These Chromebooks will allow you to get the most out of Google’s Chrome OS, whether for business, education, or entertainment.
Chromebooks, which are laptops and two-in-ones that run Google’s operating system, are our go-to advice for those who want to get started with computers. In comparison to Windows and macOS laptops, these web browser-centric Chrome OS computers are less expensive and provide a more simple experience.
A Chromebook isn’t as powerful as a MacBook or a Windows laptop, but it’s more adaptable and useful for web-based tasks. These devices are an excellent solution for those who live their life online and do not require the installation of Windows or Mac applications.
Chromebook laptops are available from Acer, Samsung, and Lenovo Duet. As the Chrome OS evolved to include Android apps from the Google Play Store and Linux software, premium models with more memory, faster processors, and faster storage are now available. They are more expensive than standard Chromebooks, but they are also lighter and smaller, with longer battery life. Some models even have a touchscreen and an illuminated keyboard.
The best Chromebooks we’ve evaluated may be found right here. Each model on this list was picked independently by CNET’s editors and includes a review as well as a deep dive into what makes it so amazing. However, if you can’t live without a specific set of characteristics, such as more than one USB port, an HDMI connector, a specified screen size, or a headphone jack, you should look into it more because those features aren’t guaranteed at all Chromebooks. If you’re still unsure whether a Chromebook is ideal for you, here’s a rundown of everything they can and cannot accomplish in comparison to a regular laptop. This list is updated on a regular basis.
Best Small Chromebook Under: $300
1. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 10-inch tablet with a keyboard and touchpad that can be detached. The compact size of this Lenovo Chromebook may be restricted as a primary Chrome OS computer, but you can connect to an external display through its USB-C connector. The Lenovo Duet, on the other hand, is an excellent Chromebook choice if you’re searching for a low-cost Chromebook for pure mobility or as a secondary device that can be used in tablet mode. Lenovo has also just introduced a higher-end 13-inch OLED variant, the Chromebook Duet 5, which retails for $430. This laptop contains 8GB of RAM, which is an increase over the previous versions’ 4GB.
Best Chromebook Under: $400
2. Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook
If you require a laptop for all-day usage, the Lenovo 13-inch Chromebook two-in-one is a better option than the Duet. Thanks to an Intel Core i3-10110U CPU, 4GB RAM, and a 64GB solid-state drive, it features a full HD display as well as good performance and battery life for the price. Because of its dull display, the Lenovo Flex is not a good Chromebook for outdoor use.
If you want even greater performance, this Chrome OS Tablet has been upgraded with Intel’s 11th-generation Core i3 CPU, yet it still boasts a long battery life of about 11 hours.
It’s now known as the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook, and it’s a little more expensive, beginning at $390. Lenovo has also incorporated a privacy shutter to the webcam, allowing users to physically block it while not in use.
Best Chromebook Under: $500
3. HP Chromebook x360 14c
This HP Chromebook is the way to choose if you want a broader screen over a taller one like the Spin 713’s. It’s 0.75 inches broader than a premium 13.3-inch model, but the extra width makes working in two side-by-side windows simpler. Because of its two-in-one design, the HP Chromebook x360 may be used as a tablet (albeit it’s a little hefty to use as a portable device). You can also tent it and use it as a compact all-in-one computer by connecting an external keyboard and mouse.
The model we tested’s Core i3 CPU and 8GB of RAM kept this HP Chromebook operating smoothly even with a couple of dozen tabs open and video streaming in the background. And the battery life on this Chromebook laptop is impressive, lasting 10 hours and 40 minutes in CNET’s tests. However, this is a higher-end setup, with a standard MSRP of $699. It is frequently on sale for less than $500, but if you like the appearance and don’t require the more powerful components, the Pentium Silver version is a steal at under $300.
Best Chromebook Under: $1000
4. Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Tired of squinting at papers or spreadsheets on a tiny widescreen display? The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 has a 13.5-inch 2,256×1,504-pixel touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is one of Acer’s brilliant VertiView displays. The Acer Chromebook Spin, as the name suggests, provides extra vertical workspace, but it still retains the width of a conventional 13.3-inch laptop with a 16:9 aspect ratio. With that plus the Acer Chromebook’s battery life, which lasted over 13 hours in our tests, you’ll be able to get more work done in a day – yet it’s still small and light enough for regular use.
The most recent edition of this Chromebook is powered by an 11th-generation Intel CPU and is the first to obtain Intel’s Evo certification, ensuring that you get the finest mobile experience possible with this model. It’s also the first to enable Thunderbolt 4, which allows you to connect to several external screens while also providing high data rates and networking.
5. Google Pixelbook Go: Best Chromebook by Google
Just like Google’s Pixel phones provide the greatest pure Android experience, the Google Pixelbook Go is designed to provide the finest Chrome OS experience. The premium Chromebook starts at $720, but with an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a 4K display, the price jumps to $1,341. That’s a lot, and it’s more than most people require. Nonetheless, the Google Pixelbook Go is a fantastic tiny Chromebook, especially for individuals who want to explore everything Chrome has to offer, including Linux and Android app possibilities.
6. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2: Best premium Chromebook ultraportable 2-in-1
It’s uncommon for a device’s second version to offer less functionality than the first while still being an improvement, but that’s exactly what this Samsung Chromebook does. Samsung reduced several of the original’s features and components, making this Samsung Chromebook successor more inexpensive than the first-generation model. It has a touchscreen, tablet storage, 8GB of RAM, and an Intel Core CPU. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook also offers much-improved battery life, and Samsung accomplished this while retaining all of its predecessor’s premium appeal.
7. HP Chromebook x2 11: Best Chromebook detachable 2-in-1
The HP Chromebook x2 11 is yet another solid contender in the still-developing area of Chrome detachable two-in-ones. There are several convertible variants available, in which the screen folds around to the back of the keyboard and may be used as a tablet. Chrome tablets with detachable keyboards, on the other hand, are still uncommon. That makes the Chromebook x2 11 stand out, but it also deserves to be recognized for its excellent appearance and features. It has a lengthy battery life and performs (slightly) better than the competitors. The biggest disadvantage is that it is costly on its own. However, in the short time it’s been available, both HP and Best Buy have provided substantial discounts, so if you’re interested, be sure to wait for one of those deals.