We rounded up the 7 best Chromebooks on the market

Best Chromebooks

Ready to buy now? Shop the best: 

• Best of the Best: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
• Best Bang for the Buck: Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook
• Most Versatile: Asus Chromebook Flip CX1 
• Simple Yet Solid: Acer Gateway Chromebook 314
• Best for Professionals: Lenovo Ideapad 3 FHD Chromebook

Confused by endless laptop choices? We get it. But before you dive into another spec sheet labyrinth, consider a Chromebook, your key to reliable performance, effortless everyday computing and features that’ll make you rethink laptops.

A Chromebook is essentially a stripped-down version of a traditional laptop. They’re online-only devices, meaning you store and access data on a cloud service. They don’t offer as much functionality as standard laptops, but they are typically more affordable and compact. They also offer many features that make them a viable option for most users. Our top choice is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, which offers just the right balance of versatility and performance at an excellent price. 

Editors’ picks for 2025

RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x 4266 MHz | Storage: 256GB (128GB eMMC + 128GB SD Card) | Processor (CPU): Intel Core i3-1315U (6 cores, 8 threads, up to 4.5GHz) | Battery Life: Around 8 to 10 hours

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook delivers strong performance and flexibility at a price that won’t make your wallet flinch. Its 2-in-1 design lets you move effortlessly between work and play, whether you’re typing up notes in laptop mode or sketching ideas in tablet mode. The 14-inch touch screen is sharp and responsive, though it can be a bit reflective in bright environments.

With a capable Core i3 processor, smooth multitasking is easy, especially for students or remote workers. Battery life is generally reliable, though some users have reported occasional charging quirks.

For a Chromebook that mixes style, function, and value, this model checks a lot of boxes without putting on airs.

RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Processor (CPU): Intel Celeron N4500 (1.1GHz, Dual-Core) | Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) Anti-Glare | Battery Life: Up to 10 hours

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook brings a lot to the table for anyone looking to stay productive without draining their savings. With its roomy 15.6-inch full HD display, multitasking feels less like a chore and more like a breeze. The Intel Celeron processor isn’t built for heavy lifting, but it holds its own for web-based tasks, documents and video calls.

Battery life clocks in at around 10 hours, which makes it a dependable pick for students or light users on the move. Build quality feels solid for the price, though some users have mentioned occasional hiccups. 

If you’re after a Chromebook that offers a big screen, reliable performance and just enough storage for the essentials, this one is worth a second look.

RAM: 4 GB DDR4 | Storage: 64 GB eMMC | Processor (CPU): Intel Celeron N4120 (quad‑core, up to 2.6 GHz) | Display: 14″ HD (1366×768) | Battery Life: Up to 14 hours 

The HP Chromebook 14 is a neat package that’s ready for work, school or binge‑watching marathons without taking a bite out of your budget. The quad‑core Celeron chip handles browser tabs, streaming and light multitasking with surprising ease, even if it’s not meant for heavy-duty workloads.

The 14‑hour battery life feels like having a portable outlet at your side, and when you do need a jolt, Fast Charge gets you halfway there in less than an hour.

The HD display keeps reflections in check, and the dual speakers deliver decent clarity. It’s not the flashiest laptop on the block, but it checks all the essential boxes and does so quite well; if you’re after a no‑frills online companion, it’s a reliable pick.

RAM: 8 GB LPDDR5X | Storage: 128 GB eMMC | Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 3 7320C | Display: 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) | Battery Life: Up to 12 hours

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a sleek multitasker that’s ready to roll with AI-fueled flair. Its Ryzen 3 chip and ample memory breeze through daily computing and creative apps with hardly a hiccup.

The 14-inch touch screen shines in indoor and bright settings thanks to anti-glare coating and narrow bezels, and the fingerprint-resistant splash-proof keyboard shows it means business.

Packed with handy extras, from the solid build meeting military-grade standards to Gemini Advanced and 2 TB of cloud storage for a year, the Chromebook Plus really stacks up. Battery life comfortably lasts a workday, and fast charging means lightning-fast recovery when needed. It isn’t just another Chromebook; this one brings a few delightful surprises to the table.

RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X | Storage: 256GB SSD | Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-1235U (10-core, Intel Evo certified) | Display: 14-inch touch screen (1920 x 1200) | Battery Life: Up to 10 hours 

If you’re after a laptop that doesn’t throw in the towel when you’ve got 20 tabs open, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 might just be your new sidekick. It boots up in a blink, zips through tasks without breaking a sweat and packs a punch in a surprisingly sleek and sturdy frame.

The touch screen is responsive and pairs nicely with the included stylus for jotting down ideas or doodling in class; though we’ll admit the screen brightness could use a little more pep.

Battery life tends to hold its own for a full workday, and fast charging helps if you’re racing the clock. Whether you’re knocking out homework or binge-watching after hours, this Chromebook proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a smooth, smart experience.

What is a Chromebook?

