The 10 Best Cheap Laptops Under $200

Welcome to our guide to the best laptops under $200 based on value for money, hardware performance, ease of use, design, and consumer feedback.

The $200 laptop market has had it’s ups and downs over the years. Chromebooks, previously all the rage at the $200 price point, have recently taken a backseat. Now it is 2-in-1 laptop tablet hybrids which are dominating the space. Refurbished laptops may also be a possibility for those looking for a dedicated laptop, though these are far and few between.  In this list, you will find some of the best deals on new, used, and refurbished laptops under $200.

If you plan on using this laptop as your primary PC we strongly recommend saving up a bit more for the larger displays found on laptops under $300 and laptops under $400.  That said, these cheap laptops for under $200 will work fine for basic web browsing, email and cloud office applications. If you are seriously considering a Chromebook then our best Chromebooks guide has some additional Chromebooks to consider that may be what you’re after. Our best refurbished laptops guide also features some great deals that can easily compete with the brand news laptops below.

Laptop Buying Guides

Those with a keen eye for detail will want to check out our primer laptop buying guide to get clued up on all the technical jargon before viewing our buying guides in order to prevent you from getting the wrong laptop.

Top Picks >> Runners Up >> Honorable Mentions >>

Best Laptop Under $200 – Top Pick

1. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82BA0003US 11.6-inch

The IdeaPad 3 82BA0003US 11.6-inch is an entry-level Chromebook designed to tackle basic day-to-day tasks without needing to break the bank. At this price point, you can’t expect to match the performance of pricier laptops or Chromebooks, however it holds its own against competitors.

Lenovo have opted to fit the IdeaPad 3 with an all-plastic case, which feels slightly flimsy, so drops and bumps could result in undesired consequences. The lid’s flex is a further consequence of Lenovo cutting corners to bring the price down. Weighing in at  2.42, it is very lightweight and easily transportable, especially with its dimensions of 11.02 x 7.87 x 0.67 inches.

Who would have thought that one could purchase a laptop that is fitted with a snappy Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core producer and 4 GB of RAM? Coupled with these, Lenovo have opted for 64GB eMMC storage. The Intel UHD Graphics 600 will allow you to stream videos, carry out video calls, edit photos and videos, and you’ll even be able to do some very basic gaming.

Once you’ve logged into your Google account, you will have Google’s G Suite at your disposal, allowing you to make use of the extra storage offered by Google Drive, and you will be able to make use of the other office applications, such as Google Docs and Google sheets. The 10 hour battery life is incredibly attractive, giving on the option of working away from the office or home.

Lenovo has opted for a TN display that has received some harsh criticism from users. Many thought that colors and the overall picture looked washed out and that the viewing angles were non-existent, requiring you to position yourself carefully in front of the screen. I guess It seems Lenovo chose performance over build and screen quality. You can’t have it all at this price.

Specs

Summary & Score

Lenovo have opted to go for performance at the expense of build and screen quality. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82BA0003US 11.6-inch comes with a snappy dual-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and holds an all-day charge, comfortably holding its own against its competitors.

Ninja Score

88

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82BA0003US 11.6-inch Chromebook

$219.99$149.99

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:00 UTC) Details

Best Laptops Under $200 – Runners Up

2. ASUS C403NA-WS42-BL Chromebook – 14-inch Rugged

The ASUS C403NA-WS42-BL 14-inch is an inexpensive solution for those looking for a rugged laptop for boisterous school-going kids or for outdoor types looking for a laptop that will endure rough living. Featuring a military-grade MIL-STD-810G durability standard, this ASUS is definitely built TOUGH. In addition, the keyboard is spill-resistant, meaning that you won’t need to worry about accidental spills. The hinges also lay flat at 108 degrees, making it useful to share your screen with others, allowing kids to easily show their friends their homework or favorite videos.

Under the hood, you get a modest collection of components that, while not high end, do a respectable job of getting through day-to-day office or educational tasks on Google’s Workspace, or running some of your favourite apps from Google Playstore. The Intel Celeron N3350 processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB eMMC are all entry-level, but fortunately Chrome OS is well optimised to run on lower spec machines such as this. And while the 32GB of storage space means you’ll be limited in storage space, online storage is available with Google Drive. Users also thought that the laptops battery life was excellent, lasting around 8 to 9 hours with moderate use.

