10 Best Laptops Under $200 2019

When you venture out to purchase a laptop for personal or professional use, you prep yourself to live with a light wallet for months to come. Even after years of advancing technology, laptops don’t exactly come cheap. Or do they? Well, here is some excellent news for anyone looking to bring home an inexpensive laptop that won’t break down under pressure: many top computer makers have introduced cheap laptops priced under—hold your breath—$200!

You may have previously come across laptops priced under $300, and assumed that was the cheapest deal anyone could give you in this market. However, today, you can find cheap laptops produced by reliable and established brands such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung. Other brands like CHUWI have also emerged to compete with these market leaders, offering products with features that seem impossible to attain in so low a price point. Suffice it to say that if it is a cheap laptop that you covet, you will be spoilt for choice.

One word of caution: laptops under $200 do come with some inherent limitations. They have limited processing muscle that will be adequate for day-to-day needs, but you cannot expect them to facilitate intensive endeavors like graphics designing, programming, animation or gaming. Many of these laptops lean toward the tablet model, restricting the brilliance of the display that you can expect. So, while laptops in this league have several merits to boot—not the least of which is excellent portability—they may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Let us find out a few essential things about cheap laptops under $200 and how to go about acquiring one, if at all. We have also consolidated ten recommendations that are both trustworthy and wise buying choices for various requirements ranging from home use to traveling.

Is a Sub-$200 Laptop a Good Fit to Your Lifestyle?

Thanks to low-cost components (that still manage to be high-quality) and manufacturers who prioritize cost-effectiveness, the marketplace now offers several laptops that cost under $200 or thereabouts. But how far will such products benefit you? Well, they are likely to adapt to your lifestyle if you come under one of these user groups:

• Students: Do you use your laptop primarily for note-taking and homework assignments? These laptops can be excellent choices, saving you precious dollars that can go toward numerous other college expenses. (Note: This won’t work if you are majoring in arts, software development, or any other course that demands you to perform CPU-intensive operations on your computer.)
• Professionals: Unless you are a creative professional, a techie, or someone who must run complicated software regularly, these basic laptops are good enough for regular needs like checking e-mail, browsing the internet, and taking voice or video calls.
• Travelers: Since these laptops focus the most on portability and ease of use, they will be perfect travel companions. You can carry them on vacations, using them to stay connected, entertained, and backed up.
• Budget-watchers: This category undoubtedly covers a lot of people, making cheap laptops good options for first computing devices, gifting, home-based use, etc. You don’t have to pay a bomb, but your basic functions are sorted. After all, not everyone wants to use their computer as a one-stop device to replace cameras, hard disks, projection screens, and the kitchen sink.

Must-Have Features in Cheap Laptops Under $200

What features can cheap, ho-hum laptops really bring to you? First off: do not give in to this line of thought. Do not let a brand convince you that $200 is hardly enough money to cover the basics. Today, a sum of $200 can make you the proud owner of a laptop that caters to everyday processing needs without requiring you to break the bank. You only have to look out for these essentials:

• Processor and OS: Look for a speedy processor (e.g., Intel dual-core or quad-core) and a smart operating system like Chrome OS or Windows 10. This will facilitate daily computing tasks like opening documents and presentations or navigating through multiple browser tabs.
• RAM and Storage: As far as possible, don’t settle for anything under 4GB RAM and 32GB of storage. You need this kind of memory to keep the booting and loading times manageable. Of course, storage can usually be supplemented by external drives and the cloud.
• Display: Most laptops in this price point offer HD screens. Some also provide anti-glare panels and features such as night mode or color adjustment. If your computer has inbuilt USB ports and HDMI (as it should), you will be able to connect to external displays and expand your viewing horizons.
• Battery Life: Scout for laptops that offer at least 6–8 hours of unplugged juice. Since you will be carrying these laptops around, you need not be shackled to power stations all the time.
• Build and Portability: This will depend on the form factor you choose, with 11” laptops being among the lightest. Ask for notebooks that are sturdy yet lightweight. Just because you are purchasing an inexpensive laptop does not mean you must settle for unwieldy, drab machines.

