Chromebooks are generally well-known for their affordability, but the best budget Chromebooks let you save even more while still running your favorite work and entertainment apps.

What to Look for in a Budget Chromebook

Budget Chromebooks don’t have to be low-quality, even if some come with cheaper plastic builds. It’s all about affordability, and for most folks, $400 is the limit. In fact, you can still find options with solid performance and useful features for less than $300. Just keep an eye on the price tag.

For some people, size is also a big factor to consider. The featured Chromebooks come in a range of sizes from 13.3 inches to larger 17.3 inches for enhanced productivity and multitasking. With HD/FHD resolution, anti-glare coating, and varying degrees of brightness, you can also enjoy a more immersive experience.

Most budget Chromebooks are equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which is enough for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming music, and working on documents. They usually come with 100GB of free cloud storage and a free Google One trial, among other perks. And if you need more local storage, most Chromebooks include a MicroSD card slot for easy expansion.

Battery life is also worth considering when buying Chromebooks. Our recommendations last between 12 and 17.5 hours on a single charge, which is perfect for work or school days. Connectivity is also a big factor, with most models offering USB-C, USB-A, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and audio jacks. Some, like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, even include HDMI ports for connecting to external displays.

If typing is a priority, look for a Chromebook with a familiar layout and, if possible, a numeric keypad. Some budget options also come with backlit keys, which are handy for working in low-light settings. If you intend to use your device for video calls and virtual meetings, check for models with good webcams and audio support, but be prepared to manage your expectations.

One of the biggest advantages of ChromeOS is that Google provides automatic updates for up to 10 years on supported Chromebooks. Before buying, check the device’s update eligibility to make sure you’ll get software support for years to come. The featured devices will receive automatic updates up to 2032.

Best Budget Chromebook Overall: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a standout choice for anyone looking for an affordable Chromebook that gets the basics right. It’s budget-friendly, packed with essential features, and will keep getting Google updates until June 2031, making it a great long-term investment.

This Chromebook is slim, lightweight, and comes with a spacious 14-inch touchscreen that has a sharp Full HD display (1920 x 1080). The screen is perfect for multitasking, letting you easily juggle multiple tabs or apps. While it’s great for indoor use, the screen isn’t the brightest for working outside.

Under the hood, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is powered by a quad-core MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. This makes it perfect for everyday tasks like writing papers, browsing, or streaming videos.

It also has some handy extras, like an HD camera with a built-in privacy shutter for video calls and clear audio for meetings or streaming. You’ll find plenty of connection options, including a headphone jack, HDMI, USB-C, and Wi-Fi 6. And to top it all off, you’ll get up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge—plenty to get you through a full day.

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Best Budget Chromebook Oveerall

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook

$186 $220 Save $34

$186 at AmazonSee at LenovoSee at Best Buy

Best Budget Chromebook for Students: ASUS Chromebook CX1400

Schoolwork is tough enough without the right tools, but the ASUS Chromebook CX1400 makes it easy to stay on top of your studies without stretching your budget. This budget-friendly Chromebook is perfect for students and will keep getting Google updates until June 2031, so it’s built to last.

Affordable and practical, the CX1400 features a 14-inch HD (1920 x 768) anti-glare screen, which is great for working in various lighting conditions. While it’s not a touchscreen, the screen can lay completely flat at 180 degrees, making it easy to share notes or presentations with classmates or colleagues.

Inside, you’ll find an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, plus an additional 64GB micro SD card, which is plenty for managing assignments, browsing, or streaming. If you need less storage and even more saving for a limited time, you can also check out the ASUS Chromebook CM14.

The CX1400 is lightweight and built to last, meeting military-grade durability standards, so it can handle the daily grind of campus life. It also comes with a variety of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and a headphone jack, and offers up to 12 hours of battery life to keep you powered through your day.

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Best Budget Chromebook for Students

Asus Chromebook CX1

$190 at AmazonSee at ArgosSee at ASUS

Best Budget Chromebook for Battery Life: ASUS Chromebook CX1700

If you’re looking for a Chromebook that can keep up with your marathon work sessions or streaming binges without breaking the bank or running out of juice, the ASUS Chromebook CX1700 is a fantastic choice. Its standout feature? A whopping 17+ hours of battery life on a single charge!

But the CX1700 isn’t just about endurance. It also features a spacious 17.3-inch Full HD anti-glare screen (1920 x 1080) with slim nano bezels, giving you plenty of room to work or play. Plus, its 180-degree hinge lets you lay it flat for easy screen sharing.

Under the hood, you’ll find an Intel Celeron N4500 dual-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. While not the most powerful setup, it’s perfect for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light multitasking.

When it comes to connectivity, the CX1700 has you covered with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 6 support. Built to last, it’s military-grade tested, durable, and guaranteed to receive Google updates through June 2031.

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Best Budget Chromebook for Battery Life

ASUS Chromebook CX1700

This Chromebook has an impressive 17-hour battery life. There’s also enough power in this model to take care of most productivity tasks with ease.

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Best 2-in-1 Budget Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Spin 513

If you’re searching for an affordable 2-in-1 Chromebook that delivers both quality and versatility, the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 is a fantastic pick—all for under $300!

The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen (1920 x 1080) is great for multitasking, and you can flip the screen a full 360 degrees to switch between laptop and tablet modes. It doesn’t come with a stylus which would be perfect for note-taking, doodling, or sharing ideas on the go.

The Spin 513 has a powerful octa-core Snapdragon processor. Paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, it handles everyday tasks with ease. Plus, it has up to 13 hours of battery life, keeping you productive all day long.

It has a backlit keyboard, so working in dim lighting is no problem. You’ll find Wi-Fi 5, USB-C and USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for connectivity. And like most Chromebooks, it’s built to last with Google updates guaranteed through June 2031.

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Best 2-in-1 Budget Chromebook

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

$265 $280 Save $15

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FAQ

What is ChromeOS?

Google’s ChromeOS is a lightweight, streamlined operating system built for Chromebooks. Its simple design makes it a favorite for those looking for a user-friendly, no-frills experience that boosts productivity.

What is the difference between ChromeOS and Windows?

Both operating systems differ significantly in design, functionality, and target audience. ChromeOS, by Google, is a lightweight, web-based operating system perfect for simple tasks, while Windows, by Microsoft, is a more powerful, versatile OS that offers more flexibility and customization. We’ve compared Windows 11 vs ChromeOS and Chromebooks vs laptops.

Can I use a Windows application on a Chromebook?

You can use Windows applications on a Chromebook, but not directly since ChromeOS and Windows are different operating systems. Instead, you can try options like web-based versions, Android apps, Linux alternatives, or tools like Parallels Desktop and CrossOver.