Chromebook vs Laptop for Kids In 2025

Parents often face the dilemma of whether to buy their kids a Chromebook or a laptop. Since Chromebooks first became available in 2011, there has been a discussion on the topic of Chromebook vs laptop, so it’s important to evaluate what your child will need before making a purchase. 

Chromebooks are lightweight laptops that run on Google’s Chrome operating system. One of the main advantages of Chromebooks is that they’re relatively inexpensive; you can find a decent one for around $200.

They’re also very easy to use; even kids can figure out how to navigate the Chrome interface with no problem. Another plus is that Chromebooks are extremely secure, so you don’t have to worry about your kids accidentally downloading viruses or stumbling onto inappropriate websites.

The downside of Chromebooks is that they’re not as powerful as laptops; they don’t have as much storage space and their processing power is limited. In addition, since they run on the Chrome OS, they’re not compatible with software designed for other operating systems like Windows or macOS.

So, if your child needs to use specific programs or software for school, a Chromebook might not be the best choice.

Laptops, on the other hand, offer more power and storage than Chromebooks but they’re also more expensive; you can easily spend $500 or more on a good one. Laptops also tend to be heavier than Chromebooks, so they’re not as convenient to carry around.

However, laptops offer more versatility than Chromebooks because they can run any program or software designed for their operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.). This means your child will be able to use any software they need for school, whether it’s Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop. 

Here are some things to consider before buying a Chromebook or laptop.

1. The Cost

Chromebooks are typically much cheaper than laptops, especially when you factor in the cost of a Windows license. If your child is simply using the computer for internet browsing and light word processing, a Chromebook should be sufficient for them.

However, if your child needs to use more advanced software for school or other activities, a laptop may be a better investment.

2. Battery Life

Chromebooks boast impressive battery lives — typically in the range of 10 hours or more. Laptops, on the other hand, tend to have shorter battery lives of around 5 to 7 hours. This is something to keep in mind if your child will be using the computer for long periods of time away from an outlet.

3. Operating System

Chromebooks run on Google’s Chrome OS, while laptops can run on either Windows or macOS. Each operating system has its own strengths and weaknesses. Chrome OS is much more limited than Windows or macOS, but it’s also much simpler to use. 

If your child is comfortable with computers, they’ll probably be fine using either type of machine. However, if they’re not as confident, a Chromebook might be a better choice since it’s less likely they’ll get lost in the interface.

4. Storage Space

Chromebooks and laptops both typically come with relatively small amounts of storage space — between 32 GB and 64 GB. This can fill up quickly if your child likes to download a lot of music or store large video files.

In this case, you might want to consider opting for a higher-end model with more storage space or investing in external storage solutions like an SD card or a portable hard drive.

Conclusion

So which is better for kids—a Chromebook or a laptop? 

The answer ultimately depends on your child’s needs and preferences. If cost is your major concern, go with a Chromebook. If battery life is the key, go with a Chromebook. If you need advanced features and functionality, go with a laptop. And if storage space is at a premium, invest in external storage solutions. By taking these factors into consideration, you should be able to make the best decision for your child—and your budget!

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