Are you a parent and wondering, are Chromebooks are safe for kids? If so, this article is for you!
Whether learning or playing, Chromebooks are very safe for kids of all ages. With features like parental controls, automatic updates, and built-in virus protection Chromebooks are the perfect laptop choice to help keep your kids safe online.
In this article, I explore, are Chromebooks safe for kids, what makes them safe, the best Chromebooks for kids and much more.
Are Chromebooks Any Good For Kids?
Chromebooks are a fantastic choice for kids that want to learn and play. They offer a safe, easy-to-use, and familiar internet experience for kids. Chromebooks are incredibly secure because Chrome OS has multiple layers of security built in to protect users and ensure the Chromebook continues to work safely.
So, are Chromebooks safe for kids? Well, when it comes to operating system updates, unlike other popular operating system updates, Chrome OS performs updates quietly in the background. This means that there is no downtime for your kids, they don’t have to wait patiently for the download and then an install to finish. Chrome OS updates just happen with no fuss, meaning your Chromebook is constantly up-to-date.
In addition to automatic updates, Chrome OS also has a few other tricks up its sleeve to keep your kids safe, like sandboxing software, a rigorous security check-up during boot up, built-in virus protection, multi-user support, and much more. One final point, many schools use Chromebooks every day in the classroom, so, likely, your kids may already be familiar with a Chromebook.
Best Chromebooks For Kids
Below, I round up the best Chromebooks for kids that are in stock and available to buy today.
- Google Pixelbook Go
- Samsung Chromebook 4+
- Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
- Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Editor’s Choice
Best Chromebook For Kids
Google Pixelbook Go
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| Display Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 pixels Full HD |
| Screen Size: | 13.3 inches |
| Battery Life: | 12 hours |
| Computer Memory Size: | 8 GB |
| CPU: | Intel Core m3 |
| Hard Disk Size: | 64 GB |
| Operating System: | Chrome OS |
Google Pixelbook Go
Pros:
Pros:- Great build quality
- 12 hours of battery life
- Full HD touchscreen display
- Thin and lightweight design
- Ultra-quiet backlit keyboard
Google Pixelbook Go Cons:
- There is no SD card slot for additional storage
- High price tag compared to other Chromebooks
Why you’ll love it. The Google Pixelbook Go high-end Chromebook may seem overkill, however, it will ensure your kid has a Chromebook that will last for many years to come. Packed full of features, this lightweight and thin Chromebook offers a stellar build that includes a battery that lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge, a touchscreen display, and a high-end resolution camera.
Best Budget Chromebook For Kids
Samsung Chromebook 4+
| Operating System: | Chrome OS |
| Display Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 pixels Full HD |
| Screen Size: | 13.3 inches |
| Battery Life: | 10 hours |
| Computer Memory Size: | 4 GB |
| CPU: | Intel Core i3 |
Samsung Chromebook 4+ Pros:
- Great price
- Full HD display
- Offers military-grade durability
Samsung Chromebook 4+ Cons:
- Lacks an HDMI port
- TN panel display
Why you’ll love it. The Samsung Chromebook 4+ is great for kids who want a large Full HD display, and need a Chromebook that is designed to withstand knocks, bumps, drops, and spills at a rock bottom price tag.
Best Mid-range Chromebook For Kids
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
| Display Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 pixels Full HD |
| Screen Size: | 13.3 inches |
| Battery Life: | 10 hours |
| Computer Memory Size: | 4 GB |
| CPU: | Intel Core i3 |
| Hard Disk Size: | 64 GB |
| Operating System: | Chrome OS |
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 Pros:
- Great build quality
- Great spec and performance for the price
- Narrow bezel touchscreen with 360 degree flip design
- IPS panel display
- USB-C charging port on either side
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 Cons:
- 720p resolution camera
- Stylus needs to be purchased separately
Why you’ll love it. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 offers fantastic mid-range value for kids who need a Chromebook. This Chromebook comes with a fantastic spec that includes touchscreen and a 360 degree convertible design.
