Chromebook vs Laptop for Homeschooling – Which One Suits You?

Chromebook vs laptop for homeschooling – which one should I get?”

It’s a question that we often encounter in social media, as well as in local parent groups. It’s time to provide your kids with the best gear possible, especially now that online schooling is the new normal.

Our goal is to find the most versatile portable computer that can handle day-to-day tasks. It should also be priced reasonably. With that being said, let’s take a quick look at our options:

Also read: Best Chromebooks For Homeschooling

Surface Laptop Go – An Entry-Level Treat

This is a no-nonsense laptop that is capable to do a multitude of tasks. The integrated graphics is powerful enough to handle online classes, as well as light photo and video editing. Despite the 8GB RAM, it is still capable of delivering a smooth user experience regardless of the model selected.

If you’re looking for a reliable entry-level with the creature comforts of the Microsoft ecosystem, then the Surface Laptop Go is a very great option, especially at this price point.

Tech Specs

  • Intel-Powered 10th-Gen i5 Processor with Integrated Graphics
  • High-Speed RAM (available in 4GB and 8GB)
  • Fast Storage (available in 128GB and 256GB SSD options)
  • Up to 13 Hours Battery Life
  • Powered by Windows 10 (available in Home and Pro)
  • Weighs 2.44lbs.
  • 12.45-Inch PixelSense Touchscreen Full HD (1920×1080 Display)
  • 720P Webcam
  • Windows Hello and One Touch Sign-In

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 – The Chromebook Killer

The best bang-for-the-buck laptop on our list. Our approach here is simple: if it’s good enough for gaming, it’s going to be great for everything else.

This laptop is equipped with a 6-core processor with a boost speed of 4.0GHz. It also comes with a GTX 1650 graphics card, so expect smooth photo and video-editing on this rig.

If you need to pick one: Chromebook vs laptop for homeschooling? We highly recommend ASUS TUF A15 simply because it can do everything Chrome OS has to offer – plus more.

Tech Specs

  • AMD Ryzen 5 4600H Processor
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics
  • 8GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM
  • 512GB PCI-E NVME M.2 SSD Storage
  • Up to 3 Hours Battery Life
  • Powered by Windows 10 Home
  • Weighs 5.07lbs
  • 15.6-Inch 144hz Full HD (1920×1080 IPS Display)
  • 720P Webcam

Pros

  • Great for photo and video editing
  • Perfect Multi-Tasker
  • Compatible with established programs and apps under Windows
  • Full-Sized RGB-Lit Keyboard (up to 20 million keystrokes)

Cons

  • Mediocre Stereo Speakers
  • Shortest Battery Life among the competition

MacBook Air M1 or M2 – A Thin and Light Monster

There’s a reason Apple’s MacBook Air is one of the most bought laptops on this list – reliability, and performance. Despite having the least appealing tech specs, MacOS has proven time and again that optimization is king. Expect a seamless experience moving from one window to another.

If you’re looking for a laptop that is suitable for beginners, then this is arguably the best option for you. It’s very easy to set up, it’s very easy to navigate around, and it’s the most secure out of all the bunch.

Tech Specs

  • M1 or M2 Chip
  • Touch ID
  • Facetime HD Camera
  • Stereo Speakers with Subwoofer
  • Multiple Mic Array
  • 13″ Retina Display (M1) or 13.6″ liquid Retina Display (M2)
  • Fast Storage (available in 256GB and 512GB SSD)
  • Powered by macOS
  • Weighs 2.8lbs.

Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface
  • The best touchpad in the competition
  • Compatible with all industry-leading apps and programs
  • Facetime HD Camera is better

Cons

  • The Apple-Centric ecosystem is not for everyone
  • Lackluster hardware compared to the competition

Google Pixelbook Go – The King of Chromebooks

This Pixelbook Go is a no-compromise powerhouse. It is one of the few notebooks powered by Intel. Expect reliable performance whether participating in a virtual classroom or editing a school project – or both. We highly recommend this model because it can handle most apps and tools with ease.

The entry-level model may not be as powerful as its competitors in its price range, but if you’re looking for something reliable that can get the job done, then this will do.

