Best Chromebooks for students in Canada in 2024

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Are you looking for a versatile laptop perfect for school? Look no further than a Chromebook. These devices have quickly become a go-to choice for students and it’s easy to see why. With their sleek designs, quick performance and user-friendly features that run on Google’s simple operating system, Chromebooks are here to make your life smoother than ever. 

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From writing reports to crafting presentations, these devices offer a range of tools that make your school assignments shine. With many apps and extensions available on the Chrome Web Store, you can customize your Chromebook to suit your specific needs. This guide will highlight some of the best Chromebooks to buy and discuss key specs to remember.

Summary of the best Chromebooks

Best overall: ASUS Chromebook Flip C434
Safe bet: Lenovo Chromebook C340 Laptop
Best convertible: Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop
Most underrated: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 11.6-inch 64GB
Also consider: HP Chromebook x360 14-inch Laptop

Best Chromebooks explained

Best overall: ASUS Chromebook Flip C434

Screen size: 14 Inches
Hard disk size: 64 GB
RAM: 8 GB
Operating system: Chrome OS
Graphics card description: Integrated
Graphics coprocessor: Intel HD Graphics 615
CPU speed: 3.4 GHz

Why buy: The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 features a 14-inch NanoEdge touchscreen display with a 360-degree hinge, allowing you to switch between laptop and tablet modes for versatile usability seamlessly. With a resolution of up to 1080p, visuals are crisp and vibrant, whether working on presentations, streaming content, or browsing the web. Under the hood, an Intel Core processor ensures responsive performance, while up to 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking.

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The spacious backlit keyboard enhances typing comfort, making it suitable for extended writing or late-night study sessions. With up to 128GB of storage, you can keep your files and apps close at hand. Incorporating USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 4.0, seamless connectivity enables you to interface with various devices effortlessly. With Chrome OS, you’ll enjoy the efficiency of automatic updates and Google Play Store app access.

Price: From $825
Where to buy: Amazon | Best Buy

Safe bet: Lenovo Chromebook C340 Laptop

Screen size: 15.6 inches
Hard disk size: 64 GB
RAM: 4 GB
Operating system: Chrome OS
Graphics card description: Integrated
Graphics coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Hard disk description: SSD

Why buy: The Lenovo Chromebook C340 boasts a sleek and compact design, making it an excellent travel companion for students and professionals. Its 11.6-inch or 15.6-inch touchscreen options allow you to easily navigate, whether editing documents, streaming media, or browsing the web. With options for Intel Celeron or Core processors and up to 8GB of RAM, this Chromebook ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance. The 2-in-1 convertible design provides flexibility — switch between laptop and tablet modes for optimal adaptability. Store your documents, photos, and apps conveniently with up to 64GB of storage. For students, the Lenovo Chromebook C340 excels in classrooms and libraries thanks to its durable build and all-day battery life. Moreover, professionals can engage in video conferences, manage emails, and work on reports, while creators can explore their artistic endeavours using touch and stylus capabilities.

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Price: $450
Where to buy: Amazon

Best convertible: Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop

Screen size: 11.6 inches
Hard disk size: 32 GB
CPU model: 1.2GHz Cortex A8 Processor
RAM: 4 GB
Operating system: Chrome OS
Graphics card description: Integrated
Graphics coprocessor: Mediatek

Why buy: Featuring an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen display and a 360-degree hinge, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 transforms from laptop to tablet mode, empowering you to tackle tasks, take notes, and enjoy entertainment in a style that suits you. The compact and lightweight design ensures easy portability, making it an ideal choice for students and professionals on the go.

Powered by Intel Celeron processors and up to 4GB of RAM, this Chromebook guarantees responsive performance and efficient multitasking. You can keep your essential files and apps within reach with up to 32GB of storage. Whether you’re a student seeking a reliable study companion or a creative professional looking for a versatile canvas, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 adapts to your needs. Its spill-resistant keyboard and long-lasting battery further enhance its suitability for classroom and work environments.

