5 Best Cheap Laptops on Amazon Under $100 in 2026

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Looking for the best cheap laptops on Amazon under $100? Compare five budget Chromebooks for school, browsing, streaming, and light work.

Can You Actually Get a Usable Laptop for Under $100?

Finding a usable laptop for less than $100 sounds almost impossible in 2026. New Windows laptops at that price are rare, and many ultra-cheap machines make too many compromises to be genuinely useful.

That is why Chromebooks and renewed laptops deserve a closer look.

For this guide, I researched five budget-friendly Amazon listings built around ChromeOS — from Dell, Samsung, ASUS, and HP. I examined listed hardware, screen size, memory, storage, and the type of buyer each machine actually makes sense for.

Research note: I did not personally purchase or test these laptops. This is a research-based guide using verified Amazon listing data and manufacturer specifications. These are older or renewed machines — availability, pricing, and condition can change quickly. Always check the live Amazon listing before ordering.

Quick Comparison: All 5 Laptops at a Glance

Laptop	Best For	Screen	RAM	Storage	Link
Dell Chromebook 11 3100	Best overall	11.6″	4GB	16GB	Check Amazon →
Samsung Chromebook 4	Best for portability	11.6″	4GB	32GB	Check Amazon →
Dell Chromebook 3100 2-in-1	Best touchscreen	11.6″ touch	4GB	32GB	Check Amazon →
ASUS Chromebook C403	Best large screen	14″	4GB	32GB	Check Amazon →
HP Chromebook 11 G8 EE	Best for students	11.6″	4GB	32GB	Check Amazon →

⚠️ Important: All five are older or renewed models. Prices, sellers, stock levels, and product condition vary. Verify the current listing — including that the price is still within your $100 budget — before placing any order.

1. Dell Chromebook 11 3100 — Best Overall

The Dell Chromebook 11 3100 is the most sensible all-around choice in this group. It offers a compact ChromeOS experience in a familiar package — practical for browsing, schoolwork, email, and Google Docs without unnecessary complexity.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Screen	11.6″ (1366×768)
Processor	Intel Celeron N4000 / N4020
RAM	4GB
Storage	16GB flash
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 600 (integrated)
OS	ChromeOS
Condition	Renewed
ASIN	B08SHN3TZP

Dell’s official documentation confirms the Chromebook 3100 platform supports the Celeron N4000 and N4020 with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600. The Chromebook 3100 has an official Google update path through June 2029 per Google’s published support table — a meaningful detail for renewed hardware.

What It Does Well

ChromeOS keeps this machine focused and fast for what it’s designed to do. Writing documents, browsing the web, joining a video call, or streaming a video are all comfortable experiences. The 11.6-inch form factor is easy to carry between rooms or to a library.

Limitations to Know

• 16GB storage fills up quickly if you save large files locally
• 4GB RAM limits serious multitasking — keep your tab count reasonable
• Integrated graphics mean this is not a gaming machine
• Renewed condition — read the seller’s condition description carefully before buying

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Simple, reliable ChromeOS experience
• Compact and easy to carry
• Good Google update support through June 2029
• Trusted Dell hardware brand
• Good fit for students and light users

Cons

• Small 11.6″ display
• Only 16GB local storage
• 4GB RAM limits heavier workloads
• Renewed — physical condition and battery health vary

Who Should Buy This?

✅ Students, casual users, backup computer seekers, children’s first laptop, anyone who mainly uses Google Workspace and the web.

❌ Not for: Windows-only software, gaming, video editing, large local file storage, or heavy multitasking.

→ Check Dell Chromebook 11 3100 on Amazon

2. Samsung Chromebook 4 — Best for Portability

The Samsung Chromebook 4 makes the same trade-off as the Dell 3100 — modest hardware, simple ChromeOS — but its small, lightweight chassis makes it one of the easiest laptops in this group to carry. The bump from 16GB to 32GB storage is also a practical improvement.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Screen	11.6″ (1366×768)
Processor	Intel Celeron N4020
RAM	4GB
Storage	32GB
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 600
Color	Platinum Titan
OS	ChromeOS
Model	XE310XBA-KA1US
ASIN	B08M2X68W5

Samsung’s own business documentation confirms the XE310XBA-KA1US configuration: Celeron N4020, 4GB, 32GB, 11.6-inch display, and ChromeOS.

