Finding a reliable laptop under $300 can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s challenging to determine which one will meet your needs without breaking the bank. However, with the right research and knowledge, you can find a laptop that offers excellent performance, speed, and storage capacity, all while staying within your budget.
When looking for the best laptops under $300, there are a few critical factors to consider. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the laptop’s processor. A high-quality processor will ensure that your laptop runs smoothly and quickly, even when running multiple applications simultaneously. Another factor to consider is the laptop’s storage capacity. With so much of our lives stored digitally, having enough space to store your files, photos, and videos is essential.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider the laptop’s display quality, battery life, and overall durability. You want a laptop that will last you for years to come, even with frequent use.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten laptops to identify the best laptops under $300. In the following sections, we’ll discuss our findings and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a laptop in this price range.
Best Laptops under 300
1. Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop
2. Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim Laptop
3. HP Premium 14-inch HD Thin and Light Laptop
We understand that finding a budget-friendly laptop can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best laptops under $300 that offer great value for money. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking for a basic laptop for everyday use, our list has something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks.
Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle everyday tasks, the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop is a solid choice.
Pros
- The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor with Radeon Graphics provides reliable performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
- The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels delivers sharp, clear visuals for your work or entertainment.
- With Wi-Fi 6 and 2×2 MU-MIMO technology, you can expect a strong and consistent wireless signal.
Cons
- The 128GB NVMe SSD storage may not be enough for users who need to store large files or install multiple programs.
- The laptop’s design is basic and lacks premium features like a backlit keyboard or aluminum construction.
- The Windows 11 Home in S mode may limit your ability to install certain apps or programs.
We’ve been using the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance for the price. The laptop boots up quickly and handles basic tasks with ease. The Full HD IPS display provides clear and vibrant visuals, making it a great choice for streaming movies or browsing the web.
One thing to note is that the laptop’s design is basic and lacks premium features like a backlit keyboard or aluminum construction. However, it’s still a solid choice for users who prioritize performance over aesthetics. Additionally, the laptop’s 128GB NVMe SSD storage may not be enough for users who need to store large files or install multiple programs.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle everyday tasks, the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop is a good choice. Just keep in mind the limitations of its storage and Windows 11 Home in S mode.
Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim Laptop is a great choice for those who are looking for a reliable laptop that can handle everyday tasks. With its powerful 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual Core processor, you can expect impressive performance for your creating, productivity, and gaming experiences.
Pros
- The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels provides sharp details and crisp colors.
- The ergonomically designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience.
- The Windows 11 Home in S mode comes with advanced security features built right in, like protections against phishing and malicious software.
Cons
- The 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage may not be enough for some users who need more storage space.
- The integrated graphics card may not be suitable for heavy gaming or video editing.
- The laptop may get warm after extended use.
We have tested the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim Laptop and found it to be a reliable and powerful device. The narrow-bezel design provides plenty of screen space, while the Full HD IPS display ensures crisp and true-to-life colors. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the improved cooling system ensures that the laptop doesn’t overheat.
One of the standout features of this laptop is the 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual Core processor, which delivers unmatched speed and intelligence. With Turbo Boost Technology, you can get up to 4.1GHz for your high-demand applications. The laptop also has faster Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for an awesome computing experience.
The laptop comes with 8GB DDR4 on-board memory (1 slot available) and 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) to store your files and media. Acer’s Purified.Voice technology features enhanced digital signal processing to cancel out background noise, improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup, which not only makes calls clearer but makes talking to Alexa easier than before. Using Alexa on your PC is as easy as asking a question. Just ask and Alexa can check your calendar, create lists, play music, answer questions, read the news, and more.
Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim Laptop is a great choice for those who are looking for a reliable and powerful laptop that can handle everyday tasks. With its powerful processor, Full HD IPS display, and improved cooling system, this laptop is a great investment for anyone who needs a reliable device for work or entertainment.
HP Premium 14-inch HD Thin and Light Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget laptop that can handle basic tasks, the HP Premium 14-inch HD Thin and Light Laptop might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- With its thin and light design, this laptop is easy to carry around.
- The Intel Celeron Processor N4120 provides decent performance for basic tasks.
- The battery life is impressive, providing up to 11.5 hours of use.
Cons
- The 64GB eMMC storage might not be enough for some users.
- The display resolution is only HD, which might not be suitable for some users.
- The keyboard is not backlit.
This laptop is perfect for those who need a basic laptop for browsing the internet, streaming videos, and using productivity apps. The Intel Celeron Processor N4120 provides enough power for basic tasks, and the battery life is impressive, providing up to 11.5 hours of use.
The thin and light design of this laptop makes it easy to carry around, while the 14-inch display provides a decent viewing experience. However, the display resolution is only HD, which might not be suitable for users who need a higher resolution display.
The 64GB eMMC storage might not be enough for some users, but the laptop comes with an additional 250GB portable SSD storage. The keyboard is not backlit, which might be a deal-breaker for some users who prefer to work in low-light environments.
