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The Best Chromebook

By Kimber Streams

Kimber Streams is a writer who has been covering laptops and other tech at Wirecutter for more than a decade. They once built a fort out of keyboards.

A good Chromebook can do almost anything that a regular laptop can do, and the best models can feel better to use than their similarly priced Windows counterparts.

After testing most of the Chromebooks released over the past nine years and testing 20 models so far in 2023, we recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus . It’s an excellent laptop, with the best combination of features and price of all the Chromebooks we’ve tested, including fast performance, a spacious touchscreen, and long-enough battery life for a full day of work or classes.

Everything we recommend

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

The best chromebook.

Reliable performance, a spacious touch display, and long-enough battery life for a full workday make this model the best Chromebook for the price. But it is a bit heavy.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

Less expensive, worse display.

This Asus model is a less expensive option that doesn’t sacrifice performance, but its non-touch display isn’t as tall, vibrant, or convenient as that of our top pick.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ (82V80009UX)

A bigger screen.

This inexpensive model offers fast performance, a roomy 16-inch screen with a high refresh rate, and an RGB keyboard with a built-in number pad. But it’s huge and heavy.

Upgrade pick

Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (CP714-2W-56B2)

More portable.

This Acer model is lighter and has longer battery life and more storage than our top pick, plus a crisper 1440p webcam. But it’s more expensive.

Why a Chromebook?

Many kids already use Chromebooks at school, and these inexpensive, secure, and accessible laptops are great for pulling out of a bag and getting right to work.

Chromebooks can do almost anything that regular laptops can do, using browser-based software and services instead of Windows or macOS apps.

A great $500 Chromebook can feel faster to use—and can be lighter and more compact—than a similarly priced Windows laptop.

If you already have a desktop or laptop, a Chromebook is an excellent and affordable secondary device.

Recommended configuration

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus has a reliable keyboard and trackpad, a tall touchscreen, and surprisingly good speakers. All of those features combined with the IdeaPad Flex 5i’s reasonable price make it the best Chromebook for most people’s needs. But we wish that it were lighter—at 3.6 pounds, it’s heavy for a 14-inch laptop—and we wish that it had a couple more hours of battery life. It’ll last a full day of work or classes on a charge, but not much longer.

The best cheap Chromebook—and the next-best option if our top pick is unavailable—is the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 . It’s just as fast as our top pick and can handle everyday workloads with ease, unlike many cheap Chromebooks, which feel slow with just a handful of tabs open. The CX34 also has a comfortable, backlit keyboard, battery life similar to that of our top pick, and a light, compact body. This model’s display is fine, but it lacks touch input, it’s not as tall, and its colors aren’t as vibrant as what you can get on our top pick.

The best option if you want a big screen is the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ . Photos and videos look great on its gigantic 16-inch display with a high refresh rate, and the RGB keyboard is a fun extra feature. But this 4-pound laptop is inconvenient to take to work, class, or even a coffee shop—it’s best used around the house. If you need a more portable Chromebook to commute or travel with, consider our other picks instead.

It’s available in two versions. Most people should get the Core i3 model with 128 GB of eMMC storage, which is fast enough and is often cheaper. But if the Core i3 model is out of stock—or if you luck out on a great sale—the Core i5 model is also a great option.

If you want a more portable Chromebook that weighs less and offers longer battery life, as well as more storage and a crisper-looking 1440p webcam, get the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (CP714-2W-56B2) . It’s an excellent Chromebook with a reliable keyboard and trackpad and a vivid 14-inch display, but it costs several hundred dollars more than our top pick.

The research

What is a chromebook, why you should trust us, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: lenovo ideapad flex 5i chromebook plus, budget pick: asus chromebook plus cx34, a big screen: lenovo ideapad gaming chromebook 16", upgrade pick: acer chromebook spin 714 (cp714-2w-56b2), other good chromebooks, what to look forward to, the competition.

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs ChromeOS , an operating system that uses the Chrome web browser as its primary interface. Chromebooks are ideal for students and kids, but they’re also worth considering if you spend most of your computer time in a web browser, if you’re on a tight budget, or if you already have a decent desktop PC . A good Chromebook can do almost anything a regular laptop can do—as long as that task is possible in a web browser or in Android apps . And $500 Chromebooks tend to be faster, lighter, and sleeker than $500 Windows laptops. Chromebooks are also secure and easy to maintain .

But Chromebooks can’t run Mac or Windows programs, including Windows-specific games. They work best with a full-time internet connection, though you can find offline options for Gmail, Google Drive, and other apps , and Chromebook Plus models can automatically sync Google Drive files for offline use. If you use web-based email, if you can get by with Microsoft 365 , Google’s office web apps, and Android app alternatives, and if you stream your music and movies, a Chromebook should do just about everything you need it to.

Most newly released Chromebooks have 128 GB of onboard storage; Google also provides 100 GB of free online Google One storage for one year. (Once your year is up, you have to pay to keep that cloud storage. Right now, 100 GB of storage costs $2 per month or $20 per year.) Most Chromebooks also include USB ports and a microSD card slot that you can use to expand the storage.

Senior staff writer Kimber Streams has tested most of the Chromebooks released since 2014, when they began covering Chromebooks for Wirecutter. They’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops, including Chromebooks, cheap Windows laptops, powerful gaming laptops, and ultrabooks.

A Chromebook doesn’t need to be exceptionally powerful or look fancy. But if slow performance, poor battery life, a horrendous screen, or a bad keyboard or trackpad gets in your way, the Chromebook has failed at its only job. Here’s what we look for:

Performance: We’ve found that fast and reliable performance for a Chromebook requires 8 GB of memory combined with an 11th-generation or newer Intel processor or a 5000- or 7000-series AMD Ryzen processor. When we used Chromebooks with lower-end processors or less memory, we encountered long, frequent delays loading tabs, typing in documents and spreadsheets, and speaking on Zoom calls. One way to guarantee that you’re getting fast-enough performance is to look for Google’s new Chromebook Plus label introduced in October 2023, though some models released before then lack the label but meet the spec requirements.

Avoid Chromebooks that run on Intel’s N-series Celeron or Pentium processors, on ARM-based processors from companies such as MediaTek or Qualcomm, or on AMD’s Athlon A4 and A6 processors; in our testing over the years, we’ve come away frustrated by their laggy, inconsistent performance. Also avoid any Chromebooks with less than 4 GB of memory, regardless of their processor.

Price: As of 2023, Chromebooks that meet our performance requirements typically cost $400 to $550. Options with better performance and more features tend to cost at least $700.

Keyboard and trackpad: Both input devices should be good enough not to get in the way of your work. A backlit keyboard is a nice luxury.

Battery life: A Chromebook should last at least a full eight-hour day of classes or work so you don’t have to hunt for an outlet or be stuck with a dead laptop.

Size and weight: The lighter and more compact a laptop is, the easier it is to carry on a plane, to a coffee shop, or to class. And for Chromebooks with 360-degree convertible hinges, being lighter makes them easier to hold in tablet mode—less than 3 pounds is ideal.

Screen: We recommend a 1920×1080 resolution or thereabouts for a 13- to 15-inch screen—higher resolutions often aren’t worth the trade-off in battery life, and lower resolutions look bad. A touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge are nice perks since Chromebooks also run Android apps, and an included stylus is a bonus.

Ports: We appreciate a Chromebook that includes both USB-C ports and traditional USB-A ports, which allows you to connect older peripherals.

Support: Google now guarantees 10 years of software updates—including new features and security fixes—for every new Chromebook. We don’t recommend any Chromebooks with a support date that expires before 2028.

We lived with each Chromebook for at least a full day of work to get a feel for the keyboard, trackpad, screen, and speakers, as well as for each laptop’s real-world performance. We checked Gmail and Google Calendar, ran Slack, streamed music, worked in large Google Drive spreadsheets and text documents, chatted on Zoom, and streamed videos from Netflix, Twitch, and YouTube. We paid attention to any performance issues that surfaced.

To quantify how fast a Chromebook felt to use, we gathered results from the Speedometer 2.0 and JetStream 2 benchmarking tools to measure performance, combining those results with what we saw in our real-world testing.

To test the battery life of each Chromebook, we set each screen’s backlight to approximately 150 nits and ran a customized version of the Chromium web-browsing battery test . It emulates typical browsing behavior by cycling through web pages, email, streaming audio, Google Docs files, and video.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an excellent Chromebook, with the best combination of features and price of all the models we’ve tested. It offers fast performance, a reliable keyboard and trackpad, a tall and spacious touchscreen, and enough battery life to last a full day of work or classes. Though we wish it were lighter—at 3.6 pounds it’s weighty for a 14-inch laptop—it’s the best Chromebook for most people’s needs.

It’s fast enough for everyday tasks. The IdeaPad Flex 5i meets all of Wirecutter’s (and Google’s) spec requirements for smooth performance. It was plenty fast enough to handle all my tabs, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Slack, YouTube Music, a YouTube video, a large spreadsheet of Chromebook test results, a long Google Doc, and five to 10 other miscellaneous retailer and laptop-maker websites. I even threw a Zoom call on top, and everything kept working just fine. This model also supports Google’s new Chromebook Plus features for improving video calls, syncing files for offline access, and more.

The battery will last a full day of work or classes, but not much longer. In our testing, the IdeaPad Flex 5i lasted 8 hours 44 minutes on a charge; that’s long enough for a day of work, but not much more. We prefer to see a couple more hours, especially since battery life degrades over time. If you need longer battery life, consider our upgrade pick instead.

It has a tall, spacious display and surprisingly good speakers. The IdeaPad Flex 5i’s 14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen has a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is especially convenient for scrolling web pages and working in long documents. It isn’t bright enough to see outdoors on a sunny day—and the glossy touchscreen is reflective—but it isn’t so dim and desaturated as to be distracting. In addition, we found the upward-facing speakers to be unexpectedly competent; the Flex 5i is a better option for watching movies and music videos than our budget pick.

You can use it as a tablet, but it’s heavy. Our top pick has a 360-degree hinge, so you can flip the screen around and use it in tablet or tent mode. But the IdeaPad Flex 5i’s weight makes it difficult to hold in tablet mode. I was able to open the lid with a single hand, but the tight hinge made the action more difficult than it should have been.

The IdeaPad Flex 5i has a mix of new and old USB ports, so it should accommodate the accessories and cables you already have. It has guaranteed update support through June 2032.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s heavy for its portable size. At 12.4 by 9.0 by 0.8 inches, our top pick is compact enough to fit into most bags to use on the go. But at 3.6 pounds, the IdeaPad Flex 5i is one of the heavier Chromebooks we’ve tested with this screen size. If you need a lighter Chromebook, take a look at our budget pick or our upgrade pick .

Its 1080p webcam is fine but could be better. The webcam produces a dim image even with Google’s new Improve Lighting feature enabled. (It does have a convenient privacy shutter to block it when you’re not using it.) Our budget pick and upgrade pick have better webcams, if you need one for frequent video calls.

The best inexpensive Chromebook, and the next-best option if our top pick is unavailable, is the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 . Unlike many cheap Chromebooks, which can struggle with basic tasks, the CX34 feels as fast as our top pick, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i. And it has a comfortable, backlit keyboard, a responsive trackpad, and a decent 14-inch 1080p display. But compared with the IdeaPad Flex 5i’s screen, the CX34’s display lacks touch input, it’s not as tall, and its colors aren’t as vibrant.

Our budget pick is just as fast as our top pick. Many cheap Chromebooks rely on slow processors or have limited memory; typically those models can’t handle a video call and an open document at the same time, or they bog down with just a handful of tabs open. But the CX34 doesn’t make any sacrifices in the performance department—our budget pick can handle everyday workloads with ease.

It’s light and compact. Our budget pick is easier to lug around because it’s about a third of a pound lighter and a bit more compact than our top pick. The CX34 lasted 8 hours 41 minutes in our battery-life test, about the same as the IdeaPad Flex 5i. Both models have enough battery life to make it through a full day of work or classes, but not much more.

Its smaller, non-touch display is a step down. The CX34’s 14-inch 1920×1080 screen is fine, but its 16:9 aspect ratio isn’t as nice as the IdeaPad Flex 5i’s taller display for working in documents or browsing the web. This model’s screen also lacks touch input, and colors look more drab and desaturated in comparison with those on our top pick’s display.

You can’t use it as a tablet. Unlike the IdeaPad Flex 5i, which has a 360-degree hinge, the CX34 can work only as a basic clamshell laptop. It’s easy to open with one hand, though.

The CX34 has a 1080p webcam with a built-in privacy shutter. Like the IdeaPad Flex 5i, the CX34 has a variety of useful ports, and it has guaranteed update support through June 2023.