Top 10 Laptops Under $200 in 2019, Handpicked for Excellence

ASUS C223NA-DH02-RD Chromebook​

Stands out for: Lightweight and lean build that is among the best on this list.

The 11.6” ASUS C223NA-DH02-RD Chromebook weighs only 2.2lbs and has a profile measuring 0.7”. Its footprint is smaller than that of an A4 sheet, which means carrying it along with you to school or the office is a breeze.

Like all Chromebooks, this one is also super responsive, courtesy its Chrome OS. The operating system provides access to a world of useful apps on Google Play Store, besides being swift and offering anti-virus protection and automatic updates.

This laptop is driven by an Intel Celeron N3350 processor (up to 2.4GHz, dual-core), 4GB RAM, and 32GB storage (with 100GB of space on Google Drive).

It proves to be adept at completing day-to-day activities like watching videos, browsing the internet, or loading documents and decks.

The battery life lasts for as long as 10 hours, which is a good metric to see you through the majority of your day.

On the display front, this laptop offers an HD screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768. An anti-glare panel helps to protect your eyes after long hours of work.

The display is complemented well by the premium metallic finish of the exterior and the bold red color. Let’s just say it looks stylish and sleek—quite a prerequisite in this day and age!

This device has an interesting assortment of ports to keep you connected with your peers at work or school.

You can avail of two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, one USB 3.0 port, a display port, an HD webcam, and a microSD card reader. It also supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

CHUWI Herobook 14-inch Laptop​

Stands out for: Its 14.1” display with anti-glare, night mode and color adjustment.

The CHUWI Herobook 14-inch laptop is designed to fuel everyday life while also, quite thoughtfully, reducing eye strain.

Plus, it is a Windows 10 laptop, which brings you powerful performance and features to enhance your productivity.

You will find it easier to multitask because standard computing operations will feel smoother and more efficient.

If you are scouting for a budget laptop with a large screen, this 14-inch machine is a good find. It is fuelled by an Intel Atom X5-E8000 processor (quad-core), 4GB RAM, 64GB of storage space, and 9-hour battery life.

The memory is higher than many budget contemporaries that offer only up to 32GB. With this configuration, you can comfortably perform routine operations like accessing the internet, flipping through photos and videos, etc. The external memory can be boosted up to 128GB which makes it easier to store your data.

The display, as we discussed previously, is pleasant. The screen resolution of 1366 x 768 gives you a wide-screen experience. Even when you view the monitor under outdoor lighting, the imagery is satisfying. Note that this device supports Intel HD Graphics (integrated).

What about the device support and connectivity? The Herobook offers an impressive array of ports: one USB 3.0 port, one USB 2.0 port, a mini HDMI, a front camera (0.3MP), and a microSD card slot.

The HDMI port enables you to connect to an external display, say, for presentations in the conference room at work. The device is also compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi. Moreover, for a 14-inch laptop, it remains quite light and slim at 4.6lbs and 0.84”. This helps keep it mobile enough to lug along without feeling uncomfortable.

HP Stream 11-ah010nr 11-inch Laptop​

Stands out for: Its super-productive and secure operating system—Windows 10 in S Mode—and convenient inclusion of Office 365 Personal.

The HP Stream 11-ah010nr 11-inch laptop lets you benefit from the efficiency of an OS that is brilliant for anyone who prioritizes data security.

You also get complete access to applications like Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc., which makes it simple to perform regular tasks for work or school.

This HP laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM and 32GB of storage. While this is nothing to write home about, it sure is sufficient for standard computing tasks.

Plus, the laptop also comes with 1TB of OneDrive storage (available for one year). This offers you plentiful space to store your files. The battery can last up to 12.5 hours, depending on your usage.

This is phenomenal, making this computer THE pick of the lot if unplugged usage is your top consideration.

Display-wise, you get an HD SVA monitor with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768. An anti-glare panel takes care of your eyes as you trudge along your day. The graphics support is for Intel UHD Graphics 600.

HP has built this laptop with an evident focus on mobility. The chassis is lightweight and lean at 2.57lbs and 0.71”, making it straightforward to slip this laptop into backpacks. A wide choice of colors—including a lovely purple—brings you enviable style.