Overall, the HP Premium 14-inch HD Thin and Light Laptop is a good choice for those who need a basic laptop for everyday use. It provides decent performance, good battery life, and is easy to carry around.
HP 15 inch Laptop
If you’re looking for an affordable laptop that can handle your daily tasks, the HP 15 inch Laptop is worth considering.
Pros
- The battery life is impressive, making it easy to work or stream media for an extended period.
- The laptop is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
- The Intel Core i3 Processor provides reliable performance, so you can tackle your daily tasks with ease.
Cons
- The laptop only has 128 GB of storage, which may not be enough for some users.
- The screen is not very bright, which may make it difficult to use in bright environments.
- The laptop only has integrated graphics, which may not be sufficient for those who need to run graphics-intensive applications.
We found that the HP 15 inch Laptop is a great option for those who need a laptop for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing. The battery life is impressive, and the laptop is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The Intel Core i3 Processor provides reliable performance, so you can tackle your daily tasks with ease. However, the laptop only has 128 GB of storage, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the screen is not very bright, which may make it difficult to use in bright environments.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable laptop that can handle your daily tasks, the HP 15 inch Laptop is a solid choice.
Lenovo Newest IdeaPad 1 Laptop Computer
If you’re looking for a budget laptop that can handle basic tasks, then the Lenovo Newest IdeaPad 1 Laptop Computer might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The laptop has a fast boot-up time of less than 15 seconds.
- The display is 15.6 inches and has a great-looking display.
- The laptop comes with a bundled BROAG cable and 1-Year Office 365 Personal.
Cons
- The viewing angle of the display is not great.
- The cord adapter male end falls out of the computer plug.
- Some Window-based online learning websites and Zoom functions are not supported.
We’ve been using the Lenovo Newest IdeaPad 1 Laptop Computer for a while, and we think it’s a decent budget laptop. The laptop has a fast boot-up time of less than 15 seconds, which is a great feature if you’re always on the go. The display is 15.6 inches and has a great-looking display, making it perfect for streaming videos or browsing the internet. Additionally, the laptop comes with a bundled BROAG cable and 1-Year Office 365 Personal, which is a great value for the price.
However, the viewing angle of the display is not great, which can be a problem if you’re sharing the screen with others. The cord adapter male end falls out of the computer plug, which can be frustrating if you’re using the laptop while charging it. Moreover, some Window-based online learning websites and Zoom functions are not supported, which can be a problem if you’re a student or working remotely.
Overall, the Lenovo Newest IdeaPad 1 Laptop Computer is a decent budget laptop that can handle basic tasks. If you’re looking for a laptop for basic tasks and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this laptop might be the right choice for you.
Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK Slim Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop with impressive features, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK Slim Laptop is a great choice. With its 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor and faster Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, this laptop is perfect for multitasking, photo and video editing, gaming, and work-related functionality.
Pros
- The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels provides sharp details and crisp colors.
- The ergonomic hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience.
- Acer’s Purified.Voice technology enhances digital signal processing to cancel out background noise, improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup, making calls clearer and talking to Alexa easier than before.
Cons
- With only 4GB DDR4 on-board memory and 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage, you may need to invest in external storage or upgrade the memory if you plan on storing large files or running multiple applications simultaneously.
- The laptop may not be suitable for running the latest games or graphically intensive applications.
- The laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which may limit your ability to download and install certain apps.
Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK Slim Laptop is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop with impressive features. Its powerful processor, Full HD IPS display, and ergonomic design make it ideal for work and play. However, if you need more storage or plan on running graphically intensive applications, you may need to invest in additional storage or upgrade the memory.
Coolby Laptop Computer
If you’re looking for a budget laptop that can handle your daily tasks, the Coolby Laptop Computer is worth considering.
Pros
- Loaded with Intel 11th generation Jasper Lake Celeron N5095, designed for work in Laptops and created by a 10 nm process, it has 4 cores and 4 Threads working at 2 GHz (up to 2.9 GHz). The graphics adapter is capable of driving up to 3 displays with resolutions up to 4K@60Hz, it will happily decode 4K video. This laptop runs smoothly, making it easy to handle all kinds of productivity software without stuttering.
- The HealBook Pro adopts a 15.6inch FHD(1920*1080) high-resolution screen, which can provide better viewing angles, color reproduction, color accuracy and consistency, also protects eyesight. And it equips 12GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD plus up to 256GB MicroTF interface. NVMe drives are faster than SATA drives. The advantage becomes tangibly clear when you’re loading or copying files, especially big ones.
- The HealBook Pro comes with a 2.0 MP camera, its privacy camera is a manual shutter located directly above the webcam. Moving this slider will close or open the shutter, you’ll know that your webcam is covered when you use the red pattern of the shutter instead of your webcam. And it includes a built-in cooling fan that reduces the device’s operating temperature which both limits heat exposure to the hardware and makes the device itself more comfortable to use.
