Acer Chromebook 14 vs Toshiba Chromebook 2: Which Is Better?

The Acer Chromebook 14 and Toshiba Chromebook 2 are popular for their affordability, portability, and ease of use. They were one of the most popular and affordable Chromebooks. Toshiba Chromebook 2 got massive attention when it was first released due to its low price and impressive features. Although Toshiba Chromebook 2 is discontinued, you can still get it from online stores like Amazon, Best Buy, or eBay if you are a Japanese brand lover.

Acer Chromebook 14 vs Toshiba Chromebook 2: Comparison Table

Major Features	Acer Chromebook 14	Toshiba Chromebook 2
Price	$396	$329
Operating System	Chromebook OS	Chrome OS
CPU	Intel Celeron N3160 Quad-Core Processor 1.6GHz with Intel Burst Technology up to 2.24GHz	Intel Celeron N2840 2.16 Ghz
RAM	4 GB DDR3	4GB DDR3L
Storage	32 GB eMMC	16GB SSD
Screen/Display	14″ Full HD ComfyView Widescreen IPS LED-backlit Display (1920 x 1080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)	13.3″ Full HD IPS FHD TruBrite LED Backlit Display(1920 x 1080 resolution)
Weight	3.42 pounds	2.95 pounds
Battery	3-Cell Li-Polymer Battery (3950 mAh)	Lithium Ion battery
Graphic Card	Intel HD Graphics 400	‎Intel HD graphics
Webcam	HD Webcam (1280 x 720) with 88-degree wide-angle lens supporting High Dynamic Range (HDR)	HD Webcam
Ports	2 USB 3.0 Ports 1 HDMI port with HDCP Support 1 Audio Jack	Single USB 2.0 Port 1 USB 3.0 Port Single HDMI Port 1 Audio Jack An SD Card Slot
Warranty Period	1-year Warranty	1-year Warranty

Acer Chromebook 14 vs Toshiba Chromebook 2: Detailed Comparison

Regarding cheap Chromebooks, Acer Chromebook 14 and Toshiba Chromebook 2 are the most popular in the market. They are value-for-money Chromebooks that are priced similarly and share similar specifications.

The Acer outshines the Toshiba in aspects like the display, battery life, and other areas. At the same time, Toshiba has a lighter weight, SSD storage, and additional SD Card Slot than the Acer.

We will head further for a detailed comparison between the two Chromebooks on different areas like Performance, Display, Storage, Design, Battery, and more to help you pick the right Chromebook.

Performance Comparison

Starting with the performance, both laptops feature a similar processor. Acer Chromebook 14 features an Intel Celeron N3160 processor. The Celeron processor clocks at 1.6 GHz and can go up to 2.4 GHz with Intel Burst Technology. It is complemented with 4GB RAM and integrated Intel HD Graphics 400.

Toshiba Chromebook 2 also features a similar performance with Intel Celeron Processor N2840, which clocks up to 2.58 GHz with a Base frequency of 2.16GHz. The processor is topped with Intel HD Graphics and 4GB RAM. With a slightly better processor, Toshiba Chromebook 2 performs better than the Acer Chromebook 14.

The overall performance of the Toshiba Chromebook 2 is slightly better than its Acer counterpart. If you want a lightweight laptop for simple tasks, you can safely go with it. But don’t expect any support from Toshiba as they have already discontinued this Chromebook. You can purchase Toshiba Chromebook 2 from Amazon for as low as $42. See the deals below.

Toshiba Chromebook 2 Best Deals:

Storage Space Comparison

Acer Chromebook 14 features a 32GB eMMC, whereas the Toshiba Chromebook 2 features a 32GB SSD. Comparing both types of storage, SSD is much faster than eMMC. Both storage types run on NAND memory chips, and eMMC storage is mainly used in small and portable devices like mobile phones and cameras. SSD is efficient storage used in larger devices and is currently used in most laptops.

The 32GB storage might be a very low memory for many users. But it is pretty standard in Chromebooks as Google offers 100GB of free Google Drive storage for Chrome OS users, which makes it a total storage space of 132GB. If you want a larger memory, you can easily upgrade your Google Drive storage which is quite affordable.

Design Comparison

Acer has given a brushed aluminum finish to the Chromebook, which makes it look like a much more expensive laptop. The aluminum chassis makes the laptop lightweight while adding a premium feel. The laptop measures 0.67 x 9.31 x 13.43 inches and weighs 3.42 pounds. The Acer’s weight and dimensions are decent for a 14-inch Chromebook.

The Chromebook looks impressive with a thin chassis, rounded corners, and hairline brushes design, especially considering the price tag. The Acer Chromebook 14 has excellent build quality made with aluminum which increases its durability.

