CTL Chromebox CBx1

Updated on February 5, 2026

Note: This product has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new. Chrome OS support ended in June 2024. The information below is kept for historical reference.

Released in 2018, the CTL Chromebox CBx1 was designed primarily for education and enterprise deployments where simplicity and reliability mattered more than consumer appeal. CTL, known for building rugged Chromebooks for K-12 classrooms, brought that same no-nonsense approach to this compact desktop. The CBx1 offered a compelling value proposition at its launch price of $219 for the base configuration, significantly undercutting competitors from ASUS and Acer while delivering comparable performance for web-based workflows.

The Intel Celeron 3865U processor at the heart of the CBx1 proved adequate for the Chrome OS experience, handling typical tasks like web browsing, Google Workspace applications, and light Android app usage without complaint. CTL offered configurations ranging from 4GB to 8GB of RAM and standardized on 32GB eMMC storage across all models, which kept costs down while providing sufficient space for Chrome OS and cached web content. The compact 5.83” x 5.85” footprint with a height of just 1.62” allowed the unit to tuck neatly behind monitors using a VESA mount or sit unobtrusively on desks alongside keyboards and mice.

CTL Chromebox CBx1 Comparison Chart

	CTL Chromebox CBx1	CTL Chromebox CBx1	CTL Chromebox CBx1
Price	List Price: $539.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $299.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $719.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	CBX1 2-in-1	CBX1-4GB	CBX1-7
Perfomance Rating	2.6	2.6	4.0
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.80 Ghz Intel Celeron 3865U	Dual-core 1.80 Ghz Intel Celeron 3865U	Dual-core 1.80 Ghz Intel Celeron 3865U
RAM	4 GB	4 GB	8 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC
Screen Size	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen
Screen Resolution	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen
Screen Type	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen
Touch Screen	No	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	5.83 x 5.85 x 1.62 inches (148.08 x 148.59 x 41.15 mm)	5.83 x 5.85 x 1.62 inches (148.08 x 148.59 x 41.15 mm)	5.83 x 5.85 x 1.62 inches (148.08 x 148.59 x 41.15 mm)
Weight	3 lbs (1.36 kg)	3 lbs (1.36 kg)	3 lbs (1.36 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No	No
Webcam	No Webcam	No Webcam	No Webcam
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2
Ethernet	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cellular Modem	No	No	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C (for dual monitor support)	2 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C (for dual monitor support)	2 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C (for dual monitor support)
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	No Battery	No Battery	No Battery
Battery Life	0.0 hours	0.0 hours	0.0 hours
Fanless	No	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2024	June, 2024	June, 2024

Detailed Insights

The CTL Chromebox CBx1 adopted a utilitarian design philosophy that prioritized function over form. The matte black plastic enclosure lacked the polish of consumer electronics but proved practical for institutional environments where aesthetics ranked lower than durability and ease of deployment. A single cooling fan kept the Celeron 3865U within safe temperatures during extended operation, though the noise remained unobtrusive enough for quiet office settings. The small footprint made it equally suitable for VESA mounting behind monitors, hiding the computer from view entirely, or placing on a desktop surface where space came at a premium.

Connectivity options covered the bases that IT administrators and end users needed most. Five USB Type-A ports (three USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0) provided ample room for keyboards, mice, webcams, and storage devices without requiring a hub. The single USB Type-C port offered additional flexibility for modern peripherals, though it predated the widespread adoption of USB-C displays. HDMI output supported dual-monitor configurations through USB-C adapters, enabling productive workstation setups for users who needed more screen real estate. Gigabit Ethernet ensured reliable network connections in environments where WiFi congestion or security policies favored wired networking, while 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 handled wireless duties when cables proved impractical.

The 32GB eMMC storage remained the most significant constraint for users who wanted to install numerous Android applications or maintain large offline file libraries. While Chrome OS excels at leveraging cloud storage through Google Drive, those accustomed to keeping substantial local files found themselves managing space more carefully than on devices with larger drives. The microSD card slot offered some relief, accepting cards for photo storage, offline media, or additional Android application data, though internal storage expansion through hardware upgrades was not possible.

Reviewer Insights on the CTL Chromebox CBx1

Corbin Davenport’s Perspective (Android Police)

Corbin Davenport at Android Police reviewed the CBx1 at launch and found it to be a solid budget option for those who understood Chrome OS’s strengths and limitations. His testing revealed that the device proved “surprisingly capable, given it only has a dual-core processor,” handling around fifteen simultaneous Chrome tabs without noticeable slowdown during typical browsing sessions.

The review highlighted Chrome OS’s inherent advantages that made the CBx1 a sensible choice: “easy to set up, you’ll never notice the system updates, viruses/malware are non-existent, and it’s incredibly fast on low-end hardware.” Davenport noted the comprehensive port selection as a strength, particularly the five USB Type-A ports that eliminated the need for external hubs in most configurations. The $219 starting price positioned it as excellent value compared to competitors.

Criticism focused on the utilitarian design that lacked visual appeal compared to consumer-focused alternatives like Acer’s Chromebox lineup. Davenport also pointed out that unlike some competitors, CTL did not include a keyboard or mouse in the base package, adding to the total cost for buyers starting from scratch. Some Android applications underperformed on the non-touch display, a limitation inherent to Chromeboxes that relied on mouse and keyboard input rather than touchscreens.

Use Cases and Target Audience

The CTL Chromebox CBx1 found its natural home in educational institutions, libraries, and small businesses that needed simple, manageable computing solutions. IT departments appreciated the straightforward deployment through Google Admin Console, which allowed them to configure and monitor multiple devices remotely without touching each unit individually. The absence of local software installations and automatic Chrome OS updates eliminated the maintenance burdens that plagued traditional Windows deployments, freeing technical staff to focus on more complex issues.

Libraries deployed the CBx1 as public access terminals where patrons could check email, browse the web, and access digital resources without concern for malware or unauthorized software installations. The Chromebox’s ability to power-wash (factory reset) at logout ensured each user started with a clean session, protecting privacy while maintaining consistent performance. Educational environments used it for computer labs, media centers, and administrative workstations where the simplicity of Chrome OS and integration with Google Workspace aligned with existing infrastructure.

Home users who wanted a simple desktop experience for web browsing, streaming, and basic productivity also found value in the CBx1. The desktop form factor and USB ports made it suitable for connecting audio interfaces for music production using web-based DAWs like BandLab. The compact form factor suited entertainment centers and home offices where a full-sized tower would overwhelm the available space. Those who spent most of their computing time in a browser discovered that Chrome OS delivered everything they needed without the complexity or cost of traditional desktop operating systems.

Conclusion

The CTL Chromebox CBx1 served its target audience of education and enterprise customers well during its production run, delivering reliable Chrome OS desktop computing at an aggressive price point. While it never achieved the consumer recognition of Chromeboxes from ASUS or Acer, institutions that valued manageability and total cost of ownership over brand prestige found a dependable workhorse. With Chrome OS support having ended in June 2024, the CBx1 has transitioned from active device to historical artifact, representing an era when Chrome OS was still establishing itself in the desktop market.

For those seeking a modern Chromebox with current software support, consider the ASUS Chromebox 5 or explore our Chromebook Comparison Chart to find a device that meets current needs while receiving ongoing security updates.

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