You is likely to be tempted to get a Chromebook as your subsequent laptop computer and we wouldn’t blame you. Chrome OS has come a good distance: Chromebooks in the present day have a superb mixture of construct high quality, battery life and energy whereas additionally supporting years of software program updates that can take you years into the long run. In case you primarily browse the online, or don’t want a ton of additional software program regularly, a Chromebook could be a highly effective each 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 bear in mind when looking 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 ought to be searching for, and what you may anticipate out of those laptops.
What’s Chrome OS, and why would I exploit it over Home windows?
That is in all probability the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops available on the market, so why trouble 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 suggests a lot of the applications you may run are internet primarily based. 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 fully reset to manufacturing facility settings virtually as shortly.
In fact, simplicity may even be a significant disadvantage for some customers. Not with 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 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 Images app on Chromebooks – it received’t exchange Adobe Premiere, however it ought to be useful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the web final yr, one thing that brings a lot of the ability of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Chromebooks may run Android apps, which drastically expands the quantity of software program obtainable. The standard varies broadly, however it means you are able to do extra with a Chromebook past simply web-based apps. For instance, you may 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 internet apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.
What do Chromebooks do effectively?
Put merely, internet looking and actually something internet primarily based. On-line procuring, streaming music and video and utilizing numerous social media websites are among the many commonest each day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you would possibly anticipate, additionally they work effectively with Google companies like Images, 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 steady platform.
As I discussed earlier than, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so in case you’re an Android consumer you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You may get a lot of the similar apps which can be in your cellphone on a Chromebook and preserve information in sync between them. You too can use some Android telephones as a safety key to your Chromebook or immediately tether your laptop computer to make use of cellular information.
Google continues to tout safety as a significant differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s positively 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 referred to as Verified Boot that runs each time a tool begins up. Past all this, the straightforward truth that you simply typically can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for dangerous actors to entry the system.
In case you’re considering Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an efficient possibility as effectively. Each Chromebook in our prime 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. On condition that this plan is $20/month, it’s a reasonably stable perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embrace instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Images Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you may create by filling in a number of prompts.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is easy: In case you rely closely on a selected native software for Home windows or a Mac, chances are high you received’t discover the very same possibility on a ChromeOS system. That’s most true in fields like photograph and video enhancing, however it can be the case in legislation 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. In case you’re an iPhone consumer, 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 shouldn’t be with the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.
Lastly, gaming Chromebooks are usually not ubiquitous, though they’re changing into a barely extra affordable possibility 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 greater 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. You too can set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are pondering of after they wish to recreation on a laptop computer.
What are crucial specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and runs effectively 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 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 suggest most individuals get in the event that they’re searching for a laptop computer they’ll use day-after-day.
Chromebook Plus fashions have no less than a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 sequence processor, each of which ought 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, and so they additionally all must have no less than a 1080p IPS display screen.
In fact, you will get increased specs or higher screens in case you need, however I’ve discovered that mainly every part 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 yr, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and assist for a powerful 10 years after their launch date. This support page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for just about each Chromebook ever, however a superb rule of thumb is to purchase the most recent machine you may to maximise your assist.
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 primarily trendy netbooks to the form of laptop computer you’ll wish to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, you need to anticipate to spend no less than $400 in order for you a stable each 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 price extra. However, notably, even the perfect Chromebooks normally price lower than the best Windows laptops, and even the perfect “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 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 additional space for storing. In fact, you additionally typically pay for the model title. However, the specs I outlined earlier are normally sufficient.
See Additionally:
Finest Chromebooks in 2025
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 14 inches | Display 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 among the greatest inexpensive Chromebooks you should buy for a number of years now, and its 2023 IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an inexpensive laptop computer that gives nearly every part you may 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 admire over an ordinary 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 ought to be a lot, so that you’ll get good efficiency from this machine.
