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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Overall Chromebook for Kids
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)
Pros & Cons
Category-leading performance with AMD Ryzen 5 processor
Excellent full HD webcam
Rugged MIL-STD 810H construction with sturdy aluminum
Decent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and HDMI out
Uses cheaper eMMC storage
16:9 aspect ratio feels like a throwback
No Thunderbolt 4 port
No stylus included
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 5625C
Processor Speed
2.3 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
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
Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.68 by 12.7 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.3 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:21
Why We Picked It
Hands down, the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is the best Chromebook for kids, thanks to its category-leading performance and durable 2-in-1 build. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor is powerful enough to tackle the most demanding tasks, whether it’s school projects or an Android game. Plus, the sturdy aluminum chassis is MIL-STD 810H rated, so it should survive whatever drops, spills, or bumps come in the course of a school day. Throw in the Spin 514’s full HD webcam and excellent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and HDMI, and it’s a winner for any kid.
Who It’s For
If you’re a parent or kid who wants a reliable and powerful Chromebook for school work and productivity, the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is the best around. The Spin 514 comes in a helpful 2-in-1 design that works as a laptop or tablet with the durability necessary to handle the rowdiest kids, and it has the performance and features to handle any workload, in every grade. Parents: This should be your first stop in your Chromebook search.
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023) Review
Best Kid Chromebook for Pen Note-Taking
Asus Chromebook Flip CM3
Pros & Cons
Includes a stylus
Includes multiple USB-C ports
Lightweight
Excellent performance
Clumsy touchpad
Glossy display is prone to glare
Disappointing battery life
Specs & Configurations
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Budget
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 820
Processor Speed
2.2 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
12 inches
Native Display Resolution
1366 by 912
Panel Technology
LCD
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Arm Mali-G57
Wireless Networking
802.11ac, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 10.6 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.5 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:23
Why We Picked It
Cheap Chromebooks haven’t entirely vanished, and the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 proves that you can still get an excellent ChromeOS laptop for less than $500. With a flexible 2-in-1 design and included stylus, it’s also one of the most versatile Chromebooks we’ve seen, making it just as decent for note-taking and drawing as it is for web browsing and typing up documents. Powered by a punchy MediaTek Kompanio 820 processor and weighing just 2.5 pounds, the Chromebook Flip CM3 is a capable little convertible that can go from the classroom to the library and home for fun and games.
Who It’s For
If you’re on a budget for your back-to-school shopping, the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 should be at the top of your list. Not only is it one of the most affordable Chromebooks we’ve seen in years, but it’s also the best 2-in-1 Chromebook to allow for handwritten note-taking and drawing with the included stylus.
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 Review
Best Durable Chromebook for Smaller Kids
Acer Chromebook Vero 514
Pros & Cons
Sturdy MIL-STD 810H construction with partly recycled plastic
Speedy performance
HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C ports
Core i7 model is too pricey
A tad overweight
Unusual chassis texture and typing feel
No SD or microSD card slot
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i7-1255U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 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
Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.81 by 12.3 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.3 lbs
Operating System
Google Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:32
Why We Picked It
The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is made of recycled plastic and speedy components. However, it’s not just eco-friendly: This is also one of the best rough-and-tumble Chromebooks you can get for surviving the rigors of the classroom. It’s rated with MIL-STD 810H durability, but it also includes speedy performance and a helpful selection of ports, with HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C. We reviewed it with an Intel Core i7 CPU, but a more affordable Core i5 model is also available if you need to save a buck without losing the tough design.
Who It’s For
With its excellent performance and durable design, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is ideal for small kids who need a tougher-than-average Chromebook. If you’re a parent who doesn’t want to replace yet another broken system, this is the Chromebook to get.
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 Review
Best Chromebook for Long Battery Life
HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023)
Pros & Cons
Impressive battery life
Bargain price
Three USB ports and microSD card slot
Light, compact convertible design
Backlit keyboard is $30 extra
No HDMI port
No stylus pen
Screen could be brighter
Wi-Fi 6, not 6E
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 1200
Processor Speed
2.6 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
ARM Mali-G57 MC5
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Dimensions (HWD)
0.66 by 12.1 by 8.2 inches
Weight
2.95 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:55
Why We Picked It
You’ll find plenty to like about the HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023), from its convertible design and ample ports to the bargain price it sells for. But what we really love about it is the battery life, which stretches nearly 15 hours, giving you the power to get through a full day of classes and still get your homework done before you have to plug it in. As a budget-friendly model, it didn’t wow us with fancy features—we honestly wish this machine had an HDMI port, for example—but it’s hard to argue against the usefulness of a basic ChromeOS laptop that goes and goes. It’s one of the longest-lasting batteries we’ve seen in a Chromebook, and an excellent choice for students who want to leave the charger at home.
