Chromebooks are affordable, portable, and run on a version of Google’s Chrome browser rather than running Microsoft’s Windows or Apple’s macOS. That means you have access to almost everything you need that’s web-based, as long as you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and a Google account. While you can’t install any software like Photoshop or Microsoft Word, Chrome offers free alternatives to a lot of popular software. They’re limited yet versatile devices that are well worth considering if you’re on a tight budget, and we’ve got a full guide to What is a Chromebook? if you’re still not sure. Here are our top picks for the best Chromebooks. The only caveat is the price, which is more in line with Windows-based laptops. While a similarly priced laptop might seem like a better deal, Chromebooks tend to remain fast and responsive because of the lightweight operating system. The better build quality also means the Pixelbook Go can survive longer than other Chromebooks with cheaper designs. Overall, the Pixelbook Go is a more capable gadget than you’d typically expect from a Chromebook. If you’re looking for the best Chromebook out there, this is it. CPU: Intel Core i7 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB | Display size: 13.3 in. | Weight: 2.93 lb. Overall, the Duet isn’t that powerful, with only 4GB of RAM and a MediaTek Helio P60T processor, but that’s plenty for the browser-based applications Chrome OS supports. For a wallet-friendly price, you also get a reasonable 128GB of solid state drive (SSD) storage, which is more storage than most Chromebooks offer. CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128GB | Display size: 10.1 in. | Weight: 2.0 lb. The 2-in-1 system of the Flex 5 offers plenty of flexibility, allowing it to transform from a laptop into tablet mode. This versatility is particularly handy if you buy the compatible Lenovo digital pen (unfortunately sold separately). This Chromebook also offers an ample selection of ports, with USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and a microSD reader. Lenovo estimates up to 10 hours of battery life, which isn’t the longest, but certainly enough to get you through the day. CPU: Intel Core i3 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128GB | Display size: 13.3 in. | Weight: 2.97 lb. The all-aluminum build has a premium feel that’s both durable and lightweight. The high-resolution 14-inch display is bright, has thin bezels, and is touch-responsive. One slight design drawback is that speakers are bottom-facing, which is less than ideal for sound quality. However, the responsive keyboard, sizable trackpad, and decent 10-hour battery life make it an excellent machine for getting work done. CPU: Intel Core i5 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Display size: 14 in. | Weight: 3.19 lb. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is powered by a modest 4GB of RAM and an Intel Celeron CPU5205U processor. Though these specs won’t win any awards for computing power, it’s is an excellent choice for a 2-in-1 Chromebook. CPU: Intel Celeron 5205U | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Display size: 13.3 in. | Weight: 2.71 lb. With 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5 processor, the Galaxy Chromebook is more powerful than many Chromebooks, and its 256GB SSD provides ample storage for such a device. However, there are a few drawbacks, and the most significant is its high price. It also has disappointing speakers and low, eight-hour battery life. However, it’s one of the best Chromebooks for its extra features and power. CPU: Intel Core i5 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display size: 13.3 in. | Weight: 2.29 lb. The HP Chromebook 14 also has a great selection of ports, so you can plug in plenty of external accessories such as USB drives, mice, or keyboards. It’s a bit cheap feeling and is definitely a “bare minimum” sort of device in many ways, but it’s the perfect laptop for cash-strapped students. CPU: AMD A4-9120C | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB | Display size: 14 in. | Weight: 3.4 lb.
Storage
A perk of choosing a Chromebook is the included 100GB of Google Drive storage. However, since you may not always be connected to the internet while using it, it’s important to have some onboard storage. Most Chromebooks have at least 64GB of storage space, which is adequate since there’s not much need to store large quantities of data on these laptops. Many Chromebooks only offer 128GB or 256GB of storage capacity.
2-in-1 design
Many Chromebooks have a 2-in-1 design for transforming from a laptop to a tablet. It can be a handy trick, though the primary use case for these devices is in their laptop format. The option to use a Chromebook as a tablet offers a great way to enjoy compatible Android apps, drawing, or reading e-books.
About Our Trusted Experts
Andy Zahn has written for Lifewire since 2019 and covered a wide range of products including laptops and Chromebooks. As an avid outdoorsman, he was a fan of the extra portability offered by several of the devices on this roundup. Jonno Hill is a writer who covers tech such as computers, gaming equipment, and cameras for Lifewire and publications including AskMen.com and PCMag.com.
