The best Chromebooks can provide a top-notch computing experience for years to come. They are perfect for students, grandparents, and anyone looking for a laptop with long battery life. We reviewed and rated the best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. If you're buying your first laptop entirely, or if you're moving from a Windows or Mac to a Chrome OS laptop, our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect one.
There are so many options to choose from in the Chromebook market. If you want something specifically for portable and battery life, there are many dependable choices. If you don't want to move it from a desk and want a big, beautiful display, there are lots of options for you.
The Flex 5i Chromebook is our top pick because it hits all of the right markets for a laptop, including build quality, performance, battery life, and longevity, all for a very fair price. The Flex 5's screen is only a 250-nit, high-resolution display, and it has mediocre battery life.
The Pixelbook Go is a device that will allow those who want to immerse themselves completely in the company to do so. It is very outdated, but what you get in return is one of the best Chromebooks that you will ever use. Despite not being updated in a few years, the hardware is fantastic.
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If you want a screen that looks great and has the power and prestige to match, you should grab the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, which comes with a brighter 2K screen in a 3:2 aspect ratio. The Spin 713 is powerful enough for gaming and can be used to run Parallels. Not everyone will need it, but this is the one to beat if you do.
The best Chromebooks are not necessarily the most powerful or expensive. It combines many features into a compact body that will appeal to almost all Chromebook users. If your next laptop is going to work hard and play harder, you should check out the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook. The Flex 5 has the best blend of performance, portableness, and price.
The Flex 5i has enough space for you to grip when flipping between laptop, stand, and tablet modes. As you spread out your work, the 13.3-inch screen offers easy split-screening. You can comfortably type on its backlit keyboard for hours at a time, and you can sit on either side of the keyboard and have nice and loud speakers.
This version comes with the 11th generation i3 processor, which is an upgrade from the 2020 Flex 5's 4 gigabyte RAM configurations, which is welcome as more and more of us are working from home. The Flex 5i comes with two Type-C ports, a single legacy port, and a microSD slot, similar to most of the newer Chromebooks on this list. You get a 45W charging brick in the box and a 10-hour battery, so you can charge your phone and headset at the same time.
The Flex 5i's hardware is not large enough to support a large operating system, so things are stable on it. The standard Intel Core i3 model needs to have 8GB of RAM. It is worth every penny to upgrade to a Pentium model, which is less than a $100 upgrade for the i3 and 8GB of RAM.
If you want to save a few dollars, you should keep an eye on the previous holder of Best Chromebook, theLenovo Flex 5. It has a 10th Gen i3 and a long, long support life ahead of it, so if you find it below $330, last year's Flex 5 will serve you well on a budget.
The Flex 5i has a powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i3 chip, a beautiful 13-inch screen, and a reasonable price. The Flex 5i has a slim and lightweight build, but it also has a 360-degree hinge for easy conversion to tent or tablet mode, as well as upward-firing stereo speakers and support for both USI Stylus and wi-fi 6 for power-users.
While the 3:2 form factor of the original Pixelbook had its fans, I am pleased that the Go uses a far more sensible 16:9 aspect ratio, which is better for split-screening and better for in-flight movies. The Pixelbook Go doesn't need a lot of space around the screen to squeeze in, but it can't fold back into a tablet like the other Chromebooks. The laptop only weighs 2.3 pounds.
The more functional design of the Go is still luxurious. The Go has rounded edges and a wavy ridged bottom. The keys are quiet and the magnesium body is similar to that used by the Microsoft Surface line.
If you like having the latest features, the Pixelbook Go is 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 888-739-5110 The only ports on the Pixelbook Go are on the laptop side and on the headphone jack.
One of our favorite traditional laptop designs is the Pixelbook Go, which is a premium compared to our other top picks. The design has been considered from the quiet-close magnetic latch to the high-quality camera, so important in our current environment.
We recommend sticking with the Core i5 version that has a generous amount of storage, but if you are willing to spend a bit more, there are premium options that go up to a Core i7.
The bottom line is that the Pixelbook Go is a traditional clamshell laptop with one of the best keyboards and trackpads we have ever used. It has an excellent integration with the Google Assistant and may get new features before other Chromebooks. The magnesium body is light and strong, and even the entry-level model comes with 8 gigabytes of RAM.
The first Acer Chromebook Spin 713 was the premium Chromebooks of 2020 and most of the next two decades with a powerful processor, a gorgeous screen, and plentiful ports for a reasonable price. I didn't think we would see a replacement for Chrome OS for a while. It was upgraded last summer with the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (3W) and the 10th Gen Intel Core to 11th Gen Intel Evo Core processors.
One of the few Chromebooks that can run Steam Alpha on Chrome OS is the latest one from Acer. This opens the door to being able to play many of your favorite PC games on a Chromebook instead of needing to rely on a Windows PC or gaming console like the ever-elusive PS5
The latest model of the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 has a left and right side that hold the ports and buttons. I like having one port on both sides to charge the Spin 713 or plug in a docking station.
