The 6 Best Chromebooks Under $300 for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Acer Chromebook Plus 514	solid performance with a bright 1080p display
Best value	Lenovo Chromebook Duet	versatile 2-in-1 design under $250
Best for students	Acer Chromebook 315	large screen for productivity work
Best portable	Asus Chromebook Plus CX34	compact and capable for on-the-go use
Also recommended	HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch	a solid all-rounder near the top of your budget
Also recommended	Acer Chromebook Spin 312	a flexible 2-in-1 that often goes on sale

How we chose and tested

We analyzed multiple expert Our criteria included display quality, battery life, performance for basic tasks, and overall value. We prioritized Chromebooks that deliver what most users actually need: smooth web browsing, document editing, and media streaming.

The best Chromebooks under $300 right now

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 - Best overall

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 hits the sweet spot for budget Chromebooks, offering reliable performance and a quality display for under $300. It handles everyday tasks without frustration and delivers better specs than you'd expect at this price.

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Key highlights

1080p display with good brightness for indoor use
Solid performance for web browsing and document work
Meets Chromebook Plus standards for better long-term support
Some configurations include 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, though base models at this price may have less
Respectable battery life for all-day casual use

Pros

Bright, clear display makes text and videos look good
Enough power for multiple browser tabs and basic apps
Build quality feels more premium than the price suggests
Includes modern connectivity options like USB-C

Cons

Speakers are adequate but not impressive
Can feel sluggish with very heavy multitasking
Display isn't touch-enabled in base configurations
Storage is limited compared to traditional laptops

Who it is for: Students, home users, and anyone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday computing tasks like email, documents, and web browsing.

Skip if

You need touchscreen functionality, plan to run demanding Android apps, or want maximum storage for offline files.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet - Best value

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet delivers remarkable versatility as a 2-in-1 detachable that often sells for well under $250. It's essentially a tablet with an included keyboard case, making it perfect for both content consumption and light productivity.

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Key highlights

Detachable design works as both tablet and laptop
Included keyboard case adds no extra cost
Lightweight and highly portable at around 2 pounds
Touchscreen with optional pen support
Good battery life for tablet-style use

Pros

Incredible value with keyboard included
Extremely portable for students and travelers
Touchscreen makes it great for media consumption
Solid performance for basic Chrome OS tasks
Often available with 8GB RAM configurations

Cons

Smaller screen size (typically 10-11 inches)
Keyboard attachment can feel cramped for extended typing
Limited to lighter workloads due to mobile processor
Storage is often minimal (64GB or less)

Who it is for: Students who need both tablet and laptop functionality, travelers wanting maximum portability, and households looking for a versatile secondary device.

Skip if

You need a traditional laptop form factor, plan to type extensively, or want a larger screen for productivity work.

Acer Chromebook 315 - Best for students

The Acer Chromebook 315 offers a larger 15.6-inch display that makes it ideal for students who need screen real estate for research papers and multitasking. While it's an older model, it frequently appears at deep discounts under $300.

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Key highlights

Large 15.6-inch display helps with productivity
Full HD resolution available in some configurations
Numeric keypad included for data entry tasks
Decent battery life for all-day school use
Often available with upgraded RAM options

Pros

Big screen is great for split-screen multitasking
Includes full keyboard with number pad
Build quality is sturdy enough for backpack life
Good value when found on sale
Enough power for typical student workloads

Cons

Bulkier and heavier than other options
Older processor may feel slow with many tabs
Display quality varies by configuration
Limited to basic performance tasks
May have shorter update support timeline

Who it is for: Students who need a larger screen for research and writing, budget-conscious families, and anyone who prefers a traditional laptop size.

Skip if

You prioritize portability, need the latest performance features, or want guaranteed long-term update support.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 - Best portable

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 brings premium features to the budget category, with some configurations dipping under $300 during sales. It offers a good balance of performance and portability in a compact package.

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Key highlights

Compact 14-inch design is easy to carry
Meets Chromebook Plus specifications
Good performance for the price category
Quality build with attention to details
Often includes backlit keyboard in sale configurations

Pros

Excellent portability for students and commuters
Performance handles everyday tasks smoothly
Build quality feels premium despite price
Good keyboard for extended typing sessions
Includes modern connectivity options

Cons

Base configurations may lack touchscreen
Storage is typically limited (128GB or less)
Can exceed $300 in standard configurations
Display brightness varies by model
Speakers are just adequate for personal use

Who it is for: Commuters, students who carry laptops all day, and anyone who values portability without sacrificing too much performance.

Skip if

You need maximum screen size, want guaranteed touchscreen functionality, or have a strict $300 budget without waiting for sales.

Also Good

HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch - a solid all-rounder near the top of your budget.
Acer Chromebook Spin 312 - a flexible 2-in-1 that often goes on sale.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when picking a Chromebook under $300:

Display size and quality: Larger screens (15.6 inches) help with productivity but reduce portability. Look for at least 1080p resolution for clear text and decent video quality.

Performance needs: Basic web browsing and document work need only 4GB RAM, but 8GB makes multitasking smoother. Chromebook Plus models generally offer better performance guarantees.

Form factor: Traditional clamshells are best for typing, while 2-in-1 convertibles add tablet flexibility. Detachables like the Duet offer maximum versatility but smaller keyboards.

Storage considerations: Most files live in the cloud, so 64GB is often enough. If you download many Android apps or work offline frequently, aim for 128GB.

Update support: Check how long the model receives Chrome OS updates. Chromebook Plus models typically get longer support periods, which matters for security and features.

FAQ

What can I realistically do with a $300 Chromebook?

You can handle web browsing, email, document editing (Google Docs, Sheets), video streaming, video calls, and light Android apps. These are perfect for students, casual home use, and as secondary devices.

How much RAM do I need at this price?

4GB works for basic single-tab browsing, but 8GB makes a noticeable difference for multitasking with multiple tabs and apps open simultaneously. If you can find an 8GB model within budget, it's worth the upgrade.

Are touchscreens common under $300?

Touchscreens are less common at this price point, but 2-in-1 convertibles like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet include them. Traditional clamshell models often skip touch to hit the price target.

How long do Chromebooks typically last?

Chromebooks receive automatic updates for up to 10 years from their platform release date, according to Google's current policy. For devices prior to 2021, support timelines varied, and some features may not be supported in extended updates.

Can these handle video calls and online classes?

Yes, most modern Chromebooks include built-in webcams and microphones suitable for video calls, though quality varies by model. Performance is generally smooth for Zoom, Google Meet, and similar services with typical class sizes.