Offers a larger 15.6" screen and 8GB of RAM, which is double the memory of most laptops at this price point. Lenovo - IdeaPad 3i Chromebook 15.6" Full HD Price: ~$199.00 $249.00

Features a dedicated Copilot key for AI assistance and a lightweight design weighing under five pounds.

Chromebooks are often more responsive than budget Windows laptops because ChromeOS is less resource-intensive. Price: ~$248.99 (often on sale from $429.00)

Windows laptops in this price range often run in for enhanced security and performance, which limits app installations to the Microsoft Store. HP - 14" Laptop - Intel Processor N150 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Price: ~$189.99 - $219.00

Finding a quality laptop for under $250 at Best Buy typically means choosing between entry-level Windows machines and efficient Chromebooks. These models are generally best suited for students, basic office tasks, and web browsing.