Choosing the right tech for your child can feel like a maze, but when it comes to schoolwork, creative projects, and even a bit of fun, Chromebooks are often a fantastic solution. They’re typically more affordable, easier to manage, and more secure than traditional laptops, making them ideal companions for younger students and even older kids. But with so many options out there, how do you find the best Chromebooks for kids?
We’ve done the digging for you! We’ve rounded up four excellent Chromebooks that strike a great balance between performance, durability, and kid-friendly features. Whether your child needs a device for online learning, homework, or just watching their favorite shows, you’re sure to find a great fit here.
1. HP Chromebook 14 Laptop (Intel Celeron N4120, 4 GB RAM)
The HP Chromebook 14 is a fantastic all-rounder, perfect for kids who need a reliable machine for both school and leisure. With its vibrant 14-inch HD display and custom-tuned stereo speakers, it’s great for everything from virtual classes to movie nights. The Intel Celeron processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, and its slim, lightweight design means it’s easy for kids to carry around, whether they’re heading to school or just moving from room to room. Plus, with impressive battery life, it’ll keep up with their busy schedules.
- Key Features:
- 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare micro-edge display
- Intel Celeron N4120 quad-core processor
- 4 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC storage
- Up to 14 hours of battery life with HP Fast Charge
- Intel UHD Graphics 600 for streaming 4K content
- Chrome OS with access to Google Play Store apps
- Sustainable design (ENERGY STAR certified, EPEAT Silver registered)
- Pros:
- Good screen size for visibility
- Excellent battery life with fast charging
- Lightweight and portable
- Reliable performance for school tasks and streaming
- Affordable price point
- Cons:
- 64GB storage might feel limited for some users (though cloud-based for Chromebooks)
- Not a touchscreen, which some kids prefer
- Lower resolution display compared to Full HD options
- User Impressions: Parents often praise this model for its solid performance and incredible battery life, noting it’s a dependable workhorse for their children’s school assignments and daily browsing. Kids appreciate the clear screen and how easy it is to carry around.
- See it on Amazon here
2. ASUS Chromebook 14 inch Laptop (MediaTek Kompanio 520 Processor)
Looking for a Chromebook that really packs a punch for your tech-savvy kid? The ASUS Chromebook 14 inch laptop is powered by an 8-core MediaTek Kompanio 520 Processor, delivering impressive speed and intelligence for creative projects, productivity, and even light gaming. Its 14-inch FHD IPS display ensures a vibrant, clear picture, making it great for everything from detailed school projects to binge-watching animated series. Plus, with a bundled 128GB Micro SD Card, storage worries become a thing of the past!
- Key Features:
- 14-inch FHD IPS display for wide color range
- 8-Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 Processor
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- 192GB storage (64GB eMMC + bundled 128GB Micro SD Card)
- Wi-Fi 6 for faster connectivity
- Long battery life and ultralightweight design
- Built-in webcam and USB Type-C port
- Pros:
- Powerful 8-core processor for smooth multitasking
- Vibrant Full HD IPS display
- Generous storage with included SD card
- Modern Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- Very portable and great battery life
- Cons:
- 4GB RAM might be a bottleneck for very heavy multitasking
- MediaTek processor might not be preferred by all over Intel
- User Impressions: Customers love the snappy performance and the bright, clear display on this ASUS model. The extra storage from the included SD card is frequently highlighted as a huge bonus, ensuring kids have plenty of space for apps and files.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook Laptop (15.6 inch FHD Large Screen)
For kids who need a bit more screen real estate, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook is an excellent choice. Its expansive 15.6-inch FHD display with narrow bezels offers an immersive viewing experience, whether they’re working on presentations or enjoying multimedia. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor and fast Wi-Fi 6, this Chromebook handles multiple Chrome tabs and Android apps with ease. It’s a great option for older children who benefit from a larger screen for focused work, and the camera with a privacy shutter adds a thoughtful layer of security.
- Key Features:
- 15.6-inch FHD large screen with narrow bezel design
- Intel Celeron N4500 Processor
- 4GB RAM | 192GB Storage (64GB eMMC + bundled 128GB SD Card)
- Fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- Long battery life and fast charge capability
- Camera with Privacy Shutter
- USB C HDMI Port
- Pros:
- Large, vibrant Full HD display is great for productivity and entertainment
- Ample storage with the included SD card
- Fast Wi-Fi 6 for quick online access
- Privacy shutter for the webcam
- Good value for a large-screen Chromebook
- Cons:
- Larger size might be less portable for very young children
- 4GB RAM is standard but not high-end
- Not a touchscreen or convertible model
- User Impressions: Many users praise the large, clear screen of the IdeaPad 3i, noting it makes schoolwork and browsing much more comfortable. The speed and responsiveness, especially with multiple tabs open, also get positive remarks.
- See it on Amazon here
4. HP Chromebook x360-14inch Touchscreen Tablet (Intel i3 N305 Processor)
If versatility is what you’re after, the HP Chromebook x360 is easily one of the best Chromebooks for kids who love to interact directly with their screen. This 2-in-1 convertible device transforms seamlessly between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes, making it perfect for drawing, note-taking (thanks to the included stylus pen!), or watching videos. Powered by a new 8-Core Intel i3 N305 processor and a generous 8GB of RAM, this machine can handle demanding tasks and multitasking with ease. The 256GB SSD ensures super-fast boot-ups and app loading, making it a fantastic choice for more advanced users or those who want a premium experience.
