The perfect Chromebook you should purchase in 2025

Whether or not you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop computer for college or a modern machine for on a regular basis productiveness, the perfect Chromebooks can provide shocking performance for the worth. Chromebooks have come a great distance from their early days as web-only units. Now, many Chromebook fashions function highly effective processors, premium shows and even touchscreen assist, making them a compelling different to a daily laptop computer for loads of customers.

There are extra choices than ever too, from light-weight clamshells to high-end, 2-in-1 designs that may simply substitute your day by day driver. Whether or not you are after a brand new Chromebook for streaming, work or staying on prime of emails, there’s probably a mannequin that matches each your price range and your workflow. We’ve examined the highest Chromebooks available on the market that will help you discover the fitting one — whether or not you’re after most worth or top-tier efficiency.

Desk of contents

Finest Chromebooks in 2025

Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display measurement: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,920 x 1,080 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.15 lbs | Accessible ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, HDMI port | Drive capability: 128GB | Battery life: As much as 11 hours

When Google first launched the Chromebook Plus line nearly a 12 months in the past, fashions with that designation began at $400 — however since, issues have gotten cheaper. Acer’s just-released Chromebook Plus 514 hits all the important thing specs, together with a Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a 1080p show and webcam. None of that is something to write down dwelling about, however you’re getting plenty of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally contains the aforementioned AI options and a 12 months’s value of the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan, which features a beneficiant 2TB of cloud storage in your photographs, Drive and Gmail information.

Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly primary, nevertheless it will get the job carried out; it’s your customary laptop computer with a 14-inch show. It’s neither overly skinny (.81 inches) or mild (3.15 kilos), however these specs are completely cheap for a sub-$400 laptop computer. (It’s truly ever-so-slightly lighter than the extra premium Spin 714.) Identical goes for the display screen — it’s a touchscreen, and its 1,920 x 1,080 decision is ok, however I do miss the additional vertical pixels you’ll get with our different picks on this information. The show is in any other case good, and the keyboard and trackpad are likewise greater than ok for a laptop computer at this value.

Total, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a stable choice if value is your fundamental concern — nevertheless it’s additionally value noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as the perfect general Chromebook is usually on sale, generally for beneath $400 as effectively. In that case, the worth distinction between the 2 laptops is shut sufficient that it’s value springing for the higher show you’ll get with the Lenovo. However I’ve additionally seen the Plus 514 promoting for as little as $330, which is a superb deal for a succesful Chromebook.

Professionals

• Cheap
• Efficiency, specs and constructed high quality are all good for this value
• Strong show and webcam

Cons

• 1080p show generally feels cramped

$344 at Amazon

Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display measurement: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Accessible ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C / Thunderbolt, HDMI, Headphone jack | Drive capability: 256GB | Battery life: 7.5 hours as examined

Acer’s Chromebook Spin 714 has lengthy been the most effective premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the most recent mannequin launched this spring is not any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 includes a 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen. Just like the display screen on Lenovo’s mannequin, this works out to a taller 16:10 facet ratio than you’ll get from the 1080p panels on most laptops. I’m an enormous fan of taller laptop computer screens, and whereas this isn’t as luxurious because the few 3:2 ratio Chromebooks available on the market, it’s nonetheless a snug and top quality display screen. It’s additionally a bit bit brighter than the display screen on the Lenovo (340 nits vs. 300).

One noteworthy function is the 2K webcam included within the Spin 714. In a world the place we’re all doing extra video calls than we’d like, having a digicam that doesn’t scale back you to a blurry spot is certainly appreciated. It’s a much better digicam than the one on our prime decide, too.

As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in a couple of methods. It options Intel’s newest Core Extremely 5 115U processor, together with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of native storage. It additionally has higher battery life in my testing — I sometimes obtained about eight hours utilizing it beneath my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, nevertheless it’s in keeping with what I’ve seen on different Intel-powered Chromebooks.

Simply because the identify suggests, the Spin 714 has a 360-degree hinge which helps you to use the laptop computer in pill mode. I’m not a fan of this convertible design – I don’t know who desires to make use of a 3-plus pound pill, nevertheless it’s there when you want it. That stated, for a $700 laptop computer, it’s comparatively skinny (.7 inches) and lightweight (3.2 kilos), so for portability functions, it’s laborious to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this identical primary design for a couple of generations now, so I’m beginning to suppose they might redesign the chassis for the following mannequin.

The most recent Spin 714 prices $700 – not an unreasonable value for a pc with these specs and constructed high quality. When you’re a severe multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as potential (Google says it’ll obtain software program updates by June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is straightforward to suggest.

Professionals

• Nice display screen
• Clear webcam
• Loads of energy and space for storing
• Snug keyboard and trackpad

Cons

• Slightly dear
• Mediocre battery life

$699 at Best Buy

Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display measurement: 16 inches | Display decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Accessible ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, HDMI, Headphone jack, Ethernet | Drive capability: 256GB | Battery life: 9 hours (producer estimate)

Acer first launched the Chromebook 516 GE within the fall of 2022 as a part of Google’s push to make units appropriate for cloud gaming and simply up to date it for 2024. The excellent news is that you just don’t must be a gamer to understand the Chromebook Plus 516 GE. For $650, you’ll get a 16-inch show with a 2,560 x 1,600 decision and a 120Hz refresh price. NVIDIA’s GeForce Now gaming service helps as much as 4K visuals at 120Hz on its Final tier so that you’ll get to see these advantages. This laptop computer additionally helps Steam, but another excuse players may be inquisitive about making an attempt it. However even non-gamers ought to benefit from the Plus 516 GE’s crisp and clear display screen and refined {hardware}.

