Best Chromebook Under $200: A Guide to Affordable Computing
Updated on by Jim Mendenhall
Are you looking for a cheap Chromebook that offers great performance at an affordable price? Look no further! On this page, we’ll cover the best Chromebooks under 200 dollars, focusing on their features, advantages, and drawbacks. We’ll also share some chromebook deals to help you find the perfect device for your needs.
Important Note: While many of these Chromebooks have manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) above $200, they’re frequently available for under $200 through sales, discounts, and retailer pricing. We track real-time pricing to help you find these models when they’re in your budget. The list prices shown are MSRPs, but click through to see current selling prices which are often significantly lower.
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Why Choose a Low-Cost Chromebook?
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Value for Money: Chromebooks are generally more affordable than their Mac and Windows-based counterparts, offering exceptional value for your hard-earned dollar. These budget-friendly Chromebooks deliver many of the same features as pricier models, including good performance, ample storage options, and easy access to popular Google apps, all at a fraction of the cost.
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Portability: With their compact design and lightweight construction, these Chromebooks are perfect for on-the-go use. Their slim profiles make them easy to slip into a backpack or carry bag, and their long battery life ensures that you can use them throughout the day without needing to recharge, making them an excellent choice.
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Ease of Use: Chrome OS is simple, user-friendly, and perfect for casual use, such as web browsing, word processing, and streaming movies. The operating system is designed for a straightforward experience, making it easy for even the least tech-savvy users to navigate and perform everyday tasks. Additionally, Chromebooks come with built-in virus protection and automatic updates, ensuring a secure and up-to-date computing experience.
Top Chromebooks Under $200
These models regularly sell for under $200 despite having higher list prices. Check current prices by clicking through to see today’s deals.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go 14"
- ✓14-inch display
- ✓long battery life
- ✓durable design
- ✓Intel Celeron processor
- ✗HD resolution instead of Full HD
- ✗basic performance for demanding tasks
Acer Chromebook 315
- ✓Large 15.6-inch display
- ✓excellent value
- ✓comfortable full-size keyboard
- ✗Basic HD resolution
- ✗limited storage
HP Chromebook 14a
- ✓14-inch full-HD display
- ✓good performance
- ✓long battery life
- ✗Limited storage space
- ✗basic processor
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook
- ✓Modern design
- ✓good keyboard
- ✓reliable performance
- ✓solid build quality
- ✗Limited storage
- ✗standard HD display
Lenovo Chromebook 3 11"
- ✓Compact and portable
- ✓solid build quality
- ✓comfortable keyboard
- ✓loud speakers
- ✗Small 11.6-inch display
- ✗limited battery life compared to larger models
What is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a laptop or tablet that runs on Google’s Chrome OS operating system, specifically designed for everyday computing tasks. This type of device is perfect for users who primarily need a computer for web browsing, sending emails, streaming videos, and using cloud services like Google Drive. Chrome OS is lightweight and streamlined, making Chromebooks a popular choice for those who need a simple, user-friendly device for casual use.
In addition to their user-friendly design, Chromebooks are well-known for their affordable prices. While high-end laptops can cost well over a thousand dollars, many Chromebooks are available for just a few hundred dollars. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who want a reliable device without breaking the bank.
Chromebooks are an excellent choice for users who need a simple, affordable, and reliable computer. With their ease of use and budget-friendly prices, Chromebooks have quickly become a popular alternative to traditional Windows and Mac laptops. If you don’t like fussing with technology and want a computer that just works, a Chromebook may be the perfect fit for your needs.
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Shopping for a Chromebook
Battery Life
When it comes to buying a Chromebook, battery life is an essential factor to consider. A longer-lasting battery allows you to use your device for extended periods without needing to recharge. Ideally, you should look for a Chromebook with around 10 hours of battery life or more. This will enable you to use your device for a full day of work or school without worrying about finding an outlet. Additionally, Chromebooks with longer battery life often have more energy-efficient components, which can result in better overall performance.
Performance
Performance is another crucial factor when choosing a Chromebook. To ensure a smooth experience for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, opt for a model with an Intel, AMD, or ARM-based processor and at least 4GB of RAM. These specifications will provide your laptop with enough power to handle multitasking and run essential applications without any lag.
While budget Chromebooks may not have the same processing power as their high-end counterparts, they are still capable of providing a satisfactory user experience for most basic tasks. However, if you plan to use your Chromebook for more demanding activities like gaming or heavy multitasking, you may want to consider investing in a more powerful device.
Storage Space
Most budget Chromebooks come with limited storage, usually around 32GB to 128GB. While this may seem small, Chromebooks are designed to rely heavily on cloud services like Google Drive for storing files and documents. This means that you may not need as much local storage as you would on a traditional laptop.
If you find that you need more space for offline files, consider purchasing an external hard drive or SD card to expand your storage capacity. Alternatively, you can use a Google Drive to store your files and access them from anywhere with an internet connection.
Screen Size
Chromebooks come in various screen sizes, from compact 11.6-inch models to larger 15.6-inch options. The right screen size for you will depend on your personal preferences and intended use for the device. Smaller models are typically more portable and lightweight, making them ideal for on-the-go use. In contrast, larger models offer more screen real estate, which can be beneficial for productivity tasks, watching videos, and browsing the web.
