best chromebook for kids

The Best Chromebooks for Kids in 2024

Chromebooks are currently a staple of American education and learning (as well as a quick laptop computer fix in these pandemic times). If your youngster needs one for schoolwork or playtime, bellow’s aid with the specs, the functions, as well as everything else you require to understand prior to you buy.

Chromebooks can make excellent job as well as play buddies for kids of every ages. They’re laptops that typically set you back a few hundred dollars and also run Google’s simple-to-use Chrome ox. With a Chromebook, parents do not need to bother with a leaking juice box ruining a substantial financial investment, nor do they require to supply much in the means of tech assistance. A lot of Chromebooks are affordable, and all are easy to use.

Thanks to those two variables, Chromebooks are currently a staple of American class, with school areas big as well as small issuing them to pupils at little or no straight cost. Paired with specialized apps like Google Class, they’re made use of for everything from pop quizzes to digital art-museum visits, as well as the software application can integrate features useful for instructors, also, such as plagiarism detection.

Even if your youngster’s institution doesn’t release Chromebooks or make use of these devices, the need for remote learning that’s increased during 2023’s pandemic lockdowns may well be making you think about acquiring one. And the unsure situations around education in the fall of 2023 is making the need for them also more powerful. (Expect periodic supply shortages and also unstable prices.) Bellow’s what to look for before you click “Purchase Now.”

What Is a Chromebook?

You as well as your kids might have never made use of a Chromebook previously, but you’re probably acquainted with how one works. That’s since the Chrome operating system is based on the exact same Chrome internet browser that your kids currently make use of when you let them borrow your existing laptop, mobile phone, or tablet computer. If all your youngster requires is a site to the web, you don’t require to mount anything– just release a browser window.

You can set up apps on Chromebooks if you intend to, however. The procedure is much like setting up apps on your smartphone, including little bit greater than a browse through to the Google Play Shop or the Chrome Web Shop. Also, apps created for Android phones will certainly deal with late-model Chromebooks. You will also find a considerable collection of kid-friendly apps created for Chromebooks, and not simply video games: devices for notetaking, podcasting, book posting, attracting, screen casting, and various other 21st-century schoolwork.

The simpleness of Chrome OS suggests that it allows less openings for bugs as well as security threats. There are no drivers to upgrade, and no slow antivirus software program suites to get and preserve. Children won’t keep up with these tedious computer duties, and you probably do not wish to, either. Presuming it’s obtained an internet link, a Chromebook will certainly keep itself secure and also upgraded.

The drawbacks of this simplexes? They include much less flexibility as well as the occasional discouraging compatibility issue. From time to time, Chromebooks can trip you up with minor hurdles, like conflicts with in-flight streaming enjoyment systems that make use of electronic rights management (DRM) software program, whereas these systems function just great with iPhone or Android gadgets. Larger issues consist of missing abilities that have been a staple of modern computer for several years. Chrome OS, for example, offers nothing in the way of out-of-the-box video editing, unlike the straightforward yet effective devices built into Windows 10 and also macOS.

In short, the advantages and disadvantages of Chrome OS imply that a Chromebook is as well-suited to child-friendly computer as it is improper to the requirements of power individuals.

What Chromebook Features Do Your Children Required?

Because of this, your primary consideration when acquiring a Chromebook for a child is not exactly how effective the equipment is, but what type of physical attributes it has. Somewhat paradoxically, the younger your child is, the more functions she or he might require. That’s because younger pupils are commonly the target audience for increased reality (AR) or attracting apps that need multiple cams, touch screens, and also electronic pens. Older trainees that are largely keeping in mind as well as writing term papers may not require these attributes as frequently.

Some of one of the most cutting-edge Chromebook styles we’ve seen lately are really tablets, not laptops. They’ve been sluggish to catch on amongst mainstream customers, however they have terrific prospective as a class finding out device. They’re a lot smaller sized as well as lighter than laptops, so they’re much easier for younger youngsters to hold. They additionally commonly have front-facing electronic cameras, which are required for some AR apps and also terrific for recording a picture of the chalkboard before the teacher removes it.