Let’s talk about the basics. What is a Chromebook? How do these machines differ from other laptops? And what would make you choose one over the other?

First, let’s look at operating systems, or OS. Right now, most laptops run on Windows 11, and those made by Apple run on macOS. Chromebooks run on the ChromeOS.

ChromeOS is just another operating system. You might have a bit of an adjustment if you’re used to using a Windows laptop or Mac: the look and feel of the Chromebook are different. Rather than programs, ChromeOS uses downloadable apps from the Google Play store. It runs mostly online, and most of your documents are stored in the cloud.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of working with a Chromebook.

Pros

• Performance Punch: Many top-tier Chromebooks flex Intel Core (i3/i5) or AMD Ryzen processors paired with 8GB or more of RAM and speedy SSDs. They’re great for juggling browser tabs, light photo editing and Zoom calls without missing a beat.
• Sleek and Portable: Most models weigh between 2 to 3 pounds and have slim, lightweight builds. They’re easy to toss in a backpack and carry around from class to coffee shop.
• Two-in-One Versatility: Some Chromebooks feature 360-degree hinges and touch screens, letting you flip the screen into tent, stand or tablet mode. It’s handy for presentations, drawing or just binge-watching your favorite show.
• All-Day Battery Life: A single charge often lasts 10 to 15 hours, which is more than enough to cover a full workday or long travel day without hunting for an outlet.
• Budget-Friendly Value: Chromebooks typically cost less than similarly equipped Windows laptops, especially if your needs center around web browsing, streaming and using cloud-based apps.

Cons

• Offline Limitations: Chromebooks are designed for online use. Without a connection, you’re limited to a handful of offline apps and basic file access.
• Storage Constraints: Most come with 64 to 128GB of internal storage. If you work with large media files, you’ll likely need to rely on cloud storage or external drives.
• Not Built for Heavy Tasks: Without dedicated graphics and high-powered CPUs, Chromebooks aren’t suited for gaming, 3D rendering or running demanding software.
• App Compatibility Issues: Android app support is improving, but not all apps run smoothly or scale well on a Chromebook screen. Expect the occasional hiccup.

• Feature Trade-Offs on Lower Budgets: Entry-level models may cut corners on screen resolution, build quality, port selection or keyboard lighting to hit a lower price.

Key considerations

Screen

There are a few important aspects of the screen to consider when choosing the best Chromebook screen for your needs. These include size, resolution and whether the screen is a touch screen.

• Size: Chromebooks are generally designed to be small and portable for maximum convenience on the go. As such, the most common Chromebook screens are between 10 and 15.6 inches. You likely won’t find any 17-inch behemoths just yet
• Resolution: Lower-end Chromebooks tend to have 1366 x 768p displays. If you are willing to spend a little more, you will also find plenty of models with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080p. At the top of the range, you will find options that offer a crystal clear 2560 x 1700 resolution. 
• Touch screen: If using a mouse, wireless or otherwise, is not your preferred method of computer operation, look for a Chromebook with touch-screen capability. You can expect to pay more than you would for an equivalent model without a touch screen, but many people are more than happy to pay that premium for speed, convenience and an overall nicer build quality.

CPU

The CPU is the central processing unit, or processor, of a computer. In other words, it is the “brain” of a computer. In a Chromebook, the CPU affects how quickly and smoothly the machine operates. The faster the CPU runs, measured in gigahertz (GHz), the more processes a Chromebook can run at any given time.

Chromebooks have Intel processors or Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processors. ARM processors are energy efficient, powerful and more optimized for Android apps. Intel processors generally perform slightly better than that, and they allow you to access closed-source software like Steam and all of its games. 

RAM

Random-access memory (RAM) is another factor that influences how quickly your computer runs. It is essentially active memory for running programs. Most Chromebooks come with 2GB, 4GB or 8GB of RAM. However, models with 16GB of RAM, such as the Acer Chromebook Plus 514,  are also available.

If you frequently multitask on your computer, we recommend opting for a faster model with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. Versions with 16GB of RAM are very capable, but unless you are installing additional operating systems or playing demanding games, that amount of RAM is overkill for a Chromebook.

Internal storage

Historically, Chromebooks have included little internal storage compared to other computers.

This is because your documents, photos, media and other files are stored in the cloud rather than on the computer (although you can opt to store a limited amount of data on your drive).

Most of these machines have between 16GB and 64GB of internal storage. This should be sufficient for most users, and it can be expanded by using a microSD card. That said, there are top-flight models available with laptop-rivaling levels of storage. For example, the Google Pixelbook Go offers up to 256GB of internal storage.

Cooling

Chromebooks produce significantly less heat than laptops and desktops due to their solid-state hard drives and power-efficient processors. That’s why many, but not all, Chromebooks offer fanless designs that are quieter, less prone to breaking and more energy efficient than their more powerful cousins. Some Chromebooks, such as the Asus Chromebook Flip and Acer Chromebook Spin 713, do include cooling fans, though.

