10 Best Laptops Under 300 Dollars 2025 in the United States

The Samsung 14" Galaxy Chromebook Go is a lightweight and slim laptop designed for students or anyone needing a basic, portable device under $300. It runs on an Intel Celeron N4500 processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which is enough for everyday web browsing, streaming, and simple school tasks but may struggle with more demanding apps or multitasking. The 14-inch display offers a standard resolution of 1366x768 pixels, which is clear but not very sharp by modern standards.

On the bright side, the Chromebook boasts an impressive 12-hour battery life, making it easy to use throughout a full school day or work session without needing a charge. Its build quality is solid and even military-tested, so it can handle minor drops or bumps, which is reassuring for busy students on the go. Running Chrome OS, it integrates well with Google services and plays nicely with Android phones, enhancing productivity for everyday tasks.

The limited 64GB storage means you’ll rely mostly on cloud storage, and the Celeron processor is not suited for heavy software or gaming. This laptop suits users who prioritize portability, battery life, and basic functionality within a tight budget.

The Acer Aspire 15 Slim AG15-32P-39R2 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly laptop under $300. It features a relatively powerful 8-core Intel Core i3 N355 processor combined with 8GB of DDR5 RAM, which means it can handle everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and document editing smoothly. Its 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display offers clear and sharp visuals with good viewing angles, making it comfortable for watching videos or working on projects. With about 12.5 hours of battery life, it can easily last through a typical day without needing a recharge. The 128GB UFS storage provides fast access to your files, but the capacity is limited, so you might need an external drive or cloud storage for larger collections of documents, photos, or apps.

The laptop runs Windows 11 Home in S mode, which is designed for security and performance but restricts software installation to Microsoft Store apps only, which could be a limitation if you need more flexibility. Its build is fairly lightweight and portable at under 4 pounds, and it includes useful ports like USB-C, USB 3.2, and HDMI 2.1 for connecting accessories and external displays. Features like Wi-Fi 6 support and Acer’s AI-driven Copilot add some modern conveniences in this price range.

It lacks an optical drive and the storage size might feel tight for some users. This laptop is best suited for students, remote workers, or casual users who prioritize good performance and battery life on a budget, but who don’t require heavy software or large local storage.

The HP 14 Laptop is a budget-friendly option that's well-suited for basic tasks, making it a decent choice for students or those who need a portable computer for web browsing, word processing, and streaming. One of its standout features is its thin and light design, enhancing portability, which is great for on-the-go use. The 14-inch micro-edge display offers a decent viewing experience, although the resolution of 1366 x 768 might not be sharp enough for those who prefer high-definition content.

Performance-wise, the Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 4 GB of RAM provide adequate power for everyday tasks. The 64 GB of storage is limited, so heavy users may need to rely on external storage or cloud services. Battery life is generally decent, supporting all-day use for basic activities, which is a plus for students or professionals who are out and about. However, it’s important to remember that this laptop is not designed for gaming; it’s more suitable for streaming content rather than playing intensive games.

On the downside, the build quality feels somewhat basic, which is typical for budget laptops, and the integrated graphics mean you won’t get the best performance for any graphic-heavy tasks. While the inclusion of a year’s subscription to Microsoft 365 is a nice bonus, it may not fully compensate for the laptop's limitations. The HP 14 is a practical choice for users seeking an affordable and portable device for everyday use, but it may fall short for those needing more power or storage.