If you want a big screen, the best option is the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ . Its 16-inch display provides more room to get work done or to enjoy streaming shows or movies, and its number pad can be useful if you do a lot of data entry. That big screen makes the whole laptop heavier and bulkier, though. If you need a more portable Chromebook to take to classes, to commute or travel with, or to occasionally cart to a café, you may want to consider our other picks instead.

Most people should get the Core i3 model with 128 GB of eMMC storage; it’s fast enough, and it’s often cheaper. But if the Core i3 model is out of stock—or you spot a significant sale—the Core i5 model is also a great option.

Its gigantic screen is ideal for working or for watching videos. The 16-inch, 2560×1600 high-refresh display gives you more room to work on documents and spreadsheets or to watch shows and movies. Its colors are vibrant, the matte display doesn’t throw distracting reflections, and the 120 Hz high refresh rate makes scrolling and other actions look extra smooth.

The customizable RGB keyboard is responsive and fun. But the backlit keys feel mushy, and the keyboard deck flexes a lot, even under light typing. This model is the only one of our current picks with a number pad, so if that feature is a must-have for you, this is the Chromebook to get. The IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook’s extra-wide trackpad is accurate, and it works well for all taps, clicks, and gestures.

It offers long battery life, but it’s large and heavy. The IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook will last a full day of work or school away from an outlet—the Core i5 model ran for 9 hours 15 minutes in our battery test, and we expect the Core i3 model to last a bit longer. But at 4 pounds, it’s the heaviest of our picks. And compared with our top pick, the IdeaPad Flex 5i, it’s much bigger overall, measuring nearly 2 inches wider and an inch deeper. This Chromebook is more convenient to use at home, rather than on the go.

Unlike our top pick, this model can’t work as a tablet. The IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook lacks a 360-degree hinge, but it’s too bulky and heavy to use in a tent mode or tablet mode, anyway. I consistently needed both hands to open it. If you want a large-screen laptop that you can open using a single hand, I suggest the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (CB515-2H) or HP Chromebook 15a-nb0023dx .

Despite being a “gaming Chromebook,” it doesn’t have an Ethernet port. It comes with three months of Nvidia GeForce Now, but the lack of Ethernet made streaming games unreliable in our testing. It does have a variety of USB-C and USB-A ports for most other needs, though. The webcam is about as good as those of our other picks, and it has guaranteed update support through June 2032.

If you want a lighter Chromebook with longer battery life, more storage, and a more flattering 1440p webcam, we recommend the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (CP714-2W-56B2) . The Spin 714 also has a reliable keyboard and trackpad, as well as a vivid 14-inch display, but it typically costs a couple hundred dollars more than our top pick.

The backlit keyboard feels comfortable and satisfying. I enjoyed typing on it more than on our top pick’s shallower keyboard. The trackpad is on the small side, but it was responsive and accurate, and we didn’t encounter any issues with its size.

The Spin 714 is light and portable, with long battery life. In our battery-life tests, this model lasted 13 hours—the longest of any Chromebook we tested this year. That’s plenty long enough for the machine to get through a full day of work or school without needing to be plugged in. At 3 pounds, it’s more than half a pound lighter than our top pick, too.

It has an excellent display. The 14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen gets a bit brighter than that of the IdeaPad Flex 5i. And like our top pick, the Spin 714 has a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is particularly nice for browsing the web.

You can use it as a tablet or a laptop. The Spin 714’s lid is easy to open with a single hand, and similar to our top pick, it has a 360-degree hinge for tent and tablet modes. Even though the Spin 714 is significantly lighter than the IdeaPad Flex 5i, swapping between modes remains difficult because of this model’s weight and pointy hinge corners, and it’s uncomfortable to hold as a tablet.

Its 1440p webcam is a significant step up over those of our other picks. In our tests, this model’s webcam produced a brighter, more flattering image on Zoom calls. The webcam also has a physical privacy shutter to block it when you’re not using it.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 has guaranteed update support through June 2032.

If our top picks are out of stock: The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus is the next best option thanks to its solid performance and long battery life. It costs a bit more than our top picks, its keys feel stiff, and our top pick’s taller-aspect-ratio display is more convenient, but the IdeaPad Slim 3i is a perfectly serviceable Chromebook.

If our budget pick is sold out: Get the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4HT-359X) . It has reliable performance, decent battery life, and a 14-inch 1080p touch display. Compared to our budget pick, the Chromebook Plus 514’s keyboard doesn’t feel as satisfying to type on and its webcam doesn’t handle low light as well. But for a $350 Chromebook, this model provides a great value.

If our big-screen pick is unavailable: We recommend the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (CB515-2H) or the HP Chromebook Plus (15a-nb0033dx)  instead. Both models are fast-enough, reliable Chromebooks with long battery life; get the HP model if you want a number pad, otherwise get whichever one is cheaper. Compared with the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ , both of these models have smaller, lower-resolution, dimmer displays with a standard 60 Hz refresh rate, and as a result, scrolling and other animations don’t look as smooth.

If you want a repairable Chromebook: The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition allows you to easily replace and upgrade its individual parts, just like its Windows counterpart—which received a repairability score of 10 out of 10 from iFixit and which we recommend . Framework includes a screwdriver in the package, and QR codes conveniently placed by each internal part direct you to step-by-step replacement guides. You can add more storage and memory, replace the battery, extend the ChromeOS support date by upgrading the mainboard with a new processor, or repair anything else if it breaks.

But if Framework goes under or stops supporting this model, then it ends up just like any other Chromebook—when it breaks or its support runs out in June 2032, you’ll have to replace the whole thing. At $1,000, it’s also very pricey for a Chromebook, and its battery life is decent but not superb.

If our upgrade pick is unavailable, or if you spot a sale: The HP Chromebook Plus x360 (14c-cd0053dx)  is another excellent premium Chromebook. It has a satisfying keyboard and a spacious trackpad, but compared with the Acer Chromebook Spin 714, its battery life is shorter, it’s a bit heavier, its display doesn’t get as bright, and it’s harder to open with a single hand.

If you want a Chromebook for streaming games: The Acer Chromebook 516 GE (CBG516-1H-53TY) is the best of the so-called gaming Chromebooks because it’s the only model with an Ethernet port to provide a reliable internet connection for streaming games. It also has a vivid 16-inch, 2560×1600 display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a responsive, comfortable RGB keyboard. Every gaming Chromebook we’ve tested on Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now (Priority and Ultimate tiers) has encountered frustrating hiccups over Wi-Fi on a 500 Mbps internet plan, so we don’t recommend getting a Chromebook to stream games over Wi-Fi.

Google has announced a handful of new features for Chromebook Plus models—including AI features to help edit photos, generate text, and make wallpaper and video call backgrounds—alongside a host of new models . We plan to test the $420 HP Chromebook Plus x360 (14b-cd0010nr) , the $450 HP Chromebook Plus (14a-nf0050nr) , and the $500 Asus Chromebook Plus (CX3402CVA-I5128) against our top picks. We’ll also be testing the $330 Asus CM30 Detachable , the $370 HP Chromebook (14at-nf000) , and the $430 HP Chromebook x360 (14bt-cd000) against our budget picks. The $650 Acer Chromebook Plus 516GE (CBG516-2H) is a newer version of our recommended Chromebook for streaming games, and the $750 Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (CP714-1H) is a new version of our upgrade pick. We’ll test all of these new Chromebooks soon.

At CES 2024, Asus announced the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus (CX5403) . So far the ExpertBook is only available to businesses, but we expect it to roll out for everyone else in the coming months. We plan to test it when it does.

At Computex 2024, Acer announced the $550 Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (CP514-4HN). It launches in August, and we’ll test it then.

The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 (CBV514-1H-38VS) is fast enough for everyday tasks and offers long battery life, but it has a dim, non-touch screen compared to our top picks and it costs more than our budget picks.

The thin-and-light Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (CP513-2H-K62Y) has a tall, vivid touchscreen and long battery life. But this model won’t be getting Chromebook Plus features , its price has gone up, and stock has been unreliable.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-3HT-R8C2) offers fast performance but has a notably dim display with desaturated colors.

Though the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (CP514-3H-R2D2) is fast and has long battery life, it’s bulky, and it suffers from a dim display and a finicky trackpad.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (CP514-1H) is large and heavy, and its update support ends a year sooner than our top pick’s. The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-2H) is too slow for everyday tasks, and our review unit stopped turning on.

During our tests, the N6000 processor in the Acer Chromebook 314 (CB314-3HT-P6QW) and the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (CP314-1HN-P138) struggled to support a Zoom call and document editing at the same time.

The ARM-based processor in the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (CP513-1H-S338) faltered in simultaneously running a Zoom call and allowing work on a spreadsheet.

The Asus Chromebook Flip C433 and Asus Chromebook Flip C434 won’t get Chromebook Plus features and will stop receiving security updates years before our top picks.

At a whopping 4.08 pounds, the Asus Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip is too heavy; this 14-inch model weighs even more than our pick with a 16-inch display . The CM34 Flip is an otherwise good Chromebook with long, 13-hour battery life, fast-enough specs, and Chromebook Plus features.

The Asus Chromebook Flip CX3 is heavy at 3.64 pounds and won’t be getting Chromebook Plus features.

Upgrade options

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 has an older processor, lacks USB-A ports, and failed to last as long as the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 in our battery-life tests.

Though the Lenovo ThinkPad C14 Gen 1 Chromebook has a top-notch keyboard and trackpad, the Spin 714 is smaller, lighter, and cheaper, with longer battery life and a taller-aspect-ratio display.

The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook has a thin and light body, a vibrant 13.5-inch 1080p touchscreen, a comfortable backlit keyboard, and a huge responsive trackpad, and in our tests it offered excellent performance and plenty of battery life. But it retails for more than $1,000.

The above model’s successor, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook , also costs $1,000, plus it has mediocre battery life, lacks a headphone jack, and weighs more than our upgrade pick.

The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400FMA-DN388T-S) and the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook (13″) are more expensive than the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 and will stop receiving updates a year earlier.

Google’s Pixelbook Go will stop receiving updates three years earlier than our upgrade pick.

15- and 16-inch options

The Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 (CM5500FDA-DN344T) has worse performance, a smaller screen, and a higher price than our pick, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ .

The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) is heavier, dimmer, and more expensive than our big-screen pick.

The Acer Chromebook 315 (CB315-4HT) , the Lenovo 3i Chromebook (15″) , and the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook (15″) all had too-slow processors that struggled with video calls and other simultaneous tasks in our tests.

Gaming Chromebooks

Google worked with manufacturers to design “gaming Chromebooks” that come with cloud-gaming subscriptions, high-refresh displays, and RGB keyboards. After testing these models, we don’t recommend Chromebooks as gaming devices—they’re limited to Android games (which you can play on any decent Chromebook) and game-streaming services, which are dependent on fickle internet connections. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE (CBG516-1H-53TY) is the only one with an Ethernet port, which makes it more reliable for game streaming, while the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip and Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip cost more and lack Ethernet ports. We like the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ more for its large screen and low price than its gaming capabilities.

Budget options

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″) won’t get Chromebook Plus features, and its battery won’t last over a full day of work or classes.

Equipped with only an N100 processor and 4 GB of memory, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook (82XH0001US) had difficulty handling simultaneous tasks and video calls.

The MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor in the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook (14″) and the Asus Chromebook CM14 and Asus Chromebook CM14 Flip was abysmally slow in our tests.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 512 (R853TA) is decent for young kids thanks to its durable body and spill-resistant keyboard. But it’s slow—it can handle schoolwork or a video chat, but it can’t do both at the same time gracefully. It also suffers from a terrible, low-resolution display.

The base Dell Latitude 3445 Chromebook is comparatively expensive for a machine with a low-resolution display, 4 GB of memory, and only 32 GB of local storage.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Duet 3 (11″) is a detachable ChromeOS tablet that comes with a keyboard, but its processor is too slow.

Budget models—including the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go and the Acer Chromebook 317 (CB317-1H-C994) —that rely on the Intel Celeron N4500 processor are too slow for even light use. We also found the MediaTek processor in the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 (CM3200FVA-DS42T) to be exceedingly slow.

A laptop should last at least five years, so we don’t recommend Chromebooks with a support date that expires before 2028—such as the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 (C302CA-DH54) , which is still available at this writing even though it stopped receiving updates in June 2023. Even if you find one cheap, it’s a bad deal.

This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Signe Brewster.

Meet your guide

Kimber Streams

Kimber Streams is a senior staff writer and has been covering laptops, gaming gear, keyboards, storage, and more for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time they’ve tested hundreds of laptops and thousands of peripherals, and built way too many mechanical keyboards for their personal collection.

