This $159 Chromebook Laptop Is Perfect for Elementary and Middle School Students

That $159 price isn’t a misprint! The Asus CX15 Chromebook laptop is currently on sale for $61 off at Walmart, bringing it down to the ridiculously low price of just $159. This is a full-size, fully-functional laptop that runs the ChromeOS operating system. While it relies heavily on a continuous Wi-Fi internet connection, it can handle everyday computer tasks without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for budget-conscious parents with kids heading back to school.

Because the Asus CX15 is a Chromebook (and not a Windows laptop or Apple MacBook), it comes with many Google apps and services preinstalled (including Google Docs, Gmail, the Chrome web browser, Google Photos, YouTube, Google Calendar, and more). It can also run many Android apps available from the Google Play Store (including Microsoft 365 apps, like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook). 

Of course, it’s possible to play online-based and Android games, and run apps for streaming video and music services (like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and other services you already subscribe to).

Asus recently provided me with a review unit of this low-cost, highly-efficient Chromebook. Through hands-on testing, I discovered that it’s a versatile laptop that exceeded my expectations for a device priced so affordably. Keep reading to learn more about the Asus CX15, and whether it’s a suitable mobile computing option for your kids as they head back to school. 

Asus CX15 Chromebook Laptop

Visit Amazon $159.00 from Walmart

Who Will the Chromebook CX15 Laptop Appeal To?

Released in May 2025, the Asus CX15 isn’t as versatile or powerful as a Chromebook Plus laptop, but it’s more than capable of handling the everyday needs of elementary and middle school students, as well as adults looking for an extremely affordable laptop option. 

In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find another laptop computer priced below $200 that can do as much as the Asus CX15. As long as the user has access to a continuous Wi-Fi internet connection and does not mind relying on cloud-based applications and storage, as well as Android apps, this Chromebook offers a really good value for the investment.

What Is a Chromebook?

The latest Chromebook and Chromebook Plus laptops may look like traditional Windows laptop computers on the outside, but it’s what’s inside that sets them apart. Because these devices rely so heavily on cloud-based applications and storage, their technical specifications do not need to be anywhere near as powerful as a traditional Windows laptop or Apple MacBook.

All Chromebook devices run an operating system called ChromeOS, which was developed by Google. These laptops come preinstalled with many of the popular Google apps and services, but are capable of running virtually any cloud-based application and most Android apps. Since much of the computing power happens in the cloud, instead of locally on the laptop itself, a Chromebook requires a less powerful processor, less RAM, and a lower capacity SSD for internal storage. This is why they cost so much less than other laptops.

Chromebooks are able to boot up almost instantly. They’re also extremely easy to initially set up. Another huge advantage of a laptop that runs ChromeOS is that they’re not susceptible to viruses, and the operating system and cloud-based apps used with a Chromebook stay up to date automatically. 

A basic Chromebook, like the Asus CX15, is not as fast or as powerful as a Chromebook Plus laptop, but for many users, it doesn’t have to be: It’s designed to handle everyday computing tasks and be extremely affordable. From this particular Chromebook, you can expect the battery to last up to eight hours between charges. 

You also get a 15.6-inch, 1080p resolution display (although it’s not a touchscreen), plus a comfortable keyboard to type on. I love that this Chromebook has a built-in numeric keypad, which makes handling tasks that require number crunching, working with a spreadsheet, or performing mathematical calculations that much more convenient.

The Asus CX15 also comes with a three-month trial subscription to the Google One AI Premium Plan. This provides users with all of the latest artificial intelligence capabilities of Gemini Advanced, along with 2TB of cloud storage, and unhindered access to popular Google apps and services. After the free trial, a user can continue the Google One AI Premium Plan subscription for $19.99 per month. Without the advanced Gemini AI tools and services, the monthly fee drops to $9.99 per month. 

The Differences Between a Chromebook and Chromebook Plus Laptop

While a basic Chromebook, like the Asus CX15, will typically cost less than $300, these devices rely on a slower processor. They’re equipped with less RAM and a smaller capacity SSD for internal storage. The display’s resolution, refresh rate, and brightness are inferior to what you’d get with a Chromebook Plus.

