Budget Friendly and reliable: Check out these sturdy laptops under $300
Since the rise in Pandemic, Work from Home, Encryption is Essential.. Laptops are a necessity.. Just happen to make a budget laptop recommendation..
Want an inexpensive Chromebook with a large display? The HP Chromebook 14 is a solid choice. A significant upgrade over the AMD model, the Intel version of the Chromebook 14 lasts all day on a charge and has a comfortable keyboard.
The notebook also has a sleek white design and the 1080p display is a luxury at this price point. While other similarly priced Chromebooks offer better performance, the Chromebook 14 is a good all-rounder for basic tasks.
If you’re looking for a 15-inch Windows 10 laptop for under $300, consider the Lenovo IdeaPad 330. It has a sturdy chassis and a comfortable keyboard, perks that budget laptops rarely offer. The IdeaPad 330 even has a DVD drive, which isn't something we typically encounter on laptops anymore. Unfortunately, a poor display, short battery life, and below-average performance spoil the fun.
If you want a smaller Chromebook, try the Lenovo Chromebook C330, which is an 11-inch convertible that has a lot in common with its competition. That includes both its best feature -- nearly 10 hours of battery life -- and its worst -- an unimpressive low-res screen. We do like that it comes with an HDMI port, which is fairly unique in this price range, as well as the comfy keyboard, but you shouldn't expect the swiftest performance.
HP Chromebook 14 (Intel):
The best HP Chromebook under $300.
CPU: Intel Celeron N3350 | GPU: Intel HD 500 GPU | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB eMMC | Display: 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Size: 13.3 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds.
Long battery life.
1080p display.
Attractive chassis.
Below-average performance.
Display could be more vibrant.
The Intel version of the HP Chromebook 14 is a solid improvement over its AMD counterpart, making it one of the best laptops under $300. For just under $300, you get an attractive laptop with a 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 display, which is an incredibly rare combination at this price point. To top it all off, HP’s Chromebook 14 features a comfortable keyboard and a battery that will stay powered up for an entire workday. The laptop endured for a very good 9 hours and 18 minutes on our battery test.
Armed with an Intel Celeron N3350 CPU and 4GB of RAM, the Chromebook 14 has enough power for simple day-to-day tasks, but don't try running demanding apps on this budget machine. If you’re looking for a Chromebook that doesn’t scream elementary school, then the HP Chromebook 14 is the one to get.
Asus L402YA:
Look good while on a budget.
CPU: AMD Dual core E2-7015 | Graphics: AMD Radeon R2 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 14” HD (1366x768) display | Storage: 64GB eMMC.
Looks great in dark blue or white
Nice port selection
Webcam not good
Not everyone can be a Chromebook fan– others prefer the more familiar environment of Windows 10 in S mode. If this sounds like you, then the Asus L402YA is certainly worth considering, especially if you’ve only got $250/£250 to spend. This 14-inch laptop will bring you back to that excellent Windows 10 environment, only more secure and more lightweight.
And, don’t worry about looking cheap. This laptop will allow you to save money while still looking good. It may not have options when it comes to internals, but externally, you’ve got choices. The Asus L402YA comes in three different colors, but the crowd-favorite seems to be the dark blue one, with the white one coming in close second.
The downsides? The display is not impressive, and the webcam is just not good. However, it makes up for those with a diverse port selection and good battery life. You lose some, but you also definitely win some.
Dell Inspiron 14 3480:
Great value for casual computing.
CPU: Intel Pentium Silver N5000 Processor | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 605 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 14.0-inch HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Non-touch Display | Storage: 128GB SSD.
Decent SSD storage.
Rugged build.
No USB-C.
If you want a full Windows 10 operating system, on the other hand, then go with the Dell Inspiron series. The Dell’s budget line comes in many configurations as well as sizes, ranging from tiny 11-inch notebooks to 17-inch behemoths. But, for something under $300, you can’t go wrong with the latest Dell Inspiron 14 3480.
These 14-inch additions to the Inspiron line comes in three configurations, the second of which will not only set you back less than $300, but also give you an Intel UHD Graphics 605 GPU and 4GB of memory. Dell pairs those with an Intel Pentium Silver N5000 processor. While those specs might not look like much to consumers with more intensive computing use, they’re definitely enough for the right kind of user. Plus, it boasts 128GB of SSD storage while most of its rivals only have flash memory.
Whether you’re looking for a laptop for the kids to use for school, or you’re looking for a portable to surf, stream and chat in, there’s great value to be had in the Dell Inspiron 14 3480.
