Best Chromebook: Top 5 Chrome OS laptops
Introduction
If you lot want a laptop for basic productivity tasks, whether you're a pupil or office worker, then information technology may exist all-time to consider a Chromebook. But what are the best Chromebooks that you can currently buy?
We've rounded up the five best Chromebook laptops that we've reviewed in recent years, ranging from bargain 2-in-1 form factors to high-powered devices looking to unsettle the ultrabook oversupply.
Non entirely sure what a Chromebook is? They're basically laptops running on Chrome OS instead of Windows. Chrome OS is designed specifically for those who just need a laptop to browse websites, play video and run Google-approved apps. Every bit a issue, they are more often than not a lot cheaper than Windows-powered laptops.
Chromebooks do have significant drawbacks withal, as the locked-down operating organization prevents users downloading software outside of Google'south app store. The likes of Netflix and Spotify are all fine, just you may run across issues if you want to download something a lilliputian obscure for university research etc.
So if yous're convinced that Chromebooks are for y'all, then keep reading on for our top five recommendations.
How we test
Learn more than virtually how we test Chromebooks
Every laptop we review goes through a serial of uniform checks designed to estimate primal things including build quality, performance, screen quality and battery life.
These include formal constructed benchmarks and scripted tests, plus a series of real world checks, such as how well it runs the near oft used apps.
We also make sure to utilise every laptop nosotros review as our primary device for at least a week to ensure our review is as accurate as possible.
Acer Chromebook Spin 513
Best overall Chromebook
Pros
- Super-light and portable pattern
- Sharp display with decent colours
- Outstanding battery life
- Whisper-serenity functioning
Cons
- Flat speakers
- Mediocre operation
- No keyboard backlight
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 ticks all of the near important boxes when it comes to a ChromeOS-powered laptop. Information technology's lightweight at just 1.2kg, features an excellent battery life of 13 hours and 35 minutes, features a Full HD resolution brandish and is powerful plenty to coast through basic apps.
The Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7c chip inside as well allows yous to make use of a 4G connection (when equipped with a compatible SIM card) and run at whisper-serenity volumes thanks to its excellent thermal performance.
There are a couple of issues here, such as the underwhelming speakers and the omission of a keyboard backlight, merely when you consider how cheap this Chromebook is, those are very pocket-size complaints. If yous're looking for a no-thrills Chromebook with a bargain price, this is your all-time pick.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 513 review
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Best 2-in-1 Chromebook
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Bundled keyboard offers versatility
- Superb screen for video content
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Lack of headphone jack
- Poor speaker quality
- Keyboard is uncomfortably modest
While almost Chromebooks on this list mimic the archetype laptop clamshell design, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is more of a ChromeOS-powered tablet that can be turned into a makeshift laptop with the arranged keyboard. If you lot enquire u.s.a., that just makes the Duet even more versatile than the remainder of the devices hither, and with an astonishingly affordable £299.99 toll, it also arguably offers the best value of the bunch.
Those who need to hammer away at the keyboard frequently may prefer a laptop with a proper keyboard, just anyone who just wants a device for browsing the web and watching videos will probable autumn in dearest with the Duet. The arranged keyboard also helps out for emails, jotting downward notes and easier web navigation.
The biggest competitors for the Duet are the iPad and Surface Go 3, just they price significantly more and demand an extra fee for the keyboard accessory. This means the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is an accented bargain, whether you're a school educatee or a causal browser.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Acer Chromebook 314
All-time upkeep Chromebook
Pros
- Great value for money
- Sturdy construction
- Good port option
- Fantastic bombardment life
Cons
- Flat colours and dim display
- No touchscreen
- ChromeOS could provide some limitations
The Acer Chromebook 314 is the cheapest Chromebook on this listing, and yet flaunts some superb features. It has a very good battery life, solid blueprint and a snappy performance, as long as you stick to basic productivity tasks.
It'south not the lightest Chromebook around at i.7kg, but is notwithstanding portable plenty to stow in your pocketbook ahead of the office commute. There's besides a great port selection here, including USB-A, USB-C and microSD, then you won't have to worry near conveying a dongle with you all the fourth dimension.
This laptop has a major weakness though, as information technology has a low-resolution 14-inch display, with on-screen colours looking flat and dull. This means this isn't the best selection for watching Netflix and the similar. There's also no touchscreen here, which may well be a deal breaker for some. Merely if just need a Chromebook for writing essays and don't intendance about the screen quality, then this is 1 of the very best laptop bargains currently available.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Total review: Acer Chromebook Spin 314 review
Google Pixelbook Get
Best premium Chromebook
Pros
- Fantastic keyboard
- Attractive, understated look
- Impressive bombardment life
- Android apps on Chrome can be useful (even if buggy)
Cons
- Tin get far too expensive if you upgrade the specs
- No fingerprint scanner/facial unlock
- Take to go the acme model if you want a 4K screen
It shouldn't actually be surprising that Google – the same visitor responsible for Chrome OS – is responsible for one of the best Chromebooks nosotros've ever tested. The Google PixelBook Go excels in well-nigh areas, with an ultra-portable weight, excellent keyboard and decent bombardment life.
Google also offers a range of configurations, including a 4K model when you spend over a grand. We'd recommend not going for those high-tier models, as the inflated price seems to defeat the purpose of a Chromebook. If you're non bothered about saving coin, we'd always recommend Windows over Chrome Bone.
Simply at the £629 starting price, the Google Pixelbook Go hits the sugariness spot betwixt performance and price, making it a great alternative to more expensive laptops such as the Dell XPS xiii and Surface Laptop iv for those who simply need a auto for web browsing, video streaming and word processing.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Google Pixelbook Go review
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex v
Best performance Chromebook
Pros
- Pleasant screen
- Comfortable, quiet keyboard
- Long battery life
Cons
- Value of high-spec models is questionable
- Plastic touchpad
- Weak speaker
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex v Chromebook is a prime number example of modern Chromebooks blurring the lines with high-finish ultrabooks, packing a super-speedy Intel Core i5-10210U processor and swish aluminium design.
High-cease Chromebooks are nothing new, only we've rarely seen such top-notch quality at this affordable £529.99 toll point. And while it is in the same price range every bit Microsoft'due south Surface Laptop Go, the Lenovo boasts a superior screen which will be of import if yous like to sentinel Netflix and YouTube.
Then what'due south the catch here? We weren't a big fan of the plastic trackpad and lacklustre speakers, but these are small issues to overlook if you lot want a high-performance Chromebook at a bargain price.
Reviewer: Andrew Williams
Full review: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex five Chromebook review
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FAQs
What is departure between Chromebook and laptop?
A Chromebook uses Google'due south ChromeOS software, while a more than conventional laptop uses Windows. ChromeOS doesn't offer as much freedom as Windows, relying instead on Google's app store, but is arguably more user-friendly, especially for children. Chromebooks are often cheaper than Windows laptops, but offer a basic performance for productivity. This isn't an ideal option for gamers and creators, only great for students and casual utilize.
Tin you lot use Discussion on a Chromebook?
Aye, you can find Microsoft Word in the app store, while you besides take the option of Google Docs.
Tin you use Chromebook without WiFi?
Absolutely, although you'll need an internet connectedness to download and apply apps such every bit Netflix and Spotify.
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Source: https://www.trustedreviews.com/best/best-chromebook-3536271
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