What It Does Well

If you move between locations frequently — a student who carries a laptop across campus, someone who works from a café, or a parent who shares a machine across rooms — the compact form factor removes friction. The 32GB storage gives you slightly more breathing room than the Dell 3100’s 16GB.

Limitations to Know

• Small screen can feel cramped during long document sessions
• 4GB RAM handles light use well but struggles under heavy browser tab loads
• An older Chromebook platform — check the Auto Update Expiration date before buying
• Renewed listings vary in condition between sellers

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very compact and easy to carry
• 32GB storage — double the Dell 3100’s 16GB
• Simple ChromeOS experience
• Good for students and travelers

Cons

• Small 11.6″ screen
• 4GB RAM
• Older platform — verify update support before purchasing
• Renewed condition varies

Who Should Buy This?

✅ Students, travellers, anyone prioritising portability over screen size, basic home users.

❌ Not for: desk-bound users who want a larger screen, anyone needing Windows applications, heavy multitaskers.

Before buying: Check the exact model’s Auto Update Expiration date on Google’s official Chromebook support page. Older devices have different support windows.

→ Check Samsung Chromebook 4 on Amazon

3. Dell Chromebook 11 3100 2-in-1 — Best Touchscreen Option

If you like the Dell Chromebook 3100 but want touchscreen flexibility, this 2-in-1 version is the natural upgrade. The hardware foundations are essentially the same — same Celeron, same 4GB RAM — but the touchscreen display and convertible hinge open up how you interact with the machine.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Screen	11.6″ touch (1366×768)
Processor	Intel Celeron N4020
RAM	4GB
Storage	32GB flash
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 600
Form Factor	2-in-1 convertible
OS	ChromeOS
Condition	Renewed
ASIN	B0BK2Z5QGC

Dell’s official Chromebook 3100 documentation confirms the platform uses Intel Celeron processors with Intel UHD Graphics 600.

What It Does Well

The 2-in-1 form factor lets you use the screen in laptop mode for typing and tent or tablet mode for browsing, reading, or touch-based apps. For students who interact with interactive content, Google Slides presentations, or touch-friendly educational apps, the touchscreen is a genuine usability improvement over the standard version.

Is the Touchscreen Worth It?

It depends entirely on whether you use touch controls. If you navigate primarily by keyboard and trackpad, the standard Dell 3100 is the simpler choice. If touch navigation is something you reach for naturally — or you want the flexibility of a convertible — the 2-in-1 adds real value at this price point.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Touchscreen display
• 2-in-1 convertible flexibility
• 32GB storage (vs 16GB on the standard 3100)
• Compact and portable
• ChromeOS is simple to manage

Cons

• Same performance limits as the standard 3100
• Small 11.6″ display
• 4GB RAM
• Renewed condition varies by seller
• Not designed for demanding software

Who Should Buy This?

✅ Users who prefer touch navigation, students who use interactive content, anyone who wants a flexible 2-in-1 at minimal cost.

❌ Not for: users who never use touch controls (the standard Dell 3100 is simpler and cheaper), those needing Windows apps, heavy multitaskers.

→ Check Dell Chromebook 11 3100 2-in-1 on Amazon

4. ASUS Chromebook C403 — Best Large Screen

Every other laptop in this guide uses an 11.6-inch display. The ASUS Chromebook C403 is the exception — and for users who spend long hours reading, writing, or watching lessons, the 14-inch anti-glare display makes a meaningful practical difference.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Screen	14″ anti-glare (1366×768)
Processor	Intel Celeron N3350
RAM	4GB LPDDR4
Storage	32GB eMMC
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 500
Wireless	Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
Ports	USB-C, USB-A, microSD, headphone jack
Webcam	720p
Keyboard	Spill-resistant
Build	MIL-STD-810G tested
OS	ChromeOS
ASIN	B0BFGCYR5N

ASUS’s official C403 documentation confirms the 14-inch anti-glare display, spill-resistant keyboard, MIL-STD-810G rugged certification, USB-C and USB-A ports, microSD card reader, and Wi-Fi 5 with Bluetooth 4.2.

