Our top 5 budget-friendly Chromebook picks for Back-to-School 2025

It’s that time again, everyone. As we head into August, back-to-school shopping is in full swing, and for many, that means finding the perfect student laptop. Chromebooks are an obvious choice for their simplicity, security, and value. But with deals changing on a daily basis, picking the right one can be a moving target.

So, instead of just listing what happens to be on sale today, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 budget-friendly Chromebooks that you should keep an eye on. These are consistently great devices that tend to go on sale frequently. When you see a discount on one of these, you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic value. Let’s dive right in!

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11

For students who need the ultimate in portability and versatility, the Lenovo Duet 11 is a fantastic choice. This is a true detachable tablet that comes with its keyboard and kickstand right in the box. Its 11-inch 2K screen is sharp and great for both getting work done and kicking back to watch videos. With solid performance for everyday tasks (thanks to the MediaTek Kompanio 838) and great battery life, it’s the perfect lightweight companion for carrying between classes or on the go. And the 8GB version is currently on sale and comes with double the RAM and the pen in the box, too!

Acer Chromebook Spin 312

For younger students or those who need a more compact and durable device, the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is an ideal choice. Its smaller, 12-inch screen comes in the taller 3:2 aspect ratio, which is fantastic for reading, writing, and browsing websites. As a convertible, its 360-degree hinge allows it to be used in laptop, tent, or tablet mode, adding a ton of versatility. It’s a rugged and flexible little Chromebook that offers a great experience, especially when it drops to its common sale price of $299.

Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook

When it comes to value, the Lenovo Slim 3 is the at the top of the list most of the time. Powered by the surprisingly capable MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, this Chromebook handles all the core tasks of web browsing, content creation, and homework with ease. While the screen is a standard 16:9 aspect ratio, it is 1080p, anti-glare, punchy, and bright at 300 nits. When you can get all that with sale prices that often drop under $200, the value proposition is pretty clear.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514

If you’re looking for a device that hits the perfect sweet spot, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is it. As a Chromebook Plus model, it delivers a fantastic all-around experience with no major compromises. You get a great 14-inch FHD screen, a solid build, a comfortable keyboard and trackpad, and plenty of performance from its Intel Core i3-N305 processor for more demanding school projects. It’s the quintessential, do-it-all student Chromebook that becomes a no-brainer purchase when its frequent discounts appear for just $299.

ASUS Chromebook CM14

Much like the Lenovo Slim 3, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is another champion of the ultra-budget space. It also sports a capable MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor that delivers decent performance for everyday student needs. One key advantage it often has over other devices in its price range is the inclusion of a 14-inch FHD screen. When this Chromebook hits its “ridiculous” sale prices—sometimes dropping below $150—it’s one of the most unbeatable values you’ll find anywhere.