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Chromebooks are no longer just laptops that run a browser and a few Google apps. They can cover a wide variety of computing needs now, and a good Chrome OS laptop or two-in-one can be more useful than a mediocre Windows laptop — especially now that many can run Android and Linux apps.

That’s assuming you get one with enough power to actually function, though — cheap Chromebooks are notorious for creaky processors, inadequate RAM, and slow, skimpy storage, while decent Chromebooks often cost just as much as Windows machines. Fortunately, the message that many people actually want good Chromebooks rather than just cheap ones has gotten through to manufacturers and to Google. The latter has recently launched the Chromebook Plus certification , which guarantees a baseline level of hardware as well as ten years of software support.

• What’s the best student laptop? We asked students
• The best laptops you can get
• Chromebook Plus is Google’s new certification for premium Chromebooks

You can get a decent Chromebook for about $400. Many are around $500 or $600, though there are good options in the higher and lower ranges as well. The extra money goes a long way toward getting something you’ll be happy with.

For the first time, the quality of the Chromebooks in this range has been consistent. There are so many similarities between the offerings from Asus, Lenovo, Google, HP, Dell, and Samsung that a conspiracy-minded person might suggest they’re all sourcing their components from the same factory. That’s great news if you’re comparison shopping; the majority of this list would be good buys if you can find them at a discount. In some cases, we’ve left older models on the list precisely because they’re regularly discounted. A laptop that was great at $500 two years ago can still be a good deal at $300 today.

What we’re looking for

Price is a very important factor. We’re seeking Chromebooks that offer great value for their asking price and that are the best of the best compared to other laptops in their price category. The more expensive a device, the more exceptional it has to be.

Not every Chromebook needs high-end specs, but they do need enough power to be functional. The Chromebook Plus baseline — a Core i3 or Ryzen 7000 CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB of storage, plus 1080p IPS screen and webcam — is the bare minimum for any Chromebook that costs more than $400, and any Chromebook that doesn’t meet those specs has to justify its existence.

Displays should be at least 1920 x 1080. Since Chromebooks can run Android apps, which aren’t usually optimized for trackpad and keyboard, touchscreens are useful here.

Design and build quality

Chromebooks are popular among schools and students. We’re looking for laptops with a solid, durable build that can handle bumps, jostles, and backpack wear.

Battery life

Students may go several hours without having an opportunity to plug their devices in. We like Chromebooks that can guarantee at least several hours of continuous use.

Port selection

The more ports, the better. USB-C and headphone jacks are mandatory; USB-A, HDMI, and SD card slots are good to have.

Best Chromebook

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024)

Acer’s latest Spin Chromebook is configured with Intel’s first generation of processor with an NPU. It also has Google Gemini baked right into the OS, and if you sign up for a new Google One AI premium plan, your first year of service is free.

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 115U / GPU: Intel UHD / RAM: 8GB, 16GB LPDDR5 / Storage: 256GB, 512GB / Display: Touch 14-inch FHD 1920 x 1200, 60Hz IPS with stylus support, 340 nits / Dimensions: 12.35 x 8.84 x 0.71 inches / Weight: 3.21 pounds 

Acer’s newest Chromebook Spin, which is part of the Plus line of Chromebooks , is the best Chromebook we’ve seen so far in 2024. Like the rest of them, the Plus Spin 14 has Google Gemini features integrated with ChromeOS, and comes with 12 free months of Google One AI premium, which includes 2TB of cloud storage space.

It’s configured with an eight-core Intel Core Ultra 5 115U with a max clock speed of 4.20GHz. That’s, technically, slower than last gen’s ten-core Intel Core i5-1335U with a max clock speed of 4.20GHz — but the Ultra Core has an NPU, which means it’s better suited for running AI-related tasks on-device. The new Spin Chromebook also supports the current LPDDR5 memory standard, which is faster than the previous generation in the 2023 Spin 714 .

The Plus Spin 714 also now has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, instead of two USB-C 3.2 ports, for much faster data transfer and power delivery.

The best Chromebook Plus laptop under $400

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is the most affordable Chromebook with the new Plus label. It has a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 1080p screen for just under $400. Read our review .

CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U / GPU: Intel UHD / RAM: 8GB / Storage: 128GB, 256GB UFS / Display: 14-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, non-touch / Dimensions: 12.9 x 8.4 x 0.74 inches / Weight: 3.17 pounds

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is the least expensive laptop with Google’s new Plus certification . At around $400 for a Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, it’s the baseline Chromebook you should consider if you can’t spend any more.

It’s so easy to get a bad Chromebook at this price, so it’s a relief that the Chromebook Plus CX34 is so good. Not only does it have respectable internals, but the 1080p screen and 1080p webcam are good for the price, the keyboard is great, and the trackpad is fine, if a bit stiff. Battery life is decent, too, and like all Plus Chromebooks, it comes with 10 years of software updates. You can spend more on a laptop, and you probably should, but don’t buy a Chromebook less powerful than this one.

Read our review of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 .

Last year’s best chromebook.

Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD)

The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 is a powerful device with impressive features for a Chromebook, including a 57Wh battery, a stunning 15-inch screen, and a range of ports (including an HDMI port and a microSD slot). Read our review .

CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 8GB, 16GB / Storage: 128GB / Display: 15.6-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, touch option / Dimensions: 14.08 x 9.48 x 0.73 inches / Weight: 4.3 pounds

The Chromebook Flip CX5 was a hard sell for most people at $800 in 2021, even with a Core i5 processor and 15GB of RAM, but it really was that good. It’s sturdy enough to withstand all kinds of jolts and jostles in a backpack or briefcase, and has a unique velvety texture that’s very pleasant to hold. Add a wide port selection, a smooth and comfortable keyboard, and a vivid display, and you’ve got a chassis that can hold its own against plenty of midrange Windows laptops. 

It’s no longer the best Chromebook you can get, but if you can find a good configuration at a good price, it’s still worth considering. Battery life is quite satisfactory and easily lasted us all day. And the CX5 delivered some of the loudest audio we’ve ever heard from a Chromebook.

The model linked above, with a 12th-gen Intel i3, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, is almost as powerful as the Chromebook CX34 above — though the webcam isn’t as good — and unlike that model, it’s convertible.

Read our Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 review.

Best oled chromebook.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (8GB/128GB)

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 comes with a lovely 13.3-inch Full HD OLED touchscreen and long battery life but lacks biometric authentication.

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 / GPU: Qualcomm Adreno / RAM: 8GB / Storage: 128GB / Display: 13.3-inch OLED, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, touch option / Dimensions: 12.05 x 7.32 x 0.27 inches / Weight: 2.22 pounds

The Chromebook Duet 5 is a compact convertible device with an OLED screen. It’s thinner and lighter than most Chromebooks out there, and its back cover doubles as a kickstand. And it’s often available for under $400, making it one of the cheapest OLED devices you can buy.

The OLED display makes for quite enjoyable viewing, and the detachable keyboard is great as well with excellent spacing and satisfying feedback. Performance (our unit was powered by the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2) was surprisingly snappy, and the device could handle our standard office workload with no issue. But the standout feature was battery life: We saw between 10 and 12 hours to a charge, even when doing fairly demanding tasks like Zoom calls and high-resolution YouTube videos.

There are a few unfortunate omissions: there’s no fingerprint sensor, and there’s no included stylus (though one is supported). But Chrome OS fans who want a great screen for multimedia viewing can’t do better than this Chromebook at this price. 

Read our Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 review.

Best business chromebook with rgb for some reason.

HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is a premium Chromebook with an RGB keyboard targeting freelance professionals.

CPU: Core i5-1235U / GPU: Iris Xe / RAM: 16GB / Storage: 256GB / Display: 14-inch IPS, 2560x1600, 60Hz, touch option / Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches / Weight: 3.33 pounds

If you want a Chromebook with RGB lighting that isn’t specifically a gaming Chromebook — and who doesn’t? — your only option is the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. This device doesn’t have quite as premium a build as the old school Elite Dragonfly, but it’s still quite nice. It’s also got a solid 8MP webcam, excellent speakers, and one of the brightest screens I’ve ever seen on a Chromebook. But the real differentiating factor is the colorful keyboard, which you won’t find on any of the other products listed here.

The one thing I will warn potential buyers of is that the colorful keyboard and bright screen take their toll on battery life. I only saw around six hours to a charge here. That’s not terrible, but we’d hope to see more from a device this expensive. Still, the Dragonfly Pro offers a premium build and unique combination of features, and that makes it worth a look from deep-pocketed business customers.

Read our HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook review.

Updated November 22nd, 2023: Changed top pick, added a new Chromebook Plus model, removed some older models, and repositioned others to account for lower prices.

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More from The Verge guide to Chrome OS and Chromebooks

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• Chromebook 101: how to use Android apps on your Chromebook
• Chrome OS 101: How to save and retrieve files
• Chromebooks 101: How to take screenshots on your Chromebook
• How to customize your Google Chrome and Chromebook searches
• The best Chromebooks for 2023
• How to check which version of Chrome OS you’re running

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The Best Chromebooks for Every Budget

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Best Overall Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus Read more

Best Upgrade Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Read more

Best Gaming Chromebook Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE Read more

Best-Looking Chromebook Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Read more

Chromebooks aren’t just the realm of budget, low-end devices anymore. Thanks to smart initiatives from Google, Chromebook makers are stepping up their game with more powerful hardware than ever before, while keeping prices lower than Windows and macOS laptop alternatives . Throw in a fresh focus on handy AI features , and you have a range of affordable computers that make a strong case for replacing your aging laptop.

ChromeOS still doesn’t compete with Windows and Mac machines for heavy-duty stuff like gaming and video editing, but it isn’t trying to. The beauty of Chromebooks is that they offer a lightweight portal to the things that most people need a computer for, without any extra fluff. If you spend all day in a web browser, work with Google apps, and do some occasional light photo editing, a solid Chromebook could be all you need. WIRED has tested Chromebooks for more than a decade and we’re always on the lookout for the best ones to spend your hard-earned money on. These are the best Chromebooks we recommend right now.

Be sure to read through our Best Cheap Laptops , Best Laptops , and Best MacBooks guides for more options.

Updated August 2024: We've added the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, and the Asus Chromebook CM14.

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Wait, What Does “Chromebook Plus” Mean?

Almost every Chromebook we recommend below has “Chromebook Plus” in the name. This is an initiative Google launched in late 2023 with its hardware partners to offer a new category of Chromebooks designed to offer a better, more premium experience. To be deemed a Chromebook Plus, a laptop has to meet or exceed the following hardware requirements:

• CPU: Intel Core i3 12th Gen or above; AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above
• RAM: 8 GB or more
• Storage: 128 GB or more
• Webcam: 1080p or higher with Temporal Noise Reduction
• Display: Full HD (1080p) IPS or better

Google has brought several artificial intelligence features to Chromebook Plus laptops, like its Gemini chatbot.

The result? A new baseline that guarantees a certain level of performance when you see the Chromebook Plus name. With the rise in remote work, Google is especially focused on ensuring Chromebook Plus laptops offer a better video calling experience with a higher standard for webcams and AI camera tricks. It’s also gradually folding new AI features into ChromeOS that benefit from the added hardware heft.

Regular Chromebooks haven’t disappeared, and you’ll still find super-budget Chromebook models without the “Plus” moniker. Chromebook Plus models start at $399, though you’ll often find them on sale for less. Expect non-Plus Chromebooks focused on more basic needs to continue to hit store shelves in the $250 range.

Best Overall

As one of the first Chromebook Plus models out of the gate, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) had a lot to prove. Fortunately for Lenovo, it lived up to the hype, becoming one of the fastest, most versatile Chromebooks we’ve tested. While it isn’t a looker, its beefier hardware, 2-in-1 design, and $499 price make it a great overall choice for most people.

The 14-inch 1,920 x 1,200-pixel resolution screen is a bit taller than you’ll find on most laptops, which is great for working on documents and browsing the web. The Intel Core i3 processor and flash storage never struggle to keep up, even if you find yourself drowning in dozens of open tabs. The battery life is the only slight weakness here, but it should still get you through a full workday. Just don’t expect to get much farther without pulling out the charger. The port selection is solid as well, with two USB-C ports and one USB-A on board. There's a microSD card slot, too, if you find the 128 GB of flash storage to be a little claustrophobic.

Specs to look for: Intel Core i3, 8 GB of RAM, 128-GB SSD

Best Upgrade

Acer’s Chromebook Spin line has made a name for itself over the years and its latest entry, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), keeps that reputation alive. For $699 (or even $599 if you find it on sale), Acer packs a surprising amount of power into this laptop thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 5 115 processor. It showcased breezy performance in my testing, and the chip’s dedicated AI processing power is a perfect complement to the AI features Google is now sprinkling into ChromeOS.

