You is perhaps tempted to get a Chromebook as your subsequent laptop computer and we wouldn’t blame you. Chrome OS has come a great distance: Chromebooks as we speak have a superb mixture of construct high quality, battery life and energy whereas additionally supporting years of software program updates that may take you years into the long run. For those who primarily browse the online, or don’t want a ton of additional software program regularly, a Chromebook could be a highly effective every day driver.
Whereas Google did make issues less complicated final fall by introducing the Chromebook Plus initiative (extra on that under), there are nonetheless a number of issues to remember when searching for a brand new Chromebook. The market is saturated with machines at totally different value factors and energy ranges; I’ve been testing and reviewing Chromebooks for years and know what you have to be in search of, and what you’ll be able to anticipate out of those laptops.
What’s Chrome OS, and why would I take advantage of it over Home windows?
That is most likely the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops in the marketplace, so why hassle with Chrome’s working system? Glad you requested. For me, the straightforward and clear nature of Chrome OS is an enormous promoting level. Chrome OS relies on Google’s Chrome browser, which implies many of the packages you’ll be able to run are net based mostly. There’s no bloatware or undesirable apps to uninstall such as you usually get on Home windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you’ll utterly reset to manufacturing unit settings nearly as shortly.
In fact, simplicity can even be a significant downside for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program could be a dealbreaker if you happen to’re a video editor or software program developer. However there are additionally loads of individuals who do nearly all of their work in an internet browser.
Google and its software program companions are getting higher yearly at supporting extra superior options. For instance, Google added video editing tools to the Google Photographs app on Chromebooks – it received’t change Adobe Premiere, nevertheless it must be helpful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the web final 12 months, one thing that brings a lot of the facility of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Chromebooks also can run Android apps, which drastically expands the quantity of software program out there. The standard varies extensively, nevertheless it means you are able to do extra with a Chromebook past simply web-based apps. For instance, you’ll be able to set up the Netflix app and save movies for offline watching. Different Android apps like Microsoft Workplace and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly succesful as effectively. Between Android apps and a basic enchancment in net apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.
What do Chromebooks do effectively?
Put merely, net searching and actually something net based mostly. On-line purchasing, streaming music and video and utilizing varied social media websites are among the many commonest every day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you may anticipate, additionally they work effectively with Google companies like Photographs, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Hold and so forth. Sure, any laptop that may run Chrome can do this too, however the light-weight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and secure platform.
As I discussed earlier than, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so if you happen to’re an Android person you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You will get many of the similar apps which can be in your cellphone on a Chromebook and maintain data in sync between them. It’s also possible to use some Android telephones as a safety key in your Chromebook or immediately tether your laptop computer to make use of cell knowledge.
Google continues to tout safety as a significant differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s undoubtedly an element value contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary strains of protection: Chrome OS updates obtain shortly within the background and a quick reboot is all it takes to put in the most recent model. Google says that every webpage and app on a Chromebook runs in its personal sandbox as effectively, so any safety threats are contained to that particular person app. Lastly, Chrome OS has a self-check known as Verified Boot that runs each time a tool begins up. Past all this, the straightforward truth that you simply usually can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for dangerous actors to entry the system.
For those who’re all for Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an effective choice as effectively. Each Chromebook in our prime picks comes with a full 12 months of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the standard Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 p.c again in purchases from the Google Retailer with a bunch of AI instruments. You’ll get entry to Gemini in Gmail, Docs and different apps, Gemini Superior (which runs on the 1.5 Professional mannequin) and extra. On condition that this plan is $20/month, it’s a fairly strong perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embody instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Photographs Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you’ll be able to create by filling in a couple of prompts.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is straightforward: For those who rely closely on a particular native utility for Home windows or a Mac, likelihood is you received’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS system. That’s most true in fields like photograph and video modifying, nevertheless it may also be the case in regulation or finance. Loads of companies run on Google’s G suite software program, however extra nonetheless have particular necessities {that a} Chromebook may not match. For those who’re an iPhone person, you’ll additionally miss out on the way in which the iPhone simply integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the massive draw back will not be having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.