ASUS have gone with a 14-inch 720p display, that while non-reflective, is dim, and as such you will struggle in brightly lit areas. However, the lack of backlighting on the keyboard will mean that you will struggle in areas that are too dark. On top of this, the keyboard is slightly smaller than many are used to, which may benefit those of us with smaller hands, however it will frustrate those with larger hands.

The ASUS C403NA-WS42-BL comes with an assortment of ports, including two USB Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports and a microSD card reader. Its all-day battery life will allow you to power through the day on a single charge, and when you eventually need to replenish its battery, it is said to charge pretty rapidly.

Specs

Summary & Score

The ASUS C403NA-WS42-BL 14-inch is a built-to-last, child-proofed Chromebook suitable for educational environments such as classrooms. While its components drive a modest performance and its storage space is limited, Google Play and Google Workspace will provide all your office, education, and entertainment needs.

Ninja Score

86

ASUS C403NA-WS42-BL Chromebook – 14-inch Rugged

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(as of 27-09-2023 18:29 UTC) Details

3. ASUS L210 L210MA-DB01 11.6 Inch

The sub-$200 laptop market has evolved in leaps and bounds over the years. Historically, this price category has been dominated by Chromebooks streamlined for basic daily tasks and linked to Google’s Cloud. Enter the ASUS L210MA-DB01 which is a rare feat even for ASUS – a fully fledged Windows laptop for under $200 that upholds a high standard for all of its features.

Although it will never be able to compete with more powerful laptops for advanced applications, for the average user on a budget the flexibility of Windows is a breathe of fresh air compared to Chromebooks which are limited to only applications from the Google Play store.

It’s small form factor may not make it ideal as a fully fledged home PC if you need to run more advanced applications or need a larger screen for viewing media, but that’s not to say the L210MA-DB01 won’t get the job done. It offers a comfortable keyboard, a bright and beautiful display out of the box and lengthy battery life. Needless to say, these are the kinds of features usually reserved for laptops three or four times its price. Another excellent feature is its fanless design, which offers ultra quiet operation without any reported heat build up.

Beware though, as don’t expect to be running any advanced applications or modern games on the L210MA-DB01. It is cleary designed as an entry level laptop and will struggle with more demanding usage. Another drawback is its touchpad, which will work for basic tasks but may slow you down unless you get a standalone mouse. The included 4GB of RAM will not allow for comfortable usage multitasking with too many browser tabs or programs open either.

Overall, if you are looking for the cheapest and most well-rounded Windows laptop under $200 of the moment that will get the job done without the limitations of competing Chromebooks, the is a rare breed of ultra-budget laptops that doesn’t come along often.

Specs

Summary & Score

If you need a small form-factor laptop for basic daily tasks on the move, the ASUS L210MA-DB0 offers high-quality features at a bargain price making it a top recommendation in the sub-$200 price range.

Ninja Score

86

ASUS L210MA-DB01 11.6 Inch

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:17 UTC) Details

4. Lenovo 14E Chromebook 81MH0006US – 14-inch

The Lenovo 14e ‎81MH0006US 14-inch is a neat, inexpensive Chromebook geared towards school going kids required to carry out basic educational-related tasks, such as quizzes, assignments, etc., coming with basic components capable of running a variety of office and education applications. Lenovo have gone with a 2.5 GHz A4 AMD CPU and 4GB of RAM, which shows that this machine is no slouch. Chromebook is also well optimised for lower spec machines, so it will run without breaking much of a sweat. While the 32GB of storage is restrictive, you can make use of Google Workspace’s Google Drive for storage purposes, which also comes with Google Classroom for educational purposes.

Lenovo has gone for a lightweight (3.27 pounds), but durable build quality (MIL-STD-810H standards), making it well suited to a rowdy classroom environment filled with highly excitable kids. The keyboard is water resistant, so it really is kid-proofed pretty well. The aluminium case houses a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 TN panel, which means you will get poor viewing angles compared to the IPS panels, however at this price point, beggars can’t be choosers. For ports (which are also reinforced) you get two USB-C and two USB-A ports, and the usual 3.5 mm combo jack. Furthermore, it has an all-day battery life of about 10 hours, meaning you don’t have to worry about your child’s battery dying while at school.

