If you're working with a budget of 300 pounds or dollars, with so much choice out there, it can be difficult to find the best Chromebook for you.
In the battle of laptop vs Chromebook, one of the main advantages of a Chromebook is the price. With these Chromebooks opting for eMMC memory over SSD, for example, they are able to offer solid specs for a low cost.
As always, we're here to help you with your search, having done our own research looking at reviews, specs and additional features to create this list of our top picks.
Whether you're looking for the compact design of the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet or a brilliant laptop for students like the HP Chromebook 14, we've got you covered.
Best Chromebook Under 300
- Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
- ASUS 15.6" Chromebook CX1500CNA HD
- Acer Chromebook Spin 311
- HP Chromebook 14
- Samsung Chromebook 4 - 11.6" Inch Laptop
Best Chromebook Under 300 Compact Design- Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Brand: Lenovo | Colour: Black | Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: MediaTek Helio P60TGPU | Screen Size: 10.1 inches | Display: IPS | Memory: 4GB RAM | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Display Resolution Maximum: 1920 x 1200
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is an outstanding device for the price and we think it's not only a great Chromebook, but also a standout laptop for under 300 in general.
Featuring a 10.1-inch HD screen, this laptop is small, yet still provides up to 10 hours of battery life, not bad at all given its size.
The keyboard is detachable making this also one of the best 2-in-1 laptops also. This functionality comes in especially handy if you find yourself on the go more often than not.
This Lenovo is a great choice for those that want a lightweight and portable device.
Best Chromebook Under 300 Large Screen - ASUS 15.6" Chromebook CX1500CNA HD
Brand: ASUS | Colour: Silver | Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: Intel Celeron N3350 | Screen Size: 15.6 inches | Display: LED | Memory: 4GB RAM | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Display Resolution Maximum: 1366 x 768 pixels
If you're looking to get the largest screen for your money this ASUS Chromebook could be for you.
For the price, a 15.6-inch screen displays HD 1366 x 768 pixels and is actually very sizeable.
If your priority is having a larger workspace, or you like to have more than a few windows open at a time, then this should do the job nicely.
While 4GB RAM vs 8GB RAM is a hotly debated topic in laptops, 4GB of RAM is roughly what you'd expect to see at this price bracket. It's enough for this laptop to perform basic multitasking and tackle day-to-day work with no issues.
This ASUS Chromebook also has multiple USB ports which allow you to attach external hard drives if you're looking for more than the provided 64GB of disk space.
Best Chromebook Under 300 For Battery Life - Acer Chromebook Spin 311
Brand: Acer | Colour: Silver | Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: MediaTek 8183 | Screen Size: 11.6 inches | Display: LED | Memory: 4GB RAM | Storage: 32GB eMMC | Display Resolution Maximum: 1366 x 768 pixels
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 weighs in at a little over 1kg, can be adjusted easily to practically any position, and has a whopping 16h of battery life too.
There are some nice touches here also, especially the concave keycaps designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind.
Like most in this price range, this Acer Chromebook has 4GB of RAM, which should be enough when performing everyday tasks and perhaps some lighter photo editing.
Best Chromebook Under 300 For Students - HP Chromebook 14
Brand: HP | Colour: White | Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: Intel Celeron N4000 | Screen Size: 14 inches | Display: LED | Memory: 4GB RAM | Storage: 32GB eMMC | Display Resolution Maximum: 1366 x 768 pixels
The HP Chromebook 14 is a good all-rounder choice when it comes to looks, power, and even a bit of gaming too.
This laptop boasts an Intel UHD Graphics 600 coprocessor which will allow you to play some games at 720p when you're taking a break from studying.
Granted if there are some outstanding budget gaming laptops and great laptops for students available on the market, but for something under 300, that's quite a plus.
And if you find yourself moving around between classes all day, you can do so with confidence thanks to the HP Chromebook 14's 10-hour battery life.
Best Chromebook Under 300 All-Rounder - Samsung Chromebook 4 - 11.6" Inch Laptop
Brand: Samsung | Colour: Silver | Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: Intel Celeron N4000 | Screen Size: 11.6 inches | Display: LED | Memory: 4GB RAM | Storage: 32GB eMMC | Display Resolution Maximum: 1366 x 768 pixels
The Samsung Chromebook 4 is a reliable, durable and secure choice when it comes to a portable laptop.
The 11.6-inch HD display is anti-glare, which makes a real difference if you're working outside or in a well-lit room.
It's one of the more minimal laptops we've seen and actually features a 'zero-screw' design. Furthermore, at 1.18kg, this is one very light machine that won't weigh you down if you're on the move.
Add that to a 12h battery life and we think this Samsung Chromebook is a bit of a winner.
This Chromebook from Samsung is a smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Chromebooks Under 300
Is a budget Chromebook worth the money?
Fundamentally, a Chromebook is a laptop designed for basic tasks such as web browsing, replying to emails and watching videos on YouTube.
Budget laptops tend to have specs that align closer to this type of usage, like the Samsung Chromebook 4 for example, so we'd say they're worth the money if you're not planning on doing some of the more heavy lifting tasks, such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming.
Do I need a convertible budget Chromebook?
Having a convertible, or 2-in-1, laptop can be particularly beneficial if you're someone who likes the functionality of a tablet but don't want to sacrifice the traditions of a laptop.
Options such as the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 provide this experience, but if you don't fancy it, then you can pick up Chromebooks with touchscreens, or just a standard panel.
How much storage do I need in a budget Chromebook?
Most budget Chromebooks will come bundled with anything up to 64GB of eMMC storage that can be used for storing Word documents, the occasional video and apps downloaded from the Google Play Store.
64GB for instance provides enough of a ceiling for a lot of stored apps and files, especially given that compatibility on the Play Store is for mobile apps that won't take up too much space.
Is Chrome OS good?
The short answer is yes, Chromebooks have come a long way since their release and we think that Chrome OS is a solid choice for anyone looking for a new laptop.
It is safe, easy to use and reliable, and should provide all the basic functions and applications you'll likely need from a laptop whether you're a student or working professional.
READ MORE: Best Laptop 2022: Top Picks From Budget To Premium