Buying guide for Best Chromebooks

Since they were first introduced in 2011, Chromebooks have slowly been redefining what laptops are. Instead of being computers with local software and storage that cost an arm and a leg, Chromebooks run all of their applications through a web-browser-based operating system, Chrome OS. What’s more, they are a lot more affordable than typical PCs or Macs.

Chromebooks are designed for people who do most of their computing work online. To make things even more convenient, Google handles care-and-feeding tasks like security updates so users never have to bother with them.

Most Chromebooks are budget models — modest laptops that only cost a few hundred dollars. However, there are plenty of premium Chromebooks that are built to compete with high-end traditional laptops as well. Mid-level Chromebooks are the most popular consumer choice because they are affordable without feeling underpowered.

Since many major technology manufacturers like Dell and Samsung produce great Chromebooks, the market is pretty crowded. Thus, it can be a challenge to differentiate the so-so models from the ones worth buying. Here is everything you need to know, including information about our top picks on the Chromebook market.

Chromebooks are becoming more popular; in 2016, they outsold Macs for the first time since their 2011 release.

What is a Chromebook?

Let’s talk about the basics first. What is a Chromebook? How do these machines differ from other laptops? And what would make you choose one over the other?

First, let’s talk about operating systems, or OS. Right now, most laptops run on Windows 10, and those made by Apple run on MacOS. Chromebooks run on the Chrome OS.

Chrome OS is just another OS. You might have a bit of an adjustment if you are used to using a Windows laptop or Mac: the look and feel of the Chromebook will be different. Rather than programs, Chrome OS utilizes downloadable apps from the Google Play store. It runs mostly online, and most of your documents are stored online, in the cloud.

Let's take a look at the pros and cons of working with a Chromebook.

Chromebook pros

• Easy access to files. Since Chromebooks rely on cloud storage, you can access your files from the Chromebook as well as other computers and devices as long as you have an internet connection.
• User friendly. Chrome OS is based on Google’s Chrome internet browser, which is something that most people are at least vaguely familiar with. Hence, it’s quite easy to learn and get used to the layout of a Chromebook and how it works.
• Secure. Chromebooks are incredibly secure. Google provides frequent updates, and if a Chromebook is ever lost or stolen, you can remotely log out of it so your content cannot be accessed by anyone else. Further, getting set up on a new Chromebook is as easy as signing in to your Google account and resuming your activity.
• Fast. Due to their lightweight OS and SSDs, Chromebooks take as little as eight seconds from being switched on to being ready to use.

Chromebook cons

• Internet requirement. Although some apps on a Chromebook can be used offline, you need to be connected to the internet to get the most functionality out of it. It's not ideal if you like to use your laptop on the go in places with no internet.
• New software. You can't use existing software you might already have, such as Photoshop or Microsoft Office, on a Chromebook. However, you will certainly be able to find alternatives to take their place.
• Storage cost. Depending on what your needs are, you may very well end up paying for cloud storage. Google gives all Chromebook owners a free 100GB of Google Drive storage, but that only lasts for two years. After that, you are downgraded to the usual 15GB free storage unless you are willing to pay for an upgrade.

The top Chromebooks in our testing are usually those that have a long enough battery life to go anywhere and last all day without needing to be recharged.

We give strong consideration to features such as a precision touchpad and backlit keyboard, which can make a Chromebook especially easy to use in all settings.

We consider the weight of each Chromebook to decide just how useful it is for travelers, students, and long-distance commuters.

Most Chromebooks we test are relatively small, which makes them highly portable and means their generally lower-than-average resolution still looks as crisp as many full-fledged laptops.

We look at the features offered by Chromebooks from a wide range of manufacturers, including HP, Asus, and Google.

One of our primary considerations is a Chromebook’s cost-effectiveness. Thanks to the low-overhead Chrome OS, even relatively affordable models can perform well.

We appreciate Chromebooks with 360-degree convertible hinges that turn the device into a tablet for added versatility.

We take careful note of the durability and resistance to dirt and water of the Chromebooks we test. Many are suitable for kids who are still getting a handle on electronics.

Samsung Chromebooks are some of our favorites because they are available at a wide range of prices, tend to sport premium designs, and often incorporate high-end features like 4G LTE data connectivity.

It’s no surprise that Google makes some of the best high-end Chromebooks around, so we break them down to see just how good they really are.

