Get ready to hit the books…
Choosing the right laptop for school or uni isn't easy when there's so much choice out there.
Ideally, you want something affordable (you're on a student budget after all) and straightforward to use. You'll also want enough speed and power to keep up with you when you're deep in revision.
That's where Chromebooks come in. They tick all of the above boxes, and a few more we haven't mentioned yet. So, if you're looking for a new laptop for the new term, here's a rundown of why Chromebooks are such a good choice for students…
What makes Chromebooks great for students in 2026?
Chromebooks are famous for being fast, secure and effortless - which makes them well suited to how students use laptops.
They'll help you:
Get started in seconds1
Open your laptop and dive straight into your to-do list.
Keep everything in one place
Sign in with your Google account and all your Drive files, emails and Google apps are ready to go.
Stay focused on your work
Automatic updates2 happen in the background, so you can study without interruptions.
Feel confident your work is protected
Built-in security helps keep your files and information safe from malware.
Do more than just study
Use Google Play apps3 for everything from watching videos to playing games.
Now let's take a closer look at the features that make Chromebooks such a handy study buddy.
Starts fast and stays up to speed
Getting started quickly is one of the biggest benefits. Chromebooks boot up in under 10 seconds1 on average, so you're up and running almost straight away. That speed comes in handy throughout the day, whether you're joining an online class or looking something up just before a test.
The best of Google, built in
Sign in with your Google account and everything will feel familiar straight away. Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive and Calendar are all ready to use, making it easy to keep your work organised across different devices. If your course uses Microsoft 365 programmes (like Word, Excel or PowerPoint), you can access and use the online versions on your Chromebook with the Microsoft 365 web app.4
The apps students love
Google Play gives you access to apps for work, creativity and entertainment, with around 2.5 million apps to choose from.3 That's a lot. You can join lectures on Zoom, edit photos in Adobe Lightroom, use Microsoft 365 if you need it, or unwind by streaming Netflix after a busy day.4 Your Chromebook can be a useful study tool one minute and an entertainment centre the next!
Chromebook Plus and Gemini can help with writing, reading
and ideas
When you need a little extra help, Chromebook Plus adds Gemini tools that can help you organise ideas, summarise information, draft emails and plan assignments. They won't do the work for you (which is a good thing), but they can help turn a blank page or messy notes into something easier to work with.
Exam practice made personal with Gemini
Revision can look different for everyone, and Gemini gives you lots of options. You can turn your class notes into quizzes or upload a document and ask it to explain the topic step by step. It's a useful way to explore tricky subjects alongside your own notes and existing course materials.
When buying a Chromebook Plus, users get 12 months of Google AI Pro free. Plus, you get 5TB of storage.5
Built-in security means less to worry about
Keeping your files protected is something Chromebooks handle from the start. In fact, Chromebooks have never had a virus.6 Built-in virus protection and regular updates help protect your work behind the scenes, without you having to lift a finger.
Automatic updates that don't interrupt your flow
Chromebooks update automatically in the background, so you can keep working or chatting without any interruptions.2 This helps everything stay secure and run smoothly.
Chromebook vs Windows vs MacBooks for students
Choosing the right type of laptop is a big decision. Here's a quick side by side to help you decide…
Find the right Chromebook for your studies
The best Chromebook depends on how you'll use it.
If you're carrying it between lectures, look for something lightweight with strong battery life. A 14-inch screen is a great middle ground - easy to carry but still comfortable for working on.
If you spend lots of time creating presentations or keep lots of tabs open, a larger 15 or 16-inch screen gives you more room.
Chromebook Plus models are great if you want extra power and AI features to help with large projects.
Storage is another thing to consider. If you mostly use cloud storage, 128GB is usually plenty. If you want to keep lots of files, photos or downloads saved locally, more storage can be useful.
Here are a few of the best Chromebooks you can get your hands on right now:
Lenovo 14” 2-in-1 Chromebook Plus - the flexible work & play partner
The Lenovo 14" 2-in-1 Chromebook Plus gives you the flexibility of using your Chromebook in different ways. You can type away on assignments in laptop mode, then flip it into tablet mode to sketch out plans or jot down ideas. Plus, with Gemini AI built in, you can do things like create your own study guide or a quiz for revision.
HP Chromebook Plus 15a – the big-screen study station
The HP Chromebook Plus 15a is a good choice if you like having plenty of space to work. The large 15.6” display screen gives you plenty of room to have tabs open side by side - so you can write an essay while reading up on notes. And with 8GB of RAM, you've got the power you need for doing lots of things at once - running Spotify, opening large docs, and keeping a dozen tabs open for late-night study sessions.
ACER 514 14" Chromebook Plus - the ‘easy-on-the-eyes' all-rounder
The ACER 514 14” Chromebook Plus is built for long study sessions. Its Full HD+ display has wide viewing angles, so you can study with friends without anyone feeling left out. And the Full HD webcam will make you look great on team calls and catch-ups with friends.
Lenovo Duet 10.95" 2-in-1 Chromebook – the best of both worlds
The Lenovo Duet 10.95” 2-in-1 Chromebook can play two roles. Use it as a Chromebook for writing assignments and researching topics, then detach the keyboard and you've got a lightweight tablet for relaxing with a video. It also comes with a stylus, which is handy for scribbling notes when typing isn't your easiest option.
ASUS CM14 Flip 14" 2-in-1 Chromebook – the smart switcher
The Asus CM14 Flip 14" 2-in-1 Chromebook can fold from a laptop to tablet in seconds, giving you the best of both worlds. And because it's got a 360° hinge, you can also use it in tent mode - great for watching movies without the keyboard in the way. Plus, with 20 hours of battery life, you can study all day without going on a mid-session socket hunt.
Need more advice?
We've got loads more laptop top tips, including best student laptops and advice on how to get ready for school with Chromebook. For a complete deep dive on all things laptops, head on over to our laptop buying guide.
FAQs
What is a Chromebook good for?
Chromebooks are especially good for students who spend lots of time online. They're great for writing essays, researching, using Google Docs and Drive, joining video calls and keeping files organised. Because work is saved online, it's easy to pick up where you left off on another device.
Can I use a Chromebook for university?
Yes, a Chromebook is a great choice for university students. They're well suited to essays, research, presentations and online learning, with long battery life and useful AI tools to help with planning, writing and revision.
Can you get Microsoft Office on Chromebook?
Yes, you can use Microsoft Office on a Chromebook through web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, or the Microsoft 365 web apps. A lot of students also use Google Docs and Sheets, which work really well on ChromeOS.
1.
The boot up speed may vary depending on the device. According to tests on various devices from the Chromebook portfolio, 10 seconds is the average boot up speed.
2.
Internet connection required. See how long a device is eligible for updates at g.co/chromeosupdates
3.
Some apps may require installation and additional charges. Subscriptions may be required.
4.
Additional functionality available with a Microsoft 365® subscription. Microsoft, Excel, and PowerPoint are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
5.
Redeem by 31/01/27. Auto-renews at £18.99/month unless cancelled. Full T&Cs at g.co/chromebook/google-ai-pro-12-month-offer
6.
As of June 2026 there has been no evidence of any documented, successful virus attack on ChromeOS. Data based on ChromeOS monitoring of various national and internal databases.
