Best Chromebooks for Students — The Top and Latest Picks for the Year 2023

The Top Three Best Chromebooks for Students

Isn’t it stressful to miss assignment deadlines and then request an extension from your teacher? We understand how badly you want to dump that outdated laptop and look out for a new one.

That’s why we put a number of Chromebook models to the test for you and found that the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is the ultimate productivity expert. Because this laptop’s outstanding performance, portability, and 2-in-1 nature are currently the best deal on the market.

However, because your needs and usage conditions may differ, you can also find a suitable laptop among the other options we’ve selected. So let’s see what’s ahead.

Comparison of the Top Rated Chromebooks for Students

IMAGE	PRODUCT	RATING	PRICE
Top Pick	Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U Screen Size: 13.3 Inch RAM: 8 GB Storage: 128 GB	9.9	View on Amazon
Runner-up	Google Pixelbook Go M3 Chromebook Processor: Intel Core m3 Screen Size: 13.3 Inch RAM: 16 GB Storage: 128 GB	9.8	View on Amazon
Best Budget Option	Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 2-in-1 Chromebook Processor: 2 GHz Cortex A13 Screen Size: 10.1 Inch RAM: ‎4 GB Storage: 64 GB	9.8	View on Amazon
Best Premium Chromebook	ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop Processor: Intel Core M3-8100Y  Screen Size: 15.6 Inch RAM: 8 GB Storage: 64 GB	9.7	View on Amazon
Best Performance	Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop Processor: MediaTek mt8127 Screen Size: 11.6 Inch  RAM: 4 GB Storage: 64 GB	9.6	View on Amazon
Best 2-in-1 Chromebook	Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 14” Touch Screen Chromebook Processor: Intel Core i3 Screen Size: 14 Inch  RAM: 4 GB Storage: 128 GB	9.4	View on Amazon
Best All-rounder Chromebook	Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF 2-in-1 Convertible Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U Screen Size: 13.5 Inch  RAM: 8 GB Storage: 128 GB	9.6	View on Amazon
Best Designed Chromebook	Acer Chromebook Spin 11 Convertible Laptop Processor: Intel Celeron N3350 Screen Size: 11.6 Inch RAM: 4 GB Storage: 32 GB	9.7	View on Amazon
Power-packed Chromebook	Acer Chromebook 14 Processor: Intel Celeron N3160 Screen Size: 14 Inch RAM: 4 GB Storage: 32 GB	9.5	View on Amazon
Well-priced Chromebook	HP x360 Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U Screen Size: 14 Inch RAM: 8 GB  Storage: 64 TB	9.8	View on Amazon

How We Did the Test?

We simply recommended our top pick for the best Chromebook for academics. But how did we actually test and rank the laptops?

We began the testing by picking different expert-recommended Chromebook models. We also kept an eye on laptop ratings to guarantee that we choose the best laptop models. The laptops were then put through the following testing phases in order to judge and rank them.

Performance

We evaluated each laptop’s performance by putting it to a series of tests, including productivity tests, graphics tests, gaming tests, and battery tests. We also did benchmark tests to determine the hardware performance capability of the laptops.

Build Quality

Then we examined the build quality of the laptops. For a clear sense of the laptop’s build quality, we put it through flexibility testing, portability tests, thermal management tests, and build material tests.
Price

We judged the laptop’s value for money based on its overall performance and additional features after we finalized the laptop’s grade for its production quality and performance capability for students.

Sleek Design

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 stands apart from the crowd by ditching the standard Chromebook design. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 has a somewhat heavier metal slab than comparable Chromebooks and its predecessor. When you hold it, this little difference is less obvious.

It comes in two color varieties, Fiesta Red and Mercury Gray, both giving it a complete aesthetic look. With its 2-in-1 capability, you can also lay the laptop lid flat on the back till it turns into a decent and sleek tablet that lacks a stylus partner.

Display

In terms of the display, the Samsung Chromebook 2 features a touchscreen QLED display rather than the better OLED display. The OLED display seen in its predecessor won hearts with a stunning show of on-screen content. Although, it wasn’t really necessary for most users.

