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Short answer: for younger kids, get a rugged, inexpensive Chromebook like the ASUS Chromebook CR11, built to survive drops and spills. For a tablet-and-keyboard combo, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is great. For tweens and teens who need a real school laptop, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is the one that will last into high school.
Chromebooks are ideal for kids: they’re cheap, start up in seconds, update themselves, are very hard to infect with malware, and Google’s free Family Link parental controls are built in.
In this article
Check the update date before you buy
Every Chromebook has an Automatic Update Expiration (AUE) date, after which it stops getting security updates. Newer models get around 10 years of updates, but older models still on sale may expire much sooner. Search “Google Chromebook AUE policy” to find Google’s list, and check the exact model before buying, especially discounted ones.
Our picks at a glance
| Best for young kids (ages 5–10)ASUS Chromebook CR11 Rugged | Check price |
| Best tablet + keyboardLenovo Chromebook Duet (11-inch) | Check price |
| Best 2-in-1 for ages 8–12ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 (14-inch) | Check price |
| Best for teensLenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus | Check price |
| Best value for older kidsAcer Chromebook Plus 514 | Check price |
Best for young kids (ages 5–10)
ASUS Chromebook CR11 Rugged
Designed for classrooms, the CR11 has a rubberised, drop-tested body, a spill-resistant keyboard and a modern Intel N100 processor, which means a long update life. The 11.6-inch screen is small and low-resolution, but fine for young kids’ learning apps, videos and typing practice.
Good: Tough and spill-resistant, inexpensive, modern chip with long update support.
Not so good: Small, dim HD screen, 4GB RAM limits multitasking.
Best tablet + keyboard
Lenovo Chromebook Duet (11-inch)
A tablet with a detachable keyboard that works as a Chromebook. Kids can use it as a tablet for reading and drawing, then attach the keyboard for homework. It is light (about 1.1 lb as a tablet) and has excellent battery life. An 8GB version handles more tabs.
Good: Tablet and laptop in one, light, sharp screen, great battery life.
Not so good: Small keyboard, not rugged: use a case.
Best 2-in-1 for ages 8–12
ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 (14-inch)
A 14-inch touchscreen that flips into tablet mode, with a larger, more comfortable screen and keyboard than 11-inch models, at a budget price. Check its AUE date when buying, as models with older Celeron chips expire sooner than newer ones.
Good: Bigger 1080p touchscreen, flips to tablet, affordable.
Not so good: Older Celeron processor, not ruggedised.
Best for teens
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
A “Chromebook Plus” with an Intel Core i3, 8GB of RAM and a bright 14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen. It is fast enough for heavy schoolwork, video calls and Google Docs with lots of tabs, and it will last through high school. It also has a backlit keyboard and folds into a tablet.
Good: Fast, great screen, backlit keyboard, long update life.
Not so good: Heavier (about 3.5 lb) and pricier than kid-focused models.
Best value for older kids
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
A grown-up Chromebook Plus with a 14-inch 1080p touchscreen, 8GB of RAM and a fast 8-core Intel Core i3-N355, at a mid-range price. It is great for middle and high schoolers.
Good: Fast for the price, 8GB RAM, touchscreen.
Not so good: Not rugged, plain design.
Set up parental controls (it takes 10 minutes)
- Install the Google Family Link app on your phone and create a Google account for your child (under 13) or add supervision to their existing account.
- Sign in to the Chromebook with your child’s account. Family Link applies automatically.
- Set daily screen time limits and a bedtime.
- Choose app approval so new Play Store apps need your OK.
- Turn on website filtering (Chrome’s “Try to block explicit sites”, or allow only approved sites for young kids).
School-issued accounts are managed by the school and may have their own restrictions.
Make it last
- A padded sleeve or rugged case, plus a kid-sized backpack.
- Teach the basics: two hands to carry, no drinks nearby, close the lid gently. See how to make a laptop last longer.
FAQ
Chromebook or Windows laptop for kids?
For under-13s, a Chromebook is almost always better: cheaper, simpler, safer and easier to supervise. Older teens taking specific courses (like CAD or video editing) may need Windows or a Mac.
How much RAM does a kids’ Chromebook need?
4GB is OK for young kids doing one thing at a time; 8GB is better for older kids juggling tabs and video calls.