Cons
- The keyboard may feel a bit cramped for users with larger hands.
- The battery life could be better.
- The speakers are not very loud and lack bass.
The Coolby Laptop Computer is a solid choice for those on a tight budget who need a laptop that can handle everyday tasks. The Intel 11th generation Jasper Lake Celeron N5095 processor and 12GB RAM make multitasking a breeze, and the 512GB NVMe SSD provides ample storage space for files and documents. The anti-glared display and camera privacy shutter slider are nice touches that add to the overall value of the laptop. However, the keyboard may be uncomfortable for some users, and the battery life could be better. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget laptop that can handle your daily tasks, the Coolby Laptop Computer is definitely worth considering.
HP 14 Laptop
If you are looking for an affordable laptop that performs well, the HP 14 Laptop is a great choice.
Pros
- This laptop is lightweight and easy to carry around.
- The 14-inch display has a micro-edge bezel that makes it look sleek and modern.
- With 11.5 hours of battery life, you can use this laptop all day without needing to recharge.
Cons
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor is not the most powerful, so this laptop may not be ideal for heavy multitasking or running demanding software.
- The 4GB of RAM may not be enough for some users who need to run multiple applications at the same time.
- The 64GB of storage is limited, so you may need to use external storage or cloud services.
We were impressed by the HP 14 Laptop’s portability and battery life. It’s easy to take with you wherever you go, and you won’t have to worry about running out of power during the day. The micro-edge bezel display is also a nice touch that gives this laptop a modern look.
However, the Intel Celeron N4020 processor may not be suitable for all users. It’s fine for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing, but it may struggle with more demanding software. The 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage are also limiting factors that could be an issue for some users.
Overall, if you need a basic laptop for everyday use and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the HP 14 Laptop is a solid choice. Just be aware of its limitations and make sure it meets your needs before making a purchase.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best laptop under 300, there are several features that you should consider before making a purchase. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Processor
The processor is the brain of your laptop, and it determines how fast your device can perform tasks. When looking for a laptop under 300, you should aim for a processor with at least two cores and a clock speed of 1.6GHz or higher. This will ensure that your laptop can handle basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and video playback without lagging.
RAM
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the temporary storage space that your laptop uses to run programs. For a laptop under 300, you should aim for at least 4GB of RAM. This will allow you to run multiple programs simultaneously without your laptop slowing down.
Storage
The amount of storage you need will depend on how you plan to use your laptop. If you mainly use your laptop for web browsing and word processing, 32GB of storage should be sufficient. However, if you plan to store large files or install multiple applications, you may want to consider a laptop with 64GB or more of storage.
Display
The display is an important factor to consider when choosing a laptop. For a laptop under 300, you should aim for a display with a resolution of at least 1366×768. This will ensure that your laptop can display content clearly and sharply.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for those who plan to use their laptop on the go. When looking for a laptop under 300, you should aim for a battery life of at least 6 hours. This will allow you to use your laptop for an extended period of time without needing to recharge.
By considering these factors, you can find a laptop under 300 that meets your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to look for in a Windows laptop under $300?
When looking for a Windows laptop under $300, there are a few key features to keep in mind. Firstly, aim for a laptop with at least 4GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking. Secondly, opt for a laptop with a decent processor, such as an Intel Celeron or AMD A6, for reliable performance. Additionally, look for a laptop with a decent battery life and a lightweight design for easy portability.
Can I find a quality 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop at a sub-$300 price point?
Yes, it is possible to find a quality 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop for under $300. However, it is important to keep in mind that at this price point, you may have to compromise on certain features such as storage capacity or processing power. Look for laptops with a smaller screen size, such as 11 or 12 inches, to keep the cost down.
What are the best laptop options for students available for less than $300?
For students on a budget, there are several laptop options available for less than $300. Look for laptops with a lightweight design for easy portability between classes, as well as a decent battery life to last throughout the day. Additionally, aim for a laptop with at least 4GB of RAM and a decent processor for reliable performance.
Is it possible to purchase a gaming laptop with 8GB RAM for under $300?
While it is possible to find a gaming laptop with 8GB of RAM for under $300, it may be difficult to find one that can handle more demanding games. Look for laptops with a dedicated graphics card and a decent processor to ensure smooth gameplay. However, keep in mind that at this price point, you may have to compromise on certain features such as storage capacity or screen size.
Which laptop brands offer the best value for money within a $300 budget?
When shopping for a laptop under $300, some of the best value for money can be found with brands such as Acer, HP, and Lenovo. These brands offer a range of laptops with decent performance and features for a budget-friendly price.
Are there any laptops under $200 that provide satisfactory performance for basic tasks?
Yes, there are laptops available for under $200 that can provide satisfactory performance for basic tasks such as web browsing and word processing. However, at this price point, you may have to compromise on certain features such as storage capacity or processing power. Look for laptops with at least 2GB of RAM and a lightweight design for easy portability.