Lastly, gaming Chromebooks usually are not ubiquitous, though they’re changing into a barely extra cheap choice with the rise of cloud gaming. In late 2022, Google and a few {hardware} companions introduced a push to make Chromebooks with cloud gaming in thoughts. From a {hardware} perspective, meaning laptops with larger screens which have increased refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with companies like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Sport Go and Amazon Luna. You’ll clearly want an web connection to make use of these companies, however the excellent news is that taking part in trendy video games on a Chromebook isn’t unattainable. It’s also possible to set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are considering of once they wish to sport on a laptop computer.
What are an important specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and runs effectively on pretty modest {hardware}, so an important factor to search for may not be processor energy or cupboard space. However Google made it simpler to get constant specs and efficiency late final 12 months when it introduced the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any system with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimal necessities, which occur to be similar to what I’d advocate most individuals get in the event that they’re in search of a laptop computer they will use on daily basis.
Chromebook Plus fashions have no less than a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 collection processor, each of which must be greater than sufficient for most individuals. These laptops even have a minimal of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which ought to do the trick except you’re actually pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus fashions need to have a 1080p webcam, which is sweet in lately of fixed video calling, they usually additionally all need to have no less than a 1080p IPS display.
In fact, you may get increased specs or higher screens if you happen to want, however I’ve discovered that principally all the pieces included within the Chromebook Plus goal specs makes for an excellent expertise.
Google has an Auto Replace coverage for Chromebooks as effectively, and whereas that’s not precisely a spec, it’s value checking before you purchase. Final 12 months, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and help for a powerful 10 years after their launch date. This support page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for nearly each Chromebook ever, however a superb rule of thumb is to purchase the latest machine you’ll be able to to maximise your help.
How a lot ought to I spend?
Chromebooks began out notoriously low-cost, with listing costs usually coming in below $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being basically trendy netbooks to the sort of laptop computer you’ll wish to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, it is best to anticipate to spend no less than $400 if you would like a strong every day driver. There are nonetheless many low-cost Chromebooks on the market that could be appropriate as secondary units, however a superb Chromebook that may be an all-day, every-day laptop computer will value extra. However, notably, even the most effective Chromebooks often value lower than the best Windows laptops, and even the most effective “common” laptops on the market.
There are many premium Chromebooks that strategy and even exceed $1,000 that declare to supply higher efficiency and extra processing energy, however I don’t advocate spending that a lot. Usually, that’ll get you a greater design with extra premium supplies, in addition to extra highly effective internals and further cupboard space. In fact, you additionally generally pay for the model identify. However, the specs I outlined earlier are often sufficient.
See Additionally:
Finest Chromebooks in 2025
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display dimension: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,920 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.52 lbs | Out there ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, MicroSD card slot (SD 3.0), Headphone jack, Kensington Naon safety slot | Drive capability: 128GB | Battery life: 6 hours as examined
Lenovo has been making a number of the finest reasonably priced Chromebooks you should purchase for a number of years now, and its 2023 IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an reasonably priced laptop computer that gives nearly all the pieces you would need in a fundamental Chromebook. (We’re calling it the Flex 5i from right here.) The 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen is each bigger and taller than final 12 months’s mannequin. This implies you get extra vertical display actual property, which is one thing I recognize over a regular 1080p show. This Lenovo mannequin hits the Chromebook Plus really useful specs with a Thirteenth-generation Intel Core i3 processor plus 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. That’s a bump up from the Eleventh-generation processor within the 2022 mannequin, and the RAM and storage must be a lot, so that you’ll get good efficiency from this machine.
Sadly, the battery life is pretty mediocre — I bought about six hours of standard use out of it. My workflow features a ton of Chrome tabs, plus net apps for issues like Slack, Todoist, Trello, Google Hold and YouTube Music. I often take a couple of video calls in the course of the day, so if you happen to’re not on digicam a lot you may get a bit extra time from the laptop computer. I want it lasted longer, however I can’t knock it an excessive amount of contemplating the Flex 5i’s value.
The backlit keyboard and trackpad are excellent and really feel significantly better than I’d anticipate on a reasonably reasonably priced machine. The keys have good journey and the trackpad is massive and responsive. Even supposing it has a 1080p webcam, I can’t say that I appeared all that nice within the video calls I took. It does the job, however not far more.