Who It’s For
Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want to skip being tethered to a wall outlet, the HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023) is a smart choice, with all-day battery life and a sub-$500 price tag.
Learn More
HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023) Review
Best Big-Screen Chromebook for Older Kids
Lenovo 5i Chromebook (16-Inch)
Pros & Cons
Big and bright screen
Long battery life
Peppy Core i3 processor
FHD webcam with privacy shutter
Wi-Fi 6E
Lackluster keyboard with no backlighting
No dedicated video outputs
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i3-1215U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
16 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
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.79 by 14.3 by 10 inches
Weight
4.1 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
12:06
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo 5i Chromebook (16-Inch) is the best big-screen Chromebook we’ve seen, thanks largely to its bright 16-inch 3:2 display. Lenovo combined that with a peppy Core i3 processor and all-day battery life, providing an immersive and efficient user experience. A sharper FHD webcam with a privacy shutter ensures sharper calls and better security. Wi-Fi 6E enables faster and more stable internet connectivity, while the generous 128GB of storage space makes ample room for apps and files. This overall Chromebook package stands out as a smart choice for families and students alike, justifying its recognition as our Editors’ Choice among big-screen Chromebooks.
Who It’s For
Older students in high school and college will appreciate the Lenovo 5i Chromebook’s 16-inch screen, making for more space for everything from multitasking to more immersive entertainment. But the big screen isn’t the only reason we chose it, though that bright panel does look excellent. Parents and students will also benefit from the snappy performance, FHD webcam, Wi-Fi 6E, and all-day battery life, which make it an effective Chromebook regardless of size.
Learn More
Lenovo 5i Chromebook (16-Inch) Review
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook for Kids
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)
Pros & Cons
Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
Versatile convertible design
Excellent 14-inch display
Ample connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E
Nearly 15 hours of battery life
Bulky and heavy in tablet mode
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
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 Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.3 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.02 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:47
Why We Picked It
If you’ve got an older or more responsible child, a more capable 2-in-1 might be in order. The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) is a perfect example of a top-end high-end Chromebook, and why it’s not a bad idea to spend a little more for a better machine. It may be a Chromebook, but the 2-in-1 design matches any Windows machine for style, with an appealing all-aluminum chassis, a versatile convertible design, and a sharp 14-inch touchscreen. Powered by an Intel Core i5 CPU backed with 256GB of SSD storage, the Spin 714 also includes Thunderbolt 4, USB, and HDMI ports along with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. In short, this is one of the better-equipped Chromebooks you’ll find.
Who It’s For
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) is a fantastic choice for parents who want to outfit their kid with a capable Chromebook with convertible versatility and top build quality. With reliable performance, all-day battery life, and ample connectivity, it’s a superb balance of value and features, all wrapped up in a slick and sturdy package.
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) Review
Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook for Kids
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Pros & Cons
Responsive 12.2-inch touchscreen
Low price
Compact and lightweight
Decent port selection
Flexible 2-in-1 design
Middling Intel N100 processor
Storage limited to 64GB eMMC
Lagging battery life
Plastic construction with unwanted chassis flex
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel N100
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
12.2 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
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.72 by 11.18 by 8.27 inches
Weight
2.76 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:38
Why We Picked It
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 3 Chromebook. This budget favorite is compact and lightweight, with a 12-inch screen and a slim 2-in-1 design, with performance that’s well-suited to Chrome’s internet-first focus. 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 and apps.
Who It’s For
For a 2-in-1 Chromebook that’s easy to carry and just as easy on your wallet, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a fine choice. While its plastic construction and raw performance are no match for more expensive laptops, it’s still a satisfying portable companion for casual users at a price that’s hard to beat.
Learn More
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook Review
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook for Kids
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
Pros & Cons
Compact, totable design
Keyboard cover offers good typing feel
Handy kickstand
Great flexibility for Chrome and Android apps
Solid performance from Qualcomm CPU
No headphone jack
Pen sold separately
Short battery life
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1, Budget
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
Processor Speed
2.55 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
2000 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Wireless Networking
802.11ac, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.31 by 10.2 by 6.5 inches
Weight
2.09 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Why We Picked It
The 2020 Lenovo Chromebook Duet, a 10.1-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard cover, was one of our favorite 2-in-1 bargains. It’s no longer for sale, but its spirit lives on in the company’s IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook, a slightly larger (11-inch) tablet with a snap-on keyboard that enables comfortable typing (as well as a rear cover with kickstand). Slotting in nicely under the 13.3-inch Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5, the Duet 3 includes 5-megapixel front and 8-megapixel rear cameras; a bright and colorful 2,000-by-1,200-pixel touch screen; and a snappy Qualcomm CPU.
