Chromebooks for College: Pros, Cons, and Top Picks

Chromebooks have become increasingly popular, especially among students. Maybe your kid brought one home from school. Put simply, Chromebooks are laptops running on Google's Chrome-based operating system, ChromeOS. They offer a unique computing experience that differs from traditional Windows laptops and MacBooks. If you're currently a student, or about to head off for high school or college for the first time, there's a good chance you're considering getting one of the best Chromebooks. These Google-powered laptops are a great choice for learners on a budget, offering a sleek and easy-to-use OS at a sensible price point.

This article will examine the pros and cons of using a Chromebook for college and provide recommendations based on different needs and budgets.

What is a Chromebook?

Chromebooks run on Google's Chrome OS. If you're used to using Windows or MacOS computers, ChromeOS isn't too far off, but it still may not have all the functionality you need. When ChromeOS launched, it was essentially Google's Chrome web browser. Even if ChromeOS never matured much beyond that, quite a lot can be done entirely on the web these days. That said, a Windows laptop or MacBook can run the Chrome browser and other software supported by those operating systems. Even if you don't immediately need a particular piece of software, it's nice to have the option.

Chromebook vs. Chromebook Plus

Now, there's also the Chromebook Plus lineup: a new tier of ChromeOS laptops that lays down baseline performance and design standards to deliver a more premium-feeling Google laptop experience. And there's no denying that these new Plus laptops sit among the best laptops for students right now.

As you might expect, the Chromebook Plus standard has certain minimum hardware specs to meet Google's requirements. That translates to better performance on average against 'regular' Chromebooks - but there's an important catch here.

See, ChromeOS is designed to run with a permanent internet connection and offloads a lot of its processes to the cloud. For example, instead of using Microsoft Word and saving files directly to your laptop's local storage, you'll be using Google Docs and saving them in the cloud with Google Drive.

This is a double-edged sword. The lightweight nature of ChromeOS allows Chromebooks to be made with less powerful (and more affordable) components, but it also reduces the effective performance upgrade headroom and ties your performance to the speed of your internet connection. If you don't have high-speed Wi-Fi, bear in mind that paying extra for a more powerful Chromebook, like the Acer Chromebook Plus 514, won't necessarily translate to significantly faster performance.

Still, Plus models have other advantages. More RAM means you'll be able to multitask more effectively, so if you tend to keep 20+ browser tabs open at once or multiple programs running simultaneously, it's a worthwhile upgrade. You also get at least 128GB (often more) of drive space with a Chromebook Plus. This isn't always needed, due to the cloud-based nature of ChromeOS, but will come in handy for users who want to install lots of programs.

Lastly, Chromebook Plus laptops are designed with Google Gemini in mind. In other words, these laptops are a bit better suited for running AI features, although, again, a lot of this functionality is offloaded to cloud computing, so don't expect to see a tremendous difference.

Advantages of Using a Chromebook

Using a Chromebook offers several advantages:

Ease of use: Chromebooks are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making them a great option for those who are new to computers or prefer a simpler interface. The simplicity of a Chromebook can't be beat. If everything you do can be done in a web browser or with web or Android apps, there's little reason not to go with a ChromeOS device.
Quick startup: Chromebooks boot up quickly, allowing you to start working or browsing the web within seconds.
Battery life: Chromebooks are known for their excellent battery life, often lasting for several hours on a single charge. This makes them ideal for travel or extended periods away from a power source.
Cloud storage: Chromebooks leverage cloud storage solutions, meaning your files and documents are stored online and accessible from any device with an internet connection.
Security: Chromebooks are built with security in mind. They benefit from frequent automatic updates, sandboxing techniques, and robust security features that protect against malware and viruses.

