You is likely to be tempted to get a Chromebook as your subsequent laptop computer and we wouldn’t blame you. Chrome OS has come a great distance: Chromebooks right this moment have a great mixture of construct high quality, battery life and energy whereas additionally supporting years of software program updates that can take you years into the long run. In the event you primarily browse the online, or don’t want a ton of additional software program frequently, a Chromebook could be a highly effective day by day driver.
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 searching for a brand new Chromebook. The market is saturated with machines at completely different worth factors and energy ranges; I’ve been testing and reviewing Chromebooks for years and know what you ought to be in search of, and what you’ll be able to anticipate out of those laptops.
Desk of contents
Finest Chromebooks in 2025
Photograph 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 few of the finest inexpensive Chromebooks you should purchase for a number of years now, and its 2023 IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an inexpensive laptop computer that gives nearly every part you might 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 12 months’s mannequin. This implies you get extra vertical display screen actual property, which is one thing I respect over a normal 1080p show. This Lenovo mannequin 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 within the 2022 mannequin, and the RAM and storage needs to be a lot, so that you’ll get good efficiency from this machine.
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 net apps for issues like Slack, Todoist, Trello, Google Maintain and YouTube Music. I normally take a number of video calls throughout the day, so in case you’re not on digital camera 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 anticipate on a reasonably inexpensive machine. The keys have good journey and the trackpad is massive and responsive. Even supposing 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 embrace each USB-C and USB-A ports, a microSD card slot and a safety lock. It additionally comes with built-in Wi-Fi 6E to satisfy the newest Wi-Fi customary. At 3.5 kilos and 0.78 inches thick, it’s positively 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 lined for years to return.
For me, the $500 Ideapad Flex 5i is the perfect Chromebook, and the excellent news is that it’s recurrently 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 mentioned, it’s getting lengthy within the tooth in comparison with the remainder of our picks, so I’m conserving a watch out for an replace from Lenovo or a substitute from one other producer.
- Good general efficiency for the worth
- Good show
- Stable keyboard and trackpad
- Mediocre battery life
- A 12 months older than our different picks
Photograph 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 jot down dwelling about, however you’re getting loads 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, which features a beneficiant 2TB of cloud storage to your pictures, Drive and Gmail information.
Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly fundamental, however it will get the job carried out; 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 cheap 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 ok, 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 ok for a laptop computer at this worth.
Total, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a stable possibility if value is your predominant concern — however it’s additionally value noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as the most effective general Chromebook is usually on sale, typically for below $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 typically feels cramped
Photograph 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 the most effective premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the newest mannequin launched this spring is not any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 incorporates 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 available on the market, it’s nonetheless a cushty 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 scale back you to a blurry spot is unquestionably 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 a number of methods. It options Intel’s newest Core Extremely 5 115U processor, together with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of native storage. It additionally has higher battery life in my testing — I sometimes obtained about eight hours utilizing it below my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, however it’s according to 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, however it’s there in case you want it. That mentioned, for a $700 laptop computer, it’s comparatively skinny (.7 inches) and lightweight (3.2 kilos), so for portability functions, it’s arduous to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this identical fundamental design for a number of generations now, so I’m beginning to suppose they may 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. In the event you’re a critical 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 way of June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is simple to suggest.
- Nice display screen
- Clear webcam
- Loads of energy and cupboard space
- Comfy keyboard and trackpad
- A little bit dear
- Mediocre battery life
Photograph 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 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 one more reason avid gamers is likely to be thinking about making an attempt 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 would be able to customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a stable and comfy keyboard for taking part in video games or simply typing up reviews. 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 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 net looking. Between the highly effective {hardware}, stable design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display screen, anybody who desires a much bigger Chromebook will doubtless be proud of this mannequin. As for help, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.
- Massive, high-resolution display screen with a quick refresh fee
- 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 respect the gamer aesthetic
Chromebook FAQs
What’s Chrome OS, and why would I take advantage of it over Home windows?
