Searching for a new computer or tablet for your kids can be tricky. On the one hand, you want something fairly inexpensive, but you also want solid performance and durability. The good news is Chromebooks perfectly balance cost-effective hardware, durability, and OS security. While Chromebooks satisfy most of the must-haves for a kids’ computer, you still need to pick one from the vast list of options.
We’ve put together this guide to Chromebooks for kids, identifying the best available options from all of the top manufacturers. In selecting these devices, we’ve considered price, portability, durability, and usability. If you need a new Chrome OS device for your kids, you’ve come to the right place.
Navigate this article:
- Best Battery life: ASUS Flip CM3
- Best style with durability: Samsung Chromebook Go
- Best 15 inch option: Acer Chromebook 315 Touch
- Best with built-in stylus: ASUS Flip C214
- Best 11 inch option: Lenovo Chromebook C340
- Best for durability: Dell Chromebook 3100 EE
- Best 14 inch value: Acer Chromebook 314
- Best for younger children: HP Pro Chromebook 11 G8 EE
- Best premium option with LTE: HP x360 13c
Best battery life: ASUS Flip CM3
Those that care more about battery life than performance will love the Flip CM3. The ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 strikes the balance between work and play. The 360 degree hinge enables multiple modes and provides the versatility to work or study using the orientation you like the best. Featuring a 12 inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and thin bezels, the ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 provides an expanded view in the portrait orientation to inspire you to see the world from a new perspective.
ASUS Pen (USI) support enables intuitive writing with an active stylus for enhanced productivity. The ultra-portable design and long-lasting battery life are tailored to an on-the-go lifestyle, and the silky-smooth palm rests and ErgoLift hinge design ensure comfort when typing.
The amazing battery life and 3:2 aspect ratio make this a unique choice for those that need portability to work on the road. Inside, this Chromebook is powered by a MediaTek 8183 Processor 2.0 GHz (1M Cache, up to 2.0 GHz, 8 cores), up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 128GB eMMc storage. While the processor isn’t the beefiest one out there, the average of 16 hours battery life on a single charge is worth the trade-off. This is undoubtedly the best ASUS Chromebook for amazing battery life.
- Amazing battery life is something you expect with a Chromebook. But with the Flip CM3 you get up to a whopping 16 hours of usage on a single charge. If you don't mind a MediaTek processor, this is the Chromebook that lasts all day and night.
Best style with durability: Samsung Chromebook Go
If your kids want a stylish Chromebook, Samsung has a compelling option. The Galaxy Chromebook Go is a new entry in Samsung’s Chromebook lineup. Announced just a few weeks back, this 14″ Chromebook has a solid display and attractive white on black design. This Chromebook also passed Mil-STD-810G testing, making it a very durable choice for younger children. On the inside you get an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB eMMc storage.
Samsung also included plenty of connectivity, with 1 USB3.2 port, 2USB-C ports, microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack. If you care about portability, this Chromebook weighs just 3.2lbs making it fairly light for a 14″ device. Since this is a newer device, you’ll also get Chrome OS updates for a long time, making this a device students can use throughout their school years.
- Samsung recently announced the Galaxy Chromebook Go and it's a beautiful device. The white on black contrast makes this one of the best looking Chromebooks under $300. You also get a quality display and a newer Intel Celeron processor inside.
Best 15 inch option: Acer Chromebook 315 Touch
The 315 Touch offers a 15.6″ display, the largest display available on a Chromebook built by Acer. The 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9, IPS display with touchscreen is really the selling point. If you work with numbers or spreadsheets, the dedicated number pad will be appreciated. Inside this Chromebook packs the Intel Celeron N4000 processor Dual-core at 1.10 GHz with 4 GB, LPDDR4 standard memory. Rounding out the internal specs is 32 GB of flash memory.
It’s worth noting that with the larger display, you do sacrifice a bit of storage capacity in this model. This laptop also features USB C for fast charging and file transfer, which is useful for the increased battery draw on the larger display.
- This is one of the few Chromebooks on offer with a 15.6 FHD display. If you want a large screen, and solid all-around performance, the 315 Touch is worth exploring.
Best with built-in stylus: ASUS Flip C214
The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is built to deliver an innovative and inspirational learning experience for children. As well as a versatile touchscreen display and a built-in stylus, there’s also a 360 degree hinge and a world-facing camera. The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 has classroom-ready durability to reassure teachers and students alike, with an all-round rubber bumper, spill-resistant keyboard and ultra-tough hinge. With its school day-long battery life and time-saving, easy-to-service modular construction, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is ready for anything. This laptop isn’t really about the internal specs, but you get an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB eMMc storage inside.
Accidents happen, and the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is ready for them. It’s built to withstand everyday classroom knocks, bumps, drops and spills without damage. Built to surpass demanding military-grade MIL-STD-810G durability standards, it’s also torture-tested to pass stringent ASUS quality tests. It can withstand occasional drops of up to 120cm — more than standard desk height — and the hinge and I/O ports are fully tested to endure the stresses and strains of everyday use.
The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 includes a special world-facing camera so students can explore and learn in a totally new way, allowing them to capture photos and videos in tablet mode. There are also plans for the world-facing camera to support versatile apps, giving both students and teachers an exciting new learning aid.
- ASUS has quite a few solid options for students. This particular model is perfect for younger kids as it has a ruggedized design that's spill and drop resistant. The affordable price and convertible form-factor also make it an appealing option for college students as well.
Best 11 inch option: Lenovo Chromebook C340
This 11″ Chromebook is portable enough to move around the classroom, but durable enough to withstand a few bumps. The lightweight Chromebook C340 11″ boasts an ultraportable, 360° convertible design and all-day battery life. It’s just 2.65lbs / 1.2kg and takes up less space than a piece of printer paper, but Intel processing gives it power that defies its size. The laptop comes in two snazzy colors, Platinum Grey and Sand Pink.