Disadvantages and Limitations

Despite their advantages, Chromebooks have limitations that may make them unsuitable for some college students:

Software Compatibility: Along those lines, Chromebooks are not natively compatible with Windows or Mac software. One of the big hurdles here for many people is access to Microsoft Office. You can't install the full Windows or MacOS desktop versions of Office software on a Chromebook. Sticking with Microsoft Office as an example, you can use Office 365 online and install the Office progressive web apps. PWAs act just like mobile apps, so you can use them offline, get notifications and pin them to the taskbar. (Google has plans to mix more of Android into ChromeOS, so I'm hoping for even more app compatibility in the near future.)
Offline Functionality: When Chromebooks first launched, they basically became paperweights when they were offline -- a real issue if you were in the middle of editing an important document and you suddenly couldn't save your work because your web connection dropped. For a regular laptop, being offline is a little less of a problem since you're more typically using installed software that saves to internal storage. While neither experience is great offline these days, Chromebooks are not a great choice if you're not willing and able to be online most of the time.
Gaming Limitations: When it comes to gaming, Windows laptops provide a better experience compared to Chromebooks. Windows laptops offer compatibility with a wide range of gaming titles, including resource-intensive games that require powerful hardware configurations. They also support external graphics cards, allowing for enhanced gaming performance. Chromebooks, on the other hand, have limited gaming options and are not suitable for running demanding games due to their lightweight hardware and focus on web-based tasks.
Resource-Intensive Tasks: Also, if you need to do demanding photo and video editing, especially if you're dealing with large files edited locally, you'll want a Windows laptop MacBook. There are multiple cloud-based and mobile app options available for photo and video editing, including Adobe tools, so it's possible to do some pro-level editing on a Chromebook. Google's own Photos app, which now has powerful Gemini AI tools, also has some strong editing capabilities. But you won't have the option to install Windows or Mac software, or the performance for complex rendering tasks.

Can You Game on a Chromebook?

The short answer is yes. However, it might not be the gaming experience you're after. With streaming game services like Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna and Xbox Cloud Gaming, Chromebooks can play more than Android and browser-based games (though they're great for those, too). There are now tools built into ChromeOS to make gaming more fun, and even gaming Chromebooks with faster 120Hz displays and RGB lighting. But if PC gaming is your goal, an entry-level Windows gaming laptop is a better starting place.

Design Differences

There's no escaping the fact that some Chromebooks do simply look and feel cheap. If you're picking up a super-budget model for under $300 / £300 / AU$500, chances are it's not going to look anything like a premium device.

That's not the case for Chromebook Plus laptops; the higher price does mean you're getting a product that feels a bit higher-end. Sure, they might not look quite as fancy as the best ultrabooks, but it's a noticeable upgrade.

Then again, it's a hill I'll die on that people shouldn't be concerned with how their hardware looks - that's how you end up with overpriced tech. What's important is how it feels, and a Chromebook Plus is invariably going to feel a bit better to use than a budget Chromebook. The specifics of this may vary. A more comfortable keyboard, a more robust and sensitive trackpad, a sturdier outer chassis, or an improved port selection; there are lots of possible improvements to be found here.

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There are two key factors mandated by Google for a laptop to receive the Plus badge: display and webcam. The screen must be a minimum of Full HD 1080p resolution, and the webcam must capture video in 1080p.

While 1080p is widely considered to be the 'baseline' for Windows laptops, you'll find plenty of cheap Chromebooks out there still rocking a lower resolution (most commonly 'HD Ready' 720p). Considering that most entertainment media these days is available in Full HD (or better!), it's worth considering a Chromebook Plus for its superior display if you like to kick back and watch Netflix on your laptop after a day of studying. The boosted webcam resolution is also a nice addition for students who have remote classes using software like Zoom.

When a Chromebook Might Not Be the Right Choice

I think Chromebooks are an excellent alternative to a Windows or macOS laptop for any user who wants good value for money, but there's an important caveat to bear in mind here: software compatibility.

Simply put, not everything you can run on a traditional Windows laptop will be available on ChromeOS. You do get a decent selection of native apps, and Google has also made the Android Google Play Store compatible with Chromebooks. Still, some software may not be compatible, so if you plan to use specific programs, be sure to check in advance whether they're available on ChromeOS. As great as Chromebooks are, ChromeOS does have some limitations when it comes to software compatibility.

