BEST CHROMEBOOKS
BEST CHROMEBOOKS A Chromebook is a less complicated, more affordable laptop option that demonstrates the principle that "less is often more."
Chromebooks, once only available to students, have evolved into powerful laptops that are often a better option than similarly priced Windows or Mac laptops. These laptops are gaining popularity as cloud storage services become more prevalent in our digital lives.
These days, Chromebooks come with a lot of features, such as the ability to run Android apps, access Microsoft 365, and play video games. Contrary to popular belief, Chromebooks can be used offline and can even be used to edit documents, create spreadsheets, give presentations, and send emails.
You don’t have to worry about software updates, glitches, or necessary security updates interfering with your work because they’re updated automatically in the background. Another nice benefit is that Chromebooks are less susceptible to viruses and malware. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best Chromebook for your needs if you’re ready to make the switch.
What to think about
Here are some things to think about before spending money, whether you're buying for yourself, your child, or a future college student:
Processor : Your new laptop will be more powerful and perform better if it has a newer processor (CPU). Since Intel Core series CPUs are more capable than entry-level Celeron series CPUs, I recommend you choose a product with one. Affordable Chromebooks are great for simple tasks like web browsing, streaming video, or word processing.
Memory : You shouldn’t buy anything with less than 4GB of RAM because RAM, also known as random access memory, is used to store data that your computer needs to access and run multiple applications at once.
Battery life : Whether you’re using your Chromebook for work or school, the amount of time your battery lasts before needing to be recharged can have a big impact on how well you get through the day. Cheaper Chromebooks will likely offer less than that and will need to be recharged mid-day.
Display : A top-of-the-line Chromebook should feature a sharp display with a resolution of at least Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). Translation? Whether you’re using Photoshop to alter a photo or watching Netflix, the higher these numbers are, the more detailed the image will be on the screen!
Connectivity : To keep your computer from becoming outdated as quickly as possible, look for a laptop with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technologies.
There are a lot of Chromebooks out there, so I researched and compared over 50 different models from ASUS, HP, and Acer, among others. To find the best Chromebooks for every size and price range, I scoured the internet, read reviews from various outlets and customers, and even tried a few.
Our recommended products include the latest and most reliable processors, along with long battery life and a solid build. Shop our top eight Chromebooks below.
Best Chromebooks of 2022
Best Overall: Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook $350 at Amazon
Best
Chromebook Overall Flex 5i
Lenovo
now 36% off
Editor's note: This model replaces the Lenovo Flex 5. You can expect similar performance between the two Chromebooks even when it comes to battery life, so I'd suggest opting for the less expensive model even though it has a newer processor.
A mid-range Chromebook should have a solid design, a comfortable backlit keyboard, and a variety of ports. Lenovo's new Flex 5i checks all of those boxes. This laptop has all of that and more.
A MicroSD reader, now uncommon on most Chromebooks, a single USB-C port on each side, and an older USB-A port are all included on the Flex 5i (which will come in handy for your accessories.) It provides customers with 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough to run multiple Chrome tabs and multitask between apps. It also uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for the fastest download speeds.
The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i3-11th Generation processor, which will undoubtedly be supported for years to come. You can use the laptop as a tablet as it features a 1080p touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge. Plus, since it features upward-facing speakers, it’s perfect for streaming Netflix after work, of course.
Best for Students Chromebook Spin 514Acer $600 at AMAZON
The Chromebook Spin 514 is best for students.
Acer
now 25% off
For high school kids or younger college students looking for a Chromebook that offers a sharp display, a comfortable keyboard, and a nice touchpad, the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is a great choice. It features a 14-inch touchscreen and a strong battery that will last you through the school day. And since the display is made of Corning Gorilla Glass, you can be sure it will withstand scratches and scrapes for years to come.
With an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, this laptop can run multiple apps or manage multiple tabs without making too much noise. Plus, it has 256GB of storage, which should be enough for most people. For connecting to a display, I like that it has a full-size HDMI connector on board.
The laptop weighs 3.6 pounds, which may be too much for one-handed use, and you rotate the screen around magazine-style to read from it.
It’s important to note that Acer sells a cheaper Chromebook Spin called the Spin 513. The Spin 513 is still a respectable option for people on a budget because it features a solid build, an IPS display, 8GB of RAM, and a backlit keyboard. If you can afford to pay more, I’d recommend getting the Spin 514.
- The device with the Lenovo STYLUSThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is priced at $654 at AMAZON
Device with STYLUS
ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook
Lenovo
The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga is a sleek, modern-looking laptop designed more for business people than young people. The differences between the C13 Yoga's many configurations, which range in price from $300 to $700, include processor and storage capacity.
Each model features a built-in pen and a flexible two-in-one design. Additionally, the laptops use Lenovo's signature red TrackPoint mouse hub for navigation.
