The Chromebook market has grown a lot over the previous few years that selecting the most effective Chromebook for you will be arduous. The mix of years value 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 fine 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 searching for a brand new Chromebook. I’ve been testing and reviewing Chromebooks for years and know what try to be on the lookout for, and what you’ll be able to anticipate out of those laptops in 2024.
Editor’s notice (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 supply 15-inch Chromebook Plus fashions for $399, and we predict one (or each) may very well be good choices for somebody who desires a much bigger display 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 trouble 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 is predicated on Google’s Chrome browser, which implies a lot of the packages you’ll be able to run are net 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.
In fact, simplicity may also be a significant disadvantage for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program could be a dealbreaker if you happen to’re a video editor or software program developer. However there are additionally loads of individuals who do the vast majority 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 Photographs app on Chromebooks – it received’t substitute Adobe Premiere, however it must be useful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the web final 12 months, one thing that ought to deliver a lot of the ability of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Google has additionally added assist for Android apps on Chromebooks, which significantly expands the quantity of software program out there. The standard varies extensively, however it 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 nicely. Between Android apps and a common enchancment in net apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.
What do Chromebooks do nicely?
Put merely, net looking and actually something net primarily based. On-line buying, streaming music and video and utilizing numerous social media websites are among the many commonest every day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you may anticipate, in addition they work nicely with Google companies like Photographs, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Hold and so forth. Sure, any pc that may run Chrome can try this too, however the light-weight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and steady platform.
As I discussed earlier than, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so if you happen to’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 maintain information in sync between them. You too can use some Android telephones as a safety key on your Chromebook or immediately tether your laptop computer to make use of cell information.
Google continues to tout safety as a significant differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s undoubtedly an element value 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 nicely, so any safety threats are contained to that particular person app. Lastly, Chrome OS has a self-check referred to as Verified Boot that runs each time a tool begins up. Past all this, the easy reality that you just typically can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for dangerous actors to entry the system.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is easy: When you rely closely on a selected native software for Home windows or a Mac, chances are high you received’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS machine. That’s most true in fields like picture and video modifying, however it 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 won’t 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 isn’t having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.
Lastly, gaming Chromebooks usually are not ubiquitous, though they’re changing 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 larger 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 enjoying fashionable video games on a Chromebook isn’t not possible. You’ll be able to set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are considering of after they need 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 just out there as an early alpha on a handful of units with larger specs, however it works loads higher than I anticipated. You’re nonetheless not going to run essentially the most demanding video games on primary laptops, however the Steam catalog is so huge that there are many titles that labored on the Chromebook I examined it with. When you’re involved in giving it a shot, you will discover the complete record of supported Chromebooks and particulars on the best way to strive Steam here.
What are crucial specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and often runs nicely on pretty modest {hardware}, so crucial factor to search for won’t be processor energy or cupboard space. However Google made it simpler to get constant specs and efficiency late final 12 months when it launched the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any machine 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 on the lookout for a laptop computer they’ll use on daily basis.
Chromebook Plus fashions have no less than 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 sweet in lately of fixed video calling, they usually additionally all need to have no less than a 1080p IPS display.
In fact, you may get larger specs or higher screens if you happen to need, however I’ve discovered that principally all the pieces 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 value checking before you purchase. Final 12 months, 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 just about 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 below $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being basically fashionable netbooks to the form of laptop computer you’ll need to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, you must anticipate to spend no less than $400 if you’d like a stable every day driver. There are nonetheless many price range choices on the market that could be appropriate as secondary units, however Chromebooks that may be all-day, every-day laptops will price extra. However, notably, even the most effective Chromebooks often price lower than the best Windows or “regular” laptops on the market.
There are many premium Chromebooks that method 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. In fact, you additionally generally pay for the model identify. However, the specs I outlined earlier are often sufficient.
See Additionally:
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,920 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.52 lbs | Accessible 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 finest inexpensive Chromebooks you should buy for a number of years now, and its 2023 IdeaPad Flex 5i is an inexpensive laptop computer that gives nearly all the pieces you may need in a primary Chromebook. The 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen is each bigger and taller than final 12 months’s mannequin. This implies you get extra vertical display actual property, which is one thing I recognize over a regular 1080p show. This Lenovo Chromebook 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 in final 12 months’s mannequin, and the RAM and storage must be lots.
Sadly, the battery life is pretty mediocre — I acquired about six hours of standard use out of it. My workflow features a ton of Chrome tabs, plus net apps for issues like Slack, Todoist, Trello, Google Hold and YouTube Music. I often take a number of video calls through the day, so if you happen to’re not on digital camera 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 value.
The backlit keyboard and trackpad are excellent 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 though 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 coated for years to return.
For me, the $500 Ideapad Flex 5i is the perfect Chromebook. It’ll hit the candy spot for lots of patrons on the market, offering a degree of high quality and efficiency that’s fairly uncommon to search out at this value level.
- Nice general efficiency for the worth
- Good show
- Strong keyboard and trackpad
- Mediocre battery life
- A bit heavy and chunky
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display measurement: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Accessible 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 probably the greatest 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 on Lenovo’s mannequin, this works out to a taller 16:10 facet 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 cushty and prime quality display. It’s additionally just a little bit brighter than the display 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 digital camera that doesn’t cut back you to a blurry spot is unquestionably appreciated. It’s a much better digital camera than the one on our prime decide.
As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in a number of 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 sometimes acquired about 7 and a half hours when utilizing it. That’s not distinctive, however it’s according to 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, however it’s there if you happen to want it.
The newest Spin 714 prices $700 – not an unreasonable value for a pc with these specs and constructed high quality. When you’re a critical multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as potential, the Acer Spin 714 is straightforward to suggest.
- Nice display
- 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 measurement: 16 inches | Display decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Accessible 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 must 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 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 another excuse avid gamers could be involved in attempting it. However even non-gamers ought to benefit from the 516 GE’s crisp and clear display 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 that you would be able to customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a stable and cozy keyboard for taking part in video games or simply typing up experiences. The trackpad is giant and responsive as nicely.
The 516 GE solely weighs 3.75 kilos too – fairly mild for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display. Between the highly effective {hardware}, stable design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display, anybody who desires a much 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 with a quick refresh price
- 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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