Most individuals select between Home windows and macOS in terms of laptops, however you’re in all probability conscious there’s a 3rd principal choice.
Google’s Chrome OS was first launched again in 2011, as a stripped-back working system designed for reasonable machines. However it’s come a good distance since then, mirrored within the launch of loads of premium Chromebooks lately.
The consumer expertise remains to be extra simplistic than Home windows 11 or macOS Ventura, however that makes them a lot simpler to select up and begin utilizing. If you happen to simply want a tool for on a regular basis duties (akin to ) or don’t want entry to particular apps or software program, Chrome OS could possibly be best for you.
However choosing the proper Chromebook isn’t simple. There’s extra alternative than ever earlier than in 2023, with established manufacturers akin to Acer, HP, Asus and Lenovo all commonly releasing new gadgets.
This text goals to simplify your determination, with a listing of 10 of the perfect Chromebooks you should purchase. Some fashions may be a 12 months or two previous, however they’re nonetheless broadly out there and supply good worth. Additionally, Chromebook tech doesn’t transfer as quick as Home windows laptops.
Chromebooks are additionally included in our funds laptop computer chart, whereas the principle laptop computer information options extra premium gadgets. However when you’re set on Chrome OS, you’ve come to the correct place.
Greatest Chromebook 2023
1. Acer Chromebook Spin 713 – Greatest General
Professionals
- Glorious show
- Nice battery life
- Quick efficiency
Cons
- Barely spongy keyboard
- Fan noise at instances
Value When Reviewed:
From $629.99
Acer updates its Chromebook vary with the brand new Spin 713 that blends wonderful efficiency with a beautiful 3:2 ratio show and respectable ports.
The 360-degree hinge means a flexible design and issues run very properly on the Tenth-gen Core processor we examined with 128GB storage, although a less expensive mannequin makes use of a Pentium processor and half the storage.
It’s a robust mixture which places the gadget on the highest of the pile for many who need a Premium ChromeOS laptop computer with out it costing the Earth.
Certain, it’s so much to pay for a Chromebook in comparison with some, however in these instances of laptops routinely costing tons of greater than that, that is good worth for cash.
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Acer Chromebook Spin 713 assessment
2. Google Pixelbook Go – Greatest Premium Mannequin
Professionals
- Nice display screen
- Respectable efficiency
- Glorious webcam
Cons
- Costly high-end fashions
Value When Reviewed:
From $649 | Mannequin reviewed $849
The Pixelbook Go is a light-weight but premium gadget which has nice battery life and efficiency. It’s additionally extra inexpensive than the earlier Pixelbook, although nonetheless dear in comparison with most Chromebooks.
The keyboard is ultra-quiet and different options akin to a high-quality webcam make this Chromebook an excellent choice for distant employees.
The 2 lower-spec fashions are higher worth for cash, however there are larger storage choices do you have to need them.
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Google Pixelbook Go assessment
3. Acer Chromebook Vero 514 – Greatest Design
Professionals
- Sturdy, eco-friendly design
- Strong efficiency
- Good port choice
- Nice webcam
Cons
- Underwhelming show
- Unreliable trackpad
- No fingerprint or face unlock
Value When Reviewed:
From £499.99
In a world the place so many Chromebooks (and different laptops) look comparable, the Vero 514 actually stands out. Recycled plastic will be discovered within the chassis, keycaps, and audio system, whereas all of the packaging will be recycled too.
Deciding towards utilizing paint leads to a novel speckled gray design, which appears good but in addition feels impressively sturdy. Mixed with nice efficiency from Twelfth-gen Intel CPUs and a very good Full HD webcam, Acer is on to a winner right here. There’s additionally a stable port choice, even when there appears to be area for a second USB-A slot.
However it’s not all excellent news. Under the spectacular keyboard is an erratic trackpad that usually has a thoughts of its personal, whereas the matte show means content material usually appears uninteresting and washed out, even whether it is a lot much less reflective than the same old shiny various. You’ll additionally must get used to typing in a PIN or password, with no fingerprint sensor or face unlock out there.