Economical Chromebook tablets from Acer, Asus, CTL, and various other companies are generally offered straight to school districts as well as a result hard to discover in retail (because of that, they’re not in our suggestion checklist below), but they’re worth an appearance if you take place to discover one in supply. Convertible Chromebooks with 360-degree hinges, nonetheless, are good alternatives, since they consist of a physical keyboard but can still be used as a tablet if needed.

A Chromebook tablet or 2-in-1 convertible will have a touch-enabled screen by requirement, given that their keyboards aren’t constantly handy. Yet the majority of traditional laptop Chromebooks have non-touch display screens, at least in their default arrangements. Since Google has substantially enhanced the touch capacities of the Chrome OS versus its early variations, touch screens go to the very least worth taking into consideration.

One more consideration for your child’s Chromebook screen is its resolution. Just like any kind of laptop screen, you’ll want to avoid display screens with resolutions below complete HD (typically 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, or 1080p) if you can. There are affordable full-HD Chromebooks available, yet they’re sometimes tough to discover amongst the sea of others with lower-resolution screens. (Lower resolution generally manifests itself as a display with a 1,366 by 768 resolution.) Your kids’ eyes will thanks for going with full HD, specifically if the Chromebook has a display 13 inches or larger.

Should You Purchase a Rugged Chromebook for Kids?

It’s always an excellent suggestion to pick a Chromebook that’s developed to hold up against bumps, bruises, as well as the occasional fluid spill. As well as it’s a demand if your kid will be carrying his/her Chromebook to institution on a daily basis. You could not be able to locate a Chromebook in your spending plan that passes true MIL-SPEC testing, yet you can locate other rugged choices. Search for water-resistant key-boards, keys with anti-wear tops, and non-slip chassis appearances or layers.

Along with being strong, a kid-friendly Chromebook ought to also be constructed from products that are easy to clean. Try to find darker shades, and select a steel surface over a plastic one if you can. A few past Chromebooks have actually also included cutting-edge products like display screen covers that double as scrawl-on whiteboards, providing youngsters additional creative leeway to personalize their Chromebooks without leaving long-term damage.

Because your kid will mostly make use of a Chromebook to link to the web wirelessly, it doesn’t call for a lot of ports for peripherals or Ethernet connections. The most vital connection factor to consider is Wi-Fi. Search for the 802.11 ac or 802.11 ax (Wi-Fi 6) standards, as well as avoid the older 802.11 n criterion. Bluetooth is likewise great to have for attaching a wireless computer mouse or streaming audio to external audio speakers.

Many low-cost Chromebooks have exclusive billing cable televisions, which could be tough to replace if they’re shed. A USB Type-C charging cord is much better, specifically if you have various other USB Type-C tools, because you can generally exchange billing cables in between them in case your kid loses one.

What CPU Should a Chromebook for Children Have?

Easy software program needs just basic hardware to run. It’s an essential reason why most Chromebooks are less expensive than Macs as well as Windows Computers– you don’t require tons of CPU cores or an effective graphics processor to compose essays and also browse the internet. Neither do you need capacious hard disks to house lots of video clip files when you’re utilizing Google Docs and also streaming multimedia material from the internet.

You can discover “prestige” Chromebooks with Intel Core i7 processors as well as 256GB solid-state drives (SSDs) if you desire them, consisting of models from Samsung and also Google itself. But these machines, which hover in the $1,000 array, are overkill for most users, particularly children.

Instead, we recommend investing $300 or less on a kid’s Chromebook. That quantity ought to obtain you at the very least 4GB of memory and also a minimum of 32GB of storage area. It will certainly also obtain you a Chromebook with an Intel Pentium or Celeron CPU, or an ARM processor.

