If you’ve never heard of a Chromebook, prepare to be enlightened. Chromebooks are a new type of computer designed by Google that runs on the Chrome operating system, independently of Windows or Mac OS. The Chrome OS runs on cloud-based storage, meaning faster boot and run speeds. If you already use Google workspace apps like Drive, Documents, or Gmail, you can run those applications on a Chromebook offline. The best Google Chromebooks on the market today are no longer limited to free apps – most can now cover a wide variety of computing needs for a fraction of the cost and speed of a regular laptop.
In an era where remote work is the new normal it’s important to have access to reliable equipment that will increase your productivity, not hinder it. The average remote worker will spend an average of seven to ten hours a day staring at screens. Some jobs will provide their employees with laptops or equipment to work on but the rest of us aren’t so lucky. Of those that do get access to work sponsored devices, more than half (58%) describe their work devices as awful to work on. A survey of 2,000 employed Americans commissioned by LG Electronics found that 62 percent of those employees say their devices prevent them from maximizing their productivity.
If you are in the market for a new laptop, consider a Chromebook. Sales of Chromebooks have been steadily increasing, as users turn to simplicity and affordability. According to a report by Statista, nearly 30 million Chromebooks are forecasted to be shipped globally, more than double the amount recorded in 2019. Chromebooks tend to be more affordable on average than Macs or PC laptops, but whichever device you choose to purchase will depend on your individual needs.
StudyFinds is here to get you started in your hunt. We’ve gathered a list of the top five recommendations of the best Google Chromebooks from 10 different sources. Already own a Chromebook? Share which model you have in the comments below!
The List: Best Google Chromebooks, According to Experts
1. Acer Chromebook Spin 714
If you’re looking to grab a device that should last you several years and can handle some serious multi-tasking, this is the model for you. The computer boasts a 14-inch touchscreen, 8GB of RAM, and a generous 256GB of storage space. “As for the rest of the hardware, the 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor is more than enough power for most everyday tasks, and the keyboard and trackpad are solid, if not the best I’ve used before,” writes a reviewer from Engadget.
Android Central raves, “It’s not as expensive and doesn’t feature as many bells and whistles as the more expensive ASUS and HP premium offerings. But it’s powered by Intel’s 12th Gen chipsets complete with Iris Xe graphics. Plus, having a USI stylus with you at all times, and safely housing it in the Chromebook, is a potential game changer.”
“It’s full-featured with a fast 12th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and it is built to last. If you’re looking for a Chromebook to use as your one and only computing device, this is a great choice,” says CNET.
The battery life is average, coming in at around seven hours on one charge, and the touchscreen has a 360 hinge that lets you use it as a tablet.
2. HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
CNET reports “The Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is the result, a legit ChromeOS dream machine for hybrid workers. “This model is more on the expensive side, ringing in at $1,149 and can go up to more than $3,000. But this model is specifically designed for enterprise and business.
Enjoy a powerful processor built for security and the ideal combination of web, Android and Linux apps to get the best work done. “It’s one of the most powerful Chromebook we’ve ever tested, and the entry-level 12th-gen Core i3 configuration still packs some seriously solid specs that would make a lot of other Windows and macOS laptops blush,” adds TechRadar.
“With the Dragonfly, you’ll enjoy a Chromebook that is not only future-proof but one that will make you feel like you’re living in the future. It’s the first Chromebook to feature a haptic trackpad, while also offering an incredibly gorgeous design and even a 1,000-nit touchscreen,” adds Android Central.
3. Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Though the 714 model might be newer, some might prefer the 713 more. The 714 model removed the fingerprint sensor, SD card, and high-resolution screen on the 713 and added a stylus instead. With a fast Intel core i% processor, a high-resolution 3:2 screen, a generous port selection with Thunderbolt 4, and all-day battery life, the 713 model has everything you could ever need. “It’s a powerful combination which puts the device on the top of the pile for those who want a Premium ChromeOS laptop without it costing the Earth,” adds TechAdvisor.
PCWorld says “If you’re looking for a great convertible laptop, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 will surely fit the bill. You can either prop it up like a tent or fold the screen all the way back and use it like a tablet. We were also impressed with its vibrant display, all-day battery life, and diverse selection of ports.” This model will cost you around $700 depending on your specific specs and retailer, but it’s still a great deal on a computer with great capabilities.
Android Central says this system is ideal for gamers: “Acer’s latest Chromebook Spin 713 is also one of the few Chromebooks that can run Steam Alpha on Chrome OS. This opens the door to being able to play many of your favorite PC games on a Chromebook, instead of needing to rely on a Windows PC or gaming console like the ever-elusive PS5.”
4. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
Samsung’s first Chromebook was $1000 and packed with features that the average person would never need in their day to day use. The second model is much more toned down and reasonably priced while still packaging together everything you’d need in an everyday laptop. “There’s no fingerprint sensor, no stylus, and no OLED — but it’s quite functional, and with a sub-$600 starting price it’s a much more reasonable purchase,” says The Verge.
The i3 processor isnt the most powerful, but is more than enough for normal work. The battery life should last about 7 hours on one charge. Wirecutter finds “And whereas some laptop keyboards emit a clacking noise as you type, the Galaxy Chromebook 2’s keyboard is quiet, which makes it ideal for a shared workspace. The trackpad is smooth and accurate, and though it’s a bit smaller than the Flex 5i’s trackpad, we didn’t run into any issues with its size.”
“The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook also has much better battery life, and Samsung did it all without losing all of its predecessor’s premium appeal,” adds CNET.
5. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
This model is best for travel, school, or short work trips with a battery life of 10 hours and 4Gb of RAM that can handle web browsing, documents, and light work. “It’s short on ports (just one USB-C, with a 3.5mm audio adapter for your headphones), but the Duet is a versatile, affordable gadget with more functionality than an Android-only tablet. It’s a great classroom companion,” adds PCMag.
The Lenovo Duet is one of the most affordable tablet-computer options you’ll be able to find at $300. You can detach the keyboard to use it as a tablet or convert it to a laptop. Forbes mentions “This 2-in-1 device has a detachable keyboard, and it’s incredibly light and portable when you want to use it in tablet mode. With 10 hours of battery, this little Chromebook has enough juice to get through a work or school day.”
Android Central specifically likes the Duet 5 which “is rated for up to 15 hours on a single charge, and this Chrome OS tablet doesn’t disappoint. But Lenovo took things a step further when it comes to charging, giving the Duet 5 dual USB-C ports, along with support for up to 45W charging speeds. Needless to say, these are much-welcomed upgrades compared to the original Duet.”
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
You might want to reconsider the recommendation for Acer. In doing my own user reviews, I found people in Reddit complaining these Chromebooks were well behind current versions of chrome, with no estimate for the next release. This was a deal breaker for me.