Key considerations

Screen

There are a few important aspects of the screen to consider when choosing the best Chromebook screen for your needs. These include size, resolution, and whether the screen is a touchscreen.

• Screen Size: Chromebooks are generally designed to be small and portable for maximum convenience on the go. As such, the most common Chromebook screens fall between 10 and 15.6 inches. You likely won't find any 17-inch behemoths just yet.

• Resolution: Lower-end Chromebooks tend to have 1366 x 768 pixel displays. If you are willing to spend a little more, you will also find plenty of models with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. At the top of the range, you will find options that offer a crystal clear 2,560 x 1,700 resolution.

• Touchscreen: If using a mouse, wireless or otherwise, is not your preferred method of computer operation, look for a Chromebook with touchscreen capability. You can expect to pay more than you would for an equivalent model without a touchscreen, but many people are more than happy to pay that premium for speed, convenience, and an overall nicer build quality.

CPU

The CPU is the central processing unit, or the processor, of a computer. In other words, it is the "brain" of a computer. In a Chromebook, the CPU affects how quickly and smoothly the machine operates. The faster the CPU runs (measured in GHz), the more processes a Chromebook can run at any given time.

Chromebooks have Intel processors or Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processors. ARM processors are energy efficient, powerful, and more optimized for Android apps. Intel processors generally perform slightly better than that, and they allow you to access closed-source software like Steam and all of its games. 

RAM

Random access memory (RAM) is another factor that influences how quickly your computer runs. It is essentially active memory for running programs.

Most Chromebooks come with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM. However, models with 16GB of RAM are also available.

If you find yourself frequently multitasking on your computer, we definitely recommend opting for a faster model with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. Versions with 16GB of RAM are very capable, but unless you are installing additional operating systems or playing demanding games, that amount of RAM is overkill for a Chromebook.

Internal storage

Historically, Chromebooks have included little internal storage as compared to other computers.

This is because your documents, photos, media, and other files are stored in the cloud rather than on the computer (although you can opt to store a limited amount of data on your drive).

Most of these machines have between 16GB and 64GB of internal storage. This should be sufficient for the majority of users, and it can be expanded by using a microSD card. That said, there are top-flight models available with laptop-rivaling levels of storage. For example, the Google Pixelbook Go offers up to 256GB of internal storage.

Cooling

Chromebooks produce significantly less heat than laptops and desktops due to their solid-state hard drives and power-efficient processors. That’s why many, but not all, Chromebooks offer fanless designs that are quieter, less prone to breaking, and more energy efficient than their more powerful cousins. Some Chromebooks, such as the Asus Chromebook Flip and Acer Chromebook Spin 713, do include cooling fans, though.

Accessories

Once you have picked out your Chromebook, don’t forget to pick up the gear you will need to keep it safe and get the most out of it.

Laptop backpack: Tzowla Water-Resistant Laptop Backpack
If you plan to take your Chromebook with you anywhere, you will need a bag to keep it in. We like Tzowla’s Water-Resistant Laptop Backpack because it has the features of backpacks that cost twice as much. It has extra pockets on the inside, including a hidden pocket. It has straps for attaching to rolling luggage. It even has a lock for the main compartment that requires a passcode to open. If you need to buy a budget backpack but don’t want to skimp on features, this is a backpack to strongly consider.

Screen cleaner: Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit
Keeping your Chromebook screen clean is essential for seeing everything clearly, especially if yours features a touchscreen. Keep a screen cleaning kit on hand, and make sure you’re wiping away dust at least every few days. We recommend the Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit because it has everything you need, and the cleaner spray is safe for all types of screens, even TV screens.

USB-C hub: Anker USB C HUB 6-in-1
If your Chromebook has a USB-C port and not many others, getting a USB-C hub that adds additional ports is a must. One of our favorite hubs is the Anker 6-in-1 USB-C Adapter because it allows you to add a gigabit Ethernet port, an HDMI port, and three additional USB 3.0 devices. Anker’s hub has the right features, but more importantly, the brand also has the right reputation — there are hundreds of similar models available, but many are flimsy and made by no-name manufacturers. Anker has made a name for itself as a designer of reliable tech.

