Best 2 in 1 Laptops under $300 – Budget Picks for You
The best 2 in 1 laptop under 300 dollars is a computing device that is not the most powerful 2-in-1 device available but it is affordable so it can be termed a budget device.
If you are wondering what a 2-in-1 laptop is or why it is even a thing since a laptop works just fine, let us explain its purpose. A 2-in-1 laptop as its name suggests serves the purpose of a laptop and a tablet.
The best 2 in 1 laptop under $300 dollars is the ASUS Vivobook. Before we go into the details of why this is the best option, we will like to explain a few things regarding the 2-in-1 laptops in general.
The best 2 in 1 laptop under 300 dollars is an exemplary computing device for anybody; for that student that is studying, using the laptop mode before the lecturer arrives and then switching to tablet mode to take notes once the lecture starts.
For that person that worked using the laptop mode and now switches to the tablet mode to relax and uses a streaming service or plays a video game. A parent needs to get a child a learning device that is durable, engaging, and light. The possibilities exceed these examples as it’s a device suitable for anyone with a mobile lifestyle.
5 Best 2 in 1 Laptop Under $300
There are a lot of 2-in-1 laptops under $300 dollars but we have listed out just 5 we feel will reflect a maximization of your budget. This list has been curated by weighing the overall performance of a device in comparison to its price.
These devices can have single or multiple ports, different screen sizes, different connectivity strengths. It can also serve as an instructional/visual learning tool; you can watch how-to videos without taking up much space.
Every device on this list has a camera or even two, but there will not be a focus on this feature as the cameras on this device given the budget are average at best but very functional. The focus is on the functionality, versatility, portability, durability, and affordability of the device
Is there a trade-off between functionality and price for the less expensive devices? Not always. That is why this list has been compiled to list the best devices that will give the best performance, these devices are;
1. Acer Chromebook Spin 311 – Best 2 in 1 Laptop under $300
With an 11.6-inch size screen, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 runs on the Chrome OS with a 32GB eMMC (also available in 64GB) and a 4GB RAM, it also has a 5.0 Bluetooth and a Gigabit Wi-Fi 5 making its connectivity faster than any other device on this list. It doesn’t just perform better than the spin 11, it is more affordable.
It is said to have a 10-hour battery life although test runs put it somewhere above 12 hours, it is 360° degree device and it is fit for productive work. Its processor speed is 2.8GHz and uses an IPS display with a resolution of 1366 by 768. The keyboard is responsive and the touchpad is very responsive.
This is a convertible device and its screen size makes the portability feature more enjoyable, it is a huge upgrade of its predecessor that had a 1.1GHz speed.
Although it has a dim screen, its amazing design and build makes versality easy. It is aesthetically pleasing but its bezels are a little too thick i.e., screen is not maximised making a portion of the screen go to waste.
Best Overall
Acer Chromebook Spin 311
The processor is Intel Celeron N4020, there is no coprocessor and the screen refresh rate is 60Hz. 2 USB-C 3.1 Gen ports, 2 USB-A 3.0 Gen ports and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The Intel Celeron N4000 has a 4GB RAM and 64GB capacity, this means more storage capacity but slightly less processing speed. It is a little bit more expensive than the N4020 but it is still under $300.
It is good for surfing the internet with a reasonable speed thanks to its 4GB RAM. A 30-minute charge can give you up to a 5-hour use.
The USB-C power can be used to charge the batteries of other devices, it does not have an LED backlit keyboard so you need an extra light for night use. The keyboard is really smooth and the touch pad is multitouch making navigation easy.
The style of this amazing device is fun and its versatility makes it a better purchase than all the other ones on this list. Great stereo speakers for videos and games but headphones are required to enjoy music.
Purchasing this device means you are a looking for an affordable product that is very durable, with great performance and an SD card slot to expand memory. This device is also one of the two devices on this list that is very child friendly, we know children get really messy with gadgets and this one is designed with that in mind.
Pros
- Affordable
- Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass
- USB-C and A Ports
- Fast keyboard and touchpad
- SD card slot to expand memory.