However, the QLED display isn’t a set-off because it’s being used in a Chromebook for the first time. It has one of the nicest Chromebook screens we’ve seen, with accurate and rich colors. Thin bezels surround this stunning display, adding to its attractive style.

Performance

Because Chromebooks aren’t supposed to be powerhouses, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 has a decent Intel Core-i3 CPU, 8 GB RAM, and a roomy 128 GB storage space. The processor is a step down from the previous model’s strong Intel Core-i5 chip.

However, it still provides a robust performance that is enough for a Chromebook. We tested many tasks simultaneously, such as Spotify streaming while word processing and surfing, and everything ran well and without lag.

Battery Life

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook consumers understand their suffering with the previous model’s shorter battery life. Samsung took note of the issue and set out to improve a battery with a 13-hour maximum life. It lasted about 9 hours in real testing, during which we did some simple web browsing and word processing. Even though it may not seem fair for those who are always on the go, this is a major improvement.

Portability

One of the features that are worth mentioning in the Google Pixelbook Go M3 Chromebook is that it is extremely portable. The sleek and thin design makes it an ideal choice for students who are always on the move and need to carry their Chromebooks with them at all times. 

Backlit Keyboard With Comfortable Keys

Students and Professionals can often spend hours typing on their computers. Bearing this in mind, the Google Pixel GO M3 Chromebook features a backlit keyboard along with hush keys. The backlit keyboard is not only aesthetically appealing but also makes it easier to type when working in the dark. The Hush Key features get rid of the irritating sound of a click that some keyboards produce whenever the keys are pressed. Hence enabling the user to work in peace.

Processor And Security

When using the Google Pixelbook Go, you no longer have to wait. This Chromebook gets work done in the blink of an eye thanks to the 8th Gen Intel Core Processor. It may be turned on quickly to complete any activity, whether you plan to tackle lengthy assignments with many Chrome tabs open for research or operate multiple software for a small project. Because the Chrome OS is updated on a regular basis, the most recent features can be installed quickly.

The built-in antivirus and the Titan C security chip are also a plus. They ensure that all the data on the Chromebook remains safe and that any unauthorized attempts or malware attacks can be dealt with. However, the WiFi connectivity is a bit unstable.

Touchscreen And Display

The Chromebook features a 13.3” high-definition touch screen. The touch screen panel is responsive and does not lag. Use the touchscreen as it is or make use of a stylus for an even better experience. It is not only the touch screen, but the touchpad of the Chromebook is also very responsive. 

Longer Battery Life

The Google Pixelbook Go M3 Chromebook comes with a battery that lasted for around 12 hours in our battery tests. Simply charge your Chromebook once and use it for up to 12 hours without needing to reach out for a charger. The battery of the Chromebook not only lasts longer but charges rapidly as well. After being charged for only 20 minutes, the Chromebook lasted around two hours of use.

Portable Design

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 2-in-1 is a little tablet when compared to other Chromebooks with a laptop-like design. The shell is made of plastic and has a two-tone gray and blue color. Its stiffness shouldn’t be questioned. Even when put on the magnetic stand, the tablet is still one of the most lightweight Chromebooks. The wide keyboard features a magnetic clip that enables it to be attached to the tablet.

Display

The FHD IPS display it has is a decent option for a cheap Chromebook if you’re comfortable with a 10-inch screen. The display offers accurate colors and is quite bright. There is a sharp clarity to all you see. Despite being noticeable, the screen’s half-inch bezels don’t look odd.

Performance

We were aware that because we were testing a budget Chromebook, it would be slower than competing Chromebooks. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet is powered by a MediaTek Helio P60T processor with 4 GB of RAM. The combined performance was enough for daily productivity tasks such as web browsing, video watching, accounting tasks and document creation.

Battery Life

Despite the low price, we were impressed with the IdeaPad Duet’s battery life, which was unrivaled. With up to 16 hours of battery backup time on video playing, this portable Chromebook outlasts our top pick, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, by a long shot.

