Top Picks: Best Chromebook Laptop for Students Under 300

1. HP Chromebook Laptop 15 (Intel N200, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)

The HP Chromebook 15 is an excellent affordable laptop for students who need speed and multitasking capability. Its Intel N200 processor outperforms older i3 chips, while the large 15.6-inch anti-glare display and numeric keyboard make it ideal for studying and light office work.

Pros:

  • Intel N200 quad-core processor with solid multitasking power

  • 8GB DDR5 RAM for smooth performance

  • 128GB storage (64GB eMMC + 64GB SD)

  • 15.6-inch anti-glare display with crisp visuals

  • Long battery life and versatile USB-C ports

Cons:

  • Display resolution only 1366 x 768 (not Full HD)

  • Larger size makes it less portable

2. ASUS Chromebook CX15 (Intel Celeron N4500, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)

The ASUS CX15 stands out as a top Chromebook under 300 with its sleek design and military-grade durability. Students will appreciate the large 15.6-inch FHD display, fast boot-up, and strong battery life.

Pros:

  • Full HD 1920x1080 anti-glare NanoEdge display

  • Durable MIL-STD 810H military-grade build

  • 8GB RAM and 128GB storage

  • Lightweight at just 3.5 lbs

  • Includes free 3-month YouTube Premium and Gemini AI plan

Cons:

  • Celeron N4500 less powerful than N200

  • Speakers are average for multimedia

3. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook (MediaTek Kompanio 520, 4GB RAM, 64GB + 256GB SD)

The Lenovo Slim 3 is one of the most cheap student laptops 2025 with strong connectivity and reliable performance. Its 8-core MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor ensures smooth browsing and streaming, while Wi-Fi 6 keeps students connected.

Pros:

  • MediaTek Kompanio 520 with 8-core power

  • Full HD 14-inch display with vibrant colors

  • 256GB expandable microSD storage

  • Wi-Fi 6 for faster internet

  • Lightweight and student-friendly

Cons:

  • Only 4GB RAM, less ideal for heavy multitasking

  • Plastic build feels less premium

4. ASUS Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized (Intel N100, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage)

Built for durability, the ASUS CR11 is perfect for younger students or classrooms. With military-grade rugged design, spill-resistant keyboard, and antimicrobial guard, this Chromebook is built to last.

Pros:

  • Ruggedized design for classroom durability

  • Spill-resistant keyboard

  • Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3

  • HD webcam with privacy shield and AI noise canceling

  • Good port selection including HDMI and dual USB-C

Cons:

  • Small 11.6-inch display

  • Only 4GB RAM and 64GB storage

5. Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage)

The Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 balances portability and power at a very affordable price. With a 14-inch Full HD display, Intel Celeron N4500, and solid 10.5-hour battery life, it’s among the best value choices.

Pros:

  • Full HD 14-inch display

  • 10.5-hour battery life

  • Solid Wi-Fi 5 connectivity with MU-MIMO support

  • Slim and lightweight design

  • Great price under $250

Cons:

  • 4GB RAM limits multitasking

  • Older Wi-Fi 5 (no Wi-Fi 6 support)

Why Choosing the Right Chromebook Matters

Selecting the best Chromebook laptop for students under 300 is about balancing affordability with performance. A well-chosen device helps students stay productive during online classes, video meetings, and research tasks. A poor choice may lead to slow performance, storage issues, or weak battery life.

If portability is your top priority, a lightweight option like the HP Chromebook Laptop 15 or ASUS Chromebook CX15 Laptop is ideal. If you want something more compact for younger students, a rugged design such as the ASUS Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized Laptop works perfectly. Students who need devices for long study sessions should also explore recommendations from our guide on best laptop for university students with long battery life.

Buying Guide: Best Chromebook Laptop for Students Under 300

Processor and Performance

The processor determines multitasking power. Intel N200 and MediaTek Kompanio 520 offer stronger performance than entry-level Celeron CPUs, making them a better choice for affordable laptops for students. For instance, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook with MediaTek Kompanio 520 delivers reliable day-to-day performance.

RAM and Storage

For smooth browsing and online learning, at least 4GB RAM is needed, though 8GB is better. Models like the HP 2025 Lightweight Chromebook and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook Touchscreen provide sufficient storage and memory for students handling assignments and multimedia.

Display Quality

If you watch videos or attend Zoom meetings often, opt for a Full HD display (1920x1080). The Lenovo Flagship Chromebook and acer Gateway Chromebook 314 stand out with sharp displays that enhance both study and entertainment.

Battery Life

Most cheap student laptops 2025 last 8–12 hours, which is enough for a full day of classes. Always check rated battery life before purchase, especially if you rely heavily on portability.

Build Quality and Portability

Ruggedized designs like the ASUS Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized Laptop are excellent for younger students. For college-level learners, slim designs like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook are better for portability.

FAQs

What is the best Chromebook laptop for students under 300 in 2025?

The HP Chromebook Laptop 15 is the best Chromebook laptop for students under 300 in 2025, thanks to its Intel N200 processor, 8GB RAM, and solid 128GB storage.

Are Chromebooks better than Windows laptops for students?

For students focusing on online classes, browsing, and productivity apps, Chromebooks are more affordable and secure. However, Windows laptops offer broader software compatibility. Many parents still choose a budget Chromebook for students due to lower costs.

Can I use a Chromebook for college assignments?

Yes. With Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, as well as Microsoft Office compatibility, Chromebooks work well for college writing and presentations. Models such as the acer Gateway Chromebook 314 make it easy for students to balance study and entertainment.

How long do Chromebooks last?

Most student Chromebooks offer 6–8 years of automatic updates. Models listed here, like the ASUS Chromebook CX15 Laptop and Lenovo Flagship Chromebook, are supported until at least 2030.

Final Thought

The best Chromebook laptop for students under 300 combines performance, reliability, and affordability. In 2025, models like the HP Chromebook 15 and ASUS CX15 offer excellent multitasking and display quality, while the Lenovo Slim 3 and Acer Gateway 314 bring portability and value.

When choosing a top Chromebook under 300, focus on performance needs, portability, and display quality. With the right choice, students can enjoy seamless learning and productivity without spending more than $300.