Getting an inexpensive yet capable laptop seems impossible, but the market offers some hidden gems if you know where to look. While a $150 budget is tight, you can still find laptops to meet basic computing needs like web browsing, document editing, video calls, etc.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore top-rated laptop models under $150 along with tips to pick the right one for your needs and use it effectively.
Who Should Buy a Sub-$150 Laptop?
Cheap laptops in this price tier cater to:
- Students on a tight budget looking for a secondary device.
- Kids and teens for basic schoolwork and entertainment.
- Elderly parents/grandparents who need something simple to stay connected.
- Frequent travelers requiring an affordable backup device.
- Anyone seeking a starter laptop before investing in a high-end model.
While more expensive laptops naturally offer stronger performance and premium features, $150 models pack impressive value given their limitations.
What to Expect from a $150 Laptop
Most laptops in this ultra-budget category share some common traits:
Operating System: A lightweight OS like Chrome OS that utilizes web apps efficiently.
Display: 11 to 15-inch screens with HD or 720p resolutions.
Performance: Entry-level processors like Intel Celeron paired with 4GB RAM. Enough for web apps and basic programs.
Storage: 64GB flash storage or mechanical hard drives. External expansion may be required.
Ports: At least two USB ports. HDMI out and SD card readers available on some models.
Battery life: Approximately 8 hours on a full charge depending on usage.
Build: Mostly plastic construction. Durability varies across brands.
While these laptops work fine for common tasks, gaming or running demanding software might be pushing it. Stick to Chrome and lightweight Windows apps for the best experience.
Factors to Consider When Buying
Here are key considerations when choosing a $150 laptop:
Intended Use: Will you use it on the go or mostly at home? Do you need to run any specific programs? Understanding this helps pick suitable specs.
Operating System: Chrome OS offers simplicity while Windows 10 in S Mode provides more software options. Choose what aligns with your requirements.
Display Size: 11 to 14-inch screens strike a good balance between portability and usability. Go larger if you value screen real estate.
Storage Space: 64GB is workable for most people but expandable storage is recommended for additional capacity.
Build Quality: Metal or thicker plastic chassis lasts longer. Examine ports and hinges for durability.
Brand Reputation: Stick with recognized brands like ASUS, Lenovo, HP etc. for better reliability.
Keeping these aspects in mind will help narrow down the ideal laptop under $150 for your situation. Now let‘s look at reviews of top recommended models in 2024.
7 Best Laptops Under $150 Reviews
1. Lenovo Chromebook S330
Specs:
- 14-inch 720p Display
- MediaTek MT8173C Processor
- 4GB RAM | 64GB eMMC storage
- Chrome OS
- Integrated Graphics
- 2 x USB 3.0, HDMI, SD card slot
Lenovo‘s Chromebook S330 packs a surprising amount of value given its low price tag. The MediaTek quad-core ARM processor and 4GB RAM provide snappy performance for Chrome OS and Android apps. You also get a roomy 14-inch HD display, decent port selection, and long 10-hour battery life.
While the all-plastic build feels somewhat flimsy, the S330 holds up fine with careful use. For shoppers wanting a big screen Chromebook under $150, this Lenovo model hits the sweet spot on price, performance and portability.
Who it‘s for? Students, travelers, and home users needing an affordable 14-inch Chrome OS laptop.
2. Asus Chromebook C223NA
Specs:
- 11.6-inch HD Display
- Dual-Core Intel Celeron N3350
- 4GB RAM + 32GB storage
- Chrome OS
- 11 hr battery life
- 2 x USB 3.1, USB-C, microSD slot
Asus has a winner in the sub-$150 category with the durable and long-lasting Chromebook C223NA. It packs Intel‘s energy-efficient Celeron CPU fine-tuned for Chrome OS along with 4GB RAM for smooth multitasking performance. The 11.6-inch HD screen offers decent colors and brightness for the price.
Weighing under 2.2lbs, this Asus laptop stays highly portable thanks to its compact footprint. Expect over 10 hours of use per charge—plenty for on-the-go needs. For shoppers wanting reliability on a tight budget, the Asus C223NA Chromebook is highly recommended.
Who it‘s for? Students, frequent travelers, and anyone needing a rugged 11-inch Chromebook.
3. Samsung Chromebook 4
Specs:
- 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 Display
- Intel Celeron N4000 Processor
- 4GB RAM + 32GB storage
- Chrome OS
- 11.5 hour battery
- 2 x USB-A, USB-C, microSD reader
Samsung may be best known for its Galaxy phones and tablets, but the brand also makes excellent Chrome OS laptops. Case in point ‒ the durable and portable Samsung Chromebook 4 now selling under $150.
The 11.6-inch HD screen is colorful enough for watching videos and browsing. Behind it sits a capable Intel Celeron CPU paired with 4GB RAM for swift performance, even with multiple tabs and apps open. On a full charge, expect around 11.5 hours of mixed usage.
Given its sturdy build and spill-resistant keyboard, the Samsung Chromebook 4 handles life‘s bumps and spills better than most. For an effortless Chrome OS experience under budget, this one checks all the right boxes.
