The best Chromebooks have been around for quite a while now, but they’re just now being accepted in the mainstream as fantastic budget devices. However, when Google first announced its laptop brand, no one knew what to make of it. Luckily, those days are over: there are now over 25 million Chrome OS users, and the top Chromebooks continue to lead the charge with amazing battery life – something we wish Windows 10 laptops would catch up with.
But, what is a Chromebook? Well, Chromebooks don’t just feature fantastic battery life, but they’re also extremely affordable. This is because the best Chromebooks don’t need the latest and greatest processors – as they run Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system, and they only pack what they need to get the job done. Plus, with devices like the Google Pixel Slate the best Chromebooks are getting more advanced by the day.
And, because you are restrained by your web browser and Android apps, some users may be wary of picking up one of the top Chromebooks, and we totally get it. But, if your computer use just boils down to word processing and email, with very little video editing or gaming, you can’t go wrong with one of the best Chromebooks.
Shortly after proclaiming the Chromebook Pixel as dead, Google revived it in a way nobody expected. Now, it’s the Google Pixelbook and it stands completely independent of its predecessor. That’s because, unlike the Chromebook Pixel, it can run Android apps natively, on top of building upon Chrome OS. And, when you add in the huge amount of storage space, fantastic stylus and Google Assistant, it shouldn’t surprise you when we say the Pixelbook is the best Chromebook 2018 has to offer – even so long after its launch.
Read the full review: Google Pixelbook
Before Google put the Pixelbook out, and showed us exactly what Chromebooks could be, the Asus Chromebook Flip was our ideal Google laptop. With a full Intel Core processor and a full-HD display, the Asus Chromebook Flip changed the game. Put simply, if you want key features that the Pixelbook offers, but you don’t want to deal with that massive price tag, the Asus Chromebook Flip is the next best Chromebook.
Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip
When Android apps started heading to the best Chromebooks, it was only a matter of time before Samsung jumped into the ring to craft something truly beautiful. With a 12.3-inch QHD touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge, the Samsung Chromebook Pro also includes a built-in stylus – the first of its kind to show up in a Chromebook. Not only does it show up many of its competitors, but it’s better than most Android devices, too, even if the keyboard could use some tightening up.
Read the full review: Samsung Chromebook Pro
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.
When you think of Chromebooks, education is one of the first things that comes to mind. And, with the Acer Chromebook Spin 13, Acer wants them to be synonymous with business, too. Beautifully built from aluminum with a gorgeous QHD screen, it won’t just fit in the office, but it may actually draw some jealous looks. It’s more than just an attractive chassis, though: the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 is backed by full-fat Ultrabook processors, so it can get work done, and this Chromebook will look good while doing it.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 13
If the Samsung Chromebook Pro is all about versatility, the Dell Chromebook 11 is about value. Reinforced by a 180-degree hinge, sturdy design and a sealed keyboard and trackpad in addition to a punchy typing experience, this Chromebook is a perfectly portable package. Not only adequately suited for school and work, the Dell Chromebook 11 even packs a set of loud stereo speakers for listening to music or watching videos. Don’t worry about dinging it, either, as this device remains the most rugged Chromebook on our list.
Read the full review: Dell Chromebook 11
One of the most compelling use cases for the best Chromebooks is that of the student laptop – and the Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is a perfect example. If you’re a student, or even a parent of a student that’s looking for a cheap, capable and, more importantly, durable machine to get some homework done on the go, you shouldn’t need to look further than the Acer Chromebook Spin 11. You won’t be able to do any hardcore gaming or video editing on this thing, but if you just need something to write some papers and watch some YouTube in your downtime – you should give it a look.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 11
With a pristine build quality that rivals a MacBook, it’s easy to forgive the Acer Chromebook 15’s aversion to 2-in-1 form factors. However, given that most Chromebooks releasing this year are fully convertible, thanks to the wide adoption of Android app support, the Acer Chromebook 15 had to prove itself to us with more than good style. And, beyond its ability to lay flat using a 180-degree hinge, this beautiful 15-inch Chromebook makes a great impression with its battery life, too, lasting nearly 17 hours in our battery test.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15
We wouldn’t be surprised to see Acer replacing the Chromebook R11 – at least, judging by the recent release of the Chromebook Spin 11, but it still holds up to this day as one of the best Chromebooks on the market. It isn’t the most powerful option out there, but it still gives you full access to Android Apps on the Google Play store. What’s more, it does so on a touchscreen display that can be rotated around into tablet mode, complemented by an all-metal finish that you won’t be ashamed of.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11
In our mind, the best Chromebooks are the ones that balance a rock-bottom price and speedy use of Chrome OS – and the HP Chromebook 14 is a perfect example. While it’s similar to the Acer Chromebook 15 in a lot of ways, this 14-inch Chromebook is a bit more compact and even looks better. Complemented by a bright blue finish and a screen made to astonish, the HP Chromebook 14 boasts the best value of any Chromebook out there. Even if the battery life and performance are average – the HP Chromebook 14 is easily one of the best Chromebooks on the market right now.
Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14
The HP Chromebook 13 is way better than anyone would expect from a Chromebook. You’re getting a 1440p display, two USB-C ports and, if you’re willing to shell out a bit more cash, you can get yourself an INtel Core M processor rather than a Pentium. All of this is complemented by incredible style and a metallic design that exudes Pixel influence. It might not be as powerful as the Google Pixelbook, but it’s still one of the best Chromebooks when it comes to sheer style.
Read the full review: HP Chromebook 13
Watch the video below for the top 7 things to consider when buying a laptop:
- Images Credit: TechRadar
Juan Martinez and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article.
- Many of the best Chromebooks also made our best cheap laptops list
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