Finding a reliable laptop under $100 might sound impossible — especially for students juggling schoolwork, online classes, and entertainment. But thanks to the rise of Chromebooks and renewed (refurbished) devices, affordable computing is now within reach.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the five best cheap laptops under $100 that offer great value for students. They’re perfect for basic tasks like writing assignments, browsing the web, attending virtual classes, and streaming videos — all without breaking the bank.
1. Samsung Chromebook 4 (Model XE310XBA-K01US)
Best Overall Chromebook for Everyday Use
Key Specs:
- Display: 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768)
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4000 (1.10 GHz)
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 32GB eMMC
- Battery Life: Up to 12.5 hours
- Operating System: Chrome OS
Why It’s Great:
The Samsung Chromebook 4 is an excellent pick for students who want a reliable and straightforward laptop for daily use. It boots up in seconds and runs smoothly on Chrome OS — perfect for Google Docs, Slides, and online learning apps.
Sale Price: $89.00 $219.90
The 12-hour battery life is impressive, making it ideal for all-day study sessions without hunting for a charger. Plus, its lightweight build (just over 2.5 pounds) makes it super portable for carrying between classes.
Pros:
✅ Long battery life
✅ Quick boot-up with Chrome OS
✅ Access to Google Play Store apps
✅ Durable and lightweight
Cons:
❌ Limited storage (best paired with Google Drive or cloud storage)
2. Dell Chromebook 11 3100
Best for Durability and Battery Life
Key Specs:
- Display: 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768)
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4020
- RAM: 4GB DDR
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
- Operating System: Chrome OS
Why It’s Great:
The Dell Chromebook 11 3100 is designed with students in mind — compact, rugged, and capable of handling everyday tasks. It’s not the fastest machine, but it’s perfect for note-taking, browsing, and watching videos.
Sale Price: $51.10 $58.00
Its standout feature is the exceptional 14-hour battery life, which easily lasts through long school days. The sturdy build can survive the occasional drop or spill, making it a good fit for younger students or those constantly on the move.
Pros:
✅ Superb battery life
✅ Rugged, school-friendly design
✅ Reliable performance for basic tasks
Cons:
❌ Limited 16GB storage
❌ Not suited for heavy multitasking
3. HP Chromebook 11 G6 EE (Refurbished)
Best Renewed Laptop for Budget Buyers
Key Specs:
- Display: 11.6-inch HD
- Processor: Intel Celeron (1.10 GHz)
- RAM: 4GB DDR3
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- Operating System: Chrome OS
Why It’s Great:
Don’t overlook refurbished models — they’re often the smartest way to stretch your dollar. The HP Chromebook 11 G6 EE is a renewed device professionally inspected and tested to look and work like new.
Sale Price: $55.84
Running on Chrome OS, it delivers smooth performance for online learning and productivity. It’s perfect for students who need a simple, secure, and fast laptop without the premium price tag. Plus, it comes with Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee for peace of mind.
Pros:
✅ Excellent value for a renewed laptop
✅ Lightweight and portable
✅ Chrome OS ensures fast, secure performance
Cons:
❌ Small storage capacity
❌ May show minor cosmetic wear (as a refurbished unit)
4. HP Chromebook 11A G8 Education Edition
Best for Classroom Use and Durability
Key Specs:
- Display: 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768)
- Processor: AMD A4-9120C (Dual-Core, up to 2.4 GHz)
- RAM: 4GB DDR4
- Storage: 32GB eMMC
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Operating System: Chrome OS
Why It’s Great:
Built specifically for education, the HP Chromebook 11A G8 can take a beating. It features a spill-resistant keyboard, reinforced edges, and a durable chassis — perfect for classrooms or on-the-go students.
Sale Price: $57.55 $199.99
Despite its toughness, it offers smooth multitasking thanks to its AMD A4 processor and 4GB RAM. With multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, it’s flexible for accessories and external drives.
Pros:
✅ Built for classroom durability
✅ Plenty of connectivity ports
✅ Smooth performance for Chrome OS tasks
Cons:
❌ Slightly heavier than other Chromebooks
❌ Average battery life compared to Dell
5. Lenovo 300e 2-in-1 Chromebook
Best Touchscreen Chromebook for Versatility
Key Specs:
- Display: 11.6-inch HD IPS Touchscreen
- Processor: MediaTek M8173C Quad-core (2.1GHz)
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR3
- Storage: 32GB eMMC
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Operating System: Chrome OS
Why It’s Great:
If you prefer touch controls or want a laptop that doubles as a tablet, the Lenovo 300e 2-in-1 Chromebook is the best option under $100. Its 360-degree hinge and responsive touchscreen make it ideal for note-taking, sketching, and presentations.
Sale Price: $59.95 $67.99
The MediaTek processor performs well for web-based tasks, and its IPS display offers good color and viewing angles — great for media consumption.
Pros:
✅ Touchscreen + 2-in-1 design
✅ Sturdy hinge and build quality
✅ Excellent for note-taking and presentations
Cons:
❌ Slightly slower than Intel models
❌ Thicker than standard laptops
Final Verdict: Which Cheap Laptop Should You Buy?
If you’re a student looking for the best laptop under $100, the Samsung Chromebook 4 is the most balanced choice — it’s reliable, lightweight, and has excellent battery life.
For long-lasting power, go with the Dell Chromebook 11 3100, and if you prefer a touchscreen experience, the Lenovo 300e 2-in-1 is a smart pick. Refurbished models like the HP Chromebook 11 G6 EE also offer great value for those willing to go renewed.
Ultimately, these affordable Chromebooks prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get solid performance for school and basic computing. >> Visit home page
Lenovo 100e 81ER000BUS 11.6″ HD Chromebook, Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3350 1.1 GHz up to 2.4 GHz, 4GB RAM, 16GB SSD, Bluetooth, USB Type C, 802.11ac, Webcam, Chrome OS
Sale Price: $72.29 $268.88
Can I find a good laptop under $100 for schoolwork?
Yes! Chromebooks are ideal for students because they’re lightweight, fast, and designed for cloud-based tasks. You can easily find renewed or entry-level models under $100 that handle web browsing, Google Docs, and video streaming.
What’s the downside of laptops under $100?
The main trade-offs are limited storage, lower-end processors, and smaller screens. However, for students using cloud apps and Google Drive, these limitations aren’t major issues.