10 Best Chromebooks Under $200 – A Buyer’s Guide (Updated for 2023)

So, you’re looking for the best Chromebook under $200.

And you don’t want to spend a whole lot. (Who does, really?)

This buyer’s guide will give you a brief rundown of all the Chromebooks that are proven and popular without the hefty price tag.

All of the laptops on this list were verified for the price. If a price is variable or couldn’t be found for under $200, it’ll be marked as “unconfirmed.”

All the products in this list are based on sales, reviews, and priced under $200 at the time of this writing.

If you find one that’s incorrectly priced, let me know and I’ll update it.

Let’s take a gander at the cheapest Chromebooks with the biggest bang. Shall we?

Last updated: 3/8/23. This list is constantly updated so you have accurate information to base your purchasing decisions on.

Chromebooks under $200 aren’t hard to find

As you may already know, they’re one of the most affordable laptops on the market today.

They are currently used mainly in educational systems due to their low cost and affordability, along with their functionality. They’re fast, efficient, and a super portable machine.

If you’re in the market and looking to purchase one for cheap, you may want to know the different price ranges and what they have to offer.

1. Hisense 11.6″ Chromebook C11NB – $129.99

C11NB Cheapest Chromebook.
The C11NB is one of the very first budget models on the market.

The Hisense 11.6” Chromebook is super budget-friendly and is a good choice if you’re new to them in general.

Based on my research, the cheapest Chromebook you can get on the market today is the Hisense 11.6”. This is pretty much the lowest you can go.

This is a relatively old model and you can only buy it at select retailers. It’s a little harder to find, but you can still get your hands on it pretty easily.

It runs at just about $129.99 and comes with a decent spec sheet. That’s crazy cheap for a laptop. You need to think about what you’re getting and the price you’re paying.

It features a decent 1.8GHz Quad-Core CPU with 2GB of RAM and a 16GB hard drive. This is a standard setup for most models and isn’t anything exciting.

The Quad-Core CPU is actually pretty decent and offers enough power for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, going on social media, and even watching videos and playing games. With an 11.6” screen, it’s pretty much standard, as the majority of models are that size.

(By the way, if you’re not sure if a Chromebook is right for you, I have a brief little beginner’s introduction to them you can check out.)

Hisense is a lesser-known company that’s relatively new to the US market, however, they specialize in TVs and other small electronics. This machine is backed by positive customer reviews is an excellent choice if you want a cheap laptop.

You’re not going to find this new for a good pirce. But secondhand? Probably.

2. Acer CB3-131-C3SZ 11.6″ Chromebook – $169.99

Best Chromebook of all time.
The Acer 11.6” is one of the best Chromebooks of all time.

Next, we have the Acer 11.6” Chromebook.

The Acer 11.6” series is one of the best product lines on the market. They’ve even reached Amazon’s best seller in Chromebooks for a period of time due to their awesome value for a very cheap price.

It features an Intel Celeron CPU clocked at 2.16GHz, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of SSD storage, Intel HD graphics, and an IPS HD display with anti-glare technology so you can use it under bright lighting or outside.

This is probably the most popular Chromebook on the market for under $200 and has been replaced with a newer and updated model. This is one of the all-time best-selling Chromebooks right up there with Samsung. If you’re going to get an Acer laptop, you should know that they have a ton. Literally.

There are both older and newer versions in the 11.6” screen size range all made by Acer. So be sure to do your research since they’re all around the same price range if you want to most bang for your buck.

They’re a well-known budget brand in the world of computers. They make affordable solutions for laptops as well as some more expensive and high-end laptops and computers. They used to have a bad reputation in terms of customer service and cheap parts, but they’ve greatly improved because they’re currently dominating the laptop market.

If you’re working from home as an employee or taking online courses as a student, you’ll be glad to know that this Chromebook can handle everything you need:

  • Online video chat
  • Video conferences
  • Audio/video calling
  • Built-in microphone
  • Built-in HD webcam
  • Works with online web apps, programs, software, etc.
  • Compatibility with Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

This specific model, the CB3-131-C3SZ, is actually my personal device. It’s the only one I use almost daily and take with me everywhere I go. Others are just too expensive or offer too many features that I don’t need.

With this, I don’t have to worry too much if I damage it (since it’s not that expensive), and it’s powerful enough to do what I need it to do- emails, browse the ‘net, play games, type documents, take notes, and watch stupid videos. Call me biased, but it’s my personal favorite from this list. I’m very happy with my purchase.

