You could be tempted to get a Chromebook as your subsequent laptop computer and we wouldn’t blame you. Chrome OS has come a great distance: Chromebooks right this moment have a very good mixture of construct high quality, battery life and energy whereas additionally supporting years of software program updates that may take you years into the longer term. In case you primarily browse the online, or don’t want a ton of additional software program frequently, a Chromebook could be a highly effective every day driver.
Whereas Google did make issues easier final fall by introducing the Chromebook Plus initiative (extra on that under), there are nonetheless a number of issues to remember when purchasing for a brand new Chromebook. The market is saturated with machines at totally different value factors and energy ranges; I’ve been testing and reviewing Chromebooks for years and know what you need to be on the lookout for, and what you may anticipate out of those laptops.
Desk of contents
Finest Chromebooks in 2025
Chromebook FAQs
What’s Chrome OS, and why would I exploit it over Home windows?
That is most likely the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops in the marketplace, so why trouble with Chrome’s working system? Glad you requested. For me, the easy and clear nature of Chrome OS is an enormous promoting level. Chrome OS relies on Google’s Chrome browser, which suggests a lot of the packages you may run are net based mostly. There’s no bloatware or undesirable apps to uninstall such as you usually get on Home windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you’ll fully reset to manufacturing unit settings virtually as shortly.
After all, simplicity may even be a significant downside for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program could be a dealbreaker if you happen to’re a video editor or software program developer. However there are additionally loads of individuals who do the vast majority of their work in an internet browser, utilizing instruments like Google Docs and spreadsheets for productiveness without having a full Home windows setup.
Google and its software program companions are getting higher yearly at supporting extra superior options. For instance, Google added video editing tools to the Google Images app on Chromebooks – it received’t exchange Adobe Premiere, nevertheless it needs to be useful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the web final 12 months, one thing that brings a lot of the ability of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Chromebooks may also run Android apps, which drastically expands the quantity of software program obtainable. The standard varies broadly, nevertheless it means you are able to do extra with a Chromebook past simply web-based apps. For instance, you may set up the Netflix app and save movies for offline watching. Different Android apps like Microsoft Workplace and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly succesful as effectively. Between Android apps and a normal enchancment in net apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.
What do Chromebooks do effectively?
Put merely, net looking and actually something net based mostly. On-line buying, streaming music and video and utilizing varied social media websites are among the many most typical every day duties folks do on Chromebooks. As you may anticipate, in addition they work effectively with Google providers like Images, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Maintain and so forth. Sure, any pc that may run Chrome can do this too, however the light-weight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and steady platform.
As I discussed earlier than, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so if you happen to’re an Android person you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You may get a lot of the identical apps which are in your cellphone on a Chromebook and preserve data in sync between them. You may also use some Android telephones as a safety key in your Chromebook or immediately tether your 2-in-1 laptop to make use of cell knowledge.
Google continues to tout safety as a significant differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s undoubtedly an element value contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary strains of protection: Chrome OS updates obtain shortly within the background and a quick reboot is all it takes to put in the most recent model. Google says that every webpage and app on a Chromebook runs in its personal sandbox as effectively, so any safety threats are contained to that particular person app. Lastly, Chrome OS has a self-check referred to as Verified Boot that runs each time a tool begins up. Past all this, the easy reality that you simply typically can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for unhealthy actors to entry the system.
In case you’re fascinated with Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an effective possibility as effectively. Each Chromebook in our prime picks comes with a full 12 months of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the standard Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 p.c again in purchases from the Google Retailer with a bunch of AI instruments. You’ll get entry to Gemini in Gmail, Google Docs and different apps, Gemini Superior (which runs on the 1.5 Professional mannequin) and extra. On condition that this plan is $20/month, it’s a reasonably stable perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embrace instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Images Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you may create by filling in a couple of prompts.
As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is straightforward: In case you rely closely on a particular native utility for Home windows or a Mac, likelihood is you received’t discover the very same possibility on a ChromeOS machine. That’s most true in fields like picture and video enhancing, nevertheless it will also be the case in legislation or finance. Loads of companies run on Google’s G suite software program, however extra nonetheless have particular necessities {that a} Chromebook won’t match. In case you’re an iPhone person, you’ll additionally miss out on the way in which the iPhone simply integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the large draw back is just not having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.
Lastly, gaming Chromebooks are usually not ubiquitous, though they’re turning into a barely extra cheap possibility with the rise of cloud gaming. In late 2022, Google and a few {hardware} companions introduced a push to make Chromebooks with cloud gaming in thoughts. From a {hardware} perspective, which means laptops with larger screens which have increased refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with providers like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Sport Cross and Amazon Luna. You’ll clearly want an web connection to make use of these providers, however the excellent news is that taking part in fashionable video games on a Chromebook isn’t unattainable. You may also set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are considering of once they wish to sport on a laptop computer.
What are a very powerful specs for a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is light-weight and runs effectively on pretty modest {hardware}, so a very powerful factor to search for won’t be processor energy or cupboard space. However Google made it simpler to get constant specs and efficiency late final 12 months when it launched the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any machine with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimal necessities, which occur to be similar to what I’d advocate most individuals get in the event that they’re on the lookout for the best laptop they’ll use every single day.
