X
More Topics
Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Close

Find a Chromebook to fit your needs on our top 5 list

With so many refurbished laptops on sale, there's one to suit every lifestyle.
Written by StackCommerce, Partner
replace-this-image.jpg
StackCommerce

The following content is brought to you by ZDNet partners. If you buy a product featured here, we may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

If you're having a hard time keeping up with the latest hardware releases, here's a news flash: You don't actually have to. These new Chromebook releases are amazing, but so are their older generation laptops, and they're a lot cheaper, especially when you buy a refurbished model.

Buyers can save hundreds on this like-new tech, and it's all fully functional. Here's a roundup of some of the best refurbished Chromebooks up for grabs on the web right now.

Best on a budget

Acer C740 Chromebook 11 1.5GHz 2GB RAM

This Acer C740 comes ready to go with Chrome OS, WiFi connectivity, and 4GB of RAM for light multitasking right out of the box. The 16GB SSD might sound limiting, but you can easily upload your excess files to cloud storage drives for additional capacity. And at less than $40, you'll have plenty of cash left over for earbuds or other accessories.

Get the Acer C740 Chromebook 11 1.5GHz 2GB RAM - Gray (Refurbished) for $35.99 (reg. $100)

Best for work

Acer Chromebook R11 Celeron 16GB SSD

With 4GB of RAM and a 1.6 GHz Celeron processor, this workhorse laptop can multitask with the best of them. The Asus R11 only weighs 2.75 lbs, too, making it a worthwhile consideration if you work while traveling. But don't let the diminutive size fool you; this Chromebook boasts five hours of battery life to last you through school and quick work sessions.

Get the Acer Chromebook R11 Celeron 16GB SSD - Black (Refurbished) for $66.99 (reg. $100)

Best for binge-watching

ASUS Chromebook 11.6" Celeron 1.6GHz 16GB SSD

Going on a long trip this summer? Prep for it by downloading your favorite shows onto this handy ASUS Chromebook. The hi-res screen has an anti-glare coating that lets you watch comfortably outdoors, and the keyboard is spill-resistant in case there are any snack mishaps.

Get the "=""> for $59.99 (reg. $229)

Best on the go

ASUS Chromebook Flip 10.1" 2GB RAM Touchscreen Laptop

You know what they say: Go big or go Chrome. This ASUS Chromebook Flip from 2014 may not have the size, but the 10.1" screen and slim profile make it perfect for that coffee shop with tiny tables. And with 16GB of SDD storage, you'll be able to store all the PDFs and work documents you need.

Get the "=""> for $39.99 (reg. $249)

Best for storage

ASUS Chromebook C300M Celeron 2.1GHz 4GB RAM

The 13.3" screen and 2.16 GHz processor are highlights that make this laptop a great pick for the home office. But with 32GB of SSD storage, the whole family can keep their documents on it. This C300M Chromebook boasts a grade "C" refurbished rating, so while you should expect some visible blemishes, the laptop should run as good as new.

Get the ASUS Chromebook C300M Celeron 2.1GHz 4GB RAM - Black (Refurbished) for $45.99 (reg. $249)

Prices subject to change.

Editorial standards