Overview
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34]()
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Best Chromebook for Most People - Jump To Details
![Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook]()
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Best Chromebook for Budget Shoppers - Jump To Details
![Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus]()
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Best 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook for Budget Shoppers - Jump To Details
![Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)]()
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)
Best High-End Chromebook - Jump To Details
![Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook]()
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
Best Chromebook Tablet for Budget Shoppers - Jump To Details
![HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook]()
HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
Best Chromebook for Business - Jump To Details
![Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook]()
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook
Best Big-Screen Chromebook - Jump To Details
![Acer Chromebook 516 GE]()
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Best Chromebook for Online Gaming - Jump To Details
![HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023)]()
HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023)
Best Chromebook for Long Battery Life - Jump To Details
![Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition]()
Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition
Best Chromebook for Customization and Upgrades
Plenty of laptops, from budget to deluxe, are available in all shapes and sizes. But what if you spend most of your computing time online, surfing the web, answering emails, or creating documents in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Online? What if you'd rather spend a few hundred dollars than $1,000 or more? A Chromebook could be right for you.
Chromebooks don't provide libraries of powerful programs like Windows laptops or MacBooks, but their web-centric operation—most of what they do happens in the Google Chrome browser—and low prices make them ideal for streaming and social media and online productivity (though they do let you work on documents offline). Wildly popular in K-12 classrooms, they've also made inroads in corporate offices for their easy manageability. We've listed some of our favorite Chromebooks for 2024 in different categories below. Check them out, then keep reading for guidance on choosing the right model for you.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34]()
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Best Chromebook for Most PeopleWhy We Picked It
The Acer Chromebook Plus CX34 delivers incredible value, with speedy performance and excellent features all for under $500. Prices like that have traditionally been limited to the least capable Chrome laptops, but Google's Chromebook Plus initiative pushes the value by ramping up the processing power and boosting the feature set with plenty of ports—all without bringing up the price. Equipped with a crisp 1080p display, a sturdy MIL-SPEC-certified frame, and a generous 13-hour battery, the Acer Chromebook Plus CX34 is our favorite Chromebook overall, and an easy recommendation for pretty much everyone interested in Chrome laptops.
Who It's For
If you want an affordable Chromebook without any compromises, then consider the Acer Chromebook Plus CX34 as your first stop in your search. The budget pricing belies its capable performance and excellent feature set, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants a reliable and powerful Chrome laptop.
Pros
- Affordable price even with improved specs
- Leading performance in every test
- High-quality FHD display
- Decent port array, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2
- Durable MIL-SPEC-certified design and antimicrobial coating
Cons
- Average battery life
- No touch capability (at this price)
- Limited UFS storage is just adequate
Learn MoreAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 Review![Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook]()
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Best Chromebook for Budget ShoppersWhy We Picked It
Our top-pick budget Chromebook is the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook. This 12-inch laptop is compact and lightweight, with a convertible design that works as both laptop and tablet. The port selection is above average, and the performance is just good enough for ChromeOS's internet-based approach. Longer battery life would be nice, but this model should still last long enough to get you through the day, making it great for casual users who want something that's easy to bring along.
Who It's For
For a slick, portable Chromebook that's easy on the wallet, the Flex 3 Chromebook is a great choice. Whether you're using it to take notes in class or meetings, stream media on the couch, or just enjoy the selection of online tools and apps ChromeOS has to offer, the Flex 3 Chromebook is a fine value.
Pros
- Responsive 12.2-inch touchscreen
- Low price
- Compact and lightweight
- Decent port selection
- Flexible 2-in-1 design
Cons
- Middling Intel N100 processor
- Storage limited to 64GB eMMC
- Lagging battery life
- Plastic construction with unwanted chassis flex
Learn MoreLenovo Flex 3 Chromebook Review![Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus]()
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Best 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook for Budget ShoppersWhy We Picked It
The Chromebook Plus line has delivered when it comes to affordable Chromebooks that don't skimp on capability, and the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus stands out as our favorite 2-in-1 in Google's Chromebook Plus program. With flexibility for laptop and tablet use, along with excellent keyboard and pen support, it's one of the best 2-in-1s around. For under $500, you get a reliable Chromebook experience, a crisp 1080p display, a healthy selection of ports, and even access to a bevy of apps and games in tablet mode.