What It Does Well

The larger display is the defining reason to choose this model over the 11.6-inch alternatives. More physical screen space makes documents easier to read, websites less cramped, and online lessons more comfortable to follow. The spill-resistant keyboard and MIL-STD-810G rating add durability value that matters in school or shared-device environments.

Note that the larger screen does not mean a higher resolution — the C403 shares the same 1366×768 panel resolution as the 11.6-inch models. You get more physical space, not sharper pixels.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 14-inch display — the largest screen in this comparison
• Anti-glare coating reduces eye strain
• Spill-resistant keyboard
• MIL-STD-810G rugged build
• USB-C and USB-A ports
• MicroSD card reader for storage expansion
• Education-focused design

Cons

• Older Intel Celeron N3350 processor
• Same 1366×768 resolution as the smaller models
• 4GB RAM
• Larger chassis — less portable than 11.6-inch options
• Older Bluetooth 4.2
• Renewed condition varies

Who Should Buy This?

✅ Users who prioritise screen size, students who spend long sessions in documents or online lessons, anyone who finds 11-inch screens too small for comfortable work.

❌ Not for: users who need maximum portability, those expecting a high-resolution display, heavy multitaskers or gamers.

→ Check ASUS Chromebook C403 on Amazon

5. HP Chromebook 11 G8 Education Edition — Best for Students

The HP Chromebook 11 G8 Education Edition is the most clearly education-specific laptop in this comparison. HP designed it for classroom and school use — and that intent shows in the build details, port selection, and ChromeOS configuration.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Screen	11.6″ (1366×768)
Processor	Intel Celeron N4020
RAM	4GB
Storage	32GB eMMC
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 600
Ports	USB-C, USB-A, headphone/mic jack, microSD
Webcam	720p
Battery	47.36 Wh
Keyboard	Spill-resistant
OS	ChromeOS
Condition	Renewed
ASIN	B09BWR8TMP

HP’s official specifications list the N4020 as the two-core Celeron option for this platform, paired with Intel UHD Graphics 600. HP also confirms USB-C, USB-A, microSD support, and a 47.36 Wh battery.

What It Does Well

This laptop was built around one use case: school. For Google Classroom, Google Docs, Gmail, web research, basic video calls, and educational websites, the G8 EE has everything a student needs. The spill-resistant keyboard handles the realities of student use. The 32GB eMMC storage is modest but sufficient when Google Drive handles the bulk of file storage.

ChromeOS keeps management simple — which matters both for students working independently and for parents or schools managing multiple devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Education-focused design from HP
• Spill-resistant keyboard
• USB-C and USB-A ports
• MicroSD slot for storage expansion
• 720p webcam for video calls
• 32GB storage
• Compact and easy to carry

Cons

• Small 11.6″ display
• 4GB RAM
• Older hardware platform
• Not suitable for Windows applications or demanding software
• Renewed condition varies by seller

Who Should Buy This?

✅ Students of all ages, parents seeking a first school laptop for their child, Google Classroom users, anyone whose computing needs are primarily web-based and school-focused.

❌ Not for: users who need Windows software, anyone expecting gaming or video editing capability, users wanting a larger screen.

→ Check HP Chromebook 11 G8 EE on Amazon

Which One Should You Buy?

Your Priority	Best Choice
Best all-around	Dell Chromebook 11 3100
Most portable	Samsung Chromebook 4
Touchscreen flexibility	Dell Chromebook 3100 2-in-1
Largest screen	ASUS Chromebook C403
School and education	HP Chromebook 11 G8 EE

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Cheap Laptop Under $100

1. Start With the Operating System Question

This is the most important decision — not the brand, not the screen size.

