If you’re shopping for an inexpensive laptop that handles day-to-day tasks with ease, why not pick up a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are generally more budget-friendly than Windows laptops with some costing as little as $300. They also boot up quickly and receive regular, automatic updates. Plus, with cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, you can even play the latest AAA titles on some of them.
Still, you want to make sure you choose a Chromebook that nails the basics and has the performance and durability for regular and extended use. Our recommendations below are based on thorough hands-on testing. These are Chromebooks you can count on.
If you decide that you’d prefer a Windows laptop, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available today.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Best overall Chromebook
Pros
- Zippy processor performance
- Nice keyboard
- Wide array of connectivity options
- Chic design
Cons
- Battery life isn’t competitive
- Display’s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped
Who should buy the Asus Chromebook Plus PX34?
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is perfect for those who want a well-rounded Chromebook with strong performance and design. It’s powered by an Intel Core i5-1335U processor, which means you can expect fast performance for day-to-day tasks like browsing and media consumption. It also offers a generous selection of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack. This Chromebook is a great choice for anyone in need of a versatile, affordable device.
Asus Chromebook Plus PX34: Further considerations
While the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 excels in performance and design, there are a couple of areas to consider before finalizing your purchase. The 16:9 aspect ratio might feel a little tight for those accustomed to wider screens. Also, while battery life is decent (13-hour runtime), it’s not class-leading. If you’re looking for longer battery life or a more expansive display, you may want to explore other options.
Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3 Chromebook – Best budget Chromebook
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Great battery life
- Attractive color scheme
- 1080p display
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM
- 720p webcam is disappointing
Who should buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook?
If you’re working with a tight budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a reliable, lightweight machine under $300. Real-world performance is also smooth for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing, and the 16-hour battery life is especially appealing for anyone who needs all-day computing without being constantly tethered to an outlet.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook: Further considerations
You’re not getting the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 for its cutting-edge tech, and that’s totally okay. That said, it delivers an excellent user experience that’s bolstered by a 1080p touchscreen display. Just be aware of its limitations. 4GB of RAM may struggle with heavier multitasking, and the 720p webcam won’t impress during video calls.
Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook review
Lenovo Chromebook Duet – Best Chromebook for students
Pros
- Great value
- Flexible form factor
- Surprisingly good keyboard
- Amazing battery life
Cons
- Needs more RAM
- Android apps don’t run well
- Vertical kickstand reduces horizontal options
Who should buy the Lenovo Chromebook Duet?
Students looking for a featherlight, affordable laptop with all-day battery life will love what the Lenovo Chromebook Duet brings to the table. Weighing just 2.09 pounds with the keyboard and kickstand attached, by the way, it easily slips into a backpack without adding any bulk. The 68 watt-hour battery regularly hits 12 to 13 hours on a single charge, which is perfect if you’ve got a jam-packed class schedule. The 2-in-1 design is also perfect for note-taking or watching YouTube.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Further considerations
This Chromebook isn’t designed for power users (not many Chromebooks are!), but it gets the essentials right, and that’s important. The detachable keyboard features increased travel distance as well as full-size alphanumeric keys, which leads to a more natural typing experience despite the keys lying flat. The compact 10.1-inch screen might feel a bit cramped if you’re multitasking, but it’s a good size for distraction-free work. If portability and value matter more than raw performance, then the Duet is easy to recommend.
Read our full Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2024) review
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 – Best high-end Chromebook
Pros
- Great keyboard
- Solid battery life and performance
- Beautiful display
Cons
- Tinny speakers
- Pen sold separately
- No fingerprint reader
Who should buy the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714?
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the best choice for those seeking a premium Chromebook. The hardware loadout is impressive, consisting of an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
The convertible 2-in-1 form factor allows you to rotate the screen 360 degrees into tablet mode, perfect for note-taking or media consumption. The 14-inch 1920×1200 display is virbrant and features touchscreen support.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Further considerations
While its display is great for media, it can look a bit dim in direct sunlight. The glossy surface also causes reflections, so using it outdoors is no bueno. Additionally, its higher price tag ($699) might deter some buyers, but for those willing to make the investment, it’s a premium Chromebook worth considering.
Read our full Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 review
Acer Chromebook 516 GE – Best Chromebook for cloud gaming
Pros
- Attractive design
- Excellent CPU performance
- Loads of wired and wireless connectivity
- High-resolution 1600p display
Cons
- Mediocre keyboard and touchpad
- Disappointing speakers and microphone
- Display lacks contrast and color vibrancy
Who should buy the Acer Chromebook 516 GE?
Gamers looking for a premium ChromeOS experience that’s built for the cloud should seriously consider the Acer Chromebook 516 GE. With an Intel Core i5-1240P processor and a buttery-smooth 120Hz display, this machine is tailor-made for services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Amazon Luna. In our testing, gameplay was smooth and responsive, with GeForce Now’s diagnostics showing no issues — a rare feat on a Chromebook! The inclusion of an Ethernet port also provides a stable, low-latency connection, which is essential for cloud gaming.