Tech Specs

  • Intel-Powered 8th Gen Processor with Integrated Graphics (available in Intel M3, Core i5, and i7 models)
  • High-Speed RAM (available in 8GB and 16GB)
  • Fast Storage (available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB)
  • Up to 12 hours Battery Life
  • Powered by Chrome OS
  • Weighs 2lbs.
  • 13.3-Inch Touchscreen Display (available in Full HD1920x1080 and 4K 3840×2160 resolutions)
  • Full-HD 1080p Webcam
  • Dual-Stereo Speakers

Pros

  • Arguably the best Chromebook you can get
  • Comfortable and reliable keyboard
  • Great for multimedia consumption
  • Portable and convenient

Cons

  • Priced higher than Windows Laptops
  • The hardware is limited by subpar apps and tools (Chrome Web Store and Play Store)

Chromebook vs Laptop for Homeschooling – Face to Face

In this section, we’re going to put each laptop head-to-head to see who wins in every category. A real Chromebook vs laptop for homeschooling competition. However, please keep in mind that these are subjective opinions so take them with a grain of salt.

Here are the categories:

Compatibility

Winner: MacBook Air and Windows-Based Laptops (Surface Laptop Go and TUF Gaming A15)

When it comes to compatibility with known apps and programs, macOS and Windows have a clear edge over Chrome OS. While there are good alternatives for Chromebooks, the convenience of installing and using the app immediately can be lifesaving for students.

Portability

Winner: Pixelbook Go

Weighing just around 2lbs., the Pixelbook Go is both thin and light – perfect for students who are always on-the-go. Despite being the lightest in the competition, the hardware inside packs a lot of punch.

Battery Life

Winner: Surface Laptop Go

The Surface Laptop Go arguably has the best battery in the competition. With over 13 hours of continuous usage rating, we believe that this is the most reliable laptop for users who don’t always have the convenience of charging their devices multiple times a day.

User Interface

Winner: 3-Way tie (Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS)

All three operating systems have come a long way in making things simple for everyone. Fortunately for you, your kids won’t have trouble navigating through different programs regardless of choice. However, do take note that Chrome OS and Windows are more similar to each other versus MacOS.

Cloud Storage

Winner: Pixelbook Go

Since Chromebooks are basically cloud-based machines, it’s a no-brainer that the Pixelbook Go takes the cake in this category. While both Microsoft and Apple have their own version of cloud storage, the convenience that Google Drive offers is hard to resist.

Multimedia Creation

Winner: TUF Gaming A15

The processing power and graphical capabilities of the TUF Gaming A15, along with a Full HD IPS display make photo and video-editing more favorable on this laptop. If you are heavily involved in school projects that require presentations, then you can never go wrong with this notebook computer.

Chromebook vs Laptop for Homeschooling – Who is the Clear Winner?

To be honest, it’s very tough to choose the winner, given that most of these devices are identical in performance and reliability. To make your decision easier, we have decided to give strong arguments for each laptop.

Choose the Surface Laptop Go if:

You are looking for a cheap yet reliable Windows machine that is capable of doing basic school tasks such as attending virtual classes, doing written essays, making presentations with a little photo and video editing on the side.

Choose the TUF Gaming A15 if:

You need a reliable photo and video editing machine, while simultaneously running multiple programs and apps in the background. Also, choose this laptop if battery life is a non-issue for you. The 3-hour battery life may drain faster if doing heavy tasks.

Choose the MacBook Air if:

You are looking for a do-it-all laptop that has the performance and reliability that you would expect from an Apple product. Also, consider this option if you are already locked-in an Apple ecosystem.

Choose the PixelBook Go if:

You are looking for a lightweight workhorse that can do everything you need in school. The Chromebook also offers the best cloud-based computing and storage options. Perfect for students who want to sync their work with group members via the cloud with ease.

Conclusion

It all boils down to personal preference”

While the debate between Chromebook vs Laptop for homeschooling will never go away anytime soon, it’s safe to say that we, the consumers, are the real winners here. Regardless of the choice you make, you will take home a very reliable notebook computer that won’t disappoint.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Derek

Derek is a passionate and knowledgeable gamer who has dedicated himself to the world of first-person shooters. With extensive experience playing popular games such as PUBG, Battlefield 3, 4 and 5, and various Call of Duty titles, he has become an expert in the field. As a writer for GameGrinds, Derek shares his expertise by providing readers with valuable product recommendations and guide articles, helping them stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the world of gaming.

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