Get back-to-school ready with the best Chromebook computers 2024

Whether your kids are returning to school or even university, or you're embarking on a new distance learning course, a Chromebook computer is an affordable device that often offers the best of both worlds as a tablet as well as a laptop.

Over the past few years, personal computers and laptops have become integral parts of our lives. Some schools now require children to bring their own kids' tablet or Chromebook for learning, while using them for homework can be a bonus if you need your laptop for work.

But with so much tech on the market, it can be hard to narrow down what you need. If you’re looking for an affordable laptop for your child when they head back to school, a Chromebook can be one of the best options.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop powered by Google; they use a cloud for storage, and run ChromeOS as their operating system. Chromebooks tend to be faster than other makes of laptop, and have plenty of storage abilities for school or university. They’re often the cheapest variety on the market, too.

Many feature touchscreens, which younger people are familiar with - hands up if your toddler can operate the touchscreen on your phone better than you can. An additional bonus is the battery life - Chromebooks are famous for having some of the longest-lasting batteries of any laptops.

Why do schools use Chromebooks instead of laptops?

Schools tend to suggest Chromebooks over traditional laptops because they are cost-effective, easy to use, secure, and well-suited for educational environments. They tend to be a more affordable option and the simple Chrome OS is generally user-friendly and updates automatically which means less technical support. In many cases they can be centrally managed by schools, making it easy to control settings and apps across devices. They also work with Google Workspace which supports cloud-based learning and collaboration.

Do Chromebooks work with apps?

Yes. The best Chromebook computers will feature all sorts of apps to help you work and play, available offline as well as connected to the internet. If your toddler is likely to be using it as well, you should be able to access toddler apps that are educational and fun. They will have built-in features such as photo editors and media players, and access to thousands of additional apps via the Chrome App Store.

Why is a Chromebook best for a child or teenager?

One of the biggest benefits to getting a Chromebook for a young person is their affordability but they're also generally pretty robust and sturdy, meaning they’ll be suitable for school bags or uni rucksacks. We all know that children and teenagers aren’t renowned for looking after their belongings so buying a more sturdy and affordable Chromebook does take some of the worry away. Saying that, accidents happen so we do recommend getting gadget insurance for your Chromebook, to be on the safe side.

Chromebooks are often more lightweight than Microsoft or Apple laptops; plus, most of them have a ‘flip’ function, making them more versatile and practical. You'll probably still want to manage the screen time of younger children and possibly look into the parental controls available on the Chromebook you choose.

Which Chromebook should I buy?

As with all tech and laptops in particular, they all come with a variety of functions and abilities - and different price tags. Before you invest in a Chromebook, decide what you need it for, what your budget is, and how often it’s going to be used. This will help you create a list of desirable features, and you can then map them against what each Chromebook offers.

For children at school:

If your child is in secondary school - or even some primary schools - and a laptop is required, then durability is the most important function you’ll be looking for. The features and power are less important than the ability to remain in one piece by the end of term.

For young people starting university:

Now’s the time to look more at function and features, such as storage and power. Research the types of processor the Chromebook is using, and make sure it can stand up to intense essay-writing and research, and potential media production too. You can end up spending as much on a powerful Chromebook as on a Microsoft laptop, so make sure you’re investing in the right type for your requirements.

For distance learning:

If you’re starting a distance-learning course, then it’s less important that your laptop is portable and flexible, and more vital that it’s fast and powerful. You want to be able to keep up with the research and practical requirements of your course with decent power, a strong processor, and plenty of memory.

Here, we’ve shortlisted five of the best Chromebooks for back-to-school or distance learning, whatever your age.

What to look for in the best Chromebook computer

If you're choosing a Chromebook for your child, there are a few factors to consider.

Sophie Knight is a journalist and mum of two, and previously edited motherandbaby.com before moving on to write about family cars for Parkers.co.uk. Sophie went on to become Commercial Content Editor for M&B, Closer, Heat, Empire, Yours, Garden News, and WhatsTheBest.co.uk before deciding to dedicate more of her time to her family and write freelance.