Acer Chromebook 516 GE: Further considerations
This Chromebook doesn’t support local game installs, so it’s best suited for those who are totally onboard with cloud gaming. You’ll need a fast, reliable connection to get the most out of it, but the Ethernet port will help with lag and buffering. The 516 GE also offers a 1080p webcam, a 65 watt-hour battery, and a premium look. At $650, it’s pricier than your everyday Chromebook, but the hardware and performance justify the price tag.
Read our full Acer Chromebook 516 GE review
Other products tested
While the following Chromebooks didn’t make our top 10 list, they still offer compelling features worth considering: The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 features a durable build and snappy day-to-day performance, but also a higher price point; the Acer Chromebook Spin 315 delivers reliable performance and a comfortable typing experience, but has chunky bezels and limited charging options; the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a sleek and lightweight device, weighing just 2.58 pounds and measuring 0.46 inches thick, but it’s slightly outpaced by competitors like the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 in our benchmark tests.
How we test Chromebooks
The PCWorld team puts each and every laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Due to the cloud-based nature of Chromebooks, they go through a series of web-based tests. It wouldn’t be fair or possible to run the same kinds of tests on a Chromebook as we use on laptops because they exclusively run a completely different operating system.
For a more thorough explanation of our testing procedures, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.
Why you should trust PCWorld for laptop reviews and buying advice
It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
Who curated this article?
This article was curated by Ashley Biancuzzo, who oversees all of PCWorld’s laptop and Chromebook review coverage. Ashley has been immersed in the ever-changing world of consumer technology and brings a keen editorial eye to every review. She specializes in evaluating laptops across a wide range of categories — from budget-friendly models to high-end powerhouses.
How to choose the best Chromebook
If you’re looking for a Windows or MacBook alternative, you may want to consider a Chromebook. That said, there are a few key features and limitations to be aware of. Chromebooks are ideal for lightweight workloads. They’re equipped with low-power processors, offering:
- Good battery life
- Silent operation
- Solid performance for web browsing, streaming, and productivity
- Strong resistance to viruses and malware
However, most Chromebooks come with minimal RAM and storage, so they’re not suitable for high-performance tasks like gaming or video editing.
Tip: Our guide to Chromebooks vs. Windows laptops can help you determine which operating system is best for your needs.
Key Chromebook features to consider
Operating system
Chromebooks exclusively run Chrome OS, which is known for being user-friendly. There’s no option to install Windows or macOS — you’re locked into Google’s ecosystem.
Processor
Shoot for a mid-range Chromebook if you can. They cost anywhere in the $400 to $600 range and many of them come equipped with Intel Pentium processors. These Chromebooks have better browser performance and are capable of running more intense gaming apps. It’s the best bang for your buck. Upper-end Chromebooks sometimes use Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors, which pack more of a punch.
RAM
Many Chromebooks have 4GB of RAM, which isn’t a lot. Chromebooks are web-based machines, so you need a fair amount of RAM to keep those tabs open and running smoothly. If you can spend a couple of hundred extra, you’ll be able to find a mid-range Chromebook with 8GB of RAM.
Durability
Chromebooks are popular in the education market because they’re pretty darn robust. I’m not saying you should smack one around with a baseball bat or anything, but they’re durable enough to handle the daily abuses of life.
FAQ
What is the best Chromebook?
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is the best Chromebook for most people. With its Intel Core i5-1335U processor, ample selection of ports, and strong day-to-day performance, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable Chromebook.
What is the best cheap Chromebook?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is the best cheap Chromebook. The lightweight design and long battery life make it a great value pick for budget-conscious buyers. However, its 4GB of RAM may limit multitasking.
What is the best Chromebook for gaming?
The best Chromebook for gaming is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE. It has a large 16-inch 120Hz display, strong performance for cloud gaming, and a built-in Ethernet port for stable connections — that’s absolutely vital for services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
What’s the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
When people talk about regular laptops they usually mean a PC or Mac. A Chromebook is still a laptop, but it differentiates itself from either of those two by using a unique operating system called Chrome OS, which was created by Google. Think of it like this: All Chromebooks are laptops, but not all laptops are Chromebooks.
Unlike other operating systems such as Windows or macOS, Chrome OS is optimized to run Google apps such as Google Drive, Google Docs, YouTube, and other Google services. Because most Google apps are online, Chromebooks generally require an internet connection to use most of their important features.
Finally, Chromebooks have historically been designed with portability, ease of use, and affordability in mind rather than top performance. They typically forego the faster, high-end hardware that PCs or Macs can use for a more minimalist, lightweight approach to computing.
What is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a laptop that runs on Google’s Chrome OS instead of Windows or macOS. It’s designed to run web-based tasks and apps from either the Chrome Web Store or Google Play. Chromebooks also rely heavily on cloud storage and are popular in the education market due to their affordability and simplicity.
Author: Ashley Biancuzzo, Associate Editor, PCWorld
Ashley Biancuzzo manages all laptop and Chromebook coverage for PCWorld. She's been covering consumer tech since 2016, and her work has appeared on USA Today, Reviewed, Polygon, Kotaku, StarWars.com, and Nerdist. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games, reading science fiction, and hanging out with her rescue greyhound.