Are you tired of carrying your bulky laptop everywhere? Or is the low battery life that you find extremely annoying? Or do you not want to spend thousands of dollars on a new laptop?
If any of the above problems resonates with you, say hello to a Chromebook. Sleek, lightweight, cheaper, super-fast, and yet powerful enough to handle your day-to-day shenanigans be it work or play, Chromebooks have been a game-changer in the tech world.
And in this guide, we’ll make finding the right Chromebook a whole lot easier for you. Whether you need one for serious work or just to stream videos, watch movies, etc. our list of the best Chromebooks for 2022 covers one for each need and budget.
In-Depth Chromebook Reviews for 2022
#1: Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Acer’s Chromebook Spin 713 is the first Chromebook ever verified for Intel’s Evo platform, which recognizes the best portable Intel laptops on the market. As a result, this laptop ensures an excellent battery life, fast startup, improved security features, and better connectivity, among other features.
- 13.5" Acer VertiView 2K 2256 x 1504 Widescreen IPS LED-backlit Touch Display (3:2 aspect ratio) | Intel Iris Plus Graphics, 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-10210U quad-core processor with up to 4.2GHz speed and 6MB cache memory
- 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD, 8GB LPDDR4X Memory
- Backlit Keyboard | Fingerprint Reader, Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax
- 2 - USB 3.1 Type C port supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps), DisplayPort over USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, USB Charging, DC-in, 2 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (one featuring power-off charging) & 1 - HDMI 2.0 port, Up to 15 Hours Battery Life
- 360° flip-and-fold design, Rechargeable Acer Active Stylus with Wacom AES 1.0, Chrome OS
The laptop packs solid performance for a Chromebook. It comes with an 11th gen dual-core Intel i5 processor, clocking at 4.20 GHz. It also has 8 GB of RAM, and 128 PCIe SSD, which ensures ultra-fast bootup and local apps from the Google Play Store run smoothly without even a hint of stuttering.
Even though the SSD makes the Spin 713 fast and stutter-free, its size may be limiting to some users. And if you are a student or a professional worker, you might find it very restrictive when storing all your essential data. Since there is no way to increase the internal storage, we recommend investing in an external storage drive for keeping all your files.
The Chromebook Spin 713 weighs just over 4 lbs, which isn’t remarkable, but still makes it a highly-portable workhorse lighter than most netbooks. Additionally, Its battery can last up to 10 hours of continuous usage and supports fast charging via a Thunderbolt 4 port, living up to the Evo standards.
The Spin 713 also has a touch-enabled screen that measures 13.5 inches with an aspect ratio of 3:2. It provides more vertical space than a traditional 16:9 laptop and makes it much better for tasks like browsing, reading, light editing, etc.
Lastly, this Chromebook also comes with a fingerprint reader. It is a helpful feature that can make logging into your accounts easily without having to remember all your passwords. Also, it provides a secure way of making payments online.
All in all, the Chromebook Spin 713 is an outstanding laptop. Its 3:2 aspect ratio, ultra-lightweight, long-lasting battery, and excellent value for money make it the perfect professional laptop on a modest budget.
Pros
- Great display 3:2 aspect ratio
- Long battery life
- Fast charging
- Fingerprint reader
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited storage
- Average looks
#2: Lenovo ChromeBook Duet
Lenovo’s Chromebook Duet is one of the cheapest two-in-one laptops in the market right now. It has a tiny form factor, making it an excellent choice if you travel a lot and want a device that can support your work on the go. What’s surprising is that the Duet packs in a lot of features, all in a small chassis.
- 【 Graphics】 The GeForce RTXTM 3060 (12GB GDDR6) let you take on the latest games using the power of Ampere—NVIDIA’s 2nd generation RTX architecture. Get incredible performance with dedicated 2nd gen RT Cores and 3rd gen Tensor Cores, streaming multiprocessors, and high-speed memory.
- 【Processor】12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700 Processor (2.10 GHz, up to 4.90 GHz Max Boost, 12 Cores, 20 Threads, 25 MB Cache) to deliver maximum efficiency in gameplay, Multi-task work and productivity.
- 【Communications】 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 2.0, 1x VGA, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x RJ-45, 1x Headphone Jack, 1x Headphone/ Microphone Combination Jack, 1x Power Connector, 3x Display Port 1.4a via GPU, 1x HDMI 2.1 via GPU, Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth.
