Trying to decide between a Chromebook and a laptop for school? For primary school and most of secondary school, a Chromebook is usually more than enough. Are you doing an MBO, HBO or university programme, or working with specific software that doesn't run in a browser? Then a laptop with Windows or macOS is often the safer choice. Below, we explain the difference per education level.
What's the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
The main difference lies in the operating system. A Chromebook runs on ChromeOS, a lightweight, cloud-based system from Google. A laptop usually runs on Windows or macOS, and can therefore handle more demanding software. That makes a Chromebook an affordable, simple device, but also somewhat more limited once you need software that doesn't run in a browser or the Google Play Store.
For young pupils in primary school or the lower years of secondary school, this difference rarely matters. Moving on to further education, or working with specific software such as Adobe or CAD programs? Then you're more likely to run into the limits of a Chromebook.
Is a Chromebook actually a laptop?
Yes, technically speaking a Chromebook is simply a laptop: it's a portable device with a screen and keyboard. The difference lies in the operating system the device runs on. Where the term "laptop" is often used for a model with Windows or macOS, "Chromebook" specifically refers to a laptop running ChromeOS. Come across the term "notebook"? In practice, that's just another word for laptop, and has nothing to do with the operating system.
What exactly is ChromeOS?
ChromeOS is Google's operating system, built around the Chrome browser. You mainly work online, using web apps such as Google Docs, Gmail and Google Classroom, and install extra apps through the Google Play Store. There's also offline functionality, but a Chromebook's strength lies mainly in working quickly and simply once you're connected to the internet.
Chromebook or laptop per education level
Which choice fits best depends heavily on the education level. We'll walk through them one by one below.
Primary school
In primary school, pupils mainly work with browser-based learning tools: maths programs, reading exercises and digital workbooks for homework and classwork. A Chromebook for primary school is often the standard choice here, partly because schools can easily manage and secure them centrally. Note: many primary schools provide a device on loan from the school itself, so always check with the teacher first before buying a Chromebook or laptop yourself.
Secondary school
In secondary school, use increases: pupils complete assignments, work on presentations during lessons, and more and more schools run tests and exams digitally. A Chromebook for secondary school, correctly configured by the school, generally meets the testing standards used in secondary education, and is therefore well suited for taking exams. For the lower years, a Chromebook is usually sufficient. Moving into the upper years, or taking a subject with a lot of image editing, such as art or computing? Then a full laptop can offer more comfort.
MBO, HBO and university
At MBO, HBO and university level, this changes. Most MBO schools don't accept a Chromebook as a full laptop, because many course programs, testing software and industry-specific applications don't run on it. During lectures or on a creative HBO programme or university degree, you'll often also work with software such as SPSS, CAD programs or virtual environments, which simply aren't available for ChromeOS. Always check with your institution beforehand which requirements apply before investing in a Chromebook.
What can and can't you do with a Chromebook?
A Chromebook has clear strengths, but also a few limits. Here's what you can expect.
Advantages of a Chromebook
- Affordable: Chromebooks are generally cheaper than a comparable model with Windows or macOS
- Light and compact: handy to carry to class or lessons every day
- Long battery life: thanks to the lightweight software, the battery often lasts a full school day
- Simple to use: a clear operating system, even for young pupils
- Low maintenance: less vulnerable to viruses and malware than Windows
- More than enough for the basics: browsing, Google Workspace, video calls, word processing and homework
Disadvantages of a Chromebook
- Limited software: no support for heavier programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere or CAD
- Dependent on the internet: some features work less well offline
- Less suited for further education: MBO, HBO and university often set higher requirements for the device
- Limited local storage: files are mostly stored online, with less room on the device itself
Can you use Microsoft Office on a Chromebook?
Yes, through the web version of Office or the mobile app from the Play Store, you can work perfectly well in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. For simple documents and school assignments, this generally works well. For more advanced features, such as complex macros or detailed formatting, you'll notice the web version is somewhat more limited than the full desktop version on a laptop.
Chromebook or laptop at a glance
Curious how a Chromebook and a laptop compare? Here's an overview at a glance.
Still not sure? Check with the school or educational institution which requirements apply, as this can vary significantly by level and field of study.
New or refurbished: the smartest choice?
A new laptop with sufficient specifications quickly costs 600 to 1200 euros, while a new Chromebook is usually priced between 200 and 500 euros. With a refurbished laptop or Chromebook for school, you often save up to 70% on the same specifications. At RefurbishedDirect, you also get 2 years of warranty as standard, and every device is professionally tested and fitted with a new battery or SSD where needed.
Still deciding between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop? Always check with the school or educational institution first which requirements apply, as this varies significantly by level and field of study.
Curious about our current top list of refurbished laptops for school and study? Check out our best laptops for school and study in 2026.