Who It's For
Whether you're a student, a professional, or a home user, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a capable Chromebook with a versatile 2-in-1 design, all in a budget-friendly package. That all makes the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus our favorite budget 2-in-1 Chromebook.
Pros
- Sturdy 2-in-1 design mixes durability, flexibility
- Above-average ChromeOS performance
- Crisp display with touch and pen support
- Backlit keyboard
- Decent variety of ports
Cons
- Budget-feeling plastic construction
- Merely average battery life
- Stylus pen not included
Get It NowLearn MoreLenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus Review![Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)]()
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)
Best High-End ChromebookWhy We Picked It
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) is the perfect example of a high-end Chromebook, showing why it's not a bad idea to spend extra on a Google laptop. This Chromebook's 2-in-1 design matches any Windows machine for style, with an appealing all-aluminum chassis and a sharp 14-inch touch screen that looks pleasing as both a laptop and a tablet. Powered by an Intel Core i5 CPU and packed with 256GB of SSD storage, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI-out, and Wi-Fi 6E, the Spin 714 is one of the best-equipped Chromebooks available.
Who It's For
If you want to see what sort of limits ChromeOs can be pushed to, then the Chromebook Spin 714 is a fantastic choice, merging convertible versatility and top build quality. With hearty performance, all-day battery life, and ample connectivity, this Chromebook provides a healthy balance of value and features in a stylish and sturdy package.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
- Versatile convertible design
- Excellent 14-inch display
- Ample connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E
- Nearly 15 hours of battery life
Cons
- Bulky and heavy in tablet mode
Get It NowLearn MoreAcer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) Review![Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook]()
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
Best Chromebook Tablet for Budget ShoppersWhy We Picked It
Small and cheap Chromebooks aren't as popular as they once were, but the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 may revitalize the compact and affordable niche. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 is one of the most versatile and totable Chromebooks we've seen, combining a Qualcomm-powered ChromeOS tablet with a slick, magnetically attached kickstand and keyboard cover for laptop use. A touch screen and optional pen also make it exceptional for taking notes in class or meetings or enjoying Google's huge library of Android games during downtime. Despite being an 11-inch model, the Duet 3 puts up speedy performance while including some of our favorite features from other Chromebooks. We just wish it had longer battery life.
Who It's For
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is ideal if you're in the market for a 2-in-1 detachable Chromebook. Its compact design is excellent if you're on the go or prefer a smaller device while still having both laptop and tablet functions. The peppy performance and versatility of the Duet 3 Chromebook make it ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable and affordable device for basic computing tasks.
Pros
- Compact, totable design
- Keyboard cover offers good typing feel
- Handy kickstand
- Great flexibility for Chrome and Android apps
- Solid performance from Qualcomm CPU
Cons
- No headphone jack
- Pen sold separately
- Short battery life
Learn MoreLenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook Review![HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook]()
HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
Best Chromebook for BusinessWhy We Picked It
The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is our favorite business Chromebook, a high-end ChromeOS laptop with both a gorgeous design and professional-grade performance, along with VIP chat and phone support. An elegant system for any user, it's made to cater to professionals, from its bright and colorful touch screen to the high-res webcam. Plus, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity means you can connect anything with the right adapter. Compared with the enterprise-oriented Elite Dragonfly Chromebook—our previous pick for business Chromebooks—the Dragonfly Pro is a better buy at its price, with better features as well.