Choose a Chromebook if most of your work happens in:

• Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
• Gmail and Google Drive
• YouTube and streaming
• Web-based school tools and online classrooms
• General web browsing

Do not choose a Chromebook if you specifically need:

• Windows-only applications (accounting software, specific business tools)
• Traditional desktop software installation
• A full Windows environment

If you need Windows software, a Chromebook is the wrong purchase regardless of price. Start your search with a Windows machine instead.

2. Understand What 4GB RAM Means in Practice

All five laptops in this guide use 4GB RAM. Here is an honest picture of what that enables and what it limits:

Works well with 4GB:

• Web browsing with a moderate number of tabs (5–10)
• Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
• Email
• YouTube and video streaming
• Google Classroom and web-based learning tools
• Basic video calls

Gets slow with 4GB:

• 20+ browser tabs open simultaneously
• Multiple heavy web applications running together
• Large Google Sheets files with complex formulas
• Streaming while running several other apps

Keep your usage realistic and 4GB is workable. Expect more and you will be frustrated.

3. Storage: 16GB vs 32GB — Does It Matter on ChromeOS?

On a Windows laptop, 16GB or 32GB of storage would be practically unusable. On ChromeOS, it is a different situation.

ChromeOS is designed around cloud-first storage. Most files live in Google Drive. Most applications run in the browser. Local storage is used mainly for downloads, offline files, and ChromeOS itself.

That said, 32GB is meaningfully better than 16GB. It gives you more room for cached files, offline documents, and downloaded media without constantly managing storage. The Dell 3100’s 16GB is the tightest configuration in this group — if local storage is a concern, the 32GB models are a better choice.

Tip: All five laptops have a microSD slot (check the ASUS C403 and HP G8 EE listings specifically). A microSD card can expand usable storage affordably.

4. Screen Size: 11.6-Inch vs 14-Inch

	11.6-inch	14-inch (ASUS C403)
Portability	Excellent	Good
Screen real estate	Limited	More comfortable
Best for	Travel, portability	Documents, lessons
Weight	Lighter	Slightly heavier

Choose 11.6 inches if you carry the laptop frequently. Choose 14 inches if the laptop mostly lives on a desk and screen comfort matters more than size.

Note: both sizes share the same 1366×768 resolution. The 14-inch panel gives you more physical space, not a sharper image.

5. Check ChromeOS Update Support Before Buying

This is the most overlooked step when buying a renewed Chromebook — and one of the most important.

Google provides software updates to Chromebooks for a defined period. When that period ends, the device stops receiving security patches and feature updates. An older Chromebook without update support is not necessarily unusable, but it carries security risks and will not receive new ChromeOS features.

What to do:

1. Find the exact model number of the listing you’re considering
2. Check Google’s official Auto Update Expiration page for that model
3. Confirm the device still has meaningful update support remaining

Google has extended automatic update support to up to 10 years on newer platforms — but older devices may have a much shorter remaining window. Do not assume. Check.

6. Buying Renewed: What to Check Before You Order

Renewed laptops can offer excellent value, but they require more due diligence than buying new.

Before confirming any renewed purchase, verify:

• [ ] Condition description — read every word, not just the headline
• [ ] Seller name and seller rating — stick to highly rated sellers
• [ ] Return policy — know what happens if the laptop arrives in worse condition than described
• [ ] Included accessories — does it come with a charger?
• [ ] Battery condition — some listings specify battery health; check if available
• [ ] Exact RAM and storage — confirm against the spec you expect
• [ ] ChromeOS update support — check the model on Google’s support page
• [ ] Current price — renewed pricing fluctuates; confirm it’s still under $100

What You Can Realistically Do With These Laptops

✅ These tasks work well

• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Gmail)
• Web browsing and research
• YouTube and browser-based streaming
• Google Classroom and online learning
• Basic video calls (Google Meet, Zoom in browser)
• Email
• Blog writing and simple content creation
• Social media

❌ These tasks do not work well

• Windows-only software — ChromeOS cannot run traditional Windows applications
• Modern gaming — integrated Celeron graphics are not gaming hardware
• Video editing — serious editing requires more RAM, storage, and processing power
• Heavy multitasking — 4GB RAM has clear limits under pressure
• Large local file storage — 16–32GB fills quickly with photos, video, or downloads

FAQ

Can you really buy a usable laptop for under $100?