- Key Features:
- 14-inch FHD IPS touchscreen display
- 2-in-1 convertible design with four versatile modes
- New 8-Core Intel i3 N305 processor
- 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage
- Stylus Pen included
- Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 6E, USB C
- FHD Webcam with Privacy Shutter, HP Fast Charge
- Pros:
- Highly versatile 2-in-1 design with stylus
- Powerful Intel i3 processor and 8GB RAM for excellent performance
- Fast 256GB SSD storage
- Vibrant touchscreen display
- Advanced features like Wi-Fi 6E and backlit keyboard
- Cons:
- Higher price point than other basic Chromebooks
- Battery life might be slightly less than Celeron models due to higher performance components
- User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the x360’s fluid performance and the versatility of its touchscreen and convertible design. The included stylus is a big hit, especially for creative kids or those who prefer digital note-taking.
- See it on Amazon here
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Kid’s Chromebook
Finding the perfect Chromebook for your child involves balancing their needs with your budget. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Durability: Kids can be tough on devices! Look for robust build quality, reinforced hinges, and spill-resistant keyboards if possible. Convertible models (like the x360) often have strong hinges to withstand frequent adjustments.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life means less worrying about charging during school or on trips. Aim for at least 8-10 hours to ensure it lasts through a full day of use.
- Screen Size & Type:
- Size: 11-12 inches is great for portability for younger kids, while 13-15 inches offers more screen real estate for older students and multitasking.
- Type: A standard HD display is fine for most, but an FHD (Full HD) display offers sharper images. Touchscreens and 2-in-1 convertibles add versatility for creative tasks and tablet-like use.
- Performance & Storage:
- Processor: Intel Celeron or MediaTek Kompanio processors are perfectly adequate for most schoolwork and browsing. For heavier multitasking or light gaming, an Intel i3 offers a noticeable bump in speed.
- RAM: 4GB RAM is standard for Chromebooks and works well. 8GB RAM provides a smoother experience, especially if your child often has many tabs open or uses demanding Android apps.
- Storage: Chromebooks rely heavily on cloud storage (Google Drive). 32GB or 64GB eMMC storage is common, but models with an included SD card or larger SSDs (like 128GB or 256GB) offer more flexibility for offline files and apps.
- Parental Controls & Security: Chrome OS is inherently secure, with automatic updates and built-in virus protection. You can also set up Family Link to manage app downloads, screen time, and content filters for younger users.
- Price: Chromebooks generally offer excellent value. Set a budget and look for the best features within that range.
Conclusion
Picking the best Chromebooks for kids doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you prioritize portability, screen size, raw power, or versatility, there’s a fantastic option out there. From the dependable HP Chromebook 14 to the highly adaptable HP Chromebook x360, each of these devices offers a great balance of features to support your child’s learning and entertainment needs. Consider what your child will primarily use it for, check the features that matter most to your family, and you’ll be well on your way to making a smart choice!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why choose a Chromebook over a traditional laptop for my child?
A1: Chromebooks are generally more affordable, offer robust security with automatic updates, have excellent battery life, and are incredibly simple to use with the Chrome OS. They’re also less prone to viruses and focus on cloud-based work, making them ideal for school environments and kids who need reliable, low-maintenance devices.
Q2: Are Chromebooks good for online learning and homework?
A2: Absolutely! Chromebooks are fantastic for online learning. They seamlessly integrate with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Classroom) and support a wide range of educational apps from the Google Play Store. Their web-focused nature makes them perfect for research, virtual classes, and collaborative projects.
Q3: Can I set up parental controls on a Chromebook?
A3: Yes! Google’s Family Link allows parents to manage their child’s Google account, including monitoring app usage, setting screen time limits, filtering content, and managing app downloads. It’s an excellent tool for ensuring a safe and controlled digital environment for your kids.
Q4: How much storage does a child’s Chromebook really need?
A4: Since Chromebooks are cloud-centric, much of your child’s work will be saved online (e.g., Google Drive). 32GB or 64GB of internal storage is often sufficient for the operating system and essential apps. However, if your child downloads many Android apps or works offline frequently, a model with 128GB or 256GB storage, or one that includes an SD card slot for expansion, can be very beneficial.
Q5: Are touchscreens and 2-in-1 Chromebooks worth the extra cost for kids?
A5: It depends on your child’s age and how they’ll use it. For younger children, a touchscreen can make interaction more intuitive and fun. For older kids interested in digital art, note-taking, or who benefit from different modes (laptop, tablet, tent), a 2-in-1 with stylus support (like the HP Chromebook x360) can be a fantastic investment that encourages creativity and versatility.
Q6: What about durability? Are Chromebooks tough enough for kids?
A6: Many Chromebooks, especially those marketed for education, are built with durability in mind. Look for features like reinforced ports and hinges, spill-resistant keyboards, and rugged designs. While no device is indestructible, Chromebooks generally offer good resistance to the bumps and knocks of daily kid use, making them a sensible choice for their resilience.
Q7: Will a Chromebook run popular games?
A7: Chromebooks can run many games, especially those available on the Google Play Store (Android games) and web-based games. More graphically intensive PC games typically won’t run directly on a Chromebook, but cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming can expand gaming possibilities significantly, provided you have a fast internet connection.