Toshiba is even lighter than the Acer, weighing 2.95 pounds. Its dimension of 0.76 x 8.4 x 12.6 inches is slightly smaller but thicker than the Acer Chromebook 14.

The laptop comes with a plastic body which might be disappointing considering the aluminum body on the Acer—especially the lid of the Toshiba Chromebook 2, which feels quite flimsy. Due to the plastic body, many people question the build quality and durability. The Chromebook 2 is stylish with a matt, gritty texture and gives a tactile feel, but the plastic body may be the downside for many.

Display Quality Comparison

Both devices feature a similar IPS LED-backlit screen with FHD resolution. The Acer Chromebook 14 features a bigger 14-inch display whereas Toshiba Chromebook 2 offers a 13.3-inch display.

While using Youtube or Netflix, the 14-inch display on the Acer is quite good, with great detail. It produces a sharper FHD resolution that brings out good quality.

Toshiba Chromebook 2 has a great FHD IPS LED screen, one of the segment’s best displays. It produces a deep rich color and quality while streaming videos from Netflix or Youtube. Comparing the display, the smaller 13.3-inch display is better than the 14-inch on Acer, with rich color and excellent contrast ratio, bringing out great display quality.

Sound Quality Comparison

Moving on to the sound, Acer Chromebook 14 comes with two downward-firing built-in speakers. Although the sound quality from the speakers isn’t loud enough, they produce a decent sound with acceptable loudness enough for a medium-sized room.

Due to the fine-tuning of Skullcandy, the Toshiba Chromebook 2 speakers produce a rich, natural sound with decent loudness and bass.

Keyboard and Touchpad Comparison

Heading over to the Keyboard, Acer Chromebook 14 features a full-sized keyboard, but many people don’t prefer the slippery keys and stiff keystrokes on the keyboard. Some people like this type of keyboard, but others might not prefer it. Overall, the keyboard has a short travel distance that makes it ergonomic. Talking about the Touchpad on Acer, it is decent and is what you would expect in any $300 laptop.

Toshiba Chromebook 2 has surprised us with its smooth touchpad and comfortable keyboard. You can type on the keyboard for longer periods without any strain. The touchpad is also quite smooth and responsive.

Number and Type of Ports

Acer Chromebook 14 has 2 USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI, and an audio jack. It doesn’t come with a USB Type-C port or a microSD or SD card slot, which is normal for budget laptops.

You can get 4 ports and an SD card slot on the Toshiba Chromebook 2. The 4 ports include one USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 port, an HDMI port, and an audio jack. Like the Acer, it also lacks a USB Type-C port. Having an SD Card slot on the Toshiba makes it convenient for users to transfer files and data with an SD card.

Battery Performance Comparison

Starting with the Acer Chromebook 14 comes packed with a 3-Cell Li-Polymer Battery of 3950 mAh. Acer claims the battery lasts up to 10 hours. It generally lasts 5 to 6 hours with practical usage, enough to last a full day at school or work.

Toshiba Chromebook 2 comes with a similar battery life. Regular usage will last you 5 to 7 hours. Depending on the activity, Chromebook 2 will be enough to last a whole school or work day.

Cooling Performance Comparison

Since both Chromebooks aren’t designed to perform under heavy loads, the cooling system isn’t very fancy. You will find a cooling fan in the laptops that will do a decent job of thermal management.

Overall, Acer Chromebook 14 and Toshiba Chromebook 2 don’t require a heavy cooling system as they can’t handle heavy loads or even heavy games that will raise the laptop’s temperature. Both laptops do the job of managing the temperature for the load they can handle.

Price Comparison

Both laptops are priced in the same range. At a price tag of $396, Acer is a more expensive Chromebook, whereas the Toshiba will only cost you $329. But you can get Acer Chromebook for as low as $293 from Amazon. See the best deals below.

Remember that these were the original prices. You can get these Chromebook at a much lower price from Amazon. Considering the laptops’ specifications and overall aspects, Toshiba is a clear winner. It is suitable for people with a limited budget.

Acer Chromebook 14 Best Deals:

Toshiba Chromebook 2 vs Acer Chromebook 14: Which Chromebook Is Better?

If we look at the overall aspects of both laptops, they are similar machines with almost identical specifications. Toshiba wins it on the processor with slightly better performance, faster SSD storage, an additional SD card slot, and a better keyboard and trackpad. But Acer takes the lead with its stylish aluminum body and a faster USB 3.0 port.

Toshiba Chromebook 2 is a lighter laptop with a better display, higher resolution, and better keyboard. However, if you prefer a stylish Chromebook with a larger display, Acer Chromebook 14 would be the one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)