Yes — but only for the right use case. Renewed Chromebooks are the most practical option at this price. For web-based computing, school, and Google Workspace, they are genuinely usable. For demanding software or Windows applications, this budget is not enough.

Is a Chromebook good for students?

Yes, particularly for Google Classroom, Google Docs, web research, email, and online lessons. The HP Chromebook 11 G8 Education Edition was specifically designed for school use.

Can these laptops run Microsoft Word?

Not as a traditional Windows desktop application. You can access Microsoft Word through Microsoft 365 online in the Chrome browser — but you will not get the full desktop Windows experience. Check whether your specific version of Word works in a browser before buying.

Can I install Windows on a Chromebook?

These Chromebooks are designed for ChromeOS. Running Windows on them is not a straightforward or supported process. If you need Windows, buy a Windows laptop.

Is 4GB RAM enough for a Chromebook?

For light to moderate use — browsing, email, Google Docs, streaming — yes. For heavy multitasking with many open tabs and applications, it becomes limiting. Set realistic expectations and 4GB is workable.

Is 32GB storage enough on ChromeOS?

For cloud-first users who keep files in Google Drive, 32GB is workable. For users who download a lot of files locally or store large media, it will feel tight. A microSD card can help expand available space.

Should I buy a renewed laptop?

Renewed laptops can be great value, but they require careful evaluation. Always read the condition description, check the seller rating, verify the return policy, and confirm ChromeOS update support for the specific model before ordering.

Which is better — the Dell 3100 or ASUS C403?

Different tools for different needs. The Dell 3100 is more compact and portable. The ASUS C403 has a 14-inch display and a more rugged, education-focused build. Choose based on whether screen size or portability matters more to you.

How do I check ChromeOS update support for a specific model?

Visit Google’s official Chromebook Auto Update Policy page and search for your exact model number. This shows the expiration date for official software support — a critical check before buying older hardware.

What if I need more than $100 can buy?

These laptops are genuinely limited. If your needs include Windows software, better performance, a higher-resolution display, or larger storage, increasing your budget to the $200–$350 range will open up significantly better options. Check Tech Rig Review’s broader laptop guides for comparisons at higher price points.

Final Verdict

The best cheap laptop under $100 is not the one with the most impressive spec list — it is the one that honestly matches what you need it to do.

For most buyers, start with the Dell Chromebook 11 3100. It is the most balanced all-around choice in this group for browsing, school, email, and Google Workspace.

Want touchscreen flexibility? The Dell Chromebook 11 3100 2-in-1 adds that without changing the core experience.

Need a bigger screen for long work sessions? The ASUS Chromebook C403 and its 14-inch anti-glare display is the clear pick.

Shopping for a student? The HP Chromebook 11 G8 Education Edition was built for that use case.

Prioritising portability above everything else? The Samsung Chromebook 4 keeps things simple and compact.

Whatever you choose: verify the live Amazon listing, check the seller carefully, confirm ChromeOS update support for the specific model, and make sure the price is still within your budget before ordering.

Pick	Best For	Link
Dell Chromebook 11 3100	Best overall	Amazon →
Dell Chromebook 3100 2-in-1	Touchscreen users	Amazon →
ASUS Chromebook C403	Largest screen	Amazon →
HP Chromebook 11 G8 EE	Students	Amazon →
Samsung Chromebook 4	Best portability	Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This article is research-based. Product specifications, availability, sellers, conditions, and pricing can change. Always verify the live Amazon listing before purchasing.