If that five-year-old laptop computer that retains freezing throughout class is killing your back-to-school temper, it is time for an improve. College students have many choices for laptops which can be nice for finding out, however light-weight and speedy Chromebooks are among the greatest. They usually value far lower than Home windows PCs or Apple MacBooks, and are streamlined with ChromeOS, a light-weight working system.
ChromeOS makes it simple to navigate to well-liked apps like Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail so you’ll be able to keep on process and in contact with lecturers and classmates. They’re additionally excellent for submitting work on-line.
What’s the greatest Chromebook for college students proper now?
ZDNET workers have in depth hands-on expertise with PC {hardware}, together with our high laptop computer decisions and quite a lot of Chromebooks. Whereas deciding on the most effective Chromebooks for college students, I took under consideration this expertise in addition to buyer suggestions and pricing.
My favourite Chromebook for college students is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE. This mid-range Chromebook has sufficient energy and assets for research, plus a stable show appropriate for leisure functions. Anticipate to pay $600 with a promotional coupon accessible on the time of writing.
Additionally: One of the best laptops beneath $1,000
Learn how every mannequin from manufacturers like Lenovo and HP stack as much as decide which Chromebook is greatest on your faculty and research wants.
One of the best Chromebooks for college students in 2025
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My high choose for a Chromebook appropriate for a pupil is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE.
Why we prefer it: Current Chromebook Plus fashions are geared up with extra strong processors, sleeker builds, and large leaps ahead in battery life. The 516 GE isn’t any exception. Acer’s newest top-tier Chromebook Plus is supplied with all of the instruments wanted for finding out and resource-intensive purposes.
Evaluate: Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
I reviewed Acer’s 516 GE Chromebook Plus, and praised its 120Hz show, noting that cloud gaming felt surprisingly easy — one thing that gamer college students will love throughout downtime. With minimal native storage, you do not have to fret about putting in large recreation information on the laptop computer. Faculty-related duties keep entrance and heart.
Who it is for: Chromebook customers who need additional energy. Many Chromebooks include 4GB of RAM, for instance, whereas the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE gives 8GB. The gadget additionally sports activities fairly robust graphics.
It isn’t simply gaming that this laptop computer excels at. The slick show works effectively for any sort of media, and its nice battery life signifies that this machine might be advantageous for lengthy days on campus.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If $600 is greater than you are keen to pay for a Chromebook, try certainly one of my extra reasonably priced choices as a substitute.
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE specs: Show dimension: 16 inches | Refresh fee: 120Hz | Decision: 2560 x 1600 | Touchscreen: No | RAM: 8GB | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | CPU: Intel Core 5 Sequence 1 | Storage: 256GB SSD | Battery life: 10+ hours
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When you’re shifting round an enormous campus, then an ultraportable, light-weight Chromebook might serve you greatest just like the Lenovo Flex 3i.
Why we prefer it: The laptop computer weighs about 2.75 kilos, has a large 12.2-inch show that helps touchscreen enter. It may also be folded right into a tented show or pill. Lenovo can be geared up the brand new Flex 3i with an Intel Processor N100. When paired with the 4GB of RAM, this ought to be greater than able to powering most pupil duties.
Evaluate: Lenovo Flex 3i Chromebook
ZDNET examined the Lenovo Flex 3i and located it environment friendly sufficient to stream hours of content material, write and edit paperwork, in addition to have a number of tabs open without delay.
The cherry on high is the dearth of noise usually present in fan-powered laptops. That makes this a distraction-free Chromebook, particularly should you’re churning out last-second papers within the library.
Who it is for: A lot of the Chromebooks on this shopping for record make the lower so far as portability is anxious, however the Lenovo Flex 3i arguably provides you probably the most performance for its dimension.
It is also fairly priced at $358.
Who ought to look elsewhere: When you want extra energy than the Intel processor and reasonably low RAM can present, try my different high picks.
Lenovo Flex 3i specs: Show dimension: 12.2 inches | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 1920 x 1200 | Touchscreen: Sure | RAM: 4GB | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | CPU: Intel Processor N100 | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Battery life: 12 hours
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One in every of my favourite hybrid choices is the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus as a result of it may be utilized in quite a lot of positions.