Screen and Design

The first thing one notices about the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-in-1 Laptop is the 14-inch screen with a thin bezel design. These thin bezels enhance the viewing area. The 1080 screen resolution ensures commendable display quality. All the colors appear bright and vivid, while the screen has a sharp graphical display. The peak rating for the laptop brightness reaches 286 nits.

This Chromebook comes with a silver keyboard that resembles the Macbook keyboard design. You can use the hinges to allow the laptop to form a tablet. Overall the laptop is thin and weightless, weighing merely 3.1 pounds. The backlit keyboard not only looks great but also comes in handy when students need to type in the dark.

RAM and Processor

The ASUS Chromebook is installed with an Intel Core m3-8100Y processor and 8GB of RAM. In our tests, this duo ensured that the laptop stayed responsive and that all files loaded quickly. It’s simple to use and allows you to run many applications and use different files at the same time. With that much memory, navigating between memory-hungry Google Chrome tabs was a breeze.

The Chromebook also has a 64GB eMMC storage drive in addition to the 8GB RAM. It’s more than enough for everyday use and data storage on your laptop. When using this Chromebook, you won’t need to buy external memory because the possibilities of the Chromebook running out of memory are low. The trackpad and screen might occasionally freeze, but the processor was fairly stable.

Ports

Due to the thin body of the laptop, one may assume that there will not be that many port options on the laptop. But in reality, it offers all the essential connectivity ports. On the left side of the chassis, you will come across a USB 3.1 Type-A port, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack that connects headphones with the laptop.

On the right hand of the chassis is another USB-C port and a microSD card reader. The Chromebook also supports Bluetooth 4.0 connections and pairs with all devices that support Bluetooth connections.

A webcam is installed above the Chromebook’s display for the ultimate convenience of the consumer. The resolution of the webcam is not that great, but since it comes with a 720p camera, it is still better than most of the Chromebooks in the market.

Battery Life

This laptop’s battery test was likewise excellent. The battery lasted for about nine and a half hours after being fully charged. Because the laptop is powered by a lithium-ion battery, it charges quickly but lasts longer due to the slower battery depletion. As a result, the battery life is satisfactory, and the laptop is especially recommended for students seeking a laptop with longer battery life.

All these essentials helped the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 secure the top position in our rankings of the best Chromebooks with a backlit keyboard.

Convertible Laptop

Why spend money on getting two separate products when you can get one of the best 2-in-1 Chromebook. The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is a convertible Chromebook that flips over to turn it into a tablet. To provide a true tablet experience, the Chromebook is also very lightweight.

Holding it feels like holding a hardback book, so it does not weigh the user’s hands. Simply flip the laptop at 360⁰ degrees and use the touchscreen to use it as a tablet.

Processor and Memory

This Chromebook will not stifle your creativity. The responsiveness of this Chromebook is due to the MediaTek MT8173C CPU. Even though it isn’t a multitasking powerhouse, the 4 GB LPDDR3 RAM was adequate for the jobs we conducted on it. The Lenovo C330 performed admirably with only a few open tasks and a Spotify playlist. It has 64 GB of eMMC storage, which can hold all you need on your laptop.

Users can also make use of cloud storage and simply sign in to their Google Account to access their documents and pictures with ease. Although you can install apps on the laptop, keeping their number to the minimum is recommended as they take up a lot of storage.

Multiple Connectivity Options

The Chromebook comes with plenty of connectivity options. It has one USB 3.0 port and also supports Bluetooth connections for wireless file transfers. It also comes with an SD card slot. A built-in webcam is also installed in the Chromebook so you can take pictures or make video calls as desired. The camera comes with high quality and is acceptable considering it is a Chromebook.

Sleek and Stylish Design

The overall aesthetics and design of the Chromebook are also remarkable. The Chromebook has a sleek and thin design. The white color is also attractive and adds a professional hint to the Chromebook. Eyes will surely turn when you carry this Chromebook to any room. The laptop also comes with a 360 degrees flip option so you can lay it flat on any surface.