Different issues within the Flex 5i’s favor embody each USB-C and USB-A ports, a microSD card slot and a safety lock. It additionally comes with built-in Wi-Fi 6E to satisfy the most recent Wi-Fi commonplace. At 3.5 kilos and 0.78 inches thick, it’s undoubtedly not the lightest or slimmest choice on the market. It’s a utilitarian slab of a laptop computer, however that’s OK. Lastly, the Flex 5i will obtain software program and safety updates till June of 2032, so you should purchase this laptop and have it coated for years to return.
For me, the $500 Ideapad Flex 5i is the best Chromebook, and the excellent news is that it’s recurrently on sale for fairly a bit much less. I’ve seen it as little as $350 in current months. It’ll hit the candy spot for lots of consumers on the market, offering a stage of high quality and efficiency that’s fairly uncommon to search out at this value level. That mentioned, it’s getting lengthy within the tooth in comparison with the remainder of our picks, so I’m maintaining an eye fixed out for an replace from Lenovo or a alternative from one other producer.
- Good general efficiency for the value
- Good show
- Stable keyboard and trackpad
- Mediocre battery life
- A 12 months older than our different picks
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display dimension: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,920 x 1,080 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.15 lbs | Out there ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, HDMI port | Drive capability: 128GB | Battery life: As much as 11 hours
When Google first launched the Chromebook Plus line nearly a 12 months in the past, fashions with that designation began at $400 — however since, issues have gotten cheaper. Acer’s just-released Chromebook Plus 514 hits all the important thing specs, together with a Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a 1080p show and webcam. None of that is something to jot down house about, however you’re getting lots of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally consists of the aforementioned AI options and a 12 months’s value of the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan, which features a beneficiant 2TB of cloud storage in your photographs, Drive and Gmail recordsdata.
Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly fundamental, nevertheless it will get the job performed; it’s your commonplace laptop computer with a 14-inch show. It’s neither overly skinny (.81 inches) or gentle (3.15 kilos), however these specs are completely cheap for a sub-$400 laptop computer. (It’s really ever-so-slightly lighter than the extra premium Spin 714.) Identical goes for the display — it’s a touchscreen, and its 1,920 x 1,080 decision is ok, however I do miss the additional vertical pixels you’ll get with our different picks on this information. The show is in any other case good, and the keyboard and trackpad are likewise greater than ok for a laptop computer at this value.
Total, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a strong choice if value is your essential concern — nevertheless it’s additionally value noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as the most effective general Chromebook is commonly on sale, generally for below $400 as effectively. In that case, the value distinction between the 2 laptops is shut sufficient that it’s value springing for the higher show you’ll get with the Lenovo. However I’ve additionally seen the Plus 514 promoting for as little as $330, which is a good deal for a succesful Chromebook.
- Cheap
- Efficiency, specs and constructed high quality are all good for this value
- Stable show and webcam
- 1080p show generally feels cramped
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display dimension: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Out there ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C / Thunderbolt, HDMI, Headphone jack | Drive capability: 256GB | Battery life: 7.5 hours as examined
Acer’s Chromebook Spin 714 has lengthy been top-of-the-line premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the most recent mannequin launched this spring is not any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 encompasses a 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen. Just like the display on Lenovo’s mannequin, this works out to a taller 16:10 side ratio than you’ll get from the 1080p panels on most laptops. I’m an enormous fan of taller laptop computer screens, and whereas this isn’t as luxurious because the few 3:2 ratio Chromebooks in the marketplace, it’s nonetheless a snug and top quality display. It’s additionally a bit bit brighter than the display on the Lenovo (340 nits vs. 300).
One noteworthy characteristic is the 2K webcam included within the Spin 714. In a world the place we’re all doing extra video calls than we’d like, having a digicam that doesn’t cut back you to a blurry spot is certainly appreciated. It’s a much better digicam than the one on our prime decide, too.
As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in a couple of methods. It options Intel’s newest Core Extremely 5 115U processor, together with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of native storage. It additionally has higher battery life in my testing — I usually bought about eight hours utilizing it below my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, nevertheless it’s consistent with what I’ve seen on different Intel-powered Chromebooks.
