Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 21, 2025: With this update, we added the Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 as the Best Chromebook for Tight Budgets, and removed the discontinued Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 as the Best Kid Chromebook for Pen Note-Taking. Our remaining product picks are unchanged and have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated 32 new laptops for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other laptop roundups. We’re currently testing more than a dozen laptops in PC Labs, including models from Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
- New AI features supercharge ChromeOS
- 12 months free Google One with Gemini Advanced
- Versatile, durable 2-in-1 design
- Intel Core Ultra processing and on-device AI
- Excellent battery life
- Clear, colorful touch screen
- Pen not included
- ChromeOS still has quirks
With a 5-star rating and our 2024 Best of the Year award for Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a perfect example of a top-end Chromebook and a superb Chromebook for kids of all ages. With category-leading performance, a durable 2-in-1 design, and a sharp 14-inch touch screen, it’s a perfect example of why spending a little more for a better machine is a good idea.
Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU, it’s muscular enough to tackle demanding tasks, whether it’s school projects or online learning. As part of the Chromebook Plus line, that boosted power is also applied to AI-enhanced features, putting the Spin 714 ahead of many budget Windows machines in terms of pure utility. The sturdy aluminum chassis not only adds style but is also designed to survive drops, spills, or bumps that may occur during a busy school day. With a full HD webcam and excellent connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, USB, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6E, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a winner for any child. (Not to mention, plenty of adults, too.)
Connected adolescent students: This is the leading Chromebook choice for older students in middle school or high school. The Spin 714’s Intel Core Ultra processor and on-device AI functions make it a proper fit for students who want the latest, most powerful features. Plus, the laptop’s nearly 15-hour battery life ensures it can last through a full school day and beyond.
Kids who can handle a premium 2-in-1 device: This Chromebook is the ideal option for families with kids who can handle a high-end product without significant risk of damage. Acer’s durable 2-in-1 design enables this Chromebook to function effectively as both a traditional laptop and a tablet, providing flexibility for various learning styles and environments.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.21 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:46
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review
- Ultra-affordable
- Excellent battery life
- Chromebook Plus features enhanced with AI
- Sturdy design with plenty of ports
- Capable touch display
- Small storage capacity in most models
- Underwhelming performance
- Keyboard isn’t backlit
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 stands out not just as a top value but as a sturdy and versatile laptop that can withstand the rigors of the classroom. It’s rated with MIL-STD 810H durability, and as a Chromebook Plus laptop, it includes some useful AI-enhanced features. Our Core i3 loadout won’t set speed records, but other configurations are available, and the core laptop here features a touch screen, long battery life, durability, and plenty of ports—all essential for kids.
Elementary school students: This is the Chromebook to buy for young kids in elementary school. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514’s sturdy frame is essential for the handling habits of younger children, as it should withstand more accidental damage for longer than other Chromebooks that lack MIL-STD 810H-rated ruggedness. It’s also potent enough to keep up with all of your kids’ schoolwork.
A kid’s first laptop: This Chromebook is one of the best laptops for your kids’ first device. Acer’s capable touch display provides a child-friendly interface for practicing writing, drawing, and playing games, rather than relying solely on a keyboard and touchpad. The Chromebook’s rugged frame is also a no-brainer for accident-prone young children who need to learn how to use a computer.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i3-N305
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.81 by 12.87 by 8.86 inches
Weight
3.15 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:18
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 Review
- Impressive CPU performance
- Pleasant keyboard and touchpad
- Lots of connectivity
- Attractive, friendly design
- A bit of flex to the chassis
- Basic 1080p display easily outclassed for not much more
- Enough battery for a workday—no more
If you’re shopping for an older kid, we can think of few reasons not to opt for our favorite all-around Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025). An updated Intel Core i5 processor makes it a punchy match for older kids who need to get work done. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, the touchpad is a delight, and the connectivity is exceptional, thanks to Wi-Fi 7 and numerous ports—all without raising the price. Coming complete with a 1080p touch screen, this Chromebook is ready for schoolwork or relaxing after homework. With more than 10 hours of battery life, it will easily carry a student through a full day of classes, making this our recommendation as the best Chromebook for older kids.
High school and older middle school students: The CX34’s impressive CPU performance and comfortable inputs are ideal for the higher workload, research, and typing demands of late middle school into high school. It’s also well-connected for the increasing demands of the classroom and remote learning.
Value-conscious families: The CX34 is an excellent choice for parents seeking a laptop for their child that prioritizes reliable speed and an intuitive typing experience without significantly sacrificing on features to achieve its modest price.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.17 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:51
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review
- Attractive pricing, especially when on sale
- Decent productivity performance
- Satisfactory battery life
- Well-chosen port selection
- Flexible plastic chassis
- Disappointing keyboard and touchpad
- Mediocre-at-best display
If price is your primary concern, we recommend the Asus Chromebook Plus CX14. This Chromebook starts at less than $500, and often goes on sale for less than $300, making it one of the most affordable options on this list. But for that low price, you’ll get decent productivity performance thanks to its modern internal components and the low demands of the breezy ChromeOS, complete with a thoughtful port selection and satisfactory battery life. Just don’t expect tip-top build quality, and watch for deals, where the value of this Chromebook really shines.