Why we prefer it: Lenovo’s versatile Chromebook Plus has all of the hallmarks of a stable pupil laptop computer, with options that creatives may even respect.
First, you could have the 14-inch touchscreen show that may be flipped a full 180 levels, turning the Chromebook right into a pill or different types. Photos look nice on the display screen as it may output a decision of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels.
Google Assistant is inbuilt, and you’ll simply use this gadget for video streaming and conferences.
Evaluate: Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Who it is for: For college students who desire a Chromebook able to additionally performing as a pill, this works effectively as a light-weight, cost-effective laptop computer with a good set of {hardware} that is versatile sufficient for use in quite a lot of purposes.
Who ought to look elsewhere: This Chromebook usually prices $500, and so the worth level — though truthful for my part, contemplating its versatility — could be a deciding issue for some to analysis various Chromebooks.
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus specs: Show dimension: 14 inches | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) | Touchscreen: Sure | RAM: 8GB | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | CPU: Intel thirteenth Era Core i3 | Storage: 256GB SSD | Battery life: 10 hours
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The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook stands aside as a mannequin that is constructed otherwise than nearly all of Google-powered laptops I’ve encountered, and I imply that in a great way.
Why we prefer it: As a substitute of specializing in compromises, HP gives among the best, premium-tier Chromebooks accessible in the marketplace. It additionally reveals with the Elite Dragonfly Professional’s skilled and versatile design, B&O audio system, enterprise-grade safety, and stable show.
The Chromebook’s B&O audio system are notable in the identical means as its full-sized keyboard, vary of ports, and fingerprint sensor.
Who it is for: Any pupil keen to spend extra on a premium Chromebook that may final them for years to return. The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook prices $1,379. This is not the most affordable laptop computer on this record, however it nonetheless undercuts many options like Apple’s MacBooks with model.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The value level is considerably eye-watering. When you want one thing extra reasonably priced, there are many different suggestions you’ll be able to try.
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook specs: Show dimension: 13.5 inches | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 2256 x 1504 | Touchscreen: Sure | RAM: 8GB | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | CPU: Intel Core i3 (as much as 4.4 GHz) | Storage: 256GB SSD | Battery life: Reported 6 – 8 hours
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On the lookout for an reasonably priced Chromebook? The Acer Chromebook 311 ought to be in your radar.
Why we prefer it: As a laptop computer that may work within the interim or one that may final a highschool pupil, the $129 Acer Chromebook 311 is a supremely reasonably priced selection.
It isn’t probably the most highly effective Chromebook accessible by an extended margin. To maintain prices down, this Chromebook does not have fancy options like a touchscreen or a backlit keyboard. It does present customers with an 11.6-inch show, 64GB of eMMC storage, and as much as eight hours of battery life in case you are not working resource-intensive apps.
Who it is for: College students who want an entry-level, reasonably priced Chromebook for primary academic duties and day by day on-line browsing.
When you allow some parental controls, this Chromebook might additionally go well with youthful learners.
Who ought to look elsewhere: College students who want extra energy or a bigger display screen. This mannequin won’t be able to deal with many artistic apps or something that requires a excessive degree of computing energy, and so you may must spend a bit extra if that is why you want a Chromebook.
Acer Chromebook 311 Chromebook specs: Show dimension: 11.6 inches | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 1366 x 768 | Touchscreen: No | RAM: 4GB | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | CPU: Intel Celeron N4500 | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Battery life: As much as 8 hours
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What are the tariffs within the U.S.?
The latest U.S. tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India goal to spice up home manufacturing however are prone to drive up costs on client electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs might develop into costlier as firms rethink international provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Merchandise You May Have to Purchase
Laptops and PCs are additionally hit laborious by the brand new U.S. tariffs, with import duties doubtlessly rising costs by as much as 35%. Many main manufacturers nonetheless depend on Chinese language and Vietnamese factories for meeting, which means customers might quickly pay considerably extra for every little thing from funds Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs might speed up efforts to maneuver manufacturing to areas like Mexico or India, however buyers can anticipate increased prices and fewer reductions within the quick time period.