Many professionals swear by the 3:2 aspect ratio on the Acer Chromebook Spin 713's screen. The aspect ratio is not as fun to watch movies with, but it is great for seeing more data on your screen at a time, and 2K resolution gives you a more crisp image. You can use better Chromebook styli for sketching and signing on that vibrant screen if you have USI stylus support.
If you want to know that your Chromebook is powerful, fast, and secure, you should look for an Intel Core 10th or 11th Gen Chromebook. The 13.5-inch 2K screen with 400 nits of brightness is ideal for better visuals and easier working outdoors. It has more ports than its competitors, and frequent sales put it into mid-range territory for a perfectly premium Chromebook.
The original Chromebook Duet was one of the best choices for those who want to use Chrome OS on a tablet. The new line of Chrome OS tablets was introduced by Lenovo at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show.
The battery lasts for days with the help of the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Chipset. The Duet 5 can be used for up to 15 hours on a single charge. The Duet 5 has dual USB-C ports, as well as support for up to 45W charging speeds. These are much-welcomed upgrades compared to the original Duet.
The Duet 5 has a kickstand and a keyboard case. The company took a step back when it came to the keyboard, since the kickstand only uses magnets. In our review, we found that the ribbon cable used by Lenovo is a bit too flimsy for our liking, meaning that using this on your lap may result in a frustrating typing experience.
The storage department was one area where Lenovo didn't give much of an upgrade. The only upgrade you can get is the base configuration, but there is no option for using a microSD card. You can attach an external hard drive if you want to load up some movies or TV shows. It is not the perfect solution, but it is better than nothing.
If you are looking for a light-duty laptop that can be used as a couch companion, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 is a great choice.
Since day one, ASUS has been one of the most well-known Chromebook manufacturers. The company focuses on creating a premium hardware experience in as affordable and compact a package as possible. That is exactly what ASUS has done with the Chromebook.
This Chromebook has a 14-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a screen-to-body ratio of up to 94%. This allows you to get work done without having to use a couch or coffee shop. The optional configuration with a 4K display is what sets the CX9 apart from the crowd.
You can use your favorite stylus on the 14-inch FHD or 4K resolution display of the Chromebooks, both of which are compatible with it. The 4K model can reach up to 500 nits thanks to the back lighting.
The 11th generation Core i5 or Core i7 are included along with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of NVMe storage. The implementation of the 11th Gen Intel chips allowed for the inclusion of two Thunderbolt 4 ports that are capable of being used for display connections or power delivery. You will also find a 3.5mm combo audio jack, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a single USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port.
The fun doesn't stop there, even though the Chromebook offers more than enough power under the hood. Users want a powerful and compact Chromebook that can handle all of their tasks. When you need to fill out some excel spreadsheets, the CX9's trackpad doubles as a number pad. This is something that you won't find elsewhere in the market, helping the CX9 stand out from the crowd.
In every sense of the word, the ASUS Chromebook CX9 is a powerhouse. The optional 4K display panel and Intel's 11th Gen Chipsets make the CX9 the perfect premium Chromebook for gaming, multi-tasking, or just sitting back and enjoying some movies.
The larger display in the guide may not be suitable for everyone. The keyboard on the HP Chromebook x2 11 didn't magnetize to the screen for a better typing experience or better protection of the screen when the keyboard was closed, but HP fixed that mistake and a few others.
When the original Chrome OS was first launched, it meant you had to place the tablets into a laptop base, so if HP Chromebook x2 sounds familiar, that's right. It was cool but awkward. Thankfully, the x2 11 is a much more flexible and intuitive design, and these days Chrome OS is good for tablets.
The new Lenovo Duet 5 is powered by the first generation of the compute platform, not the Gen 2, and it is also available for casual computing. Once I get done with work, I take out mine and play Microsoft Solitaire for about an hour, and then use my fingerprints on the power button.
The list price is the only real problem with the HP Chromebook x2 11. The x2 11 starts at $600. The same price as the Chromebook with a budget processor. It costs money to have a 400nit screen with 2K resolution, and so does that nice keyboard and kickstand, as well as the fact that this charges 45W instead of the original Duet's 18W.
The HP Chromebook x2 11 is a better option than the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 because it is for everyone. The X2 11 has a refined look, faster charging, and a high price, so it's a good purchase.
It is possible that Chromebooks will only be used for students and salarymen. Even if you are just browsing email and social media, there is still a Chromebooks for you. While there are a lot of great Chromebook manufacturers out there, the models from Lenovo and ASUS seem to go harder and last longer than the competition.
Choosing a Chromebook is different from choosing a Windows or Mac laptop because of its cloud-centered nature. The same software look and update schedule for every Chromebook model should be used by a Chromebooks built by Lenovo. What does that mean?
It means you can focus more on what you want to do with the machine you choose and less on the core specs. This process may seem out of order, but trust me on this one.
