Chromebooks are a popular choice for budget-friendly laptops, and they can be decent alternatives to pricier Mac and Windows options. They run on ChromeOS, which is a bit more lightweight than Windows and doesn't need the same resources. That means they can deliver way more features with lower specs, ensuring you get more bang for your buck.
Because of their simplicity, Chromebooks can also be a great option for kids. (They might already be using one for school.) Chromebooks are good, too, for less tech-savvy adults in need of just a simple computer, or anyone who wants an inexpensive laptop for a home office, along with some entertainment. There's even a new crop of big-screen Chromebooks for gamers.
Read more: Best Chromebook for 2024
To help you find the best Chromebook deal, CNET's editors have selected all the top discounted Chromebooks available right now. One word of shopping advice: Although Chromebooks can run well on modest components, some heavily discounted models online might still be too underpowered. A big discount might not be worth the frustration. Also, if the Chromebook is cheap, be sure to check the auto-update expiration date for the model. The AUE is when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates, typically eight years after release, but the date isn't the same for every model.
If you've been looking for a new laptop and don't want to spend top dollar, Chromebooks are worth considering. We'll continue to monitor Chromebook deals and regularly update this list, so check back often for the best prices.
This HP 14-inch Chromebook is equipped with 4GB RAM and a 64GB SSD. It's an inexpensive laptop that would work well for students, travelers and senior citizens who need a simpler interface and lighter build. Best Buy is also including a free three-month YouTube Premium subscription and a free six-month three-device subscription to Webroot virus protection.
This Acer Chromebook can handle the demands of today's student and office worker at an affordable price. With 8GB RAM and 128 GB SSD, you'll have all the power you need to run the programs you need, store important documents and participate in online video calls as needed. It's got an Intel UHD graphics card that can handle basic games so you can take the mindful breaks you deserve.
You'll also get a complimentary 6-month Webroot virus protection subscription and 3 months of free YouTube Premium with purchase.
With a 14-inch screen, automatic software updates and virus protection, this midrange laptop is a smart choice for students. That's thanks to long battery life and enhanced features designed to help it last longer, including a keyboard that resists minor spills. HP is currently selling this model for $549, but you can use code 20CHROME24 to receive an additional 20% discount. HP is also offering a 35% discount on notebook bags and sleeves with any notebook purchase.
If you're looking for a touchscreen Chromebook that can be a laptop and tablet, this one has a generous 16-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a decent audio system and an Intel i3 processor. Overall it's a great laptop for gaming, streaming videos and other basic functions, although if you're planning on working with larger files you'll need to upgrade the storage or buy some cloud storage.
What should you look for in a Chromebook deal?
One of the biggest things to consider is which configuration is on sale. Often, with the best Chromebook deals, only a specific version of the Chromebook is on sale, and making any changes to it could affect the price. This means that sometimes you find the 256GB model is actually cheaper than the 128GB option, or a similar situation.
When are the best deals available?
Generally, you'll find the best Chromebook deals during back-to-school shopping time in late summer or early fall, and a bit later in the year during annual Black Friday sales events. Chromebook deals are available throughout the year, but if you're looking for the best deal and can afford to wait a little, these are the best times of the year to buy one.
Which retailers usually offer the best deals?
You can usually find deals across a variety of retailers when it comes to Chromebook sales. Amazon and Best Buy are constantly running discounts, and deals can also be found at Newegg and Walmart. Amazon's prices fluctuate and Best Buy's sales come and go, so it's worth checking back weekly to see if a discounted price returns.