Getting old
The ASUS Chromebox 4 has plenty of USB ports and comes in several different configurations at different price points. The ASUS Chromebox 5 makes it a poor choice though.
For
- More storage options
- Five USB ports
- Wide processor selection
- More available
Against
- Dated hardware
- The newer model is cheaper
Specialized gear
The ASUS Fanless Chromebox is a specialty model, designed to be mounted remotely. It's a model best suited for industrial or business applications.
For
- Passively cooled
- Remote power switch mounting
- Legacy RS232 interface
- Extremely low maintenance
Against
- Expensive
- Not really a consumer device
It's hard to compare these two devices. One is designed for consumer use while the other is more for businesses who need options for "smart" signage or a POS.
Another issue is that they both are getting long in the tooth. Since they were released several years ago with hardware that was already dated at the time, you can do a lot better when it comes to having a Chrome-powered desktop.
They are both still available, though, and still supported by ASUS with software updates and repairs. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty details and determine which Chromebox is better for you.
ASUS Chromebox 4 vs. ASUS Fanless Chromebox: How are you going to use it?
Why you are buying your Chromebox is always an important factor when it comes to what you should buy, but it's especially important in this case. One of these things is not like the other.
The ASUS Chromebox 4 is a "normal" Chromebox designed for use in the home. It's equally comfortable mounted behind your television or on a desk in the living room, and is the type of device most of us have in mind for a secure and simple computer.
The ASUS Fanless Chromebox is something different. It's designed for business applications where you want to drop in a PC and forget all about it. If you need a Chromebox to power a digital sign or run a cash register, the Fanless Chromebox was built for it.
| ASUS Chromebox 4 | ASUS Fanless Chromebox | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Chrome OS | Chrome OS |
| Processor | Intel 10th generation | Intel Celeron 5205U |
| Storage | Starting at 32GB | 32GB |
| Memory | Starting at 4GB | 4GB |
| Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 (2x2), Bluetooth 5.0 | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 (2x2), Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 5x USB-A, 1x USB-C, microSD card, 2x HDMI, Kensington lock, 1x audio jack | 4x USB-A, 1x USB-C, microSD card, 2x HDMI, Kensington lock, 1x audio jack, RS232 interface |
You may have noticed that the ASUS Fanless Chromebox comes in only one hardware configuration and it's not that great. Again, this points towards its use case.
I would never recommend you buy a Chromebox with specs this bad because you will not have a great experience when it comes to streaming video or even normal web use. You won't be surfing the web on your cash register, though.
The Fanless Chromebox specs are more than capable when it comes to interfacing with a credit card terminal or powering a menu display. Its remote power switch and passive cooling mean you can fit it under or behind just about anything where customers can't fool with it.
ASUS Chromebox 4 vs. ASUS Fanless Chromebox: Which should you buy?
If you're looking for a (relatively) cheap way to add to your business, the Fanless Chromebox will do it. Until a newer model with the same set of features comes out, it really is the best choice for many use cases that require specialized hardware.
The Chromebox 4 is a different story, and I can't recommend it to anyone in 2023.
It will still work as well as it did when it was released. That really isn't a concern, provided you don't buy the lowest-spec model. The problem is the price you'll need to pay and the fact that a newer, better model was released — you'll be paying as much for a Chromebox 4 as you would for an ASUS Chromebox 5.
I don't think you should do that either, though, unless you specifically want to mount it in an entertainment stand or have a dedicated PC for the kids. You would probably be better off with a good Chromebook and a nice USB-C docking solution like this one for $30 at Amazon.
If you can find a good deal on an ASUS Chromebox 4 it's not a terrible purchase. Just don't spend too much for one.
Outdated tech
The ASUS Chromebox 4 has plenty of USB ports and comes in several different configurations at different price points. The ASUS Chromebox 5 makes it a poor choice though.
Faster, stronger, better
The ASUS Fanless Chromebox is a specialty model, designed to be mounted remotely. It's a model best suited for industrial or business applications.
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