The verdict
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.
ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34
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)
- +All-day battery (10+ hours) with USB-C charging
Watch-outs
- −Plastic chassis trails MacBook-grade ultrabooks on feel
- −No backlit keyboard at the base SKU
- −Speakers are functional, not impressive
How it compares
Most powerful CPU in this lineup. Better battery than the ASUS Chromebook CX15. Higher RAM/SSD floor than the Acer Chromebook Spin 315.
Who this is for
At a glance: students, knowledge workers, and home users who want a fast Chromebook without breaking $500.
Why you’d buy the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34
- 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).
Why you’d skip it
- Plastic chassis trails MacBook-grade ultrabooks on feel.
- No backlit keyboard at the base SKU.
- Speakers are functional, not impressive.
Rating sources
pcworld
4.6/5“The best all-around Chromebook with a solid Intel Core i5 processor and lots of ports.”
Our 4.6 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
