Top 5 Refurbished Chromebooks Under £300 for Students & Travellers

If you’re a student trying to keep up with lectures, or a traveller who always needs a laptop in their bag, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Why are decent laptops so expensive?” The truth is that brand-new devices often come with a price tag that feels out of reach. And even when you go cheaper, you can end up with something that slows you down instead of helping you get things done. 

That’s why refurbished Chromebooks under £300 are such a game-changer. They’re light enough to carry anywhere, simple to use, and built for exactly what you need day to day browsing, streaming, studying, or working remotely. And because they’re refurbished, you’re not paying over the odds. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 5 refurbished Chromebooks under the price range of £300 that are perfect for students and travellers like you. 

Key Considerations for Refurbished Chromebooks Under £300 (Students & Travellers)

Key Factor	What to Look For	Why It Matters for Students	Why It Matters for Travellers
Processor (CPU)	Intel Celeron N4500, Intel N100, or Intel Core i3 (12th Gen+)	Ensures smooth browsing, Google Docs, research tabs, and video lectures without lag	Keeps performance responsive when multitasking on the go
RAM	Minimum 4GB (8GB recommended for heavier multitasking)	4GB works for basic tasks; 8GB is better for multiple Chrome tabs and apps	Prevents slowdowns when switching between maps, emails, and bookings
Storage Type	eMMC (budget) or SSD (faster option)	Enough space for documents and offline files	Faster SSD improves boot times in airports, hotels, or cafés
Storage Capacity	64GB minimum, 128GB preferred	Extra space for coursework, downloads, and Android apps	Useful for offline media, travel documents, and photos
Display Size	11.6"–14" for portability, 15.6" for home use	Smaller screens are lighter for carrying between classes	Compact sizes fit easily in backpacks and cabin luggage
Touchscreen / 2-in-1 Design	Optional but useful	Great for note-taking and flexibility in lectures	Useful for watching content or browsing in tight spaces
Battery Life	8+ hours recommended	Covers a full day of lectures without charging	Essential for flights, trains, and long travel days
Weight	Under 1.6kg ideal	Easier to carry daily between classes	Reduces travel bulk
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth support	Reliable connection for online classes	Stable connection in hotels and public spaces
Operating System Support	Chrome OS Auto Update Expiry (AUE) date checked	Ensures security updates throughout study years	Keeps device secure when using public Wi-Fi
Condition Grade	Excellent or Very Good preferred	Better cosmetic condition for daily campus use	Less visible wear for professional settings
Warranty	12-month warranty recommended	Protects investment on a student budget	Peace of mind while travelling
Build Quality	Durable chassis, reinforced hinges	Survives backpacks and busy schedules	Withstands airport security and travel handling

Best 5 Refurbished Chromebooks Under £300 for Students & Travellers

1- Refurbished ASUS Chromebook CR1 – MPN: RFB-CR1100CKA-GJ0388 (Approx. £150)

If you’re looking for a durable, student-friendly Chromebook with everyday reliability, the ASUS Chromebook CR1 is a strong choice. With its compact 11.6" display and lightweight design, it’s easy to carry between classes or around the house. 

Powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage, it’s ideal for web browsing, Google Docs, online learning, and streaming. It’s built for simplicity and practicality; perfect for everyday tasks without overcomplicating things. 

Best for: Students and young learners who need a compact, reliable Chromebook for schoolwork and browsing.

Shop Now!

2- Refurbished ASUS Chromebook CX34 Flip – MPN: RFB-CB3401FBA-LZ0099 (Approx. £300)

If you want more power and flexibility, the ASUS Chromebook CX34 Flip delivers. This 14" touchscreen Chromebook features a 2-in-1 design, letting you switch between laptop and tablet modes with ease. 

With an Intel Core i3-1215U processor, 8GB RAM, and a fast 256GB SSD, it offers noticeably stronger performance for multitasking, research, productivity apps, and even light creative work. It’s a premium Chromebook experience without the premium price tag. 

Best for: Students and professionals who want a powerful, flexible Chromebook with touchscreen functionality. 

Shop Now!

3- Refurbished Acer Spin 312 Chromebook – MPN: NX.KYTEK.003-AG (Approx. £230)

The Acer Spin 312 Chromebook offers a compact 12" touchscreen and flexible 360° hinge, making it ideal for studying, note-taking, and everyday use. Its portable design strikes a balance between screen space and easy transport. 