If you’re used to purchasing Macs or Windows laptop computers, you may balk at those specs, however they actually are all your kid needs, and you should stand up to the urge to upgrade. A $300 Windows laptop computer with a Celeron processor and 4GB of memory could be unpleasantly slow-moving in daily use, yet a Chromebook with those same specifications must offer an ample experience for youngsters that are typically doing simply one thing at a time on the machine. Even requiring applications that make use of AR Core, Google’s platform for developing AR experiences, work on tools with just 4GB of memory and also a dual core CPU.

So, Which Chromebook Should I Buy for My Kid?

We have actually described our favorite kid-friendly Chromebooks we have actually tested below. Click through for deep-dive reviews of each. Thinking about purchasing one for yourself, also? Have a look at our overview to the most effective Chromebooks overall. If you wish to consider Windows laptops, as well, look into our complete listing of finest laptop computers for children (including both Chrome OS and also Windows versions), as well as our top laptop computer choices for university student.

Various other buying and guidance resources you could wish to check out include our basic roundup of budget plan laptops, in addition to our summary of Android, Apple iOS, and Amazon Fire OS tablet computers for youngsters.

The most effective Chromebooks for kids in 2023.

Here are the best Chromebooks for youngsters going back to college

Parents seeking the best Chromebooks for kids have pertained to the best location, as we’ve collected the leading Chromebooks throughout several price-points. Chromebooks have long been heralded for their kid-friendliness and also simplicity, making them an all-natural fit for trainees and class.

A well-stocked Chromebook can supply a full computing experience (even for older children), with optional Linux combination as well as Android applications. And also because we remain in back to college season, Chromebooks remain in high need, offering the defector criterion for fundamental computing in a budget friendly bundle.

Chromebook price points range from $150 to $1,000, going from the most standard designs to laptops with all the trimmings of mom and dad’s laptops.

Not all Chromebooks are the same. Some are much more sturdy, while others convert from laptop computers to tablet computers. They do not all have touchscreens, either. Port choice, for plugging in peripherals like an added keyboard as well as mouse, differs also.

As well as because they’re all valued so in a different way, what you’re paying for will ultimately determine what your child can finishing with the maker.

What are the best Chromebooks for kids?

For classwork, your child can manage with a Chromebook as standard as the Samsung Chromebook 4, which hails an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, 4GB of RAM, as well as 32GB of storage space. There’s a microSD port if you need a lot more storage area, or you can spend an added $30 for the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, which likewise functions as a tablet and features a touchscreen for interactive educational material (or for conveniently snuggling up to enjoy a video after course is over). The Lenovo Chromebook 100e is also a formidable selection if you’re seeking something especially created on the internet understanding, as well as it’s frequently valued just $100.

Kid-friendly Chromebooks have a tendency to jump in rate from there. The HP Chromebook 14A G5 is a primo choice for $350. The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is additionally offered at this cost factor, and also it verifies you can obtain a worthwhile convertible computer system for your kid without breaking the financial institution. The Flex 5 Chromebook is offered with different processor setups, so you can go faster if your child presses their technology to the limit.

Anything over $400 has a tendency to steer further far from the group of “barebone essentials.” The Chromebook Flip C214, for example, flips right into tablet setting and also takes a stylus for innovative children. It likewise has a spill-resistant key-board and also rubber edge bumpers for when mishaps happen

Include $200, as well as you’re veering into efficiency Chromebooks, with laptops running on Intel Core M3 and also i5 processors and a minimum of 8GB of RAM. Some laptops even have solid-state disk drives. They have a tendency to have bigger screens and also mirror the look of even more typical Windows laptop computers. These are a trusted option if you’re a moms and dad in a bind seeking a school-approved computer system that can expand with your child into their later years.

