This HP EliteBook Is Under $300 Right Now

This refurbished business laptop is priced like a budget pick, and makes for a great backup.

This HP EliteBook Is Under $300 Right Now

Pradershika Sharma

Pradershika Sharma Freelance Writer

Experience

Pradershika Sharma is a tech deals writer for Lifehacker.

She has a Master’s degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a TESOL certification. She has been writing professionally since 2018, creating product reviews, affiliate articles, and search ads for global clients while working with Rubix Agency and Cognizant. Previously, she spent a year teaching English at the junior high level.

An avid reader since childhood, Pradershika's idea of extreme sports is staying up to read “just one more chapter.” She lives in India.

Read Full Bio

May 6, 2026

Add as a preferred source on Google
Add as a preferred source on Google

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

HP EliteBook 840 G8 (2021, Refurbished)

Credit: StackSocial

Table of Contents


A four-year-old business laptop isn't an easy sell in 2026, but the price might change how you look at it. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 is on sale for $279.99 on StackSocial, making it a perfect second machine. It works as a backup you can rely on, something you can hand to a kid without stressing over every scratch, or a practical pick for a college student who just needs a laptop that gets through daily work without costing much.

This is a 2021 business machine, now refurbished, and it's being sold as a practical tool rather than something aspirational. At under $300, the appeal is simple: You get a system that originally sat in a much higher price tier, with build quality and features that budget laptops still struggle to match—its aluminum build feels solid, the keyboard is backlit and comfortable for long typing sessions, and the port selection is generous with USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack. It weighs just over three pounds, so it is still easy to carry around for work or travel.

Its Intel processor isn't new, but paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, it handles everyday work without friction. You can keep dozens of browser tabs open, run spreadsheets, join video calls, and switch between apps without slowdowns. The 14-inch Full HD display is also sharp enough for documents and streaming, though it is not built for color-sensitive work. Also, while it can handle light photo editing or casual games, it's not a machine for heavy creative workloads. Battery life is rated at over 15 hours, though real-world use will likely be lower, depending on brightness and tasks.

What do you think so far?

That said, this is a refurbished unit, so even though it carries an A+ refurbished grade, it's not brand new. Still, if your needs are limited to writing, browsing, office work, and video calls, this $300 laptop is a cost-effective option.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now

Deals are selected by our commerce team

Add to Cart Newsletter Shop smarter, save more money

Daniel Oropeza portrait Daniel Oropeza

Get all the best deals and biggest sales curated by Daniel and the team.

Add to Cart NewsletterShop smarter, save more money. Get all the best deals and biggest sales curated by Daniel and the team.