How Much Do Chromebooks Cost?

If you are thinking about ditching Windows or the macOS operating system, a Chromebook can be an excellent option. Chromebooks run Google’s Chrome OS and are just as powerful as any other laptop in the market.

While these devices weren’t as popular a few years ago, their demand spiked during COVID-19 as most people were looking for compact and powerful devices to continue working from home. In 2020, Google sold more Chromebooks than Apple’s macOS powered laptops, an excellent feat.

So, how much do Chromebooks cost? Chromebooks vary in price, so if you are looking to buy one, you need to know that their prices vary by specs and manufacturer. Below, we have shared the general cost of Chromebooks.

How much do Chromebooks Cost?

When it comes to Chromebooks, there are a variety of machines to choose from. The good thing is that the prices of these units are relatively lower than conventional Windows-powered laptops. Moreover, you have the option to buy Chrome notebooks or go for 2-in-1 options to use as a tablet, thanks to a touchscreen with a 360-degree hinge.

An underpowered Chromebook will set you back about $200. However, if you are looking for a model that comes with all the bells and whistles, some units cost over $1,000. Some models, like the Acer Chromebook Spin 15, cost about $449.

Most Chromebooks cost between $200 and $400. Of course, like any other laptop, the more you pay, the better features you will get. So spend wisely and keep your needs in mind.

If you want to use the unit for minor tasks like writing, you can go for the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5. It features a 10th-gen Intel Core i3 CPU, a powerful chipset capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

The unit boasts a 13.3-inch touchscreen display that can rotate 360-degree, allowing you to use the model as a tablet. This Chromebook features 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, which should be enough for basic needs.

How long do Chromebooks Last?

When buying a Chromebook, you obviously want to know how long it will last. The hardware of these units expires after some time. For example, when you buy a Windows 7 laptop and the operating system expires, you can simply buy Windows 10 to keep your laptop going.

With Chromebooks, Google does not provide an opportunity to buy a newer version of ChromeOS. This means that you will have to buy a new unit to continue receiving updates. Google has announced that it will offer security updates until June 2028.

This means that if you get a new Google Pixelbook 3 in 2021, you will get about seven years of updates from Google. However, if you buy a new Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 in 2025, you will only be able to use the device for three years.

What are the Special Features of Chromebooks?

Chromebooks are optimized to run Google Apps, like Chrome, Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar. However, one of the best things about these Chrome OS laptops is that they give access to the Play Store, allowing you to download your favorite apps on your laptop.

With Chromebooks, you can access games and productivity tools on the Play Store and install them directly on your laptop instead of installing a separate emulator to access and play Android games on your machine.

Office Online can also be used to format text files on a Chromebook. However, the functionality may not be as good as Microsoft Office that is available for Windows. If you are into editing photos, you will love to know that Chromebooks can run several photo editing software such as Photopea and Pixlr.

Linux programs are also supported by Chromebooks, which is something that tech enthusiasts would love.

What is the Battery Life of Chromebooks?

High-end Chromebooks offer phenomenal battery life. For instance, the Google Pixelbook Go can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, while the Acer Chromebook R 13 can run for 11 hours without needing you to plug in the charger.

However, the low-end models like the Samsung Chromebook 3 that cost around $179 won’t give you decent battery life. It will go for about 8 hours with normal use and 6 hours running heavy apps.

Do you need Internet Access for a Chromebook?

Since Chromebooks come with a suite of Google apps, heavy users of YouTube, Gmail, and Google Drive would love to get their hands on the device. You can log in with your Google account and enjoy running these apps without a hassle.

However, since these apps run in the cloud, you must stay connected to the internet to use them. You can use some functions offline, but Chromebooks generally have low storage, which means that you will have to connect an external hard drive to store large amounts of data.

Our Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, Chromebooks are ideal devices for you if you want to use Google apps and are looking for a unit that won’t put a dent in your wallet. They are compact, portable, and come with almost the same specs as Windows laptops. You can get your hands on a decent unit for $400 that will handle everyday tasks.

If you want to go for a high-end unit to play graphically demanding titles or write codes for the web, then you can opt for a $1000 device that’s capable of handling all kinds of tasks. Whichever device you choose, make sure you do your homework and check the specs of several models before picking one.