HP Chromebook 14a (2021)

Updated on January 26, 2026

The HP Chromebook 14a (2021) represents HP’s entry-level approach to Chrome OS computing, offering a 14-inch display and Intel Celeron N4020 processor at an accessible price point. Released in 2021, this budget Chromebook targets students, casual users, and anyone seeking a simple, reliable machine for web browsing, email, and basic productivity tasks. While it won’t win any performance awards, the HP Chromebook 14a delivers exactly what budget-conscious buyers need: a functional laptop that handles everyday tasks without breaking the bank. With support until June 2029, it still offers several years of updates and security patches.

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HP Chromebook 14a (2021) Comparison Chart

	HP Chromebook 14a (2021)	HP Chromebook 14a (2021)	HP Chromebook 14a (2021)	HP Chromebook 14a (2021)	HP Chromebook 14a (2021)
Price	List Price: $339.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $339.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $339.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $339.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	14a-na0150nr / 4A4Z5UA	14a-na0023nr / 4M110UA	14a-na0160nr / 4A4Z6UA	14a-na0130nr / 4A4Z3UA	14a-na0140nr / 4A4Z4UA
Perfomance Rating	3.1	3.1	3.1	3.1	3.1
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020
RAM	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC
Screen Size	14"	14"	14"	14"	14"
Screen Resolution	1366x768	1366x768	1366x768	1366x768	1366x768
Screen Type	BrightView, 220 nits	BrightView, 220 nits	BrightView, 220 nits	BrightView, 220 nits	BrightView, 220 nits
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	12.8 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches (325.12 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)	12.8 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches (325.12 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)	12.8 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches (325.12 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)	12.8 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches (325.12 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)	12.8 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches (325.12 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)
Weight	3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)	3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)	3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)	3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)	3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No	No	No	No
Webcam	720p HD	720p HD	720p HD	720p HD	720p HD
WiFi	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.0
Ethernet	No	No	No	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No	No	No	No
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No	No	No
Card Reader	Card Reader	Card Reader	Card Reader	Card Reader	Card Reader
Battery	2 cell, 47 Wh, Li-ion	2 cell, 47 Wh, Li-ion	2 cell, 47 Wh, Li-ion	2 cell, 47 Wh, Li-ion	2 cell, 47 Wh, Li-ion
Battery Life	14.0 hours	14.0 hours	14.0 hours	14.0 hours	14.0 hours
Fanless	No	No	No	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2029	June, 2029	June, 2029	June, 2029	June, 2029

Detailed Insights into the HP Chromebook 14a (2021)

The HP Chromebook 14a features a clean, minimalist design that belies its budget positioning. The plastic chassis comes in several color options including Ceramic White, Forest Teal, and Mineral Silver, giving buyers some personalization choices typically reserved for more expensive laptops. At 12.82 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches and weighing 3.24 pounds, it strikes a reasonable balance between portability and screen real estate. The build quality feels solid despite the all-plastic construction, with minimal flex in the keyboard deck during typing. HP’s micro-edge display bezels help the 14-inch screen feel more immersive, though the HD (1366x768) resolution means individual pixels can be visible during close viewing.

The Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor paired with 4GB of RAM handles Chrome OS capably for basic tasks. Web browsing with a handful of tabs, Google Docs editing, video streaming, and casual Android app usage all run smoothly enough. However, users who frequently open 10+ browser tabs or run multiple Android apps simultaneously will notice slowdowns. The integrated Intel UHD 600 graphics can decode 4K video for streaming services, though the display itself maxes out at 1366x768. The 32GB eMMC storage provides adequate space when combined with Google Drive cloud storage, but users who prefer keeping files locally may find themselves managing storage carefully.

Connectivity options cover the essentials without excess. The two USB-C ports both support charging, which proves convenient since you’re not locked to a single charging location. The single USB-A 3.0 port handles legacy peripherals like mice and USB drives. A microSD card slot enables storage expansion, and the combo headphone/microphone jack works with standard headsets. Notable omissions include HDMI output—external monitor users will need a USB-C adapter—and Ethernet, making WiFi 5 the only networking option. Bluetooth 5.0 connects wireless peripherals reliably.

The keyboard delivers a surprisingly good typing experience for a budget Chromebook. Keys have decent travel and tactile feedback, making extended typing sessions comfortable. However, the trackpad received mixed reviews from users, with some noting it can feel slightly loose or imprecise. The 720p webcam and dual microphones handle video calls adequately but produce grainy footage in anything other than well-lit environments. HP’s partnership with Bang & Olufsen brings branded speakers that output clear, if somewhat thin, audio that’s acceptable for casual media consumption but won’t replace external speakers for music enjoyment.

Battery life stands out as perhaps the HP Chromebook 14a’s strongest feature. HP rates the device for up to 14 hours on a single charge, and real-world testing confirms excellent longevity. Milo B.’s testing showed approximately 10 hours of continuous use with screen brightness at comfortable levels and WiFi connected. The 47 Wh battery combined with Chrome OS’s efficiency means most users can easily get through a full work or school day without hunting for outlets. HP Fast Charge capability adds convenience by recovering 50% battery in roughly 45 minutes, helpful for quick top-ups between classes or meetings.