Sadly, the battery life is pretty mediocre — I obtained about six hours of normal use out of it. My workflow features a ton of Chrome tabs, plus internet apps for issues like Slack, Todoist, Trello, Google Hold and YouTube Music. I normally take a number of video calls in the course of the day, so in case you’re not on digicam a lot you would possibly 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 excellent and really feel significantly better than I’d anticipate on a reasonably inexpensive machine. The keys have good journey and the trackpad is massive and responsive. Although it has a 1080p webcam, I can’t say that I seemed 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 embrace 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 normal. At 3.5 kilos and 0.78 inches thick, it’s positively not the lightest or slimmest possibility 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 best Chromebook, and the excellent news is that it’s frequently 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 patrons on the market, offering a stage of high quality and efficiency that’s fairly uncommon to search out at this worth level. That stated, 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 worth
- Good show
- Stable keyboard and trackpad
- Mediocre battery life
- A yr older than our different picks
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 14 inches | Display 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 virtually 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 write down residence about, however you’re getting quite a lot of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally contains the aforementioned AI options and a yr’s value of the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan, which features a beneficiant 2TB of cloud storage to your images, Drive and Gmail recordsdata.
Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly primary, however it will get the job achieved; it’s your normal laptop computer with a 14-inch show. It’s neither overly skinny (.81 inches) or gentle (3.15 kilos), however these specs are completely affordable for a sub-$400 laptop computer. (It’s truly 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 adequate for a laptop computer at this worth.
General, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a stable possibility if price is your principal concern — however it’s additionally value noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as the perfect general Chromebook is commonly on sale, typically for below $400 as effectively. In that case, the worth 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 worth
- Stable show and webcam
- 1080p show typically feels cramped
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 14 inches | Display 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 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 includes 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 an enormous fan of taller laptop computer screens, and whereas this isn’t as luxurious because the few 3:2 ratio Chromebooks available on the market, it’s nonetheless a cushty and top quality display screen. It’s additionally slightly bit brighter than the display screen on the Lenovo (340 nits vs. 300).
One noteworthy function 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 scale back you to a blurry spot is certainly appreciated. It’s a much better digicam than the one on our prime choose, too.
As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in a number 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 sometimes obtained about eight hours utilizing it below my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, however it’s according to 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 needs to make use of a 3-plus pound pill, however it’s there in case you want it. That stated, for a $700 laptop computer, it’s comparatively skinny (.7 inches) and lightweight (3.2 kilos), so for portability functions, it’s laborious to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this similar primary design for a number of generations now, so I’m beginning to suppose they may redesign the chassis for the subsequent mannequin.
The newest Spin 714 prices $700 – not an unreasonable worth for a pc with these specs and constructed high quality. In case you’re a severe multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as attainable (Google says it’ll obtain software program updates by way of June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is simple to suggest.
- Nice display screen
- Clear webcam
- Loads of energy and space for storing
- Comfy keyboard and trackpad
- Somewhat expensive
- Mediocre battery life
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 16 inches | Display 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 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 likely to be considering 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 you could 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 massive and responsive as effectively.
The 516 GE weighs 3.8 kilos – fairly gentle 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 internet looking. Between the highly effective {hardware}, stable design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display screen, anybody who needs a much bigger Chromebook will doubtless be proud of this mannequin. As for assist, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.
- Massive, high-resolution display screen with a quick refresh charge
- Loads of ports
- Core 5 chip gives loads of energy
- Massive and spacious keyboard
- Comparatively light-weight for a big-screen laptop computer
- Not everybody will admire the gamer aesthetic
Different Chromebooks we examined
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook Plus is among the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and lightweight, at .46 inches and a couple of.6 kilos, however it manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display screen is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and shiny, 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 every part to the left. At $700 it’s not low-cost, however that feels honest contemplating its measurement and capabilities. In case you’re searching for an enormous display screen laptop computer that can also be tremendous gentle, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the best choice for everybody.
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