- Available stylus option
- Fast keyboard and touchpad
- Audio jack
- Spill resistant keyboard
Cons
- Dim Screen
- Screen bezels reduce maximisation of screen
2. Lenovo Chromebook C330
A 360° convertible 2-in-1 laptop that runs on Chrome OS for Goggle. It is also an 11.6-inch device, it has a 64GB storage capacity as its default storage instead of the regular 32GB capacity that most of the devices in this price range have and it has 4GB RAM with a 4.2 Bluetooth.
This device is second on the list despite its 64GB capacity because the Acer Spin 311 is more durable, has more ports, is more affordable, and has longer battery life.
Premium
Lenovo Chromebook C330
The Lenovo Chromebook C330 has a pretty decent performance to price ratio, uses in-plane switching (IPS) screen, and still has a decent colorful resolution. It also accommodates both USB-C and A ports plus an HDMI port. Its resolution is 1366 by 768 with a 2.1GHz speed making booting the device pretty fast.
Its boot time is less than 10 seconds, it is great for productivity (offline and online).
The keyboard is not backlit just like the previous device on the list. It is not as rugged as the spin 311 but it is rugged enough for a daily commute.
It also supports Linux apps but this feature is not one that can be fully explored as it is not fully calibrated for this purpose. The touchscreen is not as responsive as the spin 311 but it works well.
The device is not without its challenges as the sound it emits is under par so you will need headphones, the resolution is decent but you don’t want that screen to be too bright to maximize that battery life. The bezel screen design makes navigating the screen a bit tricky.
The processor is MediaTek MT8127 with a coprocessor PowerVR SGX543.
In the end, it is a decent purchase under $300 as it still offers good performance, a sleek design, and accommodating ports making projections to bigger screens and using USB sticks convenient. It has the best resolution and color display in comparison to others on the list making it good for presentations and watching movies.
Pros
- 10 Seconds Fast Boot Speed
- Decent resolution to in-panel switching screen ratio
- USB-C and A Ports
- HDMI Port
- SD card slot to expand memory
- Fingerprint smudges and stain resistant
Cons
- No Stylus Pen
- Poor Sound
- Suitable for Light Computing
- Thick screen bezels
- Not perfectly compatible with Android applications
3. Acer Chromebook Spin 11
This is a 360° convertible computing device that runs on the Chrome OS for Google. It is an 11.6-inch device that weighs 3.1lbs. Its design is child-friendly as it is made of polycarbonate plastic and its corning gorilla glass makes it a tough one to crack or even pass germs to the next user as it is antimicrobial.
The display resolution is 1366 by 768 and with access to the google play store, you can enjoy books, movies, and games. The processor is the Intel Celeron N3350 and no coprocessor. Just two 2 USB-C 3.1 Gen ports. The keyboard is not backlit, this means you will need an extra light because the screen light will not suffice as it is not bright enough.
Also Good
Acer Chromebook Spin 11
The Acer Chromebook Spin 11 comes with a battery life of 10 hours and even lasts up to 12 hours when it is not in a heavy-duty mode. Its speed is up to 1.1GHz with an eMMC flash memory boot drive type. Its storage capacity is 64GB and its RAM is 4GB, it also has 4.2 Bluetooth and two 3.0 USB ports.
Simply put, it is a less fast and less accommodating spin 311. If that is the case, why is it even on the list? The Acer Spin 311 uses an LPDDR4 while this uses a DDR4. LPDDR4 is a mobile version of the DDR4, it consumes less power but it has just two 16-bit channels which equal a 32-bit total bus. DDR4 has a 64-bit channel making it faster. This feature is for the RAM.
The main selling point for this product is its durability as it is not easily cracked or broken. If you like fewer ports on your device, this is also a good device for you.
Pros
- Long Battery Life
- Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass
- USB-C Ports
- SD card slot to expand memory.
- Stylus Pen is available
- Spill resistant keyboard
Cons
- Thick screen bezels
- Low Screen Resolution
- Not perfectly compatible with Android applications
4. Lenovo Flex 3 (2021 Edition)
It has an 8-hour battery life, an 11.6-inch screen, and a 360° hinge that gives it a perfect fold. It runs on the Chrome OS and its resolution 1366 by 768. The processor is MediaTek MT8127 with coprocessor PowerVR GX6250 and a screen refresh rate of 60Hz. 2 USB ports (one 3.1 Type C and a 3.1 Type A), it also has a USB Type C charging port.