Who It’s For
We can’t say it better than our reviewer did: The IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is “a great option to consider if you’re in the market for a smart little tablet that doubles as a laptop.” Students especially should find it a handy grab-and-go accessory.
Learn More
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook Review
Best Chromebook for Future Upgrades
Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition
Pros & Cons
Repairable, upgradable, and customizable design
Excellent ChromeOS performance
Highly accessible components and internals
Sustainable materials and packaging
Shorter battery life than top competitors
Pricey for a Chromebook
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1240P
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2256 by 1504
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches
Weight
2.9 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:44
Why We Picked It
Customizable, repairable, and upgradable: The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition takes everything we love about the Framework’s modular design and remixes it into a shiny ChromeOS version. You can swap ports in and out for exactly your desired connectivity, and you can even upgrade it to a full Windows laptop if your student outgrows the browser-based Chrome environment. With excellent performance and features, it’s a leading Chromebook in its own right, even if it’s a little pricey. But the real draw is the option to upgrade year after year without paying for a full laptop replacement. That makes it our top pick for both saving the planet and saving some cash long-term.
Who It’s For
Whether you’re looking to reduce your e-waste, save money on future upgrades, or just want a Chromebook that can be customized, the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition is hard to match. It’s the only Chromebook we’ve seen with any sort of repairability, and it’s the best choice for a system that can grow with your child as their needs change from grade to grade.
Learn More
Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition Review
Best Gaming Chromebook
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Pros & Cons
Superb performance in gaming (and everything else)
Powerful hardware for a Chromebook, from processing to storage
Rich port selection
RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting tech
Gorgeous 120Hz display
No touch screen
USB-C ports aren’t Thunderbolt 4
Specs & Configurations
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1240P
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
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.84 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
3.75 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:41
Why We Picked It
Gaming Chromebooks are still relatively new, but that may not stop your kids from wanting one. Though very different from a traditional gaming laptop, gaming models like the Acer Chromebook 516 GE still owe their gaming chops to better-than-average hardware and a reliable internet connection. Out of the gate, Acer crafted one of the best gaming Chromebooks yet, adding cool features like an RGB keyboard and a free trial of popular cloud game streaming services from Nvidia and Amazon. The design is excellent, the performance is among the best we’ve seen, and the feature set is surprisingly premium given the price.
Who It’s For
If your kids want a gaming laptop rather than a lightweight Chromebook, this may be a decent compromise. You’ll still need to buy the games, along with any subscription for a cloud gaming service. Regardless, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a high-end Chromebook that’s not astronomically expensive, which could make it ideal for more than just gamers.
Learn More
Acer Chromebook 516 GE Review
Buying Guide: The Best Chromebooks for Kids in 2024
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 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 (okay, we won’t tell if it’s your) next Chromebook.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
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 already use when you let them borrow your existing 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.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. Even 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. 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.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
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.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
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.A few inexpensive Chromebook detachable tablets exist, but more common in the 2-in-1 Chromebook vein are convertible Chromebooks with 360-degree hinges. They are decent alternatives to the classic clamshell-laptop design, since they include a physical keyboard but can still be used as a tablet if needed.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
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, you’ll want to avoid displays with resolutions below full HD (typically 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, or 1080p) if you can. You’ll find inexpensive full-HD Chromebooks out there, but they’re sometimes hard to find among the sea of others with lower-resolution displays. (Lower resolution usually manifests itself as a screen with a 1,366 by 768 resolution.) 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, 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.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
Since your kid will mostly use a Chromebook to connect to the internet wirelessly, it doesn’t require a lot of ports for peripherals or Ethernet connections. The most important connectivity consideration is Wi-Fi. Look for the 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standards, and avoid the older 802.11n standard. Bluetooth is also welcome to have for connecting a wireless mouse or streaming audio to external speakers.Some inexpensive Chromebooks have proprietary charging cables, which could be difficult to replace if they’re lost. A USB Type-C charging cable is better, especially if you have other USB Type-C devices since you can usually swap charging cables among them in case your kid loses one. 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. You can find “prestige” Chromebooks with Intel Core i7 processors and 256GB solid-state drives (SSDs) if you want them, including models from Samsung and Google itself. But these machines, which hover in the $1,000 range, are overkill for most users, especially children.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
Instead, we recommend spending $400 or less on a kid’s Chromebook. That amount should get you at least 4GB of memory and at least 32GB of storage space. It will also get you a Chromebook with an Intel Pentium or Celeron processor, or an ARM processor. The only real exception to this advice would be gaming Chromebooks, which have higher requirements for hardware 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 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. Ready to Buy the Right Chromebook for Your Child?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, as well as our roundup of Android, Apple iOS, and Amazon Fire OS tablets for kids.
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