best Chromebooks
Confused by endless laptop choices? We get it. But before you dive into another spec sheet labyrinth, consider a Chromebook, your key to reliable performance, effortless everyday computing and features that'll make you rethink laptops.
A Chromebook is essentially a stripped-down version of a traditional laptop. They’re online-only devices, meaning you store and access data on a cloud service. They don’t offer as much functionality as standard laptops, but they are typically more affordable and compact. They also offer many features that make them a viable option for most users. Our top choice is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, which offers just the right balance of versatility and performance at an excellent price.
Expert Tip
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you’ll like a Chromebook, try going a few days on your current computer using only the Google Chrome web browser. You’ll be surprised how little you need other applications.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Our top picks
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Best of the best
Product Specifications
Screen Size: 14” | Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i3-1315U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery Life: Up to 10 hours | Operating System: ChromeOS
Our top pick, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i, offers an excellent combination of versatility, performance and functionality. Its Intel i3 processor delivers fast and reliable performance, giving it an edge over other Chromebooks with less powerful processors.
The full HD touch screen is excellent for streaming your favorite TV shows and movies, and the 14-inch size makes it an appealing option for students looking for a sleek and portable laptop. With 8 gigabytes of RAM onboard, you can multitask and run several apps or tabs simultaneously. The 14-inch touch display features a 360-degree hinge so you can open it flat on a table to share content with friends or classmates or stand it up like a tent. It also has an HD webcam, impressive speakers and a backlit keyboard.
Overall, this Chromebook offers unmatched versatility, seamless entertainment and rock-solid performance, all at an incredible value.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop
Best bang for the buck
Product Specifications
Screen Size: 14” | Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery Life: Up to 10 hours | Operating System: ChromeOS
Forget the allure of sub-$200 Chromebooks that leave you tethered to a charger and struggling to open multiple tabs. While enticing on the surface, these budget options often skimp on performance, offering outdated processors, limited features and battery life that barely lasts until lunchtime. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 delivers plenty of power at a price under $500.
We love this Chromebook for its speedy i3 processor, which performs similarly to our top pick, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus. Because it’s an Asus laptop, its trademark sleek design and compact build, combined with its 14-inch display, make it one of the best Chromebooks for work or gaming while on the go. Plus, the Nano Edge antiglare screen makes it suitable for outdoor use.
This Chromebook has all the features you would expect from a top-tier model, including a HD webcam, a 180-degree hinge and a rugged exterior. It’s the undisputed champion for those looking for a sleek, powerful and affordable Chromebook.
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
Best High-End Chromebook
Product Specifications
Screen Size: 14” | Processor: 13th Generation Intel Core i5-1335U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery Life: Up to 10 hours | Operating System: ChromeOS
While the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is priced higher than competing Chromebooks, this isn't your average Chromebook! It's a powerhouse designed to supercharge your productivity, improve gaming performance and keep you entertained for longer. Whether you're a student, professional or content creator, trust us: this laptop breaks the mold. Unlike other Chromebooks, it offers no compromises.
The battery life is standard at 10 hours on a full charge, but fast charging means you can juice up the battery significantly in just a few minutes. Its 8GB of RAM make it a solid device for multitasking, and unlike most Chromebooks that only feature 64GB or 128GB, this model features a 256GB SSD, meaning you can store more movies, shows and games locally and download more apps.
No Chromebook offers the same degree of processing power as a standard laptop, but this Chromebook comes pretty close. Its exceptional processor makes it suitable for most tasks, and the stunning display is perfect for streaming and video calls. While it has a slightly higher price tag than some Chromebooks, the Spin 714 remains within reach and is well worth its price given its specs and premium design.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook
Best Chromebook for Gamers
Product Specifications
Screen Size: 16” | Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery Life: Up to 12 hours | Operating System: ChromeOS
Chromebooks aren’t only for school or office work. Like standard laptops, they also make excellent entertainment devices, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook is particularly solid for gaming.
This Chromebook boasts many features you would expect from a high-end gaming laptop, including a fast Intel i3 processor, 8GB of RAM and a stunning 16-inch display with a crisp 2560 x 1600 resolution. It has a color-changing RGB keyboard and a powerful battery that lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge.
