The most affordable Chromebooks for schools can help create a digital environment for growth and learning, without a steep cost.
This guide aims to lay out some of the best options from the most affordable Chromebooks out there — specifically designed to help you find the right model to suit your exact needs.
Since Chromebooks do most of the data crunching and storage in the cloud, the devices are light and can last a full day on a charge. That also means the prices can be kept low without scrimping on performance.
Chromebooks began as a Google push and, as such, are ideal for use with Google Classroom. For a more general overview of everything on the software platform you may want to check out our Google Classroom guide.
Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, so students and teachers can access work from other devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops — all from any location with an internet connection.
From always-connected LTE Chromebooks to WiFi-powered devices, these can all run the many Google apps out there and offer a lot of bang for you buck. Read on to find the best option to suit your needs.
Most Affordable Chromebooks for Schools
1. Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Best Chromebook Overall
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 has a fantastic balance of features that make it top of this list while staying affordable. The performance, portability, and price are all just right to make this an ideal choice for classes nationwide.
Powered by Intel’s 8-core i3-N305 processor with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 128GB SSD, it handles heavy tab loads, Google Workspace apps, and long video calls with ease.
The 14-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen offers sharp clarity for research, lesson planning, or classroom presentations, while its compact and lightweight form keep it genuinely portable. With around 10 hours of battery life, it comfortably gets through a full school day.
Teachers should enjoy the smooth multitasking and reliable WiFi 6E connection during live lessons, and students could benefit from the extra local storage and Plus-series AI tools for writing and productivity.
Durable, well-priced, and strong across categories, this is the Chromebook that fits almost every need without blowing the budget.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Best Budget Convertible
Lenovo’s Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is one of the best-value convertibles available in the U.S. today, giving schools a versatile device for both creative and academic use.
Its 14-inch 2K touchscreen rotates into tablet, tent, or stand modes, making it ideal for note-taking, demonstrating concepts, or running touch-based educational apps. An impressive display resolution and quality for the price.
With an Intel i3-1315U processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage, it handles demanding browser-based work smoothly, and its AI-enhanced Plus features help with writing support and media tasks.
It’s flexible yet stays robust, weighing in at 3.48 lbs., which suits daily classroom movement. Battery life typically exceeds 10 hours, supporting full-day use without charging.
Teachers may appreciate its adaptability for interactive lessons, while students get a capable, comfortable device for multimedia assignments, reading, or working in creative modes. All that and it still has one of the most attainable prices for a modern 2-in-1.
3. Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Best for Power Tasks (and Gaming)
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE offers performance levels rarely seen in the affordable Chromebook space, making it the top pick for power users and cloud-gaming classrooms.
Its standout 16-inch 2560×1600 display with a 120Hz refresh rate is capable of offering exceptionally smooth visuals. That makes this ideal for graphics-heavy tasks, STEM simulations, or GeForce NOW cloud gaming sessions.
This is all backed by the Intel Core 5-120U, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD for enough power to run large workloads, Linux applications, and multitasking without slowdown. Despite the bigger screen, it remains manageable in size and weight at 3.8 lbs. Battery life approaches 10 hours in real-world testing, which is impressive for such a large and bright panel.
Students drawn to creative work such as coding, editing or designing, will find plenty of support here. Teachers can benefit from the expansive display for planning and presenting. It’s the closest thing to a premium workstation Chromebook without the premium price tag.
4. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Best for Portability & Battery Life
Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is the model to choose when portability and all-day stamina matter most, while still delivering responsive performance.
Built around the efficient MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 and paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, it should be smooth for multitasking and can quickly handle AI-powered Plus features.
The 14-inch 120Hz touchscreen brings excellent responsiveness, great for sketching, annotating documents, or navigating coursework. Its convertible design adds real classroom flexibility, and Gorilla Glass protection on the hinge and display help it endure daily wear.
The Spin 514 feels light at 3.31 lbs., with compact dimensions, making it ideal for moving between rooms or carrying in a student backpack. Long battery life supports full-day learning without needing a charger. Teachers should appreciate the versatility for instruction, while students gain a fast, durable device optimized for mobility and continuous study.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus: Best Budget Workhorse
The IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus is an great choice for schools seeking strong performance at a very accessible price point.
The Intel i3-N305 processor, 8GB RAM, and a generous 256GB of storage mean it comfortably handles the everyday demands of student workloads and browser-based teaching environments.
The 14-inch Full HD display offers clear, comfortable viewing for reading, video learning, and productivity. It’s lightweight enough for daily student carrying but still feels sturdy and well-built. Battery life reaches around 11 hours, helping both teachers and students get through full timetables without worrying about sockets.
It’s also capable of running Steam Beta and Linux apps, giving technically curious students more room to explore. Consistently discounted in the U.S. and offering higher-spec internals than older budget Chromebooks, this model is a practical, reliable all-rounder for large deployments.
