For a processor, it uses a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Celeron N4020 processor. In this test, all six workloads from the performance benchmarks are run, plus realistic periods of wait time and three additional scenarios: All tests were run using ChromeOS 89. Here's a short list of alternate Chromebooks I thought were great choices for students: What is the best Chromebook for students? In Chromebook's 10-year history,only 45 ChromeOS security exploitshave been documented. That's a lot for a Chromebook.
I have adored the usefulness of a stylus for precision tapping and to keep my screen clean while I'm eating powdery snacks. Chromebooks are designed to be used with Google's educational suite of applications.
The Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 is designed for students on-the-go. My pick for the best 2-in-1 Chromebook for students is the Asus Chromebook Flip C434. Instead, you're more than likely to find some pretty great deals on the model with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. Rory is a Deals Editor at Toms Guide based in the UK. She themes phones and pokes YouTube Music with a stick. Many IT professionals and programmers use a Chromebook because they're low maintenance but can still do everything they need. By Make sure your papers are done and you can follow along in class with the best student Chromebooks.
The screen's only 11.6-inches, but with its somewhat unusual 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, it does just fine. Normally, I stop bothering with touchscreens.
Just don't expect a great display, as the Acer Chromebook Spin 311's 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768 display tends to leave videos looking washed-out and dim. It's absolutely worth the extra cash. One of the good things about Chromebooks is that almost any Chromebook will work for you. Unfortunately, there's also no microSD card slot, so you'll need to figure out the storage level you'll need before buying since there's no expanding it. So while they're not suitable machines for heavy software users, they're extremely useful for researching, writing and presenting. Chromebooks are easy on the wallet as well a key feature for students. Neither ZDNet nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. The Chromebook Duet's keyboard is definitely a little on the tight side, but at this price, any keyboard is a surprise and a steal. This laptop lasted for more than 10 and a half hours of web browsing on a single charge. I found both the keyboard play and touchpad feel to be decent, but nothing to write home about. Sometimes, it's amazing how much you can get for $300 or less. But they'regreatfor students. Because Chromebooks are inexpensive to buy and support, they are a welcome option for frustrated, underfunded school districts.
To quote Han Solo, "she's got it where it counts, kid.". When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. A consumer may take for granted little things, like automatic updates and the ability to sign in to any device and have your profile available, which means more time to dedicate to studies instead of administration. There's also the option for a C214 with a built-in stylus, which is a great inclusion for those who have problems touching smaller touch targets accurately or those who like to doodle in tablet mode. With its matte-silver aluminum finish and chrome trim, it's also a very handsome machine. Thank you for signing up to Tom's Guide. The main point is that if you're short on cash, a cheap used or older model Chromebook will work just fine. So the Spin 713 has all of the juice that you would need, along with a great backlit keyboard. Its CrXPRT score of 63 isn't great, but it's more than good enough for primary school students. The keyboard, on the other hand, doesn't have a lot of travel. 11.6 inches is the standard size for Chromebooks education and regular because it's small enough to be easily portable while still being big enough to get your work done on. There was an option for 64GB of storage, too, but that configuration seems to have vanished, which is a bummer. This Chromebook comes in several configurations, but I checked out the lower-end model. The screen is a 3:2 aspect ratio, which means you'll see further down a webpage at one time, especially when split-screening your research paper and that Twitch stream I mean TED Talk! This creates a slight learning curve you'll adapt to over time.
Not only do you get Wi-Fi connectivity, you get LTE cellular data to stay connected to the internet without a wireless connection. Now it's way more affordable even for students, but still sports a great QLED display and longer battery life 7 hours 50 minutes vs the previous gen's 5 hours 55 minutes. But what about port selection? The best student Chromebook for those on a budget, the Samsung Chromebook 4 really impresses with its battery life. And while the Duet 3 is just fine, our favorite current Chrome OS tablet is the Duet 5. This is great for students, allowing them to get back to work after they spill water all over their Chromebook and have to be issued a new one. In our review, we found the Duet 5 was more than capable for most workloads. While most Chromebooks have a decent level of durability, there's no replacement for buying an Education model, so be sure your kid won't do anything like throw their laptop or stick crayons in the USB-C port. For example, you can get a decent Chromebook -- such as theFlagship HP Chromebook, 11.6 inch HD (1366 x 768) Displayfor around $200.
Here are some of our other trusted favorites to consider.
This came with a dual-core Intel Core m3-8100Y processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. Otherwise, get the least powerful machine they need.