- 【Upgraded】Up to 64GB RAM smoothly run your applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. Up to 2TB PCIe SSD boots up quickly, get to files faster, and have room for loads of files with the quick solid state drive.
- 【Windows 11 Home】 From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and contentWindows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way.
The Lenovo Duet has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It runs on a single-core AMD_fx processor, clocking at 2.4 GHz with an integrated graphics card, which can run most apps available for a Chromebook, but heavy applications may stutter a bit. So, while the laptop’s performance isn’t too remarkable, it’s one of the best you’ll find in its price range.
The Chromebook Duet’s base model has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Additionally, it includes the keyboard and kickstand, which is a noteworthy inclusion for its price. So you can take it anywhere you go as it’s always ready to switch from entertainment mode to work mode. The detachable keyboard on the Chromebook is also tiny, and most keys feel sturdy to press. The touchpad is also tiny, at 3.4 x 1.9 inches.
It is only 10.1 inches in terms of dimensions, which is a typical size for a tablet and works well as a laptop. The Duet’s build doesn’t look cheap, despite all its shortcomings. It has a sturdy aluminum body which gives it a premium look while weighing even less than a pound.
The Duet has one USB-C port, which will be occupied whenever the device charges. It lacks an audio jack, though Lenovo does include a headphone dongle.
Another area where the Lenovo Duet excels is battery life. It has an average battery life of more than 10 hours, perfect for long working hours and travels. The standby time is even more staggering at a whopping 22 hours.
It is tough to find a two-in-one laptop so competent at such a low price, and although the Duet falls short on performance, it makes up for it with its stunning looks, fantastic portability, and hard-to-believe price.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Two-in-one laptop cum tablet
- Aluminum body
- 16:10 aspect ratio
- Stunning looks
Cons
- Underwhelming performance
- Small screen-size
#3: HP X360 14a
The HP Chromebook x360 14a has a dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 with a 4 MB cache memory and a maximum frequency of 2.60 GHz. It ships with either a 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM. And similar to most other Chromebooks, storage space is again an area of concern as HP offers only 32 GB and 64 GB variants.
The Chromebook x360 14a is a sophisticated two-in-one device encased in a silver-aluminum chassis. Its 14-inch display is held up by two hinges with a rotating angle of 180 degrees, and it means that you can also rotate the screen backward to make the Chromebook sit at a comfortable movie viewing tent shape.
We were disappointed to know that it does not come with a stylus, but any other stylus can work with it. Moreover, the touch display is responsive, and it has enough pressure sensitivity allowing easy swipe through pages.
As for the connectivity options on this notebook, there are a respectable number of them. It has a USB 3.0 port and a USB Type-C port for charging and transferring data. On the other side, there is another USB Type-C port that you can also use for charging the laptop. Additionally, there is a headphone and microphone combo jack and a microSD card slot.
In conclusion, the HP Chromebook x360 is an excellent alternative to a laptop, and it is lighter and more affordable than some laptops. If you are a student or simply want a lighter device, it is one of the best options in the market.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Affordable
- Backlit keyboard
- 14-inch display
- Touch support
Cons
- Heavy for a Chromebook
- Less potent than counterparts
#4: ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3
The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 is an unusual model among the abundance of two-in-one Chromebooks, as it is a tablet first and then a laptop. It is essentially a 10.5-inch Chrome OS tablet with a detachable keyboard.
- Aspect Ratio:16:10
- Powered by ARM MediaTek 8183 Processor 2.0 GHz (1M Cache, up to 2.0 GHz, 8 cores)
- 64GB eMMC storage and 4GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 10.5 inch touchscreen 1920x1200 16:10 Display with garaged USI stylus, detachable keyboard and stand cover included
- 1x Audio jack, 1x USB 2.0 Type C
CM3’s design makes it easier to take advantage of the Chrome OS Android app support. It is generally better for entertainment while also letting you get some work done when necessary.
It comes with a 2 GHz MediaTek 8183 Processor with an integrated graphics card, which means that the laptop is almost on par with the Lenovo Duet in terms of performance while also costing slightly higher. It has 4 GB of RAM, which is decent enough for a Chromebook in this price range.
Compared to the cheaper Lenovo Duet, you get more with the Asus. There’s the USI pen, a slightly larger 10.5-inch display, a more comfortable keyboard cover, and a rear cover with both landscape and portrait kickstands; all included in the package. The CM3 and Duet have just a single USB-C port for charging, data, and display output, but the CM3 gains an upper hand with the addition of a headphone jack.
