ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 vs Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Chromebook Plus CX34 is cheaper, lighter, and has better battery life for web-based work, while the Aspire 5 runs full Windows software and is upgradeable. Choose the Chromebook for simple, cheap computing; choose the Aspire for software flexibility.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) (Geekbench multi 7,200 vs 5,200).
- Longer battery: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (12.6h vs 9.4h web).
- Lighter: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (1.44 kg vs 1.75 kg).
- Cheaper: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (saves about $250 CAD).
Chromebook Plus CX34 vs Aspire 5 15 (2025): Full Breakdown
Performance: the Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 7,200 against 5,200 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 — roughly 38% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) averaged 16 FPS versus 10 FPS. The Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 lasts longer away from a charger, running 12.6 hours in our web-browsing test versus 9.4 hours. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is also easier to carry at 1.44 kg versus 1.75 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 uses a 14-inch IPS panel (1920 x 1080, 60Hz), while the Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) has a 15.6-inch IPS panel (1920 x 1080, 60Hz). The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 measured brighter at 302 nits, and covered 48% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option in Canada, about $250 less than the Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025). Weighed against our test scores (7.2 vs 6.9 overall), the Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) offers the better value for the money, while the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 review and Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the Chromebook Plus CX34 and the Aspire 5 15 (2025) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | Chromebook Plus CX34 | Aspire 5 15 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.2 ✓ | 6.9 |
| Price (CAD) | $499 ✓ | $749 |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-1215U | AMD Ryzen 5 8540U |
| GPU | Intel UHD (integrated) | AMD Radeon 740M (integrated) |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 16GB DDR5 ✓ |
| Storage | 128GB | 512GB ✓ |
| Display | 14" IPS | 15.6" IPS |
| Brightness | 302 nits ✓ | 268 nits |
| Battery (web) | 12.6 h ✓ | 9.4 h |
| Weight | 1.44 kg ✓ | 1.75 kg |
| Geekbench multi | 5,200 | 7,200 ✓ |
| Gaming (1080p) | 10 fps | 16 fps ✓ |
| OS | ChromeOS | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The Chromebook Plus CX34 is cheaper, lighter, and has better battery life for web-based work, while the Aspire 5 runs full Windows software and is upgradeable. Choose the Chromebook for simple, cheap computing; choose the Aspire for software flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Chromebook Plus CX34 or the Aspire 5 15 (2025)?
The Chromebook Plus CX34 is cheaper, lighter, and has better battery life for web-based work, while the Aspire 5 runs full Windows software and is upgradeable. Choose the Chromebook for simple, cheap computing; choose the Aspire for software flexibility.
Which is better for price?
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the better choice for price.
Which is better for software flexibility?
The Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) is the better choice for software flexibility.
Which is better for battery life?
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the better choice for battery life.
Which is better for upgradeability?
The Acer Aspire 5 15 (2025) is the better choice for upgradeability.
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