Head-to-head · Best Chromebooks Under $500

ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 vs Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

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 narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). 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 #2 in Best Chromebooks Under $500

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

4.5

$399

The Flex 5i is the convertible pick. 2-in-1 hinge plus touchscreen plus Chromebook Plus tier hardware makes it the right buy for note-takers and Netflix-on-the-couch users. Trade-off vs the ASUS CX34 is raw CPU.

Strengths

— 2-in-1 360° hinge — tablet, tent, and laptop modes
— Chromebook Plus tier with Intel Core i3 / 8GB RAM / 128GB SSD
— Touchscreen with stylus support

Watch-outs

— i3 CPU trails the i5 in the ASUS CX34 on raw throughput
— Heavier than the ASUS CX15 at 3.2 lbs
— Hinge mechanism adds wear over years

$399 · 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.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

Only 2-in-1 convertible pick. Lower CPU than ASUS CX34. Heavier than ASUS CX15. Touchscreen advantage.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34	Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
CPU	Intel Core i5 12th gen	Intel Core i3 12th gen
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB	128GB
Display	14" 1080p IPS	14" 1080p touchscreen
Tier	Chromebook Plus	—
Hinge	—	360° 2-in-1

← See the full ranking of best chromebooks under $500