Chromebook Plus fashions have a minimum of a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 sequence processor, each of which needs to be greater than sufficient for most individuals. These laptops even have a minimal of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, which ought to do the trick until you’re actually pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus fashions must have a 1080p webcam, which is good in nowadays of fixed video calling, they usually additionally all must have a minimum of a 1080p FHD IPS display.
After all, you will get increased specs or higher screens if you happen to need, however I’ve discovered that principally all the things included within the Chromebook Plus goal specs makes for an excellent expertise.
Google has an Auto Replace coverage for Chromebooks as effectively, and whereas that’s not precisely a spec, it’s value checking before you purchase. Final 12 months, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and help for a formidable 10 years after their launch date. This support page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for nearly each Chromebook ever, however a very good rule of thumb is to purchase the most recent machine you may to maximise your help.
How a lot ought to I spend on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks began out notoriously low cost, with checklist costs usually coming in below $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being basically fashionable netbooks to a number of the finest laptops you’ll wish to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, you must anticipate to spend a minimum of $400 if you would like a stable every day driver. There are nonetheless many Chromebooks on the market obtainable at a low value that could be appropriate as secondary units, however a very good Chromebook that may be an all-day, every-day laptop computer will value extra. However, notably, even the very best Chromebooks often value lower than the best Windows laptops, and even the very best “common” laptops on the market.
There are many premium Chromebooks that strategy and even exceed $1,000 that declare to supply higher efficiency and extra processing energy, however I don’t advocate spending that a lot. Typically, that’ll get you a greater design with extra premium supplies, in addition to extra highly effective internals and additional cupboard space, like a higher-capacity SSD. After all, you additionally generally pay for the model identify. However, the specs I outlined earlier are often sufficient.
See Additionally:
Different Chromebooks we examined
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook Plus is likely one of the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and light-weight, at 0.46 inches and a couple of.6 kilos, nevertheless it manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and shiny, however its 16:9 facet ratio made issues really feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Efficiency is excellent, and the keyboard is stable, although I’m not a fan of the quantity pad because it shifts all the things to the left. At $700 it’s not low cost, however that feels honest contemplating its dimension and capabilities. In case you’re on the lookout for an enormous display laptop computer that can be tremendous gentle, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the best choice for everybody.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-chromebooks-160054646.html?src=rss
Trending Merchandise
SAMSUNG FT45 Sequence 24-Inch FHD 1080p Laptop Monitor, 75Hz, IPS Panel, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Hub, Peak Adjustable Stand, 3 Yr WRNTY (LF24T454FQNXGO),Black
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router, WPA3, Parental Control, Adaptive QoS, Port Forwarding, WAN aggregation, lifetime internet security and AiMesh support, Dual 2.5G Port
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, MARVO 2.4G Ergonomic Wireless Computer Keyboard with Phone Tablet Holder, Silent Mouse with 6 Button, Compatible with MacBook, Windows (Black)
,Black&url=https://onlysavvyfinds.com/product/samsung-ft45-series-24-inch-fhd-1080p-computer-monitor-75hz-ips-panel-hdmi-displayport-usb-hub-height-adjustable-stand-3-yr-wrnty-lf24t454fqnxgoblack/&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515q-Qg7PjL._SS1024_.jpg){kind=link}
&url=https://onlysavvyfinds.com/product/wireless-keyboard-and-mouse-combo-marvo-2-4g-ergonomic-wireless-computer-keyboard-with-phone-tablet-holder-silent-mouse-with-6-button-compatible-with-macbook-windows-black/&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41o4X+12k2L._SS1024_.jpg){kind=link}
%20Zero-Frame%20Gaming%20Office%20Monitor%20|%20AMD%20FreeSync%20Technology%20|%20Up%20to%20100Hz%20Refresh%20|%201ms%20(VRB)%20|%20Low%20Blue%20Light%20|%20Tilt%20|%20HDMI%20&%20VGA%20Ports,Black&url=https://onlysavvyfinds.com/product/acer-kb272-ebi-27-ips-full-hd-1920-x-1080-zero-frame-gaming-office-monitor-amd-freesync-technology-up-to-100hz-refresh-1ms-vrb-low-blue-light-tilt-hdmi-vga-portsblack/&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YjX1Rk+CL._SS1024_.jpg){kind=link}
%20IPS%20Zero-Frame%20Gaming%20Office%20Monitor%20|%20AMD%20FreeSync%20Technology%20Ultra-Thin%20Stylish%20Design%20100Hz%201ms%20(VRB)%20Low%20Blue%20Light%20Tilt%20HDMI%20&%20VGA%20Ports&url=https://onlysavvyfinds.com/product/acer-sb242y-ebi-23-8-full-hd-1920-x-1080-ips-zero-frame-gaming-office-monitor-amd-freesync-technology-ultra-thin-stylish-design-100hz-1ms-vrb-low-blue-light-tilt-hdmi-vga-ports/&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PNDpNhWiL._SS1024_.jpg){kind=link}
%20Series%204K%20UHD%20High%20Resolution%20Monitor%20with%20HDR10,%20Multiple%20Ports,%20Easy%20Setup%20Stand,%20Advanced%20Eye%20Care,%20LS32D702EANXGO,%202024&url=https://onlysavvyfinds.com/product/samsung-32-inch-viewfinity-s7-s70d-series-4k-uhd-high-resolution-monitor-with-hdr10-multiple-ports-easy-setup-stand-advanced-eye-care-ls32d702eanxgo-2024/&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41r-2596m7L._SS1024_.jpg){kind=link}