Both Chromebook and Chromebook Plus laptops run the same ChromeOS operating system. A typical Chromebook Plus’ price typically ranges between $500 and $1,000. These more advanced devices come with a battery that lasts longer, include a higher resolution webcam, and are better equipped to handle Google Gemini AI tools and features. Ultimately, you get faster performance from a Chromebook Plus laptop.

That said, for an elementary school or middle school student (or any adult) that doesn’t need advanced computing power, what’s offered by the Asus CX15 is adequate. Plus, if your child accidentally loses or breaks this Chromebook, replacing it puts far less strain on your wallet.

For an adult with heavier computing needs that wants an affordable Chromebook, I’d recommend investing in a Chromebook Plus, such as the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 ($559), Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 ($279), or Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus ($700).

Using the Asus CX15 Chromebook Is a Pleasure

As with any Chromebook or Chromebook Plus, the setup process is quick and easy, especially if you already have a free Google account. When you sign into this account from the Chromebook, whatever data, documents, files, photos, and other content you have linked to that account automatically syncs with the Chromebook. 

If you’re a parent, there are free parental controls you can activate during the setup process that can prevent your child from accessing various types of inappropriate content while using the device. This includes parental controls associated with the Chrome web browser and the Google Play Store.

As I began using the Asus CX15, I immediately noticed that the keyboard is comfortable to work with, but feels a bit plasticy. It’s one of the very few Chromebooks that has a numeric keypad as part of the keyboard. The touchpad (used for moving the cursor around the screen) is both large and responsive. The laptop’s housing is made from plastic which makes it seem more cheaply made than it actually is. On the plus side, you can choose from a variety of housing colors at the time of purchase. 

Once the Chromebook was set up – a process that took less than 10 minutes – I quickly noticed it was a bit more sluggish than a Windows laptop, MacBook Pro, or a Chromebook Plus. However, it had no trouble running a variety of apps and even multitasking. Photos and videos displayed on the screen looked sharp, vibrant, and highly detailed. Since the maximum brightness of the display is only 300 nits, the screen does not work as well in extremely bright areas. Ambient light can also wash out the vibrancy of the on-screen colors.

Overall, I found the Asus CX15 to be responsive, customizable, and nicely able to jump between apps. The display showed minimal glare and the built-in speakers sounded fine (although I’d suggest using wireless earbuds or headphones for the best listening experience). 

Is this a state-of-the-art laptop? Definitely not. Is it useful for handling everyday computing tasks as long as the laptop has internet access? You bet. 

My Final Thoughts: Is the Asus CX15 Chromebook Laptop Worth It?

These days, $159 doesn’t go too far — for example, it might get you just a replacement charger for a MacBook. However, thanks to Asus and Google working together, in this case it can get you a decently powered, highly functional Chromebook laptop that can handle many of the same computing tasks as an entry-level Windows laptop or Apple MacBook that costs much more.

Chromebooks are not for everyone, but again, if a user is comfortable relying heavily on cloud computing and online file storage, just $159 gets you the Asus CX15 Chromebook which can handle everyday computing tasks rather efficiently. If the user happens to be an Android smartphone or tablet user, too, their data, documents, files, photos, and other content can be set up to automatically sync with the Asus CX15 via the cloud and their Google account.

Asus CX15 Chromebook Laptop

Visit Amazon $159.00 from Walmart

To get the most out of this Chromebook, I recommend keeping the Google One AI Premium Plan active, but even without this extra expense, the Asus Chromebook CX15 represents a really good value for the low financial investment.

For just a few dollars more, you can add an optional accident plan that covers repair costs for one or two years. If you’re turning this laptop over to a child or tween, this extra peace of mind (knowing the Chromebook is protected) may be worth it to a parent. Either way, be sure to activate the parental controls when you set up this device for your child, to keep them safer in cyberspace.