Aside from its processing power, the base Chromebook Plus Spin 714 comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD storage (16 GB of RAM and 512-GB storage options are expected to come later). The laptop is packed in a pleasantly premium body with a vibrant 14-inch touchscreen that rotates on a pair of gold-accented hinges. Two Thunderbolt 4-capable USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and one USB-A port give you plenty of connectivity options as well. The one major area where the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a letdown is sound quality. Simply put, the speakers are awful, which hinders an otherwise great laptop for Netflix and YouTube binges. Plan on pairing this laptop with a good set of earbuds or headphones to get the most out of it.

Specs to look for: Intel Core Ultra 5 115, 8 GB of RAM, 256-GB SSD

Best Gaming Chromebook

Chromebooks aren’t usually what you’d consider gaming laptops , but they’ve made gains in the segment over the last couple of years with the rise of cloud gaming. The best of the bunch is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ), which works perfectly with streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now. You can even use the Steam beta for Chromebooks, but I found this was only good for light indie titles.

I love the 516 GE’s large, vibrant 16-inch screen, and it can push some serious frame rates with its 120-Hz refresh rate . The laptop doubles as a solid productivity machine too, thanks to its comfortable keyboard, 8 GB of RAM, and an Intel Core 5 120 U processor that can handle plenty of open tabs and apps. There’s even a dash of RGB for the keyboard backlighting to add some extra gaming flavor, though it’s not as impressive as the RGB lighting you get on dedicated gaming keyboards.

Specs to look for: Intel Core 5 120 U, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD

Best-Looking Chromebook

Chromebooks don’t tend to be lookers, but Asus breaks that mold with the Chromebook Plus CX34 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ). It’s wrapped in a gorgeous white shell that, while plastic, felt durable in my testing. I’ve reviewed plenty of bland, gray Chromebooks, and I found myself reaching for the CX34 more because of its attractive design.

The hardware in the CX34 is typical for a Chromebook Plus, and it felt responsive even when I had my usual complement of more than a dozen tabs and a handful of apps running. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a backlit keyboard, and its 14-inch, 16:9 display feels cramped compared to other Chromebooks I’ve used with taller 16:10 screens. If you can look past those shortcomings though, the CX34 is a solid little workhorse that stands out.

Specs to look for: Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD

Best Budget Chromebook

If you want a snappy laptop but don’t want to spend the extra cheddar on some of our other top picks, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 ( 8/10, WIRED recommends ) will do the job. It’s not stylish, but it keeps the price low by sticking to the basics. Inside is an Intel Core i3-1215U processor, which handles ChromeOS and up to 20 open tabs with ease. Battery life is also good enough to get you through a workday, and it handled 8.5 hours of full-screen video before calling it quits out in our testing. The 15-inch 1,920 x 1,080-pixel screen is nothing to write home about, but it’s crisp and won’t strain your eyes.

There’s no touchscreen, but the two DisplayPort-capable USB-C ports, one HDMI 1.4 jack, and one USB-A port give you plenty of options for hooking up an external monitor.

Specs to look for: Intel Core i3-1215U, 8 GB of RAM, 128-GB flash storage

Another Good 2-in-1 Chromebook

I've had an excellent time using this 2-in-1 Chromebook Plus as my go-to laptop for when I'm traveling. The x360 is fairly nondescript, but it's lightweight, and because of the 2-in-1 design, I can flip the screen into tent mode to watch 3 Body Problem without a keyboard in the way. The speakers sound decent and get surprisingly loud, and the 1,920 X 1,200-pixel resolution is sharp on this 14-inch IPS LCD panel. The touchscreen is a nice option to have when I need to make a quick adjustment, though I wish ChromeOS had slightly larger touch targets. I'm quite happy with the key travel on the keyboard, though I've run into a small issue where the trackpad sometimes doesn't register a press. It didn't happen often enough to pose a serious problem.

The Intel Core i3 inside this machine is snappy; it didn't break a sweat when I was running more than 20 tabs and had it connected to an external monitor. Battery life isn't anything to write home about, but it more or less got me through a full workday, not much more. I wish there was a fingerprint sensor or some kind of biometric authentication so I didn't have to keep typing in a password to unlock this laptop. —Julian Chokkattu

Specs to look for: Intel Core i3-N305, 8 GB of RAM, 128-GB flash storage

Best Battery Life

Most Chromebooks I’ve tested have battery life in the seven- to eight-hour range, which is usually fine for a typical workday. If you need a long-lasting laptop, Asus’ Chromebook CM14 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) consistently gave me 10 to 11 hours of juice. But it does come with some serious trade-offs if you need anything more than the most basic of basics.

The reason the CM14 gets such good battery life is its MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, which is a low-end chip from a company mostly known for making hardware for smartphones. Combined with only 4 GB of RAM, the CM14 struggled to keep up with anything more intense than a couple of open tabs at a time. The 14-inch TN display is also pretty terrible and 64 GB of storage is stifling, but these are all sacrifices Asus made to keep the price low and the battery life high. If you want excellent battery life and only need a very basic laptop for browsing the web with a couple of tabs at a time, the Chromebook CM14 should suffice.

Specs to look for: MediaTek Kompanio 520, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC storage

Other Good Chromebooks

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 for $300 : As the slightly smaller sibling to the Acer’s Chromebook Plus 515, the Chromebook Plus 514 ( 8/10, WIRED recommends ) offers a similarly great experience for budget-conscious buyers. It’s not the prettiest Chromebook out there, but it speeds through most tasks with its Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 8 GB of RAM. Best of all, you can frequently find it on sale for less than its usual $399 price.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 for $379 : Portability is king with the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3, a neat little machine with a detachable keyboard and kickstand. It’s a bit on the older side compared to other entries on this list (this is not a Chromebook Plus machine), but it offers a solid bang for your buck if you want a petite Chromebook experience for super-light tasks. As long as you don’t expect this 11-inch detachable to pull any miracles, it could be a good portable companion for basic browsing.

How Long Do Chromebooks Get Updates?

In 2023, Google announced a new policy that guarantees 10 years of automatic updates for any Chromebooks released in 2021 or later. That’s probably far beyond the usual upgrade cycle for most people, but it ensures secondhand Chromebooks and those used in schools continue to stay secure and get new features for a long time. When a Chromebook gets its final automatic update, ChromeOS will send you a notification to let you know it’s time to throw in the towel.

The 10-year automatic update timer starts from when a Chromebook is first released. You can check when your Chromebook is set to receive its final update at any time in the “Update schedule” section of its settings menu ( Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details > Update schedule ). Google also keeps a handy running list of automatic update timelines for every Chromebook model on its support site.

How to Pick the Best Chromebook

Chromebooks can come with a lot of different hardware inside, so it can be hard to figure out exactly what you need. Fortunately, the Chromebook Plus program has made the jumble of specs easier to parse. ChromeOS is also light enough that it doesn’t require incredibly beefy specs to get a good experience. Here are some general tips on what to look out for.

Processor: For the best experience, you should avoid older Chromebooks with Intel Celeron processors. The Chromebook Plus specifications offer a good baseline to guarantee speedy performance, and I’d recommend going with at least an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 processor. Just watch out for overspending on configurations with Intel Core i7 processors unless you need the extra horsepower for multitasking Android games, Linux apps, and dozens of Chrome tabs. While Intel and AMD dominate the processor scene, you’ll occasionally find Chromebooks using ARM processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 in the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 above. These can be fine for very basic tasks, but they won’t fare as well under sustained, intense loads (at least until something newer comes along).

RAM: Always opt for at least 8 GB of RAM if you can afford it. You won’t find 4 GB of RAM in anything other than basic, super-budget Chromebooks, but it severely limits your ability to multitask. If you want to avoid slowdowns, 8 GB of RAM is the standard you should aim for.

Storage: Unlike a Mac or Windows PC, a lot of your Chromebook work will live on the web. This means you can typically get away with less storage, but I wouldn’t recommend going below 128 GB. If you can afford it, you’ll be much more comfortable with at least 256 GB. You’ll get the best speed out of an NVMe solid state drive, so look out for that on the spec sheet when you’re comparing models.

Screen: The vast majority of Chromebook displays you’ll find will be IPS LCD panels, and that’s just fine. Until OLED displays make more of a dent in the Chromebook space, IPS LCD screens offer the best contrast and color accuracy. If you’re shopping in the extreme budget range, watch out for TN LCD panels, as they’re generally lower quality and offer worse viewing angles. For resolution, a 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution should be your standard. You’ll get crisp visuals at 13- and 14-inch screen sizes and it’s passable at 15 inches. Higher resolutions will look even better, but be wary of the battery life tradeoff you’ll see from pushing power to more pixels.

Ports: USB-C ports have become commonplace on the newest Chromebooks, so there’s no longer any excuse to buy one without them. Try to get one that charges over USB-C so you can recharge with a portable power bank when you’re on the go. A microSD card slot can also be beneficial if you want an easy way to expand your storage on the fly. You’ll find that some Chromebooks support Thunderbolt 4 over their USB-C ports as well. While that’s an excellent option to have if you plan to plug your Chromebook into some high-end monitors, it isn’t necessary for most people. Instead, you can get similar external monitor support (and spend a lot less) with an HDMI port or DisplayPort over USB-C support.

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Best Chromebooks in 2024: our top picks

These Chromebooks are great, affordable alternatives to Windows PCs and MacBooks.

• Best overall
• Best 2-in-1
• Best tablet
• Best gaming
• Battery life results
• How to choose

Frequently asked questions

• How we test

Even the best Chromebooks can't do very much without an Internet connection. But as long as you're online, these cheap and low-powered laptops are perfect for browsing the web, working online and streaming games.

While Chromebooks typically aren't as powerful as laptops running Windows or macOS, they're also typically cheaper and easier to use. I know because my team and I review dozens of laptops from top vendors every year, including Chromebooks, and the limitations of ChromeOS keep these laptop's prices low without limiting their versatility. 

That's why I generally still recommend the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 to folks shopping for a Chromebook: it's got a great screen and keyboard, and its aging components are still more than capable of handling ChromeOS. 

Those on a budget can easily get by with the plucky Lenovo Chromebook Duet , but my favorite Chromebook to recommend is the Framework Chromebook because you can repair or upgrade it for years to come.

Read on for more recommendations, fuller explanations and a detailed breakdown of our battery testing so you can pick the best Chromebook for your needs.

The quick list

In a hurry? Here's a brief overview of the laptops on this list, along with quick links that let you jump down the page directly to a review of whichever laptop catches your eye.

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a premium Chromebook that will get you through a day of work or school for under $500. While its internals are aging, the gorgeous QLED touchscreen and decent speakers make it feel premium. If you can find one in the Fiesta Red paint job, so much the better. 

Read more below

Lenovo's Chromebook Duet is technically a Chrome tablet, but it's such a good value we also recommend it for folks seeking a cheap Chromebook. The Duet is a great Chrome slate for browsing the web that comes with a detachable keyboard included at no charge, making it a great budget Chromebook to boot.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is pricey but delivers good battery life, strong performance and a stylus and mouse packed in, making it our top pick for best 2-in-1.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 delivers good battery life, great performance and a bright, colorful display for an affordable price, making it our top recommendation for those seeking a Chromebook which transforms into a tablet. 

The pricier Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a well-built Chrome tablet that offers a nice screen and enough power to get work done. It's suited to browsing the web or remote learning, and the included keyboard cover is good enough for writing emails or short assignments. 

Read more below 

Acer's Chromebook 516 GE is built for game streaming, pairing a speedy Intel CPU with a 16-inch WQXGA 120Hz display. It can't compete with dedicated gaming laptops, but its much cheaper and lighter.

Read m o re below 

The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition is a truly unique Chromebook that's designed to be easy to upgrade and repair, making it a great investment for folks who prioritize long-term value. The option to buy and hot-swap ports via the unique Expansion Card system is also unparalleled.

Alex Wawro is a lifelong journalist who's spent over a decade covering tech, games and entertainment. He oversees the computing department at Tom's Guide, which includes managing laptop coverage and reviewing many himself every year.

The best Chromebooks you can buy

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The best overall

1. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Taking away the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook's 4K display was probably the best thing Samsung could have done to make this Chromebook a hit. Now it's way more affordable, but still sports a great QLED display and longer battery life — 7:50 vs the previous gen's 5:55. It's also going to sound great, plus its Core i3 configuration provides a ton of speed for Chrome OS.