Whether or not these are dealbreakers can be as much as you. However the Vero 514 is robust in so many different areas that it’s undoubtedly price contemplating.
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Acer Chromebook Vero 514 assessment
4. HP Chromebook x360 14c – Greatest for Media Consumption
Professionals
- Quick efficiency
- Nice audio
- Premium elements
Cons
- Reflective Show
- Glitches at low energy
Value When Reviewed:
$519.99
It won’t be fairly capable of pip Google and Acer however HP has finished an excellent job with its newest Chromebook x360.
For an affordable worth, you get an excellent all-rounder with a flexible design due to the 360-degree hinges and 14in touchscreen even when it’s not the brightest round and has a shiny end.
Construct high quality is stable and so are the core specs with a Core i3 processor and a wholesome 8GB of RAM. Add in a good keyboard and Bang & Olufsen audio system and also you’ve obtained your self a Chromebook you’ll be able to depend on for an unlimited vary of duties.
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HP Chromebook x360 14c assessment
5. Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 – Greatest Efficiency
Professionals
- Massive show
- Good battery life
- Quick efficiency
Cons
- Dim show
- Tough edges on faceplate
- Cramped numberpad
Value When Reviewed:
From $699.99
With unusually highly effective elements for a Chromebook, centering round Intel Tiger Lake Core i3 and i5 processors together with 8GB of RAM, the Flip CX5 is among the strongest round.
This ensures clean efficiency day-to-day and together with a big display screen and stable battery life from a single cost, the CX5 is a superb choice. Add within the convertible design and it will get even higher.
A devoted numpad may be a boon for some though it’s cramped in dimension and the show is missing brightness stopping the CX5 from being a knockout bundle. It additionally has some construct points price contemplating earlier than hitting the purchase button.
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Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500) assessment
6. Lenovo Thinkpad C13 Yoga – Greatest Construct
Professionals
- Glorious construct high quality
- Nice keyboard
- Stylus Included
Cons
- Patchy efficiency
- Poor battery life
- Common cameras
Value When Reviewed:
From $599 | Mannequin reviewed $819
If you need a well-made and hard-wearing Chromebook then this ThinkPad from Lenovo won’t disappoint, residing as much as the well-known title.
This is applicable not solely to sturdiness but in addition components just like the keyboard and the Yoga half means it’s convertible, too. Moreover, the stylus – which neatly slots into the laptop computer itself – can be very helpful for some customers.
On the flip facet, the battery life is poorer than you’d count on for a ThinkPad, we skilled gaming points and the cameras are fairly common, too.
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Lenovo Thinkpad C13 Yoga Chromebook assessment
7. Acer Chromebook 515 – Greatest Show
Professionals
- Spectacular 15.6in display screen
- Loads of RAM & storage
- Strong efficiency
Cons
- Spongy keyboard
- Common battery life
- No touchscreen
Value When Reviewed:
$649.99
In an try to get the worth as little as attainable, Chromebooks usually make massive show compromises.
That’s not the case right here, with the Chromebooks Full HD IPS panel the most effective you’ll discover on any Chrome OS gadget. It presents loads of element and vibrant colors, whereas the 15.6in dimension is bigger than many rivals. it additionally incorporates a matte coating, making it much less reflective than the everyday shiny end.
Different highlights embody Intel Core i3 or i5 processors (albeit Eleventh-gen chips) and 8GB of RAM, which means efficiency is stable. A 128GB SSD is barely on the small facet, however shouldn’t be a difficulty given Chrome OS’ emphasis on cloud storage.
With a great vary of ports and separate quantity pad, the Chromebook 515 has so much going for it. If you happen to can look past a barely spongy keyboard and don’t wish to spend a full day away from the charger, it’s price contemplating.
Learn our full
Acer Chromebook 515 assessment
8. Asus Chromebook C423NA – Greatest Worth
Professionals
- Cheap
- Engaging design
- Good keyboard
Cons
- Sub-standard battery life
- Barely underpowered
Value When Reviewed:
$349.99
The C423NA is one other traditional Chromebook from Asus, offering you with a laptop computer to hold out day-to-day duties at low price. It appears good, is extremely transportable and presents a snug keyboard and trackpad.
