The Chromebook market has grown a lot over the previous few years that selecting the most effective Chromebook for you might 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 beneath), 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 have to be searching for, and what you’ll be able to anticipate out of those laptops in 2024.
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 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 suggests a lot of the packages you’ll be able to run are internet based mostly. 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’ll utterly reset to manufacturing facility settings nearly as rapidly.
In fact, simplicity may also be a significant downside for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program is usually a dealbreaker should you’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 online 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 exchange 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 brings a lot of the facility of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Chromebooks can even run Android apps, which drastically expands the quantity of software program obtainable. The standard varies broadly, 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 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 buying, streaming music and video and utilizing numerous social media websites are among the many most typical each day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you may anticipate, additionally they work nicely with Google companies like Pictures, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Maintain 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 should you’re an Android consumer you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You will get a lot of the similar apps which might be in your telephone on a Chromebook and preserve 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 positively an element value contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary traces of protection: Chrome OS updates obtain rapidly 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 known as Verified Boot that runs each time a tool begins up. Past all this, the easy reality 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.
When you’re all for Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an efficient choice as nicely. Each Chromebook in our prime picks comes with a full 12 months of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the standard Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 p.c 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. Provided that this plan is $20/month, it’s a fairly stable perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embody instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Pictures Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you’ll be able to create by filling in just a few prompts.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is straightforward: When you rely closely on a particular native software for Home windows or a Mac, chances are high you gained’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS gadget. That’s most true in fields like picture and video enhancing, however it can 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 consumer, you’ll additionally miss out on the best way 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 should not ubiquitous, though they’re turning into a barely extra affordable 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, meaning laptops with larger screens which have larger refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with companies like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Sport Cross 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 trendy video games on a Chromebook isn’t inconceivable. You too can set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are pondering of once they need to recreation on a laptop computer.
What are an important specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and runs nicely 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 12 months when it introduced 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’ll use day-after-day.
Chromebook Plus fashions have at the least a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 collection 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 should have a 1080p webcam, which is good in as of late of fixed video calling, and so they additionally all should have at the least a 1080p IPS display screen.
In fact, you may get larger specs or higher screens should you need, however I’ve discovered that mainly every part 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 12 months, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and assist for a formidable 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 underneath $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being primarily trendy netbooks to the form of laptop computer you’ll need to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, it’s best to anticipate to spend at the least $400 if you would like a stable each day driver. There are nonetheless many finances choices on the market that could be appropriate as secondary units, however Chromebooks that may be all-day, every-day laptops will value extra. However, notably, even the most effective Chromebooks normally value lower than the best Windows laptops, and even the most effective “common” 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. In fact, you additionally generally pay for the model identify. However, the specs I outlined earlier are normally sufficient.
See Additionally:
Finest Chromebooks in 2024
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen dimension: 14 inches | Display screen 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 reasonably priced Chromebooks you should purchase for a number of years now, and its 2023 IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an reasonably priced laptop computer that gives nearly every part you may need in a primary 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 12 months’s mannequin. This implies you get extra vertical display screen actual property, which is one thing I admire over a normal 1080p show. This Lenovo mannequin hits the Chromebook Plus really helpful 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 must be lots.
Sadly, the battery life is pretty mediocre — I bought 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 in the course of the day, so should you’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 worth.
The backlit keyboard and trackpad are superb and really feel significantly better than I’d anticipate 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 appeared all that nice within the video calls I took. It does the job, however not way 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 positively 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 purchase this pc and have it coated for years to come back.
For me, the $500 Ideapad Flex 5i is the best 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 search out at this worth level. That stated, it’s getting lengthy within the tooth in comparison with the remainder of our picks, so I’m maintaining a watch out for an replace from Lenovo or a alternative from one other producer.
- Good total efficiency for the worth
- Good show
- Stable keyboard and trackpad
- Mediocre battery life
- A 12 months older than our different picks
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen dimension: 14 inches | Display screen decision: 1,920 x 1,080 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.15 lbs | Accessible 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 12 months in the past, fashions with that designation began at $400 — however since, issues have gotten cheaper. 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 quite a lot of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally consists of the aforementioned AI options and a 12 months’s value of the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan.
Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly primary, however it will get the job performed; it’s your customary laptop computer with a 14-inch show. It’s neither overly skinny (.81 inches) or gentle (3.15 kilos), however these specs are completely affordable for a sub-$400 laptop computer. (It’s really ever-so-slightly lighter than the extra premium Spin 714.) Identical 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 stable choice if value is your predominant concern — however it’s additionally value noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as the most effective total Chromebook is usually on sale, generally 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 superb deal for a succesful Chromebook.
- Cheap
- Efficiency, specs and constructed high quality are all good for this worth
- Stable show and webcam
- 1080p show generally feels cramped
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen dimension: 14 inches | Display screen 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 among the finest premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the most recent mannequin launched this spring isn’t any exception. The Chromebook Plus 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 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 somewhat 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 digital camera that doesn’t cut back you to a blurry spot is certainly appreciated. It’s a much better digital camera than the one on our prime 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 sometimes bought about eight hours utilizing it underneath my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, however it’s in keeping 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 needs to make use of a 3-plus pound pill, however it’s there should you want it. That stated, for a $700 laptop computer, it’s comparatively skinny (.7 inches) and lightweight (3.2 kilos). However Acer has been utilizing this similar primary design for just a few generations now, so I’m beginning to suppose they might redesign the chassis for the following 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 critical multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as potential (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
- Somewhat dear
- Mediocre battery life
Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen dimension: 16 inches | Display screen 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 first launched the Chromebook 516 GE within the fall of 2022 as a part of Google’s push to make units appropriate for cloud gaming and simply up to date it for 2024. The excellent news is that you simply don’t must 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 charge. 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 all for 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 consists of Intel’s Core 5 120UL chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Given the laptop computer’s dimension, 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 may customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a stable and comfy keyboard for taking part in video games or simply typing up studies. The trackpad is massive and responsive as nicely.
The 516 GE weighs 3.8 kilos – fairly gentle for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display screen. We haven’t examined the 2024 mannequin but, so I can’t affirm the battery life; Acer claims 10 hours, a determine that’ll absolutely dip should you’re doing greater than watching movies or informal internet looking. Between the highly effective {hardware}, stable design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display screen, anybody who needs a much bigger Chromebook will doubtless be proud of this mannequin. As for assist, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.
- Massive, high-resolution display screen with a quick refresh charge
- Loads of ports
- Core 5 chip supplies loads of energy
- Massive and spacious keyboard
- Comparatively light-weight for a big-screen laptop computer
- Not everybody will admire the gamer aesthetic
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