We weren't as happy with the vertical travel in its keyboard, which is a bit shallow. This creates a slight learning curve you'll adapt to over time. But to get a Chromebook that looks this good — wow that Fiesta Red color option stands out in a sea of silver Chromebooks and PCs. Plus, at under $450, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 delivers solid value for the money. 

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 review .

The best value

2. Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Sometimes, it's amazing how much you can get for $300 or less. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet, for example, is a 2-in-1 Chromebook that offers something Microsoft's Surfaces and Apple's iPads won't: it's keyboard is included by default.  Not only do you get that value, but the Chromebook Duet's tablet display is excellent in its own right, with a surprising amount of color output and a crisp 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution.

Smaller hands may find the Chromebook Duet's keyboard a little on the tight side, but at this price, any keyboard is a surprise and a steal. Making things even better, the Chromebook Duet features ChromeOS tablet optimizations that are long overdue to take advantage of all of its screen space. On top of all of that? It lasted for 12 hours and 47 minutes, nearly 13 hours . 

Read our full Lenovo Chromebook Duet review .

The best 2-in-1

3. Acer Chromebook Spin 714

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 ($729 to start) is what we recommend as the best 2-in-1 Chromebook for most folks beacause it offers good battery life and speedy performance. Plus, it comes with a handy travel mouse and stylus, making it a great tool for getting things done on the go.

The HDMI out and USB-A port mean you still have basic connections without needing a dock or adapter cables, but USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 are also on tap for current- and next-gen devices, which you don't always get on even modern Chromebooks.

Plus, the 14-inch display looks good in person and is bright enough, even if it can't compete with other premium Chromebooks in that department. The included mouse and stylus give you lots of options for getting work done in either laptop or tablet mode. Most importantly, the battery should last you an entire workday. 

Read our full Acer Chromebook Spin 714 review .

The best Chrome tablet

4. Lenovo Duet 3

The Lenovo Duet 3 (or Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3, depending on where you buy it) is a great Chrome tablet that can be yours for as low as $359. This is effectively a bigger, more expensive follow-up to the Chromebook Duet Lenovo released in 2020, a surprisingly capable and inexpensive Chrome tablet that's still on this list. 

We loved the original Duet for its great battery life, solid performance and decent packed-in keyboard cover, all of which could be had for roughly $250. Lenovo's new Duet 3 costs a bit more, but it also delivers a bigger, brighter display, more ports, and the added power of a beefier Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chip. It's one of the best Chrome tablets you can buy, and the fact that Lenovo includes the keyboard cover at no extra cost helps it double as a surprisingly effective 2-in-1 Chromebook. While the original Duet further down this list is a better buy if you're short on cash, those who can afford it will be well-served by this excellent Chromebook.

Read our full Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook review .

The best for gaming

5. Acer Chromebook 516 GE

Advancements in ChromeOS and cloud gaming services have made the idea of a "gaming Chromebook" that can play the latest and greatest games a viable option, and the Acer Chromebook 516 GE was one of the first to hit the market.

With a starting price of $649, a big 16-inch (2,500 x 1,600 pixels) display and a surprisingly low (for a 16-inch gaming laptop) weight of 3.9 pounds, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a solid big-screen Chromebook for not a lot of money.

Admittedly, the 12th Gen Intel CPU, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD in our review unit didn't give it a lot of horsepower or space to run games, but since you're meant to mostly play games via cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna, GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass you just need a rock-solid Internet connection. And since it sports an Ethernet jack (a rarity on Chromebooks) you can count on being able to plug into wired Internet for optimal gaming. 

Read our full Acer Chromebook 516 GE review .

The best for DIYers

6. Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition

The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition is a ChromeOS variant of Framework's signature 13-inch laptop, which is more repairable and upgradable than anything else on the market. Each laptop Framework ships comes with a screwdriver so you can crack open the case and swap out parts yourself, and everything from the memory to the screen bezel to the mainboard is user-replaceable.

It's not for everyone, but if you're the DIY type and love the idea of being able to tinker with your laptop's innards this is the best laptop for you. The Framework laptop is currently only available for purchase from the Framework  website , and the price tag starts at around $1k — though you can pay even less for the DIY Edition if you're willing to assemble your laptop yourself and provide your own memory, storage, operating system, and Wi-Fi card. It's a great ultraportable that doubles as a learning device you can take apart and fix or upgrade yourself.

Read our full Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition review .

Battery benchmarks: comparison

Battery life is one of the key things you should look at when deciding which Chromebook to buy, which is why we run every laptop we review through a series of battery tests to see how long it lasts on a full charge.

These tests do not reflect real-world use patterns since we have to set every laptop to the same settings in order to do fair comparisons. Thus, while the times listed here are accurate and useful as a comparison point, your own experience with a laptop's battery life will likely vary.

This is because when we run our battery test we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it dies. However, when you use your laptop you're likely adjusting brightness on the fly, doing all sorts of different tasks while perhaps listening to music or watching a video at the same time, and generally putting the machine through more of a workout than it gets in our test.

So while I stand by our testing and the battery life results we compare in the chart below, I want to be clear that your own experience will vary! 

How to choose the best Chromebook for you

Finding the best Chromebook these days begins with a simple question: 

Do you need a touchscreen? An increasing number of Chromebooks offer 2-in-1 designs with a touchscreen, allowing you to use Android apps from the Google Play store. However, those systems tend to be on the pricier side. If you want just a basic laptop on the cheap, a Chromebook without a touchscreen is the way to go.

Screen size: As a general rule, an 11-inch display is good for younger kids, but a 13-inch display is better for older students and business users on the move. If you want a Chromebook as a primary home laptop, we would opt for a 14-inch or 15-inch display.. 

Performance: Are you buying this for a kid who's got modest needs? A Pentium or Celeron processor should be enough. A Core M or Core i5 CPU is better for those who want more performance. Most budget Chromebooks start with 4GB of RAM, but we would get 8GB or more if you plan to work with a lot of tabs open. Because Chromebooks rely on the cloud, local storage isn’t that important, which is why 32GB tends to be standard. You’ll find 64GG to 128GB on more premium models.

Chromebook or Chrome OS Flex? One last thing to consider: do you need a Chromebook, or do you just want Chrome OS? Because if it's just the software you like, Google is starting to offer Chrome OS Flex , an education/enterprise-focused version of Chrome OS that you can install yourself on a Mac or PC. If you're of a technical mindset and have an old laptop that could use some up-to-date software on it, you could always give this a try.

How do I find the best Chromebook deals?

Chromebooks are typically considered cheap laptops, but that doesn't mean they're always affordable. As Chromebooks advance and Google and other companies cram more features into them, the prices are only going to increase.

First and foremost, check out our guide to the best Chromebook deals around right now. Our deals experts regularly look for great Chromebook sales and update that page regularly, so it's a good resource to bookmark.

Second, consider holding off on until a major shopping event like Black Friday, Cyber Monday or the back-to-school shopping season, which typically starts in early August but gets earlier every year. During these sales events retailers typically roll out their biggest discounts on the broadest variety of Chromebooks, so if you can afford to wait for a sale, do it!

Should I get a clamshell laptop or 2-in-1?

There are two major models of Chromebook available, and they have to do with how the screen folds.

Clamshell Chromebooks look like classic laptops, with a hinge in the middle that attaches the screen to the keyboard deck. The hinge doesn't extend farther than 180 degrees, so you can count on having the screen sturdily propped in front of the keyboard for marathon work sessions.

But 2-in-1 Chromebooks typically have some way to transform them into a tablet, either by detaching the screen from the keyboard or flipping the keyboard around 360 degrees to lay flat against the back of the screen. These Chromebooks have to have touchscreens, which is nice to have when you're running Android apps on your Chromebook. And the fact that they double as tablets can be nice when you're traveling or lying in bed and just want a screen to watch videos on. 

However, 2-in-1 Chromebooks tend to be more expensive and their keyboards are rarely as good as the best you find on clamshell models. So if you want a productivity machine or something cheap, you probably want to lean more towards clamshells.

How much RAM do I need?

Storage isn't hugely important on a Chromebook since most of your work is stored online in cloud services like Google Docs or Microsoft 365. But RAM is more valuable because its what your Chromebook uses to store and move data around in memory in real-time.

That means having low RAM will cause your Chromebook to feel slow, sluggish and generally unsteady during daily operation. So in general I recommend you get a Chromebook with no less than 8GB of RAM, because anything less can cause your machine to start to feel slow and underpowered.

If you see a Chromebook with 16GB of RAM, that's even better. But there's not much need to go above that, as 32GB of RAM and beyond is really only key when you're running demanding programs like modern games or video editing apps.

How we tested these Chromebooks

How we test these chromebooks.

To find the best Chromebook, we run every machine we review through a rigorous suite of benchmarks and real-world tests to gauge how it will perform during everyday use. 

We measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house light meter and colorimeter. For general performance, we run our machines through tests that include JetStream 2 (a Web-based benchmarking suite that runs over five dozen tests designed to measure how well systems handle the kind of applications they’re most likely to encounter on the Internet) and a custom battery test that tasks the machine with browsing the internet over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

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Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience covering both for outlets like Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. A lifelong PC builder, he currently serves as a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice. 

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• Don 1234567 Re: the Samsung Chromebook 4, I'm seeing two different models of it, differing by about $15. Tough to figure out what the difference is, but they have different model numbers, and are showing different processors: Celeron N4020 vs N4000. Is that it, just the different processor? The 4020 is the cheaper one. Reply
• Senor Sopa I usually look to Tom's Guide for advice, but I wonder about your credibility when you provide 2 links under the Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook that go to the wrong device. Both the Walmart and Microsoft links point to the Duet 3i which is not a Chromebook at all but a Windows 11 device! Reply

Senor Sopa said: I usually look to Tom's Guide for advice, but I wonder about your credibility when you provide 2 links under the Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook that go to the wrong device. Both the Walmart and Microsoft links point to the Duet 3i which is not a Chromebook at all but a Windows 11 device!

• View All 3 Comments

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The best chromebooks of 2023.

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We've reviewed our recommendations and have updated many of our picks. Take a look!

Today's Chromebooks rival Windows PCs and Macs in functionality and quality. These "glorified web browsers" running Chrome OS are capable of everything you need for school or work, editing photos, and can even run Android and Linux apps.

UPDATE: 10/09/2023

Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)

Acer Chromebook 314

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i (2023)

Samsung Chromebook 4+

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360

What to look for in a chromebook in 2023.

Chromebooks have risen in popularity due to their simplicity and affordable price tag. They're popular in school settings and for people who don't need full-fledged computers and are great lightweight secondary devices. What should you look for when buying one?

Just like with Android phones , there's a laptop out there for everyone. Should your laptop be a Chromebook? That depends on how you use computers. For productivity, a Chromebook can be the perfect device.

If you mainly browse the web, write emails, stream music , and watch movies on your computer, a Chromebook can easily handle those tasks and more. You'll likely get better battery life at a more affordable price than a Windows PC or Mac as well.

However, those looking at a heavier workload may want to look into what other laptops are on offer , in addition to Chromebooks. Due to the price, Chromebooks typically cannot handle gaming or resource-heavy applications, such as those for 3D modeling.

We've compiled a list of Chromebooks that hit a few key categories. Whether you're a student who needs something portable, a parent looking for something durable, or you just want the best Chromebook money can buy, we've got you covered.

How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

Best Chromebook Overall: Acer Chromebook Spin 714

Chromebooks may have started out mainly as devices for light web browsing and more casual tasks, but that is no longer the case. Many people use Chromebooks for all of their computing these days, but this calls for better components and an overall more premium package. The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is on the pricey side compared to many Chromebooks, but it’s also a much more solid, useable offering than much of the competition.

While they’re always usable, Chromebooks aren’t exactly known for the quality of their keyboards or touchpad. That’s part of what the slightly higher price gets you with the Spin 714, and both the keyboard and touchpad are a step above what you’d find in the average Chromebook. The keyboard is also backlit—while it's not a particularly unique feature, it's still a welcome one.

Unlike the 16:9 aspect ratio favored by many Chromebooks and laptops , the Spin 714 opts for a taller 3:2 layout, which is perfect for photo work or editing documents. With a resolution of 1920x1200, there are sharper screens available, but this resolution is still perfect for web browsing and the tasks you’d normally expect from a Chromebook. The 2-in-1 design also makes it easy to prop up for video chats or watching videos.

Chromebooks often have low-power processors, but the Spin 714 features an Intel i5-1335U that wouldn’t be out of place in a Windows laptop, and 8GB RAM is still plenty for this type of computer. The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 has 256GB storage in its base configuration, but you can also buy it with 512GB , 1TB , or even 2TB of built-in storage.