When considering screen size, also pay attention to the display’s resolution and quality. A higher resolution will result in sharper images and text, while a better-quality display will offer more accurate color reproduction and wider viewing angles.
Touchscreen
Touchscreen Chromebooks provide a more intuitive and interactive experience, making them especially suitable for kids and older students. With a touchscreen, you can easily navigate web pages, play games, and interact with apps using your fingers, much like you would on a smartphone or tablet. This can be particularly useful for educational applications, where students can engage with the material more directly.
However, touchscreen models can be slightly more expensive than non-touchscreen counterparts. If a touchscreen is not a priority for you, you may be able to find the best deal by opting for a non-touchscreen model.
Convertible Laptop
Convertible laptops, also known as 2-in-1 devices, can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. These versatile devices typically feature a touchscreen and a hinge that allows the screen to fold back or detach from the keyboard. This functionality enables you to use your Chromebook in various modes, using such devices as a tablet for browsing the web, a tent for watching videos, or a traditional laptop for typing and productivity tasks.
While convertible laptops may be slightly more expensive than standard models, their versatility makes them an excellent option for those who want the best of both worlds.
Operating System Updates
Chrome OS, the operating system that powers Chromebooks, receives regular updates to ensure your device remains secure and up-to-date. These updates bring new features, bug fixes, and security patches, making it essential to choose a Chromebook that will continue receiving updates for an extended period.
Before purchasing a Chromebook, research the device’s Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, which indicates when it will stop receiving Chrome OS updates. Chromebooks released from 2021 onwards receive 10 years of automatic updates from their release date, ensuring long-term support and security. Always verify the AUE date to ensure you get the most out of your device.
Ports
The availability of various ports on your Chromebook can significantly impact its functionality and convenience. Depending on your needs, you’ll want to ensure that the Chromebook you choose has the necessary ports, such as USB, HDMI, and headphone jacks.
- USB ports: USB ports are essential for connecting peripherals like mice, keyboards, and external hard drives. Many Chromebooks come with both USB-A and USB-C ports, offering flexibility for connecting different devices.
- HDMI port: If you plan to connect your Chromebook to an external monitor or TV, an HDMI port is crucial. Some Chromebooks may use a USB-C port for video output, in which case you’ll need an adapter.
- Headphone jack: A headphone jack allows you to use wired headphones or speakers with your Chromebook. While some devices are phasing out the headphone jack in favor of wireless audio options, many users still appreciate this feature for its convenience and versatility.
When selecting a Chromebook, consider your specific needs and preferences to ensure that the device has the necessary ports to support your intended use.
By carefully considering factors like battery life, performance, storage space, screen size, and more, you can find a Chromebook that meets your requirements and offers excellent value for money. Remember to do thorough research and read user reviews to make the most informed decision possible. With the right Chromebook, you can enjoy a seamless computing experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a Chromebook?
For most users, spending between $150-$200 offers the best value in the Chromebook market. This price range gets you reliable performance for everyday tasks, adequate storage, and decent build quality. While you can find Chromebooks for less than $150, they often compromise on screen quality, processor speed, or build materials. Unless you have very basic needs or are buying for a young child, staying in the $150-$200 range ensures you get a device that will serve you well for several years.
Can a Chromebook under $200 handle video calls and online meetings?
Yes, all the Chromebooks recommended on this page can easily handle video calls through Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other popular platforms. These budget Chromebooks come with built-in webcams and microphones, and their processors are more than capable of running video conferencing software smoothly. Chrome OS is optimized for web-based applications, which is exactly what these video calling platforms are, making even budget Chromebooks excellent choices for remote work or online learning.
How long will a budget Chromebook receive Chrome OS updates?
Most Chromebooks now receive Chrome OS updates for 10 years from their release date for devices released from 2021 onwards. This is significantly longer than many Windows laptops receive support. You can check the specific Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date for any Chromebook on Google’s official support page. Even budget models under $200 receive the same update schedule as premium Chromebooks, which means you’ll get security patches, new features, and bug fixes throughout the device’s supported lifetime.
Is 32GB or 64GB storage enough for a Chromebook?
For most users, 32GB or 64GB of storage is sufficient on a Chromebook because Chrome OS is designed to work primarily with cloud storage through Google Drive. Your files, photos, and documents can be stored in the cloud and accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. The operating system itself only takes up about 10-15GB, leaving plenty of room for offline files, Android apps, and cached content. If you need more offline storage, you can always add an SD card or external USB drive inexpensively.
What’s the difference between a cheap Chromebook and an expensive one?
The main differences between budget Chromebooks under $200 and premium models are build materials, screen resolution, processor speed, and special features. Budget models typically have plastic construction, HD (1366x768) screens, and Intel Celeron or MediaTek processors. Premium Chromebooks often feature aluminum bodies, Full HD or higher resolution displays, faster Intel Core processors, backlit keyboards, and touchscreens. However, for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, budget Chromebooks perform nearly as well as expensive models, making them excellent value for most users.
Conclusion
Finding the best Chromebook under $200 may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and guidance, you can find a device that offers excellent performance, portability, and battery life at an affordable price. The models recommended above represent the current best values based on real-time pricing data and popularity rankings. Remember to consider factors like screen size, storage space, and processor type when making your decision. With so many great deals available, there’s never been a better time to invest in a budget-friendly Chromebook for everyday computing tasks and casual use.
