BEST CHROMEBOOKS
THE BEST CHROMEBOOKS A Chromebook is a less complex and more affordable laptop option that demonstrates the maxim "less is often more."
Chromebooks, which were once only available to students, have developed into powerful laptops that are frequently a better option than Windows or Mac notebooks of a comparable price. These laptops are rightly gaining popularity as cloud storage and services become more and more prevalent in our digital lives.
These days, Chromebooks come with a tonne of functionality, like the capacity to run Android applications, access Microsoft 365, and play video games. Contrary to popular belief, Chromebooks may be used without an internet connection and can even be used to edit documents, generate spreadsheets, make presentations, and send emails.
You don't have to worry about software updates, glitches, or necessary security updates interfering with your job because they update automatically in the background. Another pleasant benefit is that Chromebooks are less vulnerable to viruses and malware. Here are some things to think about when looking for the best Chromebook for your needs if you're ready to make the transition.
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT
Here are some things to think about before spending money, whether you're buying for yourself, your child, or a future college student:
Processor: Your new laptop will have more power and operate better if the processor (CPU) is more recent. Because the Intel Core series CPU is more capable than the entry-level Celeron series, I advise you to choose a product with one. The latter's affordable Chromebooks are ideal for simple jobs like web browsing, streaming videos, or word processing.
Memory: You shouldn't buy anything with less than 4GB of RAM since RAM, also known as random-access memory, is used to store data that your computer needs to access and to run numerous apps simultaneously.
Battery life: Whether you use a Chromebook for business or school, the amount of time the battery lasts before needing to be recharged can have a big impact on how well you can get through the day. Cheaper Chromebooks are probably going to offer less than that and will need to be recharged in the middle of the day.
Display: A top-notch Chromebook has to feature a clear screen with a resolution of at least Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). Translation? Whether you're using Photoshop to alter an image or Netflix to watch, the larger these numbers, the more detailed the image will be on the screen!
Connectivity: To keep your computer from becoming out-of-date as quickly as possible, search for a notebook with future-proof Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technologies.
There are many various Chromebooks available, so I looked into and compared more than 50 different models from ASUS, HP, and Acer, among others. To find the finest Chromebooks for every size and price range, I combed the internet, read reviews from various outlets and customers, and even tried a few of them.
Our suggested products include the newest, most dependable processors, together with long battery lives and sturdy construction. Shop our top eight Chromebooks below.
BEST CHROMEBOOKS OF 2022
Best Overall: Flex 5i Chromebook Lenovo $350 at Amazon
BEST OVERALL
Flex 5i Chromebook
Lenovo
Now 36% off
Editor's note: The Lenovo Flex 5 was replaced by this model. You can anticipate similar performance between the two Chromebooks even when it comes to battery life, therefore I suggest choosing the model that costs less even though it has a newer processor.
A midrange Chromebook should have a sturdy design, a comfortable backlit keyboard, and a variety of ports. Lenovo's new Flex 5i checks all those requirements. This laptop has all of that and more.
A MicroSD reader, now uncommon on most Chromebooks, a single USB-C port on each of its sides, and an older USB-A port are all included on the Flex 5i (which will come in handy for your accessories.) It provides customers with 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough to operate numerous Chrome tabs and multitask between apps. It also uses the most recent Wi-Fi 6 standard for the fastest download speeds.
The laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i3-11th Generation processor, which will undoubtedly receive support for many years to come. You may use the laptop like a tablet because it includes a touchscreen 1080p display and a 360-degree hinge. Additionally, because it features upward-facing speakers, it's ideal for streaming Netflix after work, of course.
BEST FOR STUDENTS Chromebook Spin 514Acer $600 AT AMAZON
BEST FOR STUDENTS
Chromebook Spin 514
Acer
Now 25% off
For high school kids or younger college students looking for a Chromebook that delivers a sharp display, a comfortable keyboard, and a nice touchpad, the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is a great option. It features a crisp 14-inch touchscreen display and a powerful battery that will last the entire school day. Because the screen is composed of Corning Gorilla Glass, you can be sure that it will withstand scuffs and scratches for many years to come.
With an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, this laptop can run many apps or manage multiple tabs without making a lot of noise. In addition, it features 256GB of storage, which should be ample for most people. For connecting to a monitor, I like that it has a full-sized HDMI connector on board.
The laptop weighs 3.6 pounds, which might be too much for one-handed use, and rotate the screen around magazine-style to read from.
It's important to note that Acer sells a cheaper Chromebook Spin model called the Spin 513. The Spin 513 is still a respectable option for people on a budget because it features a sturdy design, an IPS display, 8GB of RAM, and a backlit keyboard. If you can afford to pay more, I recommend getting the Spin 514.
- THE ONE WITH A STYLUSThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook Lenovo $654 AT AMAZON
THE ONE WITH A STYLUS
ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook
Lenovo
The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga is a stylish, more contemporary-looking laptop that is intended more for businesspeople than for young people. The variations between the C13 Yoga's many configurations, which range in price from $300 to $700, include the processor and storage capacity.
Each model features a built-in stylus and a flexible two-in-one design. Additionally, the laptops use Lenovo's distinctive red TrackPoint mouse nub for navigating.