Simply because the identify suggests, the Spin 714 has a 360-degree hinge which helps you to use the laptop computer in pill mode. I’m not a fan of this convertible design – I don’t know who needs to make use of a 3-plus pound pill, nevertheless it’s there if you happen to want it. That mentioned, for a $700 laptop computer, it’s comparatively skinny (.7 inches) and lightweight (3.2 kilos), so for portability functions, it’s arduous to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this similar fundamental design for a couple of generations now, so I’m beginning to assume they may redesign the chassis for the following mannequin.
The newest Spin 714 prices $700 – not an unreasonable value for a pc with these specs and constructed high quality. For those who’re a critical multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as doable (Google says it’ll obtain software program updates via June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is straightforward to advocate.
- Nice display
- Clear webcam
- Loads of energy and cupboard space
- Snug keyboard and trackpad
- A little bit expensive
- Mediocre battery life
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display dimension: 16 inches | Display decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Out there ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, HDMI, Headphone jack, Ethernet | Drive capability: 256GB | Battery life: 9 hours (producer estimate)
Acer first launched the Chromebook 516 GE within the fall of 2022 as a part of Google’s push to make units appropriate for cloud gaming and simply up to date it for 2024. The excellent news is that you simply don’t have to be a gamer to understand the Chromebook Plus 516 GE. For $650, you’ll get a 16-inch show with a 2,560 x 1,600 decision and a 120Hz refresh charge. NVIDIA’s GeForce Now gaming service helps as much as 4K visuals at 120Hz on its Final tier so that you’ll get to see these advantages. This laptop computer additionally helps Steam, but another excuse players is perhaps all for making an attempt it. However even non-gamers ought to benefit from the Plus 516 GE’s crisp and clear display and refined {hardware}.
It additionally consists of Intel’s Core 5 120UL chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Given the laptop computer’s dimension, it’s good that Acer didn’t skimp on ports right here: there’s an HDMI port, USB-C, USB-A, ethernet and a headphone jack. The keyboard has gamer-friendly LED lights that you could customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a strong and comfy keyboard for taking part in video games or simply typing up experiences. The trackpad is massive and responsive as effectively.
The 516 GE weighs 3.8 kilos – fairly gentle for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display. We haven’t examined the 2024 mannequin but, so I can’t affirm the battery life; Acer claims 10 hours, a determine that’ll certainly dip if you happen to’re doing greater than watching movies or informal net searching. Between the highly effective {hardware}, strong design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display, anybody who needs an even bigger Chromebook will doubtless be proud of this mannequin. As for help, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.
- Giant, high-resolution display with a quick refresh charge
- Loads of ports
- Core 5 chip supplies loads of energy
- Giant and spacious keyboard
- Comparatively light-weight for a big-screen laptop computer
- Not everybody will recognize the gamer aesthetic
Different Chromebooks we examined
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook Plus is without doubt one of the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and lightweight, at .46 inches and a pair of.6 kilos, nevertheless it manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and vibrant, however its 16:9 side ratio made issues really feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Efficiency is excellent, and the keyboard is strong, although I’m not a fan of the quantity pad because it shifts all the pieces to the left. At $700 it’s not low-cost, however that feels honest contemplating its dimension and capabilities. For those who’re in search of an enormous display laptop computer that can be tremendous gentle, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the best choice for everybody.
Trending Merchandise
Samsung 24” FT45 Series FHD 1080p Computer Monitor, 75Hz, IPS Panel, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Hub, Ultra Thin Bezels, Ergonomic Design, Height Adjustable Stand, 3 Year Warranty, LF24T454FQNXGO, Black
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router, WPA3, Parental Control, Adaptive QoS, Port Forwarding, WAN aggregation, lifetime internet security and AiMesh support, Dual 2.5G Port
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, MARVO 2.4G Ergonomic Wireless Computer Keyboard with Phone Tablet Holder, Silent Mouse with 6 Button, Compatible with MacBook, Windows (Black)
Acer KB272 EBI 27″ IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080) Zero-Frame Gaming Office Monitor | AMD FreeSync Technology | Up to 100Hz Refresh | 1ms (VRB) | Low Blue Light | Tilt | HDMI & VGA Ports,Black
SAMSUNG 32-Inch ViewFinity S7 (S70D) Series 4K UHD High Resolution Monitor with HDR10, Multiple Ports, Easy Setup Stand, Advanced Eye Care, LS32D702EANXGO, 2024
