TOP 9 Best Refurbished Laptops Under $200 in 2021

In this day and age, you can get a budget laptop with less than 200 dollars. These laptops are well-performing, especially if you want one for basic tasks such as sending an email, working on a Google document, or simple web browsing.

You shouldn’t expect a refurbished laptop to perform sophisticated tasks such as gaming, video editing, and other tasks that require heavy machines. The good news however, is that you don’t have to break an arm and a leg to own a laptop. 

The best refurbished laptops under 200 dollars operate on light O.S such as the Windows 10 S and Chrome OS. These factory refurbished laptops are ideal for students, travelers, and other lightweight laptop users.

Whether you want a gaming laptop for 300$ or best budget laptops for social media browsing, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best machines available.In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of some of the best factory refurbished laptops.

Image	Product	Detail	Price
	Acer Flagship HD Premium Chromebook	Size: 15.6 inches Ram: 2 GB Hard: 16GB SSD	Check Price
	Dell Chromebook 11 inch - (11.6 HD Screen 1366x768)	Size: 11.6 inches Ram: 4 GB Hard: 16GB SSD	Check Price
	Samsung XE303C12-A01US Samsung Exynos	Size: 11.6 inches Ram: 2 GB Hard: 16GB SSD	Check Price
	Lenovo 100E Chromebook 2ND Gen Laptop	Size: 11.6 inches Ram: 4 GB Hard: 16GB SSD	Check Price
	ASUS L402WA-EH21 Thin and Light HD Laptop	Size: 14 inches Ram: 4 GB Hard: 32GB eMMC	Check Price
	HP Stream Laptop PC 11-y010nr (Intel Celeron N3060	Size: 11.6 inches Ram: 4 GB Hard: 32GB eMMC	Check Price
	ASUS VivoBook L203MA Laptop 10 Hours Battery Life	Size: 11.6 inches Ram: 4 GB Hard: 64GB eMMC	Check Price
	Dell Inspiron i3542-602BLK Windows 10 Laptop Intel Celeron N3050	Size: 14 inches Ram: 2 GB Hard: 32GB eMMC	Check Price
	Lenovo Ideapad 210s HD Flagship Laptop	Size: 11.6 inches Ram: 2 GB Hard: 32GB eMMC	Check Price

Top Refurbished Laptops to buy in 2021

1. Acer Flagship CB3-532 15.6 inches – HD Premium Chromebook

This Chromebook fits the bill for anyone looking for a cheap refurbished laptop that can perform basic tasks such as browsing, typing, and watching videos. The laptop has a big screen 15 inches that are ideal if you’re looking for a big sized laptop.

The good thing about this factory refurbished laptop is that it’s been tested and proven to be a fast performer. You can access all cloud-based applications by Google, and you have a whole set of Google suite applications such as Google Docs and Google Sheets at no cost. We also have a guide if you need to factory reset the Acer laptop if it is missing the boot CD.

It’s also worth noting that for this refurbished laptop, Amazon offers a 90-day return policy if a customer is dissatisfied with the product. You, therefore, don’t have to worry that you’ll buy a laptop that doesn’t function as it should because you can always return it for replacement.

Whether you want to buy a laptop to homeschool your kids or you want a simple laptop to carry around, the Acer 15.6 inches Chromebook can meet or even exceed your expectations similar to these best laptop under 800 dollars 2021.

Here are some of the features that make the Acer 15.6 “ChromeBook a unique budget laptop.

2. Dell Chromebook – (11.6 HD Screen 1366×768)

Are you tired of laptops that take ages to shut down or even start? If so, then look no further because the Dell Chromebook offers that and more.

It’s also worth noting that the Dell Chromebook has a lifetime guarantee of Google apps and automatic updates. You can, therefore, enjoy awesome features and applications at no extra cost with this machine.

The most outstanding feature with this budget laptop is that it’s a great gaming laptop under 300 dollars. Yes, you heard that right! Gamers can now enjoy unlimited games with this sleek machine.

The laptop has security features that protect users from malware that’s prevalent in 2021. You, therefore, need not worry about cyber-attacks because the desktop laptop combo has layers of protection to allow you smooth browsing, content creation, or even saving of files.

3. Samsung XE303C12-A01US – Our Best Refurbished Laptop Under 200

Are you looking for a portable laptop you can quickly place in your bag for a meeting? Well, this Samsung laptop is a good bet because it’s super light. The machine operates on Chrome OS, giving you many awesome features and access to Google applications with lifetime updates. With this laptop, you’re therefore assured of the most recent Google features, making your usage fun and smooth.

The laptop doesn’t have a fan, but you can rest assured that it won’t overheat while in use. Besides, the lack of a fan makes it run silently. The device has a 2 GB RAM and a 16 GB micro SD card, offering you plenty of space to store your files and documents. If you run out of space, you can always use Google Drive to store data making it a high budget friendly laptop.

4. Lenovo 100E Chromebook – 2nd Gen Laptop

The Lenovo 100E Chromebook is designed with a typical student in mind because it has a 720P HD camera on the front side. Besides, the device also has a built-in Google Suite with lots of educational tools for online learning. The machine is also enhanced with an 11.6-inch anti-glare screen so that you can work on your laptop without hurting your eyes.