The battery life of the CM3 is quite remarkable. At around 14 hours, it outlasts its closest competitor, the Duet, by a comfortable margin of 4 hours. However, the HP Chromebook x360 lacks a Full HD display like most mid-range laptops and compensates with a 1368×768 resolution instead (HD).
Overall, the quality of the display is acceptable; it’s good enough for most day-to-day tasks. The major downside to this notebook is that it lacks connectivity options, including no SD card reader or Ethernet port – unlike similarly priced Windows laptops.
Pros
- Cheaper than most Chromebooks
- Outstanding battery life
- Touch support
- USI Pen included
- Two-in-one laptop cum tablet
Cons
- Mild performance
- Small screen size
#5: ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5
The most expensive laptop on this list, the Chromebook Flip CX5 from ASUS, is one of the few Chromebooks on the market that can stand toe to toe with Windows laptops. Apart from the apparent difference in the operating system, there’s almost nothing separating this stunning Chromebook from an excellent mid-range windows laptop.
- Touch Screen Type :Capacitive.Aspect Ratio:16:9.Voltage:15.0 volts
- Powered by the Intel Core i3-1110G4 Processor 2.5 GHz (6M Cache, up to 3.9 GHz, 2 cores)
- 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD and 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.0
- 14-inch Touchscreen Full HD 1920x1080 NanoEdge Display with Garaged USI Stylus
- A durable 360 degree hinge that can be used to flip the touchscreen display to tent, stand, and tablet mode
The Chromebook flip CX5 has the 11th gen Intel Core i5 processor, with a frequency of 3.9 GHz and 16GB of LPDDR4X SDRAM, which are hefty specs for a consumer Chromebook. It is paired with a 128 GB SSD, which is relatively smaller than all Chromebooks. But since most of the data is intended to be stored on the cloud, the 128 GB storage can be worked around.
The Chromebook FLIP CX5 doesn’t have many ports for a machine of its size. You get one USB-A, two USB-C ports, a MicroSD slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an HDMI port. It’s a good range of options that would suit most people’s needs, but the lack of a thunderbolt on the machine considering its high price, is disappointing.
CX5 has a 57Wh Li-ion battery that delivers a decent endurance level for a Chromebook. It goes down from 100% to 0% in about 10 hours, which is respectable for a Chromebook of heavier specifications. It also supports fast charging through the USB-C port.
In conclusion, The Asus Flip CX5 Chromebook is a mixed bag. The performance is good enough, and so is the battery life, but the brightness and the touchscreen fail to deliver. The design is attractive but has some minor flaws. Overall, it is a powerful Chromebook that can deliver the performance of a windows laptop, but the price tag seems a bit high for a Chromebook.
Pros
- Powerful CPU
- Fast charging
- Long-lasting battery
- Two-in-one
- Attractive Design
Cons
- 16:9 display
- Costly for a Chromebook
#6: Google Pixelbook (for Business Use)
- Meet google pixelbook, the high performance chromebook. It’s the first laptop with the google assistant built inches press the google assistant key on your keyboard or say "Ok google" to get started. The google assistant is always ready to help
- Features 7th gen intel core i7 processor, 16gb ram and 512gb for storage. The long lasting battery delivers up to 10 hours of use and it’s fast charging so you can get 2 hours of use in 15 minutes
- 4 in 1 design adapts to whatever you’re doing with laptop, tablet, tent and entertainment modes. Access to favorite apps including google drive, g mail, YouTube, ever note, slack, infinite painter, light room, rob lox and many more
- Pixelbook's super thin and lightweight design measures 10.3 millimetre and weighs 2.45 pounds. Features a 12.3 inch 360 degree touchscreen display, a sleek aluminum body, corning gorilla glass and a backlit keyboard
- Powered by chrome OS with automatic software updates so you’ll always have the latest virus protection. It starts up in less than 10 secs, stays fast throughout the day, and won’t slow down over time
If you’re willing to pay top dollar, we promise you, the Google Pixel will leave you in awe. With a sleek and sexy design and features to die for, it’s the Chromebook of your dreams (one, that’s custom-made for serious businesses).
Best Features
Now, have your own virtual assistant at your service anytime and anywhere as the Pixel comes with built-in Google Assistant. Say the magic words ‘OK Google’ and book a hotel, get an appointment at a salon, etc. and it does it all just like any human assistant would.