Education-system fleet buyers: This is an ideal Chromebook for deploying to the large number of young students in elementary school classrooms. The CX14 offers a combination of low price and adequate performance, making it an easy experience for the light computing that most students need, with minimal investment from cash-strapped school systems.
Bargain-hunting families: This is the best Chromebook available at such a low price for families on tight budgets. This already approachable Chromebook’s value soars when it goes on sale, making it an excellent budget option if you can bide your time for it to drop below $300, which it often does.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core 3 N355
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.06 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:20
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 Review
- Sturdy 2-in-1 design mixes durability, flexibility
- Above-average ChromeOS performance
- Crisp display with touch and pen support
- Backlit keyboard
- Decent variety of ports
- Budget-feeling plastic construction
- Merely average battery life
- Stylus pen not included
If you want a genuinely affordable 2-in-1 Chrome convertible for your kids, it’s hard to find a better deal than the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus. This budget favorite is compact and lightweight, with a 14-inch screen, a slim 2-in-1 design, and above-average performance for the internet-focused ChromeOS ecosystem. Longer battery life would be welcome, but it’ll still last long enough to get your child through a school day, making it ideal for kids and teens who want something portable that’s effective for web browsing and basic apps.
Kids already used to tablets: This Chromebook works great for kids who are already familiar with tablets like Apple iPads or Amazon Fires. The Flex 5i is an ideal choice for children who need a traditional laptop for typing homework but also want a tablet-like device for gaming, watching videos, and doodling.
Kids and students who prefer stylus pens: This is an excellent Chromebook for children who enjoy or prefer using a stylus for drawing or taking notes. While parents will have to purchase that stylus separately, Lenovo’s display supports both touch and pen input to great effect.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget
Processor
Intel Core i3-1315U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.72 by 12.4 by 9 inches
Weight
3.52 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:43
Learn More
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus Review
- Among the least expensive convertible laptops on the market
- Sharp touch screen
- Tablet portion has a high-quality build for its price
- Headphone jack is back
- Test model includes stylus pen
- All models include bundled keyboard
- Middling performance and battery life
- Keyboard has squishy keys, is designed for smaller hands
If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 bargain, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is the one to buy. From the compact design and included accessories to the affordable $359 price, this Chromebook tablet is a fine fit for kids and adults alike. Its versatile design, touch-screen support for Android apps and games, and a comfortable (if slightly cramped) typing experience round out the package. The sturdy metal chassis should withstand rough handling, and the included pen lets users write and draw in addition to tap and type. It’s our favorite detachable Chromebook for kids, even if parents might want to use it too.
Budget-conscious families and students: This is the best Chromebook tablet for budget-strapped families and young learners. The Duet’s low price will appeal to buyers who need a functional, versatile computer and tablet in one, while strictly adhering to a tight budget—even the stylus and keyboard cover are included. The compact size, tablet mode, and simple access to essential apps are perfectly suited for elementary and middle school students.
An affordable iPad alternative: This Chromebook is a great fit for families with kids who want an iPad-like experience with a keyboard but cannot afford an Apple tablet. Roughly the size of a basic iPad, the Duet’s detachable design is ideal for kids who want a lightweight tablet for watching videos or playing games. Unlike the iPad, the Duet comes with that keyboard cover and stylus in the box, making it not only more affordable but also a more complete product.
Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 838
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
ARM Mali-G57 MC3
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches
Weight
1.12 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review
- Boosted productivity and gaming performance
- High-res IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate
- Four-zone RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting
- Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet
- Below-average battery life
- Non-touch display limits Android app use
Acer’s second-generation, gaming-focused Chromebook, the 2025 Chromebook Plus 516 GE, is ideal for young gamers who want to play AAA PC games but whose parents are on a Chromebook budget. It’s brimming with gamer-friendly features, including a new processor for enhanced performance, a sharp IPS screen with a 120Hz peak refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet for seamless streaming, and an RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting technology for faster input. It’s also a high-quality overall Chromebook, with excellent productivity performance and AI-enhanced features under the Chromebook Plus brand. Plus, at just $649, it’s close to the most affordable gaming laptop you’ll find, so long as you’re OK without a dedicated GPU and are willing to stream games over the cloud.
A kid’s first gaming laptop: This is the leading Chromebook for parents looking to gift their kids their first gaming laptop. Instead of rendering games the old-fashioned way (on a pricey GPU inside the laptop), the 516 GE is optimized for online streaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now, delivering gameplay that should feel the same to a budding PC gamer as what you’d experience from traditional, pricier gaming laptops.
