Deeper Dive: Our Prime Examined Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
July 14, 2025: With this replace, we eliminated the discontinued HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023) from our lineup of really helpful Chromebooks, which in any other case stays unchanged. Since our final replace, we have now reviewed and evaluated 32 new laptops for potential inclusion on this and our different laptop computer shopping for guides. We at the moment have two Chromebooks at completely different levels of lab testing and assessment: the CTL Chromebook Plus PX141 GXT, which is constructed for classroom environments, and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
- New AI options supercharge ChromeOS
- 12 months free Google One with Gemini Superior
- Versatile, sturdy 2-in-1 design
- Intel Core Extremely processing and on-device AI
- Glorious battery life
- Clear, colourful contact display screen
- Pen not included
- ChromeOS nonetheless has quirks
With a 5-star ranking and our 2024 Better of the 12 months award for Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is an ideal instance of a top-end Chromebook and an outstanding Chromebook for teenagers of all ages. With category-leading efficiency, a sturdy 2-in-1 construct, and a pointy 14-inch contact display screen, it is an ideal instance of why spending a little bit extra for a greater machine shouldn’t be a foul thought. Powered by an Intel Core Extremely 5 CPU, it’s highly effective sufficient to sort out demanding duties, whether or not it’s faculty initiatives or on-line studying. As a part of the Chromebook Plus line, that boosted energy is utilized to AI-enhanced options, as nicely, placing the Spin 714 forward of many funds Home windows machines by way of pure utility. The sturdy aluminum chassis not solely provides type however can also be designed to outlive drops, spills, or bumps which will happen throughout a busy faculty day. With a full HD webcam and glorious connectivity choices, together with Thunderbolt 4, USB, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6E, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a winner for any youngster. (To not point out, loads of adults, too.)
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is a improbable selection for fogeys who need to outfit their child with a succesful Chromebook with convertible versatility and high construct high quality. With dependable efficiency, all-day battery life, and ample connectivity, it is a excellent steadiness of worth and options, all wrapped up in a slick and durable bundle.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Extremely 5 115U
RAM (as Examined)
8 GB
Boot Drive Sort
SSD
Boot Drive Capability (as Examined)
256 GB
Display screen Measurement
14 inches
Native Show Decision
1920 by 1200
Panel Know-how
IPS
Variable Refresh Help
None
Display screen Refresh Fee
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wi-fi Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.21 lbs
Working System
Chrome OS
Examined Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:46
Study Extra
- Spectacular CPU efficiency
- Nice keyboard and touchpad
- Numerous connectivity
- Engaging, pleasant design
- A little bit of flex to the chassis
- Primary 1080p show simply outclassed for not rather more
- Sufficient battery for a workday—no extra
If you happen to’re looking for an older child, we will not give you a lot purpose to not go along with our favourite all-around Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025). An up to date Intel Core i5 processor makes it a punchy match for older youngsters who have to get work performed. The keyboard is comfy to sort on, the touchpad is a pleasure, and the connectivity is first-rate with Wi-Fi 7 and plenty of ports—all with out elevating the value. Coming full with a 1080p contact display screen, this Chromebook is prepared for schoolwork or stress-free after homework. With greater than 10 hours of battery life, it would simply carry a scholar by a full day of lessons, making this our advice as one of the best Chromebook for older youngsters.
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) is good for older youngsters and youngsters who want a dependable system for varsity assignments, net shopping, and social media. With usability for academic and leisure actions, it is a sensible selection for households searching for a budget-friendly Chromebook with a good mixture of options and efficiency.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
RAM (as Examined)
8 GB
Boot Drive Sort
UFS (Common Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capability (as Examined)
128 GB
Display screen Measurement
14 inches
Native Show Decision
1920 by 1080
Panel Know-how
IPS
Variable Refresh Help
None
Display screen Refresh Fee
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wi-fi Networking
Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.17 lbs
Working System
Chrome OS
Examined Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:51
Study Extra
- Extremely-affordable
- Glorious battery life
- Chromebook Plus options enhanced with AI
- Sturdy design with loads of ports
- Succesful contact show
- Small storage capability in most fashions
- Underwhelming efficiency
- Keyboard is not backlit
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 stands out not simply as a high worth however as a sturdy and versatile laptop computer that may face up to the pains of the classroom. It is rated with MIL-STD 810H sturdiness, and as a Chromebook Plus laptop computer, it contains some helpful AI-enhanced options. Our Core i3 loadout will not set pace data, however different configurations can be found, and the core laptop computer right here incorporates a contact display screen, lengthy battery life, sturdiness, and loads of ports—all important for teenagers.
