When you have only $300 to spend, it can be difficult to find a gaming laptop that isn’t too expensive. Right? But what are the best gaming laptops under $300?
Well, there are, however, some great laptops available for everyday chores and light gaming that maintain quality. These include the Acer Aspire 5 and HP Chromebook 11a. With thin bodies and long battery lives, these computers are ideal for gamers on a budget. In fact, it doesn’t cost a lot of money to play enjoyable games on the web or in independent games.
Below, I’ll focus on the cheapest yet practical best gaming laptops under $300. These computers have all the essential features you need for gaming, including an excellent processor, a graphics card, and enough RAM.
So, go ahead, then!
5 Best Gaming Laptops Under $300 You Must Know
Actually, we all know that gaming laptops under $300 can be hard to find, but several excellent options deliver good performance for casual gaming. In this list, you’ll find five laptops that offer impressive value for money.
1. HP Chromebook 11a
Price: approximately $250.
Since this Chromebook is cheap and easy to carry around, it is ideal for students and casual gamers. The battery life is excellent for people who need their device to last through class or travel. Also, the Google Play Store makes it more valuable by allowing you to download a wide variety of apps.
Why It’s Good?
Display:
- 11.6-inch HD display
- Compact size, ideal for casual web browsing and light gaming
Processor:
- Efficient MediaTek MT8183 processor
- Provides smooth performance for everyday tasks
Memory:
- 4GB LPDDR4 RAM
- Supports multitasking and quick app access
Storage:
- 32GB eMMC storage
- Quick boot times and sufficient space for essential files
- Access to the Google Play Store for downloading apps
Design:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Easy to carry for on-the-go use
Battery Life:
- Impressive battery life of up to 10 hours
- Ideal for all-day usage without frequent recharging
Pros & Cons Of HP Chromebook 11a
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Not too expensive | 1. Limited storage space |
| 2. Battery lasts a long time | 2. Not suitable for playing many games |
| 3. Small and easy to carry | 3. Small screen size |
| 4. Quick start-up times | 4. Limited offline capability |
| 6. Easy to understand and use | |
| 7. Works well for web-based apps | |
| 8. Durable design |
2. HP X360
Pricing: Approximately $280
X360’s 2-in-1 feature offers users options that are not available on most regular computers. It’s great for people who want the best of both laptops and tablets. The touchscreen makes it easier to browse the web and do engaging tasks. People who are always on the go will appreciate the device’s long battery life and lightweight.
Why It’s Good?
Display:
- 14-inch HD touchscreen display
- Offers intuitive touch controls and vibrant visuals
Processor:
- Intel Celeron N4020 processor
- Smooth performance for casual gaming and daily tasks
Memory:
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Adequate for light multitasking and everyday use
Storage:
- 64GB eMMC storage
- Quick access to files and applications, suitable for light use
Design:
- Versatile 2-in-1 convertible design
- Allows for multiple usage modes, including laptop and tablet
Battery Life:
- Lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge
- Ideal for portability and all-day use without frequent recharging
Pros & Cons Of HP X360
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Convertible design | 1. Limited storage |
| 2. Touchscreen functionality | 2. Basic performance |
| 3. Affordable price | 3. Integrated graphics |
| 4. Decent battery life | 4. Small storage capacity |
| 5. Lightweight and portable | |
| 6. Good for casual gaming | |
| 7. Versatile usage modes | |
| 8. Easy to carry |
3. Acer Aspire 5 A515
Price: Approximately $299
The Aspire 5 is best because it has a great mix of speed and price. Full HD screens make gaming and TV shows better. Also, the SSD makes it easy to access files and programmes quickly. Students and gamers who need a reliable laptop for everyday use will appreciate its small size and long battery life.
Why It’s Good?