The HD screen, coupled with the front camera is also ideal for holding online meetings without appearing blurry. During times of a pandemic like Covid-19, when everyone is expected to remain indoors, you need not worry because you can hold meetings, Zoom with friends, and even learn using this laptop.

The Lenovo 100E is also very light, weighing only 2.7 lbs, making it a portable device. You don’t have to buy a huge laptop bag with this refurbished laptop by Lenovo. It’s also worth noting that the computer can hold a charge for up to 10 hours, allowing you to go about your activities without worrying that your device should shut down.

The laptop operates on Chrome OS, giving you unlimited access to web browsing. Whether you want to send a simple email, edit a document, or watch a video, you can purchase this laptop at a cost lower than 200 dollars. Amazing, right?

5. ASUS L402WA-EH21 – Thin and Light 14” HD Laptop

This Asus laptop has an AMD Quad-Core E2-6110 1.5GHz processor that’s perfect for multi-tasking. The powerful processor enables users to browse, watch videos, and send emails, browse, or even play games without experiencing sluggishness. The 14-inch screen also makes laptop usage fun and productive.

The laptop has a thickness of 0.9 inches giving it a slim look. Despite the wide 14 inch screen, the laptop only weighs about 3.6 lbs. Therefore, you can easily slip it into your carry on or backpack and not feel the weight.

The Asus L402WA-EH21 also gives you a touchpad experience allowing you to type accurately and faster. The touch screen technology incorporated in this device is similar to what’s used on smartphones and tablets.

Are you a fan of watching videos on Youtube or enjoying some movies on Netflix? Well, with this laptop, you can enjoy quality sounds thanks to the 9cc speakers located on the palm rest. The large speaker chambers give your music or movie great sound.

Another amazing feature in this laptop is the Asus Splendid Technology that balances visuals depending on the surrounding. The technology also enhances videos and photos such that they appear more real. If you love photography or video editing, then you should go for this budget-friendly machine.

Unlike most other budget laptops, this Asus model operates on Windows 10 S, and it’s even possible to switch to the Windows 10 Pro. The Windows operating system gives users the ability to download world-class applications from the Windows play store. You also gain access to Windows Office Suite that helps you type or edit documents. If your refurbed ASUS laptop arrives already locked, then we have a handy guide on how to reset it without a password.

6. HP STREAM LAPTOP PC 11-Y010NR With Office 365 Personal for one Year

Another laptop that tops our list of best refurbished laptops under 200 dollars is the HP Stream that comes in blue and purple for the people who love a pop of color on their devices. The laptop has an 11-inch screen making it one of the small laptops ideal for use on the go. Most importantly, this is a good gaming laptop under 400 dollars.

This machine has an Intel Celeron Dual Core processor coupled with a 4 GB DDR3 RAM which makes the laptop efficient in its performance. The laptop also operates on the Windows 10 OS giving users the flexibility of accessing Windows Store applications and many games.

The HP Stream is ideal for web browsing, watching videos, movies, and document editing. It’s also worth noting that the laptop has a very comfortable keyboard making it suitable for people who type a lot. The laptop is built using quality materials such that it can even survive a fall without breaking apart.

The battery life of this laptop is also another feature that makes it an excellent choice for a budget laptop. The machine can run for 11 hours without power shutdowns giving you a full day usage without requiring charging. The laptop is, therefore, ideal for people who use their devices during travel.

7. ASUS VivoBook L203MA With Windows 10 Home In S Mode

If you want to buy a laptop, but your budget is less than $200, then the ASUS VivoBook should be a top consideration. The laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron processor and a 4 GB RAM coupled with the Windows 10 S operating system, making it a great performer.

The good thing about having a laptop operating on Windows 10 is that it guarantees your security. You don’t have to worry about malware or unsafe applications because it only allows you Microsoft approved apps.

This budget laptop features a sturdy and comfortable keyboard perfect for your typing activities. The device also has a classy touchpad that gives you that perfect experience you need with your laptop. The ASUS VivoBook also has great performance with web browsing, editing of documents, watching videos, and movies.

Another aspect that makes the laptop a great option if funds limit you is the long battery life. The machine can watch videos for 11 hours non-stop, implying that you can have a full day usage without any need for charging. The laptop uses one polymer battery.

8. Dell Inspiron i3542-602BLK 14″ Windows 10 Laptop Intel Celeron N3050

We couldn’t leave out this Dell Inspiron model when compiling the list of best refurbished laptops under $200. The laptop is highly efficient for basic use such as web browsing, shopping, sending emails, and document editing.

The machine runs on Windows 10, giving you secure browsing because Microsoft only allows safe applications on their operating systems. What’s more is that the device can connect with other devices via Bluetooth, meaning you can even play videos or music from your phone on the laptop.

The machine also operates on Intel Celeron processor N3050 and a 2 GB Memory. Since the storage space is little, the laptop is enhanced with a 32 GB external SSD card for the much needed extra space. The Dell laptop also has 2.0, 3.0 USB ports, and HDMI ports for multiple connections.

