The perfect Chromebook you should purchase in 2025

Whether or not you’re searching for a budget-friendly laptop computer for college or a glossy machine for on a regular basis productiveness, one of the best Chromebooks can supply stunning performance for the value. Chromebooks have come a good distance from their early days as web-only units. Now, many Chromebook fashions function highly effective processors, premium shows and even touchscreen assist, making them a compelling different to a daily laptop computer for loads of customers.

There are extra choices than ever too, from light-weight clamshells to high-end, 2-in-1 designs that may simply change your each day driver. Whether or not you are after a brand new Chromebook for streaming, work or staying on prime of emails, there’s possible a mannequin that matches each your funds and your workflow. We’ve examined the highest Chromebooks available on the market that will help you discover the appropriate one — whether or not you’re after most worth or top-tier efficiency.

Desk of contents

Finest Chromebooks in 2025

Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display dimension: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,920 x 1,080 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.15 lbs | Out there ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, HDMI port | Drive capability: 128GB | Battery life: As much as 11 hours

When Google first launched the Chromebook Plus line nearly a yr in the past, fashions with that designation began at $400 — however since, issues have gotten inexpensive. Acer’s just-released Chromebook Plus 514 hits all the important thing specs, together with a Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a 1080p show and webcam. None of that is something to put in writing dwelling about, however you’re getting a number of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally contains the aforementioned AI options and a yr’s price of the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan, which features a beneficiant 2TB of cloud storage in your photographs, Drive and Gmail information.

Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly fundamental, but it surely will get the job accomplished; it’s your commonplace laptop computer with a 14-inch show. It’s neither overly skinny (.81 inches) or mild (3.15 kilos), however these specs are completely cheap for a sub-$400 laptop computer. (It’s truly ever-so-slightly lighter than the extra premium Spin 714.) Identical goes for the display — it’s a touchscreen, and its 1,920 x 1,080 decision is ok, however I do miss the additional vertical pixels you’ll get with our different picks on this information. The show is in any other case good, and the keyboard and trackpad are likewise greater than adequate for a laptop computer at this value.

Total, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a stable choice if price is your foremost concern — but it surely’s additionally price noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as one of the best general Chromebook is commonly on sale, typically for beneath $400 as effectively. In that case, the value distinction between the 2 laptops is shut sufficient that it’s price springing for the higher show you’ll get with the Lenovo. However I’ve additionally seen the Plus 514 promoting for as little as $330, which is a superb deal for a succesful Chromebook.

Professionals

• Cheap
• Efficiency, specs and constructed high quality are all good for this value
• Strong show and webcam

Cons

• 1080p show typically feels cramped

$344 at Amazon

Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display dimension: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Out there ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C / Thunderbolt, HDMI, Headphone jack | Drive capability: 256GB | Battery life: 7.5 hours as examined

Acer’s Chromebook Spin 714 has lengthy been the most effective premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the newest mannequin launched this spring isn’t any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 includes a 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen. Just like the display on Lenovo’s mannequin, this works out to a taller 16:10 facet ratio than you’ll get from the 1080p panels on most laptops. I’m an enormous fan of taller laptop computer screens, and whereas this isn’t as luxurious because the few 3:2 ratio Chromebooks available on the market, it’s nonetheless a snug and top quality display. It’s additionally a bit of bit brighter than the display on the Lenovo (340 nits vs. 300).

One noteworthy function is the 2K webcam included within the Spin 714. In a world the place we’re all doing extra video calls than we’d like, having a digital camera that doesn’t cut back you to a blurry spot is certainly appreciated. It’s a much better digital camera than the one on our prime choose, too.

As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in just a few methods. It options Intel’s newest Core Extremely 5 115U processor, together with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of native storage. It additionally has higher battery life in my testing — I usually received about eight hours utilizing it beneath my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, but it surely’s according to what I’ve seen on different Intel-powered Chromebooks.

Simply because the title suggests, the Spin 714 has a 360-degree hinge which helps you to use the laptop computer in pill mode. I’m not a fan of this convertible design – I don’t know who needs to make use of a 3-plus pound pill, but it surely’s there should you want it. That stated, for a $700 laptop computer, it’s comparatively skinny (.7 inches) and lightweight (3.2 kilos), so for portability functions, it’s onerous to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this identical fundamental design for just a few generations now, so I’m beginning to suppose they may redesign the chassis for the subsequent mannequin.

The newest Spin 714 prices $700 – not an unreasonable value for a pc with these specs and constructed high quality. For those who’re a critical multitasker, need a greater show and keyboard, or simply need a pc that’ll final so long as doable (Google says it’ll obtain software program updates via June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is straightforward to advocate.