Display and Input

The Chromebook comes with a screen size of 11.6 inches which is perfect for a portable laptop. The screen is of high definition, so the quality of the graphics and pictures on the screen is commendable. All the colors appear bright and vibrant. The touch panel of the screen is also responsive so as soon as the user makes a gesture, the screen responds immediately.

The keyboard of the Chromebook is backlit. The keys are spaced perfectly, so there is ample room for the palms, but the keys of the keyboard are accessible as well. The touchpad is also spacious and responds quickly. Whether a student uses this Chromebook as a tablet or a laptop, all input methods are responsive and easy to use.

RAM

The Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 Touch Screen Chromebook features a DDR2 SD 4GB RAM which is more than enough for basic multitasking. This Chromebook is fast and responsive that fetches everything quickly and without any lag. If you need a more powerful RAM, you can easily upgrade it as per your needs without any inconvenience.

This laptop is a great budget-friendly option for students and office workers who require a portable Chromebook that is perfect for multitasking and everyday use.

14” Display Screen

The screen of this Chromebook measures 14 inches which hits a perfect spot. The screen size is neither too big to make the laptop bulky, nor too small that it affects the usability of the product. The touch panel of the screen is responsive and backlit, which makes it one of the best 2-1 Chromebooks in the market.

An 8 GB Graphics card is also installed on the laptop, which is great for the ultimate gaming experience. You can choose between four different viewing angles, and the wide-angle viewing screen adds to the display quality offered by this Chromebook.

Memory and Performance

This Chromebook is incredibly responsive and powerful, thanks to the latest 8th Gen Intel Core i3 CPUs. We were able to run many programs at the same time with no lag. We had roughly 20 Chrome tabs open with a video playing, but there was no stuttering to be found.

The Chromebook’s 10-hour battery life allows it to function without being plugged in. Finally, the 128 GB eMMC storage capacity is sufficient for all of your data and files.

When using this Chromebook, you will not have to carry the charger or any external memory with you. But if the battery malfunctions, the warranty does not cover the repairs.

2-in-1 Chromebook

If you are someone who is in need of a product that can serve as both a laptop and a tablet, the Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook will be a great match for your needs. You can use it as a laptop whenever needed. And when in need of a tablet, simply make use of the 360 degrees flip and fold style to convert it into one.

Artists and other creative people who love to doodle will highly appreciate this feature of the Chromebook. The 2-in-1 feature not only improves the usability of the Chromebook but also makes it efficient and budget-friendly. Rather than having to buy or carry two products with you, you can simply invest in this Chromebook and meet the requirements of both the products.

Display Quality

The display of the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 is surely an impressive feature about it. The 13.5-inch touch screen is spacious and features a 4:3 aspect ratio. The screen has a density of 201 PPI while a resolution of 2256 x 1504, which is nothing but commendable.

The Chromebook also has an IPS panel, which ensures that the colors appear bright and vivid on the screen while we watch a couple of 4K videos. This makes the Chromebook a great choice for web browsing, gaming, and even graphical work.

Processor Performance

Equipped with the Intel Core i5-8250U processor, it is surely one of the most powerful Chromebooks on the market. The processor has four-thread cores and a base speed of 1.6 GHz.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 13 has 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD, but it also has cloud storage capabilities, allowing you to keep as much data and files as you need on the Chromebook. The processor performed well enough in our tests to run basic word processing software as well as larger programs such as for playing PS3 and video editing software.

Design

The aluminum builds surely gives this Chromebook an executive finish. The edges of the laptop are beveled, and the bright hinges add to the aesthetics of the Chromebook. The curved hinges allow the Chromebook to flip at an angle of 360 degrees so the laptop becomes a tablet as well. You can use it with a stylus according to your needs.

The laptop can also bend and is placed like a calendar if needed. The hinges are sturdy and will make sure that the laptop retains its position. It is comparatively thin with a thickness of only 17mm. The Chromebook weighs around 1.5 kgs and is, therefore, a portable Chromebook that is great for people who are always on the move.