Who It's For
While overall an ideal design for productivity-minded users, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook specifically targets freelancers and small-business entrepreneurs. This reliable, elegant system comes with specially staffed 24/7 support that's hard to come by for small-business owners. The high-resolution webcam, top-notch performance, and beautiful display make it an excellent choice for video conferencing, lightweight content creation, and other productivity tasks. Overall, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is a superb system that is perfect if you value elegance, performance, and bulletproof support availability over ample hardwired connectivity.
Pros
- Ultra-bright and colorful touch screen
- High-res webcam
- Speedy performance
- VIP chat and phone support
- Fancy RGB keyboard
Cons
- No audio jack
- Exclusively Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Expensive
- Super-bright screen may impact battery life
- Could stand to lose a few ounces
Learn MoreHP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook Review![Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook]()
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook
Best Big-Screen ChromebookWhy We Picked It
Lenovo has an excellent option for those looking for a large-screen Chromebook that's still affordable, the 16-inch IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook. Its larger-than-average display has a high refresh rate and a 2,560-by-1,600-pixel native resolution, and it serves up snappy performance with its Core i3 processor and fast Wi-Fi 6E support. The full-HD webcam with a privacy shutter is also a welcome touch, making it ideal for video conferencing. With more than 12 hours of battery life and a gaming-friendly keyboard, it's perfect for both work and play.
Who It's For
The IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook is an excellent choice for families and students looking for a large-screen ChromeOS laptop with excellent performance, a beautiful display, and a long battery life for an approachable price. Extra touches like cloud gaming features, its cutting-edge network connectivity, and that high-res webcam are just icing on the Chromebook cake, making it our favored pick when you need a bigger screen.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Competitive general performance
- High refresh rate display
- Wide port selection
Cons
- No touch screen
- Uses cheaper eMMC storage
Learn MoreLenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook Review![Acer Chromebook 516 GE]()
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Best Chromebook for Online GamingWhy We Picked It
You'll see a lot of Acer products on this list, but only the Acer Chromebook 516 GE can claim to be among the first of a new type of ChromeOS laptop. The GE stands for "Gaming Edition," and it's one of the first gaming Chromebooks to hit the market. Made with cloud gaming in mind, the Acer provides premium hardware and a sturdy design with gamer-friendly touches, and it doesn't cost thousands of dollars. On top of that, the online games available for play with the Chromebook are actually quality, including popular AAA and indie games (via subscription game streaming services like GeForce Now), without all the chunky hardware or short battery life typical of gaming machines.
Who It's For
If you want to really see what today's Chromebooks can do, or just want to game without the huge upfront investment of a gaming laptop, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE is an easy answer. It has the processing chops to support all of your gaming needs, and it's naturally a fast and capable Chromebook in every other respect. And even with its higher gaming price, it's still less expensive than many midrange Windows machines.
Pros
- Superb performance in gaming (and everything else)
- Powerful hardware for a Chromebook, from processing to storage
- Rich port selection
- RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting tech
- Gorgeous 120Hz display
Cons
- No touch screen
- USB-C ports aren't Thunderbolt 4
Learn MoreAcer Chromebook 516 GE Review![HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023)]()
HP Chromebook x360 13b (2023)
Best Chromebook for Long Battery LifeWhy We Picked It
The HP Chromebook x360 13b is a fantastic 2-in-1 ChromeOS laptop or tablet if you need one to carry you through the day without needing a charger. This budget-friendly system may not be a barn burner performance-wise, but it's well suited to those browser-based tasks that ChromeOS is built for. While this sturdy convertible laptop lacks both HDMI and a stylus, it will last for nearly 15 hours without having to plug in. The laptop also serves up a decent typing experience and surprisingly effective speakers.
Who It's For
If you're a budget shopper looking for a Chromebook that can outlast your workday, this is it. The HP Chromebook x360 13b is also ideal if you're in need of lots of ports (save for HDMI), including three USB ports and the increasingly elusive microSD card slot. Whether it's for entertainment at home or for classwork at school, this 2-in-1 Chromebook will deliver on the battery front, making it our go-to pick right now for long-lasting Chromebooks.