To keep your life sorted on the run, you can access the USB ports—one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.1. There is also an HDMI to allow you to plug into external displays and an HP webcam with an integrated digital microphone for voice clarity during calls.

Further upping the connectivity on this laptop is the enhanced Wi-Fi antenna (802.11 ac 2×2) that provides greater reliability and consistency while browsing. This is a useful feature considering the modern need to stay connected perpetually! Note that this laptop is also compatible with Bluetooth 4.2.

Dell Inspiron 11 3000 3180 Laptop​

Stands out for: CinemaStream and CinemaSound—amazing features to enjoy brilliant A/V experiences on a budget computer.

The Dell Inspiron 11 3000 3180 laptop is equipped with the brilliance of Waves MaxxAudio Pro for studio-quality sound. This is further enhanced by CinemaStream that ensures your videos get the maximum bandwidth.

The result is a stutter-free, disturbance-free multimedia experience that is a rarity in cheap laptops.

Interestingly, this is an AMD laptop with an AMD A6-9220e processor (seventh-generation). It has the standard processing configuration for cheap 11-inch laptops: 4GB RAM and 32GB of storage.

AMD laptops have now started rivaling the established Intel brand with their focus on upping performance while keeping the costs low. An AMD CPU can be a good choice for an everyday computer, letting you save a few bucks without compromising on performance.

How is the display? Well, you get an HD screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768. Additionally, it features an IPS panel (In-Plane Switching) that lets you view the screen from various positions without experiencing image distortion.

This laptop supports Radeon R4 graphics. Bonus: Dell provides several color options for this product, letting you choose among blue, white and grey. The colors are eye-catching.

A special word on the portability: very impressive! This laptop weighs all of 2.54lbs and has a profile measuring 0.82”. Plus, knowing Dell, you can rest assured that this device has been extensively tested for use in adverse conditions.

Sample some of the tests this resilient little gadget has been through: extreme temperatures of 65°C or 149°F, open-and-closes of the lid about 20,000 times, and 10 million keystrokes!

Note that you can avail of reliable connectivity options with this device, including support for 802.11BGN Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Further, there is a USB 3.1 port for data transfer, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader.

ASUS Vivobook E203MA Laptop​

Stands out for: Its brilliant and flexible 180-degree hinge design.

The ASUS Vivobook E203MA laptop has an innovative hinge designed to boost its flexibility of use, and the results are palpable. You can lay the screen out flat, making it uber-convenient for your colleagues or pals to see what you want to show them (read presentations, videos, pictures, the works).

Also, since ASUS has extensively tested the hinge and exposed it to no less than 20,000 open-and-close cycles (!), there is little risk of malfunctioning.

Much like the quintessential Chromebooks, the Vivobooks have also cemented their reputation as compact, user-friendly devices that travel exceptionally well.

This one, for instance, is astonishingly light at 2.18lbs—easily among the slimmest on our list—and measures only 0.7”.

This, combined with its long battery life of ten hours, makes it a useful gadget to carry with you.

Processing-wise, this computer does a satisfactory job. It is fueled by an Intel Celeron N4000 processor (dual-core) and 32GB of storage. On the flipside, the RAM support is lower than most others we have picked—2GB. This can become a limitation for overall speed and multitasking.

With this Vivobook, you get a vivid HD display with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768. But the star here is the keen use of technology to deliver a sharper, more immersive image.

For instance, the Tru2Life technology boosts the sharpness and contrast of each pixel by 150%, leading to compelling realism in every frame. It is assisted by the ASUS Splendid technology that works on accurate color rendition.

There is no dearth of options for device support; this Vivobook comes equipped with a USB-C port, a USB 3.0 port, and an HDMI. It supports 802.11AC Wi-Fi for internet connectivity.

Samsung Chromebook 3 XE501C13-K02US​

Stands out for: Long battery life lasting up to 11 hours.

The Samsung Chromebook 3 XE501C13-K02US is an 11.6” laptop that provides exceedingly good portability with its superior unplugged usage.

The best part is that the battery continues to retain (most of) its capacity in the long run; Samsung claims this period can be as long as three years! Further, this computer also has a nimble chassis weighing 2.54lbs and a thickness of 0.7”—specs that spell good news for mobility. It is highly convenient for daily usage on the run.