Proper now, it seems to be like some tech could also be exempt from the issued tariffs, however because it’s at all times altering and growing, we’re keeping track of it and can replace you on the most recent.
Additionally: Tariff exemptions for electronics supply a break for tech – however not for lengthy
|
Chromebook |
Beginning Value |
Storage |
Show |
Digicam |
Battery life |
|
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE |
$600 |
256GB |
16-inch |
1080p |
10 hours |
|
Lenovo Flex 3i |
$358 |
64GB |
12.2-inch touchscreen |
720p |
12 hours |
|
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus |
$380 |
256GB |
14-inch touchscreen |
1080p |
10 hours |
|
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook |
$1,379 |
256GB |
13.5-inch touchscreen |
5MP |
6 – 8 hours |
|
Acer Chromebook 311 |
$129 |
64GB |
11.6-inch |
720p |
8 hours |
|
Select this Chromebook… |
If you would like.. |
|
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE |
A Chromebook that is best for classwork and resource-intensive purposes, making it my high choose total. It is filled with {hardware} and a large show that works effectively with the standard duties of college whereas additionally catering to leisure. |
|
Lenovo Flex 3i |
A Chromebook that delivers probably the most options for the cash. It additionally helps contact inputs, and the 2-in-1 type issue permits you to streamline your workflow by eliminating the necessity for a separate pill. |
|
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus |
A Chromebook with a versatile type issue that comes with a stable set of {hardware} designed for creatives. It’s highly effective sufficient to deal with some extra resource-intensive apps. |
|
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook |
One of the best premium choice for college students. The HP Elite Dragonfly capitalizes on the ChromeOS platform by pairing the clear software program with premium {hardware}, together with a strong processor and a crystal-clear touchscreen. |
|
Acer Chromebook 311 |
A budget-friendly Chromebook. Out there for less than $129, this selection will be sure that college students can research on-line and not using a downside, though it will not be appropriate for greater than primary duties. |
ZDNET completely researches and stays updated with the Chromebook market. We slim down our searches for the most effective Chromebooks for college students by inspecting buyer suggestions, technical specs, and value modifications.
Together with deciding on primarily based on hands-on, professional testing, ZDNET additionally chosen these Chromebooks for college students primarily based on CrXRPT 2.0 benchmarks. This take a look at tells you how briskly a Chromebook handles belongings you do daily, together with enjoying video video games, watching motion pictures, and enhancing photographs and supplies an total rating. The upper the rating, the higher.
This benchmark consists of six state of affairs checks: photograph results, face detection, offline notes, inventory portfolio dashboard, DNA sequence evaluation, 3D shapes with WebGL and three extra video, music, and recreation participant checks.
- Photograph Results: Applies three results — Sharpen, Emboss, and Glow — to 2 photographs every, a set of six photographs whole.
- Face Detection: Checks for human faces in a set of 5 photographs in low decision.
- Offline Notes: Measures the time to encrypt, retailer, and show notes from native storage.
- Inventory Portfolio Dashboard: Calculates and shows completely different graphical views of a inventory portfolio.
- DNA Sequence Evaluation: Measures the time it takes to course of eight DNA sequences for open studying frames and amino acids.
- 3D Shapes with WebGL: Generates equation-based 3D shapes and shows them with WebGL.
- Video Participant: Performs a two-minute 1080p H.264 video clip in a browser from the native system.
- Music Participant: Performs an audio clip for 3 minutes.
- HTML5-based recreation: Runs an influence.js-based recreation for about two minutes.
All checks had been run utilizing ChromeOS 89. Wi-Fi was on, however Bluetooth was disabled through the benchmarking. The screens had been set to 80% brightness.
We use a mixture of strategies to check laptops right here at ZDNET. First, we purchase knowledge from benchmarking software program to research a system’s metrics beneath the hood and examine these to marketed numbers. Then, we spend a few week or two with the laptop computer utilizing it the identical means a standard client would. This lets us analyze its portability, type issue, and the way effectively the battery really holds up, amongst others. For an intensive breakdown, try our complete laptop computer testing methodology.