Pros
- Impressive battery life
- Bargain price
- Three USB ports and microSD card slot
- Light, compact convertible design
Cons
- Backlit keyboard is $30 extra
- No HDMI port
- No stylus pen
- Screen could be brighter
- Wi-Fi 6, not 6E
Get It NowLearn MoreHP Chromebook x360 13b (2023) Review![Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition]()
Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition
Best Chromebook for Customization and UpgradesWhy We Picked It
The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition is an excellent ChromeOS laptop with impressive performance and lots of features, making it one of the best Chromebooks available. However, its primary selling point is its repairable, upgradable, and customizable design, which puts the power in the hands of the user. The ability to upgrade memory, storage, ports, and even the display—as well as the option to replace the motherboard for CPU upgrades—makes it unique in the Chromebook world. But aside from the innovative design, it's also an excellent Chromebook, thanks to an Intel Core i5-1240P processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and battery life that gets you through a day of work or school.
Who It's For
This Chromebook is ideal for anyone who prioritizes sustainability or customization. It is perfect for those who want to upgrade and repair their laptop rather than buying a new one every few years. The price may be a little steep for a Chromebook, but it is worth the investment for those who value reparability and longevity in their tech products.
Pros
- Repairable, upgradable, and customizable design
- Excellent ChromeOS performance
- Highly accessible components and internals
- Sustainable materials and packaging
Cons
- Shorter battery life than top competitors
- Pricey for a Chromebook
Get It Now
Buying Guide: The Best Chromebooks for 2024
Most Chromebooks lack the powerful hardware of gaming laptops or mobile workstations, but most don't need it. Because you'll be visiting websites and running apps within ChromeOS, which is a souped-up version of the Chrome browser, the technical barrier to entry is low. This also frees you from downloading and installing traditional software; if you can't do something from a standard webpage, chances are you'll be able to from one of the thousands of apps and extensions available to ChromeOS users.
With just a few clicks, your Chromebook can have almost as much functionality as a budget Windows laptop, and most recent Chromebooks also let you install any app designed for the Android mobile OS. (Older or deeply discounted Chromebooks may lack Android support; you can check this list for the model you're considering.) This means both the browser-based and Android versions of Microsoft Office are available if you want an alternative to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)One primary benefit of running web-based software is security. Chromebooks are immune to most of the viruses and other malware that often plague Windows systems.
ChromeOS updates also take just seconds to complete, rather than the minutes or hours you may have to wait for macOS and Windows to do their update thing. Although easy access to an always-on internet connection is a must for Chromebooks, you can perform most standard tasks offline and sync up later, so you needn't stop working if there's a Wi-Fi connectivity glitch.
(Credit: Molly Flores)IT management is also easier on ChromeOS. Schools have long taken advantage of Chromebooks' easy-to-use fleet management tools, but business users got a huge boost when Intel launched vPro Enterprise for Chrome. Intel-powered Chromebooks can now enjoy the same security and management tools featured on other business laptops, without the hassle of Windows. If ChromeOS has been looking like a good fit for your business, it just got even better.
With Chromebooks, you also don't need to worry about long-term lasting power. Google has just increased the supported life of all Chromebooks from eight years to 10 years, meaning that you have a full decade of use knowing that you'll continue getting automatic updates.
What Are Good Specs for a Chromebook?
When shopping for a Chromebook, you'll note less hardware variety than with Windows machines. These are the most important specs and factors to be aware of. Also note that a new class of Chromebooks, the Chromebook Plus family, is here. These machines mandate certain minimum Chromebook specs to guarantee a reliable user experience, including high-resolution cameras, IPS screens, and an 8GB floor for memory.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)Screen Resolution
The usual native display resolution on a Chromebook will be 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, otherwise known as full HD or 1080p, but cheaper Chromebooks may have lower resolution while deluxe models may have higher. For most midsize Chromebooks with screens from 13 to 15 inches, 1080p is just fine. Entry-level models' resolution of 1,366 by 768 pixels can look coarse and is only really suited for laptops with screens smaller than 12 inches diagonally. Try to avoid this resolution on any 13-inch or larger screen, or at least try to eyeball the display in person before you buy. Note that all Chromebook Plus models will have at least a 1080p screen.
