Chromebooks are laptops famous for their low cost and simple operation, which makes them ideal for kids. However, because models vary plenty—screen sizes, processors, and ports make them all different—how do you land the best Chromebook for your child? That's where PCMag comes in. Since the founding of PC Labs, we've tested and reviewed thousands of laptops, including hundreds of Chromebooks, since the first ones arrived more than a decade ago. Our analysts and editors test Chromebooks for processor and graphics performance, assessing all models on design, connectivity, display quality, and overall value to produce trustworthy, comprehensive Chromebook reviews. Our current best overall Chromebook for kids is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, packed with category-leading performance and beneficial AI features for an approachable price. Below, discover more kid-ready Chromebooks that we recommend for additional scenarios, along with detailed buying advice and a helpful spec comparison of all our picks.
Overview
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714]()
Best Overall Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
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![Acer Chromebook Plus 514]()
Best Durable Chromebook for Smaller KidsAcer Chromebook Plus 514
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)]()
Best Chromebook for Older KidsAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX14]()
Best Chromebook for Tight BudgetsAsus Chromebook Plus CX14
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514]()
Best 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 514
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![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best Budget Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook for KidsLenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
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![Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)]()
Best Gaming Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714]()
Best Overall Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
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 laptop 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 smart 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 can also 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.)
Who It's For
Connected adolescent students: This is the leading Chromebook choice for your 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 your kid who wants 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: If your family has a kid who can handle a high-end product without significant risk of damage, then this Chromebook is the ideal option. 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.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Chromebook Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches Graphics Processor Intel Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 5 115U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 14:46 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.21 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review -
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![Acer Chromebook Plus 514]()
Best Durable Chromebook for Smaller KidsAcer Chromebook Plus 514
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
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. Still, 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.
Who It's For
Elementary school students: This is the Chromebook to buy for your youngest in elementary school. The 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.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.81 by 12.87 by 8.86 inches Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i3-N305 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 14:18 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.15 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.1 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Acer Chromebook Plus 514 Review -
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)]()
Best Chromebook for Older KidsAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're shopping for an older kid, we can't think of any reasons to avoid our favorite all-around Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025). Its 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.
Who It's For
High school and older middle school students: The CX34's impressive CPU performance and comfortable inputs are a fit for your older son or daughter's more intense 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 if you're a parent seeking a laptop for your child that prioritizes reliable speed and an intuitive typing experience without significantly sacrificing on features to achieve its modest price.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel Iris Xe Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i5-1335U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:51 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review -
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX14]()
Best Chromebook for Tight BudgetsAsus Chromebook Plus CX14
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
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 $400, making it one of the most affordable options on this list. 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.
Who It's For
Education-system fleet buyers: If you manage fleets of laptops for schools, then this Chromebook is excellent for deploying throughout elementary school classrooms. The CX14 combines a low price with adequate performance, making it the easy, light computer that most students need, with minimal investment from cash-strapped school systems.
Bargain-hunting families: Is your family on a tight computer budget? The CX14 is the best Chromebook available at such a low price for just that. 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 $400, which it often does.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core 3 N355 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:20 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.06 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 (CX1405) Review -
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514]()
Best 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 514
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you want an excellent 2-in-1 Chrome convertible for your kids, we recommend the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514. The 2-in-1 convertible design is equal parts laptop and tablet, perfect for digital drawing and interactive Android apps. The laptop's aluminum construction can survive the daily handling of younger users, its 120Hz IPS display delivers smooth motion and vivid colors, and its components (anchored by a MediaTek Kompanio Ultra processor) support the performance kids need for school assignments and multitasking.
Who It’s For
Students: For your kids in school, Acer built the Chromebook Plus Spin 514 for both classroom learning and downtime relaxation. The laptop's capable processing, speedy Wi-Fi connectivity, and battery that lasts more than 15 hours all work in tandem to enable that broad set of experiences.
Kids who know tablets: This Chromebook works well for children already familiar with tablets like Apple iPads or Amazon Fire devices. If your child needs a traditional laptop for typing homework but also wants a tablet-like device for gaming, watching videos, and doodling, the Spin 514 lets you buy and maintain just one device.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.82 by 12.6 by 9.1 inches Graphics Processor Arm Immortalis-G925 MC11 Native Display Resolution 1,920 by 1,200 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology LCD Processor MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 RAM (as Tested) 12 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:46 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.31 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 Review -
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![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best Budget Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook for KidsLenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're looking for a 2-in-1 bargain, then the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is the one to buy. From the compact design and included accessories to the affordable 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.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious families and students: If you have a tight budget for your next family tablet, consider this gem from Lenovo. The Duet's low price will appeal if you need a functional, versatile computer and tablet in one, while strictly adhering to a tight budget—Lenovo even included the stylus and keyboard cover. The compact size, tablet mode, and simple access to essential apps are perfectly suited for elementary and middle school students.