Update: In 2022, mine is still going strong like new. I use this for everyday tasks (email, looking up things, research, or note-taking). It doesn’t have the power of more expensive models (Samsung Pro), but it’s good enough for basic productivity tasks. Good choice for those that need a cheap laptop for remote work. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the best selling Chromebook models of all time. You get a lot of laptop for your hard-earned cash.

3. Asus C201 11.6” Chromebook – $189.99

ASUS C201 Chromebook.
The ASUS C201 is one of the most popular models on the market.

Next up we have the Asus 11.6-inch Chromebook.

It features a Rockchip processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 16GB SSD hard drive. Your standard setup.

What’s special about the C201 is that it has the ability to run Google Play Store apps. It was one of the first Chromebooks to ever get the Android update to run these apps on a laptop.

If you want to play Subway Surfer, Temple Run, or Minecraft: Pocket Edition on your Chromebook instead of your phone, this laptop is capable of it. In fact, here’s a guide to get Play Store apps on your laptop.

Note that the Play Store update is still in beta and it’s relatively buggy, but it’s being improved by the Google team.

The C201 is probably the cheapest one you can get that doesn’t feature an Intel processor. The Rockchip processor in this machine is not made by Intel, which may drive some customers away. I think they use the Rockchip processor because it’s a more affordable solution rather than using Intel, which makes the machine overall more affordable.

But that’s nothing to be worried about, as the Rockchip processor performs decently and has excellent reviews.

If you plan to run Linux or play games like Minecraft, you may want to look into an Intel-based processor as the Rockchip processor along with the ARM processors have been known to cause problems. This runs at just $189.99 and is one of the best that you can get. Definitely worth considering as it’s still under $200.

4. HP Chromebook 14 – $199

HP 14 Chromebook.
The HP 14 is a powerful, yet affordable model.

Next up, we have the HP Chromebook 14. This one retails right below $200 at most major electronic stores. Some places have it slightly above $200, but if you can find one for under $200, it’s a pretty good deal. You may have to settle for a used one, though.

As the name states, it’s a 14-inch laptop made by popular electronics manufacturer HP. It sports an Intel Celeron processor running at 1.1GHz, 4GB of RAM, a 32GB SSD drive, Intel HD graphics, and comes in a variety of colors.

If you want a laptop that’s affordable with a big screen, this Chromebook is probably your best bet. It’s about 3 inches larger diagonally compared to the previous 11.6” Chromebooks for about the same price. Getting anything close to a 14” screen with the same specs will usually cost you well above $299.

It’s also nicely equipped with USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 ports, and 2 traditional USB 3.1 drives. The display is also full HD at 1920 x 1080 resolution, so this makes it an excellent device for movies, pictures, and entertainment. You can even play some games on it! Bigger screen means more real estate for putting your work multitasking into overdrive. Are you a student doing virtual classrooms? This is awesome for watching lectures while taking notes on the side! The full HD is nice so those tutorial videos or classroom lectures don’t like blurry. The USB 3.1 is good for charging your phone or other gadgets that require modern connectivity.

Update: When I first wrote this buyer’s guide, you can easily snag the HP 14 for about $159. Now, since it’s an older model and isn’t as readily available for purchase. If you can find it for cheap, it’s a good price for the screen size it provides. Good for those who like to run split screen mode for productivity or multitasking on their Chromebook. It’s easy to find used on secondhand platforms like eBay, where I can see refurbished models selling for near the same price point at the time of this writing (Jan, 2022). Check for yourself. You may be able to snag a deal on it especially with people returning to work now.

(Want a huge screen? I have a list of Chromebooks with the biggest screens if you’re interested =].)

5.Asus Chromebook C300MA – $120

ASUS C300MA.
The ASUS C300MA can be bought refurbished.

Running at $120 we have the Asus 13.3-inch Chromebook, which features an Intel Celeron processor rather than the previous Rockchip processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 16GB SSD hard drive along with a black finish.

This Asus is an improved version of the previous model. It allows people who are familiar with technology to install another operating system such as Linux onto their Chromebook and be able to run many familiar programs using Linux as well as play popular games such as Minecraft.

Update: As of 1/18/20, this particular model isn’t available for a cheap price anymore at a new price. You may be able to find it used online somewhere for the original price. I was able to find refurbished units for just $120 easily online.

6. HP Chromebook 11 G4 – $80.00

HP 11 G4.
HP 11 G4 can be bought used for cheap.

At around $80, this is one of the lowest-cost models we have on the list. It’s another Chromebook made by HP.

Surprisingly, this model is only 11-inches in screen diameter (not really). It features an Intel Celeron processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of SSD storage just like the other models on this list.

Here are some tidbits of random knowledge: All models are made with 16GB of storage and at least 2GB of RAM. That’s the bare minimum.

