Retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy have launched Cyber Monday promotions on Chromebooks. Over multiple years, including events like Cyber Monday and Prime Day, contributions to PCWorld have highlighted standout offers, and this year's selections rank among the strongest available.

A particularly attractive option is the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i, which stands out as a strong recommendation. For additional suggestions, explore the guide to top Chromebooks.

With years of monitoring Chromebook promotions, insights guide purchasing decisions and fair pricing expectations. The curated offers cover renewed units, entry-level models with basic hardware, and intermediate options featuring Google's enhanced Chromebook Plus lineup. Each section details the top finds, along with reasoning for their appeal.

Emphasis falls on affordability, with a new focus this year on renewed Chromebooks—returned, checked, and offered at reduced rates. Key attributes for a solid Chromebook include at least 4GB of RAM (ideally 8GB) and a display with 1080p resolution for reduced eye fatigue, alongside ample screen size. Processor specifics matter less in Chromebooks compared to traditional laptops, though recent models are favored. Extended support periods for Chromebooks now lessen concerns about longevity, though it's still considered.

This update, dated December 1, 2025, at 9:50 AM PT, incorporates the most current promotions and costs.

This Cyber Monday introduces renewed Chromebooks from various certified programs, each backed by a 90-day return policy, including Amazon's Renewed option. Purchase with confidence, test thoroughly, and utilize the extended return if necessary.

Consider the $225.99 renewed Acer Chromebook Plus CX34 against the brand-new $479.99 Chromebook Plus CX5601, which is currently discounted by 32 percent—effectively a 52 percent savings overall. While not identical (the renewed version has a marginally inferior screen), accepting the minor risk of the certified program yields substantial savings on comparable performance without major trade-offs. This emerges as the prime selection.

Similarly, the $229.99 renewed Acer Chromebook Plus 514 aligns well with the new $379.00 HP 14-inch x360 Chromebook Plus, delivering about 40 percent savings. The Asus CX34 edges it slightly, but the difference is minimal.

The standout bargain remains the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i with 8GB RAM at $184.99, even without an active discount—it's no longer promoted as such. It has been supplanted by a more affordable $109.00 version with 4GB RAM at the list's forefront, though the higher-RAM model undercuts many intermediate alternatives listed.

Recent Cyber Monday adjustments have shifted some prices. The Asus CX15 now ranks as the second-best pick, thanks to expanded storage and a three-month Google Gemini trial, providing extra value. The Acer Chromebook 315, whose price rose, has dropped in priority, elevating the Asus CX15.

The Mediatek Kompanio processor in the Lenovo Slim 3 poses no issue—it's an Arm-based chip that handles Chrome OS smoothly. It outperforms the Intel Celeron N4500 in efficiency, offering improved battery duration and speed. Note that the Chromebook Duet functions as a tablet rather than a traditional laptop form factor.

Reliable intermediate or high-end Chromebooks feature no less than 8GB RAM, a robust chip, and at least a 1080p display. The following options meet these standards. That said, these rates fall short of ideal discounts. The leading Lenovo IdeaPad 3i lacks a sale tag yet costs far below the HP 14-inch X360, the entry point for Chromebook Plus models. (Chromebook Plus adds AI enhancements and upgraded parts—essential or not?)

For Chromebook Plus contenders, the Asus Chromebook 515 and CX5601 follow closely, typically ranging from $300 to $400. The Flex 5i stands apart with its included Google Gemini Advanced subscription, providing 2TB cloud storage and access to the newest AI capabilities.

The Asus CM30 serves as a tablet rather than a standard Chromebook, but its specs impress and the cost appeals if that format suits.

Should Chromebooks not fit your needs and a full laptop appeal more, review the Cyber Monday laptop promotions or the broader Cyber Monday deals hub.

Browse compilations of prime PC hardware offers across numerous categories.

Cyber Monday falls on December 1, 2025.

During this peak sales period, some stores inflate prices before applying Cyber Monday reductions—stay vigilant.

Entry-level Chromebooks hover around $150 or below, often requiring sacrifices in preferred features. Such units appear here for those seeking the lowest costs. Renewed variants dip even lower, maximizing savings.

Solid everyday Chromebooks start at $250 to $350—the minimum for endorsed choices. Exceptional Cyber Monday finds might lower that threshold further.

Deal evaluations center on RAM, display dimensions and clarity, and processing power. This year's sales add emphasis on Chromebook update timelines.

Outlets may still push older Chromebooks with 4GB RAM, 768p screens, and outdated chips. These budget entries appear if warranted, but the ideal setup includes 8GB RAM, 1080p or superior resolution (ideally on screens over 13 inches), and a contemporary processor. CPU demands remain modest for Chromebooks, so it's secondary.

Remember, 'HD' typically denotes 768p resolution, which may strain viewing comfort, whereas 'Full HD' or 'FHD' signifies the desired 1080p standard.

Preferred processors encompass Intel Celeron and Pentium series, Core family, AMD Ryzen options, and Arm variants from Mediatek or Qualcomm. Each brings strengths and weaknesses, but RAM often outweighs processing variances.

Upgrading to 8GB RAM from 4GB supports more open tabs and fluid web use. A 1080p panel ensures a laptop-caliber visual setup. Built-in storage holds less weight, but 32GB SSD capacity suits apps, images, and files adequately.

As detailed in the in-depth comparison of laptops and Chromebooks, a key risk involves models nearing end-of-support. Google extends backing to 10 years for recent devices, reducing this worry. It could soften prices on legacy gear, under close observation.

PCWorld's team conducts ongoing Chromebook evaluations—consult the latest rankings for top models across budgets. This resource serves as an excellent overview for buyers, with featured choices potentially discounted around Cyber Monday.

Mark has contributed to PCWorld for a decade, drawing on 30 years in tech journalism. His PCWorld output exceeds 3,500 pieces on topics like PC processors, accessories, and Windows. He has also penned articles for PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science, and Electronic Buyers' News, earning a Jesse H. Neal Award for news coverage. Lately, he cleared space by donating numerous Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs from his workspace.