The Chromebook market has grown a lot over the previous few years that selecting the very best Chromebook for you might be onerous. The mixture of years price of software program updates and producers making laptops with extra energy, higher construct high quality and long battery life means there are a ton of excellent Chrome OS machines that work effectively as on a regular basis drivers. Whereas Google did make issues less complicated final fall by introducing the Chromebook Plus initiative (extra on that under), there are nonetheless a number of issues to remember when looking for a brand new Chromebook. I’ve been testing and reviewing Chromebooks for years and know what try to be in search of, and what you’ll be able to count on out of those laptops in 2024.
Editor’s word (3/22/24): We’re continually testing and evaluating new Chromebooks for this information, and there are two fashions on our radar for inclusion that we’re keen to check. Each Acer and ASUS provide 15-inch Chromebook Plus fashions for $399, and we predict one (or each) may very well be good choices for somebody who desires an even bigger display screen for much less money.
What’s Chrome OS, and why would I take advantage of it over Home windows?
That is most likely the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops in the marketplace, so why hassle with Chrome’s working system? Glad you requested. For me, the easy and clear nature of Chrome OS is a giant promoting level. Chrome OS relies on Google’s Chrome browser, which suggests a lot of the applications you’ll be able to run are internet primarily based. There’s no bloatware or undesirable apps to uninstall such as you typically get on Home windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you may utterly reset to manufacturing unit settings nearly as shortly.
After all, simplicity may even be a significant downside for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program generally is a dealbreaker for those who’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 editing tools to the Google Pictures app on Chromebooks – it gained’t change Adobe Premiere, but it surely must be useful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the web final yr, one thing that ought to deliver a lot of the facility of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Google has additionally added assist for Android apps on Chromebooks, which enormously expands the quantity of software program accessible. 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’ll be able to set up the Netflix app and save movies for offline watching. Different Android apps like Microsoft Workplace and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly succesful as effectively. Between Android apps and a normal enchancment in internet apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.
What do Chromebooks do effectively?
Put merely, internet searching and actually something internet primarily based. On-line procuring, streaming music and video and utilizing numerous social media websites are among the many commonest day by day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you would possibly count on, additionally they work effectively with Google providers 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 for those who’re an Android person you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You will get a lot of the similar apps which are in your cellphone on a Chromebook and hold data in sync between them. You too can use some Android telephones as a safety key in your Chromebook or immediately tether your laptop computer to make use of cellular information.
Google continues to tout safety as a significant differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s undoubtedly an element price contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary strains of protection. Chrome OS updates obtain shortly within the background and a quick reboot is all it takes to put in the most recent model. Google says that every webpage and app on a Chromebook runs in its personal sandbox as effectively, 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 simply usually can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for unhealthy actors to entry the system.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is straightforward: Should you rely closely on a selected native software for Home windows or a Mac, chances are high you gained’t discover the very same possibility 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. Should 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 large draw back just isn’t having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.
Lastly, gaming Chromebooks usually are not ubiquitous, though they’re turning into a barely extra affordable possibility 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, meaning laptops with larger screens which have larger refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with providers like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Sport Go and Amazon Luna. You’ll clearly want an web connection to make use of these providers, however the excellent news is that enjoying fashionable video games on a Chromebook isn’t unattainable. You’ll be able to set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are pondering of once they wish to sport on a laptop computer.
There’s one other potential change on the horizon, as Valve and Google are working to deliver the large Steam catalog to Chromebooks. Proper now, Steam is simply accessible as an early alpha on a handful of units with larger specs, but it surely works rather a lot higher than I anticipated. You’re nonetheless not going to run essentially the most demanding video games on fundamental laptops, however the Steam catalog is so huge that there are many titles that labored on the Chromebook I examined it with. Should you’re interested by giving it a shot, you’ll find the complete record of supported Chromebooks and particulars on the best way to attempt Steam here.
What are an important specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and normally runs effectively on pretty modest {hardware}, so an important 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 in search of a laptop computer they will use on daily basis.
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 must 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 need to have a 1080p webcam, which is good in as of late of fixed video calling, and so they additionally all need to have at the least a 1080p IPS display screen.
After all, you will get larger specs or higher screens for those who 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, and whereas that’s not precisely a spec, it’s price checking before you purchase. Final yr, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and assist for a powerful 10 years after their launch date. This support page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for nearly each Chromebook ever, however an excellent rule of thumb is to purchase the most recent machine you’ll be able to to maximise your assist.
