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Chromebooks are light, fast to start and cheap. They run ChromeOS, so check your software needs.

Prices are approximate, converted from what Amazon displayed on October 30, 2026. This guide is built from product listings, not our own testing, so configurations change often, so confirm the exact processor, RAM and storage on the product page.

By the Reviewstook Editorial Team. Last updated: October 31, 2026.

Comparison of three options: Lenovo Flagship Chromebook (14-inch Touch); HP 14-inch HD Chromebook; Acer Gateway Chromebook 314.
Three options from this guide. See the full comparison and qualifications in the article.

Quick Picks

Product Type Best for
Lenovo Flagship Chromebook (14-inch Touch) 14-inch touchscreen Chromebook 8-core MediaTek Kompanio 520
HP 14-inch HD Chromebook Budget Chromebook Intel N4120, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC
Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 14-inch FHD Chromebook Celeron N4500, FHD display
ASUS CX14 Chromebook 14-inch Chromebook Celeron N4500, 4GB, 64GB
ASUS Chromebook CM15 15.6-inch Chromebook MediaTek Kompanio 540, 15.6-inch FHD
Lenovo Chromebook m 14-inch 14-inch Chromebook MediaTek Kompanio 540, Gemini
Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1 (Intel N150) 14-inch 2-in-1 Chromebook Touchscreen with Intel N150
Lenovo 500e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4 12.2-inch 2-in-1 Chromebook Intel N100, 8GB RAM, 64GB

Our Picks

1. Lenovo Flagship Chromebook (14-inch Touch)

A 14-inch FHD touchscreen Lenovo Chromebook with an 8-core MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, per the listing. It showed at about $246 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026 (converted, so confirm the current price).

Good for: students and basic web use. Strengths: touchscreen and low price. Weaknesses: ChromeOS only. Skip it if you need Windows software.

Check on Amazon

2. HP 14-inch HD Chromebook

A 14-inch HD HP Chromebook with an Intel Quad-Core N4120, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, per the listing. It showed at about $248 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026 (converted, so confirm the current price).

Good for: school and web use. Strengths: low price. Weaknesses: HD screen and limited storage. Skip it if you want a sharp display.

Check on Amazon

3. Acer Gateway Chromebook 314

A 14-inch Full HD Gateway Chromebook 314 with an Intel Celeron N4500, per the listing. It showed at about $270 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026 (converted, so confirm the current price).

Good for: students who want an FHD screen. Strengths: FHD display at a low price. Weaknesses: ChromeOS only. Skip it if you need Windows software.

Check on Amazon

4. ASUS CX14 Chromebook

A 14-inch ASUS Chromebook with an Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, per the listing. It showed at about $290 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026 (converted, so confirm the current price).

Good for: everyday web use. Strengths: known brand and low price. Weaknesses: 4GB RAM. Skip it if you want more storage.

Check on Amazon

5. ASUS Chromebook CM15

A 15.6-inch FHD ASUS Chromebook CM15 with a MediaTek Kompanio 540, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, per the listing. It showed at about $326 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026 (converted, so confirm the current price).

Good for: a bigger Chromebook screen. Strengths: 15.6-inch FHD screen. Weaknesses: 4GB RAM. Skip it if you want a small laptop.

Check on Amazon

6. Lenovo Chromebook m 14-inch

A 14-inch WUXGA IPS Lenovo Chromebook with a MediaTek Kompanio 540 and Google Gemini, per the listing. It showed at about $350 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026 (converted, so confirm the current price).

Good for: everyday use with a sharper screen. Strengths: WUXGA IPS display. Weaknesses: ChromeOS only. Skip it if you need Windows software.

Check on Amazon

7. Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1 (Intel N150)

A 14-inch WUXGA IPS touchscreen Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook with an Intel N150 and Google Gemini, per the listing. It showed at about $418 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026 (converted, so confirm the current price).

Good for: touch and tablet use. Strengths: 2-in-1 design and WUXGA screen. Weaknesses: ChromeOS only. Skip it if you need Windows software.

