Best Budget CPUs Under $300 in 2026

The best affordable processors for gaming and productivity. Great performance without the premium price.

Ryzen 5 7600
#1

Ryzen 5 7600

AMD · Ryzen 5 7000

$229
Performance44
Gaming60
Value90
6C/12T·5.1 GHz·65W
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
#2

Ryzen 5 9600X

AMD · Ryzen 5 9000

$279
Performance50
Gaming72
Value86
6C/12T·5.4 GHz·65W
Ryzen 5 7600X
#3

Ryzen 5 7600X

AMD · Ryzen 5 7000

$299
Performance48
Gaming64
Value78
6C/12T·5.3 GHz·105W

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best budget cpus under $300?

Based on our analysis, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 takes the #1 spot with a score of 60/100. It offers the best combination of performance and value in this category.

How do we rank the best budget cpus under $300?

We rank products based on a combination of benchmark performance, gaming performance, and value for money. Each product is scored out of 100 in these categories, and our rankings reflect the overall best options for each use case.

Are prices up to date?

Prices shown are MSRP. Actual retail prices may vary. Click "Check Price" to see current pricing on Amazon and other retailers.

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