Reviewer Insights on the HP Chromebook 14a (2021)

Milo B.’s Perspective

Milo B. (AlikLab) provides one of the most detailed hands-on reviews of the HP Chromebook 14a, testing the FHD variant with a 1080p IPS display. In his 11-minute review, he highlights the display as the standout feature, noting it’s rare to find a 1080p IPS panel in a sub-$300 Chromebook. He measured actual battery life at approximately 10 hours under normal usage, with the added benefit of fast charging that fills the battery from empty to full in about 2 hours.

Milo praises the dual B&O speakers for producing “pretty good sound for a Chromebook in this price range” and finds the keyboard comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, he identifies several drawbacks: the lack of an HDMI port requires dongle purchases for external displays, the trackpad feels “a little loose and could be a little bit better,” and the 720p webcam produces “a little bit grainy” footage. His bottom line recommendation is that the HP Chromebook 14a offers excellent value when purchased on sale in the $200-$250 range, though the MSRP feels less competitive.

NotebookCheck Analysis

According to NotebookCheck, the HP Chromebook 14a earned a 72% overall score, positioning it as “average” within its category. Their analysis describes it as “a good choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive Chromebook that can do simple tasks, like browsing the web, sending email or watching online videos.” They note the all-day battery life and attractive, portable design as primary strengths while acknowledging that performance doesn’t match similarly priced Windows alternatives like the Acer Aspire 5.

TechRadar Assessment

TechRadar awarded the HP Chromebook 14 line 4 out of 5 stars, praising the excellent keyboard and trackpad alongside Chrome OS’s speedy responsiveness. They describe the screen as “crisp and vivid” while noting the laptop isn’t as powerful as some higher-end Chromebooks. The review positions it as a well-balanced overall package that makes sensible trade-offs for its price point.

Customer Reviews of the HP Chromebook 14a (2021)

Amazon customer reviews paint a picture of a Chromebook that delivers on its core promise of simple, reliable computing. The B099M5J8MP variant holds a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating with over 1,000 reviews, while the B094X5LFM1 Forest Teal FHD variant scores 4.3 stars. Customers consistently praise the battery life, with many reporting they can go multiple days between charges with light usage. The lightweight design receives compliments from students and travelers who appreciate not carrying extra weight.

Common criticisms center on the limitations inherent to budget Chromebooks: the 4GB RAM struggles with heavy multitasking, the 32GB storage fills quickly if downloading Android apps, and the HD display variants look noticeably less sharp than FHD models. Several reviewers recommend seeking out the 1080p variants despite the higher cost. The touchscreen models receive particular praise from users who find the touch interface helpful for Android apps and casual browsing.

Who Should Buy the HP Chromebook 14a?

The HP Chromebook 14a fits best for users with modest computing needs and tight budgets. K-12 students make up an ideal audience since Chrome OS integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom and educational tools while the durable design handles being stuffed into backpacks. College students can benefit if their coursework primarily involves web-based applications, document editing, and research—though those in design, engineering, or media programs should look elsewhere. Remote workers handling email, spreadsheets, and video calls will find the HP Chromebook 14a capable for light workloads.

Casual home users seeking a dedicated Netflix machine, email checker, or web browser will appreciate the simplicity. The HP Chromebook 14a removes the complexity of Windows maintenance—no driver updates, antivirus worries, or system slowdowns over time. Chromebooks excel at this “set it and forget it” use case. Senior users unfamiliar with complex operating systems often find Chrome OS approachable, and the HP Chromebook 14a’s large 14-inch display improves readability compared to smaller budget models.

Those who should avoid the HP Chromebook 14a include gamers (Chrome OS lacks native game support beyond Android apps), creative professionals (no Photoshop, Premiere, or other demanding applications), and power users who regularly work with dozens of browser tabs or multiple demanding applications simultaneously. The 4GB RAM simply cannot accommodate heavy multitasking, and attempting to push beyond its limits results in frustrating slowdowns and tab reloading.

Conclusion

The HP Chromebook 14a (2021) successfully executes on HP’s vision of an affordable, practical Chromebook for everyday users. It won’t impress power users or those who demand high-resolution displays and snappy multitasking, but that’s not its purpose. For students tackling homework assignments, family members checking email and social media, or anyone seeking a simple secondary device for web browsing, the HP Chromebook 14a delivers adequate performance wrapped in an attractive, lightweight package with excellent battery life.

The key to satisfaction lies in managing expectations and purchase price. At MSRP, competition is fierce from other budget Chromebooks. However, when discounted to the $150-$200 range—which happens frequently—the HP Chromebook 14a becomes a compelling value proposition. Buyers should seek out FHD variants when possible for the improved display clarity, and consider adding cloud storage rather than fighting the limited 32GB internal capacity. With support extending to June 2029, new buyers still have over three years of updates and security patches ahead. For buyers seeking maximum longevity, newer Chromebooks with later AUE dates might better serve long-term needs, but the HP Chromebook 14a remains a solid choice for those prioritizing immediate value over extended device lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions