, the device is designed to be durable rather than high-performance.
Overall, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is an affordable and kid-friendly device that can handle the everyday knocks, bumps, and spills that come with younger users. The world-facing camera and versatile form factor make it an appealing option for students of all ages.
Buy: ASUS Chromebook Flip C214
Final Thoughts on Chromebooks Under $300
After researching and testing, we've compiled our top picks for Chromebooks under $300. Our number one recommendation is the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go, which boasts a long battery life, great port selection, and an optional LTE configuration. Although it has a 720p webcam and a relatively dim screen, it's still the best choice in its price range.
However, if you're willing to spend a little more, the Acer Chromebook 317 is an excellent option with a larger screen and backlit keyboard. The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is ideal for younger users due to its durability and compact design.
It's important to note that prices for these devices can fluctuate, and you may find them on sale for less or priced higher. Nevertheless, you can always find the best Chromebooks from reputable brands like Dell at local retailers like Best Buy.