It gained’t be capable of address a lot past primary duties and the battery life is proscribed making it extra appropriate for across the house quite than on the highway.
If you need a top quality Chromebook that’s extra inexpensive than the Pixelbook Go, the C423NA is an effective choice.
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Asus C423NA Chromebook assessment
9. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Greatest Finances
Professionals
- Good design
- Nice keyboard
- Respectable battery life
Cons
- Lacklustre show
- Solely appropriate for mild duties
Value When Reviewed:
$394.99
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a Chromebook to cowl all of the fundamentals of each day computing – browsing the net, creating paperwork, checking social media, and streaming content material – then you’ll be able to’t go far incorrect with the Lenovo IdeaPad 3.
Sure, the show isn’t the very best and the webcam is poor, however at this worth, it will get much more proper than it does incorrect.
It has a pleasant design with a good keyboard and also you additionally profit from lengthy battery life. Simply be sure you solely want it for lighter duties.
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Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook 14 assessment
10. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet – Greatest Pill
Professionals
- Engaging hybrid design
- Comes with keyboard
- Low-cost
Cons
- Lacks processing energy
- Cramped keyboard
- Small display screen
Value When Reviewed:
$279.99
A captivating little 2-in-1 Chromebook that may be mild on energy however is massive on enjoyable. It’s no surprise the Duet was extremely anticipated.
The very fact you’re getting a ChromeOS laptop computer and an Android pill in a single inexpensive bundle is simply the beginning actually – and sure, the keyboard is included within the worth. It appears good, lasts a good period of time and has a great high quality show.
It’s not the largest display screen, although and the keyboard can be slightly cramped so isn’t perfect for all work conditions – ie numerous typing or giant spreadsheets. It additionally doesn’t have enormous quantities of energy so is healthier suited to lighter use.
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Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook assessment
FAQ
Do Chromebooks run Android apps?
This is among the massive causes to purchase a Chromebook. All trendy Chrome OS gadgets are able to working Android apps, making it simple to make use of a particular cellphone app or play cellular video games in your laptop computer. It additionally makes it simple to share knowledge between gadgets.
Nonetheless, when you’re taking a look at an older mannequin, it’s price checking whether or not it helps them on not earlier than shopping for.
Can Chromebooks run Microsoft Workplace apps?
Probably the most important limitation of a Chromebook is that it will possibly’t run among the Home windows software program you may be used to. Full variations of Microsoft Workplace apps gained’t run on a Chromebook, though you should use the web-based suite and Android apps. However the free Google Workspace apps are an excellent various, with the likes of Docs (Phrase), Sheets (Excel) and Slides (PowerPoint) supply the whole lot most individuals are on the lookout for.
For the alternate options to different in style software program, see the Q&A piece on the Chromebook web site.
What specs ought to I search for in a Chromebook?
There are extra premium Chromebooks than ever earlier than, however that’s not what you’ll discover on most Chrome OS gadgets.
As a substitute, you’ll have to get used to smaller shows and counting on cloud storage quite than storing most recordsdata domestically. Google presents 100GB of Drive storage with each machine and a spread of different perks with each Chromebook purchased.
However entry-level processors are more likely to maintain you again except you solely want a Chromebook for absolutely the fundamentals. Search for a tool working an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU or larger, whereas 8GB of RAM is an effective baseline to intention for.
By way of show, search for a Full HD (1920×1080) or larger decision and IPS LCD panels. OLED is sweet to have, however uncommon on Chromebooks.
Lately, you’ll find shows starting from 10-16in. Some supply touchscreens and 360° hinges, which permit the keyboard to be folded out of the best way and it used like a pill. However there are additionally a rising variety of Chrome OS tablets with removable keyboards.
Battery life can be essential, however don’t pay an excessive amount of consideration to the capability itself. As a substitute, search for how a lot utilization you’ll be able to count on to get from a single cost. If the producer doesn’t say, learn evaluations to know different folks’s expertise with it.