If you know you'll need a Chromebook for school, get one as soon as possible. The C214 lasts about 10 hours on a single charge, meaning it should last the whole school day and some homework before you need to seek out a charger.
Chromebooks in particular are extremely popular with students whether they're returning to school or continuing to learn from home. All that protection comes at a price: The Dell 3100 weighs 2.85lbs. With these apps and services, students and teachers can work online or offline, seamlessly syncing with Google's servers.
This makes this Pixelbook hard to drop. Could you be one?
Its compact form makes it easy to slip into a backpack, and it weighs just over 3 pounds, making it lightweight enough to carry around all day. Microsoft Windows has had 441 noteworthy security failuresthis year alone so far. If you absolutely need all the power you can get in a Chromebook but don't have buckets of money to spend on a new laptop, turn your attention to the Acer Chromebook Spin 713. Making things even better, the Chromebook Duet features ChromeOS tablet optimizations that are long overdue to take advantage of all of its screen space.
Not only do you get that value, but the Chromebook Duet's tablet display is excellent in its own right, with a surprising amount of color output and a crisp 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution. Unlike Windows 10 PCs, where lately it seems like every upgrade is an adventure, Chromebooks just take their patches and, when you want them to, reboot in a few seconds and just keep on working. Sure, if they're doing serious work with Linux or constantly running multiple Software-as-a-Service apps then you should invest in a high-end Chromebook.
There are also USB-C ports on each side of the C214, along with one USB-A port and a microSD slot to help expand the 32GB of storage the C214 comes with. Not many families have Wi-Fi 6 routers and even fewer schools do but you should still get better Wi-Fi stability with it, and the same can be said of Bluetooth 5.0 for your headphones or Bluetooth mouse. The 13.3-inch screen produces great 1080p HD resolution for video classes, educational videos, and creating slideshows. You will receive a verification email shortly. Sure, you need the internet to get the most from a Chromebook. Tablet mode is great for using away from classroom desks or in the car, and tent mode turns the 3100 into a digital art easel.
Like the ASUS C214, the Dell 3100 is now three years old, but Dell hasn't announced its successor yet, so I'm not expecting to see another option released in the near future. The Lenovo Flex 5i is a laptop that proves Chromebooks can be powerful. They, and you, will be fine.
Andrew Myrick And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services were assessing. Chromebooks can run apps from Android, Linux, and Windows concurrently in the same session." Plus, for older students with an income or even teachers, there are premium options in the $500 to $700 range. Keep in mind that thanks to the pandemic and millions of students going to school from home, Chromebook prices are going up. This is the one Chromebook I looked at that I'd enjoy watching a movie on.
My grandson William, for example, at age five, took to his Chromebook like a duck to water. I also like that Chromebooks update frequently and transparently. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. All you get is a single USB Type-C port and headphone jack on the left and another USB-C port on the right -- that's it.
Despite its rather low-end hardware, it has a decent CrXPRT benchmark score of 75.
Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is the best value in Chromebooks today because it offers up just about all the features you'd want in a mid-size Chromebook without costing a whole semester's worth of allowance. Future-proof specs with Intel's 11th Gen Evo platform, Gorgeous 3:2 2K screen is perfect for productivity, Capable of running Steam and other Linux apps, Best Chromebook for students if you need something portable, USI Stylus is included and magnetically attaches, Absolutely stunning display for an 11-inch tablet, Power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner, List price is too expensive for what you get, You'll have to deal with the occasional lag when using a stylus, Detachable kickstand and keyboard included, Included keyboard is a bit flimsy when using on your lap, Not the perfect solution for heavy workloads, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, (Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central), Senior Editor - Chromebooks, tablets, and wearables, WhatsApp beta tests disappearing messages for existing chats, HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook review: Changing the perception, What to do when your PS4 controller keeps disconnecting, Genshin Impact character guide: All playable characters, Passive Talents, Elemental Burst attacks, and more. It offers decent performance, nearly 13 hours of battery life, and a tablet-style design but with an included keyboard for typing.
It's ideal for learning at home, while also offering some features that you can make use of when your work is complete. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on deals, gaming and streaming. NY 10036. They won't be getting any more common anytime soon, and their prices won't go down in a hurry either. If your pride and joy can use a web browser, they can use a Chromebook. Just like with the Chromebook Duet, Lenovo ships a detachable keyboard and kickstand case, but stops short of including a USI stylus in the box. Speaking as someone who busted a laptop or two due to falls, this is a good thing. To charge up your Pixelbook Go, you'll need to use one of those USB-C ports, so anytime you're charging, you're down to just one available port. That's not just a benchmark result -- back when I was still flying to Europe on business before the pandemic, I could work from Atlanta to Barcelona without a charge. Like with all laptops these days, there's a huge demand for Chromebooks.