To handle all your heavy applications and programs the Pixel is backed by an i7 processor and 16 GB RAM so expect buttery smooth operation. Plus, the 512 GB Flash Storage storage isn’t just the most any Chromebook offers but is also super-fast (just what you’d expect from an SSD).
And even with so much to offer, the Pixel gives you a battery life of a whopping 10 hours (now work a whole day without running around looking for the charger). But even if you run out of battery, with the fast charge feature, it takes a mere 2.5 hours to be fully loaded again.
Also, with a 4-in-1 design, you need not be sitting at a desk all day long. Turn it into a touchscreen tab, tent, or use the entertainment mode to enjoy your favorite movie, sports, etc. (everything you need to liven up a boring weekend).
The Pixelbook is also built to last with an aluminum body and a corning gorilla glass (this baby can even take a little beating as well). And to add to the comfort, it also features a backlit keyboard perfect for the night owls and takes no more than 10-15 seconds to start up.
Lastly, to add to that, all updates are made automatically without you even having to press a button (easy peasy, just the way we all like it).
The Bad/What I don’t like
There’s not much to fault about the Pixelbook except its high price. But with features like that, that’s a Chromebook I don’t have to think about twice.
Pros
- Comes with built-in Google Assistant
- The battery runs up to 10 hours and recharges in 2.5 hours
- It can also be used as a tablet, tent, etc. due to its touchscreen feature
- Takes only 10-15 seconds to boot
Cons
- On the expensive side
#7: ASUS Flip C302CA-DH54 Touchscreen Chromebook
- The flexible 360 Degree hinge and 12.5" full HD touchscreen lets you use the C302 in tablet or laptop mode
- Intel Core Processor with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM for fast and efficient performance with a bright back-lit illuminated keyboard
- Extremely lightweight at 2.65 pounds with the protection of a sleek aluminum metal body.
- Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and a 12-month Google One trial that gives you additional storage across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos
- With the Google Play Store, you can access a rich library of apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines, and more, all from your Chromebook
If the Pixelbook is out of your budget don’t worry, we’ve got you well covered. The ASUS Chromebook is right there amongst the best and for a good reason.
Best Features
Just like the Pixelbook even the ASUS Flip can be used as a tablet so you won’t be stuck at your desk all the time. And more so since one charge will give you 8-10 hours of uninterrupted usage (forgot your charger? No problem).
You can also kiss goodbye to long startup times. Get on with that all-important presentation or even play games in a mere 3-5 seconds (yup, it’s that freaking fast).
The Intel Core m5 processor in tandem with the 4 GB RAM is super fast and can take on anything you have to throw at it (the big games, the programs, it can take them all on).
And providing you ample room and more speed is the 64 GB SSD Drive but in case you do run short on space you always use up the 100 GB of free Google Drive space.
Apart from that, the durable aluminum build makes the Flip a solid workhorse but yet, is lightweight making carrying it around easy during your business or even leisure trips.
Plus, the backlit keyboard and the 12.5-inch crystal clear screen make working even in the dark hassle-free. We also listed the best laptops with backlit keyboards here.
The Bad/What I don’t like
On the downside, the ASUS lacks some high-end features like that of the Pixelbook. While the 4GB RAM performs quite well, it’s no match for a 16 GB one.
It also doesn’t feature a fast charge thus charging takes a little longer. But considering its top-notch performance and the comfort it offers at a lower cost, the Flip is definitely a great buy.
Pros
- Quick startup time
- Long battery life
- Solid built but is still lightweight
- Nicely backlit keyboard
Cons
- Could use more RAM
- Does not comes with fast charge
#8: Samsung Chromebook 3 (Best budget Chromebook)
- 11.6 inch ( 1366 x 768), 16:9
- Intel Celeron Processor N3060, 1.6 GHz to 2.48 GHz
- 4 GB Memory. Spill Resistant : Yes
- Google Chrome system. Brightness: 220 units
- Bluetooth 4.0
If you’re not interested in the fancy frills and thrills and would rather prefer something on the cheap, the Samsung Chromebook should serve you well, and here’s why.
Best Features
Don’t you just hate it when your laptop runs out of battery just at the most crucial of hours? Well, not anymore. With 11-hours of battery life, the Chromebook 3 sure steals the show.
