Quick Answer
Chromebook Plus is a certification tier Google introduced that guarantees a minimum hardware standard: at least an Intel Core i3 (12th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 3 (7000 series or newer) processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display, and a 1080p webcam. Standard Chromebooks have no such floor — they can ship with weaker processors, 4GB of RAM, and lower-resolution 1366×768 screens.
Hardware Differences
Processor and RAM
This is the biggest practical difference. A standard budget Chromebook often ships with an entry-level Celeron chip and as little as 4GB of RAM, which is fine for a handful of browser tabs but struggles once you add video calls or multiple apps. Chromebook Plus models guarantee enough processing power and memory to multitask comfortably, including running Android and Linux apps side by side without slowdown.
Display quality
Every Chromebook Plus model has a Full HD IPS display at minimum. Many standard Chromebooks — especially budget models — still ship with 1366×768 resolution screens, which look visibly softer, particularly on larger 15.6″ panels.
Webcam
Chromebook Plus requires a 1080p webcam with better low-light performance, a meaningful upgrade over the 720p cameras common on standard models — relevant if you’re on video calls regularly.
Software Differences
Chromebook Plus models get access to certain AI-powered ChromeOS features (like generative wallpaper and enhanced Google Photos tools) ahead of or exclusive to standard Chromebooks, since these features require the guaranteed processing power to run smoothly. This gap narrows over time as Google extends features to more hardware, so check current feature availability before treating it as a major deciding factor.
Price
Chromebook Plus models typically start around $350-400, compared to $200-300 for capable standard Chromebooks. The premium buys you the guaranteed spec floor above — you’re not paying more for a specific chip, but for the assurance that every component meets a real productivity standard.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy a standard Chromebook if you:
- Mainly browse, stream, and use a handful of tabs at once
- Want the lowest possible price — see our picks under $300
- Are buying a secondary or backup device
Buy Chromebook Plus if you:
- Multitask heavily between apps, tabs, and video calls
- Want a sharper display for photo/video viewing or long reading sessions
- Plan to use Android or Linux apps regularly alongside ChromeOS
- Are buying for a student who needs the device to last several demanding years
FAQ
Is Chromebook Plus a different operating system?
No, it runs the same ChromeOS. Chromebook Plus is a hardware certification tier, not a separate software version — though a few AI features roll out to Plus devices first due to their guaranteed processing power.
Can I upgrade a standard Chromebook to Chromebook Plus?
No. It’s a hardware designation set at manufacture based on the components inside, not something enabled through a software update or settings change.
Is Chromebook Plus worth the extra cost?
If your usage involves more than light browsing — multitasking, video calls, Android/Linux apps — yes. For simple, single-task browsing, a standard Chromebook does the job for less. See our full Chromebook vs laptop comparison if you’re also weighing a traditional laptop.
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