Check on Amazon

8. Lenovo 500e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4

A 12.2-inch WUXGA touch 2-in-1 Lenovo Chromebook with an Intel N100, 8GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC, per the listing. It showed at about $470 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026 (converted, so confirm the current price).

Good for: school-ready 2-in-1 use. Strengths: 8GB RAM and touch. Weaknesses: small 12.2-inch screen. Skip it if you want a big screen.

Check on Amazon

What to Know Before Buying a Chromebook

Chromebooks are simple, inexpensive laptops built around Google’s ChromeOS. The eight models in this guide cost between roughly $246 and $470 in the listings we checked on October 30, 2026, and they differ in screen size, processor, memory and form factor. This section explains the decisions that matter. As always, our guides are built from product listings and manufacturer information, not our own lab testing, so confirm details on the product page.

What ChromeOS does well, and where it stops

ChromeOS runs the Chrome browser, web apps, Android apps from the Google Play Store on supported models and, on some models, Linux apps. It starts quickly, updates itself in the background and is hard to infect with malware, which makes it popular for schools and families. What it does not do is run Windows or macOS desktop programs. If your work lives in a browser, such as email, documents, spreadsheets, online classes, streaming and web tools, a Chromebook is a good fit. If you need desktop software such as full desktop Office, Adobe’s desktop apps or Windows-only tools, look at a Windows laptop instead. Our Laptop vs Chromebook comparison goes into this in more detail.

Automatic update expiration

Every Chromebook model receives updates for a fixed number of years, set by Google, and after that date it stops getting new features and security updates. The date is listed as the automatic update expiration (AUE). A cheap Chromebook with a short remaining update life can become a poor buy, so look up the AUE on Google’s support page for the exact model before you purchase. Newer designs generally have longer support windows.

Processor, memory and storage

The eight listings use several processors: MediaTek Kompanio 520 and 540 (Arm-based chips), Intel Celeron N4500 and Quad-Core N4120, Intel N150 and Intel N100. Because ChromeOS is light, even modest chips feel fine for browsing and documents, but they struggle with many tabs and heavy web apps. Memory is the bigger factor. Several listings show 4 GB of RAM (HP 14-inch, ASUS CX14, ASUS CM15), which works for light use but gets tight with many tabs. The Lenovo 500e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4 lists 8 GB of RAM, which is a more comfortable amount. Storage in these listings is eMMC, often 64 GB; eMMC is slower than an SSD but works for ChromeOS, which stores most files in the cloud. A microSD slot, if present, adds cheap extra space.

Screen: HD, Full HD and WUXGA

The screen is where cheap Chromebooks differ the most. The HP 14-inch has an HD panel, which looks soft and noticeably less sharp than Full HD. The Acer Gateway 314 and ASUS CM15 list Full HD, and the Lenovo Chromebook m, the Lenovo 2-in-1 and the 500e Yoga list WUXGA, which is 1920 by 1200 and shows more of a page than 16:9 Full HD. IPS panels, listed for the Lenovo models, give better viewing angles than basic panels. If you will spend hours reading or writing, spend a little more for a sharper panel.

Touchscreens and 2-in-1 designs

Three of the eight are touchscreen or convertible models. The Lenovo Flagship Chromebook is a 14-inch touchscreen, the Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1 (Intel N150) folds into a tablet and tent mode, and the Lenovo 500e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4 is a 12.2-inch touch 2-in-1 aimed at school use. Touch is valuable because Android apps are designed for it and because students often like to annotate and draw. Convertibles cost a little more and have a hinge to consider, and smaller screens like the 12.2-inch model are easier to carry but less comfortable for long work.

The Eight Chromebooks in Depth

Lenovo Flagship Chromebook (14-inch Touch)

This is the lowest-priced model in the guide at about $246. The listing describes a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen and an 8-core MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor. A touchscreen at this price is notable, and a Full HD panel makes text readable. The MediaTek Arm chip is efficient, which tends to mean good battery life and a cool, quiet laptop. It is ChromeOS only, so it suits students and people who do web-based work.