You also do not have to worry about spilling your coffee or tea as the keyboard is water-resistant (the perfect Chromebook if you’ve got kids around). And since it’s backlit, you can work comfortably even in the dark.
Backing the durability and slim design of the Chromebook 3 with decent speed are the Celeron Processor N3060 and the 4 GB RAM. This makes it an ideal Chromebook for students or casual users.
And lastly, since it comes with a 16 GB SSD, you know it’s going to be smooth and quick. Plus, it’s also lightweight and slim thus can be carried around in any backpack with ease.
The Bad/What I don’t like
I won’t beat too much around the bush. The Chromebook 3 isn’t built for the big stuff. From the RAM, Disk space to even the processor, it’s not the Chromebook any professional needs but is the best Chromebook for students not looking to spend the big bucks just yet.
Pros
- The ideal Chromebook for students due to the low price
- Provides 11-hours of non-stop battery life
- It’s lightweight, cheap, and ye
Cons
- Lacks the power and features like RAM, disk space, etc. needed for high-end work
#9: Acer R11
- 360° flip-and-fold design, 11.6 in HD IPS touchscreen (1366x768 ), Energy-efficient LED backlight, 10-finger multi-touch support ; Intel HD Graphics 400 with shared graphics memory
- Intel Dual-Core N3060 1.6 GHz, Up to 2.48GHz, 4GB DDR3L 1600 MHz; 16GB eMMC storage. SD card reader, No Optical drive
- Bluetooth4.0, 802.11ac, HD Webcam, 1 x USB 2.0; 1 x USB 3.0; 1 x HDMI; 1 x Headphone output/Microphone input combo
- Chrome OS, 3-cell lithium ion battery., Weighs 2.76 lbs. and measures 0.8" thin, Color: White
New to the market, the Acer R11 has quickly climbed up the charts to become one of the most prominent Chromebooks in 2022 and we know exactly why.
Product Highlights
With a 360-degree flip and fold design, the R11 lets you use it as a tablet or even in a tent position for comfortable viewing and usage from anywhere at any angle.
Another killer feature of the R11 is the LED backlight that saves you tons on the battery ensuring it runs up to 10-11 hours for hassle-free usage all day long.
The Dual-Core N3060 Processor and 4 GB RAM provide plenty of power to the R11 for fluid operation whether you’re using Google Docs for work or streaming a video. Plus, further adding to that fluidity is the 16 GB SSD.
And lastly, it’s also lightweight, boots up fast, and comes with multiple USB ports, an HDMI port, webcam, etc. In short, it’s pretty much everything you’d expect from a standard mid-range Chromebook.
The Bad/What I don’t like
The R11’s Trackpad isn’t as smooth as one would like. The pressure required to make a click is inconsistent which means wrong clicks are common.
Pros
- Runs for 10-11 hours on a single charge
- Fluid in operation, it can easily handle video streaming, etc.
- Lightweight build but maintains good durability
- It’s convertible and can be used as a laptop, tablet, or in the tent mode
Cons
- Inconsistent trackpad means you expect some wrongly made clicks
- Suited mainly for lightweight browsing, movies, etc.
#10: ASUS C202SA-YS02 11-inch Chromebook
- Ready for drops and spills with rugged construction with reinforced rubber guards, easy grip handles, and a spill resistant keyboard
- Lightweight 2.65 pound body and rugged construction that can be dropped from 3.9 feet so you can take it anywhere without disruption
- 11.6 inches HD 1366x768 anti-glare display, with 180 degree hinge for easy viewing
- Powered by the Intel Celeron N3060 Processor (2M Cache, upto 2.48 GHz) for fast and snappy performance
- 4 GB DDR3 RAM; 16GB flash storage; No CD or DVD drive; Power adapter: Input: 100 -240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal. Output : 19 V DC, 2.1 A, 40 W
ASUS is a powerhouse when it comes to laptops and the C202SA-YS02 is just another example of why the brand has created such huge waves in the tech industry.
Product Highlights
Are you a clumsy person? Then you’ll what ASUS has to offer. Not only is the keypad water-resistant (now you can have your coffee tension-free) but its rugged build means it can handle drops from a height of about 4 feet (there’s no breaking this bad boy).
The 11-inch display can be tilted to a 180-degree for comfortable viewing and since it’s anti-glare, your eyes won’t feel strained either even after hours of work or gameplay.
