Getting a laptop is easy. Getting one that’s both high-quality and affordable is not. There are many, many great portable computers on the market and most of them come with a pretty hefty price tag. Luckily, Google gives you a way around that.
Chromebooks cover several different price ranges. The ones in this guide are at the lowest end of the spectrum, coming in at less than $200. Even so, they still offer many of the specs and features you can find in more expensive models. The following sections will explain why.
Contents
Quick Summary
- It’s hard to find a cheap Chromebook with more features than the Samsung 3. This thin model is packed with additional attributes, including a spill-resistant keyboard, an 11-hour battery, and an anti-reflective display.
- If you’re a user looking for a portable Chromebook, the Lenovo 100E is for you. This lightweight machine is particularly great for students and comes with a bright screen alongside a durable shell.
- Users who want a cheap Chromebook with a solid display should check out the Acer 14. This model has a stunning 14-inch screen backed up by an LED display and strong Intel Quad-Core Atom processor.
Who Should Get This?
These Chromebooks are best suited for users on a budget. They are incredibly affordable but manage to save you money without sacrificing any important features. As such, they are particularly great systems for students, as well as workers who might not have a lot of disposable income.
Of course, the models also work for people who just want a cheaper laptop. If you’re someone looking to get an extra machine for your home or office, or if you need a light travel computer, the devices in this guide fill that role quite well.
Best Chromebooks Under $200: What to Consider in 2022
Specs
Most of the time, cheaper laptops tend to cut corners by skimping on key specs. While that’s not a huge deal, you should know what you want to use your computer for. If you need the ability to run specific programs or access certain websites, always check if your Chromebook is capable of doing that ahead of time. Do your best to get a machine with decent memory or RAM as well.
Battery Life
Another critical feature to keep in mind when looking at affordable laptops is battery life. Some people need a lot of it, and some people don’t. If you’re on the go, get a strong battery that can last you for hours at a time. If you’re someone who works from a fixed place and always has access to outlets, you can get a model that doesn’t last as long. Either way, try to get the longest-lasting battery within your budget.
Size
As with battery life, laptop size differs from person to person. Some people may want a large, sturdy model with a big screen, while others may prefer something much lighter or more compatible. This largely comes down to how much you go out, how large of a display you need, as well as how often you’ll need to carry your laptop around. The choice is completely up to you.
Best Chromebooks Under $200: Our Picks 2022
1. Samsung Chromebook 3
The Samsung Chromebook 3 is a solid computer. Here, you get a strong Intel Celeron processor on top of 2GB of memory. That won’t bring the house down, but it gives you more than enough power to work and play. In addition, this model also boasts an impressive 11-hour battery life. That’s more than enough to give you the flexibility to work wherever you want.
Where this model truly shines is through the extra accessories. Rather than cutting corners to make way for the lower price, this model comes fully outfitted with a spill resistant keyboard, built-in security features, and a strong shell. There is even an anti-reflective finish, which actively reduces eye strain and makes it easier to sit and browse for extended periods of time. While the audio quality isn’t the best, the other features more than make up for it.
What We Like:
- Intel atom Celeron N3060 core processor
- Strong construction
- Spill-resistant keyboard
- Integrated cloud support
- Thin and lightweight
- 2GB memory
- Built-in media reader
- 11-hour battery life
- Anti-reflective finish
What We Don’t Like:
- Audio quality could be better
2. Lenovo 100E
Though it’s made with the classroom in mind, the Lenovo 100E is a Chromebook that works for all facets of life. It is lightweight, which makes it easy to take both around and out of the house, and the interior processor gives you more power than you’ll ever need. The front facing camera works well, and the 11.6-inch screen looks fantastic.
This machine is also incredibly tough. The rubber bumpers are strong, while the ports and hinges are both reinforced. It is also drop resistant up to 30 inches, which ensures it will never break in the event of an accidental drop. To increase the machine’s durability, it also has a sealed touchpad that is then backed by a spill-resistant keyboard. Both of those features prevent smudges and are great for people who spend a lot of time working in coffee shops.
What We Like:
- HD anti-glare screen
- Fast start up
- Tough and sturdy
- 2.7-pounds
- 720 HD camera
- Solid display
- Includes free productivity tools
- Sealed touchpad
- Spill-resistant keyboard
What We Don’t Like:
- Battery drains quickly
3. Acer Chromebook 14
Acer is known for its great-but-affordable laptops, and the Chromebook 14 is no exception. This model comes with a bright 14-inch HD screen that looks fantastic no matter what you use it for. In addition, it is powered by a strong Intel Quad Core Atom processor and packs an Intel HD graphics card.
On top of those features, the Acer 14 has an incredibly quick wireless connection as well as an extended battery life that should last long enough for all of your needs. This also has two USB 3 ports and an HDMI port for maximum connectivity. If you’re someone who runs a lot of devices through their laptop, this is a good choice.
What We Like:
- 14-inch screen
- Bright display
- Intel Quad Core Atom processor
- Bluetooth compatibility
- 2 USB 3 ports
- Included protective sleeve
- Attractive look
What We Don’t Like:
- Could be more durable
Useful Tips and Information
No matter how affordable your computer is, you need to protect it. The best way to do that is with a bag. Though you can spend your time combing through the many different bags on the market, this video breaks down a few particularly great ones.
Beyond a bag, it also helps to get some extra accessories to enhance your Chromebook experience. Not only do they make your life easier, they can also be quite fun to use. If you’re curious about such devices, you can check them out here.
Final Words
A good laptop does not have to be expensive, and the above Chromebooks show why. Google makes a solid operating system that is more than enough for all of your basic tasks. While the machines in this article won’t blow you away with a ton of extra features or top-of-the-line accessories, it’s hard to do any better for the price of $200.
What’s your favorite affordable Chromebook? Where do you most often use it? Let us know in the comments below!