Although it lacks a discrete graphics chip like you’ll find in a traditional gaming PC, it works exceptionally well for playing cloud-based games, so you can make the most of your game library on the go. Overall, it delivers smooth action and impressive graphics with minimal lag.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook
Best Chromebook for Watching Videos
Product Specifications
Screen Size: 13.3” | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery Life: Up to 12 hours | Operating System: ChromeOS
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 is one of the best all-around laptops, and we think it’s perfect for streaming your favorite videos, TV shows and movies. Its lightweight design provides excellent portability, so you can comfortably watch on a plane.
It has a full HD 1080p OLED display, 8GB RAM and 128GB of SSD storage — all the specs you’d want for downloading and watching content. It also boasts a two-in-one design that lets you use it as a tablet, which makes tasks like streaming, web browsing and note-taking much more manageable.
We recommend this Chromebook for anyone who wants something for basic computing tasks or streaming HD content. It doesn’t have a processor as fast as some of our other top picks, but for under $500, this Chromebook is more than enough for most users.
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
Best for Long-Lasting Battery Life
Product Specifications: Screen Size: 14” | Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 7520C | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery Life: Up to 15 hours | Operating System: ChromeOS
This Chromebook is built to handle your productivity demands, making it a worthy investment for power users. That’s because the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 comes standard with 16GB of memory (RAM), which is two times more than competing laptops in its price range. This means you can more easily run several applications simultaneously without experiencing a dip in performance or productivity. It’s a great option for getting things done, juggling demanding apps or editing large files.
Despite its beefier specs, the laptop retains a slim, lightweight build thanks to its 14-inch screen and compact design. It combines four high-performance CPU cores with a cutting-edge graphics card for fast load times,stunning visuals and improved battery life. Plus, it boasts a full HD webcam for smooth conference calls, and the antiglare coating on the screen makes it suitable for use in bright environments.
Whether you’re a gamer or you want a high-powered Chromebook for school or office work, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a fantastic choice. It might be overkill for casual users, but the top-tier processing power and graphics make this an excellent laptop for any power user or gamer.
Lenovo Flex 3
Best Big-Screen Chromebook
Product Specifications: Screen Size: 15.6” | Processor: Intel Pentium N6000 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 64GB | Battery Life: Up to 10 hours | Operating System: ChromeOS
The primary drawback of a big-screen laptop is that it’s bulkier, making it less than ideal for traveling. However, the Lenovo Flex 3 is lightweight and boasts a broad 15.6-inch display that is perfect for binge-watching your favorite TV shows and movies.
This Chromebook is sleek, and its 360-degree hinge is a game changer, especially for students, because they can share screens and work on group projects effortlessly. It also allows you to use it as a tablet for comfortable viewing or web browsing, and the Intel Pentium N6000 processor is more than enough for basic tasks.
Anyone who needs a big laptop for streaming or working on projects will be more than satisfied with the Lenovo Flex 3. The two-in-one versatility is a nice touch, and the battery life is reliable, lasting up to 10 hours on a full charge.
What is a Chromebook?
Let’s talk about the basics. What is a Chromebook? How do these machines differ from other laptops? And what would make you choose one over the other?
First, let’s look at operating systems, or OS. Right now, most laptops run on Windows 11, and those made by Apple run on macOS. Chromebooks run on the ChromeOS.
ChromeOS is just another operating system. You might have a bit of an adjustment if you’re used to using a Windows laptop or Mac: the look and feel of the Chromebook are different. Rather than programs, ChromeOS uses downloadable apps from the Google Play store. It runs mostly online, and most of your documents are stored in the cloud.
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of working with a Chromebook.
Chromebook pros
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Easy access to files: Since Chromebooks rely on cloud storage, you can access your files from the Chromebook as well as other computers and devices as long as you have an internet connection.
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User-friendly: ChromeOS is based on Google’s Chrome internet browser, which is something that most people are at least vaguely familiar with. Hence, it’s quite easy to learn and get used to the layout of a Chromebook and how it works.
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Secure: Chromebooks are incredibly secure. Google provides frequent updates, and if a Chromebook is ever lost or stolen, you can remotely log out of it so your content cannot be accessed by anyone else. Further, getting set up on a new Chromebook is as easy as signing in to your Google account and resuming your activity.
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Fast: Due to their lightweight OS and SSDs, Chromebooks take as little as eight seconds from being switched on to being ready to use.
Chromebook cons
- Internet requirement: Although some apps on a Chromebook can be used offline, you need to be connected to the internet to get the most functionality out of it. It's not ideal if you like to use your laptop in places without an internet connection.
- New software: You can't use existing software you might already have, such as Photoshop or Microsoft Office, on a Chromebook. However, you will certainly be able to find alternatives to take their place.
- Storage cost: Depending on your needs, you may very well end up paying for cloud storage. Google gives all Chromebook owners a free 100GB of Google Drive storage, which only lasts two years. After that, you are downgraded to the usual 15GB of free storage unless you are willing to pay for an upgrade.
Expert TIp
When you first log in to your new Chromebook, go to your Google Account management page, and set up 2-Factor Authentication (2FA). Multi-factor authentication is one of the easiest ways to keep your account secure, and it takes only minutes to put in place.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Key considerations
Screen
There are a few important aspects of the screen to consider when choosing the best Chromebook screen for your needs. These include size, resolution and whether the screen is a touch screen.
- Size: Chromebooks are generally designed to be small and portable for maximum convenience on the go. As such, the most common Chromebook screens are between 10 and 15.6 inches. You likely won't find any 17-inch behemoths just yet.
- Resolution: Lower-end Chromebooks tend to have 1366 x 768p displays. If you are willing to spend a little more, you will also find plenty of models with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080p. At the top of the range, you will find options that offer a crystal clear 2560 x 1700 resolution.
- Touch screen: If using a mouse, wireless or otherwise, is not your preferred method of computer operation, look for a Chromebook with touch screen capability. You can expect to pay more than you would for an equivalent model without a touch screen, but many people are more than happy to pay that premium for speed, convenience and an overall nicer build quality.
CPU
The CPU is the central processing unit, or processor, of a computer. In other words, it is the "brain" of a computer. In a Chromebook, the CPU affects how quickly and smoothly the machine operates. The faster the CPU runs, measured in gigahertz (GHz), the more processes a Chromebook can run at any given time.
Chromebooks have Intel processors or Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processors. ARM processors are energy efficient, powerful and more optimized for Android apps. Intel processors generally perform slightly better than that, and they allow you to access closed-source software like Steam and all of its games.
RAM
Random-access memory (RAM) is another factor that influences how quickly your computer runs. It is essentially active memory for running programs. Most Chromebooks come with 2GB, 4GB or 8GB of RAM. However, models with 16GB of RAM, such as the Acer Chromebook Plus 514, are also available.
If you frequently multitask on your computer, we recommend opting for a faster model with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. Versions with 16GB of RAM are very capable, but unless you are installing additional operating systems or playing demanding games, that amount of RAM is overkill for a Chromebook.
Internal storage
Historically, Chromebooks have included little internal storage compared to other computers.
This is because your documents, photos, media and other files are stored in the cloud rather than on the computer (although you can opt to store a limited amount of data on your drive).
Most of these machines have between 16GB and 64GB of internal storage. This should be sufficient for most users, and it can be expanded by using a microSD card. That said, there are top-flight models available with laptop-rivaling levels of storage. For example, the Google Pixelbook Go offers up to 256GB of internal storage.
Cooling
Chromebooks produce significantly less heat than laptops and desktops due to their solid-state hard drives and power-efficient processors. That’s why many, but not all, Chromebooks offer fanless designs that are quieter, less prone to breaking and more energy efficient than their more powerful cousins. Some Chromebooks, such as the Asus Chromebook Flip and Acer Chromebook Spin 713, do include cooling fans, though.
Pricing
One of the great things about Chromebooks is their reasonable price. While you can find pricier models out there, an average user can find a great Chromebook at a bargain price as compared to other laptops on the market.
Entry-level
A basic Chromebook with a smaller screen size (usually 11 inches), a less sturdy form factor and 2GB of RAM should cost $100 to $200. Spend a little more, about $300 to $400, and you can find Chromebooks with larger screens, better resolution, 4 GB of RAM, faster CPUs and useful features like a webcam and touchpad. Examples of Chromebooks in this price range include the HP Chromebook 11 G9 EE 11.6-Inch and Samsung 15.6-Inch Chromebook.
Mid-range
Chromebooks in this range cost roughly $300 to $500. They should have an HD display, decent CPUs and at least 4GB of RAM. You can also find models featuring a fanless design, backlit keyboard and a dedicated tablet mode in this price range. Examples of these Chromebooks include the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus and the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop.
