Notes

The Best Chromebooks for Pretty much anything you Want to Do
The best Chromebooks are the perfect examples of how Chrome OS has outgrown its label of being solely a cheaper device that isn't quite a fully-featured laptop but gives you more than what a tablet can offer. It's time to give Chromebook deals as much consideration as we do when a traditional laptop is on sale.

Nowadays, a Chromebook laptop can include useful features like a powerful Intel Core processor, a backlit keyboard, and an experience that would rival any Windows laptop. They run on ChromebookOS rather than macOS or Windows, so they generally run smaller and lighter than your standard laptop. Because of that, they rely on connectivity a bit more so due to smaller hard drives that are supplemented with cloud storage. Some have the option to install an Android app or two, but that doesn't mean they aren't productivity powerhouses at times too.

But if you think that these machines can’t keep up with the competition, well, it’s time you catch up. Chromebooks are increasingly capable machines. So let’s dispel some misconceptions about these laptops and help you pick the one that is best for you.

Can I run all my favorite apps on a Chromebook?

Unless you’re a creative and need very specific apps like Adobe After Effects, odds are there is a way to run just about anything that you need on a Chromebook - or at least find a viable alternative. Because Chromebooks are a popular option for students, there are plenty of ways to run apps like Microsoft Word and other parts of the Microsoft Office suite on a Chromebook.

If there isn’t an app option available, there is typically a web-based alternative that will let you create and edit documents and store them in the cloud so you can access them anywhere. Even an app like Zoom has the ability to run on Chromebooks so you’ll be able to stay connected to your class or your office while operating remotely.

Isn’t Chrome OS pretty limited compared to Windows or macOS?

Don't get us wrong, there are definitely limitations to Chrome OS. It’s an operating system designed specifically to operate on Chromebooks, and it’s relatively young compared to its competitors in macOS and Windows. But it’s more than capable of handling most tasks.

Chrome OS is based on Linux and in recent years has become capable of running Linux apps, which gives it a whole new arsenal of capabilities. Linux has many alternatives to popular apps - GIMP for Photoshop and LibreOffice for Microsoft Word, for instance - and being able to tap into this well of existing apps makes Chromebooks more fully featured than you might have imagined.

Additionally, some Chromebooks have the capability of running Android apps. While this is limited to Chromebooks that have access to the Google Play Store, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. If you’re already using an Android phone or tablet, being able to seamlessly hop into that same ecosystem on a laptop makes it easy to pick up your work anywhere.

So what can’t a Chromebook do?

While Chromebooks are more than enough to help you keep up with your school work or make the commute to the office, they aren’t fully featured machines. If you want to do some high-level creative tasks like photo or film editing, you’re going to find the Chromebook a bit lacking. Same goes for gaming.

That said, these machines are more powerful than you might think. Many come equipped with Intel processors that you might find in mid- to high-tier Windows machines, and have 8GB to 16GB of RAM available, as well.

What you’re more likely to find lacking is physical memory. You aren’t going to be able to load up a Chromebook with lots of photos and videos, nor are you going to be able to download your favorite series from Netflix to watch offline. Chromebooks ditch big hard drives, which can often add a significant amount of weight, in favor of cloud storage. This keeps the machines portable, but also makes you more reliant on having an internet connection available.

What Chromebook should I get?

Almost all the major brands now offer Chromebooks, so you can purchase an Acer Chromebook, Lenovo Chromebook, Asus Chromebook, Samsung Chromebook, as well as an HP Chromebook (and on and on). Understandably, given the ties to all things Google, the Google Pixelbook is a standout example too, along with other more expansive fare such as the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook. With so many options out there, we've put together a list of some of the best available to get you started.

- CPU: 7th Gen Intel Core processor
- RAM: 8GB-16GB
- Storage: 256GB-512GB
- Battery life: Up to 10 hours
- Screen: 12.3-inch
- Display: 2400 x 1600 FHD

Google's Pixelbook offers the best Chrome OS experience users can ask for. Android Tech There’s a reason our reviewer was legit in love with it, and coming from an Apple person, that's saying something. However, you can guess that this luxury doesn't come cheap: with the Pixelbook, you’ll be forking over about as much as you would for a traditional laptop. This machine justifies its price with a clean, modern look, and convertible design that lets you use it as a laptop or tablet. Plus, the specs on this thing make it competitive with other high-end laptops on the market.

- CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i3 Processor
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery life: Up to 12 hours
- Screen: 14-inch
- Display: 1920x1080

Frequent travelers need something thin, light, and able to be bumped around in a carry-on without the worry of breaking. But since when do thin, light, and heavy-duty go together? Since the Asus Chromebook Flip came out, that's when. The Chromebook Flip is slick as can be, has light, feathery weight and a slim 14-inch touchscreen. With a full HD display and 360-degree hinges that can switch between tablet and laptop, it’s perfect for turning your long flight or ride into a mini Netflix marathon. And with an Intel Core processor and 8GB RAM, it’s powerful enough to handle other tasks while on the go.

- CPU: Intel Celeron N3160
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery life: Up to 12 hours
- Screen: 14-inch
- Display: 1,920 x 1,080

Need a laptop that can get the job done and not break the bank? Look no further than the Acer Chromebook 14. The 14-inch screen on this bad boy is larger than most of its competitors and provides a full HD 1080p display. That does come with a trade off: this Chromebook is a bit heavier, though it's still less than four pounds. Battery life is also excellent for a device of this size: You'll get about 12 hours on one charge. That is stellar for any laptop, and especially good for one of the big guys. For the price, you’ll struggle to find anything that matches the value here.

- CPU: Intel Celeron N3060
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 16GB
- Battery life: Up to 14 hours
- Screen: 11.6 inches
- Display: 1366x768

For first-timers, whether that's a kid getting their first laptop or those who aren't tech-savvy, the Dell Chromebook 11 is a perfect way to dip your toes into the water but without a huge learning curve (or a steep price tag). It feels tough and sturdy and will be able to withstand most things a kid could throw at it. The screen is pretty minuscule at 11.6 inches (with not-so-thin bezels), but this also makes it small and light enough for a kid's backpack or other traveling needs. The CPU is fast and the battery will stay running about 14 hours, more than enough to get through a day of classes. There's also a good variety of ports and slots along the side, which are handy for connecting peripherals or extra storage.

- CPU: Intel M3
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery life: Up to 12 hours
- Screen: 13.3-inches
- Display: 1920x1080

An alternative option from Google, the Google Pixelbook Go is incredibly lightweight and thin weighing barely two pounds and only 13 millimeters thin. Its speedy processor, memory and more mean it boots in seconds with a backlit keyboard and Hush Keys ensuring the typing experience is quiet and comfortable. The laptop stays cool for as long as it's on your lap too. Everything about the Google PixelBook Go refines the experience and ensures you get maximum comfort and convenience right down to its 12 hour battery life.

- CPU: Intel Core i3
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery life: Up to 12 hours
- Screen: 14 inches
- Display: 1920x1080

Chromebooks have become reliable options for schoolwork, but haven’t really made a dent in the office. The HP Chromebook x360 14c threatens to change the perception of what the Chromebook is capable of. With a powerful Intel processor and more than 8GB of RAM, it’s capable of handling most intensive tasks that you throw its way. On top of that, it sports a fingerprint sensor and webcam kill switch that provides an extra bit of security that you need if you’re working on important documents. It’s a little heavier than your average Chromebook and the display doesn’t shine, but this is a Chromebook that wouldn’t look out of place in a boardroom.

- CPU: Intel Celeron
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- Screen: 12.2-inches
- Display: 1920x1080

Unlike most other Chromebooks, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus has a camera to rival many tablets. Thanks to that 13MP camera with autofocus, it's a great option if you like to take the occasional snap while out and about. Taking it out is easy too thanks to the Chromebook weighing under three pounds and easily folded into tablet mode too. A built-in pen ensures this feels like a solidly hybrid 2-in-1 device that can cope with whatever you throw at it. Elsewhere, being able to upgrade via microSD to 400GB is a useful move for those wanting to be less dependent on the cloud.

- CPU: 11th gen Intel i5 processor
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Screen: 13.5 inches
- Display: 2256x1504

At around $699, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a good deal more expensive than some of its Chromebook brethren, but one only needs to glance at its specs to understand why. It packs 8GB of RAM and a staggering (by Chromebook standards) 256GB of storage to go along with a 10-hour battery and a display that can fully rotate into more of a tablet form factor. And yes, it has a touchscreen.

Its port selection isn’t the most robust, but one USB port is met with two Thunderbolt 4 ports for maximum productivity if you need it. Those Thunderbolt ports will let you connect the Chromebook Spin to external monitors for increased screen space, for example. In all, this is a powerhouse by Chromebook standards and is great for workers.

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