With its versatile characteristic set and sturdy design, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is good for small youngsters who want a tougher-than-average Chromebook. If you happen to’re a father or mother who does not need to change one more damaged system, this can be a strong Chromebook to get.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i3-N305
RAM (as Examined)
8 GB
Boot Drive Sort
SSD
Boot Drive Capability (as Examined)
512 GB
Display screen Measurement
14 inches
Native Show Decision
1920 by 1080
Panel Know-how
IPS
Variable Refresh Help
None
Display screen Refresh Fee
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wi-fi Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.81 by 12.87 by 8.86 inches
Weight
3.15 lbs
Working System
Chrome OS
Examined Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:18
Study Extra
- Sturdy 2-in-1 design mixes sturdiness, flexibility
- Above-average ChromeOS efficiency
- Crisp show with contact and pen help
- Backlit keyboard
- First rate number of ports
- Price range-feeling plastic development
- Merely common battery life
- Stylus pen not included
In order for you a genuinely inexpensive 2-in-1 Chrome convertible to your youngsters, it is exhausting to discover a higher deal than the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus. This funds favourite is compact and light-weight, with a 14-inch display screen, a slim 2-in-1 design, and above-average efficiency for the internet-focused ChromeOS ecosystem. Longer battery life could be welcome, but it surely’ll nonetheless final lengthy sufficient to get your youngster by a faculty day, making it ultimate for teenagers and teenagers who need one thing transportable that is efficient for net shopping and primary apps.
For a 2-in-1 Chromebook that is simple to hold and simply as simple in your pockets, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a positive selection. Whereas its plastic development and uncooked efficiency are not any match for dearer laptops, it is nonetheless a satisfying transportable companion for informal customers at a worth that is exhausting to beat.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Price range
Processor
Intel Core i3-1315U
RAM (as Examined)
8 GB
Boot Drive Sort
SSD
Boot Drive Capability (as Examined)
128 GB
Display screen Measurement
14 inches
Native Show Decision
1920 by 1200
Panel Know-how
IPS
Variable Refresh Help
None
Display screen Refresh Fee
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wi-fi Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.72 by 9 by 12.4 inches
Weight
3.52 lbs
Working System
Chrome OS
Examined Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:43
Study Extra
- Among the many least costly convertible laptops available on the market
- Sharp contact display screen
- Pill portion has a high-quality construct for its worth
- Headphone jack is again
- Check mannequin contains stylus pen
- All fashions embody bundled keyboard
- Middling efficiency and battery life
- Keyboard has squishy keys, is designed for smaller arms
In order for you a 2-in-1 discount, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is the one to purchase. From the compact design and included equipment to the inexpensive $359 worth, this pill Chromebook is a positive match for teenagers and adults alike. Its versatile design, touch-screen help for Android apps and video games, and a cushty (if barely cramped) typing expertise spherical out the bundle. The sturdy metallic chassis ought to face up to tough dealing with, and the included pen lets customers write and draw along with tapping and typing. It is our favourite removable Chromebook for teenagers, even when mother and father would possibly need a while with it, too.
With its super-portable design and inexpensive worth, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is improbable for youngsters and college students who want a tool for studying and enjoying. Whereas a variety of its pill and laptop computer capabilities are perfect for academic duties, the system additionally is available in clutch for pill gaming with its contact display screen and Android app help.
Class
Chromebook, Removable 2-in-1
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 838
RAM (as Examined)
8 GB
Boot Drive Sort
eMMC Flash Reminiscence
Boot Drive Capability (as Examined)
128 GB
Display screen Measurement
10.95 inches
Native Show Decision
1920 by 1200
Panel Know-how
IPS
Variable Refresh Help
None
Display screen Refresh Fee
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
ARM Mali-G57 MC3
Wi-fi Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches
Weight
1.12 lbs
Working System
Chrome OS
Examined Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Study Extra
- Features a stylus
- Consists of a number of USB-C ports
- Light-weight
- Glorious efficiency
- Clumsy touchpad
- Shiny show is liable to glare
- Disappointing battery life
The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 proves that you would be able to get a wonderful ChromeOS 2-in-1 for lower than $500. With a versatile 2-in-1 design and included stylus, it is also one of the vital versatile Chromebooks we have seen, making it simply as first rate for note-taking and drawing as it’s for net shopping and typing up paperwork. Powered by a punchy MediaTek Kompanio 820 processor and weighing simply 2.5 kilos, the Chromebook Flip CM3 is a succesful little convertible that may go from the classroom to the library and residential for enjoyable and video games.