Expensive
Premium Chromebooks cost between $500 and $1,000. In this price range, the choices have internals that compete with the best laptops on the market, and as such they are most appropriate for power users. If you are looking for a Chromebook optimized for multitasking, a long battery life, a crystal-clear UHD display and exceptional build quality, these models are worth investing in. Here, you can expect to find models such as the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 and the Asus 15.6-Inch Touch Screen Cloud Gaming Chromebook.
Expert Tip
Many Chromebooks can run Android apps. Check to see if the models you’re considering support Android apps, so you can enjoy a multitude of applications from the Google Play Store.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Chromebook:
- Determine your screen preference. Take some time to consider whether or not you want a Chromebook with a touch screen. A touch screen tablet (also known as a “two-in-one”) is great if you use a lot of apps that benefit from touch controls. However, you can save a lot of money by getting a model without a touch screen, especially if you prefer to use a trackpad.
- Find out how much support you will get. Google provides support and updates for each model of Chromebook, but it only does so for a limited amount of time. Usually, that period lasts at least two years, but often it lasts longer. Before you buy a specific Chromebook, do a quick search to see how much longer Google will support it. We advise potential buyers to make sure they will continue to get updates for at least a year or two.
- Test if a Chromebook is right for you. You can't use the full Microsoft Office suite on a Chromebook, but you can access an online version of Office. However, Google has its own Office-like suite, which many users find to be just as good. What’s more, that suite is free.
- Plan for the future. As time goes by, more new devices, including Chromebooks, will be equipped with the advanced connectivity of Wi-Fi 6. This doesn’t mean you must go out and buy all new equipment, but you might eventually need to upgrade your router to one that supports this technology.
How we analyzed
For this guide, BestReviews determined the top Chromebooks by analyzing their specs, design and quality, and we also tested some Chromebooks to learn more about what makes a quality product. We also scoured the internet for the best-reviewed Chromebooks and made recommendations based on performance reviews. We looked for Chromebooks with fast, reliable processors, long-lasting battery life, versatility (such as two-in-one models) and sufficient memory for efficient multitasking.
FAQ
Q. Can I use my Chromebook when I am offline?
A. You can use your Chromebook while you are offline, but you won't be able to enjoy its full functionality. However, there are some things you can definitely do. In addition to accessing locally stored files (for instance, playing movies or editing photos you have stored on your hard drive), you can use Google Drive in offline mode to create documents or spreadsheets, read saved articles in Pocket and play various games.
Q. Are Chromebooks suitable for gaming?
A. Unfortunately, Chromebooks are not a good choice for gaming. While you can download game apps, these are generally basic games of the sort you could play on a smartphone rather than sophisticated video games. Because you can't run and install programs on a Chromebook, you can't install your favorite video games.
Q. Can Chromebooks get viruses?
A. The unique selling point of Chromebooks is that they almost exclusively run online, and you can't download or run any executable programs (only apps). While Chromebooks are safe from traditional viruses that rely on running local software, it’s still important to keep them safe from online threats using built-in security tools like 2FA and security extensions like uBlock Origin.
Q. How can I save money on a Chromebook?
A. One of the best ways to buy a top-shelf Chromebook for a low price is to browse Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart around the holidays to find major sales. You might be surprised by the deep discounts available on Chromebooks during Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the weeks before Christmas. But if you’re buying a Chromebook, as we have mentioned, you might be pleasantly surprised by the low price of many great offerings from the likes of Asus, Acer, Samsung, HP, Lenovo and Google.
Q. How long will a Chromebook last?
A. With regular updates and maintenance, a Chromebook can last up to 10 years. A laptop's lifespan depends on how much you use it, but you can prolong its lifespan by consistently updating the operating system as long as Google provides support.
Our expertise
BestReviews reporter Kevin Luna has written many articles on electronics, tech and gadgets and is familiar with the specs and functionality that make a high-quality Chromebook. Needless to say, he’s familiar with the difference in ChromeOS operating software compared to macOS and Windows, which are the operating systems Macbooks and other laptops run. He’s also written about standard laptops, tablets, smartphones and many other popular consumer electronics. BestReviews electronics expert Jaime Vazquez also contributed valuable insights into what makes a quality Chromebook.
