Chromebook prices range from around $150 to $600 new, depending on screen size, processor, and build quality

A basic Chromebook — the kind that handles email, web browsing, and Google Docs — costs between $150 and $300. These are usually 11-inch or 13-inch models from brands like Lenovo, ASUS, or Acer, with processors that are fine for everyday tasks but not fast enough for video editing or gaming. You'll find them at Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and directly from manufacturers.

Mid-range Chromebooks run $300 to $450. These typically have larger screens (14 or 15 inches), faster processors, more storage, and better keyboards. They're what you'd pick if you use your laptop most of the day for work or school. Premium Chromebooks — usually from Google itself or high-end ASUS models — cost $450 to $600 and add things like touchscreens, aluminum bodies instead of plastic, and processors that handle more demanding tasks.

Refurbished and older-model Chromebooks can drop to $100 to $200, though you're buying someone else's used device with a shorter remaining lifespan. School districts sometimes sell surplus Chromebooks at steep discounts, and you'll occasionally find them on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

Key Takeaways

  • New Chromebooks start around $150 for basic models and go up to $600 for premium versions with touchscreens and metal frames.
  • The price difference usually reflects screen size, processor speed, and materials — not hidden features that unlock later.
  • Refurbished Chromebooks cost less but come with shorter warranties and unknown previous use.
  • Chromebooks have no monthly software fees, but you do need a Google account and internet connection to use them effectively.

What the price difference actually buys you

A $150 Chromebook and a $500 Chromebook run the same operating system and can both open the same websites and Google apps. The difference is in the hardware you're touching and looking at every day. The cheaper model has a smaller screen (usually 11 inches), a slower processor, a plastic body, and a keyboard that feels thin. The expensive one has a 15-inch screen, a faster processor, an aluminum frame, and a keyboard with better key travel.

For someone who browses the web, writes documents, and watches videos, the $150 model works fine. For someone who keeps 20 browser tabs open at once, edits photos in Photoshop (through the web version), or uses video conferencing all day, the faster processor and extra RAM in a $350 model makes a noticeable difference. The $500 model is usually overkill unless you specifically want the touchscreen or the premium build quality.

Storage is rarely the deciding factor. Most Chromebooks come with 32GB or 64GB of storage, which is enough because Chromebooks store most files in Google Drive rather than on the device itself. A few expensive models offer 128GB or 256GB, but you probably won't need it.

Where Chromebook prices vary most

Screen size is the biggest price driver. An 11-inch Chromebook costs less than a 13-inch version of the same model, which costs less than a 15-inch. If you're buying for a child or for travel, the 11-inch saves money and weight. If you're using it as your main computer, the 15-inch is worth the extra $50 to $100.

Processor brand matters less than you might think. Intel Celeron, Intel Core i3, and AMD Ryzen processors all appear in Chromebooks at different price points. A newer Celeron is often faster than an older Core i3. What matters is the generation — a 2024 processor beats a 2022 one at the same price tier.

Touchscreen capability adds $50 to $150 to the price. If you don't specifically want to tap the screen, skip it — Chromebooks work fine with a trackpad and keyboard. Convertible models that fold into tablet mode cost more still and are heavier, so they're only worth it if you actually plan to use them that way.

Chromebooks from different brands and what to expect

Google's own Pixelbook models are the most expensive ($400 to $600) and come with the fastest processors and best screens. They're also the first to receive Chrome OS updates. ASUS Chromebooks are popular in the $250 to $400 range and offer good keyboards and build quality. Lenovo makes reliable budget models starting around $150. Acer and HP fill the mid-range with solid options that don't stand out but don't disappoint either.

No brand is dramatically better than another at the same price point. The real difference is in specific models — some keyboards are better, some screens are brighter, some trackpads are more responsive. Reading reviews of the exact model you're considering matters more than the brand name.

What you're not paying for with a Chromebook

Chromebooks don't require antivirus software, so you're not paying for subscriptions to Norton or McAfee. They don't need Windows or macOS licenses. They don't come with Microsoft Office, but you get Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for free with a Google account. If you need Microsoft Office specifically, you can pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription ($70 per year for personal, $100 for family), but that's optional.

You do need internet to use a Chromebook effectively. Most tasks require a connection, though some apps like Google Docs and Gmail work offline if you set them up first. If you're in a place with unreliable internet, a Chromebook is less practical than a Windows or Mac laptop.

Chromebooks versus laptops at the same price

At $300, a Chromebook usually has a better screen and keyboard than a Windows laptop at the same price. Windows laptops at that price point often have slower processors, cheaper plastic bodies, and dimmer screens. The tradeoff is that the Windows laptop can run any software you install, while the Chromebook is limited to web apps and Chrome extensions.

If you need specific software — Photoshop, Quicken, specialized work tools — you need Windows or Mac. If you work entirely in web browsers and Google apps, a Chromebook gives you more hardware for your money. If you're unsure, think about what you actually open on your current computer. If it's mostly Chrome, Gmail, and Google Docs, a Chromebook will feel faster and last longer on battery.

How long a Chromebook stays useful

Google supports Chromebooks with updates for about 8 to 10 years from the date they were manufactured, not from when you buy them. A Chromebook made in 2020 will stop receiving updates around 2028 to 2030. After that, it still works, but it won't get security patches. This is longer than most Windows laptops stay current, which is one reason Chromebooks hold their value better in schools.

A $200 Chromebook you buy today will likely work fine for 5 to 7 years if you take care of it. A $500 one might last 7 to 10 years before the battery degrades enough to be annoying. This lifespan is worth factoring into the price — a $150 laptop that lasts 3 years is more expensive per year than a $300 Chromebook that lasts 6 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Chromebook if I don't have a Google account?

No. Chromebooks require a Google account to set up and use. You can create one for free at google.com, but you need one. If you're buying for someone who refuses to use Google services, a Chromebook won't work for them.

Are cheap Chromebooks actually slow?

Not for everyday tasks. A $150 Chromebook opens websites and Google Docs just as fast as a $500 one. You'll notice the difference only if you keep many browser tabs open at once or use demanding web apps. For most people, the cheaper model is fine.

Do I need to pay for anything after I buy a Chromebook?

No monthly fees are required. You get Google Drive storage for free (15GB), email, and Google's office apps at no cost. If you want more storage or Microsoft Office, those are optional paid add-ons, but they're not necessary to use the Chromebook.

Is a refurbished Chromebook worth buying?

Yes, if the price is significantly lower and it comes with a warranty. Refurbished Chromebooks are usually reliable because they're tested before resale. The main risk is a shorter remaining lifespan — if the device was made in 2019 and you buy it refurbished in 2024, you have fewer years of updates left.

What's the difference between a Chromebook and a Chromebox?

A Chromebook is a laptop. A Chromebox is a small desktop computer that connects to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Chromeboxes cost $150 to $400 and are useful if you want a cheap desktop for browsing and office work but don't need portability.