It's also important to consider the topic you're studying. Some courses will be better served by a more powerful laptop capable of handling more intensive local workloads. For example, if you're in a creative discipline like 3D digital art or video editing, you might be better off with a laptop that has a dedicated GPU from Nvidia or AMD, which is something that Chromebooks universally lack. If you're taking literature or business studies, though, a Chromebook should suit you just fine.

If you decide that a Chromebook isn't right for you, be sure to check out our list of the best student laptops. Some of these are Chromebooks, but you've got some excellent alternative options like the Dell Plus 14.

What to Look for in a Chromebook

Years ago, all Chromebooks were pretty much the same, regardless of what company made them. Now, there's a far greater variety of laptops and two-in-ones -- convertibles and tablets -- to take advantage of ChromeOS's current capabilities. If you're just after a good, basic experience with a Chromebook, the small, lightweight OS has minimal hardware requirements. Having a faster, higher-end processor, more memory and greater storage for files and apps will help keep demanding multitaskers moving along; an Intel Core series, AMD Ryzen or MediaTek processor, 8GB of memory and a 128GB solid-state drive for storage will take you far, but certainly drives up the cost. However, there is another class of devices called Chromebook Plus. These models have a base standard of specs, so you're guaranteed a higher level of performance and features regardless of price.

Auto Update Expiration (AUE) Date

Regardless of what Chromebook you buy, before you buy it, you should find out the device's Auto Update Expiration date, or AUE. Currently, non-Google hardware is only supported for so long before it stops receiving ChromeOS and browser updates, including those for security. Chromebooks now receive 10 years of automatic updates from the initial release of the device.

Chromebook Recommendations for College Students

Here are some Chromebook recommendations based on different needs and budgets:

Top Pick: Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-6HT-368E)

If you can complete all of your coursework on a Chromebook, we recommend the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-6HT-368E) because it has the best combination of price and features of all the models we tested. It has fast performance, a backlit keyboard, a reliable trackpad, and a tall touchscreen. The Chromebook Plus 514 is also light and portable, with long-enough battery life to last a full day of classes. To hit its reasonable price, this model doesn’t cut any major corners, though it lacks a 360-degree hinge, and its speakers and webcam are merely passable.

Processor: Intel Core 3 N355
Screen: 14-inch 1920×1200 touch
Memory: 8 GB
Weight: 3.09 pounds
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Tested battery life: 12 hours

Budget Chromebook Pick: Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook

Nonetheless, you shouldn't be discouraged about buying a super-cheap Chromebook if you're working with an extremely tight budget. I'd advise looking for a model with at least 8GB of RAM, but even with that criterion in place, you should be able to find something reasonably priced, like the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook.

Alternatives to Chromebooks: Windows Laptops and MacBooks

While Chromebooks offer a compelling option for many students, Windows laptops and MacBooks remain viable alternatives, each with its own strengths:

Windows Laptops

With a broad range of designs, sizes and styles that can be configured with all kinds of components and available with prices going from a couple hundred dollars to thousands, a Windows or Mac laptop offers greater variety in performance and use, especially if you want to easily use software or play games only available on those operating systems.

Top Windows Laptop Pick: HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (fm0013dx)

Most high school or college students shopping for a Windows laptop to last through graduation should get the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (fm0013dx). It’s powerful and portable, and thanks to its 15-hour battery life, it will last through a full day of classes and into an evening of coursework. Unlike many budget models, the OmniBook X Flip 14 is sturdy and comes with a USB-C charger, which you can use to charge more devices and is generally cheaper to replace than specialty non-USB-C chargers. We also like this model’s 360-degree hinge, which allows you to use the laptop as a tablet for note-taking.

