Chromebook vs. Chromebook Plus: What’s the Difference?

Chromebooks are lightweight, affordable laptops that run on Google’s Chrome OS. So what is the difference between a laptop and a Chromebook? Unlike traditional laptops, which typically operate on Windows or macOS, Chromebooks are built to prioritize simplicity, speed and efficiency. They rely heavily on cloud storage, offering seamless integration with Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets and Drive. These features make Chromebooks some of the best budget laptops available today.

A Chromebook is perfect for students, casual users and anyone looking for a compact laptop to handle basic tasks such as web browsing, document editing and streaming. Many users favor Chromebooks for their affordability, making them an excellent choice for those on a tight budget or looking for an affordable laptop for students. Refurbished Chromebooks are also widely available, offering even better laptop deals.

The Chromebook Plus is a step up from the standard Chromebook. While both devices run on Chrome OS, Chromebook Plus models are designed with enhanced features to deliver a more powerful and versatile experience. They often come with improved hardware, including faster processors, higher-resolution displays and better build quality. Some Chromebook Plus models also feature a touchscreen, making them an attractive choice for creative professionals and multitaskers.

For people seeking the best lightweight laptop that can handle more demanding tasks, a Chromebook Plus is worth considering. They strike a balance between performance and portability, making them ideal for professionals and students who need a little extra power without sacrificing mobility.

To recap, here are the primary elements that separate the original Chromebook from the more premium Chromebook Plus:

• Performance. While a standard Chromebook is equipped with sufficient hardware for basic tasks, Chromebook Plus models boast more robust specifications. This makes the Chromebook Plus a better choice for users who need to run multiple apps simultaneously or perform more intensive tasks like light gaming or video editing.
• Display and design. Chromebook Plus models often feature higher-resolution screens, offering sharper visuals and better color accuracy. Many of these models also include a touchscreen, making them a great option for creative tasks and presentations. If you’re searching for the best Chromebook with a touchscreen, a Chromebook Plus is likely the way to go.
• Price. While Chromebooks are known for being some of the most affordable laptops on the market, Chromebook Plus devices typically come with a higher price tag. However, the extra cost is backed up by the added performance and features. For those who prioritize affordability, a standard Chromebook or a refurbished laptop may be the better choice. Students, in particular, will find the affordable laptop options of standard Chromebooks hard to beat.

Some Chromebooks are designed to handle light gaming tasks. How do these models stack up against a Chromebook Plus?

A gaming Chromebook typically features enhanced hardware, such as better graphics capabilities and faster processors. However, these models still fall short compared to a Chromebook Plus when it comes to versatility and multitasking. If gaming is a primary consideration, a dedicated gaming laptop might be a better investment, as it’s built specifically for performance-intensive tasks.

Chromebook Plus models, while not designed explicitly for gaming, can handle casual games and provide a smoother experience for web-based gaming platforms. They’re an excellent choice for users who want a device capable of both productivity and light gaming.

When choosing a Chromebook for students, factors like affordability, portability and performance come into play. Standard Chromebooks are ideal for younger students or those who only need a device for basic tasks like note-taking, research and online classes. Their lightweight design and long battery life make them some of the best lightweight laptops for students.

For college students or those who require a bit more power, a Chromebook Plus is worth considering. Its enhanced features and touchscreen capabilities make it a versatile tool for presentations, creative projects and multitasking.

• Affordable laptops suitable for students and budget-conscious users.
• Lightweight and compact design makes them highly portable.
• Long battery life for all-day use.
• Seamless integration with Google Workspace.
• Widely available as refurbished laptops, offering even better deals.

• Limited offline functionality.
• Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks or advanced gaming.

• Enhanced performance for multitasking and light gaming.
• High-resolution touchscreen displays available in many models.
• Versatile and suitable for creative professionals.
• Maintains a lightweight and portable design.

• Higher price point compared to standard Chromebooks.
• Limited compatibility with some traditional software.

If you’re looking for the best budget laptop or an affordable laptop for students, a standard Chromebook is an excellent choice. Its simplicity, portability and affordability make it a standout option for basic tasks.

On the other hand, if you need a device with more power, a higher-quality display and added features like a touchscreen, a Chromebook Plus is worth the investment. It’s a versatile option that closes out the differences between a traditional laptop and a Chromebook.

Whether you’re a student, professional or casual user, both Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus models offer compelling benefits. No matter your choice of model, you’re bound to end up with a satisfying laptop experience.