The 2023 Acer Chromebook Spin 714 pairs a stylish 2-in-1 design with higher-end specs than you'd typically find in a Chromebook, making it among the most flexible models you can buy.

Best Budget Chromebook: Acer Chromebook 314

Unless you’re looking at the highest-end models available, Chromebooks are typically more affordable than their Windows or macOS counterparts. That said, some models are cheaper than others, and a low price doesn’t guarantee a great value. That said, the Acer Chromebook 314 is plenty affordable and more than capable of delivering where you’d expect a Chromebook to excel.

One area you miss out on with a budget-oriented laptop is the overall presentation and feel. The Chromebook 314 doesn’t seem poorly built, but it’s made out of plastic and certainly doesn’t feel like there are any premium materials in the build. On the upside, the minimalist design works with the limitations, making them less noticeable.

The Intel Celeron N4000 CPU isn’t especially powerful, nor is the 4GB of included RAM impressive, but you’ll find the same or similar options on plenty of pricier Chromebooks, so Acer hasn’t skimped here. You only get 64GB of onboard storage, but given the cloud-first nature of Chromebooks, this won’t be a limitation for most people.

If you do require more storage, it’s easy to add. Not only is there an onboard microSD card slot, but a pair of USB-C ports and another pair of USB-A ports.

The Acer Chromebook 314 proves that you don't need to spend much for a great Chromebook. It's not the most powerful, but it has everything you need for everything from browsing to office webapps.

Best Chromebook for Kids: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

When it comes to Chromebooks for kids, going with our budget pick would be perfectly acceptable. However, if you'd like something a little nicer, Lenovo's IdeaPad Flex 5i is a good upgrade. It's cheap, light, has great battery life, and is durable enough to handle a young child.

Kids may not notice a lousy keyboard as much as you might, but the Lenovo 5i has a nice and spacious one. It's perfect for someone learning how to type. Another bonus is plenty of ports—the Flex 5 has two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a MicroSD card slot.

The IdeaPad Flex 5i is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. That's pretty good for handling web browsing and some light Android gaming. In addition, your child can do that on the 13.3-inch 1080p touchscreen display.

For around $300, that's not a bad package for a Chromebook for a child.

A durable Chromebook with a nice keyboard, lightweight design, touchscreen, and good battery life makes the IdeaPad Flex 5i perfect for kids.

Best Chromebook for Students: Samsung Chromebook 4+

Any quality Chromebook is a great option for students, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Portability, a good display, and, ideally, a sleek look are all things students prioritize. The Samsung Chromebook 4+ has all of those on offer, with a stylish design and a higher-resolution screen than you’ll find in even many higher-end Chromebooks.

Portability is key for students, and the Chromebook 4+’s lightweight nature makes it easy to carry all day. It’s also quite thin, so it won’t take up much space, whether you’re tossing it into a backpack or a messenger-style bag .

This model uses an Intel Celeron N4000 chipset and features 4GB RAM, which isn’t the most powerful but should be plenty for schoolwork. More useful is the 15.6-inch, 1920x1080 display. This makes for plenty of room to work, and the anti-glare finish means you can use it anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors.

We’ve chosen the highest-spec version of the Chromebook 4+, which features 128GB onboard storage. That said, if you don’t require as much space, it’s also available in 32GB and 64GB configurations.

The Samsung Chromebook 4+ is perfect for students, combining just enough power and a lightweight design with a large, 3:2 display that is perfect for getting schoolwork done on the go.

Best Touchscreen Chromebook: Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

Lenovo's Duet series has been one of the most popular Chromebook lines. The Duet 3 continues that with an excellent touchscreen, lightweight design, and detachable keyboard.

The Duet 3 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen with a 1920x1200 resolution. You may prefer using the touchscreen as the keyboard leaves a little to be desired, but it is nice to have. The Chromebook includes a kickstand for using it in laptop mode.

Lenovo is powering the Duet 3 with a MediaTek processor and 4GB of RAM, which is pretty solid mid-range performance for a Chromebook. The battery life should easily get you through a full day of web browsing and streaming .

Perhaps the best thing about the Duet 3 is the price. Starting at around $300, it's an excellent buy for the budget-conscious who want a touchscreen laptop and tablet.

The Chromebook Duet 3 is a super affordable Chromebook with a great touchscreen and detachable keyboard.

Best 2-in-1 Chromebook: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360

Chromebooks often represent the halfway point between the functionality of a tablet and a laptop, but detachable designs can be too fiddly for some. A 2-in-1 design offers the versatility of a tablet-style design, but they’re more flexible and don’t usually require accessories. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 offers a fantastic example for why this type of 2-in-1 is perfect for most people.

The 2-in-1 design may be the first thing you notice about the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, but use it for any amount of time, and you’ll discover its real strength: its 12.4-inch, 2560 x 1600 display. A display this sharp is somewhat rare, even on higher-end Chromebooks, so it’s nice to see in this more affordably priced model.

The Intel Celeron N4500 chipset and 4GB RAM aren’t as impressive as the display, but they do have somewhat of an upside. This hardware doesn’t drain the battery like more powerful hardware, allowing extended battery life.

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 comes in silver and is available in 64GB and 128GB storage configurations.

One of the major advantages of a 2-in-1 is easy access to the touchscreen, and that's even better in the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 thanks to its high-resolution 2560 x 1600 display.

What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Google's Chrome OS. A laptop is a general term for any computer with a screen attached to a keyboard, which could be Chrome OS, Windows, macOS, etc.

How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook?

There are a number of ways to take a screenshot on a Chromebook . You can use the screen capture tool, Ctrl+Window key, Ctrl+Shift+Window key, or the stylus if you have one.

How do I use emojis on a Chromebook?

You can bring up the emoji picker by right-clicking and selecting "Emoji" or press the Search/Launcher key+Shift+Space.

How do I right-click on a Chromebook?

Right-clicking on a Chromebook works the same as other computers. Right-click the mouse if you have one connected, or tap the touchpad with two fingers.

Can I connect my Apple AirPods to my Chromebook?

You can connect AirPods to a Chromebook through the Bluetooth menu. We have full instructions for connecting Bluetooth devices .

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Best Chromebooks 2024: Best overall, best battery life, and more

Sometimes all you need is a reliable laptop for day-to-day use and office work. If you’ve been shopping around for such a laptop, you should consider picking up a Chromebook . Not only are they powerful enough to handle general web browsing and running YouTube videos, but you can also play the latest triple-A games with cloud gaming. They’re also affordable and largely virus free. If you’ve no idea where you should start looking, we’ve actually done the heavy lifting for you by assembling our top picks.

If you still prefer Windows laptops, you’ll definitely want to check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available today.

Why you should trust us:  PCWorld has been going strong since 1983, back in the days when print magazines were more common. Now that we’ve made the leap to digital, we’ve been reviewing more than 70 laptops every year. Every laptop that passes through our doors goes through an arduous testing process, in which we evaluate everything from processor performance to display quality. We’re committed to reviewing laptops in every price range too.

Update August 21, 2024: We updated our list of recent laptop reviews, so be sure to check those out near the bottom of the page!

The best Chromebooks

Lenovo flex 5i – best overall chromebook.

• Good build quality
• Fantastic typing experience
• Vibrant touchscreen display
• Average battery life for a Chromebook
• Stylus not included

Why we like the Lenovo Flex 5i

The Lenovo Flex 5i is the best overall choice because of its 2-in-1 design, the peppy performance, exquisite typing experience, and so much more. The understated aluminum finished exterior helps make it feel like something three or four times as expensive. As for the convertible design, the 360-degree hinge feels incredibly sturdy, which is essential in a 2-in-1 laptop. Plus, the keyboard is a real joy to type on and the 1200p touch display produces crisp and vibrant visuals. The best part is that you’re getting all of these wonderful features for well under $500.

Who should buy the Lenovo Flex 5i

We feel as though the Lenovo Flex 5i is a good Chromebook for most people. The touchscreen and 2-in-1 design really gives it the edge, as you usually see these features in machines that cost much more. While the nine hour battery life is considered just average for a Chromebook, it’s still a great all-day result. It’s just not the whopping 19 hours we got out of the Asus Chromebook CM34 Flip . That said, the Lenovo Flex 5i’s list of compromises is quite small.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook – Best budget Chromebook

• Lightweight design
• Great battery life
• Attractive color scheme
• 1080p display
• Only 4GB of RAM
• 720p webcam is disappointing

Why we like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook

For under $300, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook offers decent performance, fantastic battery life, and a lightweight form factor. Inside, you’ll find an MediaTek Kompanio 520 CPU, an ARM Mali-G52 2EE MC2 GPU, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. On paper, those specs may not look all that impressive. However, when it comes to real-world use, day-to-day performance is perfectly reliable. The 47 watt-hour battery also lasted 16 hours on a single charge and it weighs just under three pounds, making it a solid travel companion. Not bad for under $300, huh?

Who should buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook

Anyone looking for a cheap, serviceable Chromebook. It’s not the most innovative Chromebook we’ve ever seen, but it doesn’t have to be. It has plenty of power for light use and the battery will keep you going long after your workday or school day ends. The inclusion of a 1080p touch display is a nice touch as well, especially given the low price of the machine. The 720p webcam is disappointing and you’re only getting 4GB of RAM, but if you’re willing to taper your expectations a bit, then this is a machine that’s well worth considering.

Alternative option: If you’re willing to spend a little extra on a Chromebook with better performance, we’d recommend checking out the $399 Acer Chromebook Plus 515 . Bootup times are lightning fast and browser-based tasks feel appropriately snappy. The typing experience is also lovely and the battery can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. The only trade-offs are the boring aesthetics and the thick bezels on the display.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE – Best Chromebook for gaming

• Attractive design
• Excellent CPU performance
• Loads of wired and wireless connectivity
• High resolution 1600p display
• Mediocre keyboard and touchpad
• Disappointing speakers and microphone
• Display falls behind in contrast, color vibrancy

Why we like the Acer Chromebook 516 GE

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a good machine for gaming and day-to-day tasks. The Intel Core i5-1240P CPU is powerful enough for office work and everyday activities, and the display’s 120Hz refresh rate will produce smooth visuals. You can’t run games locally on this laptop, but you can use a cloud gaming service like Nvidia GeForce Now or Amazon Luna. According to our review, “gameplay felt perfectly smooth” and “Nvidia’s GeForce Now diagnostics panel flagged no problems.” Just make sure you’ve got a stable Internet connection! Fortunately, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE has an Ethernet port, which is about as stable as you can get.

Who should buy the Acer Chromebook 516 GE

Anyone that wants to game on a dependable Chromebook! The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a joy to game on and it’s zippy enough for productivity and day-to-day. Additional features include a 1080p webcam, a 65 watt-hour battery, and an attractive design. With an MSRP of $650, it’s a little expensive for a Chromebook, but it punches above the usual Chrome OS machine and is tailor made to deliver a high-quality cloud gaming experience.

Alternative option: If you’re looking for a Windows alternative that can run local games, you should check out the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition laptop. It’s currently our best budget gaming pick and for good reason! Our reviewer blitzed through the Rise of the Tomb Raider benchmark at 123 frames-per-second thanks to the Nvidia GeForce RTX RTX 4050 GPU. This laptop also managed an impressive 11 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is unheard of in gaming laptops.

Framework Laptop Chromebook – Best Chromebook for tinkerers

• Upgradeable
• Hot-swappable ports
• 1080p webcam
• Reliable performance
• No touchscreen display

Why we like the Framework Laptop Chromebook

The Framework Laptop Chromebook is one of the more unusual entries on this roundup because it’s a modular laptop, which means you can replace or upgrade any part of it. Our reviewer, who wasn’t confident in her disassembling abilities, was able to crack open the laptop in a few simple steps. The hardware inside is marked with QR codes, which you can scan with your phone and be directed to the right spot on Framework’s website. The 1080p display is also a big draw and the hot-swappable ports allows you to mix and match where the ports slot in the laptop.

Who should buy the Framework Laptop Chromebook

Anyone who likes to get in there and tinker or extend the life of their laptop. The Framework Laptop Chromebook is designed with the ultimate customization and upgradability in mind. I will say, it’s definitely targeted to a specific niche of people, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Performance is strong due to the Intel Core i5 processor. In fact, our benchmarks show that it handles everyday tasks like surfing the web and watching streams like a real pro. The only caveat is that it’s expensive for a Chromebook. The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 , for example, is just as fast as the Framework Laptop Chromebook and is hundreds of dollars cheaper.

