The Best Chromebooks
Table of Contents
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, you’ve likely noticed it’s mostly dominated by two operating systems: Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s macOS. But in the last decade, Google has managed to shake things up a bit with its Chrome OS, which has allowed manufacturers to offer affordable Chromebooks. While Chrome OS isn’t as versatile as Windows or macOS, the latest models support apps, including Android apps, expanding their level of functionality beyond being just a glorified web browser.
The best way to determine whether or not a Chromebook is right for you is to consider your computing needs. If you spend most of your time browsing the Internet, watching streaming videos, and even playing mobile games, you should consider a Chromebook. In other words, if nearly everything you do can be done from a web browser or a supported app, Chrome OS should be sufficient.
Now keep in mind that you won’t be able to easily install software typically designed for a Windows laptop or a MacBook, but you may not need to. There are now thousands of apps that can be used on Chrome OS, from editing documents and photos to watching your favorite streaming service.
The main reason why Chromebooks have managed to capture a segment of the market is due to their price. Since it runs on Chrome OS, it doesn’t need as much computing power as a standard Windows laptop or MacBook. It also means shopping for one is quite different than shopping for a regular laptop, since their specifications may seem underwhelming, relative to a traditional laptop running Windows or macOS.
You’ll find that Chromebooks are generally affordable, since they don’t require high-end hardware to function well. There are however, some options that have premium features that cost noticeably more. Below, you’ll see our top picks for the best Chromebooks, with a couple premium options for heavy multi-taskers. We’ll discuss what specifications and features to look out for, so you can determine the best Chromebook for you.
1. Editor’s Pick: Lenovo 14” Chromebook S330
- Lightweight and thin
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Competitively priced with solid performance
- Poor viewing angles
- Average sound performance
Key Specs
Display Size and Resolution: | 14 inch @ 1920 x 1080 |
Processor: | MediaTek MT8173C (1.70 GHz) |
Graphics: | Integrated PowerVR GX6250 |
Webcam: | 720p |
RAM: | 4GB |
Although Chrome OS is simplified and its hardware requirements aren’t as strict as a laptop running Windows, pricing can vary from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. With that in mind, we chose our Editor’s Pick for its balance of performance, features and price. It isn’t the fastest Chromebook on our list, nor does it have the best display, but for the average user it’s a great choice.
Manufactured by Lenovo, the Chromebook S330 sports a 14-inch display and is powered by a MediaTek MTK8173C processor. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage, which might not sound like a lot, but it can be expanded with a microSD memory card. At less than one-inch thin and a starting weight of 1.45 kilograms, it’s easy to carry on the go. Its 14-inch display is a fairly common size for Chromebooks and its 1080 resolution means you can enjoy all your media content in full HD.
Given the growing popularity of online meetings, this Chromebook is equipped with a 720p webcam, which you’ll find on all of our recommendations. Sound quality won’t be impressive, with two 2w speaker systems, so you’ll probably want to use a pair of earbuds or a headset with this Chromebook.
2. Runner Up: Google GA00519-US Pixelbook Go 13.3" Chromebook
- 12-hour battery life
- Backlit keyboard
- Fanless design
- Dual stereo speakers
- On the more expensive side
Key Specs
Display Size and Resolution: | 13.3 inch @ 1920 x 1080 |
Processor: | 1.1 GHz core_m |
Graphics: | Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
Webcam: | 1080p |
RAM: | 8GB |
If you’re a heavy multitasker with dozens of tabs opened on your browser, you’ll want some better hardware. For that, we recommend Google’s own Pixelbook, which has an 8th Gen Intel Core processor to give you the speed and responsiveness you need. This is the least expensive of their Pixelbook Go lineup, so if money isn’t an issue, you can have your pick of RAM and storage space.
This model, however, has 8GB RAM and 64GB of RAM for storage, but what really stands out is the battery life — 12 hours, which will come in handy if you’re out for the day and not near a power source.