This laptop is Samsung’s offering in the biosphere of Chromebooks—a frontier that more and more laptop manufacturers are increasingly trying to tap. Fueled by an Intel Celeron N3060 CPU (dual-core), 4GB RAM and 32GB of storage, it is supple enough for regular endeavors.

Of course, the Chrome OS plays a major part in making this device responsive and speedy; the OS also delivers virus protection and automatic updates.

The display is fairly standard: an HD monitor with a resolution of 1366 x 768 and graphics support for Intel HD Graphics 400. The product is available in a “Night Charcoal” color—while it is attractive, you might be disappointed if you were planning on getting a laptop in vibrant, unusual shades.

Samsung has always been renowned for its commitment to seamless, connected computing, both in laptops and mobile devices. Here too, the company is in top form, equipping this laptop with a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI, and a media card reader. It also supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

We particularly love the water-resistant keyboard. It makes it so much simpler to use this laptop in places like the kitchen or public transport, where coffee spills are hard to avoid.

Dell Chromebook 11 3180​

Stands out for: Incredible devotion to education!

The Dell Chromebook 11 3180​ is tailor-made for students, so, if you are looking for a school laptop, you needn’t look any further. It offers a plethora of features to benefit students on a daily basis, including a spill-resistant keyboard, drop protection, and rubberized edges to withstand the many rigors of a standard day on campus.

Perhaps the most standout feature of this laptop is its convenient access to the Chromebook G Suite for Education. At your disposal is an entire world of apps intended to simplify the teaching-learning experience and make it more productive.

For instance, “Classroom” streamlines the process of sharing and grading assignments. Did you know: This laptop also comes with the “Dell Activity Light.” This three-color LED helps facilitate communication in the classroom.

The CPU muscle of this device draws from a Celeron N3060 processor, 4GB RAM, and 16GB of storage. An HDF screen renders your content with reasonable clarity, while a USD card reader, an HDMI and two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports help you stay connected.

Thankfully, the battery lasts for ten hours which means you won’t need to remain tethered to a charging station; you can get your work done in quiet corners of the cafeteria as well.

This Dell laptop also offers a hinge-based design, with the 180-degree hinge permitting you to lay the screen out flat. Not only can you conveniently share content with classmates in the classroom, but also let them fiddle about if needed, thanks to the scratch resistance offered by Corning Gorilla Glass.

A word on the overall portability of this laptop: it weighs 2.65lbs and measures 2.9”. So, yes, the profile isn’t as slim as some of the sleeker and more stylish devices on this list. But you can conveniently carry it with you without feeling burdened by the weight.

Lenovo Chromebook S330 Laptop​

Stands out for: Its free provision of Open/Edit MS Office (using Quick Office Editor or Google Docs).

The 14” Lenovo Chromebook S330 laptop is one of the most recent Chromebooks of its kind. While it runs Chrome OS (incompatible with Windows OS), the handy offering of Open/Edit MS Office makes it easy to complete your personal or professional pursuits.

This laptop also stands out because of its MediaTek MTK8173C processor (up to 2.1 GHz), supported by 4GB RAM, 32GB memory, ten-hour battery backup, and MediaTek graphics (integrated).

If you need additional space, you can get up to 100GB of cloud storage through Google Drive. Quite helpful for any data you don’t necessarily need to store directly on your laptop and also terrific for speeding things up!

Like other 14” laptops on this list, this one also provides an HD screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768. An anti-glare panel helps to minimize eye strain while working. (However, you can also choose an FHD display with a full screen resolution of 1920 x 1080.)

If you haven’t used Lenovo laptops in the past, you might be hesitant about trying out one with an almost-too-good-to-be-true price tag. But the company doesn’t cut too many corners.

The device support and connectivity, for instance, is excellent. You can find a USB-C port, a USB 3.0 port, an HDMI, a microSD card reader, and a 720p HD camera. The computer also supports 802.11AC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1.

In the look and feel department, things are quite promising. The chassis weighs 4.67lbs which is satisfactory for a 14-inch form factor. The profile, in turn, measures 0.8”, which is convenient for rucksacks. The laptop is available in a standard black color (business black)—hard luck if you were looking for something distinctive in this department.