That is in all probability the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops available on the market, 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 suggests a lot of the applications you’ll be able to run are net primarily based. 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 utterly reset to manufacturing unit settings nearly as shortly.
After all, simplicity will even be a significant downside for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program could be 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 online browser, utilizing instruments like Google Docs and spreadsheets for productiveness while not having a full Home windows setup.
Google and its software program companions are getting higher yearly at supporting extra superior options. For instance, Google added video enhancing instruments to the Google Pictures app on Chromebooks – it gained’t substitute Adobe Premiere, however it needs to be useful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the net final 12 months, one thing that brings a lot of the ability of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Chromebooks can even run Android apps, which tremendously expands the quantity of software program obtainable. 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 basic 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 procuring, streaming music and video and utilizing varied social media websites are among the many most typical day by day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you would possibly anticipate, additionally they work nicely with Google providers 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 in case you’re an Android consumer you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You may get a lot of the identical apps which might be in your cellphone on a Chromebook and hold information in sync between them. You can too use some Android telephones as a safety key to your Chromebook or immediately tether your 2-in-1 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 strains of protection: Chrome OS updates obtain shortly 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 simply usually can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for unhealthy actors to entry the system.
In the event you’re thinking about Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an effective possibility as nicely. Each Chromebook in our prime picks comes with a full 12 months 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, Google 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 reasonably stable perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embrace 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 a number of prompts.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is straightforward: In the event you rely closely on a particular native software for Home windows or a Mac, likelihood is you gained’t discover the very same possibility on a ChromeOS system. That’s most true in fields like photograph 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 won’t match. In the event you’re an iPhone consumer, 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 will not be having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.
Lastly, gaming Chromebooks should not ubiquitous, though they’re turning into a barely extra cheap 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, which means laptops with larger screens which have greater refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with providers like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Recreation Cross and Amazon Luna. You’ll clearly want an web connection to make use of these providers, however the excellent news is that enjoying trendy video games on a Chromebook isn’t inconceivable. You can too set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are pondering of after they wish to recreation on a laptop computer.
What are a very powerful specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and runs nicely on pretty modest {hardware}, so a very powerful 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 system 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 the finest laptop computer they’ll use day-after-day.
Chromebook Plus fashions have not less than a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 collection 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 SSD storage, which ought to do the trick until you’re actually pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus fashions must have a 1080p webcam, which is sweet in lately of fixed video calling, they usually additionally all must have not less than a 1080p FHD IPS display screen.
After all, you may get greater specs or higher screens in case 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 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 a great rule of thumb is to purchase the latest machine you’ll be able to to maximise your help.
How a lot ought to I spend on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks began out notoriously low cost, with checklist costs usually coming in below $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being basically trendy netbooks to a few of the finest laptops you’ll wish to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, it is best to anticipate to spend not less than $400 if you would like a stable day by day driver. There are nonetheless many Chromebooks on the market obtainable at a low worth that could be appropriate as secondary units, however a great Chromebook that may be an all-day, every-day laptop computer will value extra. However, notably, even the most effective Chromebooks normally value lower than the finest Home windows laptops, and even the most effective “common” laptops on the market.
There are many premium Chromebooks that method and even exceed $1,000 that declare to supply higher efficiency and extra processing energy, 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, like a higher-capacity SSD. After all, you additionally typically pay for the model identify. However, the specs I outlined earlier are normally sufficient.
See Additionally:
Different Chromebooks we examined
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook Plus is likely one of the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and lightweight, at 0.46 inches and a couple of.6 kilos, however it manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display screen is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and vibrant, however its 16:9 side ratio made issues really feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Efficiency is excellent, and the keyboard is stable, although I’m not a fan of the quantity pad because it shifts every part to the left. At $700 it’s not low cost, however that feels truthful contemplating its dimension and capabilities. In the event you’re in search of a giant display screen laptop computer that can be tremendous gentle, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the most suitable choice for everybody.