Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-3H)

Updated on January 22, 2026

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-3H) delivers a balanced combination of performance and durability for everyday computing needs. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C processor with 8GB of RAM, this 14-inch Chromebook earns the Chromebook Plus certification, ensuring it meets Google’s enhanced standards for hardware and AI capabilities. The machine features a 1920x1200 IPS display, a 1080p webcam for video calls, and military-grade MIL-STD 810H durability certification. Whether you’re browsing the web, working on documents, or running Android apps, the Chromebook Plus 514 offers a solid computing experience with support until June 2033.

Pros and Cons of the Acer Chromebook Plus 514

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Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-3H) Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-3H)
Price	List Price: $399.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	NX.KP2AA.001
Perfomance Rating	3.5
Chromebook Plus	Yes
Processor	Quad-core 2.40 Ghz (max 4.10 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 3 7320C
RAM	8 GB
Internal Storage	128 GB NVMe SSD
Screen Size	14"
Screen Resolution	1920x1200
Screen Type	IPS
Touch Screen	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	12.56 x 8.94 x 0.78 inches (319.02 x 227.08 x 19.81 mm)
Weight	3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	1080p
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.1
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports (both support Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Battery	50Wh
Battery Life	12 hours
Fanless	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2033

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook Plus 514

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 measures 12.56 x 8.94 x 0.78 inches and weighs 3.2 pounds, making it reasonably portable for daily carry. The plastic chassis features a dual-tone grey finish with a brushed metal texture on the lid that gives it a more premium appearance than typical budget Chromebooks. Port selection is notably comprehensive for a Chromebook, with the left side offering a USB-C port, HDMI output, and USB-A port, while the right side provides another USB-C port, a headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot. The device carries MIL-STD 810H military-grade certification, indicating it can withstand drops, vibration, and temperature extremes better than standard laptops.

At the heart of this system lies the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, running at a base clock of 2.4 GHz with boost up to 4.1 GHz. This Mendocino-series chip uses older Zen 2 architecture but provides adequate performance for typical Chromebook tasks including web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. The 8GB of RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, but meets the minimum Chromebook Plus requirements for running multiple tabs and Android apps simultaneously. With a PassMark CPU score of around 8,614, the processor handles everyday workloads efficiently though it won’t match Intel Core i3-N305 variants in multi-threaded tasks.

Connectivity options include WiFi 6 (802.11ax) wireless and Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting peripherals. The dual USB-C ports both support Power Delivery for charging and DisplayPort Alternate Mode for external displays. Having a full-size HDMI port is a notable advantage, eliminating the need for dongles when connecting to monitors or TVs. The 128GB NVMe SSD provides faster storage performance than eMMC-based Chromebooks, though the storage cannot be expanded internally.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook Plus 514

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed tested the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 with the Intel Core i3-N305 variant, noting it offers exceptional value at its frequently discounted sale price. The reviewer praised the 300-nit 1080p touchscreen for displaying good colors and the keyboard for being comfortable during extended typing sessions. They noted that “What Acer has built in this ridiculously affordable Chromebook is pretty insane.”

The upward-facing speakers provide clear audio for video calls, though they’re described as adequate rather than impressive. The reviewer highlighted that the device includes all Chromebook Plus AI features like background blur and noise cancellation for video conferencing. However, the lack of keyboard backlighting and the stiff trackpad click mechanism above the halfway point were noted as drawbacks. Their overall assessment was positive, particularly when considering the value proposition.

Techtesters’ Perspective

Techtesters provided an in-depth review focusing on the Intel variant, praising the build quality that “feels like an aluminum chassis until you touch it and remember it’s just plastic.” The efficient Intel i3-N305 processor delivered smooth web performance and impressive battery life, lasting over 7 hours in their 4K video playback test. They highlighted WiFi 6E support as a rare feature in this price segment.

The reviewer identified significant issues with the touchpad, noting “there’s no physical right-click button on the plus 514 because Chromebooks just don’t have right clicks on their touchpads.” They also mentioned that ChromeOS limitations meant some advanced Linux tasks didn’t work as expected. Despite these concerns, they concluded the device offers “pretty good value and honestly it’s pretty capable in its own right.”

PCWorld

According to PCWorld, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is “a solid alternative with far more RAM and storage than many similarly priced competitors.” The review praised the attractive design, enjoyable keyboard, and comprehensive connectivity including USB-C. However, they noted the display is “often too dim” and criticized the weak speakers and small touchpad. The review concluded it beats competitors on RAM and storage but has trade-offs in display quality and audio performance.

Across multiple reviews, the consensus points to solid build quality, good keyboard, and comprehensive ports as the primary strengths, while display brightness, weak speakers, and trackpad issues appear consistently as areas for improvement. Reviewers generally agree the device offers good value for its price point, particularly for users who prioritize durability and connectivity.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook Plus 514

Amazon customers have rated the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 333 reviews. The most praised aspects include the touchscreen responsiveness, high-quality camera for video calls, and seamless integration with Google services and Android devices. Buyers particularly appreciate the 180-degree hinge for varied viewing angles and the fast charging capability.

However, some customers note occasional random restarts that can cause loss of open tabs, which makes the device less suitable for critical work tasks. The limited internal storage of 128GB is mentioned as a constraint, though users note it can be supplemented via USB-C drives. The keyboard’s lack of backlighting is a common criticism for those who work in dim environments.

Overall, the customer sentiment is positive, with most buyers finding the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 delivers good value for everyday tasks like streaming, web browsing, and light productivity work.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-3H) stands out as a well-rounded option for users seeking a durable, everyday Chromebook with modern connectivity. Its combination of Chromebook Plus certification, military-grade durability, and comprehensive port selection including HDMI makes it well-suited for students, home users, and light business applications. The AMD Ryzen 3 7320C variant offers capable performance for typical tasks while providing updates until June 2033.

That said, users who need a brighter display for outdoor use or those who require keyboard backlighting for working in dim environments should consider alternatives. The non-upgradeable RAM and storage mean you’ll want to ensure the 8GB/128GB configuration meets your needs before purchase.

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

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