Pricing

One of the great things about Chromebooks is their reasonable price. While you can find pricier models out there, an average user can find a great Chromebook at a bargain price as compared to other laptops on the market.

Entry-level

A basic Chromebook with a smaller screen size (usually 11 inches), a less sturdy form factor and 2GB of RAM should cost $100 to $200. Spend a little more, about $300 to $400, and you can find Chromebooks with larger screens, better resolution, 4 GB of RAM, faster CPUs and useful features like a webcam and touchpad. Examples of Chromebooks in this price range include the HP Chromebook 11 G9 EE 11.6-Inch and Samsung 15.6-Inch Chromebook. 

Mid-range

Chromebooks in this range cost roughly $300 to $500. They should have an HD display, decent CPUs and at least 4GB of RAM. You can also find models featuring a fanless design, backlit keyboard and a dedicated tablet mode in this price range. Examples of these Chromebooks include the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus and the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop.

Expensive

Premium Chromebooks cost between $500 and $1,000. In this price range, the choices have internals that compete with the best laptops on the market, and as such they are most appropriate for power users. If you are looking for a Chromebook optimized for multitasking, a long battery life, a crystal-clear UHD display and exceptional build quality, these models are worth investing in. Here, you can expect to find models such as the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 and the Asus 15.6-Inch Touch Screen Cloud Gaming Chromebook.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Chromebook:

• Determine your screen preference. Take some time to consider whether or not you want a Chromebook with a touch screen. A touch screen tablet (also known as a “two-in-one”) is great if you use a lot of apps that benefit from touch controls. However, you can save a lot of money by getting a model without a touch screen, especially if you prefer to use a trackpad.
• Find out how much support you will get. Google provides support and updates for each model of Chromebook, but it only does so for a limited amount of time. Usually, that period lasts at least two years, but often it lasts longer. Before you buy a specific Chromebook, do a quick search to see how much longer Google will support it. We advise potential buyers to make sure they will continue to get updates for at least a year or two.
• Test if a Chromebook is right for you. You can’t use the full Microsoft Office suite on a Chromebook, but you can access an online version of Office. However, Google has its own Office-like suite, which many users find to be just as good. What’s more, that suite is free.
• Plan for the future. As time goes by, more new devices, including Chromebooks, will be equipped with the advanced connectivity of Wi-Fi 6. This doesn’t mean you must go out and buy all new equipment, but you might eventually need to upgrade your router to one that supports this technology.

How we analyzed

For this guide, FranksWaffle determined the top Chromebooks by analyzing their specs, design and quality, and we also tested some Chromebooks to learn more about what makes a quality product. We also scoured the internet for the best-reviewed Chromebooks and made recommendations based on performance reviews. We looked for Chromebooks with fast, reliable processors, long-lasting battery life, versatility (such as two-in-one models) and sufficient memory for efficient multitasking.

FAQ

Q. Can I use my Chromebook when I am offline?

A. You can use your Chromebook while you are offline, but you won’t be able to enjoy its full functionality. However, there are some things you can definitely do. In addition to accessing locally stored files (for instance, playing movies or editing photos you have stored on your hard drive), you can use Google Drive in offline mode to create documents or spreadsheets, read saved articles in Pocket and play various games.

Q. Are Chromebooks suitable for gaming?

A. Unfortunately, Chromebooks are not a good choice for gaming. While you can download game apps, these are generally basic games of the sort you could play on a smartphone rather than sophisticated video games. Because you can’t run and install programs on a Chromebook, you can’t install your favorite video games.

Q. Can Chromebooks get viruses?

A. The unique selling point of Chromebooks is that they almost exclusively run online, and you can’t download or run any executable programs (only apps). While Chromebooks are safe from traditional viruses that rely on running local software, it’s still important to keep them safe from online threats using built-in security tools like 2FA and security extensions like uBlock Origin.

Q. How can I save money on a Chromebook?

A. One of the best ways to buy a top-shelf Chromebook for a low price is to browse Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart around the holidays to find major sales. You might be surprised by the deep discounts available on Chromebooks during Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the weeks before Christmas. But if you’re buying a Chromebook, as we have mentioned, you might be pleasantly surprised by the low price of many great offerings from the likes of Asus, Acer, Samsung, HP, Lenovo and Google.

Q. How long will a Chromebook last?

A. With regular updates and maintenance, a Chromebook can last up to 10 years. A laptop’s lifespan depends on how much you use it, but you can prolong its lifespan by consistently updating the operating system as long as Google provides support.

Our expertise

FranksWaffle reporter Kevin Luna has written many articles on electronics, tech and gadgets and is familiar with the specs and functionality that make a high-quality Chromebook. Needless to say, he’s familiar with the difference in ChromeOS operating software compared to macOS and Windows, which are the operating systems Macbooks and other laptops run. He’s also written about standard laptops, tablets, smartphones and many other popular consumer electronics. FranksWaffle electronics expert Jaime Vazquez also contributed valuable insights into what makes a quality Chromebook.