Powered by the Intel N100 processor with 4GB RAM and 128GB eMMC storage, it handles browsing, assignments, and streaming smoothly. It’s practical, affordable, and built for day-to-day productivity. 

Best for: Students who want a touchscreen Chromebook with tablet functionality at a sensible price. 

Shop Now!

4- Refurbished HP Chromebook 15a-nb0006na – MPN: B50BCEA#ABU-AG (Approx. £200)

If you prefer a larger screen for working or streaming, the HP Chromebook 15a offers a spacious 15.6" display for comfortable multitasking. It’s ideal for home study setups or shared family use. 

With an Intel N100 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB UFS storage, it provides smooth everyday performance for browsing, email, documents, and video streaming. The bigger screen makes it especially comfortable for extended use. 

Best for: Home users and students who want a larger Chromebook for comfortable daily work and entertainment. 

Shop Now!

5- New Open Box ASUS Chromebook CX1405CKA – MPN: CX1405CKA-90NX08M1-M009W0-BG (Approx. £130)

If you’re after a near-new Chromebook at a reduced price, this New Open Box ASUS CX1405CKA is a smart option. Featuring a 14" display, it offers a comfortable viewing experience in a slim, practical design. 

Equipped with an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, it’s ideal for web browsing, schoolwork, emails, and streaming. It delivers dependable everyday performance with the added benefit of near-new condition. 

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a near-new Chromebook for everyday tasks and study. 

Shop Now!

If you're considering upgrading your setup on a budget, don’t miss our Ultimate Refurbished Laptop Buying Guide, where we break down exactly what to look for before you buy.

Alternatives Beyond Chromebooks

While Chromebooks are fantastic for students and travellers who need portability and simplicity, you might find that your needs go beyond lightweight tasks. For example, if you want something that can handle more intensive work or gaming on the side, a refurb gaming laptop could be the better fit. Business users who want reliability and strong build quality might prefer a refurb Dell laptop, which delivers enterprise-grade performance without the high cost of new. 

Final Thoughts!

Finding the right laptop doesn’t have to mean overspending. For under £300, a refurbished Chromebook offers the perfect balance of affordability, portability, and everyday performance. From budget-friendly models like the Lenovo 300e to travel-ready picks like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, there’s a Chromebook to match every lifestyle. And with Box, you can shop confidently knowing each device is tested, graded, and backed by warranty. 

Of course, if you’re after something different, there are plenty of other refurbished choices. Those who prefer a premium, design-led experience may want to consider a refurb MacBook, while anyone looking for dependable professional power should look at HP refurb laptops.

Whatever your priority, style, speed, or durability; there’s a refurbished option at Box.co.uk that’s ready to fit your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Refurbished Chromebook?

A refurbished Chromebook is a previously returned or lightly used device that has been professionally tested, cleaned, and restored to full working conditions before being resold at a lower price. 

Where Can I Buy a Refurbished Chromebook in the UK?

You can buy a refurbished Chromebook in the UK from trusted retailers that offer warranty coverage, clear grading, and return policies. Buying from reputable sellers ensures the device has been properly tested and securely reset. 

Are Refurbished Chromebooks Worth It?

Yes, refurbished Chromebooks are worth it if you want reliable performance at a lower price. They are ideal for students and travellers who mainly use web apps, Google Workspace, streaming, and cloud storage. 

What Is the Best Refurbished Chromebook?

The best refurbished Chromebook depends on your needs, but models with at least 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and good battery life offer strong value under £300. For smoother multitasking, 8GB RAM is recommended. 

What Is the Best Chromebook Under £300 in the UK?

The best Chromebook under £300 in the UK typically includes an Intel Celeron or Intel N-series processor, 4GB-8GB RAM, and at least 64GB storage. Look for long battery life and Chrome OS update support. 

What Is the Best Chromebook Under £300 UK 2026?

In 2026, the best Chromebook under £300 in the UK will be one that still receives Chrome OS security updates and has at least 8GB RAM for smoother multitasking. Always check the Auto Update Expiry (AUE) date before buying. 

Are Refurbished Chromebooks in the UK Reliable?

Yes, refurbished Chromebooks in the UK are reliable when purchased from trusted retailers. They are fully tested, reset to factory settings, and often include warranty protection for added peace of mind. 

What Is a Refurbished Chromebook Plus?

A refurbished Chromebook Plus refers to a higher-spec Chromebook that meets Google’s Chromebook Plus standards, typically including a faster processor, 8GB RAM, and improved performance for multitasking and productivity.