Choose it if you want touch and Full HD at the lowest price. Think twice if you rely on Windows software or want more memory; check the RAM on the product page.

HP 14-inch HD Chromebook

The listing describes a 14-inch HD display, an Intel Quad-Core N4120, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, at about $248. It is the plainest option: the HD screen is the weak spot and the 4 GB of memory limits multitasking. It is acceptable for a child’s schoolwork or a second computer for light tasks, but there are better screens at nearly the same price in this list.

Choose it if you want a known brand at a low price for basic use. Think twice if you care about screen sharpness.

Acer Gateway Chromebook 314

A 14-inch Full HD Chromebook with an Intel Celeron N4500 at about $270. The Full HD panel at this price is the draw, and the Celeron N4500 is a step above the N4120 for everyday tasks. It is a no-frills laptop that gives students a readable screen without a premium price. Check the RAM and storage on the product page, since the listing summary does not state them.

Choose it if you want an affordable Full HD Chromebook. Think twice if you want touch or a convertible.

ASUS CX14 Chromebook

A 14-inch ASUS Chromebook with an Intel Celeron N4500, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, at about $290. ASUS is a well-known brand and the build is generally dependable, but the 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage are modest for the price compared with other listings. It suits everyday web use, streaming and light schoolwork.

Choose it if you prefer ASUS and need a straightforward laptop. Think twice if you want more memory for the money.

ASUS Chromebook CM15

A 15.6-inch Full HD Chromebook with a MediaTek Kompanio 540, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, at about $326. The bigger screen is the point: a 15.6-inch display is more comfortable for reading, spreadsheets and split-screen work than a 14-inch panel. The trade-offs are size and weight, and 4 GB of RAM remains the limiting factor.

Choose it if you want a large screen for home use. Think twice if you carry your laptop all day.

Lenovo Chromebook m 14-inch

A 14-inch WUXGA IPS Chromebook with a MediaTek Kompanio 540 and Google Gemini, at about $350. The WUXGA IPS panel is a better display than the Full HD panels at lower prices, with more vertical space and wider viewing angles. The listing mentions Google Gemini, the AI assistant, which is an optional feature of newer Chromebooks. This is the pick for people who spend long hours reading and writing and want a sharper screen.

Choose it if screen quality matters to you. Think twice if you need touch or a 2-in-1 (see the next model).

Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1 (Intel N150)

A 14-inch WUXGA IPS touchscreen 2-in-1 with an Intel N150 and Google Gemini, at about $418. The convertible design lets you use it as a laptop, tent or tablet, and the touchscreen works well with Android apps. The Intel N150 is a recent efficient chip. It is the most versatile all-rounder in the list.

Choose it if you want a flexible, good-looking screen for notes, reading and media. Think twice if your budget is limited.

Lenovo 500e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4

The most expensive here at about $470, this 12.2-inch WUXGA touch 2-in-1 with an Intel N100, 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC is built for school. The 8 GB of RAM stands out in a field of 4 GB models, and the compact size and convertible design suit younger students. It is the smaller screen that most people will weigh: 12.2 inches is pleasant to carry and less comfortable for long document work.

Choose it if you want a school-ready 2-in-1 with more memory. Think twice if you want a large screen.

Which Chromebook Is Right for You

You want Best match Why
The lowest price with touch Lenovo Flagship Chromebook Touch and Full HD at about $246
A readable screen on a budget Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 Full HD at a low price
A big screen ASUS Chromebook CM15 15.6-inch Full HD
The sharpest screen for reading Lenovo Chromebook m WUXGA IPS
A convertible Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1 Tablet mode and WUXGA IPS
A school laptop with more memory Lenovo 500e Yoga Gen 4 8 GB RAM and touch
The most basic option HP 14-inch HD Chromebook Known brand, low price

Using a Chromebook Well

  1. Sign in with a Google account so your settings, bookmarks and files sync.
  2. Check the update expiration in Settings, About ChromeOS.
  3. Use Google Drive or offline files for your documents and turn on offline mode for Docs and Gmail.
  4. Install Android and web apps you need from the Play Store and Chrome Web Store.
  5. Manage tabs if you have 4 GB of RAM; close tabs you are not using.
  6. Add accessories such as a mouse, a case and a microSD card if the laptop has a slot.