It additionally contains Intel’s Core 5 120UL chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Given the laptop computer’s measurement, it’s good that Acer didn’t skimp on ports right here: there’s an HDMI port, USB-C, USB-A, ethernet and a headphone jack. The keyboard has gamer-friendly LED lights that you would be able to customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a stable and cozy keyboard for enjoying video games or simply typing up stories. The trackpad is giant and responsive as effectively.

The 516 GE weighs 3.8 kilos – fairly mild for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display screen. We haven’t examined the 2024 mannequin but, so I can’t verify the battery life; Acer claims 10 hours, a determine that’ll absolutely dip when you’re doing greater than watching movies or informal net looking. Between the highly effective {hardware}, stable design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display screen, anybody who desires an even bigger Chromebook will probably be pleased with this mannequin. As for assist, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.

Professionals

• Giant, high-resolution display screen with a quick refresh price
• Loads of ports
• Core 5 chip supplies loads of energy
• Giant and spacious keyboard
• Comparatively light-weight for a big-screen laptop computer

Cons

• Not everybody will recognize the gamer aesthetic

$649 at Best Buy

Finest Chromebooks FAQs

What’s Chrome OS, and why would I take advantage of it over Home windows?

That is in all probability the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops available on the market, so why hassle with Chrome’s working system? Glad you requested. For me, the straightforward and clear nature of Chrome OS is an enormous promoting level. Chrome OS is predicated on Google’s Chrome browser, which suggests many of the packages you possibly can 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 may utterly reset to manufacturing unit settings nearly as shortly.

In fact, simplicity can even be a significant downside for some customers. Not with the ability to set up native software program generally is a dealbreaker when you’re a video editor or software program developer. However there are additionally loads of individuals who do nearly all of their work in an online 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 Photographs app on Chromebooks – it received’t substitute Adobe Premiere, nevertheless it ought 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 also can run Android apps, which vastly expands the quantity of software program obtainable. The standard varies extensively, nevertheless it means you are able to do extra with a Chromebook past simply web-based apps. For instance, you possibly can 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 basic 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 procuring, streaming music and video and utilizing varied social media websites are among the many commonest day by day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you may anticipate, in addition they work effectively with Google providers like Photographs, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Maintain and so forth. Sure, any laptop that may run Chrome can try this too, however the light-weight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and secure platform.

As I discussed earlier than, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so when you’re an Android consumer you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You will get many of the identical apps which can be in your cellphone on a Chromebook and preserve data in sync between them. You may as well use some Android telephones as a safety key in your Chromebook or immediately tether your 2-in-1 laptop to make use of cellular information.

Google continues to tout safety as a significant differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s undoubtedly an element value contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary traces 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 straightforward reality that you just typically can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for dangerous actors to entry the system.

When you’re inquisitive about Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an efficient choice as effectively. Each Chromebook in our prime picks comes with a full 12 months of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the same old Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 % 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 embody instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Photographs Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you possibly can create by filling in a couple of prompts.

As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is easy: When you rely closely on a selected native utility for Home windows or a Mac, chances are high you received’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS system. That’s most true in fields like photograph 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 may not match. When you’re an iPhone consumer, you’ll additionally miss out on the best way the iPhone simply integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the massive draw back just isn’t with the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.

Lastly, gaming Chromebooks should not ubiquitous, though they’re changing into a barely extra cheap choice 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 greater screens which have increased refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with providers like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Recreation Move 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 not possible. You may as well set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are pondering of once they need to recreation on a laptop computer.

What are an important specs for a Chromebook?

Chrome OS is light-weight and runs effectively on pretty modest {hardware}, so an important factor to search for may not be processor energy or space for storing. However Google made it simpler to get constant specs and efficiency late final 12 months when it launched the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any system with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimal necessities, which occur to be similar to what I’d suggest most individuals get in the event that they’re on the lookout for the best laptop they’ll use each day.

Chromebook Plus fashions have at the least a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 sequence processor, each of which ought 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 except you’re actually pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus fashions should have a 1080p webcam, which is sweet in lately of fixed video calling, and so they additionally all should have at the least a 1080p FHD IPS display screen.

In fact, you will get increased specs or higher screens when you want, however I’ve discovered that mainly 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 assist 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 superb rule of thumb is to purchase the most recent machine you possibly can to maximise your assist.

How a lot ought to I spend on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks began out notoriously low cost, with record costs usually coming in beneath $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being primarily fashionable netbooks to among the finest laptops you’ll need to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, you need to anticipate to spend at the least $400 if you’d like a stable day by day driver. There are nonetheless many Chromebooks on the market obtainable at a low value that could be appropriate as secondary units, however a superb Chromebook that may be an all-day, every-day laptop computer will value extra. However, notably, even the perfect Chromebooks often value lower than the best Windows laptops, and even the perfect “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 suggest spending that a lot. Usually, that’ll get you a greater design with extra premium supplies, in addition to extra highly effective internals and further space for storing, like a higher-capacity SSD. In fact, 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 without doubt one of the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and lightweight, at 0.46 inches and a pair of.6 kilos, nevertheless it manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display screen is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and brilliant, 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 truthful contemplating its measurement and capabilities. When you’re on the lookout for an enormous display screen laptop computer that can also be tremendous mild, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the most suitable choice for everybody.