The Chromebook market has grown a lot over the previous few years that selecting one of the best Chromebook for you will be arduous. The mixture of years value of software program updates and producers making laptops with extra energy, higher construct high quality and lengthy battery life means there are a ton of excellent Chrome OS machines that work nicely as on a regular basis drivers. Whereas Google did make issues easier final fall by introducing the Chromebook Plus initiative (extra on that under), there are nonetheless a number of issues to remember when purchasing for a brand new Chromebook. I’ve been testing and reviewing Chromebooks for years and know what you ought to be searching for, and what you may anticipate out of those laptops in 2024.
What’s Chrome OS, and why would I exploit it over Home windows?
That is most likely the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops available on the market, so why hassle with Chrome’s working system? Glad you requested. For me, the easy and clear nature of Chrome OS is an enormous promoting level. Chrome OS relies on Google’s Chrome browser, which implies a lot of the applications you may run are internet based mostly. There’s no bloatware or undesirable apps to uninstall such as you usually get on Home windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you may fully reset to manufacturing unit settings nearly as rapidly.
In fact, simplicity may even be a serious disadvantage for some customers. Not with the ability to set up native software program generally is a dealbreaker in case you’re a video editor or software program developer. However there are additionally loads of individuals who do nearly all of their work in an internet browser.
Google and its software program companions are getting higher yearly at supporting extra superior options. For instance, Google added video modifying instruments to the Google Pictures app on Chromebooks – it gained’t substitute Adobe Premiere, but it surely needs to be helpful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the internet final yr, one thing that brings a lot of the facility of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Chromebooks also can run Android apps, which tremendously expands the quantity of software program obtainable. The standard varies extensively, but it surely means you are able to do extra with a Chromebook past simply web-based apps. For instance, you may set up the Netflix app and save movies for offline watching. Different Android apps like Microsoft Workplace and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly succesful as nicely. Between Android apps and a normal enchancment in internet apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.
What do Chromebooks do nicely?
Put merely, internet looking and actually something internet based mostly. On-line procuring, streaming music and video and utilizing varied social media websites are among the many commonest day by day duties folks do on Chromebooks. As you may anticipate, in addition they work nicely with Google companies like Pictures, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Maintain and so forth. Sure, any pc that may run Chrome can do this too, however the light-weight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and secure platform.
As I discussed earlier than, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so in case you’re an Android person you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You will get a lot of the identical apps which might be in your telephone on a Chromebook and hold information in sync between them. You can too use some Android telephones as a safety key in your Chromebook or immediately tether your laptop computer to make use of cellular knowledge.
Google continues to tout safety as a serious differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s undoubtedly an element value contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary strains of protection: Chrome OS updates obtain rapidly within the background and a quick reboot is all it takes to put in the newest model. Google says that every webpage and app on a Chromebook runs in its personal sandbox as nicely, so any safety threats are contained to that particular person app. Lastly, Chrome OS has a self-check known as Verified Boot that runs each time a tool begins up. Past all this, the easy truth that you just usually can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for unhealthy actors to entry the system.
When you’re excited about Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an efficient choice as nicely. Each Chromebook in our high picks comes with a full yr of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the same old Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 % again in purchases from the Google Retailer with a bunch of AI instruments. You’ll get entry to Gemini in Gmail, Docs and different apps, Gemini Superior (which runs on the 1.5 Professional mannequin) and extra. On condition that this plan is $20/month, it’s a fairly strong perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embrace instruments just like the AI-powered “help me write,” the Google Pictures Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you may create by filling in just a few prompts.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is easy: When you rely closely on a particular native software for Home windows or a Mac, likelihood is you gained’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS gadget. That’s most true in fields like photograph and video modifying, but it surely will also be the case in regulation or finance. Loads of companies run on Google’s G suite software program, however extra nonetheless have particular necessities {that a} Chromebook may not match. When you’re an iPhone person, you’ll additionally miss out on the way in which the iPhone simply integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the massive draw back just isn’t with the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.
Lastly, gaming Chromebooks aren’t ubiquitous, though they’re turning into a barely extra cheap choice with the rise of cloud gaming. In late 2022, Google and a few {hardware} companions introduced a push to make Chromebooks with cloud gaming in thoughts. From a {hardware} perspective, which means laptops with larger screens which have greater refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with companies like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Recreation Go and Amazon Luna. You’ll clearly want an web connection to make use of these companies, however the excellent news is that taking part in fashionable video games on a Chromebook isn’t unimaginable. You can too set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are considering of once they wish to recreation on a laptop computer.
What are crucial specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and runs nicely on pretty modest {hardware}, so crucial factor to search for may not be processor energy or cupboard space. However Google made it simpler to get constant specs and efficiency late final yr when it launched the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any gadget with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimal necessities, which occur to be similar to what I’d suggest most individuals get in the event that they’re searching for a laptop computer they will use daily.