If you happen to’re on a funds to your back-to-school buying, the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 ought to be on the high of your listing. Not solely is it one of the vital inexpensive Chromebooks we have seen in years, but it surely’s additionally one of the best 2-in-1 Chromebook to permit for handwritten note-taking and drawing with the included stylus.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Price range
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 820
Processor Pace
2.2 GHz
RAM (as Examined)
4 GB
Boot Drive Sort
eMMC Flash Reminiscence
Boot Drive Capability (as Examined)
64 GB
Display screen Measurement
12 inches
Native Show Decision
1366 by 912
Panel Know-how
LCD
Variable Refresh Help
None
Display screen Refresh Fee
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Arm Mali-G57
Wi-fi Networking
802.11ac, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 10.6 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.5 lbs
Working System
Chrome OS
Examined Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:23
Study Extra
- Boosted productiveness and gaming efficiency
- Excessive-res IPS display screen with 120Hz refresh price
- 4-zone RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting
- Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet
- Under-average battery life
- Non-touch show limits Android app use
Acer’s second-generation, gaming-focused Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025), is improbable for younger avid gamers who need to play AAA video games, however have mother and father who’re on a Chromebook funds. It is brimming with gamer-friendly options, like a brand new processor for boosted efficiency, a pointy IPS display screen with a 120Hz refresh price, Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet for clean streaming, and an RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting for speedier enter. It is also a high-quality total Chromebook, with glorious productiveness efficiency and AI-enhanced options below the Chromebook Plus model. Plus, at simply $649, it is near essentially the most inexpensive gaming laptop computer you will discover, as long as you are OK with no devoted GPU.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025) is a perfect gaming machine for teenagers. It delivers a gaming-grade design with out the $1,000-plus price ticket whereas balancing portability, productiveness, and gaming efficiency with a cost-conscious worth—all whereas together with some RGB eye sweet.
Class
Chromebook, Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i5-120U
RAM (as Examined)
8 GB
Boot Drive Sort
SSD
Boot Drive Capability (as Examined)
256 GB
Display screen Measurement
16 inches
Native Show Decision
2560 by 1600
Panel Know-how
IPS
Variable Refresh Help
Sure
Display screen Refresh Fee
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wi-fi Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.84 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches
Weight
3.75 lbs
Working System
Chrome OS
Examined Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:16
Study Extra
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The Greatest Chromebooks for Youngsters in 2025
Examine Specs
Shopping for Information: The Greatest Chromebooks for Youngsters in 2025
Even when your kid’s faculty does not deploy Chromebooks, the current demand for distant studying and digital get-togethers might be tempting you to purchase one (or one per youngster). Along with net browsing with the Chrome browser and retaining in contact with Gmail, Chromebooks are succesful productiveness platforms to be used with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides (or the net or Android variations of Microsoft Workplace) and prepared for rest with YouTube, Netflix, or on-line or Android video games.
This is what to search for before you purchase your kid’s (OK, we cannot inform if it is your) subsequent Chromebook.
What Is a Chromebook?
You and your youngsters might need by no means used a Chromebook earlier than, however you’re nearly actually acquainted with how one works. That’s as a result of the Chrome working system (ChromeOS) is predicated on the identical Chrome net browser that your youngsters would possibly already use while you allow them to borrow your current Home windows laptop computer, smartphone, or pill. If all of your youngster wants is a portal to the web, you don’t want to put in something—simply launch a browser window.
This is without doubt one of the finest Chromebooks round for teenagers for its sturdiness. (Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
You may set up apps on Chromebooks if you wish to, nonetheless. The method is very similar to putting in apps in your smartphone, involving little greater than a go to to the Google Play Retailer or the Chrome Net Retailer. Additionally, apps designed for Android telephones will work on late-model Chromebooks. Additionally, you will discover a appreciable library of kid-friendly apps designed for Chromebooks, and never simply video games: instruments for note-taking, podcasting, e-book publishing, drawing, screencasting, and different Twenty first-century schoolwork.