This HP has an improved display over the previous models with an anti-glare and a high-definition resolution display.

It also features an Intel HD graphics card (this is also standard) for video processing, so you can play an assortment of games from the Chrome Web Store. or watch HD movies and films. This is a very popular Chromebook model made by HP and is very affordable. It comes in graphite black and snow white.

It doesn’t have the 14” display like the other HP, but it’s still available for just about $80.00

7. Samsung Chromebook – $86.00

Samsung Chromebook 1.
The original Samsung Chromebook costs nothing nowadays.

Next, we have the Samsung Chromebook.

Samsung is a leading manufacturer in the world of electronics and appliances and is probably definitely one of the most popular manufacturers in the Chromebook world. This laptop runs at around $100 and features an 11.6-inch display with a Samsung Exynos 5 dual processor.

It has 2 gigabytes of RAM, a 16-gigabyte solid-state drive, and also an HD display.

This is an extremely popular model because consumers trust the Samsung name and it has powerful and performance for the price. If you’re looking to get a laptop made by Samsung and you don’t want to pay a lot, this is your best bet. It also has a metallic aluminum finish which makes it look much more expensive than the price you pay.

This model is pretty old as the newest Samsung pair of Chromebooks have been released. These newer laptops rocked the market and offer the latest tech and features, such as touchscreen input, stylus input, a real aluminum body, drop-proof and waterproof design, Play Store compatibility, and a lot more.

But they’ll run you several times the cost of models on this list. If you want the newest technology, you should check them out.

Update: I can no longer find the original Samsung for the original price unless you buy it used.

8. ASUS C200MA Chromebook – $120

ASUS C200MA review.
The ASUS C200MA is dated, but can often be found for around $100 used.

Next, we have another model made by Asus running at $120.

This model features an 11.6-inch display with an Intel processor, 4GB of RAM, and 16GB of SSD storage.

It comes in a black finish and has all the features of the previous 4GB model except without the Rockchip processor.

Similar to the other models, Asus makes quality laptops and this is no exception. It’s backed by dozens of positive reviews and offers it with an Intel Bay Trail CPU rather than a Rockchip this time around.

It also comes in a few different trims. Asus really does offer their Chromebooks in all the different configurations you could possibly want. Rockchip or Intel. 2GB or 4GB. It’s really up to you. If you can find a good deal on double the RAM, it’s worth it. The double capacity offers extra multitasking power.

This is one of the most popular models on the market. Check it out if you want one that’s proven to be good.

9. Lenovo IdeaPad N20P – $199

Lenovo N20p Chromebook.
This is one of the most affordable Chromebooks by Lenovo.

If you want a cheap Chromebook that has touchscreen compatibility, then the Lenovo 11.6-inch touchscreen is your best bet. With a touchscreen, kids and students will have an easy time learning how to use it.

It features 2GB of RAM, a 16GB SSD hard drive, a free embedded QuickOffice editor which allows for Microsoft Office files to the directly edited within the Chromebook, and of course, a touch screen. It’s harder to find, but you can find it used online quite easily. Schools often dump their older tech. The same goes for specific businesses when upgrading their fleet of hardware. They put them for liquidation prices online!

Touchscreen laptops are perfect for those who are used to them- such as kids and students  It runs at $199 and is decently reviewed.

(Looking for more Chromebooks with touchscreens? I wrote a list of the best ones in 2022.)

Update: I can’t find this for anywhere near $200 anymore. You can still buy it used for less than the original price of $199, but you’ll have a hard time finding it new for that price.

10. HP Chromebook 11 G3 – $100.00

HP 11 G3 review.
The HP 11 G3 can be bought under $100.

And lastly, we another 11.6-inch HP.

This machine runs at $100.00 and features an Intel processor along with 4GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD hard drive. It has Intel HD graphics for video watching and light gaming along with an HD anti-glare display. This machine is perfect if you like to multi-task due to the double RAM over the previous HP model (4GB instead of 2GB).

Based on reviews, the 11 G3 is a pretty good laptop with a powerful processor. The only complaints I saw were that the screen does glare even with the matte finish and that the trackpad isn’t as accurate as it should be.

For the price, it’s affordable if you can get over the nitpicky bits. With an Intel CPU, you can run and do most of your tasks. Whether you need to check email, browse Facebook, or just play games and watch videos, the 11 G3 can handle it.

With 4GB of RAM, you can do a lot more tasks simultaneously.

Good for WFH or students remote learning.

Did you notice that HP is the only brand on this list that offers versions that go above and beyond for the same price range? You have the HP 14, which offers a huge screen for the price. And then you have the HP G3, which offers double the RAM of standard models and gives you more value for your money.

