Chromebooks are laptops and two in one that work on Google’s Chrome operating system. While the hardware can look like any old laptop, the minimalist Chrome OS based on a web browser is a different experience than the MacOS and Windows laptops you’re probably used to. If you’re not sure what exactly a Chromebook can and cannot do compared to other laptops, here is all the information you need to know. Basically, though, Chromebooks are a great choice if you live on the web and don’t need to install Windows or Mac software.
Chromebooks are generally cheaper than Windows PCs, MacBooks and iPads as well. However, as Chrome OS has evolved to include the use of Android apps from the Google Play Store, you will now find premium models with faster processors, more memory and faster storage. They are more expensive, of course, but also thinner, lighter and usually have better battery life.
Read More: Laptop vs. Chromebook: What’s the difference and what’s the best
The list below includes the best Chromebook options that we review and is updated regularly as we review new products. Each is chosen independently by our editors.
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The Duet is a 10-inch tablet with a removable keyboard and touchpad. Its small size can be a bit limiting as a primary device, although you can connect to an external monitor via its USB-C port. However, it’s a great choice whether you’re looking for an affordable Chromebook for pure mobility or as a secondary device. Read our review of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet.
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The Acer Chromebook 715 started out as a premium model aimed at a growing business market for Chrome OS devices. Along with its smaller brother, the Acer Chromebook 714, the 715 has a premium all-aluminum chassis built to survive drops of up to 48 inches (122 cm) and down force of up to 132 pounds (60 kg). You can also get the Acer Chromebook 715 with a fingerprint reader, a backlit keyboard, an Intel Core i5 processor and 16 GB of memory for around $ 750. Or you can get a much more affordable version that takes into account specifications and extras, but maintains premium build quality, making it a fantastic choice for a home office or Chromebook student laptop. Read our review of the Acer Chromebook 715.
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The Chromebook Flip C434 was one of our favorites last year and we also consider it a great Chromebook this year. The Flip C436 has a slim aluminum design with a 14-inch full-HD touch screen. Inside, you’ll find state-of-the-art components that the previous iteration for greatly improved performance. This touchscreen Chromebook also comes with a higher price, starting at $ 700. Still, as Chrome OS matures, the extra processing performance is certainly good to have, as well as having that performance in an attractive design. Read our review of the Asus Chromebook Flip C436FA.
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Just as Google’s Pixel smartphones offer the best pure Android experience, Pixelbook Go was developed to offer the best of Chrome OS. The premium Chromebook starts at $ 649, but fully loaded with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of memory, 256 GB of storage and a 4K screen, the price reaches $ 1,399. This is much and more than is necessary for most people. Still, it’s a great little Chromebook, especially for those who really want to explore everything Chrome can do, including apps for Linux and Android. Read our review of Pixelbook Go.
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Tired of trying to work on documents or spreadsheets on a small widescreen? The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 uses one of Acer’s shiny VertiView screens, a 13.5-inch touch screen of 2,256 x 1,504 pixels with a 3: 2 aspect ratio. As the name implies, it offers more vertical space for working, but it’s still the width of a typical 13.3-inch laptop with a 16: 9 aspect ratio. Between that and the battery life that lasted more than 12 hours in our tests, you can do more work in one day and it’s still thin and light enough to be carried on a daily basis.
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If you prefer a wider screen instead of a taller one like the Spin 713, this HP is the way to go. It’s about 0.75 inches wider than a 13.3-inch premium model, but the extra width in the screen size makes it easier to work in two windows side by side. The two-in-one design means you can use it as a tablet (although it is a bit heavy to use in your hand) or connect it to an external keyboard and mouse and use it as a small all-in-one computer.
The Core i3 processor and 8 GB of memory kept it running smoothly even with a few dozen open tabs and background video streaming. And it has a long battery life to boot, lasting 10 hours and 40 minutes in our tests.
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The Galaxy Chromebook is impressive. From its bright red aluminum body to the crisp 3,840 x 2,160 pixel AMOLED screen, this tiny little two in one is far from the thick plastic Chromebooks that were once the category standard. Its Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of memory and 256 GB SSD provide fast performance. And it has cool extras like a fingerprint reader to unlock it, a backlit keyboard and one of Samsung’s S Pens with 4,096 levels of pressure and tilt that are stored in the body so you always have it handy.
The Galaxy Chromebook heats up when you’re working, so you may need to keep it away from your lap. But battery life is its weakest link, reaching just over 7 hours in our video streaming test. However, it charges quickly, so if you don’t mind recharging your battery after a few hours of use, this is a good option for a small Chromebook with a lot of personality.