If you’re a student or a traveler, the laptop can come in handy thanks to its slim and sleek look. The machine also features a 14-inch screen ideal for watching videos and movies. It’s lightweight and therefore, easy to carry around.

Note: If the laptop arrives with a password set, use our guide to reset your Inspiron password.

9. Lenovo Ideapad 210s – HD Flagship Laptop

This Lenovo laptop is hands down the best laptop under 200 dollars thanks to its classy look and ergonomic keyboard coupled with a unique touchpad. The keyboard and the touchpad are responsive, making the device a must-have for typists, students, and tutors.

The laptop also features one battery that can run the laptop for up to 8 hours. You can thus use this laptop on the go without worrying about it going out of power. Travelers can also use this laptop when attending business meetings because it guarantees maximum battery life.

This Lenovo Ideapad has an 11.6 inch screen with a high resolution display powered by an LED screen technology. You can, therefore, work or browse without straining your eyes.  The machine has great performance thanks to the Intel Celeron N3350 Dual-Core processor. It also has a 2 GB RAM and a 32 GB eMMC.

Aspects to consider when buying a Refurbished Laptop in 2021

The most common operating systems on budget laptops are the Chrome OS and the Windows OS. Laptops operating on the Windows OS mainly use Windows 10.

A Windows PC user can enjoy desktop applications and also download apps from the Windows store. You can also install Chrome and other extensions if you love browsing on the web.

A chrome operating system, on the other hand, gives users the ability to browse on the web very fast. Chrome OS is lightweight and offers users the ability to own a low-cost laptop that conveniently performs basic tasks.

Unfortunately, with this OS, you’re limited to only using the Chrome browser and the Google Suite Play store. On the flip side, you have access to Android applications. It’s also worth noting that most Chromebooks run cloud-based apps with very few that work offline.

Most low cost refurbished laptops have a memory of 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB. Usually, a computer with low memory is slow and cannot open multiple applications simultaneously without being sluggish.

Therefore, you should make sure that the least memory on your laptop is 4 GB. If you multi-task a lot, then go for 8 GB memory or more. Unless you’re looking for a gaming laptop under 400, these laptops should work fine for most basic tasks. 

Another factor that determines the performance of a laptop is the processor. A processor, commonly known as the central processing unit (CPU) is the heart of a computer.

The processor determines the speeds at which your laptop operates. Most refurbished laptops under 200 dollars have processors of Intel Celeron, Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3, and Intel Pentium processors.

Depending on what you want your laptop for, size is a massive consideration for refurbished laptops. Depending on your portability requirements, you can get a 10-inch laptop or a 15.6-inch laptop. It’s advisable to go for a full HD laptop if you opt for the large-sized ones. The smaller laptops can perform well even on low resolution.

As you decide on your next laptop display, make sure that the colors are well blended, the screen is bright enough, and the icons are large enough for proper visibility.

We cannot insist enough on the importance of battery life for a laptop. You need a laptop that can offer you a whole day of computing without requiring charging it.

Most cheap laptops have between 4 to 12 hours of battery life. Always go for a laptop with at least 10 hours of battery life such that even if you run several multiple applications simultaneously, it can work for about 6 to 8 hours.

If you’re looking for a laptop you can use for typing, then look for a refurbished laptop that has comfortable keypads. You don’t want a laptop with keys that squish in with every pressing. You can also go for one with a light such that when typing in dark areas, you can see the letters or numbers you want.

With an understanding of what to look for when buying a budget laptop, let’s have a look at some of the best factory refurbished laptops if you’re on a tight budget.

Are Laptops under $200 Worth Buying?

Buying a laptop depends on your need for it. For example, a video editor requires a more sophisticated machine compared to a writer. A writer, on the other hand, needs a laptop with plenty of space to store the documents.

From our list of best refurbished laptops under $200, it’s imminent that they can only perform basic tasks. Most of these laptops are ideal for tasks such as online shopping, Facebook, Instagram, browsing on the web, document editing, and watching videos. If you need a laptop for heavy usage and multi-tasking, then these budget laptops may disappoint because when you open many applications simultaneously, they become slow.

From the list of laptops under $200, you may have realized that they operate on Intel Celeron processors. It’s almost impossible to get a core i3 processor and above with budget ones. However, despite using Intel Celeron, these laptops are fast and can perform basic tasks efficiently.

Why are Refurbished Laptops so Cheap?

Most refurbished laptops are cheaper than the new models and it’s easy to grab yourself a quality machine at a fraction of the original cost. Ideally, these laptops are returned to the manufacturer or seller while new if found to have a technical problem.

Other times, the laptops are used and then repaired to look new then sold at a lower rate. Factory refurbished laptops are the best to buy because, in the event of a breakdown, you can always take them back for a replacement.

Is it Okay to Buy Refurbished Laptops?

If you want a laptop that can perform basic tasks, then there’s no problem with buying a refurbished laptop under 200 dollars.

However, if you want a laptop with sophisticated features, ultra high speeds, quality processors and lots of storage space, then you should buy a new laptop. Of course buying a new laptop comes at an extra cost which you must be willing to forego.

Conclusion