ASUS Chromebit CS10

Updated on January 11, 2026

The ASUS Chromebit CS10 has reached its Chrome OS end-of-life date (November 2020) and is no longer receiving security updates. While it may still function for basic offline tasks, we recommend considering current Chromebooks for a secure browsing experience.

The ASUS Chromebit CS10 represented an ambitious experiment in computing minimalism when it launched in late 2015. Priced at just $85, this Chrome stick device promised to transform any HDMI-equipped display into a functional Chrome OS workstation. The concept was appealing: take the simplicity of Chrome OS and pack it into something about the size of a candy bar that could plug directly into a television or monitor. For a brief period, it offered an intriguing alternative to more expensive Windows-based computing sticks and found its niche in classrooms, digital signage applications, and as a travel companion.

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ASUS Chromebit CS10 Comparison Chart

	ASUS Chromebit CS10
Price	List Price: $84.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	CS10
Perfomance Rating	2.0
Chromebook Plus	No
Processor	Quad-core 1.80 Ghz Rockchip RK3288C
RAM	2 GB
Internal Storage	16 GB eMMC
Screen Size	No Screen
Screen Resolution	No Screen
Screen Type	No Screen
Touch Screen	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	1.22 x 4.84 x 0.67 inches (30.99 x 122.94 x 17.02 mm)
Weight	0.16 lbs (0.07 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	No Webcam
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Battery	No Battery
Battery Life	0.0 hours
Fanless	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	November, 2020

Detailed Insights into the ASUS Chromebit CS10

The Chromebit CS10’s design prioritized extreme portability above all else. At just 4.84 inches long, 1.22 inches wide, and weighing a mere 0.16 pounds, it could slip into a pocket and travel anywhere. The build quality impressed reviewers, with SjslTech noting that “it does feel quite premium though… not that cheap plastic you get on the eBay Android sticks back in the day.” The fanless design meant completely silent operation, a welcome change from the whirring fans of traditional desktops. An included flexible HDMI extension cable addressed compatibility issues with televisions where the device’s rigid connection might otherwise block adjacent ports.

Under the hood, the Rockchip RK3288C processor paired with 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM provided adequate performance for Chrome OS’s lightweight demands. TechRadar’s benchmark testing recorded an Octane score of 7707, which they noted felt “zippier to navigate than Windows on the competing Intel Computing Stick.” The 16GB eMMC storage, while limited by modern standards, sufficed for Chrome OS’s cloud-centric approach. However, the 2GB RAM limitation became noticeable when attempting to multitask. Engadget observed system lockups “when running Netflix while working in Google Docs and Slack simultaneously.”

Connectivity options were minimal but functional for the intended use case. The single USB 2.0 port required a hub for connecting both a keyboard and mouse if Bluetooth peripherals weren’t available. 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 handled wireless connectivity, and PCWorld praised its “superior WiFi authentication capabilities for hotel networks.” The HDMI output supported 1080p resolution for displays, and while the device could decode 4K video content, the output remained limited to 1080p.

Reviewer Insights on the ASUS Chromebit CS10

Michael MJD’s Historical Perspective

Michael MJD’s retrospective examined the Chromebit in 2024, providing valuable context for understanding its place in Chrome OS history. He described it as “essentially what happens when Google decides to merge a Chromebook with something like a Fire TV stick.” His testing revealed the update loop issues that plague many Chromebits today, where the device fails to progress past outdated Chrome OS versions. Despite these limitations, he found niche value in using it for digital signage or “converting an older TV into a sort of smart TV.” His assessment was blunt about its fate: “It was useless enough for Google to quickly decide to kill it off.”

SjslTech’s Performance Analysis

SjslTech purchased a used Chromebit for $10 AUD and provided hands-on performance testing that revealed the device’s current limitations. He noted the device is now stuck on Chrome OS version 86 and lacks access to the Play Store or Linux support. Video playback testing showed it “struggles significantly with high-bitrate 1080p and 4K content” with “constant stutters and lag spikes.” Despite these shortcomings, he concluded that “for 10 dollars, it’s not too bad” for basic browsing or as a candidate for loading a lightweight Linux distribution.

TechRadar’s Launch Assessment

TechRadar awarded the Chromebit 4 out of 5 stars at launch, praising it as “a perfect solution for office or home users looking to upcycle old displays.” They noted that “by partnering with Chrome OS, Asus has found the perfect formula for its Chromebit to overcome some of the limitations of earlier Windows-based PC-on-a-stick rivals.” The review highlighted the Rockchip processor’s solid performance for general computing tasks while acknowledging the single USB port’s connectivity limitations.

Engadget’s Practical Perspective

Engadget’s review captured the Chromebit’s essence perfectly: “It under-promises while managing to over-deliver.” Chris Velazco recommended it as “just cheap and just good enough to find a home in classrooms and tinkerers’ dens.” The review praised its suitability for educational environments and as a gateway device for elderly users transitioning to Chrome OS. However, it cautioned against expecting too much: “Keep your expectations in check: Buy it to be your kid’s first computer, a terminal for Airbnb guests or a way to breathe life into an extra monitor.”

Reviewers consistently agreed on the Chromebit’s strengths and weaknesses. The consensus praised its extreme portability, silent operation, and value proposition for basic computing needs. Common criticisms centered on the 2GB RAM limitation, single USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity issues that occasionally caused input lag or pairing failures. For its intended purpose of web browsing and light productivity, the Chromebit delivered; for anything more demanding, it struggled.

Conclusion

The ASUS Chromebit CS10 was a fascinating experiment that demonstrated Chrome OS could run on incredibly limited hardware. For users who understood its constraints, it provided genuine value as a compact, portable computing solution for web-based tasks. Its success in educational settings and digital signage applications proved there was a market for such minimalist devices, even if Google ultimately discontinued the form factor. Today, with security updates ended since November 2020, the Chromebit serves primarily as a curiosity from Chrome OS history. Those seeking a similar compact Chrome OS experience should consider current Chromebox devices or look toward ARM-based Chromebooks that continue to receive updates while maintaining Chrome OS’s efficiency.