An affordable iPad alternative: Do your kids want an iPad-like experience with a keyboard, but you can't afford Apple's tablets? 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.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory Class Chromebook Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches Graphics Processor ARM Mali-G57 MC3 Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor MediaTek Kompanio 838 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 10.95 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 6:01 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.12 Wireless Networking 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Wireless Networking Bluetooth Learn More Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review -
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![Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)]()
Best Gaming Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
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. It's close to the most affordable gaming laptop you'll find, so long as you're OK without a dedicated GPU and streaming games over the cloud.
Who It's For
A kid's first gaming laptop: If you're a parent looking to gift your kid their first gaming laptop with meager means, then this is the Chromebook to buy. 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: Do you need a budget-friendly laptop that doesn't sacrifice speed or quality? Look to Acer's 516 GE, an exceptionally built, fast Chromebook for both your kids' schoolwork and entertainment while paying as little as possible.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Chromebook Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 0.84 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches Graphics Processor Intel Graphics Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i5-120U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 9:16 Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 3.75 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025) Review -
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5.0 Exemplary |
3.5 Good |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
3.5 Good |
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Best For | Best Overall Chromebook for Kids | Best Durable Chromebook for Smaller Kids | Best Chromebook for Older Kids | Best Chromebook for Tight Budgets | Best 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook for Kids | Best Budget Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook for Kids | Best Gaming Chromebook for Kids | Best Overall Chromebook for Kids | Best Durable Chromebook for Smaller Kids | Best Chromebook for Older Kids |
Class | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1 | Chromebook | Chromebook | Chromebook | Chromebook | Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1 | Chromebook, Gaming | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1 | Chromebook | Chromebook |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 115U | Intel Core i3-N305 | Intel Core i5-1335U | Intel Core 3 N355 | MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 | MediaTek Kompanio 838 | Intel Core i5-120U | Intel Core Ultra 5 115U | Intel Core i3-N305 | Intel Core i5-1335U |
Processor Speed | ||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | eMMC Flash Memory | SSD | SSD | SSD | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 | 512 | 128 | 128 | 256 | 128 | 256 | 256 | 512 | 128 |
Secondary Drive Type | ||||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | ||||||||||
Optical Drive | ||||||||||
Screen Size | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 10.95 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1080 | 1,920 by 1,200 | 1920 by 1200 | 2560 by 1600 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1080 |
Touch Screen | ||||||||||
Panel Technology | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | LCD | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 120 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Graphics Processor | Intel Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G925 MC11 | ARM Mali-G57 MC3 | Intel Graphics | Intel Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Graphics Memory | ||||||||||
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches | 0.81 by 12.87 by 8.86 inches | 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches | 0.78 by 12.8 by 8.4 inches | 0.82 by 12.6 by 9.1 inches | 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches | 0.84 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches | 0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches | 0.81 by 12.87 by 8.86 inches | 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches |
Weight | 3.21 | 3.15 | 3.17 | 3.06 | 3.31 | 1.12 | 3.75 | 3.21 | 3.15 | 3.17 |
Operating System | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Windows 11 | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 14:46 | 14:18 | 10:51 | 10:20 | 15:46 | 6:01 | 9:16 | 14:46 | 14:18 | 10:51 |
Buying Guide: The Best Chromebooks for Kids in 2026
Even if your child's school doesn't deploy Chromebooks, the occasional need 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 (basic) games. Here's what to look for before you buy your child's 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. All your child needs is a portal to the internet, and with Chromebooks, you don’t need to install anything—just launch a browser window.
(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.
ChromeOS's simplicity means it has fewer opportunities 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 has an internet connection, a Chromebook will keep itself secure and up to date.
(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.
(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, offering a physical keyboard while still being usable as tablets when 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. However, most conventional laptop Chromebooks have non-touch displays, at least in their default configurations. Now that Google has deeply improved ChromeOS's touch capabilities 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—even there, think twice.
Recommended by Our Editors
(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.
You'll also find a special breed of gaming Chromebooks built specifically for use with game-streaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Valve's Steam. We've reviewed a few and recommend checking out our guide to the best Chromebooks for gaming, since the hardware requirements are a bit more stringent than 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. Plus, it’s a requirement if your children will lug their Chromebooks 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: 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 Wi-Fi flavor included. Look for Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, and avoid Wi-Fi 5 or older. Bluetooth is also standard fare for connecting a wireless mouse or streaming audio to external speakers.
(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. However, these machines, which hover in the $700-and-up range, are overkill for most users, especially children.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Instead, we recommend spending $500 or less on most kids' Chromebooks. That amount should guarantee a Chromebook Plus model with 8GB of memory and at least 64GB or 128GB of storage space. It will also almost certainly mean 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 and thus steeper pricing.
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, see our complete list of the best laptops for kids (incorporating both ChromeOS and Windows models), as well as our top laptops 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.