Chromebook vs Chromebook Plus: Is Plus Worth It?

Chromebook vs Chromebook Plus

Chromebooks have carved out a significant niche in the laptop market, known for their speed, simplicity, and security. Powered by Google’s ChromeOS, these laptops are a great alternative (and supplement) to traditional Windows or macOS devices, especially for everyday tasks and users who want a simplified online experience.

But if you’ve been on the hunt for a new Chromebook recently, you may have encountered an intriguing new term: Chromebook Plus. Suddenly, the straightforward world of Chromebooks seems a little more… plus-sized.

So, what exactly is a Chromebook Plus? Is it just marketing jargon, or a real upgrade? And more importantly, which type of Chromebook, standard or Plus, is the right choice for you?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in asking these questions! This buyer’s guide explains the differences between Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus in simple terms, helping you choose the right Google laptop for your needs and budget.

Understanding the Core of a Chromebook: Simplicity and the Cloud

Before we dive into the “Plus,” let’s quickly recap what makes any Chromebook, well, a Chromebook.

At its heart, a Chromebook is designed for speed and efficiency. It relies heavily on cloud-based services and applications. Think Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, and web browsing in general.

This cloud-first approach offers several key benefits:

Fast Boot-Up and Performance
ChromeOS is lightweight and boots up in seconds. Tasks feel snappy and responsive, even on relatively modest hardware.

Built-in Security
ChromeOS is inherently secure with automatic updates, sandboxing (isolating apps to prevent system-wide issues), and verified boot processes. You worry less about viruses and malware.

Simplicity and Ease of Use
The interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to learn, making it user-friendly for everyone.

Affordability
Historically, Chromebooks have been known for being budget-friendly, offering great value for the price.

Long Battery Life
Chromebooks are often praised for their excellent battery life, keeping you productive or entertained on the go.

For more information about Chromebooks, check out our post: Understanding Chromebooks.

Enter Chromebook Plus: Elevating the Experience

Now, let’s talk about Chromebook Plus. Think of it not as a radically different operating system, but rather an enhanced tier within the Chromebook family.

Google introduced this new line of Chromebooks with much-improved performance and features. Chromebook Plus isn’t a new operating system; it’s still ChromeOS. The “Plus” label signifies better hardware and access to advanced Google features, offering a more premium Chrome OS experience.

Key Differences: Chromebook vs. Chromebook Plus – Breaking it Down

The differences between a standard Chromebook and a Chromebook Plus boil down to a few key areas:

Minimum Hardware Specifications

This is perhaps the most concrete difference. Chromebook Plus devices are required to meet certain minimum hardware standards, ensuring a smoother and more capable experience. These often include: a faster processor, with at least 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.

The Chromebook Plus also requires a Full HD (1920 x 1080) or better display and a 1080p webcam with enhanced image quality and noise reduction. Standard Chromebooks can have lower specs, screen resolutions, and webcams.

Enhanced Google Features and AI Integration

Chromebook Plus offers more than just improved hardware. Google is baking in specific software enhancements and AI-powered features to these devices. These can include:

Enhanced Video Calls: Enjoy better video quality with options like background blur, noise cancellation, and improved lighting effects (often powered by AI). Making you look and sound your best on calls is a key focus for Chromebook Plus.

Enhanced Creative Tools: Google is highlighting creative features on Chromebook Plus. This could include pre-loaded creative apps, better support for graphic design and photo/video editing web apps, and AI-powered creative tools.

Price Point

Unsurprisingly, Chromebook Plus models generally come at a higher price point than standard Chromebooks. The improved hardware and enhanced features come with a cost. However, they often still remain more affordable than comparable Windows or macOS laptops.

Who is a standard Chromebook for?

A standard Chromebook is an excellent choice for users who:

Primarily use their laptop for web browsing, email, and basic online tasks.
Need a lightweight, portable, and highly secure device.
Are on a tight budget and seeking the most affordable laptop option.
Value simplicity and ease of use above all else.
Already rely heavily on cloud-based services like Google Workspace.

Who is a Chromebook Plus for?

Chromebook Plus is a compelling option for users who:

Want a more premium Chromebook experience with faster performance and enhanced features.
Multitask frequently and need to keep many browser tabs and applications open.
Engage in more demanding web applications or light creative tasks (photo editing, light video editing, graphic design).
Rely heavily on video conferencing and want the best possible video and audio quality.
Appreciate a sharper, more detailed display for viewing content.
Are willing to spend a bit more for a smoother, more future-proofed Chromebook experience.
Want to take advantage of Google’s latest AI-powered features and enhancements.

In a Nutshell: Is Plus Worth It?

We tested both Chrome OS (the standard and Plus) on an Intel i5 processor with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. Chromebook Plus doesn’t offer a dramatically different feature set or performance boost compared to standard Chrome OS at this time. The core experience is excellent for both.

Upgrading to “Plus” isn’t worth it for well-specced Chromebooks—with at least an i3 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage. We, however, think it’s worth the upgrade if you have a Chromebook with lower than the specifications mentioned above.

First-time buyer? It doesn’t really matter whether you choose a standard Chromebook or a Chromebook Plus, for now, as long as you get the ideal specifications for you. If I had to choose, I’d opt for a standard 16-inch Chromebook over a Chromebook Plus with a smaller screen. But that’s just me.

If you want to learn about our recommended Chromebook specifications, you can read about them here: Don’t Overspend! The Ideal Chromebook Specs

Ready to Explore Chromebooks?

We invite you to browse our selection of both Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus devices! Visit our web store to compare models, read specifications, and find the ideal Google-powered laptop for your digital needs. Our knowledgeable staff is also here to answer any further questions you might have and help you make the best choice for your needs.

March 5, 2025