Strong contenders for three benjamins

Publish date: 2023-03-17

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

You don’t always need the most expensive version of a product to get the best performance. While it’s easy to aspire to own fancy stuff, it’s just not practical for most people. Chromebooks are often a cost-effective approach, but even they can reach the $1,000 threshold. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best Chromebooks under $300 to help you get a solid machine at a great price.

Up first in our best Chromebooks under $300 roundup is this classy piece of Samsung hardware, which should serve those who want a general computing machine with a large screen. It offers a 15.6-inch LCD with Full HD resolution. The 1,920 by 1,080 pixels ensure you have lots of room for multiple apps or windows. The Samsung Chromebook 4+ is powered by an Intel Celeron N3000 or N4000 processor with a reasonable 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. A 720p HD webcam means you can have crisp Duo or Zoom chats with friends and family. 

See also: 5 best video conferencing apps for Android!

Other features include Wi-Fi 5, a smattering of USB-A and USB-C ports, a slot for microSD cards, and of course, a headphone jack. The lithium-ion battery is rated for 12.5 hours, which should push nearly everyone through a too-long work or school day.

Samsung Chromebook 4+ specs:

2. Asus Chromebook C423

The Asus Chromebook C523 is another productivity powerhouse. It sports a 14-inch display that’s available with a 1,366 by 768-pixel resolution. Asus kept the bezels in check for an 80% screen-to-body ratio. The larger screen permits for a full-sized keyboard and a generous trackpad. A dual-core 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N3350 provides the processing power, and it is paired with 4GB LPDDR4 of RAM and 32GB of storage. It also has a webcam for video conferencing. 

Along the sides, you’ll find two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a headphone/mic jack, a microSD slot, and a Kensington lock. The 38Wh battery is rated for about 10 hours. It’s a decent weight at 2.6 pounds but is one of the more affordable options on this list.

Asus Chromebook C423 specs:

3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet

At first glance, it’s easy to mistake the ultra-portable Lenovo Chromebook Duet for a journal. It’s wrapped in soft fabric, but you’ll find a sharp Full HD screen inside when you open the type cover. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet screen is just 10.1-inches across, but it’s a perfect pick for on the go.

See also: Lenovo Chromebook Duet review

You might be disappointed if you’re looking for a 2-in-1 with plenty of ports, but the Chromebook Duet packs the internals to make up for it. Lenovo has managed to fit an octa-core MediaTek Helio P60T processor and ARM G72 MP3 graphics into the slim device. The standard configuration is also equipped with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB of eMCP storage. It’s not a bad cross between a tablet and a laptop for a Chromebook under $300.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet specs:

 

4. Dell Chromebook 3100

The Dell Chromebook 3100 primarily targets the education market as an under $300 option. It’s a rugged, MIL-STD-rated convertible that lets packs a splash-ready keyboard and reinforced ports. Dell’s pint-sized machine is available as a 2-in-1 as well. It has a smaller, 11.6-inch display with 1,366 by 768 pixels, making for HD resolution. This Chromebook is powered by a dual-core 2.8GHz Intel Celeron N4020 processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and it features a webcam that’s perfect for distance learning.

Ports and such are fairly robust. The Chromebook has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a headphone/mic jack. It’s one of the lighter offerings on deck at just 2.85 pounds. The battery is rated for 14 hours of uptime.

Dell Chromebook 3100 specs:

5. HP Chromebook 14

The HP Chromebook 14 offers much more real estate than the 11.6-inch options, which means more room for productivity. The 14-inch touch display has a modest 1,366 by 768 resolution and wide, 178-degree viewing angles. The HP 14 is powered by a dual-core 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4000 processor with a typical 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Should you need more storage space, the Chromebook supports microSD cards. Other features include Intel HD Graphics 600 and an impressive 13 hours of battery life. 

Connectivity runs the gamut. In addition to Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth, you’ll find two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C and one USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A port. Rounding out the features, it has stereo speakers, dual integrated mics, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack — all for just a hair over $200.

HP Chromebook 14 specs:

6. Lenovo Chromebook S330

The last pick for our best Chromebooks under $300 is another clamshell option. Lenovo’s Chromebook S330 is built for the professional world with a Business Black finish and a 180-degree hinge that lays flat for presentations. The large 14-inch display is great for productivity, but it’s still small enough for easy transportation.

Only a single processor option is available to the S330, and that’s a MediaTek MTK 8173C clocked at 1.7GHz with four cores and four threads. Other specs that play a role in performance include the integrated PowerVR GX6250 graphics and 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM at 1866MHz. 64GB of storage is standard, and a 720p webcam is perfect for Zoom meetings.

Lenovo Chromebook S330 specs:

That’s it for our look at the best Chromebooks under $300. For even more Chromebook buyer’s guides, check out the links below.

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