Processor
A low-end CPU like an Intel Celeron, Pentium, or AMD A-Series will serve if all you do is browse with a tab or two open. Chromebooks based on Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors will allow for more multitasking, though they'll also be more expensive. Note that AMD sells a handful of C-series Ryzen mobile processors designed especially for Chromebooks.
For $300, a Windows laptop with an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of memory will be unpleasantly sluggish for everyday use, but a Chromebook with the same specs should be fine for basic tasks. If you tend to be a multitasker, though, consider a Core or a Ryzen chip and 8GB of memory. Chromebook Plus models, which start at $399 and go up from there, will have at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 chip by default, and at least 8GB.
Storage
Most of your files on a Chromebook will be stored in the cloud, so many Chromebooks include only a small serving (32GB or 64GB) of eMMC flash-memory storage on which to save your local creations. Look for an SD or microSD card slot if you think you'll want to save more documents and files on the device. A growing number of Chromebooks have 128GB or larger solid-state drives (SSDs), which are much faster as well as roomier than eMMC flash. Some very new models alternately employ UFS drives, something of a speed and price midpoint between eMMC and SSD. Chromebook Plus models will include at least 128GB of storage.
Connectivity
Most Chromebook connections are wireless, as you'll use the machine almost exclusively when attached to Wi-Fi. Wired Ethernet ports are rare, but support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi is ubiquitous, with 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 found in most of today's Chromebooks.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)If you'll need to give presentations from your Chromebook, an HDMI monitor port is usually more convenient than carrying a USB-C DisplayPort adapter. Also, look for a USB port or two if you'll want to attach a mouse, a flash drive, or another peripheral.
Gaming
Entertainment isn't a big concern for classroom users, but gaming on Chromebooks is finally a reality. Not only are there several ways to play on Chromebooks of all kinds, but the latest game-ready models are built to take advantage of cloud services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Microsoft's Xbox cloud gaming. The first batch of purpose-built gaming Chromebooks is still fresh, so keep an eye on the best Chromebooks for gaming for our latest reviews.
Are Touch-Screen and Tablet Chromebooks Worth It?
Today's Chromebooks have stepped up from basic, bare-bones laptops to elegant computers with surprisingly rich capabilities. A few sport carbon-fiber chassis or lightweight magnesium alloy frames. Others not only swap out flash storage for a speedy SSD but boast a bright, 1080p or higher-resolution in-plane switching (IPS) display with sharp text, vivid colors, and wide viewing angles. Top models have premium styling that rivals any high-end Windows notebook.
(Credit: Molly Flores)That includes touch screens (ChromeOS is now optimized for touch input), which are especially handy when you're tapping away at Android apps designed for touch. And while most Chromebooks are traditional clamshell laptops, a growing number are 2-in-1 convertibles whose screens flip and fold into laptop, tablet, and kiosk or presentation modes, just like Lenovo's Yoga and HP's x360 systems. A handful of Chromebooks are detachable, with kickstands and removable keyboards, comparable to Windows tablets. These days, a budget Windows laptop and a similarly priced Chromebook can look far more alike than you might expect.
(Credit: Molly Flores)What's the Best Chromebook for You?
Whether you're a Facebook or Instagram addict or you just need a machine for checking email and working in Google apps, Chromebooks are easy to use, convenient to take on the go, and relatively inexpensive. If you think a Chromebook could be right for you, check out the detailed spec chart and reviews below for the top-rated models we've tested. If you're on a tight budget but need Windows, our lists of the best cheap laptops and the best laptops for college students are worth a look, too. For more general buying advice, check out our comprehensive guide with today's top laptop picks, regardless of price.