Recent laptop reviews

• Asus Zenbook S 16 : The Asus Zenbook S 16 is an attractive laptop, but the Ryzen AI 9 delivers mediocre performance and external temperatures peak at 130 degrees under load.
• HP Omnibook X : The HP Omnibook X is an effective laptop and makes decent use of its Snapdragon processor to run for hours on end, but it’s not setting itself dramatically apart and skimps in other areas enough that it just doesn’t stand out.
• HP Pavilion Laptop 16 : The HP Pavilion Laptop 16 is a jack of all trades with a big display and comfortable spacious keyboard packed with options. It also has a long battery life and enough power to comfortably handle most leisure and office applications.
• Framework Laptop 13 : The Framework Laptop 13 is based on a compelling vision of a possible future, and some PC enthusiasts will love building, upgrading, and repairing their own laptop. But this isn’t the right machine for the average PC buyer.
• Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 : The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 is a serviceable business laptop with solid battery life, a vibrant display, and decent repairability.

How we test Chromebooks

The PCWorld team puts each and every laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Due to the cloud-based nature of Chromebooks, they go through a series of web-based tests. It wouldn’t be fair or possible to run the same kinds of tests on a Chromebook as we use on laptops because they exclusively run a completely different operating system.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each test and the reasons why we run them.

Chromebooks

• CrXPRT 2 : The CrXPRT 2 benchmark tests a Chromebook’s battery life.
• Speedometer 2.0 : This test determines a Chromebook’s web browser performance. It simulates this by adding, completing, and removing a to-do list.
• Basemark Web 3.0 : This benchmark gauges how well a Chromebook can handle web-based applications.
• Kraken 1.1 : Kraken 1.1 is a JavaScript performance benchmark that measures browser speed.
• Jetstream 2 : Jetstream 2 is a combination of WebAssembly and JavaScript benchmarks. This is a way to gauge how well a Chromebook runs advanced workloads.

For a more thorough explanation of our testing procedures, check out how PCWorld tests laptops .

What should I look for in a Chromebook?

If you’re looking for a Windows or MacBook alternative, you may want to consider a Chromebook. Equipped with low-power processors, they typically have good battery life and are usually silent in operation. They make great productivity machines, as they’re specifically designed for lightweight tasks like browsing the web, watching Netflix, and so on. Plus, they’re largely virus free. That said, most Chromebooks have minimal RAM and storage. If you’re a hardcore gamer or a video editor, you’re going to want something with a lot more power than a Chromebook is capable of providing.

Our guide to Chromebooks vs. Windows l aptops can help you determine which operating system is best for your needs. For more options, you’ll want to check out our best laptops roundup .

• Operating system: Although every operating system has its pros and cons, I’d argue that Chrome OS is one of the most user-friendly ones out there. That said, with Chromebooks, you don’t have the option of picking another operating system, as they exclusively run Chrome OS. You’re stuck with it, bud.
• Processor : Shoot for a mid-range Chromebook if you can. They cost anywhere in the $400 to $600 range and many of them come equipped with Intel Pentium processors. These Chromebooks have better browser performance and are capable of running more intense gaming apps. It’s the best bang for your buck. Upper-end Chromebooks sometimes use Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors, which pack more of a punch.
• RAM : Many Chromebooks have 4GB of RAM, which isn’t a lot. Chromebooks are web-based machines, so you need a fair amount of RAM to keep those tabs open and running smoothly. If you can spend a couple of hundred extra, you’ll be able to find a mid-range Chromebook with 8GB of RAM.
• Storage : I recommend at least 64GB of storage. Since you’ll mostly be storing things in the cloud, you don’t a ton of local storage.
• Durability : Chromebooks are popular in the education market because they’re pretty darn robust. I’m not saying you should smack one around with a baseball bat or anything, but they’re durable enough to handle the daily abuses of life.

What is the difference between a regular laptop and a Chromebook?

When people talk about regular laptops they usually mean a PC or Mac. A Chromebook is still a laptop, but it differentiates itself from either of those two by using a unique operating system called Chrome OS, which was created by Google. Think of it like this: All Chromebooks are laptops, but not all laptops are Chromebooks.

Unlike other operating systems such as Windows or macOS, Chrome OS is optimized to run Google apps such as Google Drive, Google Docs, YouTube, and other Google services. Because most Google apps are online, Chromebooks generally require an internet connection to use most of their important features.

Finally, Chromebooks have historically been designed with portability, ease of use, and affordability in mind rather than top performance. They typically forego the faster, high-end hardware that PCs or Macs can use for a more minimalist, lightweight approach to computing.

Can I use integrated graphics for gaming?

No, you can’t game a Chromebook because they can’t run local EXEs aside from Android apps. That said, you can play modern games on a Chromebook that supports cloud gaming, like the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Gaming . You have to have an Ultimate membership with Nvidia’s GeForce Now to the play the games, though. The Ultimate tier costs $19.99 a month or $99.99 for six months. It’s a pretty seamless experience, and Nvidia also offers an unlimited free tier so you can stream games with restrictions on session times.

What is the difference between a budget laptop and a tablet?

More and more, the line between what is a laptop and what is a tablet blurs as companies integrate the features of both into their latest devices. But there are still a few key distinctions between the two. Laptops generally are larger, come with more storage, and have better performance and productivity features. Tablets on the other hand are smaller and more portable, have longer battery life, and are usually a bit more affordable.

When choosing between a budget laptop and a tablet you should first ask yourself what the primary use of the device will be. Do you need something for productivity with lots of storage? Then a laptop—even a budget model—will probably be the way to go. Or do you need something that is small, travels well, and has a long battery life? Then you might consider a tablet.

What are the disadvantages of a Chromebook?

Chromebooks are designed for day-to-day tasks, which is fine if all you’re doing is browsing the web and checking e-mail. They can’t handle resource-heavy design work, video editing, and so on. You’ll also need a strong Internet connection because if you’re not online, there are only so many things you can do with a Chromebook. Chromebooks cannot install local programs like Windows PCs can. You also can’t install Microsoft Office and that might be a huge deal-breaker for some folks, especially those who rely on those programs for work.

What is a Chromebook good for?

Chromebooks are good laptops for those who require the basics. If all you need is a reliable Internet connection to get your work done and nothing else (like no resource-hungry programs), then you’re golden. Personally, I use my own Chromebook for writing and editing as well as checking out social media and watching YouTube. You can even game on them with a cloud gaming service like GeForce Now , if that’s how you like to spend your evenings (no judgements here).

Author: Ashley Biancuzzo , Associate Editor, PCWorld

Ashley Biancuzzo manages all laptop and Chromebook coverage for PCWorld. She's been covering consumer tech since 2016, and her work has appeared on USA Today, Reviewed, Polygon, Kotaku, StarWars.com, and Nerdist. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games, reading science fiction, and hanging out with her rescue greyhound.

Recent stories by Ashley Biancuzzo:

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• Best Chromebook
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Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 4 best student chromebooks - summer 2024 reviews.

If you're looking for a school laptop, Chromebooks are worth considering, as they're usually cheaper than Windows laptops and MacBooks. They're also easier to use, as Chrome OS has a simpler, more user-friendly interface. When looking for a Chromebook, here are a few tips to help you find the right one for your needs. To begin, you'd want to look for a Chromebook that feels reasonably well built, as kids don't always treat electronics with care, so you'd want one that can take a few bumps. You'd also want one that's easy to carry around, with enough battery life to get through a typical school day.

A large screen isn't necessary but is nice for multitasking, and of course, you'd want a good keyboard and touchpad. Performance usually isn't a problem since Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system that runs well on low-end hardware, but you'd want to make sure there's enough RAM so the system won't get bogged down during heavy use. The main thing to remember is that Chrome OS doesn't support x86 Windows programs, so ensure that you can do all your schoolwork through a Chrome browser or Android app.

We've bought and tested over 125 laptops. Below are our recommendations for the best student Chromebooks you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the best budget and cheap laptops , the best 2-in-1 laptops , and the best Windows laptops .

Best Chromebook For Students

The best Chromebook for students we've tested is the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022), a versatile 2-in-1 convertible. It has a nice 14-inch FHD+ display, a spacious keyboard, and a decent port selection, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports. In addition to touch input, it has stylus support and comes with a pen that you can dock into the side of the laptop. Performance is excellent; its Intel 12th Gen U-series CPUs are powerful enough for anything you'd need to do on a Chromebook. A full battery gets you around 13 hours of light use, and you can charge over USB-C.

Spec-wise, you can get this laptop with a Core i3, i5, or i7 CPU and up to 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage. However, availability is scarce because it's an older 2022 model, and a newer one is available and often cheaper. While we haven't tested the 2023 model, we expect it to be fairly similar, as the only upgrades include a newer, faster Intel 13th CPU and a higher-resolution 1440p webcam. You can see this 2023 model on  Amazon  or  Best Buy .

A quick FYI: we've purchased the 2024 model and will test it soon, so stay tuned! The newer model sports Intel's Meteor Lake CPU with performance and efficiency cores but is otherwise similar to its 2023 predecessor.

See our review

Best Budget Chromebook For Students

Our best budget student Chromebook pick is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023). Like our top pick, it's also a 14-inch device; however, it's a traditional clamshell model, meaning you can't flip the screen and use it as a tablet. You can configure this laptop with an Intel N100, N200, or Core i3-N305 CPU. We recommend the Core i3 configuration paired with an FHD, touch-sensitive display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, which you can regularly find on sale for around $400 to $500 USD on  Lenovo's website . It has the most processing power, and its FHD display is better than the other options available, as it looks brighter and more colorful. The cheaper configurations with an Intel N100 or N200 CPU and/or 4GB of RAM are fine if you have an extremely light workload; just know that they'll get bogged down quickly when multitasking.

This laptop feels reasonably sturdy build-wise. It has Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity, an excellent 1080p webcam, and a decent port selection, including two USB-As, a USB-C, and an HDMI port. The keyboard is okay; it feels spacious but mushy, and the keys require a fair amount of force to actuate, which can cause some fatigue over an extended period. Unfortunately, the touchpad is small and not always responsive. On the upside, its battery life is outstanding at around 13 hours of light use, which is more than enough to get through a typical school day.

Best Cheap Chromebook For Students

If you want to spend as little as possible, consider the Acer Chromebook 315 (2020). It's very portable for a 15.6-inch laptop, and its battery lasts easily through a full school day with plenty to spare. It sports a full-size keyboard with a numpad, a reasonably large touchpad, a wide port selection, and a surprisingly good 720p webcam. You can choose between a 720p or a 1080p display (with or without touch input); we recommend the 1080p option, as a 720p resolution is low for a 15.6-inch screen.

Naturally, there are a couple of tradeoffs to consider, specifically the display's brightness and CPU performance. The display only gets bright enough for indoor use, and even then, you might struggle with visibility in well-lit rooms. As for the CPUs, the only available options are Intel Celeron processors that can only handle light workloads, so don't expect to do anything remotely intensive. There's no biometrics like a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition IR camera, although that's typical for a cheap laptop.

Lastly, all Chromebooks have a limited number of years of software support, and this Chromebook's end-of-life is June 2026. It'll still work after that date, though you'll miss out on important security updates and bug fixes.

Best Compact Chromebook For Students

If you need something compact for a younger grade-school student, check out the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2022), a Chrome OS tablet with a detachable keyboard. At 10.9 inches, it's about the same size as a regular Apple iPad or iPad Air, so it fits easily into a small backpack. The keyboard comes with the device, so separately buying it is unnecessary. It isn't the most comfortable keyboard to type on; it's fine for kids who only need to type out a few words now and then but not ideal for longer school work.

This tablet sports an FHD+ display. It gets bright enough to combat glare, and unlike other similarly priced devices, it doesn't look washed out. Unfortunately, there's no headphone jack, so you'll need a USB-C audio adapter or Bluetooth headphones. As for performance, the Snapdragon SoC can handle simple tasks like web browsing and video playback; just don't expect to do any heavy multitasking. The battery life is amazing at around 14 hours of light use.

• ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip (2023): The ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip (2023) is a good alternative to the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022). It has a brighter 144Hz display and a slightly better touchpad; however, it lacks Thunderbolt 4 support, doesn't support pen input, and lasts only around eight hours on a full charge. See our review
• Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023): The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023) is a good option if you want something in the same price range as the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023) but with more processing power. It also has a better keyboard and touchpad than the Lenovo, but its display looks dim and washed out. Also, its battery lasts only around eight hours of light use, which is on the shorter side for a Chrome OS device. See our review

Jul 31, 2024: Small text changes to provide information about the new Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024). No change in recommendations.

May 09, 2024: Confirmed that picks are accurate and available. There are no changes in the recommendations.

Mar 12, 2024: Added the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023) as a Notable Mention. No change in recommendations.