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Price: $418
Where to buy: Amazon | Best Buy

Most underrated: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 11.6-inch 64GB

Screen size: 13.3 inches
Hard disk size: 256 GB
RAM: 8 GB
Operating system: Chrome OS
Graphics card description: Integrated
Graphics coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
Hard disk description: SSD

Why buy: Boasting a vibrant 13.3-inch 4K AMOLED touchscreen display, the Galaxy Chromebook is a solid pick. Whether you’re editing photos, streaming movies, or working on creative projects, the colours and details leap off the screen. Under the hood, the Galaxy Chromebook is powered by an Intel Core processor and ample RAM, ensuring multitasking and lightning-fast performance. Creatives will appreciate the built-in pen for precise drawing and note-taking, while professionals can easily tackle demanding tasks. With up to 1TB of SSD storage, you’ll have ample space for all your files and applications. Connectivity options are abundant with USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, offering interactions with various devices. The lightweight design and long battery life also make it an excellent companion for those on the move.

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Price: $1,000
Where to buy: Samsung | Amazon

Also consider: HP Chromebook x360 14-inch Laptop

Screen size: 14 inches
Hard disk size: 512 GB
CPU model: Core i5
RAM: 16 GB

Why buy: Featuring a sleek 14-inch touchscreen display and a 360-degree hinge, the HP Chromebook x360 effortlessly transforms from laptop to tablet mode, granting you the freedom to work, play, and create in the style that suits you best. The Full HD resolution ensures sharp visuals, whether you’re designing, streaming, or collaborating. With options for Intel Core processors and up to 8GB of RAM, this Chromebook delivers responsive multitasking and smooth operation. The backlit keyboard enhances typing comfort, ideal for extended work sessions, while the 2-in-1 design accommodates diverse tasks and environments. Whether you’re a student immersed in coursework, a professional managing projects, or an artist expressing your creativity, the HP Chromebook x360 adapts to your demands. Its sturdy build, all-day battery life, and ample storage of up to 128GB contribute to its reliability.

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Price: $560
Where to buy: Amazon | HP | Best Buy

What to know about buying a Chromebook

A Chromebook can be an excellent idea for students and professionals due to its affordability, simplicity, and cloud-based capabilities. Here’s what to know and how to choose the right Chromebook based on your needs:

Students

Affordability: Chromebooks are generally more budget-friendly than traditional laptops, which is excellent for students on a tight budget.

Portability: Most Chromebooks are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around campus.

Battery Life: Look for models with long battery life to ensure your Chromebook lasts throughout a full day of classes.

Google Integration: Chromebooks work seamlessly with Google services, which educational institutions commonly use. Google Drive offers ample cloud storage for your assignments.

Apps: Ensure the Chromebook supports Android apps from the Google Play Store to access educational tools and productivity apps.

Professionals

Performance: Depending on your profession, opt for a Chromebook with sufficient RAM and a capable processor for smooth multitasking.

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Build Quality: Look for a well-built Chromebook with a premium design if you frequently use it in professional settings.

Screen Quality: A higher resolution and colour accuracy are essential if your work involves graphics, design, or presentations.

Storage: Professionals often need more storage for documents, presentations, and files. Consider a model with ample internal storage or support for external storage.

Keyboard and Input: A comfortable keyboard is essential for professionals who do a lot of typing. If you need to take notes or sketch, look for touchscreen and stylus support.

General considerations

Operating System: Chrome OS is simple and secure but primarily web-based. Ensure it meets your needs, or consider a dual-boot model to run specific software.

Compatibility: Consider how well the Chromebook integrates with your devices and accounts. Chromebooks are incredibly seamless for users in the Google ecosystem.

Screen Size: Choose a screen size that suits your preference and usage — larger screens are better for multitasking and content creation, while smaller screens are more portable.

Connectivity: Ensure the Chromebook has the ports and connectivity options you need, such as USB-C, headphone jack, and support for external displays.