Ports

The laptop comes with two USB Type C ports. A microSD card slot is included as well that transfers data from a microSD card without the need for an external adapter. The laptop lacks an HDMI port but can be connected to WiFi and is also Bluetooth compatible so you can carry out file transfers without hassling with cords and wires.

Build Quality

The Chromebook comes with a plastic body, yet the build quality is nothing less than impressive. Despite the plastic body, the Chromebook has an exquisite look, and the body is quite durable. The hinges allow the screen to move at a 360-degree angle but tend to creak at times. The weight of the laptop is around 1.35 kilograms, while its dimensions are 25.59 x 20.59 x 20.07 cm.

Processor Speed

The Intel Celeron N3450 processor, with a maximum speed of 2.2 GHz, is fitted. It handled all the productivity and academic activities that we put it through with ease, including web browsing, running word processing programs, and preparing presentations, among other things. This Chromebook suffices for it all.

The Chromebook can also support Android applications. You can download the Android applications and use them when enjoying the tablet mode of the Chromebook. All in all, the Chromebook comes with a decent processor that will make sure you can perform your everyday tasks with ease.

Storage Space and Memory

Considering that this is a low-cost Chromebook, the 4GB of RAM is quite adequate. The RAM is sufficient for light multitasking. However, you should avoid running too many tasks at once because it will start stuttering. The RAM is also compatible with most Android applications, so running them on the laptop should be no problem.

The 32 GB storage size is also ample. However, if you need more storage, you can always utilize the microSD card slot and make use of an external memory card as needed. If you keep the number of installed Android Apps under control, you will not be running low on storage when using this Chromebook.

Display Quality

The 11.6-inch display screen is perfect for people who are searching for a medium-sized Chromebook. The display screen supports a resolution of 1366 x 768 which is justified given the price bracket of the Chromebook. All the colors and graphics appear clear on the screen and all in all, it is likely for one to not experience any trouble related to the display of the Chromebook.

Check out our What Kind Of Laptop Do I Have?

Since it is a 2-in-1 Chromebook, it comes with a touch screen that is very smooth and easy to use. The touch panel is sensitive and responds well, even with a stylus pen.

Ports

The ASUS Chromebook Spin 11 offers a number of connectivity options. It comes with two USB Type C ports and two USB 3.0 ports. A MicroSD slot is also provided, which increases the memory of the laptop when an external memory card is inserted. The card slot also assists in data transfer to and from SD cards.

The Acer 14” Full HD IPS Display Chromebook has a great display screen. It is equipped with the Intel HD Graphics 400 card which is the reason behind the high quality and crystal clear display of the Chromebook. The 14” screen size is perfect, and the aluminum construction gives the laptop a sleek and professional look. 

The Chromebook weighs merely 3.32 pounds which makes it very portable. The rounded edges paired with the brushed aluminum finishing add to the aesthetics of the Chromebook and make it look expensive and exquisite.

Battery Life

The battery life appeared as one of the major perks of this Chromebook. Once fully charged, it can be used for around twelve hours. This makes it a perfect match for the people who have to use their laptops for longer time periods and are looking for a Chromebook that they can rely on. With the Acer 14” Full HD IPS Display Chromebook, the users will not be worrying about carrying their chargers with them.

Touchpad, Keyboard, and Speakers

Though the keys are a bit stiff, once you get used to them, working on the keyboard will be no issue anymore. 

The touchpad of the laptop is also very responsive and spacious. It can also respond to multi touch inputs. The speakers of the Chromebook also perform very well. The stereo speakers deliver a crisp and loud sound that is adequate for a small to medium-sized room.

Responsiveness and Speed

Throughout our testing, the Intel Celeron Processor N3160 guaranteed that the Chromebook ran smoothly and quickly. The Quad-Core processor is ideal for multitasking, and the 4GB RAM quickly retrieves everything required. It effortlessly supports word editing, browsing, and music playback all at once, but it should not be overloaded, or it may lag.

32GB SSD storage is ample enough for one to store all the data and files on the Chromebook without running out of storage space. The HDMI ports and USB ports allow file transfers and allow the Chromebook to be connected to multimedia devices with ease.