Chromebook Plus fashions have at the least a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 sequence processor, each of which needs to be greater than sufficient for most individuals. These laptops even have a minimal of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which ought to do the trick until you’re actually pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus fashions should have a 1080p webcam, which is sweet in lately of fixed video calling, they usually additionally all should have at the least a 1080p IPS display screen.
In fact, you will get greater specs or higher screens in case you want, however I’ve discovered that principally every little thing included within the Chromebook Plus goal specs makes for an excellent expertise.
Google has an Auto Replace coverage for Chromebooks as nicely, and whereas that’s not precisely a spec, it’s value checking before you purchase. Final yr, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and help for a powerful 10 years after their launch date. This help web page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for just about each Chromebook ever, however an excellent rule of thumb is to purchase the most recent machine you may to maximise your help.
How a lot ought to I spend?
Chromebooks began out notoriously low cost, with checklist costs usually coming in underneath $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being primarily fashionable netbooks to the sort of laptop computer you’ll wish to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, it is best to anticipate to spend at the least $400 if you need a strong day by day driver. There are nonetheless many funds choices on the market that could be appropriate as secondary gadgets, however Chromebooks that may be all-day, every-day laptops will value extra. However, notably, even one of the best Chromebooks normally value lower than one of the best Home windows laptops, and even one of the best “regular” laptops on the market.
There are many premium Chromebooks that strategy and even exceed $1,000, however I don’t suggest spending that a lot. Usually, that’ll get you a greater design with extra premium supplies, in addition to extra highly effective internals and additional cupboard space. In fact, you additionally typically pay for the model identify. However, the specs I outlined earlier are normally sufficient.
See Additionally:
Greatest Chromebooks in 2024
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,920 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.52 lbs | Obtainable ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, MicroSD card slot (SD 3.0), Headphone jack, Kensington Naon safety slot | Drive capability: 128GB | Battery life: 6 hours as examined
Lenovo has been making among the finest inexpensive Chromebooks you should buy for a number of years now, and its 2023 IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an inexpensive laptop computer that gives nearly every little thing you could possibly need in a fundamental Chromebook. (We’re calling it the Flex 5i from right here.) The 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen is each bigger and taller than final yr’s mannequin. This implies you get extra vertical display screen actual property, which is one thing I recognize over a typical 1080p show. This Lenovo mannequin hits the Chromebook Plus beneficial specs with a Thirteenth-generation Intel Core i3 processor plus 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. That’s a bump up from the Eleventh-generation processor within the 2022 mannequin, and the RAM and storage needs to be loads.
Sadly, the battery life is pretty mediocre — I obtained about six hours of normal use out of it. My workflow features a ton of Chrome tabs, plus internet apps for issues like Slack, Todoist, Trello, Google Maintain and YouTube Music. I normally take just a few video calls throughout the day, so in case you’re not on digicam a lot you may get a bit extra time from the laptop computer. I want it lasted longer, however I can’t knock it an excessive amount of contemplating the Flex 5i’s worth.
The backlit keyboard and trackpad are superb and really feel a lot better than I’d anticipate on a reasonably inexpensive machine. The keys have good journey and the trackpad is giant and responsive. Even if it has a 1080p webcam, I can’t say that I appeared all that nice within the video calls I took. It does the job, however not far more.
Different issues within the Flex 5i’s favor embrace each USB-C and USB-A ports, a microSD card slot and a safety lock. At 3.5 kilos and 0.78 inches thick, it’s undoubtedly not the lightest or slimmest choice on the market. It’s a utilitarian slab of a laptop computer, however that’s OK. Lastly, the Flex 5i will obtain software program and safety updates till June of 2032, so you should buy this pc and have it lined for years to come back.
For me, the $500 Ideapad Flex 5i is the perfect Chromebook, and the excellent news is that it’s commonly on sale for fairly a bit much less. I’ve seen it as little as $350 in current months. It’ll hit the candy spot for lots of patrons on the market, offering a stage of high quality and efficiency that’s fairly uncommon to seek out at this worth level. That mentioned, it’s getting lengthy within the tooth in comparison with the remainder of our picks, so I’m preserving an eye fixed out for an replace from Lenovo or a alternative from one other producer.
- Good total efficiency for the worth
- Good show
- Strong keyboard and trackpad
- Mediocre battery life
- A yr older than our different picks
$469 at Amazon
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,920 x 1,080 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.15 lbs | Obtainable ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, HDMI port | Drive capability: 128GB | Battery life: As much as 11 hours
When Google first launched the Chromebook Plus line nearly a yr in the past, fashions with that designation began at $400 — however since, issues have gotten inexpensive. Acer’s just-released Chromebook Plus 514 hits all the important thing specs, together with a Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a 1080p show and webcam. None of that is something to put in writing house about, however you’re getting plenty of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally contains the aforementioned AI options and a yr’s value of the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan.
Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly fundamental, but it surely will get the job completed; it’s your customary laptop computer with a 14-inch show. It’s neither overly skinny (.81 inches) or mild (3.15 kilos), however these specs are completely cheap for a sub-$400 laptop computer. (It’s really ever-so-slightly lighter than the extra premium Spin 714.) Similar goes for the display screen — it’s a touchscreen, and its 1,920 x 1,080 decision is okay, however I do miss the additional vertical pixels you’ll get with our different picks on this information. The show is in any other case good, and the keyboard and trackpad are likewise greater than adequate for a laptop computer at this worth.
General, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a strong choice if value is your important concern — but it surely’s additionally value noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as one of the best total Chromebook is usually on sale, typically for underneath $400 as nicely. In that case, the worth distinction between the 2 laptops is shut sufficient that it’s value springing for the higher show you’ll get with the Lenovo. However I’ve additionally seen the Plus 514 promoting for as little as $330, which is a good deal for a succesful Chromebook.
- Cheap
- Efficiency, specs and constructed high quality are all good for this worth
- Strong show and webcam
- 1080p show typically feels cramped
$318 at Amazon
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Obtainable ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C / Thunderbolt, HDMI, Headphone jack | Drive capability: 256GB | Battery life: 7.5 hours as examined
Acer’s Chromebook Spin 714 has lengthy been among the finest premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the newest mannequin launched this spring isn’t any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 encompasses a 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen. Just like the display screen on Lenovo’s mannequin, this works out to a taller 16:10 side ratio than you’ll get from the 1080p panels on most laptops. I’m an enormous fan of taller laptop computer screens, and whereas this isn’t as luxurious because the few 3:2 ratio Chromebooks available on the market, it’s nonetheless a snug and top quality display screen. It’s additionally a bit of bit brighter than the display screen on the Lenovo (340 nits vs. 300).
One noteworthy function is the 2K webcam included within the Spin 714. In a world the place we’re all doing extra video calls than we’d like, having a digicam that doesn’t scale back you to a blurry spot is unquestionably appreciated. It’s a much better digicam than the one on our high decide, too.
As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in just a few methods. It options Intel’s newest Core Extremely 5 115U processor, together with 8GB and 256GB of storage. It additionally has higher battery life in my testing — I usually obtained about eight hours utilizing it underneath my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, but it surely’s consistent with what I’ve seen on different Intel-powered Chromebooks.
Simply because the identify suggests, the Spin 714 has a 360-degree hinge which helps you to use the laptop computer in pill mode. I’m not a fan of this convertible design – I don’t know who desires to make use of a 3-plus pound pill, but it surely’s there in case you want it. That mentioned, for a $700 laptop computer, it’s comparatively skinny (.7 inches) and light-weight (3.2 kilos). However Acer has been utilizing this identical fundamental design for just a few generations now, so I’m beginning to assume they might redesign the chassis for the subsequent mannequin.
The newest Spin 714 prices $700 – not an unreasonable worth for a pc with these specs and constructed high quality. When you’re a severe multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as attainable (Google says it’ll obtain software program updates by June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is straightforward to suggest.
- Nice display screen
- Clear webcam
- Loads of energy and cupboard space
- Comfy keyboard and trackpad
- Slightly dear
- Mediocre battery life
$699 at Greatest Purchase
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 16 inches | Display decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Obtainable ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, HDMI, Headphone jack, Ethernet | Drive capability: 256GB | Battery life: 9 hours (producer estimate)
Acer first launched the Chromebook 516 GE within the fall of 2022 as a part of Google’s push to make gadgets appropriate for cloud gaming and simply up to date it for 2024. The excellent news is that you just don’t should be a gamer to understand the Chromebook Plus 516 GE. For $650, you’ll get a 16-inch show with a 2,560 x 1,600 decision and a 120Hz refresh price. NVIDIA’s GeForce Now gaming service helps as much as 4K visuals at 120Hz on its Final tier so that you’ll get to see these advantages. This laptop computer additionally helps Steam, but one more reason players may be excited about attempting it. However even non-gamers ought to benefit from the Plus 516 GE’s crisp and clear display screen and refined {hardware}.
It additionally contains Intel’s Core 5 120UL chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Given the laptop computer’s measurement, it’s good that Acer didn’t skimp on ports right here: there’s an HDMI port, USB-C, USB-A, ethernet and a headphone jack. The keyboard has gamer-friendly LED lights that you could customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a strong and comfy keyboard for enjoying video games or simply typing up experiences. The trackpad is giant and responsive as nicely.
The 516 GE weighs 3.8 kilos – fairly mild for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display screen. We haven’t examined the 2024 mannequin but, so I can’t verify the battery life; Acer claims 10 hours, a determine that’ll certainly dip in case you’re doing greater than watching movies or informal internet looking. Between the highly effective {hardware}, strong design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display screen, anybody who desires an even bigger Chromebook will possible be proud of this mannequin. As for help, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.
- Giant, high-resolution display screen with a quick refresh price
- Loads of ports
- Core 5 chip offers loads of energy
- Giant and spacious keyboard
- Comparatively light-weight for a big-screen laptop computer
- Not everybody will recognize the gamer aesthetic
$649 at Greatest Purchase