Thin and lightweight, this Chromebook weighs two pounds and is 13 mm thin, and with a 13.3-inch screen, it’s a decent size for most users. Despite the smaller size, you’re still getting a good screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, for a crisp display. It also has dual speakers, so between that and the screen resolution, it adds up to great visuals and sound for watching movies, editing photos, or video chatting.
3. Best Budget Pick: Acer 11.6” Chromebook 311
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Decent specifications at a budget price
- Small screen
- Not a 1080 display
Key Specs
Display Size and Resolution: | 11.6 inch @ 1366 x 768 |
Processor: | Intel Celeron N4000 (1.10 GHz) |
Graphics: | Intel HD Graphics 600 |
Webcam: | 720p HDR |
RAM: | 4GB |
If you want something compact and on a budget, consider the Chromebook 311 from Acer. Sporting an 11.6-inch display, this Chromebook sacrifices quite a bit to get its price point down. For starters, the display is 1366 by 768, which is good for its 11.6-inch size, but it’s worth mentioning since you won’t get to enjoy full 1080p resolution video. When it comes to hardware, it’s powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, which won’t be as quick as an i5 or i7, but we are talking about a budget Chromebook here.
RAM is fairly standard at 4GB and you can choose from 32GB or 64GB storage. Again, a bit on the lower end, but it is expandable via microSD. One great thing about this Chromebook is that it comes with a pair of USB-C and USB-A ports, which ensures you can hook up your devices as necessary.
The rest of this Chromebook’s features are fairly standard with the rest of our recommendations, with a 720p webcam and Bluetooth connectivity. Battery life is also comparable to most Chromebooks, at up to 10 hours.
4. Best Convertible Chromebook: ASUS 14” Chromebook Flip
- Quality audio
- 360-degree hinge
- Built-in fingerprint sensor
- Small chassis, big screen
- Convertible Chromebook can be used in a variety of modes
- Only USB-C ports
- Battery life varies depending on use
Key Specs
Display Size and Resolution: | 14 inch @ 1920 x 1080 |
Processor: | Intel i5-10210U (1.6 GHz) |
Graphics: | Intel HD Graphics 600 |
Webcam: | 720p |
RAM: | 16GB |
Some modern Chromebooks have the ability to convert, giving you the flexibility to use it as a laptop, tent, stand or tablet. One good example is the ASUS Chromebook Flip, a lightweight and compact Chromebook featuring a magnesium-alloy chassis. Despite sporting a 14-inch full HD 1080 screen, this Chromebook actually has a 13-inch chassis and measures 13.7mm thin while tipping the scales at 1.1 kg. With thin bezels, it’s also one of the most stylish Chromebooks on our list.
Our recommendation has a white finish with a more powerful i5-10210U processor, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD. There’s also a silver option, with an i3-1010U processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB NVMe M.2 SSD. Both choices give you a touchscreen device that’s versatile with its 360-degree hinge. And just because it has a compact size doesn’t mean ASUS cut corners. This Chromebook has a full-size, backlit keyboard with 1.2mm of key travel so typing is comfortable and accurate. A nice premium feature is the built-in fingerprint sensor, which allows you to unlock the Chromebook without having to type in a password.
One feature that makes this Chromebook stand out is its focus on audio performance. It sports a quad-speaker design with an upward-facing soundbar and certificated sound by Harman Kardon. And for the creative types, the Flip does support the latest Universal Stylus Initiative 1.0 standard.
5. Best Large Screen Option: Samsung 15.6” Chromebook 4+
- Large screen
- Good battery life
- Stays cool during use
- Small chassis, big screen
- Convertible Chromebook can be used in a variety of modes
- Heavy
- Display isn’t the best quality
- Average specifications
Key Specs
Display Size and Resolution: | 15.6 inch @ 1920 x 1080 |
Processor: | Intel Celeron N4000 (1.10 GHz) |
Graphics: | Intel UHD Graphics |
Webcam: | 720p |
RAM: | 4GB/6GB |
Some users are willing to sacrifice portability for a larger screen, and this recommendation is made for them. From Samsung, the Chromebook 4+ boasts a large 15.6-inch screen with 1920 by 1080 resolution, so you can enjoy full HD video. It is a bit underpowered with an Intel Celeron N4000 processor and 4GB of RAM, but you can upgrade to a model with 6 GB of RAM, but it comes at a price.
