Top 5 Laptops Under 300: Best Budget Buys Now

Do you need a new computer but cringe at high prices? It feels like a good laptop costs a fortune these days, right? Many people need a reliable machine for schoolwork, browsing the web, or just watching videos, but their budget says “no way.” Finding a quality laptop for under $300 feels almost impossible. You worry about getting something slow or something that breaks quickly.

That struggle ends today! We understand the frustration of searching endlessly for a budget-friendly powerhouse. This guide cuts through the noise. We have researched the best laptops you can actually afford right now. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which machine offers the best speed and features for your money.

Get ready to discover the hidden gems of the budget laptop world. Let’s dive in and find your perfect, affordable computer!

Top Laptops Under 300 Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fast Charging, Webcam Sheild, Military Grade Durability, Black, E1504FA-AS33

15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY — Super slim bezel design with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate, vibrant 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit sustained brightness
AMD Ryzen 3 7320U PROCESSOR — Designed for thin laptops, this processor gives you essential performance for browsing and productivity with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
8GB MEMORY + 128GB STORAGE — Faster memory that smoothly runs multiple applications at once with large storage for files, documents and more
WI-FI 5 AND BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Seamlessly and quickly connect your devices
SOUND BY SONICMASTER — Crisp, multi-dimensional sound with built-in speakers and an array microphone

SaleBestseller No. 2

HP Ultra Slim Laptop for Students and Business | 1 Year Office 365 | 1.1TB Storage (1TB Cloud and 64GB Hard Drive) | Intel Quad-Core, 8GB RAM | Windows 11 Home w/o Earbuds

【Make the most out of your 365】Bring your ideas to life.Your creativity now gets a boost with Microsoft 365. Office - Word, Excel, and Power Point - now includes smart assistance features that help make your writing more readable, your data clearer and your presentations more visually powerful. 1 -Year subscription included. Or Lifetime Office 365 for the web allows users to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents online at no cost, as long as an internet connection is available.
【14" HD Display】14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView. With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups. The storage capacity is 64GB hard drive, which includes a 64GB onboard drive.
【Processor & Graphics】Intel Celeron N4120, 4 Cores & 4 Threads, 1.10 GHz Base Frequency, Up to 2.60 GHz Burst Frequency, 4 MB Cahce, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Handle multitasking reliably with the perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value.
【Ports】1 x USB 3.1 Type-C ports, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, and there's a microSD slot
【Windows 11 Home in S mode】You may switch to regular windows 11: Press "Start button" bottom left of the screen; Select "Settings" icon above "power" icon;Select "Activation", then Go to Store; Select Get option under "Switch out of S mode"; Hit Install. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)

SaleBestseller No. 3

HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)

READY FOR ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 mm micro-edge bezel display, and 79% screen-to-body ratio, you’ll take this PC anywhere while you see and do more of what you love (1)
MORE SCREEN, MORE FUN – With virtually no bezel encircling the screen, you’ll enjoy every bit of detail on this 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (2)
ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Tackle your busiest days with the dual-core, Intel Celeron N4020—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (3)
4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (4) (5)
STORAGE AND MEMORY – An embedded multimedia card provides reliable flash-based, 64 GB of storage while 4 GB of RAM expands your bandwidth and boosts your performance (6)

Bestseller No. 4

NIMO 15.6" IPS FHD-Laptop-Computer, Intel Pentium Quad Core N100 4GB RAM 128GB SSD (Beat i3-1115G4, Up to 3.4GHz) Backlit Keyboard Fingerprint Type-C WiFi 6 BT5.2, for Student and Home

【Worry-Free Warranty for Your Peace of Mind】We stand behind NIMO laptop quality. Your purchase includes a comprehensive 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 90-day hassle-free return policy. We know buying a new laptop is a major decision—so we’ve got you fully covered. Our dedicated support team is ready to address any concerns, ensuring a smooth, worry-free ownership experience right from day one.
【Effortless Speed, Seamless Performance】Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N100 processor (up to 3.4GHz boost), the NIMO Laptop delivers reliable, long-lasting performance. With 4 cores and 4 threads, it handles multitasking with ease—whether streaming, working, or gaming. Built for durability and efficiency, it keeps productivity and entertainment smooth, from editing documents and running apps to binge-watching your favorite shows.
【Upgradable RAM for Seamless Multitasking】No more frustrating lag. This NIMO laptop comes with 4GB DDR4 RAM—perfect for students juggling dozens of research tabs or professionals running multiple business apps. The expandable RAM slot lets you easily upgrade memory on your own, so your laptop can keep up with future demands and ensure your work always flows smoothly.
【Blazing-Fast SSD for Ample Storage】Access everything you need instantly. Equipped with a 128GB PCIe SSD, this laptop boots in a flash and transfers files at lightning speed. It’s ideal for creators storing large video files, or students and business users managing extensive project data. The upgradable SSD slot gives you the freedom to expand storage anytime—so you’ll never stress about running out of space.
【Immersive Visuals | Ultimate Viewing Comfort】Enjoy sharp clarity on a 15.6" FHD anti-glare display (1920×1080), featuring an 85% screen-to-body ratio and ultra-slim bezels. Built to reduce eye strain while delivering vibrant, true-to-life colors, it’s perfect for designers, professionals, and everyday users alike—great for work and leisure.

