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| The HP Chromebook Plus 14 and HP Chromebook Plus x360 14 in Glacier Silver. |
If you’ve been eyeing a new Chromebook but found the standard models a bit lacking, HP might have just unveiled your perfect match. Moving beyond the recently announced HP Chromebook 14 and x360 14, the tech giant is doubling down with its premium “Plus” series. The 2026 HP Chromebook Plus 14 and the versatile HP Chromebook Plus x360 14 are poised to deliver a significantly souped-up experience, packing better specs across the board for users who need more power and polish.
Let's dive into what makes these new Plus models stand out in the crowded Chrome OS market.
Two Form Factors, One Premium Vision
At their core, the two new models share almost identical DNA. The key difference lies in the design: the standard Plus 14 is a clamshell laptop, while the Plus x360 14 is a 2-in-1 convertible with a hinge that rotates 360 degrees for laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. This flexibility makes the x360 ideal for students, creatives, and anyone who values versatility.
Both feature a sharp 14-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and 300 nits of brightness. HP is offering display customization, too. The Chromebook Plus 14 will have an optional touchscreen, while the x360 14 gets more advanced options: a version with edge-to-edge glass and robust multitouch support, and another with an anti-glare coating for reducing reflections—a boon for working outdoors or in bright offices.
Performance That Lives Up to the "Plus" Name
Under the hood, both devices are powered by an Intel Core 3 N355 processor. Where the “Plus” designation truly matters is in the memory and storage. True to Google's Chromebook Plus specifications, they come standard with 8GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking between numerous tabs and Android apps.
Storage also gets a major boost. Instead of typical eMMC storage, options start at a speedy 128GB UFS and go up to a whopping 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD. This means faster boot times, quicker app launches, and ample space for files, photos, and offline content.
Enhanced Features for the Modern User
HP has clearly focused on the hybrid work and learning experience. The devices feature a 1080p webcam with temporal noise reduction, promising noticeably better video quality in low-light conditions for your Zoom calls and virtual meetings. It’s paired with dual-array digital microphones for clear audio pickup.
Privacy hasn’t been forgotten. A physical camera privacy shutter lets you block the lens with a slide, and a dedicated microphone mute key provides instant audio privacy—essential features in today’s world.
Connectivity and Battery: Built for All-Day Use
For staying connected, you get Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3/5.4. Port selection is practical: a USB-A port and an audio combo jack are standard. The Chromebook Plus 14 includes a single USB-C port, while the x360 14 benefits from two USB-C ports. These support USB Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and HP Sleep and Charge (allowing you to charge devices even when the laptop is off).
Powering the system is a 3-cell, 41Wh battery with support for fast charging—HP claims you can get to 50% charge in just 45 minutes with the optional 45W Type-C GaN charger, which is compact and travel-friendly.
Availability, Price, and a Sweet AI Bonus
Following the pattern of their non-Plus siblings, HP has not yet announced official pricing for the Chromebook Plus 14 and Chromebook Plus x360 14. However, they have confirmed a February release on HP’s website in stylish Glacier Silver and Meteor Silver color options.
An exciting added value is the included software bundle: every Chromebook Plus 14 duo will come with a 1-year subscription to Google AI Pro. This suite of enhanced AI features within Google’s ecosystem could include advanced editing tools, smarter assistant capabilities, and more, adding significant software value on top of the robust hardware.
The Bottom Line
The new HP Chromebook Plus models appear to be a compelling step up. By combining the simplicity and security of Chrome OS with a premium spec sheet—featuring excellent displays, robust performance specs, enhanced connectivity, and thoughtful privacy features—HP is targeting users who want a no-compromise Chrome experience without a premium price tag. If the standard models left you wanting more, the "Plus" versions are definitely worth the wait.
Stay tuned for pricing and hands-on reviews when these models launch in February.
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| The 2026 HP Chromebook Plus x360 14 has stylus support. |
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| The HP Chromebook Plus 14 series are powered by an Intel Core 3 N355 processor. |