Discerning bargain shoppers: This Chromebook is the one to beat for families seeking a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t sacrifice speed or quality. The 516 GE appeals to parents who want an exceptional, fast Chromebook for both their kids’ schoolwork and entertainment while paying as little as possible.
Class
Chromebook, Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i5-120U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Yes
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.84 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches
Weight
3.75 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:16
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025) Review
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The Best Chromebooks for Kids in 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Chromebooks for Kids in 2025
Even if your child’s school doesn’t deploy Chromebooks, the recent demand for remote learning and virtual get-togethers may well be tempting you to buy one (or one per child). In addition to web surfing with the Chrome browser and keeping in touch with Gmail, Chromebooks are capable productivity platforms for use with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides (or the online or Android versions of Microsoft Office) and ready for relaxation with YouTube, Netflix, or online or Android games.
Here’s what to look for before you buy your child’s (OK, we won’t tell if it’s your) next Chromebook.
What Is a Chromebook?
You and your kids might have never used a Chromebook before, but you’re almost certainly familiar with how one works. That’s because the Chrome operating system (ChromeOS) is based on the same Chrome web browser that your kids might already use when you let them borrow your existing Windows laptop, smartphone, or tablet. If all your child needs is a portal to the internet, you don’t need to install anything—just launch a browser window.
This is one of the best Chromebooks around for kids for its durability. (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
You can install apps on Chromebooks if you want to, however. The process is much like installing apps on your smartphone, involving little more than a visit to the Google Play Store or the Chrome Web Store. Also, apps designed for Android phones will work on late-model Chromebooks. You will also find a considerable library of kid-friendly apps designed for Chromebooks, and not just games: tools for note-taking, podcasting, book publishing, drawing, screencasting, and other 21st-century schoolwork.
The simplicity of ChromeOS means that it allows fewer openings for bugs and security risks. You’ll find no drivers to update and no sluggish antivirus software suites to buy and maintain. Kids won’t keep up with these tedious computing chores, and you probably don’t want to, either. Assuming it’s got an internet connection, a Chromebook will keep itself secure and updated.
Chromebooks for kids can be tablets, too. (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The disadvantages of this simplicity? They include less flexibility and the occasional frustrating compatibility issue. Now and then, Chromebooks can trip you up with minor hurdles, like incompatibilities with in-flight streaming entertainment systems that use digital rights management (DRM) software, whereas these systems work just fine with iOS or Android devices. Larger issues include missing capabilities that have been a staple of modern computing for years. ChromeOS, for example, provides nothing in the way of out-of-the-box video editing, unlike the simple but powerful tools built into Windows and macOS.
Most kids won’t care about these particular issues, of course. In short, the advantages and drawbacks of ChromeOS mean that a Chromebook is as well-suited to child-friendly computing as it is ill-suited to the needs of power users.
What Chromebook Features Do Your Kids Need?
As a result, your main consideration when buying a Chromebook for a child is not how powerful the machine is but what kind of physical features it has. Somewhat ironically, the younger your child is, the more features he or she might need. That’s because younger students are typically the target audience for augmented reality (AR) or drawing apps that require multiple cameras, touch screens, and digital pens. Older students who are primarily taking notes and writing term papers may not need these features as often.
Some of the most innovative Chromebook designs we’ve seen recently are actually tablets, not laptops. They’ve been slow to catch on among mainstream buyers, but they have high potential as a classroom learning tool. They’re much smaller and lighter than laptops, so they’re easier for younger kids to hold. They also typically have front-facing cameras, which are required for some AR apps and excellent for capturing a picture of the blackboard before the teacher erases it.
Chromebooks have come a long way in terms of style. (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
A few inexpensive Chromebook detachable tablets exist, but more common in the 2-in-1 Chromebook vein are convertible Chromebooks with 360-degree hinges. These are decent alternatives to the classic clamshell laptop design since they include a physical keyboard but can still be used as tablets if needed.
A Chromebook tablet or 2-in-1 convertible will have a touch-enabled screen by necessity since the keyboard won’t always be at hand. But most conventional laptop Chromebooks have non-touch displays, at least in their default configurations. Now that Google has deeply improved the touch capabilities of ChromeOS versus its early versions, touch screens are at least worth considering.
Another consideration for your kid’s Chromebook display is its resolution. As with any laptop screen, avoid displays with resolutions below full HD (typically 1,920 by 1,080 pixels or 1080p). You’ll find inexpensive full-HD Chromebooks out there, so bypass models with lower-resolution displays. “Lower resolution” usually manifests itself as a screen with a resolution of 1,366 by 768 pixels. Thankfully, these have been disappearing with the rise of Google’s Chromebook Plus program, which mandates at least a 1080p screen.