Bestseller No. 5

Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, Intel Core 3 Processor 100U Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Carbon Black

Effortlessly chic. Always efficient. Finish your to-do list in no time with the Dell 15, built for everyday computing with Intel Core 3 processor.
Designed for easy learning: Energy-efficient batteries and Express Charge support extend your focus and productivity.
Stay connected to what you love: Spend more screen time on the things you enjoy with Dell ComfortView software that helps reduce harmful blue light emissions to keep your eyes comfortable over extended viewing times.
Type with ease: Write and calculate quickly with roomy keypads, separate numeric keypad and calculator hotkey.
Ergonomic support: Keep your wrists comfortable with lifted hinges that provide an ergonomic typing angle.

SaleBestseller No. 6

Lenovo IdeaPad 1i Laptop with Office 365 Home and Business • 1TB Cloud Storage and 128GB SSD • 8GB RAM • Intel Core • 14 Anti-Glare Screen • WiFi-6 • 11HR Battery • Windows 11 no Mouse

Maximize your entertainment. Make the most of your screentime with a 14" HD display and up to 87% Active Area Ratio –the amount of screen compared with the size of its borders. Two Dolby Audio speakers also stream rich and robust audio.
Keep it on lock. Lock down your device with the physical privacy shutter on the 720P camera, keeping prying out eyes—even after videocalls.
Productivity on the go. With a Celeron Intel processor in your laptop, you can effortlessly multitask with multi-screen capabilities, communicate easily with friends and family, and take all your favorite entertainment to go.
Go the easier fashion. Make your life easier with smart features such as Flip to Start, which turns on your laptop as soon as you flip open the lid. Cut down that background noise on your video call with Smart Noise Cancelling.
Includes One-year Microsoft 365 subscription

Bestseller No. 7

SGIN 15.6 Inch Laptop Computer, Win 11 Laptops with 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD, Core i3 CPU(Up to 3.9GHz), Backlit Keyboard, 53.2WH Battery, WiFi 6, IPS FHD Display, 180° Viewing, HDMI, Type-C

Powerful Core i3 Processor: Equipped with i3-10100 (2-core, 4-thread, 6MB cache, up to 3.9GHz)up to 3.9GHz, this Win laptop delivers essential multitasking capabilities and is suitable for running multiple applications. Its high-speed CPU ensures smooth operation and efficient workflow under heavy workloads
Ample Storage and Speed: Featuring 16GB RAM and 1024GB SSD, this traditional laptop computer loads apps quickly and runs smoothly. Expandable with TF card up to 1TB, it easily stores school files, business data, videos, and entertainment media for flexible use. It also has fast data read and write speeds that let you boot up the system and load apps quickly
15.6 Inch FHD and 180°Viewing: The 15.6-inch Full HD 1920×1080 IPS screen delivers vivid colors and sharp details on this Win 11 laptop, offering wide viewing angles for comfortable long sessions. With a 180°Viewing, business laptop allows easy screen sharing and collaboration for multimedia, analysis, or creative tasks
Protection and Backlit Keyboard: SGIN Laptop comes with 1 year Protection and 24/7 customer instant help. White backlit keyboard clearly illuminates keys in low-light or nighttime conditions. Ideal for student laptop users, it improves typing accuracy and comfort at home, in libraries, or on the go. Note: Press “FN” + “F5” to turn the backlight on/off
All-Day Battery and Connectivity: The 7000mAh/53.2Wh battery is equipped with a 6000mAH Battery rechargeable battery with up to 8 hours of battery life. Also it can fuel your all-day office, travel, or business tasks. The built-in camera switch ensures privacy and secure online meetings. This wifi 6 laptop include USB 3.0, HDMI, Micro SD slot, Kensington lock, and a headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with accessories

SaleBestseller No. 8

HP 14" Ultra Light Laptop for Student & Home (Intel Quad-Core N4120, 4GB RAM, 128GB(64GB + 64GB SD), 1-Year Office 365) 11-Hr Long Battery Life, Webcam, WiFi, Win 11 Home in S Mode - Snow White

INTRODUCING THE LAPTOP — Boasting a thin and light design, the HP 14 Laptop is designed for everyday multitasking and productivity on the go. Weighing only 3.2 lbs, it comes with up to 11.5 hours of battery life and fast-charge technology, allowing you to power through your day without the burden. Enjoy a complimentary one-year Microsoft 365 subscription, including full access to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, and 1TB of OneDrive storage, which brings your ideas to life
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE — Powered by a high-performance Intel Celeron N4120 paired with Intel UHD Graphics, along with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB storage (64GB eMMC + 64GB SD Card), the laptop delivers fast boot times, responsive performance, reliable multitasking, and stable flash storage
CRISP DISPLAY — Equipped with a 14" micro-edge display, coupled with anti-glare technology for comfortable viewing. Supports expanding the workspace with 2 external monitors via HDMI or USB-C, max resolution up to FHD (1920x1080) @60Hz without docking station. Plus, a 720p webcam meets daily video chat or conference needs
RICH CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS — Equipped with USB-C 3.1 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI 1.4b, a headphone/microphone combo jack, an AC Smart Pin, and an SD Card Reader for expanded storage options. It also features Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5 for ultra-fast, stable wireless connectivity
OPERATING SYSTEM — Windows 11 Home in S mode. You can switch to Windows 11 Home from S mode (but you can't switch from Home to S mode); you are always recommended to check the requirements and compatibility of any software you will install on your new computer before you make the purchase. It is ideal for family entertainment, school education, daily productivity, casual gaming, streaming, online classes, remote learning, Zoom meetings, video conferences, etc

