Chromebook Price: Retail, Deals & Price History

Chromebooks run ChromeOS and cover a wider price spread than most people expect. Some cost little more than a tablet, while premium models rival mainstream laptops. The price mostly tells you how much power, screen quality, and build quality you get.

The list prices below come from TechRadar and other published guides. Retailers often discount Chromebooks, so shelf prices vary.

Chromebooks fall into three rough price tiers. Budget models start low and handle browsing, email, video, and schoolwork. Mid-range models add faster processors and better screens. Premium models offer the best displays, build, and performance.

In the table above, the Asus Chromebook CX15 lists at $269, which is the budget end. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 and Plus 514 each list at $399, and the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch lists at $549.99. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 lists at $649, and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus lists at $700.

The listed models are examples, not recommendations. Each tier changes a few things you will notice.

• Budget. These models handle web apps, streaming, and documents. Expect basic screens, plastic bodies, and slower performance when many tabs are open. They suit kids, students, and secondary computers.
• Mid-range. These add a faster processor, more memory, and a sharper display. They suit people who keep many tabs open or work in several apps at once.
• Premium. These add high-end displays, metal builds, longer-lasting hardware, and the most memory and speed. They suit people who use a Chromebook as their main laptop.

The Chromebook Plus label marks models that meet a higher hardware standard, and many of the mid-range and premium examples above carry it. Check what the label guarantees on Google's site if the distinction matters to you.

• Processor and memory. A faster chip and more RAM raise the price and make the machine feel quicker.
• Screen. Resolution, brightness, and touch support all add cost. A touchscreen or a 2-in-1 hinge costs more than a standard laptop screen.
• Build. Metal bodies and backlit keyboards cost more than plastic ones.
• Storage. Chromebooks rely on cloud storage, so they ship with less local space than Windows laptops, and more storage costs more.
• Size. Larger screens, such as the 15.6-inch models, can cost more than compact ones.
• Support period. ChromeOS devices receive updates for a set number of years, and the length varies by model.

A Chromebook stops receiving updates from Google after its support period ends. Google lists the end date for each model on its Auto Update Expiration page. A cheaper model with a shorter update window can cost more over time than a pricier one that stays supported longer, so check the date before you buy, especially for schools or businesses.

A Chromebook is a good fit if you work mostly in a browser, use web apps and Google services, and want fast startup and simple maintenance. It is a weaker fit if you rely on specialized desktop software, heavy video editing, or serious PC gaming. Many Chromebooks run Android apps, and some support Linux apps, which widens what you can do.

Decide which software you need first. If your work runs in a browser, a budget or mid-range model is usually enough.

Chromebooks are discounted often. The best deals show up on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and back-to-school sales. Older models drop in price when a new generation is released, and many retailers run education discounts. A list price in a guide is a starting point, not what you must pay.

Manufacturers, big-box stores, and online retailers all sell them. Refurbished units from manufacturers can cost less and still carry a warranty. Before you buy a used or refurbished one, confirm its update expiration date.