The best budget Chromebooks of 2024 feature modest specs and a large display while remaining more than capable for school work. Acer’s sub-$200 CB315-3H-C69K model provides enough power to power through Google Apps productivity suite and stream videos when class is over.
Most also feature long battery lives and sturdy designs.
1. Lenovo IdeaPad Y510P
The Y510P packs an impressive dual-GPU setup, high-definition display and JBL speakers designed for multimedia entertainment – making multimedia come alive! All this while remaining in an attractively slim chassis and offering impressively quiet performance.
This model is identical to its predecessor reviewed in April this year, yet now comes equipped with an upgraded graphics card. While still using Kepler GPU technology, the GeForce GT 750M now supports SLI which means two GPUs can be combined in parallel for maximum performance; increasing frame rates in games while smoothing video playback.
Lenovo heard consumer criticisms regarding the previous model’s glossy and highly reflective display, so the Y510P now uses a matte LG Philips panel (LP156WF1-TLB2). With 362 cd/m2 brightness and excellent contrast levels, making outdoor use possible; plus this screen covers an extensive sRGB color space!
The Y510P employs the same 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-4702MQ quad-core processor found in its predecessor and pairs it with 16GB of RAM for maximum productivity in non-gaming tasks such as PCMark 7 (4 minutes and 43 seconds) and Photoshop (4:01), making this notebook ideal for creative work.
CrystalDiskMark shows the 1000 GB hybrid hard drive reaching sequential read and write speeds of 112MB/s and 87MB/s respectively in CrystalDiskMark, while modern solid state drives provide better performance. The Y510P comes preloaded with Windows 8 64-bit OS as well as 1-year parts and labor warranty and software such as AccuWeather, Evernote, Rara streaming music player and Nitro 8 PDF reader apps are included along with trial versions of Microsoft Office 2013 and McAfee Internet Security to further enhance performance.
2. Dell Inspiron Chromebook X360
The Dell Inspiron Chromebook X360 serves as an important reminder that low-price laptops can still deliver quality specifications. As a convertible with Android apps and built-in pen support, its quality specs would rival premium Windows devices costing hundreds more.
This laptop’s brushed-aluminum body looks and feels similar to one you’d find in Dell’s high-end Inspiron series, making for a pleasant user experience. Furthermore, its weight surprisingly hovers at under four pounds despite being durable enough to withstand shocks that would ruin a plastic-built computer like Lenovo Flex 5i.
Backlit keyboard and 14-inch FHD touch screen complete the premium features on this Dell tablet, while its comfortable rounded edges and spacious layout make it easy to hold as a tablet even with its thin bezels.
This Chrome OS laptop boasts a Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage – significantly more than you’d typically get with most laptops for its price point. But its use wasn’t any slower when streaming videos or playing Android games as well as running multiple browser tabs simultaneously – no sign of slowdown was seen during tests!
Only this device lacks a fingerprint sensor, which most competing devices at this price point offer. But if biometric unlock is essential to you, consider getting an Asus Chromebook Flip C536 instead for only $120 less and still get great performance.
3. Asus Chromebook Flip CM3
The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 stands out as an exceptional value among two-in-one Chromebooks, providing full tablet and laptop functionality at under $400 with its convenient rear cover kickstand design for tablet usage. Plus, its performance and battery life is top notch – even including a USI pen to help increase productivity!
The CM3 uses an ARM processor instead of Intel or AMD, helping keep its cost low. Though not an impressive performance device, this ARM-powered Chromebook proved worthy enough for most users and was among our favourite ARM-based Chromebooks we tested.
It offers plenty of storage for documents, photos and learning materials; 64GB can be used locally while you get 12 months free cloud storage with Google One subscription (100 GB total) plus there’s even an SD slot to expand further if needed.
The CM3 Chromebook is an ideal choice for students, teachers, and budget-minded internet users looking for a versatile Chromebook that can handle a range of tasks efficiently. With impressive performance and sleek design that make this purchase attractive to budget users alike. However, its distractingly glossy display and short battery life hold it back from being our number one pick. Currently it can be found for sale in the US for $329 which converts to roughly PS270/AU$450 in both currencies; pricing/availability for UK/ Australian users are yet to be confirmed/available/pricing is currently undetermined/pending
4. Google Pixel Slate
Last year, Google made an attempt at elevating Chrome OS as a premium product with the Pixelbook. Now they are taking another shot at this with their Pixel Slate tablet/chromebook hybrid, but be warned – it comes at a steep price.
Start at $599 (just the tablet), with prices rising up to $1,599 for an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. Or buy a Pixel Slate featuring an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM and 32GB storage for $849.
Performance-wise, the Slate shines in certain areas while falling short elsewhere. Its screen is truly gorgeous: with 3000×2000 resolution panel offering 293 pixels per inch compared to standard laptop’s 235 pixels per inch resolution panel; however it does not support HDR display nor works seamlessly with certain applications such as Gmail or Docs while in tablet mode.
Lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack means using dongles for audio/video input/output. Though slightly heavier than expected and its keyboard may not be ideal for lap use, this detachable Chromebook/tablet hybrid remains one of the best on the market; only its price may prevent it from becoming an irreplaceable replacement for iPad or MacBook devices.
