5 Best Chromebooks for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus	premium features at a student-friendly price
Best value	Asus Chromebook CM14	solid performance under $300
Best for creative work	Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514	versatile 2-in-1 with excellent display
Best for durability	Acer Chromebook Spin 311	built for classroom wear and tear
Best for gaming after class	Acer Chromebook Plus 516	powerful enough for entertainment
Also recommended	Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14	excellent 2K OLED display for media lovers
Also recommended	HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch	reliable all-rounder with great battery life
Also recommended	Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus	affordable 2-in-1 for budget-focused students

How we chose and tested

We evaluated Chromebooks based on real student needs: battery life for all-day campus use, durability for backpack transport, performance for research and multitasking, and value for tight budgets. Each model was assessed for its balance of features, build quality, and educational suitability, with particular attention to models that have proven reliable in academic settings.

The best Chromebooks for students right now

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus - Best overall

This 15-inch laptop delivers premium features without the premium price, making it ideal for students who need reliable performance for both coursework and entertainment. It's thin enough to slip into any backpack but powerful enough to serve as a primary device.

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Key highlights

15-inch display with excellent color accuracy for media consumption
All-day battery life that easily handles campus days and late study sessions
Lightweight design at just 2.6 pounds for easy portability
AI-powered features and Quick Insert key for productivity
Solid build quality that can withstand regular student use

Pros

Excellent battery life lasts through full school days
Premium display quality for both work and entertainment
Lightweight and portable design
Good balance of performance and price

Cons

Higher price than basic Chromebooks
15-inch size may be too large for some backpacks
Not a 2-in-1 convertible design

Who it is for: Students who want a premium Chromebook experience without overspending, particularly those who need reliable all-day performance for research papers, online classes, and media consumption.

Skip if

You need a 2-in-1 convertible for note-taking or have a strict budget under $400.

Asus Chromebook CM14 - Best value

At under $300, this Chromebook proves you don't need to spend a lot to get reliable performance for basic student tasks. It's compact, offers solid battery life, and handles everyday schoolwork without frustration.

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Key highlights

Extremely affordable price point for tight student budgets
Compact design that fits easily in backpacks and small spaces
Decent battery life for a full day of classes
Enough performance for web browsing, document editing, and research
Simple, no-frills approach to Chromebook essentials

Pros

Very affordable for students on tight budgets
Compact and portable design
Good battery life for the price
Handles basic student tasks well

Cons

Performance won't impress for demanding tasks
Build quality reflects the low price
Limited storage and RAM options
Display quality is basic

Who it is for: Budget-conscious students who primarily need a device for writing papers, online research, and basic school applications without unnecessary features.

Skip if

You need to run multiple demanding applications simultaneously or want premium build quality.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 - Best for creative work

This versatile 2-in-1 convertible brings excellent display quality and flexible form factors to student workflows, making it perfect for note-takers, art students, and anyone who values screen quality.

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Key highlights

2-in-1 convertible design with 360-degree hinge for multiple modes
High-quality display with good color accuracy for creative work
Powered by efficient MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 processor
Support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for future-proof connectivity
Includes 5MP webcam for better video calls

Pros

Versatile 2-in-1 design for different use cases
Excellent display quality for media and creative work
Future-proof connectivity options
Good battery life for all-day use

Cons

Higher price than basic clamshell models
Convertible mechanism adds weight
Performance good but not exceptional
Premium features come at a cost

Who it is for: Students who need flexibility in how they use their device, particularly those in creative fields, note-takers who prefer tablet mode, or anyone who values display quality for media consumption.

Skip if

You prefer a traditional laptop design or have a very limited budget.

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 - Best for durability

Specifically designed for education environments, this Chromebook features spill-proof keys, military-grade durability, and modular components that make it ideal for shared classroom use or accident-prone students.

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Key highlights

Spill-resistant keyboard that can handle accidental liquid exposure
MIL-STD 810H certification for durability against drops and impacts
Modular design allows easy keyboard replacement with just two screws
Powered by MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor for efficient performance
Fanless operation for quiet classroom use

Pros

Exceptionally durable for classroom environments
Spill-proof keyboard protects against accidents
Easy to repair and maintain
Quiet fanless operation
Good battery life up to 15 hours

Cons

Performance focused on efficiency over power
Design prioritizes durability over aesthetics
Heavier than consumer-focused models
Limited premium features

Who it is for: Younger students, classroom environments with shared devices, or anyone who needs a Chromebook that can withstand rough handling and accidental damage.

Skip if

You need maximum performance for demanding applications or want a sleek, premium design.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 - Best for gaming after class

This powerful Chromebook bridges the gap between schoolwork and entertainment, offering enough performance for demanding applications and light gaming while still serving educational needs.

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Key highlights

Powerful enough for resource-intensive applications and gaming
Large display suitable for both work and entertainment
Good balance of performance and Chromebook efficiency
Can handle STEM applications and creative software
Solid build quality for a device at this performance level

Pros

Handles demanding applications well
Good for both schoolwork and entertainment
Large display for multitasking
Better performance than typical Chromebooks

Cons

Larger and heavier than standard models
Higher power consumption affects battery life
More expensive than basic Chromebooks
Overkill for simple school tasks

Who it is for: Students who need power for STEM applications, creative software, or gaming, and want a single device that can handle both schoolwork and entertainment.

Skip if

You only need basic web browsing and document editing or prioritize maximum portability.

Also Good

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 - excellent 2K OLED display for media lovers.
HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch - reliable all-rounder with great battery life.
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus - affordable 2-in-1 for budget-focused students.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting a Chromebook for student use:

Battery life matters most for campus days. Look for at least 10 hours of real-world use, as you'll be moving between classes without charging opportunities.

Durability is crucial for backpack transport. Military-grade certifications (MIL-STD 810H) and spill-resistant keyboards add valuable protection against student life accidents.

Performance needs vary by major. Basic humanities work requires less power than STEM applications or creative software. Match the processor to your actual workload.

Form factor affects how you use the device. Traditional clamshells work for most, but 2-in-1 convertibles help note-takers and art students.

Budget determines your options. Under $300 gets basic functionality, $400-600 offers better performance and features, while $700+ enters premium territory with diminishing returns for most students.

FAQ

How long do Chromebooks typically last for student use?

Most Chromebooks receive updates for up to 10 years, with Google recently extending support from 8 to 10 years, but physical durability varies. Education-focused models with military-grade certifications typically last 3-4 years of student use, while consumer models may show wear sooner.

Can Chromebooks run Microsoft Office for school assignments?

Yes, through the web-based Office 365 or Android app versions. For most student work, these provide full compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

Are Chromebooks good for video editing classes?

Basic video editing works through web apps, but advanced editing requires specific Android apps or may be limited. Check your program's software requirements before choosing a Chromebook.

How much storage do students really need on a Chromebook?

Most student work lives in the cloud, so 64GB is usually sufficient. However, 128GB or more helps if you work with large files offline or want to store media locally.

Can Chromebooks connect to school printers and networks?

Yes, Chromebooks handle standard network printing and connect to school WiFi like any other device. Some specialized enterprise systems may require additional configuration.