The variety of ports on the ThinkPad particularly impresses me. A microSD card reader, a headphone connector, two USB-C ports, and two HDMI outputs are included. It's important to note that this Chromebook's battery life is terrible; you can expect just over 6 hours.
Last but not least, Lenovo claims the laptop has been built to endure knocks, drops, shocks, scratches, dust, and spills despite not having an IP classification.
- MOST PORTABLE CHROMEBOOK Chromebook Spin 311Acer $245 AT WALMART
MOST PORTABLE CHROMEBOOK
Chromebook Spin 311
Acer
Now 21% off
This 2-in-1 hybrid laptop has a stylish, carry-around style. It weighs only 3 pounds, is only a little thicker than an inch, and has a more potent processor than the Lenovo Chromebook C330, which it is comparable to.
The 11.6-inch display of this top-selling Chromebook is big enough to watch movies and TV shows, but it isn't as brilliant as the competition. This Chromebook's adaptability allows for use in various positions: It may be used as a touchscreen tablet or regular laptop, rotated for presentations, or propped up like a tent (pictured). Its use of Corning Gorilla Glass, which is incredibly resilient and resists scratches, is something I value.
Although the Spin 311 is a cheap laptop, Acer gave it two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a MicroSD card for extra storage (the base configuration only comes with 32GB of storage). The laptop's exceptional 10-hour battery life makes it an excellent choice for people who are frequently on the go.
BEST CHEAP CHROMEBOOKIdeapad Duet 3 $219 AT WALMART
BEST CHEAP CHROMEBOOK
Ideapad Duet 3
The best affordable Chromebook available is the Chromebook Duet. You may use this 2-in-1 computer as a tablet or a laptop because it features a water-resistant detachable keyboard. In addition to having a kickstand that makes it simple to prop the Duet up to watch YouTube or make video chats, it has a distinctive movable back cover that shields it from drops.
I found the 10.1-inch touchscreen of the first Chromebook Duet to be clear and bright during my testing. The display on the more recent Duet 3 is an inch bigger. Lenovo claims it is also brighter. Since it has a better resolution, you may anticipate seeing more detail in the photographs and videos.
The Chromebook's battery life is 12 hours, so you can be sure it will last you the full workday or school day. Overall, it's a solid, fairly priced, and very adaptable Chromebook.
Consider Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 5, which has a more potent processor, twice as much RAM, and a larger 13.3-inch OLED display, if you're seeking a little bit more power.
- BEST FOR KIDSChromebook x360HP $286 AT AMAZON
Chromebook x360
HP
Now 32% off
With its practical 360-degree hinge, the HP x360 is a stylish and remarkably functional Chromebook that can be folded back and used as a tablet. The laptop has a high-end design and respectable specifications that are appropriate for children who require a device for homework, light web browsing, and quick photo editing (and the occasional Netflix binge, of course.)
The meager 32GB of storage in the entry model is our sole quibble. All models, thankfully, offer a microSD card slot that may be used to enhance capacity when you need to watch a lot of movies before a lengthy drive. The laptop's battery life on a single charge lasts an amazing 13 hours, which is remarkable for a device this portable.
Having said that, HP offers a model with twice as much storage, twice as much RAM, and a faster processor. Additionally, if a touchscreen is not necessary to you, take into account the HP Chromebook 14 Series, which offers comparable specifications at a reduced cost.
- BEST BATTERY LIFE Google Pixelbook GoGoogle $833 at Amazon
BEST BATTERY LIFE
Google Pixelbook Go
One of the best Chromebooks you can buy is the Google Pixelbook Go, in my opinion. It is a light (2.3 pounds), highly attractive, and premium-feeling laptop. Its bottom has a gripping texture that not only looks amazing but also comes in handy for keeping it from unintentionally slipping out of your hands. The Chromebook's magnesium shell is remarkably strong yet lightweight and thin.
The laptop offers blazingly fast performance, a wonderful keyboard, more than 12 hours of battery life, and 16GB of RAM for a somewhat higher price than other options. I recommend selecting the configuration that uses an Intel Core m3 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The base model has sufficient power enough to run multiple apps at once without experiencing any lag.
It's important to note that the Pixelbook Go only has two USB-C ports, thus using older USB-A devices will probably require the purchase of a USB-C converter. Alternatively, you might think about going with the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5.
- The Colorful PickGalaxy Chromebook 2Samsung $690 AT AMAZON
THE COLORFUL PICK
Galaxy Chromebook 2
Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a cost-effective improvement on the original model, which retailed for an outrageously high $1,000. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 offers a cheaper price point, a substantially longer battery life, a slimmer form, and the same 2-in-1 capability as its predecessor.
In its base configuration, an Intel Celeron 5205U processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage are included. I advise investing a little more money in the mid-tier model because it has better specifications for multitasking, making video calls, playing games, and photo editing.
The laptop just features two USB-C connections and a headphone jack, just like the Pixelbook Go. Additionally, it has a microSD card slot that will be useful for extending its storage capacity. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is offered in a striking "fiesta red" finish that is guaranteed to draw attention, but if more subdued grey suits your style better, that option is also available.
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