The Hp x360 is an amazing 2-in-1 machine that comes for an economical price tag. It is packed with amazing features and is one of the strongest Chromebooks out there in the market. Let’s take a look at its features in detail.

Display and Design

The Hp x360 is a modern designed laptop that comes in both plastic and metal body. It is lightweight and slim and only weighs about 3.64 pounds and has the following dimensions 12.8 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches. It has a narrow bezel that provides a wide view. The display quality, as tested, is amazing as it produces a sharp image due to its 1920 X 1080 resolution.

The display colors are accurate and elegant, and the touch quality offered by the Hp x360 is also incredible. The top bezel also has a decent webcam and its hinges allow the display to be bent to a 360-degree angle, so it can be used as a tablet as well.

Performance 

It has an Intel Core i3-10110U processor and 8GB of RAM. The HP x360 has basic performance and can easily handle web browsing, video streaming, and basic gaming. We witnessed it excelling at multitasking, as it can easily open many pages as well as a few YouTube tabs. It also has a large storage capacity of 64 GB.

It has Intel UHD Graphics, which are incapable of enabling intense gaming or video editing. You may, however, play several simple low-graphics games on this Chromebook.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard of the Hp x360 is quite comforting, the keys of the laptop have a very decent travel and are well spaced. It has a  backlit keyboard which is hard to believe considering the price of the laptop. The touchpad has the following dimensions 4.3 x 2.1 which is a decent size. Furthermore, the touchpad is smooth and responsive. Due to window precision drivers, it can also support Windows 10 gestures.

Connectivity 

The connectivity offered by Hp x360 is awesome as it has a USB 3.0 port, a power button, a headphone jack, and a security lock slot, all on the left side. A power jack, an HDMI port, one USB 3.0 port, one USB Type-C port, and an SD card slot.

Other features

It doesn’t have an amazing battery life as upon continuous web surfing at 150 nits its battery lasted only 6 hours and 15 minutes. The audio output of the Hp x360 was average as it could have been better but can fill up a small-sized room. The sound quality was really decent as well as the bass.

What to Consider When Buying a Chromebook for a Student?

When investing in a Chromebook, every student wants to make sure that they pick the best product. Here are some factors that you should consider when buying a Chromebook:

Processor

It can be rightfully stated that the processor is the backbone of any computer. When selecting a laptop with a backlit keyboard and touchscreen, make sure you choose one that comes with a powerful processor that can run programs flawlessly and can also be used for multitasking. A Chromebook with a poor processor will slow down. Students may also experience hanging and the programs getting stuck.

Battery Life

One of the major perks of using a laptop over a personal computer is that a laptop is rechargeable and does not need to be plugged in. Make sure that you select a Chromebook that charges quickly, but at the same time, the battery lasts longer.

This way, you will be able to use the laptop for a longer time period without having to plug it in. A Chromebook with longer battery life is also highly recommended for students who need to carry their laptops with them regularly or are travelers. This way they don’t have to carry the charger with them all the time.

Storage/Memory

Memory is another important factor that needs to be taken into consideration when picking the best 2-in-1 Chromebook. You need to ensure that the Chromebook you purchase has ample storage space to accommodate all your data. Make sure to go over the RAM capacity when selecting a Chromebook. The RAM is responsible for fetching data and thus contributes to the responsiveness of the laptop.

2-in-1 Chromebooks

Some students require both a laptop as well as a tablet. If you are one of them, rather than investing in two separate products, you can always look for a 2-in-1 Chromebook that has a touchscreen and can be turned into a tablet.

Such products provide you the convenience of both a laptop as well as a tablet, thus saving money and the hassle of having to carry two products. This variety of Chromebooks comes with revolving hinges which allow users to rotate the screen at a 360 degrees angle and lay it flat like a tablet.

Conclusion

For students seeking a laptop to deal with their assignments and presentations, a Chromebook should always be the first choice. Because they’re light, stylish, and provide up-to-the-mark performance. But the question remains: which Chromebook is the best buy?

We tested various models and discovered that the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 Laptop has the highest performance, quality, and value of any model we tested.