At the under-$200 price point, it’s also worth considering a budget tablet or 2-in-1 device. These devices often have less on-board storage, but tend to have better display quality. (And you can usually buy an attachable or wireless tablet keyboard to achieve laptop-like functionality.) That being said, there are still more traditional laptop options available at this price point. We’ve done the research to round up the best laptops out there in the $200 price range. Also, be sure to check out our constantly updated guide to the best laptop deals happening right now, for great machines at steep discounts. The Lenovo 100e was designed with students in mind, so it’s suitable for users of all ages. Its rugged build makes it particularly tough against drops and scratches, and the spill-resistant keyboard makes it a safe bet for kids and coffee-drinking multitaskers alike. Because it’s a Chromebook, the 100e runs Google’s Chrome OS, which can feel like a somewhat pared-down operating system if you’re used to more full-featured PCs. But for those that use Google services like G Suite, Gmail, and Google Drive, the single Google sign-on makes for a particularly streamlined experience. It’s speedy, stays powered all day, and is built to last, which is why it’s our top pick for laptops in this price range. Whether you’re streaming, playing, or tackling spreadsheets, the HP Stream 11 can handle it all. Compact and powerful, it’s both the perfect first computer the kids and an easy-to-use system for those who aren’t as tech-savvy. With up to 11 hours of battery life, after a single charge, they can bring it to class and work all day until they come home. The 11.6-inch screen makes this laptop the perfect size for carrying in their backpack and moving around between classes. Better yet, it has a spill-resistant keyboard for any cafeteria mishaps. As a Chromebook, it does have its software limitations, but for the student needing to write essays or do online homework, it’s an excellent option. It comes pre-installed with Windows 10 S, but it’s easy to switch out of S mode to allow your student access to programs they might not find in the Windows Store. A lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for travel. Whether they’re working in the library or in their dorm, your college student can move around and set up with ease, wherever their destination. It also has a decent battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge. While it won’t be able to keep up with performance-hungry apps, it comes in handy for writing essays, completing online homework, and tackling research projects. Since its capacity is limited, though, you might want to look into external storage devices in case it runs out. The 11.6-inch screen is small but high-definition. And with an Intel Celeron N3060 processor and 4GB of Ram, performance is speedy and it can quickly switch between apps. This laptop runs Chrome OS, which gives users access to the apps in the Google Play store along with automatic security updates. The Vivobook L203MA is a little bit over the $200 price point, but with an Intel Celeron N4000 Processor, 4GB of RAM, a fast Wi-Fi connection, and expandable card storage, its performance may help justify the extra expense. If you need a budget-priced laptop for business, this laptop has the specs to get the job done. The most disappointing spec here is the onboard storage. 32GB is pretty paltry for a laptop, and HP leverages it by offering 1TB of free cloud storage through Microsoft’s OneDrive service. Unfortunately, that free trial expires after a year, so if you end up using the cloud, keep in mind that it will become an annual expense. If you currently use or want to use OneDrive, or if you already have all your files in a cloud of your choice, then the skimpy onboard storage isn’t too big a deal. Chrome OS may be more limiting than Windows 10, but it’s not resource-intensive and the 2-in-1 form factor with a detachable keyboard lends itself to portable use cases. Lauren Hill is a generalist tech writer that’s written for Lifewire and other publications including Funimation and Current Digital Magazine. Ajay Kumar is a Tech Editor at Lifewire. With over eight years of experience in the industry, he’s previously been published in PCMag and Newsweek. He’s reviewed everything from smartphones and laptops, to PC’s and gaming consoles. Alice Newcome-Beill is Associate Commerce Editor at Lifewire. She’s been reviewing tech for years and as a big gamer she’s very familiar with gaming laptops, accessories, and even built her own desktop and mechanical keyboard.
What to Look for When Buying Laptops Under $200
Portability - A budget laptop doesn’t have to be a clunker. For under $200, you can still find a compact and lightweight laptop. Most of these will be around 11 inches in terms of screen size, and weigh between 2 to 4 pounds. This makes them ideal for slipping into your backpack and taking to school or travel. Productivity - While most budget laptops won’t be capable of intense tasks like video or photo editing, nearly all of them can handle web browsing, word processing, slideshows, and other productivity functions. The main operating systems you’e likely to encounter in both cases are Google’s Chrome OS and Microsoft’s pared-down Windows 10 S. Both operating systems are somewhat limited, but can let you do everything you might need for the average school day. Battery Life - At minimum, a budget laptop should be able to handle 6-8 hours of work. That should be enough for a school day or workday, with some room to recharge in the evening. Chromebooks tend to be a bit better at preserving battery life due to their lighter OS, but the same is true of Windows 10 S laptops.