This is perfect for emailing professors or turning in assignments when you're not at home or off-campus. You don't have to worry about viruses, either; the Chrome OS was designed with the Linux framework, making it very difficult for hackers and digital criminals to create harmful software that targets Chromebooks. Like most modern Chromebooks, the C214 uses a 45W Power Delivery Charger, meaning even if your kid loses or breaks the in-box charger, you can find a replacement charger easily and affordably. It also has two USB Type-A ports. Put it all together, and for the price tag of $239, it's hard to beat. The design here isn't groundbreaking, but the Indigo Blue color contrasts all the black and silver Chromebooks above. The model I tested came with 16GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD, and a 13.3 inch 1920x1080p touch display. The port configuration here is a match to the C214 two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a microSD slot, and a headphone jack but you'll need to be more gentle on this laptop if you want it to last you its full eight years of Chrome OS updates. The body of the black Pixelbook Go has a magnesium-alloy lid with an underside base featuring a ribbed easy-to-grip design. Our number one pick is the Google Pixelbook Go with its Corning Glass screen, easy grip case, and almost 12-hour battery life! Back in the 2000s? When hes not scouring retailers for PS5 restock or writing hot takes on the latest gaming hardware and streaming shows, he can be found attending music festivals and being thoroughly disappointed by his terrible football team. For $20, you can push the onboard storage up to 32GBs. Taking away the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook's 4K display was probably the best thing Samsung could have done to make this Chromebook a hit. The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is the best Chromebook for students because it provides an excellent experience in a compact, durable package. The 11.6-inch screen is easy to see in a wide array of angles even in the Florida sunshine and the zinc alloy hinge allows you to rotate the screen around 360 degrees into tent or tablet mode as needed. The best Chromebook for writing on the go, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. That's a single bad month for Windows! It'll cost $500 for a base model, and up to $700 for a top-of-the-line configuration.
The hinge makes it easy to convert the computer from a traditional laptop to a tablet, letting students work on everything from creative projects to class reports. The battery gives you up to 8 hours of use on a full charge, so if you have night classes or after-school study groups, you may want to pack your charging cable to top up. 'ZDNet Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
Chromebooks also work seamlessly with Google's educational software: Google Classroom, G Suite for Education, and even Google's consumer applications like Gmail or Google Keep. My computing needs are modest, but I'm not a "student." There was a problem. You can argue that thanks to ChromeOS's built-in security, even out-of-support Chromebooks are safer than a newer macOS or Windows laptop. Almost everything you do on a Chromebook, outside of using third-party apps, will happen in a Chrome window. But instead of opting for a traditional Chromebook design, we have yet another option in the Chrome OS tablet category. To power the display, it uses Intel UHD 615 graphics.
It's so good it won the award for best budget laptop in our Tom's Guide Awards 2021. That's due in part to its Intel Core i5-10210U CPU, which provides a ton of speed for Chrome OS (anything more would be overkill), and 8GB of RAM for managing all the Chrome tabs you can throw at it. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. That last bit is especially important because, unlike some of the best Chromebooks for students from the last few years, the Spin 311 (3H) only has one USB-C port and one USB-A port. I know which one I'd trust! A Chromebook's battery life is its biggest selling point, with many models sporting at least 10 hours of use on a full charge. 32GB of storage could get cramped when installing tons of Android apps, but for most elementary and middle-schoolers, it should be more than enough. But, for schoolwork, a Chromebook is often all they need. It's just a bit too flimsy to use on anything other than a desk, which should be fine for most, but is definitely something to keep in mind. Acer's had several generations of the CP311 over the last several years. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311's solid battery life and great keyboard help it stand out in a student Chromebook field overflowing with small, budget-friendly options. With its Li-ion 48W/H battery, this Asus model came in with an honest 10 hours of battery life. Besides being tested to MIL-STD standards, it can survive 5,000 free-fall drops, and 30 inch micro drops on steel.
Granted, that's an issue for all 13-inch laptops.
