Chromebooks have long been dismissed as slow, underpowered tools for basic web browsing and schoolwork. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 challenges that stereotype head-on, offering a blend of performance, practicality, and affordability that rivals many mid-range models.
Starting at $299.99, the 14-inch CX14 isn’t just another budget Chromebook—it’s a well-rounded device designed for students, remote workers, and anyone who needs more than a basic laptop can deliver. With an Intel Core 3-N355 processor, 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (running at 4,800 MHz), and 128 GB of eMMC storage, it outperforms older Chromebooks with Celeron or N100 chips while keeping costs low.
The CX14’s design is a study in balance. At 325 × 214 × 20 mm and just over three pounds, it’s large enough for comfortable multitasking but light enough to carry in a backpack. The keyboard stands out as a highlight—offering a satisfying typing experience with defined travel and a full-size layout, which is rare in this price range. The touchpad is equally impressive, supporting multi-touch gestures with precision.
On the inside, the Intel Core 3-N355 is a modern entry-level chip with eight Gracemont cores clocked up to 3.9 GHz, though it lacks hyper-threading and high-performance cores. Despite its limitations, it delivers noticeably better performance than older N-series processors, handling multiple browser tabs and Android apps without breaking a sweat. Benchmarks show respectable scores: 195 in WebXPRT 4, 13.5 in Speedometer 3.0, and 858 in Basemark Web 3.0—solid for everyday tasks like office work, streaming, and light coding.
- The CX14 runs ChromeOS smoothly, with fast boot times and responsive performance.
- 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage make it capable of handling more demanding workloads than typical Chromebooks.
- Connectivity includes USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.
- Battery life is decent, lasting over eight hours on a charge for web browsing.
- Pricing starts at $299.99, with variations up to $429 depending on the retailer.
While the display is solid—14 inches, Full HD (1920×1080), with decent brightness—the colors lean neutral rather than vibrant, making it better suited for productivity than media consumption. The speakers are functional but lack depth, and the webcam is adequate for video calls but not exceptional.
For those who need more power, Asus also offers the Chromebook Plus CX34, which uses an Intel Core i5-1335U and delivers up to 42% better performance in benchmarks. However, the CX14 remains a compelling choice for users who prioritize value without sacrificing core functionality.
In a market where most Chromebooks still rely on outdated Celeron processors and 4 GB of RAM, the CX14’s combination of performance, build quality, and price makes it a standout. It’s not a high-end machine, but for the tasks most users need—a reliable laptop for school, work, or light creative projects—it punches well above its weight.