How a lot ought to I spend?
Chromebooks began out notoriously low cost, with record costs typically coming in beneath $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being primarily fashionable netbooks to the form of laptop computer you’ll wish to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, you must count on to spend at the least $400 if you need a strong day by day driver. There are nonetheless many price range choices on the market which may be appropriate as secondary units, however Chromebooks that may be all-day, every-day laptops will price extra. However, notably, even the very best Chromebooks normally price lower than the best Windows or “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. Typically, that’ll get you a greater design with extra premium supplies, in addition to extra highly effective internals and further cupboard space. After all, you additionally generally pay for the model identify. However, the specs I outlined earlier are normally sufficient.
See Additionally:
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen decision: 1,920 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.52 lbs | Out there 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 a number of the greatest reasonably priced Chromebooks you should purchase for a number of years now, and its 2023 IdeaPad Flex 5i is an reasonably priced laptop computer that gives nearly every little thing you might need in a fundamental Chromebook. 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 normal 1080p show. This Lenovo Chromebook hits the Chromebook Plus really useful 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 in final yr’s mannequin, and the RAM and storage must be a lot.
Sadly, the battery life is pretty mediocre — I received about six hours of standard 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 in the course of the day, so for those who’re not on digicam a lot you would possibly 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 significantly better than I’d count on on a reasonably reasonably priced machine. The keys have good journey and the trackpad is massive and responsive. Even though it has a 1080p webcam, I can’t say that I seemed all that nice within the video calls I took. It does the job, however not rather more.
Different issues within the Flex 5i’s favor embody 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 possibility 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 purchase this pc and have it coated for years to come back.
For me, the $500 Ideapad Flex 5i is the best Chromebook. It’ll hit the candy spot for lots of consumers on the market, offering a stage of high quality and efficiency that’s fairly uncommon to seek out at this worth level.
- Nice total efficiency for the value
- Good show
- Strong keyboard and trackpad
- Mediocre battery life
- A bit heavy and chunky
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Out there 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 best premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the present mannequin is not any exception.
The Spin 714 includes 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 a giant fan of taller laptop computer screens, and whereas this isn’t as luxurious because the few 3:2 ratio Chromebooks in the marketplace, it’s nonetheless a snug and prime quality display screen. It’s additionally slightly bit brighter than the display screen on the Lenovo (340 nits vs. 300).
One noteworthy characteristic 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 certainly appreciated. It’s a much better digicam than the one on our prime choose.
As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in just a few methods. It includes a Thirteenth-generation Intel Core i5 processor, together with 8GB and 256GB of storage. It additionally has higher battery life in my testing — I usually received about 7 and a half hours when utilizing it. That’s not distinctive, but it surely’s in step with what I’ve seen on different i5-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 for those who want it.
The most recent Spin 714 prices $700 – not an unreasonable worth for a pc with these specs and constructed high quality. Should you’re a critical multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as doable, the Acer Spin 714 is straightforward to suggest.
- Nice display screen
- Very clear webcam
- Loads of energy and cupboard space
- Good keyboard and trackpad
- Compact design
- A little bit expensive
- Battery life is fairly common
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 16 inches | Display screen decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Out there 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 launched the Chromebook 516 GE within the fall of 2022 as a part of Google’s push to make units appropriate for cloud gaming, however you don’t have to be a gamer to appreciate this laptop. For $650, you’ll get a 16-inch show with a 2,560 x 1,600 decision and a 120Hz refresh fee. 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 another excuse avid gamers could be interested by attempting it. However even non-gamers ought to benefit from the 516 GE’s crisp and clear display screen and refined {hardware}.
It additionally contains Intel’s Twelfth-gen Core i7 1240P processor, 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 which you could customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a strong and comfy keyboard for enjoying video games or simply typing up studies. The trackpad is massive and responsive as effectively.
The 516 GE solely weighs 3.75 kilos too – fairly gentle for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display screen. Between the highly effective {hardware}, strong design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display screen, anybody who desires an even bigger Chromebook will doubtless be pleased with this mannequin. As for assist, Google says the 516 GE will proceed receiving updates till June of 2032.
- Giant, high-resolution display screen with a quick refresh fee
- Loads of ports
- Intel i7 processor presents loads of energy
- Giant and spacious keyboard
- Comparatively light-weight for a large-screen laptop computer
- Not everybody will recognize the gamer aesthetic
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