Acer Chromebook 314 (CB314-4H/4HT)

The Acer Chromebook 314 represents the 2023 refresh of Acer’s popular 14-inch Chromebook line, bringing Intel Alder Lake-N processors and WiFi 6E connectivity to the budget segment. Available with either the Intel Processor N100 or the more powerful Intel Core i3-N305, this Chromebook targets students, remote workers, and general users who need a reliable machine for everyday productivity. The extended Auto Update Expiration date of June 2033 ensures nearly a decade of software support, making it a sensible long-term investment. With its OceanGlass touchpad made from recycled ocean-bound plastics and upward-firing DTS-tuned speakers, Acer has added thoughtful touches that elevate the experience beyond typical budget fare.

Pros and Cons of the Acer Chromebook 314

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Acer Chromebook 314 (CB314-4H/4HT) Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebook 314 (CB314-4H)	Acer Chromebook 314 (CB314-4HT)
Price	List Price: $299.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $449.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	CB314-4H-C2UW	CB314-4HT-32X6
Perfomance Rating	3.5	4.8
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100	Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100
RAM	4 GB	8 GB
Internal Storage	64 GB eMMC	128 GB eMMC
Screen Size	14"	14"
Screen Resolution	1920x1080	1920x1080
Screen Type	IPS	IPS
Touch Screen	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	12.87 x 8.86 x 0.81 inches (326.9 x 225.04 x 20.57 mm)	12.87 x 8.86 x 0.81 inches (326.9 x 225.04 x 20.57 mm)
Weight	3.15 lbs (1.43 kg)	3.15 lbs (1.43 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No
Webcam	720p 60fps	720p 60fps
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.1	Bluetooth 5.1
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	50Wh	50Wh
Battery Life	11 hours	11 hours
Fanless	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2033	June, 2033

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook 314

The Acer Chromebook 314 measures 12.87 x 8.86 x 0.81 inches and weighs 3.15 pounds, making it reasonably portable for a 14-inch notebook. The chassis is constructed primarily from plastic with a silver finish that keeps fingerprints visible but maintains a clean aesthetic. Hi-Tech.ua noted the build passes MIL-STD 810H durability testing and features a spill-resistant keyboard rated for up to 330ml of liquid. The rear ventilation pushes hot air away from the user, and the upward-firing speakers flanking the keyboard provide better audio directionality than bottom-firing alternatives. The touchpad features Acer’s OceanGlass surface made from recycled ocean-bound plastics, which multiple reviewers praised for its smooth feel and responsiveness.

The base model runs on the Intel Processor N100 with 4 cores and 4 threads, achieving a PassMark score around 5,643. The higher-end touchscreen variant steps up to the Intel Core i3-N305 with 8 cores and 8 threads, delivering significantly stronger performance at roughly 9,577 on PassMark. According to the Chrome Unboxed video review, the i3-N305 configuration nearly qualifies as Chromebook Plus performance, handling multitasking and Android apps smoothly. The reviewer noted that ChromeOS feels snappy and responsive on this hardware, with the 8GB RAM variant recommended for users who plan to keep many tabs open or run Linux applications.

Connectivity includes WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1 for modern wireless standards. The port selection provides two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery on both sides, along with two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. The symmetrical USB-C placement means you can charge from either side, which the hi-tech.ua review specifically called out as a convenience feature. There is no HDMI port, so external display connections require a USB-C adapter or direct USB-C monitor.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook 314

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed tested the CB314-4H with the Intel Core i3-N305 configuration and came away impressed by the value proposition. The reviewer described it as “more of an entry-level Chromebook but with some higher spec internals, those that on paper to me would even qualify this as a Chromebook Plus.” The OceanGlass touchpad received particular praise: “the trackpad is really excellent and although the name ocean glass refers to it being made from recycled bottles… it does still feel really high quality.”

The review noted that the plastic build “feels solid enough in the build but a little cheapy at the same time,” acknowledging this is expected at the price point. The 1080p FHD webcam with manual privacy shutter was highlighted as a notable upgrade over typical 720p Chromebook cameras. The reviewer appreciated that the speakers are “directed out to the rear of the Chromebook not just underneath,” and the IPS display “seems bright enough to me for general indoor use” despite lacking the vibrancy of premium panels.

Hi-Tech.ua’s Written Review

According to hi-tech.ua, the Acer Chromebook 314 excels at its intended purpose: providing “high speed of operation and responsiveness” for web-based workflows. The review praised the excellent cost-to-functionality ratio and the symmetrical port arrangement with USB-C on both sides. Battery testing revealed around 7.5 hours of continuous office work, with Acer claiming up to 11 hours in lighter usage scenarios.

The review’s main criticism focused on the lack of keyboard backlighting, calling it “the only and main remark about this model.” The reviewer also noted that the display’s color palette, while adequate for productivity, is “not suitable for high-quality movie watching.” The eMMC storage was flagged as slower and potentially less reliable than SSD alternatives, though sufficient for ChromeOS workloads. Overall, the conclusion was that the Chromebook 314 “is perfect for office, daily tasks related to texts, organization and participation in information processes.”

Both reviewers agreed that the Chromebook 314 delivers strong value for users who prioritize longevity (AUE 2033) and modern connectivity (WiFi 6E) over premium materials or high-end displays. The i3-N305 touchscreen variant offers notably better performance, while the N100 non-touch model serves as a capable entry-level option.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook 314

Amazon customers have rated the Acer Chromebook 314 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 56 reviews. The most praised aspects include the impressive battery life, with one reviewer reporting 11 hours of use, and the overall responsiveness of ChromeOS on this hardware. Several buyers noted they were pleasantly surprised by the build quality and display brightness for the price point, with one calling the display “clear and bright” and the device “fast and responsive.”

However, some customers have encountered confusion around touchscreen availability, with at least one buyer receiving a non-touch model when expecting touch capability due to listing ambiguities. The lack of a dedicated delete key was mentioned as a minor inconvenience. One satisfied buyer, approaching 70 years old, praised the Chromebook as their second purchase of the type, noting it handles everyday tasks like “checking email, surfing the web, paying bills, and using Google Docs” without the complexity of a traditional computer.

Overall, the customer sentiment is positive, with most buyers finding the Acer Chromebook 314 meets or exceeds expectations for the price. The combination of longevity, reliability, and adequate performance for everyday tasks appears to satisfy the target audience of students, families, and light productivity users.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook 314 stands out as a sensible choice for users who want modern features and long software support without premium pricing. Its combination of WiFi 6E connectivity, Intel Alder Lake-N processors, and an AUE date extending to June 2033 makes it well-suited for students, remote workers, and households seeking a reliable everyday Chromebook. The touchscreen i3-N305 variant offers performance approaching Chromebook Plus levels, while the N100 non-touch model provides an affordable entry point.

That said, users who require keyboard backlighting, premium build materials, or HDMI connectivity should consider alternatives. The eMMC storage is adequate but not fast, and the thick bezels around the display may feel dated compared to more modern designs. Power users or those planning intensive Linux development work would benefit from stepping up to a Chromebook Plus device with more RAM and faster storage.

For those comparing options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to find the best match for your needs.

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