ASUS Chromebook CM14

Starry Hope Rating
3.0

Updated on

Photo of ASUS Chromebook CM14

The ASUS Chromebook CM14 emerges as a robust and versatile laptop tailored for users who prioritize productivity and durability. Equipped with a MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, it delivers a responsive experience for various applications. The Chromebook boasts an impressive battery life of up to 15 hours, making it ideal for all-day use without frequent recharging. Running on Chrome OS, users gain access to many apps from the Google Play Store, enhancing its utility.

The design of the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is both stylish and practical, featuring a Gravity Grey colorway and a 180˚ lay-flat hinge that facilitates easy screen sharing. Its durability is certified by MIL-STD 810H military-grade standards, ensuring resistance to shocks, drops, and pressure. The Chromebook also showcases a commitment to sustainability through recycled materials. Additional features include a spill-resistant keyboard, a webcam with Face Auto Exposure, antimicrobial protection, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, making it a well-rounded device for everyday tasks.

Pros and Cons of ASUS Chromebook CM14

ProsCons
Long battery life up to 15 hoursNo backlit keyboard
MIL-STD 810H military-grade durabilityNo touchscreen
Ergonomic, spill-resistant keyboardNo HDMI port
Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with ASUS Wi-Fi MasterNon-upgradeable storage
Antimicrobial protection on touch surfacesLimited to 4GB RAM and 64GB storage

ASUS Chromebook CM14 Comparison Chart

ASUS Chromebook CM14

ASUS Chromebook CM14

Price

List Price: $279.99

Amazon Prices:

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Model numberCM1402CM2A-DS44
Performance Rating3.8
Chromebook PlusNo
ProcessorOcta-core 2.00 Ghz
MediaTek Kompanio 520
RAM4 GB
Internal Storage64 GB eMMC
Screen Size14"
Screen Resolution1366x768
Screen TypeTN
Touch ScreenNo
Stylus / PenNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
12.78 x 8.93 x 0.72 inches
(324.61 x 226.82 x 18.29 mm)
Weight3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
Backlit KeyboardNo
Webcam720p HD
WiFiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3
EthernetNo
Cellular ModemNo
HDMINo HDMI
USB Ports1 USB 3, 2 USB-C
(USB-C supports display & power delivery)
Thunderbolt PortsNo
Card ReadermicroSD Card Reader
Battery2 cell, 42WHrs, Li-ion
Battery Life15.0 hours
FanlessNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2033

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Detailed Features of ASUS Chromebook CM14

The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, passing stringent durability tests, including those for port durability, vibration, and altitude. Its full-size keyboard is ergonomic and boasts a spill-resistant design, with keys that can endure up to 10 million keystrokes. The 14-inch display, with a resolution of 1366x768, is serviceable for everyday tasks, although it is a TN panel that may not offer the same viewing angles or brightness as IPS displays.

For video calls, the Chromebook is equipped with a 720p HD webcam that features Face Auto Exposure to enhance image quality and a privacy shutter for added security. The device’s connectivity options are robust, with two USB-C ports supporting display and power delivery, a standard USB 3.2 port, and a microSD reader for additional storage needs.

While the Chromebook does not have a backlit keyboard or a number pad, it compensates with other thoughtful details such as antimicrobial protection on the keyboard, touchpad, and palm rest areas. The absence of an HDMI port and Ethernet may limit connectivity options for some users, though a USB Ethernet adapter can provide a wired connection via the USB-A port. Including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 technology ensures high-speed wireless connections.

Reviewer Insights on the ASUS Chromebook CM14

Independent coverage of this exact model is thin. The CM14 clamshell with the MediaTek Kompanio 520 is an entry-level education and budget SKU, so most of the YouTube results for “ASUS CM14” actually review the convertible CM14 Flip (CM1402F), a mechanically different machine with a touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge. The one full measured review of the clamshell comes from NotebookCheck, whose test team put the CM14 through their lab bench in January 2024 and scored it 78%, a “good” result for the price class.

One caveat on the display before the numbers. NotebookCheck tested the CM1402CM2A-EK0048 configuration, which ships a 1920x1080 panel, while the variant on this page (CM1402CM2A-DS44) uses a 1366x768 HD panel. Both are matte TN screens from CMN, so the viewing-angle and brightness findings describe the same panel technology, but the measured nit figure below belongs to the FHD unit NotebookCheck had on the bench, not to the HD panel on the DS44.

On that unit, NotebookCheck measured a maximum brightness of 230 cd/m² (204 average) with a 531:1 contrast ratio, and they were blunt about it: “One notable drawback is the low maximum brightness; we measured a maximum of 230 cd/m².” Outdoors “the display struggles even on cloudy days,” and the TN panel’s “poor viewing angle stability further hampers readability.” If a bright, color-accurate screen matters to you, this is the CM14’s weakest point, and the lower-resolution DS44 panel does nothing to improve it.

Battery is the opposite story. In NotebookCheck’s standard Wi-Fi rundown the Chromebook “had a battery life of about 12 hours,” short of ASUS’s 15-hour vendor claim but still enough to clear a full school or work day on one charge. The review headlined the CM14 an “Endurance runner,” and the fanless board runs silent and cool with low power draw.

