Can I game on a laptop under $300?

Not modern 3D games. Browser games and very old titles work. For any real gaming, you need at least a $500 laptop with a dedicated GPU or a gaming console.

Should I buy a used laptop instead?

A 2-3 year old used ThinkPad or MacBook can outperform new budget laptops. The risk is battery degradation and no warranty. If you are comfortable buying used, a refurbished ThinkPad T480 or MacBook Air M1 often beats new sub-$300 machines.

Best Laptops Under $300 in 2026