Laptop tray: Sofia + Sam Multitasking Laptop Bed Tray
If you ever work or surf the internet from your bed or recliner, you know how helpful it can be to have a sturdy surface on which to operate your laptop. This attractive and affordable bamboo bed desk from Sofai + Sam is large enough to accommodate a 15-inch Chromebook with room for a mouse or an 18-inch laptop without a mouse. We love the little storage drawer for your phone, pens, or tablet of paper, and when you’re not using the desk for work or play, it can pull double-duty as a tray for serving breakfast in bed to someone special.

Pricing

One of the great things about Chromebooks is their reasonable price. While you can find pricier models out there, an average user can find a great Chromebook at a bargain price as compared to other laptops on the market.

Entry-level

A basic Chromebook with a smaller screen size (usually 11 inches), a less sturdy form factor, and 2GB of RAM should cost a low price of $100 to $150. Spend a little more, about $150 to $250, and you can find Chromebooks with larger screens, better resolution, 4GB of RAM, faster CPUs, and useful features such as a webcam and touchpad.

Mid-range

Chromebooks in the mid-range cost roughly $250 to $500. They should have an HD display, decent CPUs, and at least 4GB of RAM. You can also find models featuring a fanless design, a backlit keyboard, and a dedicated tablet mode in this price range.

Expensive

Premium Chromebooks cost anywhere between $500 and $1,500. In this price range, the choices have internals that compete with the best laptops on the market. As such, they are most appropriate for power users. If you are looking for a Chromebook optimized for multitasking, a long battery life, a crystal-clear UHD display, and exceptional build quality, these models are worth investing in.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Chromebook:

• Determine your screen preference. Take some time to consider whether or not you want a Chromebook with a touchscreen. Touchscreen tablets (also known as “2-in-1s”) are great if you use a lot of apps that benefit from touch controls. However, you can save a lot of money by getting a model without a touchscreen, especially if you prefer a trackpad to begin with.
• Find out how much support you will get. Google provides support and updates for each model of Chromebook, but it only does so for a limited amount of time. Usually, that period lasts at least two years, but often, it lasts longer. Before you buy a specific Chromebook, do a quick search to see how much longer Google will support it. We advise potential buyers to make sure they will continue to get updates for at least a year or two.
• Test if a Chromebook is right for you. You can't use the full Microsoft Office suite on a Chromebook, but you can access an online version of Office. However, Google has its own Office-like suite, which many users find to be just as good. What’s more, that suite is free.
• Plan for the future. As time goes by, more new devices, including Chromebooks, will be equipped with the advanced connectivity of WiFi 6. This doesn’t mean you must go out and buy all new equipment, but you may need to eventually upgrade your router to one that supports this technology.

Chromebooks generally have an extremely long battery life. Expect to go anywhere between 6 and 13 hours before you have to recharge your machine.

FAQ

Q. Can I use my Chromebook when I am offline?

A. You can use your Chromebook while you are offline, but you won't be able to enjoy its full functionality. However, there are some things you can definitely do. In addition to accessing locally stored files (for instance, playing movies or editing photos you have stored on your hard drive), you can use Google Drive in offline mode to create documents or spreadsheets, read saved articles in Pocket, and play various games.

Q. Are Chromebooks suitable for gaming?

A. Unfortunately, Chromebooks are not a good choice for gaming. While you can download game apps, these are generally basic games of the sort you could play on a smartphone rather than sophisticated video games. Because you can't run and install programs on a Chromebook, you can't install your favorite video games.

Q. Can Chromebooks get viruses?

A. The unique selling point of Chromebooks is that they almost exclusively run online, and you can't download or run any executable programs (only apps). While Chromebooks are safe from traditional viruses that rely on running local software, it’s still important to keep them safe from online threats using built-in security tools like 2FA and security extensions like uBlock Origin.

Q. What is WiFi 6?

A. This is a technology that arrived in 2019 and is considered the “next generation” after WiFi 5. It involves faster internet speeds on a network level. For homes and businesses with multiple devices plugging in to the internet each day, it can help improve overall speed and efficiency. Note: in order to enjoy the benefits of this technology, you must have a wireless router that supports WiFi 6.

Q. How can I save money on a Chromebook?

A. One of the best ways to buy a top-shelf Chromebook for a low price is to browse Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart around the holidays for major sales. You may be surprised at the deep discounts available on Chromebooks during Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the weeks before Christmas. But if you’re buying a Chromebook, as we have mentioned, you may be pleasantly surprised by the low price of many great offerings from the likes of ASUS, Acer, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, and Google.