Overall, the G3 is a decent laptop. It’s affordable and backed by positive reviews. Oh yes.

Super affordable and super cheap

And there you have it, a list of the most popular and best-selling Chromebooks you can get on the market under $200 (excluding tax).

If you have any other laptops to suggest, please let me know in the comments and I’ll check them out. If you find any errors, please let me know as well so I can fix them. I’m updating this list every once in a while so people who are new to them have a resource to go to for finding the cheapest Chromebooks out there.

They’re making a mark and dominating the budget laptop space. They’re fast, easy to use, and secure. If you want a cheap laptop with functionality that does all the basics, Chromebooks are the way to go.

About Andy Z.

Andy is a casual-hardcore Chrome OS fan and contributes to the site regularly. He likes computers, tech, sports cars, videogames, and of course, Chromebooks. Thinker. Introvert. Geek. You can find him on Twitter (@platytech), or send him an email (check the "Contact Us" page).

9 thoughts on “10 Best Chromebooks Under $200 – A Buyer’s Guide (Updated for 2023)”

  1. Im wondering if maybe samsung chromebook run’s minecraft. there is a sticker that say’s intel inside on my samsung chromebook. also a sticker that say’s energy star. it is a chrome OS and is a 64-bit chromebook. i just really wanna know if it run’s minecraft because i got this chromebook for christmas. to be honest i dont know is this is enough information, but please let me know.

    Reply
    • Hey Jakhia,

      As long as it’s powered by Intel, you should be able to proceed with the Minecraft installation!

      That’s the basic requirement to get the game running, and you should like you have everything you need to get started.

      Since it’s a newer model, you may be able to get Linux (which is required to run Minecraft) simply by using the Linux (Beta) version. If that doesn’t work, then you can use the traditional Crouton method.

      You also may find these pages useful:
      How to play Minecraft
      Can you run Minecraft?
      How to get Linux (Beta)
      What kind of Chromebook do I have?

      Let me know if you have any other questions!

      Reply
  2. What about end of life date? Google supplies automatic updates for 6.5 years after manufacture. Some of these chromebook recommendations have only 1 or 2 years of updates available. What happens then? Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Just got the Asus 202S from Amazon. Nice looking little Chromebook with Intel processor, however, it came with no paperwork at all. No registration information, not even a how-to guide. Crazy. Hopefully, since has Intel we will be able to run Minecraft.

    Reply
    • Hey Kacz,

      That’s very strange. It could be because of the “frustration-free” option, but then again, you’d expect basic necessities to be packaged with it. Or it could be because it was possibly refurbished?

      I’d double-check to make sure it’s indeed a new system (if that’s what you ordered), and covered under a warranty as well.

      It’s got an Intel Celeron at 1.6GHz, which is pretty decent and should be enough power to play Minecraft. I think you’re all set.

      Also, when you boot it up for the first time, there should be a virtual guide that shows up to greet you. And if you really want to know everything about it, I wrote a pretty big guide on how to use a Chromebook you can check out.

      Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy holidays.

      Reply
    • Hey SassySteffie,

      The HP 11 G4 EE isn’t a bad choice.

      It’s got a decent processor (Intel Celeron N2840 at 2.16GHz with 2.58GHz Turbo) and 4GB of DDR3 RAM with 16GB eMMC storage.

      If you’re not a techy person and have no idea what these numbers mean, don’t worry. Compared to other Chromebooks, it runs a little above-average in performance and specs. It does have double the RAM capacity of the average model, which means he’ll be able to multitask on it easily- whether doing schoolwork, playing games, listening to music, or all three.

      The processor is also decently powerful for a speedy response time, launching apps, and general use. It’s good enough to handle the demands of a student and casual user who doesn’t need to do anything too crazy with it. It’s more than capable of surfing the ‘net, browsing social media, watching YouTube videos, getting work done, and playing some games. It also has Intel HD Graphics to power any media streaming, gaming, and other entertainment purposes.

      The “EE” is the Educational Edition, which has some extra durability features built just for students like a spill-resistant touchpad and a sturdy plastic hinge to connect the display to the body.

      As for playing Minecraft, it has more than enough power to run the game. The only issue you should be aware of is that Chrome OS doesn’t play well with Minecraft out-of-the-box and will require some additional steps in order to get it running.

      I wrote a complete tutorial about getting Minecraft running on a Chromebook you can check out to get a scope of the process. You may also be interested in seeing the system requirements for running the game as well.

      Overall, it’s a decent Chromebook geared towards students at an affordable price.

      If you have any other questions, just leave a comment.

      Thanks.

      Reply

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