Powering the ASUS are the Intel Celeron 3060 Processor and a 4GB RAM which make it capable of handling light to medium workload (perfect for newbie programmers, students, or for everyday web browsing).
Lastly, it also comes with pre-installed anti-virus and both the OS and anti-virus receive automatic updates making the task hassle-free. And lastly, with a quick boot, your system gets up and running within a matter of seconds.
The Bad/What I don’t like
One of the main drawbacks of this Chromebook is the 16 GB eMMC storage. While that’s the standard space a Chromebook offers, the eMMC isn’t going to be as fast as an SSD.
Also, it isn’t a Chromebook that’s ideal for businesses or high-end graphics work as it lacks the power needed.
But that aside, if you’re looking for a rock-solid Chromebook that can take even a fall or spills, you’ve just found your new partner in crime.
Pros
- It can handle falls from a height of 4 feet
- The Keypad is water-resistant
- Boots within seconds and updates are auto-installed
- The anti-glare screen prevents eyes from getting strained
Cons
- The eMMC storage is slower than an SSD
- Lacks the power and memory needed for hardcore work
#11: Acer Chromebook R13
- Chromebook runs on Chrome OS - an operating system by Google that is built for the way we live today. It comes with built-in virus protection, updates automatically*, boots up in seconds and continues to stay fast over time. (*Internet connection is required)
- All the Google apps you know and love come standard on every Chromebook, which means you can edit, download, and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
- With the Google Play Store, you can access a rich library of apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines, and more, all from your Chromebook
- Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space to ensure that all of your files are backed up automatically
- MediaTek Quad-Core CPU, 13.3” Full HD Touch Display, 4GB Memory, 32GB eMMC, Up to 12-hour Battery Life, Convertible Laptop
If a bigger display and more disk space are what you are looking for without paying over the odds prices, the R13 is perfect for daily use. Find out more about it below.
Product Highlights
The 360-degree flexibility and touchscreen mean it can be used as a tablet, tent, etc. So whether you’re on the bed, in a flight, or at the bus stop, with the multiple modes, the R13 can be used anywhere at any angle.
And ensuring you don’t get interrupted by low battery notifications at those times, the R13 lives up to its promise of providing 12 hours of runtime on a single charge.
The 13.3-inch Full HD display is not only bigger than standard Chromebooks but is also quite relatively clear making watching movies, streaming videos, etc. a delightful experience.
The ARM Quad-Core Processor and 4GB RAM mean the R13 can handle the load of multiple tabs, Android apps, Google Docs, etc. This is further aided by a 32 GB disk which guarantees you enough storage while maintaining excellent speed.
But if you need more space or want to back up your files, the 100 GB free Google Drive space should come in handy.
And lastly, we were also quite impressed with the boot time which takes no more than a few seconds. And since all updates are made automatically to beef up security and remove bugs, you can worry about the more important stuff at hand.
The Bad/What I don’t like
On the negative side, the 32 GB disk is an eMMC. This means compared to an SSD, it lacks speed.
Another factor that has an impact on the speed of the system is the ARM processor which in comparison to an i5 or i7 is a little slow.
All in all, it’s not the best-performing Chromebook but if you want a flexible model with a large display and long battery life for regular usage, the R13 is worth consideration.
Pros
- Long battery life which can last for 12 hours
- It can be used as a tablet, tent, etc. for comfortable usage
- Updates automatically and boots within seconds
- Provides ample space with a 32 GB drive and 100 GB free Google Drive Space
Cons
- The eMMC disk is slower compared to an SSD
- ARM Processor doesn’t match the power of an Intel processor
- Low Durability
#12: HP Chromebook
- Intel Celeron N3060, 1.6GHz, dual-core Processor
- 4 GB LPDDR3 SDRAM Memory (onboard), Intel HD Graphics 400
- Chrome OS operating system
- 16GB eMMC
- 11.6-inch diagonal HD SVA Antiglare WLED-backlit Display (1366x768)
Over the years, HP has built a name for itself through its powerful and durable laptops and their Chromebook doesn’t disappoint either especially if a good budget model was your top priority.
Product Highlights
The standout feature of the HP Chromebook is the build. With molded rubber edges and a keypad that’s spill-resistant, this Chromebook is tailor-made for the clumsy you and me.
Also, the WLED backlight and the antiglare display are the other notable features of it. So your weekend movie marathon won’t result in tired, aching eyes and neither will need to charge it every 2-3 hours.