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Snagging the Best Laptop Under $300

Finding a great laptop without breaking the bank is totally possible! Laptops under $300 are perfect for basic tasks. Think homework, checking email, streaming videos, and light browsing. You won’t get a powerhouse machine, but you can get a reliable tool. This guide shows you what to watch for.

1. Key Features to Look For

When shopping in this budget, you need to focus on the essentials. Don’t expect the fastest speeds, but aim for smooth basic operation.

Processor (The Brain)

Look for Intel Celeron, Pentium, or AMD Athlon processors. These are entry-level but handle simple tasks well.
Avoid very old or very slow processors if possible.

RAM (Short-Term Memory)

Aim for at least 4GB of RAM. This is the bare minimum for running Windows or ChromeOS without constant freezing.
If you find 8GB, grab it! It makes a big difference in multitasking.

Storage (Where Files Live)

Prioritize SSD (Solid State Drive) over older HDD (Hard Disk Drive). SSDs make the laptop feel much faster when starting up and opening apps.
Look for at least 64GB of storage, but ideally 128GB if you plan to save many files locally. Cloud storage is your friend here.

Operating System (OS)

Many budget laptops run ChromeOS (Chromebooks). These are fast for web-based work.
Windows laptops in this price range might run Windows 10 S Mode or basic Windows 11. Check the requirements to ensure it runs smoothly.

2. Important Materials and Build

Since these laptops are budget-friendly, manufacturers often use plastic for the body. This is normal.

Chassis: Most will use durable plastic. Check reviews to see if the hinges feel weak. Strong hinges improve longevity.
Screen Size: 11-inch to 14-inch screens are common. Smaller screens are easier to carry but harder for long reading sessions.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Small details really affect how usable your cheap laptop is.

Quality Boosters:

Touchscreen: Sometimes available, this adds flexibility for note-taking or simple navigation.
Battery Life: A good battery lets you work longer without being tethered to an outlet. Look for 7+ hours advertised.

Quality Reducers:

Low Screen Resolution (e.g., 1366×768): If the screen resolution is too low, text and images look fuzzy. Aim for at least 720p resolution.
Slow Wi-Fi Chip: Older Wi-Fi standards slow down your internet connection, even if your home Wi-Fi is fast.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Who is this laptop best for? These machines excel in specific areas but struggle in others.

Great For:

Students doing online research and writing essays.
Elderly users checking email and video calling family.
As a secondary device for quick tasks around the house.

Not Recommended For:

Heavy gaming or graphic design.
Editing long 4K videos.
Running multiple complex programs at once.

Always read user reviews to see how the keyboard feels. A mushy keyboard makes typing long reports frustrating!

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Laptops Under $300

Q: Can I use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) on these laptops?

A: Yes, you can usually use the free web versions of Office apps. If you need the full desktop version, you might need to subscribe to Microsoft 365, but be aware that performance might be slow on the lowest-spec models.

Q: Are Chromebooks better than Windows laptops under $300?

A: Often, yes. Chromebooks run lighter software (ChromeOS), so they feel much faster than a Windows laptop with the same low-end specs.

Q: Will these laptops handle video streaming on Netflix or YouTube?

A: Absolutely. They handle standard definition and 1080p streaming very well, especially if they have 4GB of RAM or more.

Q: What is the typical screen size I will find?

A: Most models fall between 11.6 inches and 14 inches. Larger screens (15-inch) usually cost slightly more.

Q: Is 32GB of storage enough?

A: 32GB is very tight for Windows. It is manageable for Chromebooks if you store everything online. If possible, choose 64GB or 128GB.

Q: How long should the battery last on a new budget laptop?

A: A good unit should offer 6 to 8 hours of typical use. Always check independent reviews, as manufacturer claims are sometimes inflated.

Q: Can I connect an external mouse or printer?

A: Yes. Look for models that have at least one USB-A port. Bluetooth connectivity for wireless accessories is also common.

Q: Are these laptops good for coding or programming?

A: They are not ideal. While you can learn basic HTML or Python, the slow processors and limited RAM will make running development environments frustrating.

Q: Should I buy new or refurbished at this price point?

A: Refurbished can offer better specs (like an older Core i3 processor) for the same price as a brand-new Celeron machine. Research the seller’s warranty carefully.

Q: What happens if I run out of storage space?

A: You must use cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive. Alternatively, many laptops allow you to expand storage cheaply using a MicroSD card.