Specs

Summary & Score

The Lenovo 14e 81MH0006US 14-inch is a Chromebook design to carry out basic educational tasks for school-going kids. While its storage is restrictive, it is designed to make use of Google’s Workspace Apps, such as Google Classroom.

Ninja Score

80

Lenovo 14E Chromebook 81MH0006US – 14-inch

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(as of 27-09-2023 18:24 UTC) Details

5. SAMSUNG Galaxy XE310XBA-K02US Chromebook 4 11.6-inch

The small and durable body of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 XE310XBA-K02US 11.6-inch should appeal to those who are constantly on the move, such as school kids, college students, or even researchers gathering data out in the field. It is highly transportable, has a long 12.5 hour battery life, and military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810G), which means it will handle accidental bumps and drops. On top of all of this, it weighs in at under 3 pounds, so carrying it around won’t be much of an issue.

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 XE310XBA-K02US hosts some decent components that are appropriate for the price. These include a modest 4GB of DDR4 RAM, and an Intel Celeron  N4000 CPU that has has 2 snappy cores. With ChromeOS being such a low demanding operating system that requires little in terms of resources to operate optimally, the system responds pretty well and handles light tasks well, such as video streaming on Netflix, browsing, or word processing. The 64GB eMMC may seem limiting in terms of storage, but Google Suite will allow you to upload many of your photos, videos, and other files online.

The display has received a lot of criticism. It is a lower end TN-display that has very poor viewing angles and the colours are said to look extremely washed out. The graininess and poor brightness also contributed to the negative views of the display. Samsung have obviously opted to cut corners as a means of cutting back on the price, which is a fair compromise.

The keyboard is full-sized and users found that it is comfortable to use, and the trackpad functions as needed. Additionally, you can expect fast charge times with the USB Type-C charger.

Specs

Summary & Score

The SAMSUNG Galaxy XE310XBA-K02US Chromebook 4 11.6-inch is incredibly durable with its military grade construction and it holds an impressive charge, but this comes at the expensive of the display, which is sadly very disappointing.

Ninja Score

88

SAMSUNG Galaxy XE310XBA-K02US Chromebook 4 11.6-inch

$249.99$179.99

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:06 UTC) Details

6. HP Chromebook 14 14a-na0031wm 14-inch

By now it shouldn’t be surprising to find yet another Chromebook that fits into our sub $200 guide. The HP Chromebook 14 14a-na0031wm 14-inch is yet another machine that has impressed customers and critic review websites alike. The inexpensive Intel Pentium Silver N5000, 4GB of RAM and 64GB eMMC Internal Storage drive aren’t going to deliver a premium performance, but if you are a college student or working professional looking for an affordable option for your home or office then the Chromebook will meet your expectations.

The lack of bloatware that accompanies ChromeOS means that you are getting more out of your components, however, multitasking will cause a bit of a headache as the 4GB of RAM offers limited multi-tasking performance, so you will need to stick to a single task at a time. Opening multiple webpages on Chrome will also affect performance, so you will need to settle for light browsing.

The 14-inch display has a 1366 x 768 resolution that is on par with other laptops in this price range, and it’s overall quality isn’t terrible, but in combination with the integrated UHD Graphics 605 you won’t have much of a problem viewing photos and videos. You will also be able to run some of your favourite android games without straining your device.

The keyboard has responsive keys and that have plenty of travel. The slight flex is fairly normal, and the backlighting makes it great for poorly lit work spaces. The trackpad is spacious and offers reliability, so navigating your laptop won’t frustrate you. The battery life is said to be around 13.5 hours, which, to say the least, is exceptional. Again, this may be a testament to how well optimized ChromeOS. For connectivity you get 2 USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A port, a headphone jack as well as a microSD card reader.

Specs

Summary & Score

The refurbished HP Chromebook 14 14a-na0031wm 14-inch offers adequate entry level performance for daily tasks in an easy to use and streamlined design at a bargain price, though it will struggle with any advanced applications or heavy browsing. The display is also not the best quality which makes it less than ideal for viewing media.

