Shopping for a new laptop? If you’ve already done a bit of browsing, you might have come across a Chromebook or two. But what are Chromebooks, and why should you think about getting one?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Chromebooks. From what makes them unique to reasons why they might just be your perfect match. Whether you're a student, a professional, or buying a child's first laptop for school.
Chromebook vs. Windows laptop: what's the difference?
First things first — is a Chromebook a laptop? Yes, but the main thing that sets Chromebooks and Windows laptops apart is that they run on different operating systems. Chromebooks use Google’s Chrome OS instead of Windows, which is an operating system that mostly revolves around the Chrome web browser. Hence their name!
This means that Chromebook laptops are designed mainly for web-based tasks and getting the most from Google's suite of online services. Google Docs, Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive… all these apps are built in and ready to go.
As they’re made for working online, Chromebooks also take advantage of cloud storage. This means that most of your data will be stored online rather than on the machine itself. That way, nothing will ever get lost, and you’ll even be able to access your files on other devices like your phone. And when you want to game, stream music, or boost your productivity? Just download your fave Android apps from the Google Play store.
What’s more, Chromebooks are secure, easy to use, and fast — typically booting up in under 10 seconds. And they’ll last all day long too, with many Chromebook laptops offering more than 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Get Google Gemini
Chromebook Plus laptops, which are just like standard Chromebooks but with slightly better specs, now come with Google Ai built in. That means you can chat with the Gemini assistant when you need help writing or understanding something better. Or spruce up your photos with Ai tools like Magic Eraser. We’ve got loads of tips on How to use Gemini on Chromebook Plus.
10 reasons why you should get a Chromebook
We’ve already covered a few cool things a Chromebook can do. But here’s a full list of reasons why you should consider one as your next laptop:
1. You can get a Chromebook for under £200
That’s right — you can get your hands on a Chromebook for less than £200. And top brands like Acer, Asus, HP and Lenovo all make them. So, you can get a super-portable and reliable laptop ideal for studies, work, and web browsing without breaking the bank. Nice.
But why are Chromebooks so affordable? Well, Windows laptops and Apple MacBooks need more internal memory and processing power for storing documents and running software. But as Chromebooks save their data in the cloud and most processing happens online through Chrome — they don’t need much built-in storage or high-spec processors. Keeping costs down.
2. Perfect for essays and spreadsheets
Whether it’s writing essays or making reports, a Chromebook is good to go with built-in apps for word processing (Google Docs) and spreadsheets (Google Sheets). And while not quite as feature-rich as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, Google Docs and Google Sheets are a breeze to use and provide almost as many useful tools.
They also allow for seamless collaboration with others. That’s because several users can edit a document or spreadsheet in Google Docs or Google Sheets at the same time and see the changes in real-time.
3. Download your kids’ favourite Android apps
While Google Docs and Google Sheets are great, your kids might not want to use them if they’re already familiar with Word and Excel for schoolwork. Fortunately, you can get them on your Chromebook by downloading the Microsoft 365 app via Google Play.
It comes with a suite of Microsoft apps, including Word, Excel, and even PowerPoint for making presentations. You can also get the Microsoft Copilot Ai assistant — which is perfect for giving your kids a helping hand when researching and writing assignments.
And when they want to kick back and relax after finishing their homework, there are countless games ready to download from Google Play.
4. Work is saved securely online
On most laptops, your work is typically stored on the machine’s hard drive. But with Chromebooks, your files are automatically saved to Google Drive by default. This is Google’s secure cloud storage service that not only backs up your data, but lets you access your files from other devices. Just log into your Google Account, then you can see and edit your stuff from anywhere!
New Chromebook users can also get 12 months of Google One for free. This subscription plan expands Google Drive’s 15GB of cloud storage up to a whopping 100GB — giving you plenty of room for your files.
5. Anti-virus comes built in (and updates automatically)
One of the best things about Chromebooks is that they come with built-in antivirus protection. That means you won’t have to worry about nasty viruses sneaking in or having to install expensive third-party software. A Chromebook can keep you safe from viruses and malware right out of the box.
Plus, with automatic updates, Chromebooks always have the latest security features to keep your data protected.
6. Chromebooks start up incredibly quickly
Chromebooks boot up fast. Like, really fast! You can go from pressing the power button to being ready to work or play in less than 10 seconds. So, whether you're in a rush to join a meeting or just eager to start gaming — your Chromebook will be up and running in no time.
7. You can easily download parental controls
Every parent worries about what their children can stumble upon online. But with Chromebooks, you can turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing settings in Google Chrome or in a Google Account to keep them safe when exploring the web. These settings can warn users about dangerous websites. Plus, they’ll provide more protection against phishing and malware across Google Chrome and Gmail.
The Chrome Web Store also offers a variety of parental control extensions that let you monitor and manage your child's online activity — like Google Family Link. It lets you completely block explicit websites, set screen time limits, and even track their usage and downloads. Cue sighs of relief.
8. Keep the kids occupied all day
Need to keep the kids entertained during a long car journey or plane ride? With hours of battery life and access to a range of educational apps and games — children of all ages can be kept busy on a Chromebook. Which means you can focus on the road or get in some chill time yourself. Ahh…
9. They're great for Netflix and Google Play
Kids and parents alike can catch up on their favourite content on a Chromebook. Stream that binge-worthy show everyone’s raving about on the Netflix app. Or download a blockbuster movie from Google Play. The choice is yours!
Plus, some Chromebooks even have a nifty 2-in-1 design. So, you can flip the screen to tablet mode and hold it right in front of you for a better view. You can even prop up Chromebook 2-in-1 laptops on a table in tent mode for uninterrupted, hands-free watching.
10. Work offline too
You can still get stuff done on a Chromebook even when you're not connected to the internet. Accessing and editing your docs is still possible, so you can keep working on that important project or assignment without missing a beat. And you can even write and send emails in Gmail — they’ll just be sent as soon as you’re back online.
You can also enjoy offline apps and games you’ve downloaded from the Google Play store. Or if you’ve got Netflix or YouTube Premium, just download films, series, and videos to watch offline. Making it easy to stay productive and entertained wherever you are.
Which is better, a Chromebook or laptop?
Chromebooks are fantastic for everyday tasks like working on documents, browsing the web, or streaming videos when you want to chill. Plus, they're affordable, start up quickly, and come with built-in security features that’ll protect your data from the latest threats.
But if you need to run specialised software or do more intensive tasks like video editing, a traditional laptop might be the better choice. Windows laptops and MacBooks can offer more power and flexibility for gaming too, but they can be much more expensive. It’s really all about finding the right tool for your needs.
Need more help?
Now that you know what Chromebooks are all about, it’s time to find your perfect match. The following article should help you narrow down your options in no time: Which Chromebook should I buy?
