If you need a lightweight, reliable, affordable laptop, a Chromebook might be the right choice.
These laptops run on ChromeOS, making them fast and responsive. Budget models perform well, keeping their prices lower than many other laptops.
Since they rely on cloud storage, they are easy to use. They work well for students, beginners, and anyone who prefers a simple system.
However, they also support various offline apps. Plus, built-in security features keep users safe, making Chromebooks great for families and younger users.
We have tested Chromebooks for over ten years. After many reviews, we have listed the best options to fit different needs and budgets.
Quick List
Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023)
Best Overall Chromebook
This model is affordable but still delivers good performance. It features a Full HD screen and a flexible 2-in-1 design.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
Best Budget Option
The rugged design and long 16-hour battery life make it a solid choice for younger users.
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
Best High-End Chromebook
One of the most potent Chromebooks offers excellent performance for work and entertainment.
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Best for Gaming
This Chromebook supports gaming with a QHD 16:10 screen, gamer-friendly features, and a strong battery.
Acer Chromebook Plus 515
Best for Students
It balances cost and performance. It also includes eco-friendly materials, making it suitable for daily use.
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)
Best 2-in-1 Chromebook
This model offers high performance, a touch screen, and a high-resolution webcam.
The top Chromebook available
Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023)
An excellent choice for most users
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Pentium N6000
- Screen: 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- Weight: 1.55kg
Pros:
- Classic design
- High-quality display
- Comfortable keyboard
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- ChromeOS has limits
- Heats up under pressure
The Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023) provides an affordable and straightforward way to experience a full laptop setup.
Many budget-friendly ChromeOS models lack a 14-inch 1080p screen, but Acer includes one along with enough power for basic tasks.
Daily work runs smoothly, though 128GB of storage feels limited. That trade-off comes with the price—the Intel Pentium processor and 4GB RAM struggle under heavy use, causing some heat buildup.
Portability makes it stand out. Weighing under 3.5 pounds, it fits easily into a backpack or bag.
The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, and the battery lasts long enough for mobile work. The 2-in-1 design allows quick switching to tablet mode when needed.
Buy it if:
- A budget-friendly laptop meets your needs
Acer keeps the design simple while offering reliable performance at an affordable price.
- Frequent travel requires a sturdy device
Many lighter laptops exist, but the 14-inch build protects against daily commuting wear and tear.
Skip it if:
- Computing power matters more than the price
Heavy workloads and advanced programs require a more capable machine.
- Specialized software plays a key role in your work
Rendering tools, animation software, and high-end games won’t run efficiently on this model.
Best Budget Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
Specifications:
- Processor: 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4020
- Screen: 11″ HD (1366 x 768) IPS, touch
- Storage: 64GB eMMC SSD
- Weight: 1.20kg
Pros:
- Great price
- Strong build
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Outdated look
- Not very compact
Young students will find the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 useful due to its sturdy design.
It is ideal for those who toss their devices into backpacks or often drop things. The solid keyboard base and strong hinge ensure durability, making it resistant to rough handling.
It does not offer high performance, but students usually need dependability rather than power. It works well for assignments, note-taking, and streaming.
Tests show the battery runs for 16 hours and 20 minutes. Students can finish the school day without charging. The low price makes it easier for parents to afford a school laptop.
Buy it if:
- You need a device with a long battery life
Lasts over 16 hours, perfect for school and commuting.
- You want an affordable 2-in-1 Chromebook
It offers solid performance for the price, which is excellent for students.
Skip it if:
- Do you prefer a modern design
Thick bezels and outdated style.
- You need better processing power
Not suitable for demanding tasks.
The top premium Chromebook
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
A high-end Chromebook
Specifications:
- Processor: Up to 12th-gen Intel Core i7 with vPro
- Display: Up to 13.5″ QHD+ (2256 x 1504) touchscreen
- Storage: 128GB – 256GB eMMC
- Weight: 1.27kg
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- Optional security options
- Stunning display
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Advanced security comes at a cost
The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook remains the top Chrome OS laptop, though its price may not fit everyone’s budget, especially at higher configurations.
While it’s one of the most premium Chromebooks available, some lower-cost models might appeal more to students looking for a stylish and powerful Chrome OS device.
It ranks among the most powerful Chromebooks tested. It achieved the highest Kraken and Jetstream 2 test scores, surpassing the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 by nearly 200 points.
Even the base model with a 12th-gen Core i3 processor offers strong performance that rivals many Windows and macOS laptops.
This Chromebook includes top-tier security features, making it the first with Intel vPro.
It’s an excellent choice for those who need a lightweight and portable device for productivity. However, be ready to pay a high price for these premium features.
Buy it if:
- You need a secure business Chromebook
Strong security, excellent performance, and great connectivity make it a solid professional choice.
- You want a stylish Chromebook
The design looks premium and will stand out in meetings.
