How to Choose Between Chromebooks and iPads for Your School District

Choosing the right student device is one of the most important technology decisions a school district makes. Chromebooks and iPads are the two most common options in K-12 environments, and each offers distinct advantages depending on instructional goals, grade levels, and IT capacity.

There is no universal right answer. The best choice depends on how devices will be used, how they will be managed, and how well they fit into a district’s long-term strategy.

This guide walks through the key factors school districts should consider when choosing between Chromebooks and iPads.

Instructional Use Cases and Classroom Needs

The first question districts should ask is how devices will be used day to day.

Chromebooks in K-12 Classrooms

Chromebooks are widely used for:

• Writing and research
• Web-based curriculum and testing
• Google Workspace collaboration
• Typing-intensive assignments

They are well suited for upper elementary, middle, and high school students where keyboard-based work is common.

iPads in K-12 Classrooms

iPads are often used for:

• Touch-based learning
• Creative and multimedia projects
• Early literacy and math instruction
• Special education and accessibility support

They tend to be popular in early elementary grades and specialized instructional settings.

Device Management and IT Administration

Managing devices at scale is a major factor in long-term success.

Chromebook Management

Chromebooks are centrally managed through the Google Admin console, allowing districts to:

• Enforce policies across all devices
• Manage user access and sign-ins
• Push updates automatically
• Reset devices quickly between users

iPad Management

iPads are managed through Apple’s device management framework and a mobile device management platform.

Districts can:

• Deploy apps and profiles remotely
• Control device settings
• Lock devices into specific learning modes
• Support accessibility features at a granular level

Durability and Repair Considerations

Student devices experience heavy daily use, and durability matters.

Chromebooks generally:

• Are easier to repair at scale
• Have replaceable keyboards, screens, and ports
• Cost less to fix when damaged

iPads generally:

• Have fewer modular components
• Often require full unit replacement for certain repairs
• Can become more expensive to maintain over time

Understanding how each device type is repaired and maintained helps districts plan more effectively for long-term support, budgeting, and refresh cycles. Factoring repair complexity and cost into device decisions allows IT teams to set realistic expectations and reduce surprises over the life of a deployment.

Cost and Budget Planning

Upfront device cost is only part of the equation.

Chromebooks typically offer:

• Lower average repair costs
• Predictable lifecycle planning tied to Auto Update Expiration
  
  

iPads often:

• Require accessories for full functionality
• Have higher repair or replacement costs

Districts managing large 1:1 programs often find that predictable repair and lifecycle planning is just as important as the initial purchase decision.

Grade-Level Alignment and Accessibility

Many districts adopt a mixed-device strategy.

Common approaches include:

• iPads in early elementary grades
• Chromebooks in upper grades
• Shared carts for specialized instruction

This allows districts to align devices with developmental needs while maintaining consistency in management and support.

Final Thoughts for School District Leaders

Choosing between Chromebooks and iPads is not about which device is better overall. It is about which device best supports instruction, scales effectively, and fits within long-term operational plans.

Districts that succeed evaluate:

• Instructional goals
• Management capacity
• Repair and replacement realities
• Budget predictability

With the right strategy and support, either platform can serve students well. The key is making a decision that aligns with how learning actually happens in your schools.

Need help evaluating or supporting your district’s device repair strategy?
iTurity works with school districts nationwide to deliver fast, reliable device repair services designed specifically for K-12 environments.