The variety of ports on the ThinkPad particularly impresses me. A microSD card reader, a headphone jack, two USB-C ports, and two HDMI outputs are included. It’s important to note that the battery life on this Chromebook is terrible; you can expect a little over 6 hours.
Last but not least, Lenovo claims that the laptop is designed to withstand bumps, drops, shocks, scratches, dust, and spills despite the lack of an IP rating.
- The Most Portable Chromebook Acer Chromebook 311 for $245 at Walmart
The most portable Chromebook Spin 311
Acer
now 21% off
This 2-in-1 hybrid laptop has a sleek, portable design. It weighs just 3 pounds, is just over an inch thick, and has a more powerful processor than the Lenovo Chromebook C330, which it's comparable to.
The best-selling Chromebook’s 11.6-inch display is big enough for watching movies and TV shows, but it’s not as impressive as the competition. This Chromebook’s adaptability allows it to be used in different modes: it can be used as a touchscreen tablet or a regular laptop, rotated for presentations, or propped up as a tent (pictured). Its use of Corning Gorilla Glass, which is incredibly flexible and scratch-resistant, is something I appreciate.
Although the Spin 311 is a budget laptop, Acer has given it two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a MicroSD card for additional storage (the base configuration only comes with 32GB of storage). The laptop's exceptional 10-hour battery life makes it an excellent choice for people who are on the go a lot.
Best Cheap CHROMEBOOKI for $3.99 at Walmart
Best CHROMEBOOK
Ideapad Duet 3
The best affordable Chromebook is the Chromebook Duet. You can use this 2-in-1 computer as a tablet or a laptop because it features a detachable keyboard and is water-resistant. In addition to having a kickstand that makes it easy to prop up the Duet to watch YouTube or video chat, it has a distinctive movable back cover that protects it from drops.
I found the 10.1-inch touchscreen on the first Chromebook Duet to be clear and bright during testing. The display on the newer Duet 3 is an inch larger. Lenovo claims it’s brighter, too. Since it has a higher resolution, you can expect to see more detail in photos and videos.
The Chromebook has a 12-hour battery life, so you can be sure it will last you through your work or school day. Overall, it's a solid, reasonably priced, and highly adaptable Chromebook.
Consider Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 5, which has a more powerful processor, double the RAM, and a larger 13.3-inch OLED display, if you're looking for a little more power.
- Best for Kids Chromebook x360HP $286 at AMAZON
Chromebook x360
HP
Now 32% Off
With its handy 360-degree hinge, the HP x360 is a remarkably stylish and functional Chromebook that can be folded back and used as a tablet. The laptop has a sophisticated design and respectable specs that are suitable for kids who need a device for homework, light web browsing, and quick photo editing (and the occasional Netflix binge, of course).
The entry-level model’s meager 32GB of storage is our only gripe. Fortunately, all models offer a microSD card slot that can be used to boost capacity when you need to watch a lot of movies before a long drive. The laptop’s battery lasts 13 hours on a single charge, which is great for a device this portable.
That said, HP does offer a model with twice the amount of RAM and a faster processor. Plus, if a touchscreen isn’t a must-have for you, consider the HP Chromebook 14 series, which offers similar specs at a lower cost.
- Best Battery Life Google Pixelbook GoGoogle $833 at Amazon
Best Battery Life
Google Pixelbook Go
One of the best Chromebooks you can buy is the Google Pixelbook Go, in my opinion. It’s a light (2.3 pounds) laptop that’s very attractive and feels premium. The bottom has an attractive texture that not only looks amazing, but also helps prevent it from accidentally slipping out of your hands. The Chromebook’s magnesium casing is remarkably strong yet lightweight and thin.
The laptop offers lightning-fast performance, a great keyboard, over 12 hours of battery life, and 16GB of RAM at a price that’s a bit higher than other options. I recommend opting for the configuration that uses an Intel Core m3 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The base model has enough power to run multiple apps at once without experiencing any lag.
It's important to note that the Pixelbook Go only has two USB-C ports, so using older USB-A devices will likely require purchasing a USB-C adapter. Instead, you might want to consider the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5.
- The Color PickGalaxy Chromebook 2 Samsung $690 at AMAZON
Galaxy Chromebook 2 Color Choice
Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a cost-effective improvement over the original model, which sold for a whopping $1,000. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 offers a lower price, longer battery life, a slimmer form factor, and the same 2-in-1 capability as its predecessor.
In its base configuration, it includes an Intel Celeron 5205U processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. I would recommend investing more money in the mid-range model because it has better specs for multitasking, making video calls, playing games and editing photos.
The laptop only features two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, just like the Pixelbook Go. Additionally, it has a microSD card slot which will come in handy for expanding the storage capacity. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is offered in a gorgeous red colour which is sure to catch your eye, but if a muted grey is more your style, that option is also available.
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