Right now it is just $199 at Amazon. It has 64GB of storage, giving you plenty of space for documents, photos, and files you need to complete coursework; but if you do run out of space, you can back up or save to Google Drive to free up room locally. The Chromebook 4 is also lighter and thinner than competing 11.6-inch Chromebooks, though we wish its display supported touch input. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
When picking a Chromebook for a student, you may be tempted to go with a non-touch model, but fight this urge! That's not much, but it is heavier than most low-end Chromebooks. Chromebooks usually have 16GB and up of Solid-State Drive (SSD) for onboard storage. The battery here should last you a whole school day and homework, and charging it back up shouldn't take too long with the in-box 45W PD charger. It's also going to sound great, plus its Core i3 configuration provides a ton of speed for Chrome OS. The streamlined Chrome OS makes it easy to navigate to popular apps like Google Docs, Google Drive, and email so students can stay on task and in touch with teachers and classmates. This Chromebook has an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, capable of handling what you need to throw it, 8GB of RAM so you can multitask all the live-long day, and a 256GB NVMe SSD. Some even sport a touch screen display or the ability to fold the screen back into a tablet-style mode. More recently, Google changed it to 6.5 years, and today's models come with eight years of support. The Chromebook 4s aluminum top makes it look like a much more expensive computer though it has a plastic base. Chromebooks are good for almost any job. That's better than it looks. The Samsung Chromebook 2 is a solid option for those looking to take the next step up yes, the 2 being better than the 4 is confusing. Plus it can handle any game streaming services like Stadia, GeForce Now, or Xbox Game Pass. It's good enough to win a recommendation for best budget laptop in our Tom's Guide Awards 2021.
Heres why you can trust us. Plus, at $399 (Celeron) or $549 (Core i3), the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a pretty good value. This benchmark consists of six scenario tests: The performance test gives you an overall score. With its low-wattage 1.3GHz Core i5-8200Y processor, it came in with a decent score of 83 on Principled Technologies' CrXPRT 2 Chromebook benchmark. You get a comfortable, evenly-backlit keyboard for late-night procrastinated projects and a pair of big, front-facing speakers on either side to keep the tunes going while you work. Touchscreen Chromebooks aren't actually much more expensive these days. Then, of course, there's the feature that you'll adore every single day whether you're working hard or hardly working: the 13.5-inch touchscreen, which gets to a bright 450 nits so you can use it outside more easily and features a 2K resolution, so videos and classroom handouts alike will look absolutely stunning. It's tough to tell if you're working with an app that stores its data in the cloud because the experience is so good, but you'll know it did when you pick up a completely different Chromebook, and everything is just as you left it. They're serviceable for most, but the x2 11 is better served as a couch device to sit back and enjoy some movies or to pick up your favorite book. Yeah, there's only 32GB of internal storage here and only 4GB of RAM, but 4GB of RAM is enough for schoolwork, research, and Twitch streams I mean homework!!
The Google Pixelbook Go is the best Chromebook for students, because of its adequate processor, sleek design, and great battery life. Even with 8GB of RAM, the SD7c and eMMC storage are definitely holding back this tablet from reaching its potential. Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Mediatek's processor is easier on the battery, so you should get a full school day and then some out of a single charge.
For students that have a limited budget, this Chromebook offers plenty for a relatively small price tag. HP even goes so far as to include a detachable case and keyboard cover in the box, but these really aren't much to write home about. The screens were set to 80% brightness. It's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 platform, a step above the aforementioned Chromebook x2 11.
Plus, its sharp 2256 x 1504-pixel screen provides bright and vibrant picture output. This beat the others easily. There's also the potential that you'll run into power limitations with the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. Another benefit of the Spin 713's powerful internals is that it's on the list of Steam Alpha-approved Chromebooks. Unfortunately, this is where things start to get a bit frustrating, as Qualcomm's chipset just can't keep up with multitasking on Chrome OS. This test tells you how fast a Chromebook handles things you do every day. But unlike Windows machines, where there are clear benefits to paying for the fastest possible processor and as much RAM as you can cram into the box, the same does not hold true with Chromebooks.
The only downside is that the Spin 713 only has a single USB-A port on the right side. It's something that we're still hoping to see from more Chromebook makers, but HP definitely nailed it here. While the extra USB-A port isn't necessary, spares are always appreciated when they can fit basically the same size chassis. This laptop is physically less than an inch bigger than the ASUS C214, but it has a much larger 13.3-inch 1080p touchscreen, a backlit keyboard, and nice loudspeakers. Unless you're really squeezing your pennies, go for it. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Availability for the Flex 5i also continues to fluctuate at such a pace that it's next to impossible to find the 8GB version. This isn't as rugged or rough-and-tumble as the ASUS C214 or Dell 3100, but that also means you don't have to pay for all that extra kid-proofing and durability testing. The Pixelbook Go model I looked at isn't cheap at $999, but if you need a great Chromebook that can last through an all-night study binge, this is the one for you.