Display:
- 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display
- Anti-glare technology for comfortable viewing
- Good colour reproduction and sharp images
Processor:
- Intel Core i3 chip (10th or 11th generation)
- Efficient performance for everyday tasks and light gaming
Memory:
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Supports multitasking and smooth performance for light applications
Storage:
- 128GB SSD
- Fast boot times and quick loading of applications
- Sufficient space for essential files and applications
Design:
- Slim and lightweight design for portability
- Durable build suitable for everyday use
Battery Life:
- Up to 7 hours of battery life
- Ideal for on-the-go usage without frequent recharging
Connectivity:
- Multiple ports, including USB Type-C, USB 3.1, and HDMI
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for fast internet connectivity
- Bluetooth support for connecting wireless peripherals
- Keyboard:
- Full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad
- Comfortable typing experience for extended use
- Operating System:
- Typically comes with Windows 10/11 pre-installed
- User-friendly interface and access to a wide range of applications
- Audio:
- Dual speakers with decent sound quality
- Good for media consumption and video calls
Pros & Cons Of Acer Aspire 5 A515
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. The price is reasonable | 1. Not enough RAM |
| 2. Screen is Full HD | 2. Build quality is average |
| 3. Small and easy to carry | 3. Limited storage space |
| 4. Good battery life | |
| 5. Pretty good build quality | |
| 6. Quick SSD storage | |
| 7. Dependable performance for daily tasks | |
| 8. Easy to add more RAM and storage |
4. HP Elitebook 840 G3
Pricing: Approximately $299
Both professionals and students will appreciate the Elitebook 840 G3 because it is both fast and durable. Fast SSDs make it easy to access files quickly, and Full HD displays simplify work. It’s made well and isn’t very heavy, so it’s durable and easy to move even when it’s used every day.
Why It’s Good?
Display:
- 14-inch Full HD display
- Provides sharp visuals and clear detail for both work and entertainment
Processor:
- Intel Core i5-6300U processor
- Delivers solid performance for gaming and productivity tasks
Memory:
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Supports efficient multitasking and smooth application performance
Storage:
- 256GB SSD
- Ensures fast storage access and quick boot times
Design:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Easy to carry for daily use and travel
Battery Life:
- Lasts up to 6 hours on a single charge
- Reliable for everyday tasks without frequent recharging
Pros & Cons Of HP Elitebook 840 G3
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Full HD display | 1. Older model |
| 2. Solid build quality | 2. Limited gaming performance |
| 3. Fast SSD storage | 3. Average battery life |
| 4. Good performance for the price | |
| 5. Lightweight and portable | |
| 6. Decent battery life | |
| 7. Easy to upgrade | |
| 8. Reliable for everyday tasks |
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 1
Pricing: Approximately $230
People who are watching their budget will find the IdeaPad 1 an excellent choice since it is light and cheap. Due to its long battery life, you can use it all day without charging. Since this laptop is reliable and inexpensive, it is perfect for simple tasks.
Why It’s Good?
Display:
- 14-inch HD display
- Offers clear visuals, suitable for everyday tasks and casual gaming
Processor:
- AMD A6-9220e processor
- Provides efficient functionality for basic performance needs
Memory:
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Supports smooth web browsing and productivity tasks
Storage:
- 64GB eMMC storage
- Offers quick access to files and applications, ideal for light use
Design:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to carry, making it suitable for users on the go
Battery Life:
- Lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge
- Reliable for all-day usage without frequent recharging
Pros & Cons Of Lenovo IdeaPad 1
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Very affordable | 1. Limited storage |
| 2. Lightweight and portable | 2. Basic performance |
| 3. Decent battery life | 3. Small storage capacity |
| 4. Good for basic tasks | 4. Limited RAM |
| 5. Simple and easy to use | |
| 6. Compact design | |
| 7. Reliable for web browsing | |
Last Words
So, if you know what to look for, you can find the best gaming laptops under $300. For casual gamers, models like the Acer Aspire 5, HP Chromebook 11a, Lenovo IdeaPad 1, and others are good options because they are fast, portable, and affordable. Even though they can’t run AAA games at high settings, they’re great for everyday tasks and indie games. They are lightweight and have long battery lives, so they are perfect for gaming. Even, if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to give up quality for price.