The very best Chromebooks for kids you can buy today

1. Samsung Chromebook 4

The very best Chromebook for kids overall

CPU: Intel Celeron N4000|RAM: 4GB|Storage space: 32GB|Present: 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768-pixel|Measurements: 11.3 x 8 x 0.7 inches Weight: 2.6 pounds

The Samsung Chromebook 4 is the very best Chromebook for youngsters that’s under $300. The Samsung Chromebook 4 provides to 10.5 hrs of battery, that makes it terrific for children who don’t wish to rest at the table, with their laptop plugged into a power electrical outlet, while trekking through their work. The Chromebook 4’s lightweight aluminum develop makes it premium feeling, too, which could obtain your youngster delighted regarding utilizing their laptop. Likewise, its snappy Intel Celeron N4000 processor and comfy keyboard will aid your child survive their classwork.

The Chromebook 4 is much lighter as well as thinner than relative 11.6-inch Chromebook designs. Nevertheless, it does not use touchscreen support, which can restrict the intended capability of the Chromebook (however it’s not a huge bargain if you don’t need Android apps). Its audio isn’t impressive, so make certain to pair the Samsung Chromebook 4 with headphones, because online discovering calls for complying with in addition to distinct instructions.

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight, making it easy for kids to carry.
  • Durable build quality.
  • Decent processing power for basic tasks and schoolwork.
  • Affordable price point.
  • Long battery life for extended use.

Cons:

  • Smaller screen may not be ideal for extended multimedia use.
  • Limited storage space.

2. Lenovo Chromebook Duet

The best 2-in-1 Chromebook for kids

CPU: 2.0 GHz octa-core MediaTek Helion P60T|RAM: 4GB|Storage: 64GB eMMC, 128GB eMMC|Display: 10.1 inches, 1920 x 1200 pixels Dimensions: 9.64 x 6.66 x 0.71 inches Weight: 2 pounds

If you’re searching for a tool that doubles as a tablet, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a solid option for under $300. It includes a removable keyboard with a touch-sensitive trackpad, just like on conventional laptops. And also, in tablet computer setting, the Chromebook Duet has actually a wonderful optimized variation of Chrome that makes it very easy to see what remains in your other tabs. Don’t intend on co-opting this device when your youngster is made with it, though– the tricks are most definitely kid-sized.

The Duet’s 10.1-inch display is remarkably sharp for a tablet computer at this price, and also the speakers are loud enough that your youngster can listen to instructions without headphones. Coupled with almost 13-hours of battery life, the Chromebook Duet is an economical double-duty entertainer. The tablet computer setting is so qualified that your kid can lastly have their very own and you will not require to share yours with them any longer.

Pros:

  • Versatile 2-in-1 design with a detachable keyboard.
  • High-resolution display for a vivid visual experience.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Good performance for web browsing and basic tasks.
  • Affordable price.

Cons:

  • Small screen may not be suitable for all use cases.
  • Limited storage space.

3. Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook

The best Chromebook for kids who want more speed

CPU: 2.1 GHz Intel Core i3-10110U|RAM: 4GB|Storage: 64GB eMMC|Present: 13.3 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, touchscreen Measurements: 12.2 x 8.42 x 0.66 inches Weight: 2.97 pounds

The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is adaptable in its capacities and multitasking capabilities, specifically if you select the 10th-generation Intel Core i3 arrangement. This certain variation pairs the processor with 4GB of RAM, which suffices for Google Docs, Google Chrome, as well as shuffling in between YouTube video clips. The more tabs you open, the slower the system goes, nonetheless– that’s why many spending plan PCs come with at least 8GB of RAM to handle this kind of use. No matter, that’s enough to get your kid through their everyday lessons and a little bit of recreation screen time.

The Flex 5 Chromebook’s display swivels backward to change into a tablet-like tool. The 13.3-inch 1080p display is both touch-sensitive and stylus-friendly, and also its key-board offers an enjoyable click for older youngsters charged with creating essays. The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook likewise comes flush with ports, featuring two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a mix audio jack.

Pros:

  • FHD touch display for a more interactive experience.
  • Faster Intel Core i3 processor for smoother multitasking.
  • Adequate RAM for most school and productivity tasks.
  • Sufficient storage space for files and apps.
  • Sturdy build quality.