Ninja Score

83

HP Chromebook 14 14a-na0031wm 14-inch

$193.00

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:21 UTC) Details

7. Lenovo Chromebook S330 81JW0000US 14-Inch

The Lenovo Chromebook S330 81JW0000US is a bestselling Chromebook aimed at users on a budget who want a basic laptop for day to day tasks. As with all Chromebooks, those with limited computer knowledge who may find Windows frustrating will benefit from Google’s simple and easy to use Chrome OS operating system. Despite a few limitations, the S330 offers a reliable laptop experience for basic tasks and applications.

The S330 is powered by a MediaTek MT8173C with 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM. This level of hardware is only suitable for basic applications such as document editing and web browsing and will certainly struggle with any more advanced tasks. The storage space included is only 64GB which may not be enough for many users who want to store a lot of apps or large media files on their laptop. Luckily, storage space can be increased by using a microSD card. One other nice feature to consider is also the 100GB of free Cloud storage provided by Google on Google Drive.

The laptop also benefits from the sturdy build quality typical of Lenovo including a well designed keyboard and trackpad which are comfortable to use. The downside for some users may be that this design is relatively plain compared to the likes of competing Chromebooks from Samsung and other brands which are slightly more expensive. Battery life is better than competing Windows laptops at 10 hours and its portable 3.3-pound weight makes it ideal for travel or use around the house.

The screen size is generous for its price at 14-inches, though unfortunately, that’s where the positives on the display front end – many reviewers reported the S330 as having a mediocre display which could be described as dim and washed out compared to the screens compared on many competing models.

All in all, if you value reliability and a sturdy-feeling laptop and are willing to live with the S330’s average display, it provides an excellent easy to use mobile laptop that will get the job done at a very affordable price.

Specs

Summary & Score

Though the S330 makes some sacrifices that may put off advanced users, its solid build quality and quality keyboard make it an excellent mobile laptop for basic tasks and applications.

Ninja Score

86

Lenovo Chromebook S330 81JW0000US 14-Inch

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:21 UTC) Details

8. HP Chromebook 14a-na0010nr 14-inch

The HP Chromebook 14a-na0010nr is one of the cheapest brand new Chromebooks to hit the market in a long time. For most of 2020, the budget Chromebook market has been dominated by second hand refurbished models that are often more than a couple of years old. Enter the 14a-na0010nr which, thanks to a recent price reduction, is one of the few Chromebooks available for $200 on the market that’s not a secondhand model.

Reviewers praised the 14a-na0010nr for its price as one of the cheapest Chromebooks under $200 as well as it’s stylish Apple-esque design finish. Other positives include a comfortable keyboard perfect for doing a lot of writing or work assignments and a lengthy battery life. Most users looking for laptops under $200 are looking for a basic laptop or Chromebook for day to day tasks – the 14a-na0010nr certainly fits the bill and will be able to get day to day tasks done in relative comfort and style.

Unfortunately, budget laptops tend to make a few sacrifices, and the 14a-na0010nr is no exception. It received some negative feedback for a mediocre display with poor viewing angles and dim brightness. This could make working in well lit areas a pain. Many users also reported faults with their Chroombook and due to the large number of suppliers and second hand models on the market, there is a small chance of you getting a defective unit. The included Intel Celeron N4000 processor also has very limited performance and will struggle with multi-tasking or any advanced apps. The included 32GB of storage is also very limited and a microSD or external hard drive will probably be necessary.

If you are happy with the apps available through the Chrome Play Store and want a basic laptop with a stylish finish, the HP Chromebook 14a-na0010nr is a top option, though don’t expect the quality of a more expensive laptop.

Specs

Summary & Score

The HP Chromebook 14a-na0010nr fill a much needed gap in the budget Chromebook market and provides a functional all-round laptop for under $200, though be sure you keep your warranty info in case of any defects.

Ninja Score

90

HP Chromebook 14a-na0010nr 14-inch

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:18 UTC) Details

9. HP Chromebook 11A-NB0013DX 11.6-inch

The HP Chromebook 11A-NB0013DX 11.6-inch is another popular Chromebook with a smaller screen geared at users who require a more portable laptop that can be easily be used on the go.

Reviewers praised its thin and lightweight design and affordable price above all else. That said, it won’t win any awards when it comes to performance and will only be able to handle basic apps limited to the Chrome store and not regular apps. On the bright side, the included SSD hard drive is fast enough to ensure quick bootup times and data transfer, although the limited 32GB storage will need to be increased using a microSD card to store a lot of media or other files.