The input hardware drew genuine praise. Key travel is “decent at 1.5 millimeters” and typing “is comfortable without requiring adjustment,” though there is no backlight and “the keys sound a bit rickety.” The trackpad was the standout: “The trackpad is a highlight. With a diagonal of 15 cm, it is spacious, featuring a clear pressure point and a snug fit without play.”

Performance is where the Kompanio 520 shows its budget roots. NotebookCheck found it provides “enough power for tasks such as document writing and internet browsing,” but “when working with six or more Chrome tabs open, the performance starts to decline, and slight stutters may occur.” The slow eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM cap how hard you can push it, and across NotebookCheck’s comparison set the CM14 consistently landed near the bottom of the field. Their verdict put it plainly: the “Asus CM14 is silent and durable, but also slow.”

Some 2026 context on the chip and support window. The Kompanio 520 (MediaTek MT8186) is an eight-core ARM processor with Mali-G52 graphics, the same entry-class part found in other sub-$300 ARM Chromebooks of its generation such as the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook. Because it is ARM rather than x86, the usual Intel and AMD PassMark comparisons do not apply; treat it as a chip built for web browsing, Google Docs, and light Android apps rather than heavy multitasking. The redeeming long-term spec is software support: Google’s Auto Update Expiration list shows the CM14 (CM1402C board) receiving automatic ChromeOS updates through June 2033, and NotebookCheck noted the same “system updates until July 2033.” That runway of nearly a decade is unusually generous for a budget machine and is one of the stronger reasons to consider one today.

Customer Reviews of the ASUS Chromebook CM14

Across 1,621 ratings on Amazon, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 averages 4.3 stars, with 69% of buyers leaving five stars and a smaller but real 9% leaving one star. Battery life is the most repeated praise: Allissa Specht, a verified buyer, wrote “The battery lasts forever and that’s a huge bonus when I’m often working where power isn’t accessible,” and verified buyer M. Jones, who pairs it with an external monitor for remote work, said “The battery life is fantastic.” Several owners also call it a strong value for the price and note a rugged, rigid build; verified buyer p diddy described it as “notably more robust feeling and rigid than” their previous ASUS Chromebooks. M. Jones added one caveat worth flagging: the machine is “a little laggy but not bad,” and an external display only works through the single right-side port via an HDMI-to-USB-C adapter.

The negative reviews are mostly individual unit or seller problems rather than a recurring design fault. Verified buyer Sheila gave it one star after receiving a refurbished unit that stopped charging within a month: “This computer was a refurbished, but it only worked for one month!” Another one-star reviewer in Australia complained only that the charger was wired for the US market. Read more owner reviews on Amazon.

Who Would Benefit from the ASUS Chromebook CM14?

The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is an excellent choice for users who require a durable and reliable laptop for everyday tasks, such as students and professionals who need a device to keep up with their active lifestyles. Its robust build and long battery life suit those frequently on the move, while its ergonomic features ensure comfortable use during long work sessions.

However, users who need a device with a backlit keyboard for working in low-light conditions or those who prefer a touchscreen for a more interactive experience may want to explore other options. Additionally, users who require more than 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage or those needing an HDMI connection for external displays may find the ASUS Chromebook CM14 limiting.

For those looking to compare the ASUS Chromebook CM14 with other models, the Starry Hope Chromebook Comparison Tool provides a comprehensive platform to evaluate different Chromebooks based on their specifications and features. Visit the tool to find the perfect Chromebook for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the ASUS Chromebook CM14 run Android apps?

Yes, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 runs on Chrome OS, which supports the Google Play Store. This allows you to download and use a wide variety of Android apps on the device.

What is the battery life of the ASUS Chromebook CM14?

The ASUS Chromebook CM14 boasts up to 15 hours of battery life, making it suitable for all-day use without the need for recharging.

Is the ASUS Chromebook CM14’s storage upgradeable?

No, the storage on the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is not user-upgradeable as it uses eMMC storage. However, it does have a microSD card reader for additional storage options.

Does the ASUS Chromebook CM14 have a touchscreen?

No, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 does not feature a touchscreen. It comes with a 14-inch TN panel with a resolution of 1366x768.

Is the keyboard backlit on the ASUS Chromebook CM14?

No, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 does not come with a backlit keyboard. However, it does have an ergonomic, spill-resistant design with 1.5 mm key travel.

What type of ports does the ASUS Chromebook CM14 have?

The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is equipped with two USB-C ports that support display and power delivery, one standard USB 3.2 port, and a microSD card reader.

Does the ASUS Chromebook CM14 have a webcam?

Yes, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 includes a 720p HD webcam with Face Auto Exposure for better video calls and a privacy shutter for added security.

Is the ASUS Chromebook CM14 suitable for children?

The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is designed with durability in mind, featuring MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability. It’s a good choice for children due to its robust build, capable of withstanding the rough handling that devices often endure in the hands of kids.

Can I use the ASUS Chromebook CM14 for work?

Absolutely, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is designed for productivity, with a responsive MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and a full-size ergonomic keyboard. It’s suitable for a variety of work-related tasks and everyday use.

How does the ASUS Chromebook CM14 handle Wi-Fi connectivity?

The ASUS Chromebook CM14 offers dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with ASUS Wi-Fi Master for ChromeOS, providing improved speed and stability for your internet connection.