Best 2-in-1 Chromebook For Kids
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
| Display Resolution: | 2256 x 1504 pixels 2K |
| Screen Size: | 13.5 inches |
| Battery Life: | 10 hours |
| Computer Memory Size: | 8 GB |
| CPU: | Intel Core i5 |
| Hard Disk Size: | 128 GB |
| Operating System: | Chrome OS |
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 Pros:
- Great build quality
- Fantastic 2K display
- 360 degree design
- Has a backlight keyboard
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 Cons:
- Stylus needs to be purchased separately
- Audio is a little weak
Why you’ll love it. The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a top notch 2-in-1 Chromebook that will perform any task your kids throw at it thanks to its Intel Core i5 processor. With a gorgeous 2K touchscreen display kids will love playing games, watching movies or even doing homework on it.
Are Chromebooks Really Secure?
Chromebooks are some of the most secure devices you can buy. To begin with, Chrome OS leverages Linux OS, which is one of the most secure operating systems available because it’s being created through open source. Open source allows many people to contribute to the operating system’s development which means bugs and vulnerabilities are identified and fixed before they become an issue.
Exploring are Chromebooks safe for kids a little more, it’s important to note that Chrome OS also brings a number of features adding to a Chromebook’s multi-layer approach to being secure. Features like built-in antivirus, sandboxing, automatic updates, Powerwash, guest mode and so much more. So let’s explore some of the features that make Chromebooks secure in a little more depth.
Built-in Virus Protection:
Chromebooks come with built-in virus protection right out of the box, meaning protection from malware on day one. This also means you don’t need to worry about installing or keeping a third-party piece of software up to date.
Sandboxing:
Chrome OS uses the concept of sandboxing software to keep things nice and safe. If you’re not familiar with sandboxing, it means that software is kept separated from one another. Doing so means if one part was to become infected, the others will remain safe.
Verified Boot:
Verified boot is a rigorous and seamless security check-up that prevents malware every time you start a Chromebook.
OS Recovery (Powerwash):
If you do detect malware or any other issue on your Chromebook, the Powerwash feature allows you to easily reset your Chromebook back to factory settings without any fuss.
How Do I Childproof A Chromebook?
Chromebooks do not come with parental controls out of the box. However, parental controls can be applied by using the Family Link app by Google. Family Link allows parents to easily set screen time limits and adjust their account settings accordingly to keep them safe while online.
In addition to setting parental controls, a Chromebook also offers guest mode and multi-user accounts. Guest mode allows you to share your Chromebook with family members and friends without giving them access to your login password or access to any of your data. Multi-user support allows you to create multiple logins for the Chromebook while keeping your data separated.
Childproofing a Chromebook is a great step towards keeping your kids safe online. Teaching your kids good online safety habits is another great step you should consider as a parent. Teaching kids the risks and what to be aware of is extremely important in todays online world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, I have answered all of your questions related to, are Chromebooks safe for kids. However, you may still have other questions surrounding Chromebooks. If you do, below I have answered some common frequently asked questions,
Are Chromebooks secure?
- Yes, Chromebooks are incredibly secure from the first time you turn them on.
Do Chromebooks work offline?
- Yes, Chromebooks can be used offline for many things like watching movies or editing documents.
What is the Everything Button?
- The Everything Button allows you to quickly search Google, your drive, your apps, your files, and much more, all from one place.
Final Thoughts On Are Chromebooks Safe For Kids
So, in conclusion, are Chromebooks safe for kids? Yes, Chromebooks are extremely safe for kids. Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, powered by Google. Chrome OS is packed full of security features like built-in virus protection, automatic updates, multi-user login, and software sandboxing, all of which are designed to keep your kids safe online.
One last point to note, most schools use Chromebooks everyday in the classroom because they have been designed with exceptional built-in security features, Chromebooks are the perfect choice for kids, they’re fast, easy to use and they won’t break the bank!
I hope you like my recommendations for the best Chromebooks for kids and find this article on, are Chromebooks safe for kids useful and helpful towards your next Chromebook purchase.