What is a Chromebook? It’s a new type of app-based laptop, designed to be easy to use, with everything built around going online.
Chromebooks use the Chrome operating system, which is based on apps and web services – so you can quickly get started without downloading new software or programs.
Plus, Chromebooks are the only laptops that give you access to the Google Play store, with millions of Android apps available – from fun games to serious work and study tools.
Interested? If you’re thinking about which Chromebook you should buy, we’ve listed some of the best below, depending on your budget and what you’ll mainly be using it for.
Best budget Chromebook
If you use a laptop for tasks like checking emails and browsing the web, a budget Chromebook will do you fine. The display will be at least HD quality, and it can handle apps from the Google Play store like Facebook, Gmail, YouTube and Twitter.
The HP 11a-na0502sa 11.6" Chromebook won’t break your bank, and it’s well worth the money. It’s ideal for everyday tasks, with an Octo-core CPU you all the power you need for web browsing, scrolling socials, and any app that isn’t absolutely huge. It features a 11.6-inch anti-glare HD screen and gives you over 15 hours of battery life from a single charge. It’s also super-lightweight and compact (smaller than an A4 notepad), so you can easily slip it into your bag and use it on-the-go.
Best mid-range Chromebook
If you’ve got more serious work and play to do, think about going for a Plus Chromebook. These are especially good for students, with powerful processors that can keep up with complex study projects, as well as offering faster web browsing, clear video calls, and seamless streaming. Plus Chromebooks also have plenty of storage (it’ll be at least 64GB) if you want to store movies and watch them offline.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 2-in-1 is one of the best Plus Chromebooks around – and so flexible. Its 360-degree hinge lets you write in laptop mode, then you can flip it to tent mode to watch movies. The touchscreen is a bit taller than Full HD, giving you more space to play with when you're working between multiple windows. And it's all powered by a 12th gen Intel® Core™ i3 processor, which can easily handle all your tasks.
Best Chromebook overall
If you’re looking for a Chromebook for business, or if you’re a serious creative that works on complex tasks, the Acer Spin 714 14" 2-in-1 Chromebook is one of the best Chromebooks around. Its built for productivity, and packed with features to help you get stuff done.
The Intel® Core™ i5 processor is powerful enough to handle major apps and large documents, and multitasking is super-quick with the 512GB SSD and 8GB RAM. And for quality video conferencing, the Quad HD webcam and dual upward firing speakers make your calls ultra clear, even in dim light.
Best Chromebook for gaming
Chromebooks are making a name for themselves as brilliant cloud gaming machines. You can stream 1000s of the latest PC and console games from the leading cloud gaming platforms, enjoy crystal clear graphics on high resolution displays, and go from the home screen to your game in seconds with the Everything Button. Just tap, search, launch, and ready up!
The Acer 516 GE 16" gaming Chromebook is built for cloud gaming. With its Intel® Core™ i5 processor, Intel® WiFi 6E and 2.5G Ethernet onboard you can play lag-free on platforms like GeForce Now and GamePass. The 16" Quad HD screen is large and detailed, and the 120 Hz refresh rate means action will look smooth even when it feels frantic. And you know this is a laptop for gamers, because there's an RGB keyboard with 100% anti-ghosting. You'll never miss a keystroke as you take on all comers and destroy the opposition.
Best Chromebook for students
Chromebooks are great for students because they’re so slim, light and portable. They’re perfect for rushing around campus, as you can easily slip it into your bag and head off to lectures or the library without being weighed down.
And don’t worry if you turn up at a lecture with no charger. Chromebooks are famous for having long-lasting battery life, so you’ll be able to keep powered up all day long. You’ll even have enough for that Netflix session when your studies are over!
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 13.3” 2-in-1 Chromebook makes a great study budy. It’s light enough to take with you anywhere - and when it's time to get some work done, just snap on the detachable keyboard and get typing. You’ve also got the cool option of jotting down your notes, sketching out ideas and editing projects with the included stylus.
FAQs
Which brand of Chromebook is best?
The best brand of Chromebook really depends on your own needs and preferences. Lots of leading computer brands have Chromebooks that offer speedy performance, innovative designs and robust security. Choose from Lenovo Chromebooks, Asus Chromebooks, Acer Chromebooks and HP Chromebooks, They’re the best around.
What are the pros and cons of Chromebook?
Chromebooks offer affordability, quick boot times, and a user-friendly interface. They’re built around cloud storage, and a major benefit of this is that you can easily access files from any device. You can work on Chromebooks offline, but if you need lots of offline software and programs (and aren’t too fussed about using apps or cloud storage) you might be better going for a traditional laptop with lots of memory.
What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
Chromebooks are a new breed of laptop - built around going online and designed for speed, simplicity and security. ChromeOS is the web-based operating system that Chromebooks run on. It’s quick, simple and secure, where you use Google apps and store everything in the cloud.
Need more help?
Looking for more Chromebook tips? Find out how to right click on a Chromebook here, how to take a screenshot on a Chromebook, and how to factory reset a Chromebook.
If you’re on the hunt for a new computer, our laptop buying guide is packed with useful info. We’ve also got handy articles on which laptop to buy.
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