As with all Chromebooks, Windows only apps are out the question and you’ll be limited to the Google App store for apps. This is more streamlined for new users, but can also be a problem for advanced users who want certain applications to work. Another issue that many users reported was an average quality display with very limited viewing angles. While this is to expected at its price, it won’t be suited to graphic design or photo editing work. It’s also worth noting that many users reported receiving units that had various defects, so be sure to keep your warranty and return info and make sure to test your Chromebook thoroughly after purchasing in case it needs to be returned.

Overall, at its price, its really hard not to give the 1A-NB0013DX our stamps of approval as one of the cheapest brand new Chromebooks to hit the market in a while, though be sure to consider its limitations before purchasing.

Specs

Summary & Score

If you are looking for a budget laptop from a reliable manufacturer, the HP 11A-NB0013DX is one of the most affordable Chromebooks on the market.

Ninja Score

92

HP Chromebook 11A-NB0013DX 11.6-inch

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:17 UTC) Details

Best Laptops Under $200 – Honorable Mentions

HP Chromebook 11 G5 X9U02UT#ABA

If you are looking for a portable laptop that offers simplicity and extreme portability, then the budget HP Chromebook 11 G5 X9U02UT#ABA shouldn’t be overlooked. Much like HP’s popular 14-AX040WM 14-inch, it comes with modest specs, including an Intel Celeron N3060 processor and a mere 4GB of RAM, making the laptop less productivity oriented and more suitable for day-to-day task handling, such as basic web browsing, video streaming and basic word processing. We’d definitely recommend using G Suite, which is Google’s online version of MS Office and it comes with Google Drive, as the HP Chromebook 11 G5 X9U02UT#ABA comes with only 32GB of storage, which fills up pretty quickly. The anti-glare LED display’s resolution is 1366 x 768, and while there’s only 32GB of storage, the eMMC is fast, meaning your boot up and app loading times will be quick. Google Apps is supported, which was a bonus for many users, meaning you can run your favorite apps on the laptop, and the 12.5 hour charge is great for college students and users who are on the go. Furthermore, you won’t have to carry around a power cable with you, freeing up additional space in your backpack. It comes with 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports, an HDMI port and a microSD slot, so you fortunately not short of connectivity. Some general complaints we directed towards HP’s customer care, with some customers finding the experience to be immensely frustrating. The speaker volume is said to be quite low, but the speaker quality of laptops is generally quite annoying and tinny sounding (which can always be fixed by a pair of headphones or in expensive plug-and-play speakers).

Specs

Summary & Score

The HP Chromebook 11 G5 X9U02UT#ABA is budget friendly and offers a simple overall user experience, but it’s entry level hardware may lead to a somewhat tired feeling laptop, especially under load.

Ninja Score

74

HP Chromebook 11 G5 X9U02UT#ABA 11.6-inch

$149.00

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:09 UTC) Details

Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K04US

If you are a Chromebook fan, and you’re looking for a machine that can do all the basics right at a low price, then the Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K04US is ideal. Priced at under $300, the all-black Chromebook delivers a decent performance that is very well suited to basic task handling. The Intel Celeron N3050 processor and 4GB of RAM will allows you to browse the web or create documents with Google Docs easily, while the 16GB of eMMC flash memory offers fast data transfer speeds. Some may find that the storage space is far too little for their specific needs, however, but keep in mind that Chromebooks make use of cloud storage. The battery life is great for all day use, clocking in around 11 hours, making it well suited for college use. The keyboard is easy to use and it is spill-resistant, meaning accidental spills will not lead to damage. The design is stylish and lightweight and the 1366 x 768 resolution Anti-Glare display delivers good picture quality. If you are a college student on a budget, the Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K04US would make a suitable study companion.

Specs

Summary & Score

If you are on a low budget and you are looking for a stylish Chromebook for basic tasks, then the Acer Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K04US should not be overlooked.

