Best Chromebooks for 2024

Staff Writer By Staff Writer - updated July 4th, 2024
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As students are heading back to study, schools and parents might need to again consider the right Chromebooks that meet the needs of their children and students. Chromebooks have emerged as a favourite in the race to provide schoolchildren with learning devices due to their affordable price, ease of use and build quality. Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, a no thrills operating system where almost everything you need is built-in to the Chromebook itself. Cloud storage, Google products, security and speed are all stand out features streamlining the setup and management of multiple devices at once.

It may be reassuring to hear that all of the Chromebooks we will be looking at today are able to withstand even the most enthusiastic kids in terms of durability. With drop and water resistance, reinforced corners and hinges plus also anchored keys so even they don’t go walkabout. We have divided our top Chromebook picks into four categories. The categories range from the most entry-level devices - perfect for young primary-school aged children - up to more premium picks for those who need a little more.

Best Entry-Level 11.6" Chromebooks

Cost-effective devices that do the basics. Perfect for primary school.

This is an excellent choice for those who need a compact, cost-effective device for essential tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing. Since it's entry-level, the specs will be basic; but this is perfect for students who only need basic computing functions and a low-cost device. These chromebooks are the perfect choice for primary school children (about 5-10 years old) for this reason. They're ideal for basic education needs like online research, homework, or viewing educational content. They're also compact and lightweight, making it easier for small children to carry. 

For this category, we recommend the Acer Chromebook 511. It features an 11.6" HD display, a webcam, USB-C, and military grade durability. Inside, you'll find an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage which should easily be sufficient for young primary school kids. If you're after a more premium experience, consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet G3. This touch-enabled 11" Chromebook features a 2.8K display offering heightened detail and clarity. It also sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage for greater performance.

Some Chromebooks are modular, meaning they can be flipped around to be used as a touch screen tablet!
Some Chromebooks are modular, meaning they can be flipped around to be used as a touch screen tablet!

Best Entry-Level Touch Chromebooks

Versatile touch screen devices that offer tactile interaction and added benefits.

Touch screen chromebooks offer all the advantages of the clamshell chromebooks but with the added benefit of a touch screen. This makes it great for students who prefer interactive action or who use apps that benefit from touch input. It's useful for education or creative settings where tactile interaction is beneficial. Good for primary and intermediate school students (about 6-12 years old) who may enjoy more interactive learning experiences via touchscreen capabilities. They're useful for digital drawing or educational apps that involve touch input. Many chromebooks with touch screens also feature a 360-degree hinge for more versatility, such as Tent, Tablet, Stand, and Laptop mode.  

Our top pick for this category is the Lenovo 500e G4 Chromebook. With a 360-degree hinge, this laptop offers the options of clamshell, tablet, display, and tent modes which enables students to work in a variety of situations and positions. An Intel Celeron processor, 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage offers great performance for the classroom! It's also incredibly lightweight making it a perfect on-the-go device. Another great choice is the HP Chromebook X360 11 G4 which also sports a FHD touch display and 64GB of storage, and the addition of Wi-Fi 6 support.

Best 14” Clamshell Chromebooks

Devices that offer a larger work surface, while still being portable. 

14" clamshell chromebooks offer a larger screen that makes it better for those requiring a bigger work surface, such as for multitasking, watching videos, or doing creative work. It combines the portability of smaller models with the performance of bigger ones, making it perfect for older students. We would recommend a chromebook of this size for intermediate or highschool students (about 12-16 years old). The larger screen is beneficial for viewing multiple windows at once, making it ideal for more complex assignments and projects. It still retains a degree of portability suitable for school use.

Our top pick for this category is the HP Chromebook 14a-nf0001TU. The HP Chromebook 14 features a 14" HD display, Intel N200 CPU, up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 128GB of storage. This offers plenty of speed and storage for school work. Plus, it comes in a durable package that's made to keep up with classroom knocks and bumps. A full-size keyboard, a 720p HD camera, and dual stereo speakers means it's well-equipped for everything from note-taking, to video calls, and watching media. However, for those wanting sharper visuals, consider the ASUS C425 14" FHD Chromebook. This device features a 14" FHD display, an Intel M3-8100Y CPU, 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It has a sleek and elegant design, with a slim profile and light weight making it perfect for on-the-go.

Best 15.6" Clamshell Chromebooks

Devices with large screens that are ideal for more intensive work.

With the largest screen size, these models are best for students who need a large screen for more intensive work. These will be most suitable for high school students (around 14-18 years old) who may need more computing power for advanced tasks, like programming or high-resolution video editing for media studies. The larger size makes multitasking easier but may reduce portability. In all cases, BYOD introduces convenience as students can use the same device at school and at home, ensuring they have access to all their files and software. 

Our top pick for this category is the ASUS CX1 15.6" Chromebook. The device features a FHD display, Intel Celeron N5100 processor, 8GB of RAM, and up to 128GB of storage. It's made for boosting productivity, offering superior performance in a modern, stylish, and slim package. It has a 180-degree lay-flat hinge that allows it to be laid flat on a desk, and a full-sized ergnomic keyboard makes typing super comfortable. Additionally, the quad-core CPU and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology means it has superior performance and superfast internet speeds, along with enhanced portability. The ASUS CX1 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for something that compares with a laptop experience!

We have NZ's largest range of Chromebooks so make sure you check out our massive Chromebook department!


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Staff Writer

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