Inside you’ll find an Intel Celeron N4000 Processor (1.10 GHz, up to 2.60 GHz with Turbo Boost, 2 Cores, 2 Threads, 4 MB Cache),4 GB LPDDR4 2400MHz (Soldered) RAM, and 64 GB eMMC storage. It’s also easy to connect to other devices, thanks to its two ultrafast USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports, two USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and audio jack. Built-in 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 make connecting wirelessly at school a breeze.
- Unlike most compact Chromebooks, the C340 Chromebook comes in a refined silver finish that offers a premium feel. In addition to working in the classroom, it’s also a great work from home pick, with a 720p webcam and two 2W speakers.
Best for durability: Dell Chromebook 3100 Education Edition
Dell has an Education Edition of the popular 3100 series that’s designed to withstand the rigors of the classroom. Featuring the same specs as the 3100 2-in-1 series, this laptop was redesigned to improve durability. The Chromebook 3100 Education Series is rigorously tested to endure the school day and beyond. Students can learn uninterrupted with tamper- and spill-resistant keyboards and a long battery life. It’s tested to survive 5,000 free-fall micro-drops and 30-inch drops onto steel, while rubberized edges minimize impacts from drops and bumps.
Children can learn, discover and share without worry thanks to the spill and tamper-resistant keyboard that withstands up to 12 ounces of liquid. Plus, its top mounted design ensures the entire palm rest doesn’t need to be replaced in case of damage to the keyboard. Ports are covered and secured with reinforced brackets, and they’re tested to ensure students can connect and disconnect as many times as they need. Dell also has the option to add LTE connectivity for learners in remote areas without WiFi access.
- The Education Edition of the 3100 series offers additional reinforcement to the chassis of this popular Chromebook. The rubberized corners and spill resistant keyboard make it perfect for use in any classroom.
Best 14 inch value: Acer Chromebook 314
Kids need a good mix of everything on their Chromebook. The Acer Chromebook 14 delivers just that with a nicely sized display, durability, and excellent battery life. The Intel Celeron N4000 processor Dual-core at 1.10 GHz powers this Chromebook, with 4 GB, LPDDR4 RAM, and 64 GB of flash storage. While this processor is the same one found on the 315 Touch, the battery life is quite a bit better with the small display panel. Featuring over 12 hours of use on average, this machine should get you through the day.
If you plan to gift this Chromebook to a child for school, it’s also incredibly durable and can withstand short drops. A good mix of portability, power and durability make this a solid option in the classroom or at home for assignments.
- Students need a good mixture of specs, durability, and portability. The Acer Chromebook 314 features a 14 touchscreen display with 64 GB flash storage for files and apps. This Chromebook is also durable enough to stand up to a few bumps and bruises.
Best for younger students: HP Pro Chromebook 11 G8 EE
If you’re a fan of HP, the Pro Chromebook 11 G8 EE is one the best HP Chromebooks out there. The relatively low cost and general durability makes this Chromebook an excellent choice for students. If you’re an educator or parent choosing a Chromebook for students, the HP 11 G8 is an excellent option. This machine has a pick and spill-resistant, full-size, chalkboard gray and pebble gray keyboard with skirt anchored keycaps. Younger students can easily use this Chromebook, with the lay-flat design and 122 cm drop-tested design for durability.
Most education Chromebooks don’t blow anyone away with the spec sheet, and the HP 11 G8 is no exception. You get 4GB of RAM and an Intel Celeron processor that handles basic tasks with ease. Ports match those found on more premium models, and the display is sufficiently bright at a max of 220 nits. At under $300, this is an excellent option for student use at home or in the classroom.
- If you're an educator looking for Chromebooks for the classroom, look no further. The HP Chromebook 11 G8 has reinforced metal corners and is 122cm drop-tested.
Best premium option with LTE: HP x360 13c
If you think your child can handle a little more responsibility, the HP x360 13c is an excellent premium offering for education. Reduce your carbon footprint with a Chromebook that has a 75% recycled aluminum top cover and recycled materials on the keyboard, speaker, and packaging. This consumer Chromebook is solely offered at Best Buy and matches the same specs found in the HP Elite c1030 Enterprise model discussed earlier.
You get a stunning 13.5-inch diagonal, WUXGA+ (1920 x 1280) display, multitouch-enabled, IPS, edge-to-edge glass, micro-edge, and anti-glare Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10210U processor powers the Chromebook, with 8GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD storage. HP’s fast charge technology allows you to get 50% charge in just 45 minutes. Throw in a fingerprint sensor, B&O audio, and USI pen support to top off an impressive spec sheet for a consumer device.
The best part about the x360 13c is the price. While it retains all of the high-end specs found on the Elite c1030, the price is much lower at $949. Considering the incredibly rich feature-set and reasonable price, this is one of the best consumer Chromebooks you can buy today.
- If you like the look of the HP Elite c1030 but wanted a consumer model, the x360 13c is your Chromebook. This laptop features the same specs found on the Elite c1030, including a nano-sim slot for LTE. In addition, you'll pay about $500 less which is never a bad thing.
Parents looking for a Chromebook for their younger children should check out the HP Pro 11 Chromebook G8 EE and the Dell Chromebook 3100 EE. If you want the best large-screen Chromebook for children, be sure to grab the Acer Chromebook 315 Touch. Overall, Chromebooks make excellent first computers for all ages and are incredibly secure and resistant to malware.
Let us know which device you plan to pick up for your kids in the comments below.
The post Best Chromebooks for kids: Dell, Lenovo, Samsung, and more appeared first on xda-developers.
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