Jan 15, 2024: Minor text changes to provide information about the Acer Chromebook 315 (2020)'s OS support expiration date. No change in recommendation.

Nov 17, 2023: Replaced the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) with the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023) because the C340 is at the end of its OS support.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best Chromebooks for students to buy. We factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you prefer to make your own decision, here's the list of all of our Chromebook reviews, sorted by price from low to high. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it's best to see the full review for information about other variants.

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Google Pixelbook review: The best Chromebook (a lot of) money can buy

The pricey Google Pixelbook is a fast and powerful Chromebook with a divine design.

Chromebooks have a reputation for being cheap -- both in cost and construction. However, a handful of premium models have always challenged that preconception, from Samsung's Chromebook Pro and HP's Chromebook 13 , to Google's own Chromebook Pixel models. Recasting its flagship Chrome OS device as a two-in-one hybrid, Google is positioning the new Pixelbook as the top of the Chromebook food chain.   

Google Pixelbook

The bottom line.

The mostly metal Pixelbook is a great everyday work machine for those heavily dependent on Google's suite of apps. Like most modern Chromebooks, it also has access to the Google Play store, meaning it can download and use a wide range of apps, just like an Android phone or tablet. The laptop's useful convertible design, which can be propped up like a tent, flipped over like a stand or folded back like a tablet, adds to the overall usability and utility.

The Pixelbook's design mirrors the Google's Pixel phones.

The Pixelbook ups the ante for all Chromebooks, and it does so at a high cost -- literally. The laptop starts at $999 (£999), which is almost double that of the Samsung Chromebook, previously one of the most high-end Chromebooks around. The review unit we tested cost $1,200 (£1,200) and had a 7th gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. To be fair, Google's earlier attempt at a premium Chrome OS system, the Chromebook Pixel , cost even more at launch .

There is no official Australian pricing or availability yet, but the price converts to about AU$1,275.

Google Assistant everywhere

Google Assistant has its own dedicated button on the Pixelbook's keyboard. It's on the bottom left corner, located in-between the ctrl and alt buttons, and pressing it launches Google Assistant.

The Google Assitant logo looks triggering for those who suffer from trypophobia.

After pressing the button, the Google Assistant window pops up on the bottom left hand corner of the screen. You can then type out what you'd like to search. 

Google Assistant can analyze your screen as soon as it launches and offer popular search results based on what you're looking at, similar to Android phones.

The feature can also be summoned by saying "OK Google" out loud. It understands voice searches, but don't expect the Pixelbook to replace a Google Home , because you can't talk to it like a smart home speaker.

Google Pixelbook Pen

The Google Pixelbook Pen is a stylus that works with Google Assistant. It's closer in design to the Microsoft Surface Pen than the Apple Pencil, doesn't require charging, pairing or a Bluetooth connection and currently only works with the Pixelbook. Battery life should last about one year.

The only button on the stylus activates Google Assistant.

• 10ms of latency
• 60 degrees of angular awareness
• 2,000+ levels of pressure sensitivity
• AAAA battery

Pixelbook Pen sold separately. 

Like the Pixelbook's keyboard, the Pixelbook Pen has its own Google Assistant button. It works by pressing it once, then using the stylus to circle an image or highlight text on the screen. Google Assistant then searches whatever you've selected.

I found the image search function to be quick and handy, though sometimes inconsistent. The text search needs some improvement. It was only useful when searching one word or very specific terms.

Otherwise, the Pixelbook Pen was a comfortable stylus for navigating the touchscreen, as well as writing down notes, drawing and taking screenshots.  Unfortunately, there's nowhere to store the pen on the laptop. For people who often lose things like me, that can tack on the extra cost of a pen clip . Samsung's Chromebook Pro, in contrast, has a built-in stylus slot.

The Chrome OS we've been waiting for

No longer is Chrome OS an odd operating system that's practically useless without Wi-Fi (although it's still limited in its offline capabilities compared to a windows or MacOS computer). Chrome OS is still mostly centered around the Chrome web browser, but now the Google Play store is available on the newest version, allowing you to download, install and run millions of Android apps, just like an Android phone or tablet.

The Pixelbook's 360-degree hinges turn it into a tablet.

Android apps on the Pixelbook can be dynamically resized like any regular window. They favor the same dimensions as they do on a phone. App windows are moveable when using the Pixelbook as a laptop, however, apps only work in full-screen mode when in tablet mode.

Most new Chromebooks can use Google Play apps. Performance, especially for games, depends on the device's processing and graphics capabilities. 

And if you're thinking adding the free-for-all of Android apps to the previously very secure Chrome OS environment is a potential issue, you're right. Fortunately, the Android apps run in their own walled garden, separate from the main Chrome OS, so the security issues are at least minimized.

It's impeccable design is incredibly thin and sleek.

Divine design paired with powerful performance

At a little over 10mm thick and weighing just under two and a half pounds, the Pixelbook is a striking laptop that looks and feels well-built. It's fashionably thin, fanless and functionally portable. The minimal design culminates in the classy glass panel on the back of the screen that resembles Google's Pixel phones.

The Pixelbook's design is undeniably luxe.

Its convertible design is useful: I easily went from using the keyboard to respond to an email, to folding it into a tablet so I could easily read an article. The screen was quick to respond and flip when switching from one configuration to another.

The backlit keyboard, which has 0.8mm of key travel, is quiet and comfortable to type on. It has silicone pads on the keyboard deck that are pleasantly comfortable to rest wrists and palms on. It also gives the device some grip when used as a tablet or propped up like a stand.

In addition to the aforementioned Google Assistant key, there are a few other buttons on the keyboard that you won't find on other laptops . Instead of a caps lock key on the left side, it has a search key for searching your device or Google. There's also a button on the top right corner of the keyboard that looks like three short lines stacked on top of each other. It launches the system menu that shows info like Wi-Fi network connection and volume level.

The Pixelbook handled multiple apps and windows open like a champ.

The Google Pixelbook performs the way you'd expect a high-end laptop to perform. It's lag-free, zippy and smooth. Even with multiple apps open at the same time and more than a dozen tabs open in Chrome, including a streaming HD video, the Pixelbook chugged along as if nothing was happening.

• 7th-gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor
• 8GB or 16GB of RAM
• 128GB SSD, 256GB SSD, or 512GB NVMe
• Two USB-C ports with fast-charging
• Headphone jack
• 720p front-facing camera
• Four microphones
• Two speakers
• Bluetooth 4.2

The entry-level model has 128GB of storage space, which is a lot more than the 16GB or 32GB of drive space usually found in Chromebooks. The increase in space allows users to save their files on the laptop while giving them plenty of space to download apps and Netflix videos for offline viewing.

Its bright touchscreen is great for everything from editing word docs to watching HD video.

The Pixelbook has a square-ish shape that's rather distinct, due to its screen's 3:2 aspect ratio. The screen is very bright and has wide viewing angles. I could clearly see it outdoors on a sunny day, despite unavoidable glare.

Screen specs

• 12.3-inch LCD touchscreen
• 2,400x1,600-pixel resolution

The laptop worked well for watching TV and movies, however I found the speakers a bit low in volume. I preferred connecting to my Bluetooth speaker or headphones to the Pixelbook instead.

Google claims that the Pixelbook can last 10 hours on a single full charge. With heavy use (working in a Google Doc, streaming videos, running multiple apps) the laptop lasted me about 6 hours. In our streaming video tests, it lasted 9 hours.

Google Pixelbook is pretty and powerful for a Chromebook

Cream of the Chromebook crop

Not all Chromebooks have to be simple and cheap. They can also be powerful and chic, and the Pixelbook is the leading example.

If your computer activity revolves around using a browser, the Google Pixelbook is great notebook for work or school. It's also good for personal sctivities such as watching movies and sketching. Still, it's difficult to justify the Pixelbook's price when cheaper, capable Chromebooks exist. For example, Samsung's Chromebook Pro has a high-res screen, comes with a stylus, 360-degree hinge and has access to Android apps, all for about half the price. And while the Google Play store continues to grow, the support for Android apps on devices with large screens is still lacking.

And if you're comfortable spending this much on a new laptop, high-design examples like the Dell XPS 13 or HP Spectre can be configured around the same price with similar specs, plus access to the endless world of Windows apps, including programs like Photoshop or Premiere that require Windows or MacOS to run. 

The Google Pixelbook makes a case for high-performance Chromebooks, but its power and beauty come at a price that requires a leap of Chrome OS faith.

Score Breakdown

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Are Chromebooks bad?

Hi! I just bought my first Chromebook for 300PLN (70,04 USD). I've just read some comments under this video and I got a little worried. Are Chromebooks THAT bad? I need it for internet browsing and writing documents. Someone said there that Chromebooks are getting very hot, it this true? I wanted to ask someone that actually has Chromebook because I think most people that commented on that video, don't. (HP Chromebook 11 G6)

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I've reviewed dozens of laptops, and this is the best Black Friday Chromebook deal I've seen so far

Asus is taking Black Friday seriously

We're already seeing a ton of great Black Friday deals on all sorts of tech, especially since big retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have now officially kicked off their own Black Friday sales.

That means I've been hunting for the best Black Friday laptop deals out there, and I think I've found my favorite one so far: the Asus Chromebook C424, currently on sale at Amazon for just $179.99 .

I noted this Chromebook on sale earlier this year for Amazon Prime Day, but at that time it cost $214.49 - so this is a significantly better discount. Despite that low price, the C424 doesn't feel like a super-budget laptop; we've got a full HD 1080p NanoEdge display, a good selection of ports, and a clean, lightweight design that weighs in at just 3.33 lbs.

Is this the best-value Chromebook deal Black Friday has given us so far?

Asus Chromebook C424: was $249.99 now $179.99 at Amazon A ridiculously cheap Chromebook deal courtesy of Asus, the C424 is an absolute steal at $179.99. There might be cheaper ChromeOS laptops out there, but you'll struggle to find any with this level of build quality and features: from the 1080p display to the USB-C ports and 10-hour battery life, this is a surprisingly capable Chromebook for the asking price.

If I had to recommend one single Chromebook deal this Black Friday, I think it would be this one. It's almost a third off the retail price, and thanks to the low system requirements of ChromeOS, it'll still run smoothly on its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM.

In fact, many of the best Chromebooks offer relatively lightweight specs compared to Windows laptops, something that helps keep their prices down. I'd balk at these internals on a Windows or macOS device, but for ChromeOS, they're perfectly acceptable. The handy security and parental control features of the operating system also make this laptop a great pick for younger users getting their first laptop.

Sure, it isn't powerful enough to play all the latest games - although you can always stream games via a service like GeForce Now - but for stuff like doing homework, watching YouTube , or video chatting with friends and family, it's got everything you need.

Not in the US? Scroll down to see the best Chromebook deals in your region.

Follow TechRadar on TikTok  for news, reviews, unboxings, and hot Black Friday deals!

More of today's best Black Friday deals

• Amazon: 50% off TVs, air fryers, AirPods & clothing
• Apple: AirPods Pro, Apple Watch 8 & iPads from $99
• Adidas: 40% off running shoes, sweatshirts & leggings
• Beauty: 51% off viral makeup, skincare & hair tools
• Best Buy: up to $800 off 4K TVs, laptops & headphones
• Bed Bath & Beyond: 65% off sitewide + free shipping  
• Cheap TVs: big-screen 4K TVs from $269.99
• Christmas: 40% off decor, pajamas & trees
• Dell: save on best-selling Inspiron and XPS laptops
• DreamCloud: 40% off all mattresses
• Family pajamas: matching Christmas PJs from $12.99
• Lowe's: up to $800 off major appliances
• Nectar : mattress deals starting at $359
• Nordstrom: 30% off Nike, Levi's, Skims, Adidas & more  
• Purple: up to $400 off Purple mattresses
• Samsung: up to $2,000 of TVs, phones and appliances
• Target: 40% off furniture, TVs, clothing & appliances  
• Toys: Disney, Barbie, Lego & board games from $14.99
• Walmart: $800 off toys, TVs, vacuums & clothing

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Christian is TechRadar’s UK-based Computing Editor. He came to us from Maximum PC magazine, where he fell in love with computer hardware and building PCs. He was a regular fixture amongst our freelance review team before making the jump to TechRadar, and can usually be found drooling over the latest high-end graphics card or gaming laptop before looking at his bank account balance and crying.

Christian is a keen campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights and the owner of a charming rescue dog named Lucy, having adopted her after he beat cancer in 2021. She keeps him fit and healthy through a combination of face-licking and long walks, and only occasionally barks at him to demand treats when he’s trying to work from home.

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