The simplicity of ChromeOS implies that it permits fewer openings for bugs and safety dangers. You will discover no drivers to replace and no sluggish antivirus software program suites to purchase and preserve. Youngsters gained’t sustain with these tedious computing chores, and also you in all probability don’t need to, both. Assuming it’s bought an web connection, a Chromebook will maintain itself safe and up to date.
Chromebooks for teenagers may be tablets, too. (Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
The disadvantages of this simplicity? They embody much less flexibility and the occasional irritating compatibility difficulty. Every now and then, Chromebooks can journey you up with minor hurdles, like incompatibilities with in-flight streaming leisure programs that use digital rights administration (DRM) software program, whereas these programs work simply positive with iOS or Android units. Bigger points embody lacking capabilities which have been a staple of contemporary computing for years. ChromeOS, for instance, supplies nothing in the best way of out-of-the-box video modifying, in contrast to the easy however highly effective instruments constructed into Home windows and macOS.
Most children will not care about these explicit points, after all. In brief, the benefits and disadvantages of ChromeOS imply {that a} Chromebook is as well-suited to child-friendly computing as it’s ill-suited to the wants of energy customers.
What Chromebook Options Do Your Youngsters Want?
In consequence, your foremost consideration when shopping for a Chromebook for a kid shouldn’t be how highly effective the machine is however what sort of bodily options it has. Considerably satirically, the youthful your youngster is, the extra options she or he would possibly want. That’s as a result of youthful college students are usually the target market for augmented actuality (AR) or drawing apps that require a number of cameras, contact screens, and digital pens. Older college students who’re primarily taking notes and writing time period papers might not want these options as typically.
A number of the most progressive Chromebook designs we’ve seen just lately are literally tablets, not laptops. They’ve been sluggish to catch on amongst mainstream consumers, however they’ve excessive potential as a classroom studying instrument. They’re a lot smaller and lighter than laptops, in order that they’re simpler for youthful youngsters to carry. Additionally they usually have front-facing cameras, that are required for some AR apps and glorious for capturing an image of the blackboard earlier than the instructor erases it.
Chromebooks have come a good distance by way of type. (Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
A couple of cheap Chromebook removable tablets exist, however extra widespread within the 2-in-1 Chromebook vein are convertible Chromebooks with 360-degree hinges. These are first rate alternate options to the traditional clamshell laptop computer design since they embody a bodily keyboard however can nonetheless be used as tablets if wanted.
A Chromebook pill or 2-in-1 convertible could have a touch-enabled display screen by necessity because the keyboard gained’t all the time be at hand. However most typical laptop computer Chromebooks have non-touch shows, not less than of their default configurations. Now that Google has deeply improved the contact capabilities of ChromeOS versus its early variations, contact screens are not less than value contemplating.
One other consideration to your child’s Chromebook show is its decision. As with all laptop computer display screen, keep away from shows with resolutions beneath full HD (usually 1,920 by 1,080 pixels or 1080p). You will discover cheap full-HD Chromebooks on the market, so bypass fashions with lower-resolution shows. “Decrease decision” normally manifests itself as a display screen with a decision of 1,366 by 768 pixels. Fortunately, these have been disappearing with the rise of Google’s Chromebook Plus program, which mandates not less than a 1080p display screen.
Your youngsters’ eyes will thanks for going with full HD, particularly if the Chromebook has a display screen 13 inches or bigger. A 1,366-by-768-pixel decision is just acceptable these days in an especially funds Chromebook with a display screen within the 10-to-12-inch vary. And even there, suppose twice.
All Chromebook Plus fashions include not less than a 1080p show—generally higher. (Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
And, whereas your schoolkids might not want it, gaming on a Chromebook is a chance they’re going to need, although one most faculties disable, for apparent causes. Whether or not it is an academic recreation, like Minecraft, or a preferred Android recreation, you are able to do some primary gaming on most Chromebooks. A brand new breed of gaming Chromebooks has arrived that’s constructed particularly to be used with game-streaming providers, like Nvidia GeForce Now and Valve’s Steam. We have reviewed a number of, and we advocate trying out our information to the finest Chromebooks for gaming, because the {hardware} necessities are a bit extra stringent than what your youngster will want for schoolwork.
Ought to You Purchase a Rugged Chromebook for Youngsters?
