While Windows laptops are very versatile, they do suffer from having to deal with Windows itself, which can sometimes be quite resource-heavy. That’s not great for laptops with lower specs since a good chunk of those specs are used up for Windows. On the other hand, something like ChromeOS is a bit more lightweight, meaning you can get some budget-friendly laptops in the form of Chromebooks without having to worry about general slowdowns.
Also, since they’re less complicated to use, a Chromebook can also make an excellent laptop for kids. (They might already be using one for school.) They’re also good for less tech-savvy adults in need of just a simple computer, or anyone who wants an inexpensive laptop for a home office and some entertainment. There’s even a new crop of big-screen Chromebooks for gamers.
Read more: Best Chromebook for 2023
To help you find the best Chromebook deal, CNET’s editors have selected all the top discounted Chromebooks available right now. One word of shopping advice: Although Chromebooks can run well on modest components, some heavily discounted models online might still be too underpowered. A big discount might not be worth the frustration. Also, if the Chromebook is cheap, be sure to check the auto-update expiration date for the model. The AUE is when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates and is typically eight years out, but the date is not the same for every model.
We’ll continue to monitor Chromebook deals and regularly update this list, so check back for the best prices.
If you want a very budget-friendly Chromebook to get you going, HP offers this solid 14-inch model that does the basics well. It has an entry-level Intel Celeron processor, as well as 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The screen runs a 1,366×768 resolution and even has a 720p webcam above it, so it’s good for online meetings.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is one of the cheapest Chromebooks you’ll find that has a desktop-grade CPU, the Intel Core i3-1215U, which will let you get more productivity and day-to-day activities done. You also get a generous 8GB of RAM that will give you a better quality of life. The 128GB of storage isn’t too bad either, although you’re likely to stream most of your content.
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If you’re looking for something that’s perfect for content watching, then this Duet 5 is it, as it comes with a gorgeous 13.3-inch OLED screen that runs an FHD resolution. It also has a powerful Snapdragon 7cG2 processor like you might find on some last-gen flagship phones, so it’s more than powerful enough to handle ChromeOS and various productivity tasks.
At 16 inches this Asus Chromebook is great for those who like bigger screens, and given that it’s touch-enabled, you can use it without the keyboard and treat it like a big tablet. It has an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB which should be more than fine for most productivity and general tasks. You also get six months of Webroot and Norton 360, as well as a special offer that gives you 20% off certain Logitech accessories if you bundle them in.
Once you start hitting the $500 price bracket and above, you’ll get some really great features you’d usually find on gaming laptops. For example, this Chromebook 516 GE comes with a 16-inch monitor that has an impressive 2,560×1,600 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, at least for a Chromebook. It also has a midrange desktop-grade Intel Core i5-1240P and 256GB of storage, so it’s a lot more versatile and is a great option for cloud gaming.
What should you look for in a Chromebook deal?
One of the biggest things to consider is which configuration is on sale. Often, with the best Chromebook deals, only a specific version of the Chromebook is on sale, and making any changes to it could affect the price. This means that sometimes you find the 256GB model is actually cheaper than the 128GB option, or a similar situation.
When are the best deals available?
Generally, you’ll find the best Chromebook deals during back-to-school shopping time in late summer or early fall, and a bit later in the year during annual Black Friday sales events. Chromebook deals are available throughout the year, but if you’re looking for the best deal and can afford to wait a little, these are the best times of the year to buy one.
Which retailers usually offer the best deals?
You can usually find deals across a variety of retailers when it comes to Chromebook sales. Amazon and Best Buy are constantly running discounts, and deals can also be found at Newegg and Walmart. Amazon’s prices fluctuate and Best Buy’s sales come and go, so it’s worth checking back weekly to see if a discounted price returns.