Cons:

  • Pricier compared to some other options.
  • Battery life may not be as long as other Chromebooks.

4. Asus Chromebook Flip C434

The most effective premium Chromebook for kids

CPU: 1.1 GHz Intel Core m3-8100Y|RAM: 4GB|Storage: 32GB eMMC|| Present: 14-inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, touchscreen Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches Weight: 3.2 pounds

For something with a bit more power still in the Asus family, there’s the Chromebook Flip C434. Individuals such as this one for its premium layout, including thin screen bezels and also a streamlined light weight aluminum exterior. The 14-inch touch screen is huge as well as vibrant and also can last as much as 10 hrs on a full charge.

Sadly, you’re not obtaining anything in ports with the cost uptick, considering that the slim style of the Chromebook Flip C434 takes precedence. There is a USB-A port and also two USB-C ports, as well as a microSD card insert. You may take into consideration budgeting for a suitable adapter for this certain Chromebook or an outside mouse, as its touchpad is a little bit as well picky to be exact. If you require even more power, Asus offers this model with either a Core i5 or Core i7 cpu with approximately 8GB of RAM as well as much as 128GB of storage for $650 as well as $700.

Pros:

  • Large and high-quality Full HD touchscreen display.
  • Versatile 2-in-1 design.
  • Premium all-metal build.
  • Backlit keyboard for improved usability in low-light conditions.
  • Decent performance for a wide range of tasks.

Cons:

  • Slightly higher price.
  • 4GB RAM may be limiting for multitasking.

5. Acer Chromebook 714

The most effective Chromebook for kids with a great deal of Chrome tabs open

CPU: 1.1 GHz Intel Core m3-8100Y|RAM: 4GB|Storage space: 32GB eMMC|Show: 14-inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, touchscreen Measurements: 12.6 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches Weight: 3.2 extra pounds

If your child requires a big screen, a powerful cpu, as well as 8GB of RAM, take into consideration going all-in on the Acer Chromebook 714. This laptop can be found in a number of configurations, including a latest-generation Intel Core i3 and Core i5. The one we recommend for older kids is priced at $650 for the Core i3 and also 64GB of storage space, though you can get the $500 version with a 2.3 GHz Intel Pentium 4417U and also still get it packed with 8GB of RAM. That’s lots of memory for filtering via tabs in Chrome and releasing numerous applications at once.

Whichever hardware configuration you pick, you’re obtaining the exact same all-aluminum, aesthetically-pleasing framework on the Chromebook 714 together with a backlit keyboard as well as a receptive touchpad. The exterior is additionally fingerprint-resistant, so it stays looking smooth, as well as there’s a finger print scanner for securing the tool from the prying eyes of nosy parents. The only caveats to take into consideration below is the Chromebook 714 doesn’t have the most vivid screen or boomy audio speakers.

Pros:

  • High-resolution touchscreen display for enhanced visuals.
  • Ample 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking.
  • Strong and durable aluminum chassis.
  • Solid performance with an Intel Core i3 processor.
  • Sufficient storage space.

Cons:

  • Pricier than some other options.
  • May be heavier and less portable for young kids.

6. Google Pixel book Go

The very best Chromebook for high school students

CPU: 1.1 GHz Intel Core m3-8100Y|RAM: 8GB|Storage: 64GB eMMC|Display: 13.3-inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, touchscreen Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches Weight: 2.3 extra pounds

It might not attract you at first as a result of its comparatively high price factor, yet the Pixel book Go is Google’s latest front runner Chromebook for a reason. It has all the expertise that’s feasible from the cloud-based platform. It’s available in a Core i5 or a Core i7 configuration with approximately 16GB of RAM and also 256GB of storage room, though you’ll spend upwards of $1,400 for the supreme specs.

While the Pixel book Go is just one of the more fashionable laptops pointed out right here, it may not be the best laptop for kids. Its port offerings are restricted to 2 USB-C ports and also a combination headphone as well as microphone jack. It has among the most comfortable keyboards for keying, nevertheless. We ‘d highly recommend this Chromebook for high schoolers or newly-minted university entrants, specifically if your kid wants software application growth by way of what Chrome OS offers natively.