Ninja Score

81

Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K04US 11.6-inch

$219.99$157.99

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:06 UTC) Details

ASUS L402WA-EH21 14-inch

With its dimensions of 13.3 x 9.3 x 0.9 inches, and a weight of 3.6 pounds, the ASUS L402WA-EH21 is one of the most portable laptops in this guide, and it is the perfect travel companion thanks to its lightweight design and battery life of around 10 to 11 hours. It has an all-plastic design that feels somewhat flimsy, but at this price point we are not expecting a premium aluminium case that we usually see with higher end laptops. The ASUS L402WA-EH21 features a 14-inch, 1366 x 768 display that is on the lower-end in terms of quality, but it is definitely not an eyesore according to users who were able to enjoy videos, pictures and do work on it without much complaint. The chiclet style keyboard and trackpad work as they should, and many noted that the keyboard is comfortable to use, even though there is some flex, but it is not backlit, which could affect those late study sessions if you are a student. Inside you will find an entry-level AMD 1.5GHz E2-6110 quad-core processor that is helped along by 4GB of RAM. The laptop underperforms for the most part, but for document creation, video streaming and light web browsing it will get the job done. Unlike the Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K04US and the ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 11.6-inch, it has 32GB of storage space, a whole 16GB more… which is still almost nothing to be completely fair, especially since Windows 10 S (a version of Windows 10 that is designed for low cost computers) takes up most of that space, forcing you to make use of online storage. You get a 1-year Office 365 subscription and there are enough ports for connecting peripherals, including a single USB 3.1 Type-C connection, which features the any-way up design. The speaker quality is said to be decent overall, and it’s 802.11n Wi-Fi connection is stable and fast enough for most.

Specs

Summary & Score

The ASUS L402WA-EH21 is a budget laptop that is good for light task handling and it has an excellent battery life, but it said to underperform due to its entry-level hardware.

Ninja Score

68

ASUS L402WA-EH21 14-inch

$229.00$211.00

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:12 UTC) Details

HP 14-AX040WM 14-inch

In the Internet age, sleek, small netbook-type laptops are becoming more and more commonplace. The HP 14-AX040WM 14-inch is another addition to this growing trend. Weighing in at only 5 pounds, it is lightweight and very portable. It comes with 4GB of RAM and an Intel Celeron N3060 Processor, both of which are entry level, offering acceptable performance for basic tasks though limiting your multitasking quite heavily. To squeeze the most out of your laptop you can also install an additional RAM module without spending too much. The 32GB of flash storage may seem disappointing, but the HP 14-AX040WM 14-inch is geared towards online use. You can easily use cloud storage if you find yourself out of space or you could just slip in an SD card and up the storage capacity. The 14-inch display has a resolution of 1366×768, and the keyboard is a full size island-style keyboard. The battery life is said to be around 5 hours, which is average for these types of laptops, so you will need to remain near an outlet if you plan on using it for a full day at college.

Specs

Summary & Score

The HP 14-AX040WM 14-inch is inexpensive and super portable, but the 32GB of storage may deter some buyers. However, for Internet use, cloud storage will save you from needing to add more storage space through an SD card.

Ninja Score

56

HP 14-AX040WM 14-inch

$219.99

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:09 UTC) Details

Simbans TangoTab 2-in-1 10.1-inch

The Simbans TangoTab is a budget Android based 2-in-1 laptop tablet hybrid that offers some great features for its price – which is probably a lot less than your smartphone.

For less than $200 you get a Quad Core MTK8163 1.5 GHz processor, 3GB of DDR3 RAM, the Google Android 9 Pie operating system, 64GB of storage space, and an impressive high quality IPS touchscreen display.

Coupled with its portable form factor and long battery life, the TangoTab makes for an excellent mobile workstation with enough power to comfortably run Office applications and browse the web.

It received good reviews for its solid construction and sturdy detachable keyboard which gives the TangoTab a reliable feel despite its relatively unknown brand name.

Another plus is a huge array of ports including Mini-HDMI, Micro USB, USB-A, Audio and a Micro-SD Card Slot which allow you to attach whatever devices you need similar to a regular laptop.

The most obvious downside of the TangoTab and other Android based 2-in-1 laptops are lack of Windows apps, meaning only apps from the Google App Store can be installed. That said, the TangoTab comes loaded with a free version of MS Word, MS Excel and WPS Office so you will happily be able to use it for editing traditional Windows documents.

If you are looking for a mobile workstation on the go or a casual PC for use around the house and don’t mind it’s smaller screen size, the TangoTab offers one of the most competitive deals on a budget laptop under $200 to date.