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V
Screen: 14-inch 1920×1200 touch
Memory: 16 GB
Weight: 3.06 pounds
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Tested battery life: 15 hours

Upgrade Pick: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (14″ Intel)

Our top-pick Windows laptop, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (14″ Intel), has been on sale for as low as $650 - if you see it for under $800, it’s a great value. In contrast to the OmniBook X Flip 14’s IPS display, this model has a much better OLED screen; it also has a comfortable keyboard and a reliable trackpad, as well as slightly longer battery life at 16 hours. Like the OmniBook X Flip 14, the Yoga 7i has a 360-degree hinge, and it’s similarly heavy at around 3 pounds.

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V
Screen: 14-inch 1920×1200 OLED touch
Memory: 16 GB
Weight: 3.04 pounds
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Tested battery life: 16 hours

Budget Windows Laptop Pick: Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-30YE)

The Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-32P-30YE) is the best Windows laptop you can find for the price. But we strongly recommend saving up for our top pick if you can - it’s better in nearly every way.

We expect the Aspire Go 15 to be fast enough for most people’s computing needs for years to come, because it has twice as much memory as most cheap Windows laptops. And its 15.6-inch 1920×1080 display looks good, without any unsightly tints or viewing-angle issues that plague laptops in this price range. The Aspire Go 15’s battery lasted 9 hours in our web-browsing battery tests, just enough for it to squeak through a day of classes but not much more. We also like that it charges via USB-C, rather than a harder-to-replace barrel-style charger.

Processor: Intel Core 3 N355
Screen: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 non-touch
Memory: 16 GB
Weight: 3.74 pounds
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Tested battery life: 9 hours

MacBooks

If you prefer macOS or need exceptional tech support, a MacBook is a safe bet; the 13-inch models usually offer the best combination of size, weight, and speed. They’re great for most types of schoolwork, including writing, researching, and basic video and photo editing and coding. Once you factor in Apple’s education discount, you can get one with good enough specs and storage to last three to four years for less than $800.

Top MacBook Pick: Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

The 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) costs just $600 at Walmart, the lowest price we’ve seen for a MacBook.

Processor: Apple M1 CPU
Screen: 13.3-inch 2560×1600 IPS
Memory: 8 GB
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Tested battery life: 14.5 hours

Upgrade Pick: Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)

If you have a higher budget, we recommend the newer Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025), which has more memory, a bigger, brighter screen, a superior webcam, and a MagSafe charging port. Both models are more than fast enough for web browsing and working on documents, though the M4 model is better suited to work like light photo and video editing or compiling code.

Processor: Apple M4 CPU
Screen: 13.6-inch 2560×1664 IPS
Memory: 16 GB
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Tested battery life: 14.5 hours

Tablets as Alternatives

Windows laptops and Chromebooks that cost around $300 are almost uniformly unpleasant to use - washed-out screens and crappy performance are the two biggest problems. A tablet isn’t good at all the things a laptop is good at, and if you’re taking programming classes or learning how to do high-end photo and video editing with apps such as Photoshop or Premiere, a tablet probably wouldn’t work for you. But if you mainly need to browse the internet, write papers, stream videos, draw, and take handwritten notes, an iPad can be a workable, inexpensive substitute for a traditional laptop. iPads feel faster than cheap laptops, they run the App Store’s huge selection of games (in addition to productivity apps), and their light weight makes them more convenient to use in bed or on a couch when your homework is done and you want to unwind.

Top Tablet Pick: Apple iPad (11th generation)

The 10.9-inch Apple iPad (11th generation) is responsive and pleasant to use, its larger screen is bright and colorful, it has good battery life, and the Apple Pencil is great for drawing or taking notes. And Apple has made big strides forward in keyboard, mouse, and multitasking support, which makes the iPad feel a lot more like a traditional laptop when you put it in a case and pair it to a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (or one of Apple’s Magic Trackpads). If you can afford it, and especially if your iPad will be your only computer, consider the 256 GB version instead of the 128 GB version; with that version, you’ll need to rely on cloud storage less, and you’ll have more space for apps and other files.

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