It’s all the time a sensible thought to decide on a Chromebook that’s designed to face up to bumps, bruises, and the occasional liquid spill. And it’s a requirement in case your youngster will probably be lugging his or her Chromebook to high school day-after-day. You won’t be capable of discover a Chromebook in your funds that passes true MIL-SPEC testing, however yow will discover different rugged choices. Search for waterproof keyboards, keys with anti-wear tops, and non-slip chassis textures or coatings.
Along with being sturdy, a kid-friendly Chromebook must also be fabricated from supplies which can be simple to scrub. Search for darker colours, and select a metallic end over a plastic one when you can. A couple of previous Chromebooks have even included progressive supplies like show lids that double as scrawl-on whiteboards, giving youngsters extra inventive leeway to customise their Chromebooks with out leaving everlasting injury.
The keyboard is, nicely, key in a Chromebook buy, identical to some other laptop computer. (Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
Since your child will principally use a Chromebook to hook up with the web wirelessly, the machine doesn’t require a variety of ports for peripherals or an Ethernet connection. An important connectivity consideration is the flavour of Wi-Fi included. Search for the 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) requirements, and keep away from the older 802.11n customary. Bluetooth can also be customary fare for connecting a wi-fi mouse or streaming audio to exterior audio system.
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) affords a wonderful port choice. (Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
Some cheap Chromebooks have proprietary charging cables, that are a problem to interchange in the event that they’re misplaced. A USB Sort-C charging cable/brick is healthier, particularly when you have different USB Sort-C units, since you’ll be able to normally swap chargers amongst them in case your child loses one. Chromebooks are likely to have fairly pedestrian charging wants, so most USB-C laptop computer chargers ought to do the job.
What CPU Ought to a Chromebook for Youngsters Have?
Easy software program wants solely easy {hardware} to run. It’s a key purpose why most Chromebooks are inexpensive than Macs and Home windows PCs—you don’t want tons of CPU cores or a robust graphics processor to put in writing essays and browse the online. Nor do you want capacious exhausting drives to deal with tons of video recordsdata while you’re utilizing Google Docs and streaming multimedia content material from the web.
In order for you them, yow will discover a tier of “status” Chromebooks with Intel Core i-series or Core Extremely processors and 256GB solid-state drives (SSDs), together with fashions from Acer, Asus, HP, and Samsung. However these machines, which hover within the $700-and-up vary, are overkill for many customers, particularly youngsters.
As a substitute, we advocate spending $500 or much less on most youngsters’ Chromebooks. That quantity ought to get you not less than 4GB of reminiscence (these days, 8GB with Chromebook Plus fashions) and not less than 64GB or 128GB of cupboard space. It would additionally get you a Chromebook with an Intel Core (no Extremely), an Intel N-series, a low-end AMD Ryzen, or an Arm processor. The one actual exception to this recommendation could be gaming Chromebooks, which have increased {hardware} necessities to satisfy the calls for of cloud gaming.
If you happen to’re used to purchasing Macs or Home windows laptops, you would possibly balk at these specs, however they are surely all of your child wants, and it is best to resist the urge to improve. A $300-to-$400 Home windows laptop computer with a Celeron or Pentium processor and 4GB of reminiscence is likely to be unpleasantly sluggish in on a regular basis use, however a Chromebook with those self same specs ought to present an satisfactory expertise for teenagers who’re typically doing only one factor at a time on the machine. Even demanding apps that use ARCore, Google’s platform for constructing AR experiences, work on units with as little as 4GB of reminiscence and a dual-core processor. A $400-to-$500 Chromebook Plus mannequin, in the meantime, gives you that a lot additional oomph and is absolutely the candy spot these buys for a lot of consumers on a funds.
Able to Purchase the Proper Chromebook for Your Child?
We’ve outlined our favourite kid-friendly Chromebooks we have examined on this information; click on by for deep-dive opinions of every. Interested by shopping for one for your self, too? Try our information to the finest Chromebooks total. If you happen to’d like to contemplate Home windows laptops, as nicely, try our full listing of finest laptops for teenagers (incorporating each ChromeOS and Home windows fashions), in addition to our high laptop computer picks for school college students.
Need much more selections? Different buying and recommendation sources to take a look at embody our roundup of funds laptops and our roundup of Android, Apple iOS, and Amazon Hearth OS tablets for teenagers.