Common Chromebook Buying Mistakes

  • Not checking the update expiration date. It determines how long the laptop stays secure.
  • Buying an HD screen without seeing it. Full HD or WUXGA is much more pleasant.
  • Underbuying memory. 4 GB is workable; 8 GB is better if you multitask.
  • Assuming it runs Windows programs. It does not.
  • Ignoring school requirements. Some schools require specific devices or software.

Where to Go Next

If a Chromebook looks too limited, compare with laptops under $500 and our best laptops. For school see best laptops for students and our student laptop buying guide. Read the laptop buying guide for general advice.

How to Choose

Storage

eMMC storage is small; use cloud storage.

Screen

FHD is nicer than HD.

Touch

Touch and 2-in-1 models suit tablets.

How We Chose These Products

We start from products sold on Amazon with a full product name and clear specifications, and we skip results that show only a brand name or a vague title. We then read the listing and any manufacturer information for each one and note the features that matter for laptops and laptop accessories: processor and memory, display, battery and ports. We do not run our own lab tests, and this guide contains no hands-on measurements. Use it to build a shortlist, then check current prices, dimensions and return terms on the Amazon page before you buy.

Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Choose

Chromebook versus Windows laptop

Chromebooks run ChromeOS, boot quickly and are light on maintenance, but have fewer desktop programs. If your work lives in a browser and Android apps, they can be a good fit. Check supported updates and the apps you need.

Graphics, cooling and refresh rate

Gaming laptops depend on the graphics chip and how well the cooling lets it run. Check the graphics model, power limit, display refresh rate and the cooling design. Thin models often run slower than thick ones with the same chip. Battery life during gaming is short, so plan on staying plugged in.

What students and creators need

Prioritize battery life, weight, keyboard comfort and a reliable display. For art or engineering, check screen accuracy and processing power; for writing, comfort and battery. Check the warranty and what the school requires.

Quick Reference: Which Pick Suits Whom

  • Lenovo Flagship Chromebook (14-inch Touch): suits students and basic web use
  • HP 14-inch HD Chromebook: suits school and web use
  • Acer Gateway Chromebook 314: suits students who want an FHD screen
  • ASUS CX14 Chromebook: suits everyday web use
  • ASUS Chromebook CM15: suits a bigger Chromebook screen
  • Lenovo Chromebook m 14-inch: suits everyday use with a sharper screen
  • Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1 (Intel N150): suits touch and tablet use
  • Lenovo 500e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4: suits school-ready 2-in-1 use

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Buying on processor name alone without checking memory and storage.
  • Ignoring display brightness and resolution.
  • Overlooking weight and battery for mobile use.
  • Skipping the warranty.
  • Forgetting the ports you need.

Setup and Care

  • Install system updates before first use.
  • Check battery health settings.
  • Back up important files.
  • Keep vents clear to avoid heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chromebooks good?

For web and school work, yes.

Can they run Windows apps?

No.

Which is best?

See Quick Picks.

How much memory do I need in a laptop?

For general use, 8 GB is a sensible minimum. For multitasking or heavier work, 16 GB gives more room.

SSD or hard drive?

An SSD is much faster and more reliable for daily use.

How long should a laptop battery last?

Claims vary with use. Check reviews and the listed hours, which are usually best-case.

Bottom Line

For lowest price, the Lenovo Flagship or HP 14. For bigger screen, the ASUS CM15. For 2-in-1, the Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1.

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