Otherwise, you get 64GB of storage and up to 10.5 hours of battery life, depending on what you’re using the Chromebook for. It’s got a pair of USB-C ports and a single USB-A, along with a microSD card reader and an audio jack. The 720p webcam is pretty standard. Just keep in mind since it is a larger laptop, it also weighs noticeably more than other options at 1.70 kg.
It’s worth mentioning that although this Chromebook offers a larger screen, the quality of the display is average. One bonus is that this recommendation stays cool during use, unlike some other Chromebooks that can get quite warm.
6. Also Consider: HP 14” Chromebook
- Audio tuned by B&O
- Good display
- Plenty of USB ports
- Average performance
- Below average battery life
- A bit on the heavier side
Key Specs
Display Size and Resolution: | 14 inch @ 1920 x 1080 |
Processor: | AMD Dual-Core A4-9120C (1.6 GHz) |
Graphics: | AMD Radeon R4 Graphics |
Webcam: | 720p |
RAM: | 4GB |
This recommendation is a bit of an all-around performer at an affordable price, featuring an AMD A4-9120C processor and Radeon R4 to cover graphics performance. It’s got your standard 4GB of RAM but is a bit on the lower side on storage with 32GB. A 14-inch screen with full HD 1080 resolution delivers all your media content, accompanied by dual speakers and audio tuned by B&O.
Battery life is a bit below average with up to 8.5 hours, and weight is also a bit on the heavier side, starting at 1.54 kg. What this Chromebook does have going for it is that it comes with a pair of USB-C ports and a pair of USB-A ports, along with a microSD card reader and audio jack.
For some versatility, this laptop does have a 180-degree hinge, but it doesn’t have a touchscreen so you can’t really use it as a tablet.
What Exactly Is a Chromebook?
For decades, you essentially had two mainstream options when it came to purchasing a portable computer: Windows or macOS. Those who prefer Apple are stuck with MacBooks and its operating system and ecosystem, while those who are familiar with a PC stick with Windows devices. Google first introduced the Chromebook in 2011, and in its most basic form, it was essentially the company’s popular browser, Chrome. So long as you only needed the Internet for daily use, a Chromebook would suffice.
Since then, Chromebooks have grown in popularity and Chrome OS has received a good amount of support from developers. As a result, more and more apps are now available on Chrome OS, to the point that you can do more than just browse the web or stream video content.
How Important Is the Hardware Really?
If you start comparing traditional laptops with Chromebooks, you might notice there’s quite a discrepancy between the two when it comes to hardware specifications. That’s because Chrome OS is a much ‘lighter’ operating system that doesn’t require top-tier hardware to perform decently. As a result, you can get away with purchasing a slower processor, have less RAM and since Chromebooks are designed to work with the Internet, less storage space.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t get any benefit from higher-end hardware. Naturally the faster the processor and the more RAM you have, the better the Chromebook will perform. This is mainly noticeable if you’re multitasking, or often work with multiple tabs opened on your browser. If you plan on playing some mobile games on your Chromebook, then you’ll definitely want better hardware.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Chromebook
There are a few things to consider when narrowing down your choices. For starters, you should determine how important portability is to you. If you’re planning to carry your Chromebook often, you’ll want a smaller and more lightweight device. Next, consider battery life. It may not be a huge concern if you know you’ll always be near a power source, but if you’re not, get a Chromebook that can last you the full workday.
Next, there are some premium features to consider, like whether or not you need a device that can convert into a tablet mode, or something similar. Along the same lines, do you need a touchscreen or a Chromebook that’s compatible with a stylus? If so, make sure the option you’re picking has those features.
Do you own any of these Chromebooks? We're always looking for more feedback! If you would like to share your experience, please comment below!