Skip it if:
- You have a limited budget
This Chromebook starts at over $1,000, making it one of the priciest options.
- You need a long battery life
More affordable Chromebooks offer better battery performance.
Top Gaming Chromebook
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
A top choice for cloud gaming
Specifications:
- Processor: Up to 12th-gen Intel Core i7
- Screen: 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600), 16:10 IPS, 120Hz
- Storage: Up to 256GB PCIe SSD
- Weight: 1.70kg
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Strong performance
- High-quality display
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires a cloud gaming service
Some people say Chromebooks do not work well for gaming. They depend on cloud services like Nvidia GeForce Now instead of using substantial internal parts.
If that is the rule, any Chromebook can support gaming.
However, the Acer 516 GE makes a strong case for gaming Chromebooks.
The “GE” stands for “Gaming Edition,” and it lives up to the name. It runs on an Intel processor and comes with features designed for gamers.
The display is one of its best features. It has a sharp, bright QHD panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio for more space.
The colors are accurate, with 100% sRGB coverage and impressive brightness. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps gameplay smooth.
This Chromebook also includes upgraded speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, and a physical Ethernet port for a stable connection.
The keyboard features RGB lighting, making it stand out. The only major downside is the need for a cloud gaming subscription like GeForce Now or Amazon Luna.
However, Google provides a free three-month subscription with a gaming Chromebook purchase.
Buy it if:
- You want excellent cloud gaming
If you already use or plan to subscribe to a service like Nvidia GeForce NOW, this Chromebook is a solid choice.
- You need a long battery life
It lasts around seven hours, which is better than most gaming laptops.
Skip it if:
- You prefer playing on Steam
Steam cannot be installed directly, so streaming is the only way to play.
- You expect great sound
The speakers perform poorly, especially at high volumes, so use a headset.
Top Chromebook for Students
Acer Chromebook Plus 515
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U
- Screen: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080), IPS, 16:9 aspect ratio
- Storage: 128GB
- Weight: 1.68kg
Pros:
- Starts quickly and handles multiple tasks well
- Supports both native and cloud gaming
- Offers many software options
- Has a clear and bright screen
- Delivers good sound quality
Cons:
- Battery life is average
- Limited to apps on the Google Play Store
- Performance is similar to older models
A Chromebook doesn’t have to be slow because it has lower specs. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is affordable, but its 12th-gen Intel Core i3 and 8GB RAM make it robust for daily tasks.
Tests showed it handles everyday work smoothly. It also runs Adobe Photoshop, now available on ChromeOS, and supports Nvidia GeForce Experience for some gaming.
Battery life is not great. It lasted only five hours in tests, while the brand promised ten. However, it charges in less than an hour.
The rest of the features are impressive—the keyboard and touchpad feel good, and the 15.6-inch 1080p touchscreen provides ample space.
For those who care about the environment, many parts of this Chromebook use recycled materials.
Buy it if:
- You need a fast laptop for work or school.
It boots up quickly and handles multiple tasks smoothly.
- You prefer eco-friendly products.
It includes a recycled glass trackpad and uses recycled plastics in the body and keys.
Skip it if:
- You need a high-performance laptop.
It performs better than older models but isn’t powerful enough for heavy creative work or advanced editing.
- You require specific software.
Chromebooks rely on Google Play Store apps, so they may not support all scientific, numeric, or creative programs.
The top 2-in-1 Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)
A top choice for a 2-in-1 Chromebook
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U
- Screen: 14″ 16:10 WUXGA 1920 x 1200p IPS touchscreen
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Weight: 1.59kg
Pros:
- Fast performance for everyday tasks
- Responsive and high-quality touchscreen
- Durable hinge design
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Speakers lack depth and volume
- Hard to find in stock
- Keyboard feels stiff
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) costs more than many other Chromebooks, but that extra price improves performance.
For work-related tasks, having more power is often a good idea.
During testing, the 13th-Gen Intel Core i5 and 8GB RAM managed 20 Chrome tabs simultaneously, including three streaming videos, with no slowdowns.
The hardware also supports its 1920 x 1200p touchscreen and sharp 1440p webcam.
The speakers are not the best, producing hollow sound, and the keyboard could be more comfortable.
However, the battery lasted about 12 hours in testing, even though the official estimate is 15 hours. The sturdy hinge ensures stability in different modes, whether in tent or display mode.
Overall, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) justifies its higher cost. It offers a better design, feel, and performance than many alternatives.
Buy it if:
- You need a strong performance
This Chromebook handles most ChromeOS tasks efficiently.
- You want a premium experience
It has a sturdy build, solid specs, and a high-quality touchscreen.
Skip it if:
- You need a device for heavy tasks
It won’t handle high-end gaming or professional media editing.
- You have a very tight budget
At $699.99, it offers excellent value, but cheaper options are available.