HP Chromebook 11-v010nr 11-inch Laptop​

Stands out for: Extreme durability!

The HP Chromebook 11-v010nr 11-inch laptop invests heavily in long-term operation, using co-molded rubber edges and a spill-resistant keyboard to ensure that the vagaries of daily life don’t damage your computer.

In fact, the build passes MIL-STD 810G testing which is the military standard for construction. If your lifestyle involves considerable travel or you are especially clumsy, this laptop can fit you to a T.

The processing specs of this HP Chromebook are on the lower side: an Intel Celeron N3060 CPU (up to 1.6GHz, dual-core), 4GB RAM, and only 16GB of storage. Clearly, this will not be a great choice if you have to store tons of data on your machine.

The battery life, though, is surprisingly uplifting: more than 12.5 hours! That is perfect for anyone who stays on their feet for a big chunk of the day. With a weight of 2.72lbs and a thickness of 0.8”, the build of this device isn’t likely to bog you down either.

An HD SVA screen with an anti-glare panel and a resolution of 1366 x 768 does a decent job of rendering your multimedia content. The graphics support is integrated—Intel HD Graphics 400.

The IPS panel, in particular, comes in handy as it lets you get a wide-angle view of the proceedings on the screen. If you plan to collaborate frequently with peers, colleagues, students, etc., this will help you to do it better.

What about the ports and connections? There is quite a handful: two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, one HDMI, and a microSD slot that supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Yes, this device is also compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2.

Acer Chromebook 11 CB3-132-C4VV​

Stands out for: An HDR webcam (High Dynamic Range) that brings you amazing video-calling experiences.

The Acer Chromebook 11 CB3-132-C4VV laptop lets you experience better image clarity than you may have been used to, and this is beneficial for businesspeople, entrepreneurs, etc., who frequently need to connect with clients.

This Acer Chromebook is steered by a Celeron N3060 processor with 4GB RAM and 16GB of storage. That rather paltry storage space is expanded by the 100GB of extra space you get on Google Drive.

All your data gets backed up automatically too, reassuring you as you work. The Chrome OS, as always, is speedy and quick to respond, bringing you a collaborative but secure working environment.

You can choose to work on Google Docs, Sheets and Slides or access one of the many apps on Google Play Store for your requirements. The battery lasts for about ten hours on a single charge.

An HD screen with ComfyView (anti-glare panel) and an IPS panel makes for a pleasing viewing experience. While the supported screen resolution is 1366 x 768, you can use the HDMI port to plug into an external display when the situation so demands.

Besides the HDMI port, this laptop is also fitted with a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port. It supports 802.11ac WiFi for internet connectivity (dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz); the MIMO technology brings to you a stronger and more consistent signal.

Acer likes keeping things light, and this laptop weighs no more than 2.43lbs. It has a thickness of 0.73”. The construction is ideal for travel-intensive, hectic lifestyles as it is sturdy without being bulky. Bottom-line: It is a no-fuss, competent Chromebook to opt for at a sub-$200 price.

Closing Note

With changing times and rising expenses, the demand for cheap laptops has escalated. They are coveted especially by audiences that want to own reliable computing companions that satisfactorily perform everyday tasks.

These devices may not offer the fancy, flashy features of their pricier counterparts, but then not everyone demands those features or is willing to pay a premium for them. In light of this market dynamic, computing brands are now competing in budget laptops.

You will find devices aspiring to outdo each other: a more powerful CPU in a more compact chassis, a shinier display with longer hours on a single charge, and so on.

If you have been eying a cheap laptop for a while, the time is now ripe to take the plunge. The market abounds in products with varied focus areas.

For instance, while the HP Stream 11-ah010nr 11-inch laptop (#3) is ideal for seekers of good battery backup, you can consider the ASUS Vivobook E203MA laptop (#5) if your requirement is design flexibility. Laptops such as #3 and #4 are also good, all-rounder choices that can slip into different shoes on different occasions.

Make a careful bucket-list of your priorities and choose accordingly; you are almost certain to find something that gets your needs.