Head-to-head · Best Chromebooks Under $500

ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 vs HP Chromebook 15a-na

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about students, knowledge workers, and home users who want a fast Chromebook without breaking $500 — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Chromebooks Under $500

ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34

4.6

$449

The CX34 is the best-overall Chromebook under $500. Chromebook Plus tier means Google's higher hardware floor — i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD — which puts it ahead of bargain bin Celeron Chromebooks. Best for everyday productivity, browser-based work, and student use.

Strengths

— Intel Core i5 (12th gen) — most CPU horsepower at this price
— 14" 1080p IPS display with anti-glare coating
— Chromebook Plus tier — Google's premium spec floor (8GB RAM, 128GB SSD minimum)

Watch-outs

— Plastic chassis trails MacBook-grade ultrabooks on feel
— No backlit keyboard at the base SKU
— Speakers are functional, not impressive

$449 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Chromebooks Under $500

HP Chromebook 15a-na

4.2

$299

The Chromebook 15a is the HP value pick. Numeric keypad plus i3 plus 1080p at $299 is a solid spec sheet for budget productivity. Trade-off is the 4GB RAM ceiling — Chromebook Plus tier (CX34 / Flex 5i) is the better long-term buy.

Strengths

— 15.6" 1080p display + numeric keypad
— Intel Core i3 12th gen at this price tier
— B&O-tuned speakers improve audio over the ASUS CX15's stock speakers

Watch-outs

— Not Chromebook Plus tier — 4GB RAM and entry-level i3
— Plastic chassis feels lighter than the Lenovo Flex 5i
— Battery (8 hours) trails the Acer Spin 315

$299 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34

Most powerful CPU in this lineup. Better battery than the ASUS Chromebook CX15. Higher RAM/SSD floor than the Acer Chromebook Spin 315.

HP Chromebook 15a-na

Cheaper than ASUS Plus CX34. Better speakers than ASUS CX15. Not Plus tier. Wi-Fi 6E unique here.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34	HP Chromebook 15a-na
CPU	Intel Core i5 12th gen	Intel Core i3 N305
RAM	8GB	4GB
Storage	128GB	128GB
Display	14" 1080p IPS	15.6" 1080p
Tier	Chromebook Plus	—
Connectivity	—	Wi-Fi 6E

← See the full ranking of best chromebooks under $500