Chrome OS has become increasingly capable since its launch back in 2011. The addition of offline features, access to the Google Play Store, and support for Linux apps are great indications of how far Google’s OS has come. Chromebooks have had a similar journey too, going from the ultra-affordable and extremely niche to powerful laptops in their own right. There are also numerous options to choose from.
These days you’ll find options ranging anywhere from around $200 to $1000 or more, catering to all types of users. While there’s a ton of different models out there, below are six of the best Chromebooks available right now.
Best Chromebooks:
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Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best Chromebooks regularly as new devices launch.
Best overall: Asus Chromebook Flip C434
High-performance specs and a beautiful aluminum body are the names of the game with the Asus Chromebook Flip. As you’d guess, you also get a 4-in-1 design that lets you choose between a laptop, stand, tent, or tablet modes. In many ways, the Chromebook Flip compares similarly to Google’s Pixelbook at the entry-level, but it packs less RAM and obviously has a more flexible design.
The Asus Chromebook Flip C434 packs an impressive 14-inch Full HD display, and the NanoEdge bezels should keep you locked in on your work or play. While the port selection is limited to just a pair of USB-C options and a USB-A port, the overall construction and flexible design make the Flip C434 a great value for just about any user.
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 specs:
- Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Processor: Intel Core m3-8100Y
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 3.5mm jack
- Battery: 48Wh Li-Po, up to 10 hours
Best for power users: Google Pixelbook Go
Historically Google’s in-house offerings have been superpowered monsters, with frighteningly high price tags to match. The Pixelbook Go is Google’s attempt to appeal to more users thanks to a much lower starting price of $649.99. For those that enjoyed the maxed out nature of the older Pixelbook, the good news is there are high-performance models that go all the way up to $1399 — though you might be better off just buying a used Pixelbook if you are preferred the older 4-in-1 design.
The Pixelbook Go is a traditional clamshell forgoing the more exotic designs of its predecessors in favor of something simple yet refined.
Learn more: Google Pixelbook Go review
The Pixelbook Go is available in multiple configurations with processors ranging from the entry-level Intel Core M3 all the way up to a Core i7. Most models pack a 13-inch 1080p display, but the most expensive variant does feature a 4K panel. You’ll also find options with RAM as high as 16GB and storage as high as 256GB.
So who is the Pixelbook Go for? If you’re looking for a well-rounded clamshell with plenty of power, this is a great option. That said, there are cheaper options that offer similar performance from brands like Acer and HP.
Google Pixelbook Go specs:
- Display: 13.3-inch touch IPS panel, 1080p (4K option)
- Processor: Intel Core M3, i5, or i7
- RAM: 8 to 16 GB
- Storage: 64-256GB
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 3.5mm jack
- Battery: battery life up to 12 hours
Best budget: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Not only is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet one of the best cheap options around, but you might not even recognize it as a laptop at first glance. It resembles a pocket-sized journal with a folding fabric cover and just a 10.1-inch display. Lenovo’s Duet may be more of a tablet than a true Chromebook, but it still packs just as much punch in a tiny body.
Under that soft-touch cover, you’ll find a clever little MediaTek Helio P60T processor and 4GB of RAM. The Helio P60T may not be the most powerful processor around, but Chrome Os is light and fast, and 4GB of RAM should keep you running smoothly. Many Chromebooks putter out after around 10 or so hours of usage, but the Duet is a battery sipping beast, offering closer to 20 hours of continuous usage.
While the Lenovo Duet may not be great for power users, the tiny form-factor and light weight are great for students and travelers alike.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet specs:
- Display: 10.1-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Ports: 1x USB-C
- Battery: Battery life up to 20 hours
The best Chromebook for Students (or value buyers): Samsung Chromebook 4
Depending on the age of your student, you probably don’t need much from a Chromebook — just a simple device for getting online and doing homework. Teenagers and children also tend to be less than careful with their electronics, so you’ll want something that won’t break you into tears if the kids happen to destroy it. Enter the Samsung Chromebook 4.