And lastly, the 4 GB RAM, the Intel Celeron 3060 processor, and the 16 GB eMMC disk provide you both space and speed enough to keep you entertained all day long.
The Bad/What I don’t like
As you may have already noticed, this Chromebook is a no-fancy model and not one that can run your heavy programs.
And as you may already know by now, an SSD disk is the faster option when compared to an eMMC disk.
But if a low costing and durable Chromebook is your need, this one’s a bargain.
Pros
- Comes with a spill-resistant keyboard
- Molded rubber edges provide durability
- Protects your eyes with an antiglare display
- Ideal only for entertainment purposes
Cons
- Not the Chromebook for professionals
- eMMC disk is slower when compared to an SSD
How to choose the best Chromebook for you
Below are some of the features that separate the best from the rest and are a must if you want a fast and smooth operating Chromebook
Processor
If you’re into hardcore programming or graphics designing and want to use a Chromebook as your primary workstation, then you’d something powerful like an i5 or i7 processor. And that’s why the Pixelbook is our top pick as the best Chromebook for businesses as it features an i7 processor but keep in mind, the processor has a bearing on the cost too.
Standard Chromebooks come with a Dual-Core processor which can easily handle streaming videos, movies, etc., and won’t slow down even when multiple tabs are opened.
ARM processors are also quite popular like in the case of the Acer R13 but Intel processors are just a shade ahead when it comes to performance (we’d call this one a photo finish).
RAM
Like the processor, even the RAM affects the speed and fluidity of a Chromebook and that’s why we’d say, the more, the better. The Pixelbook offers the highest RAM configurations with 16 RAM whereas most mid-range Chromebooks come with either 2 or 4 GB RAM. In the end, the choice of RAM comes down to your needs and usage.
Hard Disk Type and Space
Chromebooks either come with an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an eMMC. This is because compared to traditional hard disks, these are blazing fast. But on a head to head comparison, SSD outdoes an eMMC when it comes to both speed and durability.
A 16 GB disk is quite common in Chromebooks with some of the higher-end models providing you 64 GB. So the question arises, why the less disk space?
Well, there are 2 main reasons for that. One, it keeps the cost low. The second reason being, Cloud Storage. With almost all Chromebooks you get about 100 GB of Google Drive space which not only saves you disk space but is also one of the best ways to have your system backed up.
Durability
A durable Chromebook ensures you get your money’s worth and even though often lightweight and compact, these devices too ‘can take a punch’.
For that, most Chromebooks are armed with a water-resistant keypad which means your little coffee or water spills have little to zero impact on the performance.
Some Chromebooks like the ASUS C202SA-YS02 also come with special molding etc. on the edges to help protect against any slips and falls.
Battery Life
Long battery life is one of the main reasons for such popularity of Chromebooks. On average, most Chromebooks come with a battery life of 8-10 hours while the higher-end models can easily run for about 10-12 hours.
But keep in mind, battery life varies depending on the workload and will start to decrease over time.
Other Features
Apart from all the features mentioned above, if you’re buying a Chromebook, you would also want it to be lightweight and compact.
If you’re looking for more comfort and versatility, you can also opt for a convertible model that can also be used as a tablet, in tent mode, etc. but these tend to be costlier as well.
Lastly, display size and resolution are also important. A full HD display is a must if you plan to stream videos and movies otherwise is it even worth it?
Also read: Pros and cons of Chromebooks
FAQs
Can Chromebooks run Office?
A Chromebook’s greatest limitation is that it can’t run any Windows software that you might be accustomed to. Despite the web-based suite and Android apps, full versions of Microsoft Office won’t run on a Chromebook. Google Docs is an awesome alternative to Microsoft Office, with better online collaboration features than the other one.
Do Chromebooks run Android apps?
Today, all the latest Chromebooks are capable of running Android apps. It’s best to verify whether it supports them or not before buying an older model, however.
What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
Chromebooks are laptops that run Chrome OS, as opposed to traditional laptops that run Windows or MacBooks that run macOS.
Can you play Minecraft on a Chromebook?
Minecraft Education Edition is officially supported on Chromebooks. The Google Play Store no longer supports Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Chromebooks, but it can be installed on Chromebooks that support Android apps.
Conclusion
From being used for general everyday web surfing to handling more complex tasks, Chromebooks have matured over the years. So if you ever wanted to get your hands on one, now is definitely the time to do so and our team of experts has made the choice easier than ever.