If you can, get a 2-in-1 if you can.
Touchscreens may be a luxury for other laptop systems, but I consider them a requirement for Chromebooks. Since most of the Android apps that you can install via the Google Play store are touch-optimised, you can treat yourself to a touchscreen model!
If you see a Chromebooks that says it is non-touch, it is probably not that much more expensive than a Touchscreen model. You will never go back to using a mouse after playing Solitaire on a touchscreen, because you can tap on the screen when scrolling through Amazon. When buying a student Chromebook, it's important to make sure the screen is easy to use for younger users.
The 2-in-1s are the best form factor for Chromebooks yet. It's amazing to be able to prop up your Chromebook in Tent mode for a movie or fold it flat into Tablet mode for some in-bed browsing while down with the flu, but it's also great for everyday productivity. You can bend your Chromebook back to more angles when working in an office with weird light glare or propped in your lap at a baseball game because you didn't forget the quarterly expense reports that were due tomorrow.
You can decide on the features you want.
Hardware features are of paramount importance in a machine, and figuring out which of those features you want or need in a machine can help narrow the field and steer you to your perfect Chromebook.
If you tend to do a lot of movie-watching, you may want a loud, front-facing speakers or a high-quality screen.
If you want to be more productive with many open tabs and multi-window screens, you might want a 3:2 display that is more suited to split-screening and a more powerful processor/memory configuration. Productivity-minded users should pay special attention to the port configurations on their prospective Chromebooks, as more premium models keep the same ports as the charging ports, and the more grounded models keep the same ports.
Families with younger kids, or travelers prone to slips, spills, and accidents, might want to look to the growing number of Chromebooks with military-grade MIL-STD 810G durability or spill-resistant keyboards.
Pick your size.
Chromebooks come in a variety of sizes, but they tend to gravitate to four sizes in general.
The bigger the size of your Chromebooks, the more you can fit on the screen, but it will also be less portable and last less time. The less heavy it is, the less expensive it will be. Smaller models can also suffer from lower resolution screens, though the display zoom and font adjustments of the Chrome OS can somewhat offset it.
What do you really need from memory and storage?
Random Access Memory, or RAM, is a critical spec for computers of all sizes and shapes, from phones and tablets to desktops and laptops. It is used by your computer's processor to hold your current tabs, apps and execute the commands that make your Chromebook work.
If I want to run a couple of apps and a dozen Chrome tabs on my high-end Chromebooks, I'll need at least 4 gigabytes of RAM.
If I want to run a couple of apps and a dozen Chrome tabs on my high-end Chromebooks, I'll need at least 4 gigabytes of RAM.
If you are a long-time Windows user or a long-time computer user of any kind, looking at the storage on most Chromebooks will seem confusing at first. Local storage is still essential for things like downloaded music and movies for flights that don't have a wi-fi connection, and for things like offline documents.
There is no better way to expand the storage on many Chromebooks than with a local storage card. I would recommend a model with at least 64 gigabytes of storage. Premium Chromebooks with heftier price tags are usually the only ones that offer 128 or more gigabytes of storage, but 64 gigabyte Chromebooks are available and offer more than enough storage for Drive offline sync and emergency entertainment.
Always check the date.
Each Chromebooks has a shelf life and an expiration date, just like the milk in your fridge, because they are developed, managed, and updated by Google. You can find the Auto Update Expiration date on the support page of every model on this handy dandy page.
If your Chromebook lasts three to six years until that date, it will stop receiving system updates every four to six weeks that contain a bug. If your Chromebook is still running well at that time, you can use one of a dozen Linux distributions instead.
When shopping, always check the AUE to see how long your Chromebook will get updates, as four to six years is a long time for any laptop, and chances are yours will be getting long in the tooth by then. AUE is based on the hardware platform, not the individual model, which is why many Chromebooks have the same AUE dates.
There is a free Linux distribution that is open-sourced and web-focused. Chromebooks rely on web-based applications, Android applications installed and managed via Google Play, and Linux apps, which are slowly rolling out to more Chromebooks models, because they don't allow regular applications and programs the way you would on Windows PCs.
The stability and reliability of Chrome OS is its biggest strength. For lower-end laptops, Chromebooks rule because of the excellent performance of the OS on computers that barely support other operating systems. To create a super-smooth, super-powered premium experience, Chrome can take advantage of the most potent components available, from latest-gen multi-core processors to 4K displays.
The system is hard-to-break, easy-to-manage, and wonderfully secure because it is designed for education and enterprise.
Chrome OS is a lightweight, high-security system that is great for users with any level of technical know-how. It is easy for school children to use and powerful for bigshot business people, which means that they are great for everyone.
Once you have your priorities straight and pick the Chromebook that's perfect for you, you are ready to enter a new world of light, secure computing with the handy productivity of Chrome and Android apps from Google Play. Enjoy the club, and welcome to it!
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