Chromebooks are known for occupying one of two camps. Either they are cheap budget laptops with weak hardware, or they are powerful but pricey machines focused on web browsing. However, you can snag a budget-priced Chromebook with midrange hardware for less than US$129.
The Asus Chromebook C425 (model C425TA-M364, to be exact) has a decent amount of power under the hood. It is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core m3-8100Y, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of eMMC storage. Additionally, it has a 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display and a fair amount of ports (for a Chromebook), including one USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), two USB-C ports, a microSD card reader, and a headset jack. The USB-C ports both support power, data, and up to a 4K 60 Hz display.
An important factor for Chromebooks is their lifespan, which is determined by how long Google will provide updates for the machine. The Asus Chromebook C425 is slotted for end-of-life in 2026, meaning it should receive updates until the end of 2026.
The C425 received high marks from multiple reviewers and consumers alike, with many pointing out its good performance. Considering most Chromebooks are powered by lower-tier Intel Celeron CPUs or mobile-focused ARM chips, the Intel Core M3-8100Y is a step up from the lowest end Chromebooks. As such, the C425 fits squarely into the middle range of Chromebooks when it comes to power. It should be good enough for 4K video streaming, heavier web browsing, and even some light gaming via ChromeOS's Linux compatibility.
The Asus Chromebook C425 normally retails for US$329, but Best Buy has cut the price by a whopping 61% down to $129. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better Chromebook for under $200, let alone $130. If you're looking for an affordable laptop that can easily handle web browsing, video streaming, and office work, you should consider the Asus Chromebook C425.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.