10 Best Laptops Under 300 Dollars 2026 in the United States

The ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” FHD Slim Laptop is a solid option for those looking for an affordable laptop under $300. Its AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor and 8GB of DDR5 RAM offer decent performance for everyday tasks like browsing, typing, and light productivity work. The 128GB SSD provides faster boot times and file access compared to traditional HDDs, though the storage capacity may be limiting for users needing to store large amounts of data or software applications.

The 15.6” Full HD display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 250-nit brightness ensures a reasonably good viewing experience, although the 45% NTSC color gamut might not be ideal for tasks requiring high color accuracy. The laptop's build quality is impressive for its price, featuring military-grade durability, a thin and light design, and a sleek black finish. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 ensures reliable connectivity for most users. Additionally, the laptop comes with a comprehensive set of ports, including USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, and a combo audio jack, enhancing its versatility.

However, the battery life and integrated graphics may not be sufficient for more demanding tasks like heavy multitasking or gaming. The ErgoSense keyboard and 180° hinge add to the usability, making it a comfortable device for extended use. The webcam shield is a nice privacy feature, although the 720p resolution is relatively basic. For users on a tight budget who need a reliable laptop for general use, the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6” offers a good balance of performance and features.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a budget-friendly laptop suitable for basic computing needs. It features the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, which is decent for web browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications. The 4GB RAM is adequate for running Chrome OS smoothly, although multitasking with many tabs or apps may lead to slower performance.

With 64GB of storage, it's enough for storing documents and essential applications but limited for those needing more space for files or media. You might need an external storage solution or cloud storage to supplement it. The 14-inch HD display offers a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, which is satisfactory for everyday use but won't deliver the sharpest or most vibrant visuals.

The Waves MaxxAudio speakers enhance audio quality, making it a bit more enjoyable for media consumption. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 13.5 hours on a single charge, making it highly convenient for users on the go. Additionally, weighing just 2.86 pounds, it is very portable and easy to carry around.

The build quality is decent for its price range, with a sleek Abyss Blue finish that adds a touch of style. It includes a privacy shutter for the HD camera, which is a thoughtful addition for privacy-conscious users. Connectivity options are versatile, including a USB-C port that supports charging and data transfer, which is quite handy. The laptop's performance is constrained by its entry-level hardware, making it unsuitable for heavy multitasking or high-performance tasks. The display resolution could be better for users who prioritize screen quality.

To summarize, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a solid choice for those looking for a lightweight, affordable laptop for basic use, offering excellent portability and battery life but limited by its performance and storage capacity.

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.