- Benchmarking: First, we run a sequence of checks to place the pc’s {hardware} by the wringer so as to see what it is able to. Cinebench is without doubt one of the most commonly-used {hardware} testing suites, which checks the laptop computer’s rendering efficiency on single and a number of CPU cores. PCMark 10 is one other highly effective program that covers all kinds of duties carried out within the office, and there are numerous others that we use in tandem to collect as a lot knowledge as we will. Some parts we run checks on embody:
- Processor: The “mind” of the laptop computer, and probably the most vital components that determines efficiency. The 4 greatest producers that make a lot of the CPUs present in laptops right this moment are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple — in their very own machines solely. That is examined in benchmarking software program.
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The show: The dimensions of the show is measured diagonally from nook to nook. That is additionally what dictates the laptop computer’s total dimension and play a giant position within the laptop computer’s value. Brightness is measured in “nits”, and shade spectrums are examined in benchmarking software program.
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The graphics processor (GPU): Whether or not it is built-in into the CPU or a devoted graphics card, how effectively the machine handles graphics is a key issue in the case of demanding visible duties like video enhancing, rendering, and naturally, gaming. We take a look at the GPU with a mixture of benchmarking software program, gaming, and media playback.
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Bodily type issue: Lastly, the laptop computer’s total look and bodily type issue encompasses its weight, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad really feel, and whether or not or not it has a show that may be folded again to type a pill. We stock the laptop computer round for a minimum of per week and word how effectively it commutes.
- Battery testing: We take a look at a unit’s battery in a number of methods. A handful of benchmarking packages have their very own battery testing parts, however we additionally will simply let the laptop computer run for so long as it may beneath a medium load. We guarantee screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the show’s brightness and audio at 50%, load up a livestream on YouTube in Chrome, and wait ’til the tip.
- The human aspect: As we talked about earlier, metrics and system knowledge is vital, however numbers alone do not provide the full image. That is the place we weave in our private expertise with the gadget and faucet into the sensible use circumstances that buyers really care about.
In the end, our objective is to interrupt down the capabilities of each laptop computer we take a look at into digestible phrases that actual folks can discover helpful. There may be a number of noise and confusion in the case of navigating the laptop computer and pc client market, so we hope to deliver an intuitive aspect to the entire course of by leveraging our staff’s many years of expertise.
Chromebooks are good for nearly any job, however they’re nice for college students. If a pupil can use an online browser, they’ll use a Chromebook. They’re simple to navigate and should not have the complexity or the identical studying curves as a Home windows, Mac, or Linux-based machine might have.
For lecturers and college directors, Google additionally supplies G Suite for Schooling and Google Classroom to assist them make distant studying as simple as doable.
A Chromebook could be a nice laptop computer selection for college students of all ages. They’re extra primary than their Home windows counterparts, which suggests even very younger youngsters will be capable of use them. In addition they have much less highly effective processors and graphics capabilities, decreasing the temptation to play video games all evening reasonably than end up homework.
A Chromebook’s battery life is its greatest promoting level, with many fashions sporting a minimum of 10 hours of use on a full cost. This implies your children will not should hold observe of charging cables so as to use their Chromebook all through the college day.
Chromebooks are wonderful for informal, day by day use and duties corresponding to utilizing e-mail, browsing the net, and finishing homework assignments. Nevertheless, they have an inclination to lack the processing energy and storage of many Home windows and Mac laptops, and they don’t seem to be appropriate for duties that require a number of computing energy.
When you want a PC able to dealing with artistic purposes, video enhancing, or gaming, a Chromebook most likely is not the precise selection.
It’s doable, and there might even be a number of benefits. Chromebooks usually have nice battery life, so that they’re excellent for taking notes in lectures or finishing assignments.
Nevertheless, if a university course requires the set up of particular software program apps usually accessible on Home windows or Mac, it may not be appropriate with ChromeOS. As well as, the machine may not have the ability to deal with them anyway.
Are there various Chromebooks for college students price contemplating?
There are many choices on the market should you’re in search of a Chromebook geared in the direction of college students of all ages. Here is a brief record of alternate Chromebooks:
- In ZDNET’s Could replace, we made information structure modifications and up to date our high picks with the most recent information and pricing. We additionally changed a number of discontinued choices.
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