Expensive
Lenovo Flex 3 (2021 Edition)
The Lenovo Flex 3 has a processor speed of 2.1GHz, a 4GB RAM and 32GB storage space. The amazing thing is there is an option of getting a 128GB micro-SD with the device to expand memory to 160GB and it is still cost less than $300 (excluding shipping).
This device is good for daily tasks, its simplicity, its rugged design and price make it worth a purchase.
Pros
- Great Build Quality
- USB C Charging
- SD Card Slot
Cons
- Short Battery Life
5. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet comes with an IPS display with a screen resolution of 1920 by 1200, a processor speed of 2GHz, and a 10-hour battery life that can be extended to 13 hours (light-duty use). It is the most affordable on the list as it still cost under $300 when shipping fees are included.
Lenovo started the 2-in-1 laptop-style so it is not surprising that they have features that other brands (under $300) with this style haven’t gotten yet. Two prominent features are; this detachable comes with a keyboard unlike most detachable, has a great battery life which is another feature that most detachable 2-in-1 devices lack
Expensive
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The computing device with the smallest screen size on the list. With a 10.1-inch screen, this device is super portable. It runs on the Chrome OS with a processor speed of 2.00GHz, has 4GB RAM, and a 64GB eMCP SSD. It is the only detachable device on the list.
This device has just one USB port (Type C), no memory card slot, and no headphone jack. This does not erode it of its worth-having features; a good battery life, portability, stylus option, affordability, and overall good performance.
The processor is MediaTek Helio P60T with a graphics processor ARM G72 MP3 and the screen refresh rate is 60Hz. It is suitable for multitasking but not for apps that require a lot of memory.
You should purchase this device if your budget cannot exceed $300 when shipping fees are included if you are looking for something really small and ultralight that simultaneously performs well if you really like a small size to give you that traditional tablet feeling, if you are okay with the allocated size as there is no option for expansion and if you are okay with a small (narrow) keyboard.
Pros
- Affordable
- 10 Hour Battery Life
- Sleek and Portable Design
- Stylus Option Available
Cons
- No SD Card Slot
- No Headphone Jack
- Has Just 1 Port
- Small Narrow Keyboard
Every Chromebook on this list has an additional 100GB of Google Drive space for an automatic backup of files and a 10-point multi-touch screen. These Chromebooks can be used in four modes; Laptop/Notebook mode, tent mode, display mode, and tablet mode.
It is also important to understand that every device listed is for work but cannot perform well under pressure e.g., gaming, it can play light games but none is suited for heavy gaming.
How to Choose the Right 2 in 1 Laptop under $300
As with every choice in life, purchasing a 2-in-1 laptop is dependent on your needs, as stated earlier this device is not suited for heavy gaming and it cannot take too much workload. Now that we have gotten that out of the way, the 2-in-1 device is amazing for a lifestyle on the go. Remember, its affordability does not mean poor or low functionality.
It is portable, sleek (most times), amazing for the office, school, art (drawing), and storing files. Fast transition into modes matters because you don’t want one that has a wobbly hinge or takes a while to adjust to a new mode.
You will decide the input style you prefer especially for notes and drawings as some have the option of a stylus. The age of the consumer is another thing to consider as there is a big margin between the utilization of a device by an adult and a child so the durability feature of the device has a huge role to play here.
Now, you don’t want to sacrifice portability for usability or functionality i.e., you don’t want it to be so sleek but you can get work done efficiently because of the screen size or battery life and you don’t want it to be highly functioning but it is too big to suit your needs.
When you are set to purchase a 2-in-1 device, how fast do you need it to process information? What size screen will be convenient for you to enjoy/navigate? Would you prefer a convertible or detachable design? Does it suit your lifestyle? How long can it go before it requires a recharge? How durable is it? These questions will be answered below.
Key Features to Consider Before You Purchase a 2 in 1 Laptop under $300
We can’t deny that touchscreen devices are amazing and as technology advances, they might be the most dominant option but some people still like to make use of a full traditional keyboard, the 2-in-1 device offers this. It is also a great tool for designing as it accommodates software like Photoshop, its responsive touchscreen makes designing easier and more fun.
Physically switching from a laptop to a tablet has been eliminated by this device so it basically offers twice the fun. There is an SSD option so that means increased speed but if you are a heavy-duty user (especially heavy gaming) this is not for you.