Specs

Summary & Score

If you are looking for a budget laptop from a reliable manufacturer, the HP 11A-NB0013DX is one of the most affordable Chromebooks on the market.

Ninja Score

92

HP Chromebook 11A-NB0013DX 11.6-inch

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:17 UTC) Details

ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 11.6-inch

If you are looking for a strong and sturdy Chromebook that can handle the abuses of the classroom, then the ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 is well worth considering. It has been specially designed with nano-molding technology to ensure that it is tough as nails and the rubber bumpers help to protect this Chromebook from impact in unforeseen accidents. It has even been tested by ASAS to endure a 3.9 foot drop. ASUS have also given the Chromebook C202SA-YS02 a spill-resistant keyboard to ensure that this Chromebook will still function in the event of an unforeseen spillage while it is being used. The 180-degree hinged display allows for easier viewing while in group discussions and gives the ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 a bit more flexibility when relaxing with your feet up on the sofa. Powering the ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 is an Intel Celeron N3060 processor and 4GB of RAM, which combined are more than powerful enough for most Chrome OS tasks. While the standard Microsoft Office cannot be installed on Chrome OS, you will be able to use Google Docs, QuickOffice and Microsoft Office Online for all of your word processing needs. The 16GB of storage will allow for a handful of applications and documents to be stored on the ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02, however, it has been designed to be used in conjunction with Google’s Drive cloud storage. You get 100GB of cloud storage space for 2 years from Google, thereafter it will cost $1.99 a month to keep the same amount of storage. If you would prefer an offline solution, then we recommend purchasing a 128GB MicroSD card and installing it into the MicroSD slot for a more permanent storage solution.

Specs

Summary & Score

The ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 is a rugged Chromebook that has been designed for the classroom and features double the RAM as many of its competitors.

Ninja Score

80

ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 11.6-inch

$229.00$208.99

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(as of 27-09-2023 18:15 UTC) Details

Acer Aspire 1 A114-31-C4HH 14-inch

It is rare finding laptops under $300 with Full-HD displays that are not refurbished. The Acer Aspire 1 A114-31-C4HH 14-inch laptop comes with a 1920 x 1080 display, and Acer have decided to include an SSD, too. While this may seem to be a dream come true to those on a budget, be aware that there are some drawbacks.The screen is Full-HD, but many have pointed out that it looks washed out and that the viewing angles are poor. Furthermore, the fast SSD is a great inclusion for boot times and application loading times, but at only 32GB, you won’t be able to load much on it. It comes with an Intel Celeron N3450 CPU and 4GB of RAM, and at least the system feels more responsive than other laptops in this price range that come with older mechanical hard drives as opposed to SSDs. The Acer Aspire 1 A114-31-C4HH is suitable for users looking for a Chromebook like Windows machine, as it does come with Windows 10. It is lightweight, weighing it at just 3.64 pounds, and comes with a chiclet-style keyboard and a trackpad that one user described as average at best. It has a decent port selection, coming with an HDMI port, an SD card reader, a USB 3.0 port, and two USB 2.0 ports, and then the usual headphone jack and power jack. Some pointed out that speakers are rather unimpressive, so do not expect much in terms of sound.

Specs

Summary & Score

If you are looking for a Chromebook-type laptop with Windows, then the Acer Aspire 1 A114-31-C4HH is a decent pick, but be aware that you will only be getting a mere 32GB of Storage.

Ninja Score

66

Acer Aspire 1 A114-31-C4HH 14-inch

$219.99

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(as of 27-09-2023 19:05 UTC) Details

Wrap up

As you can see, with a little digging you can easily find laptops available for under $200 if you are shopping on an extremely tight budget. However, for best performance, we recommend that you spend just a little more to truly get the best bang for your buck.  To help you, consider visiting our other guides including our weekly list of laptops under $300 and under $400 articles to find some of the best budget laptops available.

Note: The main drawback of buying a $200 laptop is that to get the best performance out of your machine you will need to run either an older operating system (usually Windows XP) or Chrome OS, Google’s custom operating system that is based on the cloud and is fully browser orientated (no standard Windows apps). We’d strongly recommending checking out our guide to laptops under $300 if you can afford it for a lot more solid options or more of our cheap laptop guides to fit every budget.

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