HP Chromebook 14 Review

Brady Meyers Avatar

Written by:

Updated 11:21 pm

Expert Rating

94

If you’re looking for a good laptop for kids and the best laptop, or for an inexpensive laptop to help you get through the work day, the HP Chromebook 14 should have you covered. Be sure you’re getting the correct model for your needs, though, as your processor will change depending on what model you get. The best chromebook is the one that has all the features you need and is affordable.

Why We Like It – HP Chromebook 14

The HP Chromebook 14 is an excellent entry-level laptop that still sports much of the modern-day conveniences that more expensive models have. Chief among these conveniences include an incredible battery that should last you the whole day regardless of whether you’re focusing on one thing or multitasking.

Pros
  • Great Battery
  • Great Port Selection
  • Chrome OS
Cons
  • Noticeable Stuttering
  • Different CPU Depending on Model

Power/Performance

With an AMD CPU rather than an Intel-based CPU, things vary between models. Whatever model you get though, there seems to be one consistency: stuttering. While not enough to mark the HP Chromebook 14 as unusable, it is definitely noticeable. More of an annoyance than anything, the Chromebook is still reliable and will get you through the day. Still, if you’re looking for a more reliable alternative, you might want to check out the Acer Spin 11 or take a look at this HP 2 in 1 14 Chromebook Review.

Battery

Where the HP Chromebook 14 really shines is in its battery life. Sporting a 2-cell lithium ion battery, it’s deceptively adept at lasting the whole day whether it’s light browsing or working. With a hard to beat battery, those looking for a long lasting laptop should take the HP Chromebook 14 into account. It’s not the longest we’ve seen, admittedly, but at nine hours it still blows a lot of other laptops out of the water. For a different model with similar battery life, check out our HP Chromebook X2 Review.

Ports/Expandability

The HP Chromebook 14 comes equipped with 4 USB ports, a security lock slot, a microSD reader, a USB type-C, and a headphone jack. An altogether fair port selection, but incredibly good considering the laptops price point, which even includes SD support to expand your memory. A feature those who work on large files will desperately need. Adaptable to any situation, the HP Chromebook 14 is ready to go to work.

Build Quality

While it can’t hold a candle to the build quality of the Apple Macbook Air, the HP Chromebook 14 is still a durable laptop that can withstand the rough and tumble of everyday use. Made out of a durable plastic, the Chromebook feels secure and durable enough to accompany anyone on a day to day basis without worrying about breaking it.

Value

The first thing you should look for when considering the HP Chromebook 14 is what model you want. Normally this amounts to minimal differences, but with the Chromebook different models dictate what CPU you get. Depending on whether you get AMD or Intel, your performance might vary. But all models come with Chrome OS, so you’ll be able to download your favorite apps from the app store. If you’re in the market for a laptop with an Intel processor only, the Lenovo Flex 14 has an Intel CPU that can handle the most strenuous multitasking.

HP Chromebook 14 Wrap Up

While the great port selection, Chrome OS, and great battery are all excellent features that make the Chromebook 14 stand tall against more expensive models, the noticeable stuttering will bring it right back to Earth. It shouldn’t affect anything you have to do, but it’s an annoyance HP really should have picked up on before releasing.

Brady Meyers Avatar