Pros:

  • Extremely lightweight and portable.
  • Impressive battery life for all-day use.
  • High-quality touch screen for interactive activities.
  • Premium design and build quality.
  • Fast performance with various configurations.

Cons:

  • Considerably more expensive.
  • Limited availability of ports.
  • Overkill for basic school tasks.

7. Asus Chromebook Flip C214

The very best lightweight Chromebook for kids

CPU: 1.1 GHz Intel Celeron N4000|RAM: 4GB|Storage: 32GB eMMC|Show: 11.6-inches, 1366 x 768 pixels, touchscreen Dimensions: 11.49 x 7.83 x. 77 inches Weight: 1.1 extra pounds

If you’re not bothered by the one weak USB port, the Asus Chromebook Flip C214 is a decent financial investment if your kid requires a laptop of their own. Inside, there’s an Intel Celeron N4000 paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space. There’s likewise an additional USB-C port if you don’t mind plugging in an adapter to add peripherals or link it to a display screen.

The Asus Chromebook Flip C214 is tiny and also sturdy. It’s more compact than various other versions of its dimension, too, and its 11.6-inch touchscreen screen is bright enough to see outside in straight sunlight. The Chromebook Flip C214 is primarily recognized for its comfy keyboard with fast vital traveling, making it a prime choice for marathon research sessions. For budding musicians, the Chromebook Flip C214 is readily available with a lockable stylus for an additional $60.

Pros:

  • Rugged and water-resistant design for durability.
  • Convertible 2-in-1 design for flexibility.
  • Affordable price point.
  • Adequate performance for educational tasks.
  • Easy to carry around for school or on-the-go use.

Cons:

  • Smaller screen size may not be ideal for extended use.
  • Limited storage space.

How to choose the best Chromebook for your kid

Kids don’t require all the bells and whistles of a premium Chromebook. They require something useful adequate to examine them into class and help assist in involvement. Chromebooks running lesser-known CPUs such as the MediaTek Helio P60T and the Intel Celeron N4000 are definitely able, but they’re not workhorses akin to the Intel Core M3 and Core i5 processors. For something a lot more powerful and with the ability of flying via a number of Chrome tabs at a time, plus Android applications where suitable, 8GB of memory is a minimum requirement. At the minimum, you will not have to bother with disparities in battery life in between the designs stated here because education-focused Chromebooks run on the least-taxing specifications.

For a child who is mainly stuck at the desk doing schoolwork, a traditional laptop-type Chromebook will be sufficient, though you’ll intend to pick an exterior that’s very easy to clean down when messes occur. If your kid prefers a mouse to browse, select one with a standard USB input. It streamlines the procedure of linking a mouse, and also you do not need to worry about acquiring a suitable USB-C dock. For squirmier tykes, a 2-in-1 Chromebook tablet computer has the very same performance as a desk-bound Chromebook, however with the flexibility of doing schoolwork in a beanbag chair or one more very comfortable situation.

When it concerns screen dimension, an 11-inch display screen is ample enough for younger youngsters. Older kids and middle-schoolers will certainly profit extra from a larger display screen, or anything 13-inches and over. If you do not such as the display of the Chromebook– perhaps it’s a bit rinsed, or you realize it’s uneasy for your kid– you can always buy the USB hub discussed over to tack on HDMI and also attach to an outside monitor.

Lastly, considering that Chromebook models aren’t generally revitalized every year, be keen on whether or not the Chromebook model you select will get software application and safety updates down the line. Most of the Chromebooks featured here are set for updates up until 2026. (Google supplies a handy support page if you want to look up a details model.) This guarantees compatibility with software which your kid’s laptop computer isn’t exposed to any major safety and security susceptibilities. You may need to do some hand-operated parenting upkeep to make sure the gadget keeps up to day.

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