There are 2-in-1 devices that function more like tablets, some function more like Laptops, and some function as both; these are the best kind.
You cannot just attach a keyboard to a tablet and believe or utilize it as a 2-in-1 device, it has to be designed for that purpose. However, if you are big on a mechanical keyboard, you can get one and connect to the device using the Bluetooth or USB feature.
Speed
There are several 2-in-1 laptops and it’s only normal that the processors follow suit. When on a budget, you want to get the most out of said budget, and processor speed should not be sacrificed.
Processors help the device to be more efficient and boot faster, with a $300 budget you might not be able to get the fastest processor but you will get a decent functioning one.
Size
A common feature of 2-in-1 laptops is that they are all small. This size is relative of course as there are different needs and small is dependent on said needs.
For consumers on the go like students and business people, a smaller size might be preferable to enjoy portability. Some 2-in-1 detachable have more weight than a traditional tablet so if you really want a less weighty device, you need to look out for this
Screen
There are different screen sizes available and different screen styles. The 2-in-1 laptops have different screen styles, a thick bezel means a smaller screen so you will want to consider this before purchase.
There is also the display, there are different resolutions and color displays. If this purchase is for movies and light gaming, you really want to look out for this feature as you should go for a higher HD display within your budget.
Compatability
Not every 2-in-1 laptop has an audio jack or HDMI port, some don’t even have an SD card slot. This might not be a big deal to some people but you have to consider if it is for you.
If you will be giving presentations you will need one with an HDMI port except the device has the RealSense technology that makes wireless presentation easy.
How compatible is this purchase with your lifestyle and needs? is a very important question. You can’t just pick up any device because of its design.
Style/Hinge Mechanism
Convertible or detachable, the 2-in-1 laptops have amazing designs. Remember the convertible still has the keyboard attached while the detachable have it completely removed. The convertible ones usually have larger screens with more powerful processors while the detachable ones are easier to carry about but have less powerful processors (which might have been traded off for their ultralight weight) and smaller screens.
A 2-in-1 detachable device has the processor, storage, thermal hardware, and battery behind the screen so most have a lower processor and most have a really thin keyboard. The convertible on the other hand is mostly a laptop that can be folded into a tablet. If you are all for the portability of this device, getting one with a smaller screen size will make it more comfortable and less awkward in tablet mode.
2-in-1 detachable does not always come with a keyboard, you have to look out for this, so you don’t purchase a laptop then getting a keyboard makes the purchase value above your budget.
Detachable gives a traditional tablet feeling but some people might prefer a convertible because they don’t want to misplace or damage the keyboard. Whatever your preference, you have two options to pick from.
Durability
This feature is very important, daily tasks with an on-the-go device mean a lot of movement with the device, quick adjustments to documents, checking emails, and so on.
You want a device that can withstand spills, stained fingers, and other mild accidents that can happen. This is one of the major reasons the Acer Spin 311 was our top choice as its antimicrobial glass is very solid and is its casing.
Battery Life
There is no fun in having an on-the-go device that constantly needs charging as it really isn’t time-efficient. If you are a student and you have multiple lectures throughout the day, you will need solid battery life.
You want to purchase one that can last for long hours especially one that can be used for long hours after a single charge. You really don’t want to purchase anything that has less than 8 hours battery life and 12 hours is a pretty good option.
Best 2-in-1 Laptops under $300 FAQs
A few questions you might have regarding the best 2 in 1 laptops under 300 dollars.
What is the Overall Best 2 in 1 Laptop under $300?
The best 2-in-1 laptop under $300 is the Acer Chromebook 311, it is highly durable with great performance, multiple USB ports, and great speed.
How Much Do You Need to buy the Best 2 in 1 Laptop under $300?
The Acer Chromebook has a price range of $265 – $420 (including shipping)
What is the Cheapest 2-in-1 Laptop under $300?
The cheapest 2-in-1 laptop under $300 is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, it costs $220 (excluding shipping)
Conclusion
The best 2 in 1 laptop under 300 dollars is a great computing device, it is portable, functional, durable, affordable, and has great battery life. They have different price ranges and with your budget, you can use the guidelines above to select the one that aligns with your priorities.
There are various styles and specifications, picking one should be dependent on your needs.
