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 immediately have a great 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. If you happen to primarily browse the online, or don’t want a ton of additional software program regularly, a Chromebook could be a highly effective day by day driver.
Whereas Google did make issues easier final fall by introducing the Chromebook Plus initiative (extra on that beneath), there are nonetheless a number of issues to bear in mind when searching for a brand new Chromebook. The market is saturated with machines at totally different worth factors and energy ranges; I’ve been testing and reviewing Chromebooks for years and know what you have to be on the lookout for, 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 a giant promoting level. Chrome OS relies on Google’s Chrome browser, which suggests many of the applications 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 may utterly reset to manufacturing unit settings nearly as shortly.
After all, simplicity may even be a serious downside for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program could be a dealbreaker in case you’re a video editor or software program developer. However there are additionally loads of individuals who do the vast majority of their work in an online browser.
Google and its software program companions are getting higher yearly at supporting extra superior options. For instance, Google added video modifying instruments to the Google Pictures app on Chromebooks – it received’t exchange Adobe Premiere, but it surely needs to be useful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the internet final yr, one thing that brings a lot of the ability of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Chromebooks may also run Android apps, which tremendously expands the quantity of software program obtainable. The standard varies extensively, but it surely 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 nicely. Between Android apps and a basic enchancment in net apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.
What do Chromebooks do nicely?
Put merely, net shopping and actually something net based mostly. On-line purchasing, streaming music and video and utilizing numerous social media websites are among the many most typical day by day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you may anticipate, additionally they work nicely with Google companies like Pictures, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Hold and so forth. Sure, any pc that may run Chrome can try 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 in case you’re an Android person you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You may get many of the identical apps which might be in your cellphone on a Chromebook and preserve 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 information.
Google continues to tout safety as a serious differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s undoubtedly an element price contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary traces 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 nicely, so any safety threats are contained to that particular person app. Lastly, Chrome OS has a self-check referred to as Verified Boot that runs each time a tool begins up. Past all this, the straightforward reality that you simply usually can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for unhealthy actors to entry the system.
If you happen to’re desirous about Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an efficient choice as nicely. Each Chromebook in our high picks comes with a full yr of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the standard Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 % 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. Provided that this plan is $20/month, it’s a reasonably stable perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embody instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Pictures Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you’ll be able to create by filling in just a few prompts.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is easy: If you happen to rely closely on a particular native software for Home windows or a Mac, likelihood is you received’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS machine. That’s most true in fields like photograph and video modifying, but it surely 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 won’t match. If you happen to’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 large draw back is just not having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.
Lastly, gaming Chromebooks usually are not ubiquitous, though they’re turning 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, which means laptops with greater screens which have increased refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with companies like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Recreation Move and Amazon Luna. You’ll clearly want an web connection to make use of these companies, however the excellent news is that enjoying fashionable video games on a Chromebook isn’t unimaginable. 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 need to sport on a laptop computer.
What are crucial specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and runs nicely on pretty modest {hardware}, so crucial factor to search for won’t be processor energy or space for storing. However Google made it simpler to get constant specs and efficiency late final yr when it launched the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any machine with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimal necessities, which occur to be similar to what I’d suggest most individuals get in the event that they’re on the lookout for a laptop computer they will use on daily basis.
Chromebook Plus fashions have at the very least a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 collection processor, each of which needs to 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 must have a 1080p webcam, which is good in lately of fixed video calling, they usually additionally all must have at the very least a 1080p IPS display screen.
After all, you will get increased specs or higher screens in case you need, however I’ve discovered that principally the whole lot included within the Chromebook Plus goal specs makes for an excellent expertise.
Google has an Auto Replace coverage for Chromebooks as nicely, and whereas that’s not precisely a spec, it’s price checking before you purchase. Final yr, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and assist for a formidable 10 years after their launch date. This assist web page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for just about each Chromebook ever, however a great rule of thumb is to purchase the latest machine you’ll be able to to maximise your assist.
How a lot ought to I spend?
Chromebooks began out notoriously low cost, with checklist costs usually coming in beneath $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being basically fashionable netbooks to the form of laptop computer you’ll need to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, it’s best to anticipate to spend at the very least $400 if you would like a stable day by day driver. There are nonetheless many low cost Chromebooks on the market that could be appropriate as secondary gadgets, however a great Chromebook that may be an all-day, every-day laptop computer will price extra. However, notably, even one of the best Chromebooks normally price lower than one of the best Home windows laptops, and even one of the best “common” laptops on the market.
There are many premium Chromebooks that method and even exceed $1,000 that declare to supply higher efficiency and extra processing energy, however I don’t suggest spending that a lot. Typically, that’ll get you a greater design with extra premium supplies, in addition to extra highly effective internals and further space for storing. After all, you additionally typically pay for the model title. However, the specs I outlined earlier are normally sufficient.
See Additionally:
Finest Chromebooks in 2025
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen decision: 1,920 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.52 lbs | Obtainable 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 buy for a number of years now, and its 2023 IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an reasonably priced laptop computer that gives nearly the whole lot you possibly can need in a primary 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 yr’s mannequin. This implies you get extra vertical display screen actual property, which is one thing I recognize over a normal 1080p show. This Lenovo mannequin hits the Chromebook Plus advisable 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 needs to be loads, so that you’ll get good efficiency from this machine.