Who it‘s for? Students, frequent travelers, and users wanting a durable 11-inch Samsung Chromebook.
4. Acer Chromebook 311
Specs:
- 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 LCD
- MediaTek MT8183 Processor
- 4GB LPDDR4 RAM + 32GB Flash Storage
- Chrome OS
- Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB-C, microSD reader
Acer is another household name in affordable yet reliable laptops. This Acer Chromebook 311 model has an octa-core MediaTek Arm-based processor fine-tuned for Chrome OS. Combined with 4GB RAM, you can run 15+ tabs without slowdowns.
The 11.6-inch IPS screen renders colors well and has decent max brightness. Battery life is rated for 15 hours but expect closer to 10 hours of mixed usage. At around 2.2 lbs, the Acer Chromebook 311 stays highly portable and packs plenty of ports including USB-C.
Given its durable design and zippy performance for the price, this is among the best Chromebooks under $150 right now.
Who it‘s for? Students, home and business users needing an 11-inch Chrome OS laptop with excellent battery life.
5. HP Chromebook 14
Specs:
- 14-inch 1366 x 768 Display
- Intel Celeron N4000 Processor
- 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM + 32 GB eMMC Storage
- Chrome OS
- Durable design, Spill-resistant
- USB-A, USB-C, MicroSD Slot
With its roomy 14-inch screen and durable chassis, the HP Chromebook 14 offers fantastic value at under $150. The Full HD display renders vivid colors while the anti-glare coating improves visibility. Photos and videos look great on this notebook.
Driving the device is an Intel Celeron CPU based on the Gemini Lake architecture—powerful enough for Chrome OS. multitasking. The battery lasts around 11 hours per full charge. Weighing 3.5 pounds, the HP Chromebook 14 stays reasonably portable for a 14-inch device.
If you want a larger Chromebook without compromising build quality or performance, this HP model fits the bill nicely.
Who it‘s for? Home, student, and business users needing an affordable 14-inch Chromebook with better graphics.
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 1i
Specs:
- 14-inch 1366 x 768 Display
- Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
- 4GB DDR4 RAM | 128GB SSD
- Windows 10 Home in S Mode
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, SD reader
- Up to 8 Hours Battery Life
This Lenovo IdeaPad 1i laptop proves you can buy capable Windows notebooks under $150 as well. It rocks a 14-inch HD screen powered by Intel‘s Celeron dual-core chip and 4GB RAM – enough muscle for basic work. The fast 128GB SSD is rare in this price segment.
Battery life is rated for 8 hours per charge, but you‘ll get less with continuous video streaming or heavy multitasking. Still, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1i outperforms most sub-$150 Windows laptops while packing a vibrant 14-inch display and responsive keyboard.
Who it‘s for? Budget-conscious home, student, and business users needing an affordable Windows laptop with SSD storage.
7. Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1
Specs:
- 11.6-inch Touch Display 1366 x 768
- Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
- 4GB LPDDR4 RAM + 32GB eMMC
- Chrome OS
- 360° hinge for tablet mode
- USB-C, USB-A, MicroSD reader
- Up to 10 hours battery life
This versatile Dell Inspiron Chromebook model features a touch display and 360-degree hinge allowing tablet, tent, stand and laptop modes. The 11.6-inch IPS touchscreen renders vivid colors while handling taps and gestures well. Under the hood sits a capable Intel Celeron chip helping the device breeze through Chrome OS.
Given its ability to flip around completely, the Dell Inspiron Chromebook doubles as both a notebook and tablet for kids. Expect around 10 hours per charge—decent given its 2-in-1 form factor. If you want feature-packed versatility on a tight budget, this Dell Inspiron Chromebook warrants a look.
Who it‘s for? Students, children and travelers needing a durable 2-in-1 Chromebook under $150.
Get the Most Out of Your $150 Laptop
Here are some tips to improve productivity and longevity when using an ultra-budget laptop:
- Invest in a laptop sleeve for protection during travel.
- Use an external mouse and keyboard for prolonged use at home.
- Add more storage via cloud drives or microSD card.
- Disable background apps and effects to maximize battery runtime.
- Use an ad-block extension to reduce browser resource usage.
- Enable auto-updates to get the latest security patches.
- Don‘t overload the laptop with too many resource-intensive programs.
- Periodically clean the vents and fans to prevent overheating issues.
Following these best practices will help $150 laptops deliver reliable performance while lasting for years.
The Bottom Line
While most $150 laptops require some compromise given their entry-level specs, they remain highly capable devices for basic work. Choosing Chrome OS over Windows also optimizes hardware utilization at this low price point.
Focus on reputed brands like ASUS, Lenovo, HP, Dell, etc. when picking an ultra-budget laptop. Also, don‘t expect the world in terms of performance—stick to web apps, document editing and other simple tasks.
If used mindfully and taken care of properly, even the most affordable laptops can stay functional for 3-4 years or more. Ultimately the models covered above deliver fantastic bang for buck that thrifty shoppers will appreciate.