The Samsung Chromebook 4 comes in well under $300, sporting great battery life and above-average performance for the price. On the downside, the display is below average with poor brightness and washed out colors so if you’re looking for something for heavy media consumption, the Chromebook 4 might disappoint (until you remember how cheap it is).
It’s powered by an Intel Celeron Processor N4000 with either 4 or 6GB of RAM depending on the configuration. You’ll also find storage sizes between 16 and 64GB, and your choice of either an 11-inch or 15-inch display. Regardless of your pick, not a single option will cost more than around $300.
Bottom-line, this is a great device if you’re looking for a simple Chromebook that can serve as a gateway to social media, Docs, and basic gaming. Just don’t expect a powerhouse.
Samsung Chromebook 4 specs:
- Display: 11.6-inch or 15.6-inch display with 1366×768 resolution
- Processor: Intel Celeron Processor N4000
- RAM: 4 or 6GB
- Storage: 32 to 64GB
- Ports: 1x USB A, 1x USB C
- Battery: 5070mAh battery, 10+ hours battery life
Best tablet: HP Chromebook X2
The HP Chromebook X2 is perfect if you’re looking for a device that can function as both a tablet and a laptop. The design is similar to the ill-fated Google Pixel Slate, meaning it’s a tablet but can be docked into a keyboard. It’s worth noting the HP Chromebook X2 has been on the market for a while, so if you want something newer with longer update support, you might want to hold off for something like the Lenovo Duet.
The HP Chromebook X2 offers fairly decent specs, including an Intel M3 processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. You’ll also find a 12.3-inch IPS touch panel with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,600.
HP Chromebook X2 specs:
- Display: 12.3-inch IPS panel, 2,400 x 1,600 resolution
- Processor: Intel Core M3 processor
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Ports: 2x USB 3.0 Type C, headphone jack
- Battery: 12 hour battery life
Best for travel: Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 (LTE)
The two-year-old Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 might not be the newest or most powerful Chromebook, but if you’re a frequent traveler it is basically one of the only options with LTE baked in. With 5G picking up steam this year, hopefully something better will come along to occupy this space soon. In the meantime, the Plus V2 still has a lot going for it, including a built-in stylus, a touch display, and — obviously — a built-in LTE modem.
The Chromebook Plus V2 is powered by an Intel Celeron 3965Y with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. There’s also a 12.2-inch touch display with a 1920×1080 resolution. Unfortunately, one area that is less great for travelers is battery life, at just 7 hours. While this isn’t bad, many competitors hit 10 or more hours, so while it’s great for travelers that need constant access to the Internet and can’t rely on Wi-Fi, you’ll need a compatible power bank or access to a wall outlet.
Overall the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 is a solid machine and these days can be yours for around $300 typically. Considering the specs and built-in LTE, this is a good deal. For those frequent travelers that can live without LTE however, we’d recommend the Chromebook Flip or Pixelbook Go (listed above) as alternatives.
Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 (LTE) specs:
- Display: 12.2-inch display, HD resolution
- Processor: Intel Celeron 3965Y
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A 3.0, headphone jack
- Battery: 7-8 hour battery life
Best big-screen Chromebook: Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630
You might think that Chromebooks and small screens are a perfect match for one another, but what if you want some extra real estate? Our pick is Lenovo’s Yoga C630 for its large 15.6-inch Full HD display and flexible 2-in-1 design. Overall, the machine is a bit old, packing an 8th-generation Core i5 chipset, but 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage should be enough to keep you going.
The Yoga C630 may not pack much in the way of ports, but the aluminum build and three-sided tiny bezels are about as premium as you can get. At just three pounds, the Yoga C630 should be comfortable to tote throughout your day, and it certainly beats carrying a separate laptop and tablet. You should manage around 10 hours of battery life with the 56Wh unit, so don’t be afraid to leave your charger at home.
While the Chromebook C630 is no longer the newest option, the big screen is a real draw and the Core i5 processor outpaces many newer low-level processors. If you’re dead-set on the biggest screen, stick with the Yoga C630. However, the Asus Flip C434 is a great alternative and it’s our best overall pick.
Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 specs:
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A 3.0, headphone jack
- Battery: 10 hour battery life