They’re particularly appealing if you’re just looking for a device which handles the basics. Despite typically being less powerful than other laptops, they’re usually impressively fast too. For the likes of web browsing, emails, word processing and content consumption, Chromebooks provide everything you need. But they’re also branching out into more premium devices, as Google’s own Pixelbook Go shows. But many people won’t need to spend that much, especially when there are great alternatives from established brands such as Acer, HP, Asus and Lenovo. We’ve included options at a variety of different price points here, all of which have been fully reviewed and ranked. Some models might be a year or two old but they’re still widely available and offer good value. Also, Chromebook tech doesn’t move as fast as Windows laptops. Chromebooks are also included in our budget laptop chart, while the overall laptop guide includes more premium. But if you’re set on Chrome OS, you’ve come to the right place.
Best Chromebook 2022
How to choose a Chromebook
An internet connection is central to how a Chromebook functions. Nearly all Chrome OS apps and services are online but more are adding offline support as time goes on. Google’s own Document and Spreadsheet apps capable of working offline and then seamlessly syncing any work you’ve done to the cloud once you’re back on Wi-Fi.
Excellent display Great battery life Fast performance
Slightly spongy keyboard Fan noise at times
The 360-degree hinge means a versatile design and things run very nicely on the 10th-gen Core processor we tested with 128GB storage, though a cheaper model uses a Pentium processor and half the storage. It’s a powerful combination which puts the device on the top of the pile for those who want a Premium ChromeOS laptop without it costing the Earth. Sure, it’s a lot to pay for a Chromebook compared to some, but in these times of laptops routinely costing hundreds more than that, this is good value for money.
Great screen Decent performance Excellent webcam
Expensive high-end models
The keyboard is ultra-quiet and other features such as a high-quality webcam make this Chromebook a great option for remote workers. The two lower-spec models are better value for money, but there are higher storage options should you want them.
Fast performance Great audio Premium components
Reflective Display Glitches at low power
For a reasonable price, you get a great all-rounder with a versatile design thanks to the 360-degree hinges and 14in touchscreen even if it’s not the brightest around and has a glossy finish. Build quality is solid and so are the core specs with a Core i3 processor and a healthy 8GB of RAM. Add in a decent keyboard and Bang & Olufsen speakers and you’ve got yourself a Chromebook you can rely on for a vast range of tasks.
Large display Good battery life Fast performance
Dim display Rough edges on faceplate Cramped numberpad
This ensures smooth performance day-to-day and along with a large screen and solid battery life from a single charge, the CX5 is a great option. Add in the convertible design and it gets even better. A dedicated numpad might be a boon for some although it is cramped in size and the display is lacking brightness stopping the CX5 from being a knockout package. It also has some build issues worth considering before hitting the buy button.
Excellent build quality Great keyboard Stylus Included
Patchy performance Poor battery life Average cameras
This applies not only to durability but also elements like the keyboard and the Yoga part means it’s convertible, too. Furthermore, the stylus – which neatly slots into the laptop itself – will be very useful for some users. On the flip side, the battery life is poorer than you’d expect for a ThinkPad, we experienced gaming issues and the cameras are pretty average, too.
Impressive 15.6in screen Plenty of RAM & storage Solid performance
Spongy keyboard Average battery life No touchscreen
That’s not the case here, with the Chromebooks Full HD IPS panel one of the best you’ll find on any Chrome OS device. It offers plenty of detail and vibrant colours, while the 15.6in size is larger than many rivals. it also features a matte coating, making it less reflective than the typical glossy finish. Other highlights include Intel Core i3 or i5 processors (albeit 11th-gen chips) and 8GB of RAM, meaning performance is solid. A 128GB SSD is slightly on the small side, but shouldn’t be an issue given Chrome OS’ emphasis on cloud storage. With a good range of ports and separate number pad, the Chromebook 515 has a lot going for it. If you can look beyond a slightly spongy keyboard and don’t want to spend a full day away from the charger, it’s worth considering.
