Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) review

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is the cheapest laptop on this list and the right pick if your day lives in a browser. Acer's launch release lists an Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 memory, a 14-inch Full HD IPS display at 300 nits and a MIL-STD 810H compliant chassis, at a North American starting price of $399.99. A 1080p webcam with AI video tools and dual DTS Audio speakers cover video calls, and Acer says the battery charges to 50% in about 30 minutes. The model is still listed on Acer's US site, but it launched in April 2024, so the $399.99 figure is a launch price and current store prices vary. Acer's product page also rates the battery at 9.5 hours, below the 11 hours in the release. ChromeOS runs Google Docs, web apps and Android apps, but not full Windows or Mac software. If you need Windows, the Dell 14S at $649.99 is the cheapest verified option here.

Who it is for

families and students who work mainly in a browser and Google apps

Price

From $399.99 at its 2024 North America launch.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) will be available in North America in May, starting at USD 399.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Intel Core i3-N305 processor with 8GB of LPDDR5 memory
• 14-inch Full HD IPS display at 300 nits, with an optional touchscreen
• 1080p webcam with AI video tools and DTS Audio speakers
• MIL-STD 810H compliant chassis
• Fast-charging battery that Acer says reaches 50% in about 30 minutes

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest starting price on this list at $399.99
• Strength: ChromeOS updates and backs up through a Google account
• Strength: Durable chassis tested to MIL-STD 810H
• Weakness: Runs ChromeOS, so full Windows or Mac desktop apps will not install
• Weakness: The $399.99 price is Acer's 2024 launch price; store prices vary
• Weakness: Acer's product page rates the battery at 9.5 hours, lower than the 11 hours in the launch release

Key facts

• Starting price: $399.99 (2024 launch price)
• Processor: Intel Core i3-N305
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR5
• Display: 14-inch Full HD IPS, 300 nits
• Battery: 9.5 hours on Acer's product page

Where it ranks

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) is No. 5 in our Best Budget Laptops verdict.