Sadly, the battery life is pretty mediocre — I acquired 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 normally take just a few video calls through the day, so in case you’re not on digital camera 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 worth.
The backlit keyboard and trackpad are superb and really feel a lot better than I’d anticipate on a reasonably reasonably priced machine. The keys have good journey and the trackpad is giant and responsive. Even though it has a 1080p webcam, I can’t say that I regarded 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 fulfill the most recent Wi-Fi customary. 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 buy this pc and have it coated for years to return.
For me, the $500 Ideapad Flex 5i is the perfect Chromebook, and the excellent news is that it’s usually on sale for fairly a bit much less. I’ve seen it as little as $350 in latest months. It’ll hit the candy spot for lots of patrons on the market, offering a stage of high quality and efficiency that’s fairly uncommon to seek out at this worth level. That mentioned, it’s getting lengthy within the tooth in comparison with the remainder of our picks, so I’m conserving an eye fixed out for an replace from Lenovo or a substitute from one other producer.
- Good general efficiency for the value
- Good show
- Strong keyboard and trackpad
- Mediocre battery life
- A yr older than our different picks
$399 at Amazon
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen decision: 1,920 x 1,080 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.15 lbs | Obtainable 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 yr 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 put in writing house about, however you’re getting a variety of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally contains the aforementioned AI options and a yr’s price of the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan, which features a beneficiant 2TB of cloud storage in your photographs, Drive and Gmail information.
Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly primary, but it surely will get the job completed; it’s your customary laptop computer with a 14-inch show. It’s neither overly skinny (.81 inches) or mild (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 screen — it’s a touchscreen, and its 1,920 x 1,080 decision is okay, 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 worth.
General, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a stable choice if price is your predominant concern — but it surely’s additionally price noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as one of the best general Chromebook is commonly on sale, typically for beneath $400 as nicely. In that case, the value distinction between the 2 laptops is shut sufficient that it’s price 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 worth
- Strong show and webcam
- 1080p show typically feels cramped
$250 at Amazon
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Obtainable 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 the most effective premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the most recent mannequin launched this spring isn’t any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 contains a 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen. Just like the display screen 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 a giant 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 cushty and prime quality display screen. It’s additionally somewhat bit brighter than the display screen 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 digital camera that doesn’t scale back you to a blurry spot is unquestionably appreciated. It’s a much better digital camera than the one on our high decide, too.
As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in just a few 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 sometimes acquired about eight hours utilizing it beneath my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, but it surely’s consistent with what I’ve seen on different Intel-powered Chromebooks.
Simply because the title 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 desires to make use of a 3-plus pound pill, but it surely’s there in case you 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 onerous to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this identical primary design for just a few generations now, so I’m beginning to suppose they might redesign the chassis for the following mannequin.
The newest Spin 714 prices $700 – not an unreasonable worth for a pc with these specs and constructed high quality. If you happen to’re a critical multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as potential (Google says it’ll obtain software program updates by way of June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is straightforward to suggest.
- Nice display screen
- Clear webcam
- Loads of energy and space for storing
- Comfy keyboard and trackpad
- A bit of expensive
- Mediocre battery life
$699 at Finest Purchase
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 16 inches | Display screen decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Obtainable 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 gadgets appropriate for cloud gaming and simply up to date it for 2024. The excellent news is that you simply don’t should 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 price. 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 avid gamers is perhaps desirous about attempting it. However even non-gamers ought to benefit from the Plus 516 GE’s crisp and clear display screen and refined {hardware}.
It additionally contains Intel’s Core 5 120UL chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Given the laptop computer’s measurement, 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 which you can customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a stable and comfy keyboard for taking part in video games or simply typing up experiences. The trackpad is giant and responsive as nicely.
The 516 GE weighs 3.8 kilos – fairly mild for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display screen. We haven’t examined the 2024 mannequin but, so I can’t affirm the battery life; Acer claims 10 hours, a determine that’ll absolutely dip in case you’re doing greater than watching movies or informal net shopping. Between the highly effective {hardware}, stable design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display screen, anybody who desires a much bigger Chromebook will possible be proud of this mannequin. As for assist, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.
- Giant, high-resolution display screen with a quick refresh price
- Loads of ports
- Core 5 chip offers loads of energy
- Giant and spacious keyboard
- Comparatively light-weight for a big-screen laptop computer
- Not everybody will recognize the gamer aesthetic
$649 at Finest Purchase
Different Chromebooks we examined
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook Plus is likely one of the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and lightweight, at .46 inches and a couple of.6 kilos, but it surely manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display screen is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and brilliant, however its 16:9 side ratio made issues really feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Efficiency is superb, and the keyboard is stable, although I’m not a fan of the quantity pad because it shifts the whole lot to the left. At $700 it’s not low cost, however that feels honest contemplating its measurement and capabilities. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a giant display screen laptop computer that can be tremendous mild, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the most suitable choice for everybody.