Inexpensive Attractive design Good keyboard
Sub-standard battery life Slightly underpowered
It won’t be able to cope with much beyond basic tasks and the battery life is limited making it more suitable for around the home rather than on the road. If you want a quality Chromebook that’s more affordable than the Pixelbook Go, the C423NA is a good option.
Smart design Great keyboard Decent battery life
Lacklustre display Only suitable for light tasks
Yes, the display isn’t the best and the webcam is poor, but at this price, it gets a lot more right than it does wrong. It has a nice design with a decent keyboard and you also benefit from long battery life. Just make sure you only need it for lighter tasks.
Attractive hybrid design Comes with keyboard Cheap
Lacks processing power Cramped keyboard Small screen
The fact you’re getting a ChromeOS laptop and an Android tablet in one affordable package is just the start really – and yes, the keyboard is included in the price. It looks nice, lasts a decent amount of time and has a good quality display. It’s not the biggest screen, though and the keyboard is also a little cramped so isn’t ideal for all work situations – ie lots of typing or large spreadsheets. It also doesn’t have huge amounts of power so is better suited to lighter use.
Simple, clean design Excellent battery life Good port selection
No touchscreen Average display Occasional streaming glitches
There’s nothing particularly amazing about the 314 but that’s not the point. It gets the job done without breaking the bank and you might even find the Full HD model with 64GB for the same price as the lower-spec option. As long as you don’t expect anything flashy on the Chromebook 314 you’ll find it to be a very usable laptop that can be employed for work or home purposes. Cheap and cheerful? Yes, we’d say so. This simplicity allows Chromebooks to use less-powerful hardware than many Windows laptops, without it affecting the overall performance.
Do Chromebooks run Android apps?
These days, all modern Chromebooks can run Android apps. However, if you’re looking at an older model, just check whether it supports them on not before buying.
Can Chromebooks run Office?
The most significant limitation of a Chromebook is that it can’t run some of the Windows software you might be used to. Full versions of Microsoft Office won’t run on a Chromebook, although you can use the web-based suite and Android apps. Google’s own Docs suite is a very good alternative: its online collaboration is better than Microsoft’s offering for a start. For the alternatives to popular software, see Google’s ‘ Make the switch‘ page.
What specs should I look for in a Chromebook?
You won’t find capacious hard drives, high-end processors or large screens on most Chromebooks. Instead, Google offers 100GB of online storage (along with various other perks like YouTube Premium and Stadia Pro trials) with every machine and mobile processors are the order of the day negating the need for noisy fans. One of the most notable benefits of Chromebooks is that they tend to be cheaper than Windows laptops. But some newer models are more expensive as they have touchscreens, more storage and other features. There are many similarities across the majority of Chromebooks with a generally standard keyboard layout and screen resolution, and fast bootup times, but those with specific needs should still be able to find a machine to suit them. Chromebooks have come a long way since they launched. The range of screen sizes now spans 10-16in and not only are there certain models with touchscreens, but some have hinges that allow the screen to fold right back flat against the underside so you can use it like a tablet. For most people who just want a laptop-style computer for browsing the internet, creating documents and spreadsheets, streaming videos or giving to the kids as an inexpensive, virus-free homework device, an inexpensive Chromebook is an excellent choice. Really, though, Chromebooks are intended as a second device: you’ll still have a laptop or PC in the house, but the Chromebook is a portable, lightweight alternative which is great for web browsing, email and even running Android apps.
Should I buy a Chromebook?
We’re not saying that Chromebooks are a perfect solution, and you must consider the limitations we’ve outlined. Peripheral support is also hit and miss, so if you need printers or other external devices to get your work done, then it’s worth investigating whether your printer and other gadgets will work with a Chromebook before you buy one. You can now buy accessories that are guaranteed to work with Chromebooks, meaning there’s now proper third-party availability of chargers, mice and keyboards, at least. If you decide a Chromebook isn’t what you need, then have a look at our recommendations for the best laptop and best budget laptop. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