Your kids’ eyes will thank you for going with full HD, especially if the Chromebook has a screen 13 inches or larger. A 1,366-by-768-pixel resolution is only acceptable nowadays in an extremely budget Chromebook with a screen in the 10-to-12-inch range. And even there, think twice.
All Chromebook Plus models come with at least a 1080p display—sometimes better. (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
And, while your schoolkids may not need it, gaming on a Chromebook is a possibility they’ll want, though one most schools disable, for obvious reasons. Whether it’s an educational game, like Minecraft, or a popular Android game, you can do some basic gaming on most Chromebooks. A new breed of gaming Chromebooks has arrived that is built specifically for use with game-streaming services, like Nvidia GeForce Now and Valve’s Steam. We’ve reviewed a few, and we recommend checking out our guide to the best Chromebooks for gaming, since the hardware requirements are a bit more stringent than what your child will need for schoolwork.
Should You Buy a Rugged Chromebook for Kids?
It’s always a smart idea to choose a Chromebook that’s designed to withstand bumps, bruises, and the occasional liquid spill. And it’s a requirement if your child will be lugging his or her Chromebook to school every day. You might not be able to find a Chromebook in your budget that passes true MIL-SPEC testing, but you can find other rugged options. Look for water-resistant keyboards, keys with anti-wear tops, and non-slip chassis textures or coatings.
In addition to being sturdy, a kid-friendly Chromebook should also be made of materials that are easy to clean. Look for darker colors, and choose a metal finish over a plastic one if you can. A few past Chromebooks have even included innovative materials like display lids that double as scrawl-on whiteboards, giving kids additional creative leeway to customize their Chromebooks without leaving permanent damage.
The keyboard is, well, key in a Chromebook purchase, just like any other laptop. (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Since your kid will mostly use a Chromebook to connect to the internet wirelessly, the machine doesn’t require a lot of ports for peripherals or an Ethernet connection. The most important connectivity consideration is the flavor of Wi-Fi included. Look for the 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standards, and avoid the older 802.11n standard. Bluetooth is also standard fare for connecting a wireless mouse or streaming audio to external speakers.
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) offers an excellent port selection. (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Some inexpensive Chromebooks have proprietary charging cables, which are a hassle to replace if they’re lost. A USB Type-C charging cable/brick is better, especially if you have other USB Type-C devices, since you can usually swap chargers among them in case your kid loses one. Chromebooks tend to have pretty pedestrian charging needs, so most USB-C laptop chargers should do the job.
What CPU Should a Chromebook for Kids Have?
Simple software needs only simple hardware to run. It’s a key reason why most Chromebooks are less expensive than Macs and Windows PCs—you don’t need tons of CPU cores or a powerful graphics processor to write essays and browse the web. Nor do you need capacious hard drives to house tons of video files when you’re using Google Docs and streaming multimedia content from the internet.
If you want them, you can find a tier of “prestige” Chromebooks with Intel Core i-series or Core Ultra processors and 256GB solid-state drives (SSDs), including models from Acer, Asus, HP, and Samsung. But these machines, which hover in the $700-and-up range, are overkill for most users, especially children.
Instead, we recommend spending $500 or less on most kids’ Chromebooks. That amount should get you at least 4GB of memory (nowadays, 8GB with Chromebook Plus models) and at least 64GB or 128GB of storage space. It will also get you a Chromebook with an Intel Core (no Ultra), an Intel N-series, a low-end AMD Ryzen, or an Arm processor. The only real exception to this advice would be gaming Chromebooks, which have higher hardware requirements to meet the demands of cloud gaming.
If you’re used to buying Macs or Windows laptops, you might balk at those specs, but they really are all your kid needs, and you should resist the urge to upgrade. A $300-to-$400 Windows laptop with a Celeron or Pentium processor and 4GB of memory might be unpleasantly sluggish in everyday use, but a Chromebook with those same specs should provide an adequate experience for kids who are generally doing just one thing at a time on the machine. Even demanding apps that use ARCore, Google’s platform for building AR experiences, work on devices with as little as 4GB of memory and a dual-core processor. A $400-to-$500 Chromebook Plus model, meanwhile, will give you that much extra oomph and is really the sweet spot these buys for many buyers on a budget.
Ready to Buy the Right Chromebook for Your Kid?
We’ve outlined our favorite kid-friendly Chromebooks we’ve tested in this guide; click through for deep-dive reviews of each. Thinking about buying one for yourself, too? Check out our guide to the best Chromebooks overall. If you’d like to consider Windows laptops, as well, check out our complete list of best laptops for kids (incorporating both ChromeOS and Windows models), as well as our top laptop picks for college students.
Want even more choices? Other shopping and advice resources to check out include our roundup of budget laptops and our roundup of Android, Apple iOS, and Amazon Fire OS tablets for kids.