Professionals

• Nice display
• Clear webcam
• Loads of energy and space for storing
• Comfy keyboard and trackpad

Cons

• A bit dear
• Mediocre battery life

$699 at Best Buy

Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display dimension: 16 inches | Display decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Out there ports: 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2, HDMI, Headphone jack, Ethernet | Drive capability: 256GB | Battery life: 9 hours (producer estimate)

Acer first launched the Chromebook 516 GE within the fall of 2022 as a part of Google’s push to make units appropriate for cloud gaming and simply up to date it for 2024. The excellent news is that you simply don’t have to be a gamer to understand the Chromebook Plus 516 GE. For $650, you’ll get a 16-inch show with a 2,560 x 1,600 decision and a 120Hz refresh charge. NVIDIA’s GeForce Now gaming service helps as much as 4K visuals at 120Hz on its Final tier so that you’ll get to see these advantages. This laptop computer additionally helps Steam, but another excuse players could be considering making an attempt it. However even non-gamers ought to benefit from the Plus 516 GE’s crisp and clear display and refined {hardware}.

It additionally contains Intel’s Core 5 120UL chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Given the laptop computer’s dimension, it’s good that Acer didn’t skimp on ports right here: there’s an HDMI port, USB-C, USB-A, ethernet and a headphone jack. The keyboard has gamer-friendly LED lights that you would be able to customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a stable and comfy keyboard for taking part in video games or simply typing up experiences. The trackpad is giant and responsive as effectively.

The 516 GE weighs 3.8 kilos – fairly mild for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display. We haven’t examined the 2024 mannequin but, so I can’t verify the battery life; Acer claims 10 hours, a determine that’ll absolutely dip should you’re doing greater than watching movies or informal internet searching. Between the highly effective {hardware}, stable design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display, anybody who needs an even bigger Chromebook will possible be proud of this mannequin. As for assist, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.

Professionals

• Massive, high-resolution display with a quick refresh charge
• Loads of ports
• Core 5 chip offers loads of energy
• Massive and spacious keyboard
• Comparatively light-weight for a big-screen laptop computer

Cons

• Not everybody will admire the gamer aesthetic

$649 at Best Buy

Finest Chromebooks FAQs

What’s Chrome OS, and why would I exploit it over Home windows?

That is most likely the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops available on the market, so why trouble with Chrome’s working system? Glad you requested. For me, the straightforward and clear nature of Chrome OS is an enormous promoting level. Chrome OS relies on Google’s Chrome browser, which implies a lot of the applications you may run are internet primarily based. There’s no bloatware or undesirable apps to uninstall such as you typically get on Home windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you may utterly reset to manufacturing facility settings nearly as rapidly.

After all, simplicity may also be a significant downside for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program is usually a dealbreaker should you’re a video editor or software program developer. However there are additionally loads of individuals who do nearly all of their work in an online browser, utilizing instruments like Google Docs and spreadsheets for productiveness without having a full Home windows setup.

Google and its software program companions are getting higher yearly at supporting extra superior options. For instance, Google added video editing tools to the Google Photographs app on Chromebooks – it gained’t change Adobe Premiere, but it surely ought to be useful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the web final yr, one thing that brings a lot of the ability of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.

Chromebooks may run Android apps, which tremendously expands the quantity of software program accessible. The standard varies extensively, but it surely means you are able to do extra with a Chromebook past simply web-based apps. For instance, you may set up the Netflix app and save movies for offline watching. Different Android apps like Microsoft Workplace and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly succesful as effectively. Between Android apps and a normal enchancment in internet apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.

What do Chromebooks do effectively?

Put merely, internet searching and actually something internet primarily based. On-line purchasing, streaming music and video and utilizing numerous social media websites are among the many commonest each day duties folks do on Chromebooks. As you would possibly anticipate, in addition they work effectively with Google providers like Photographs, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Maintain and so forth. Sure, any laptop that may run Chrome can do this too, however the light-weight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and secure platform.

As I discussed earlier than, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so should you’re an Android person you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You may get a lot of the identical apps which might be in your telephone on a Chromebook and maintain data in sync between them. You may as well use some Android telephones as a safety key in your Chromebook or immediately tether your 2-in-1 laptop to make use of cell information.

Google continues to tout safety as a significant differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s positively an element price contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary traces of protection: Chrome OS updates obtain rapidly within the background and a quick reboot is all it takes to put in the newest model. Google says that every webpage and app on a Chromebook runs in its personal sandbox as effectively, so any safety threats are contained to that particular person app. Lastly, Chrome OS has a self-check known as Verified Boot that runs each time a tool begins up. Past all this, the straightforward truth that you simply typically can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for dangerous actors to entry the system.

For those who’re considering Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an efficient choice as effectively. Each Chromebook in our prime picks comes with a full yr of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the same old Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 p.c again in purchases from the Google Retailer with a bunch of AI instruments. You’ll get entry to Gemini in Gmail, Google Docs and different apps, Gemini Superior (which runs on the 1.5 Professional mannequin) and extra. Provided that this plan is $20/month, it’s a fairly stable perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embrace instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Photographs Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you may create by filling in just a few prompts.

As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is straightforward: For those who rely closely on a particular native software for Home windows or a Mac, chances are high you gained’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS gadget. That’s most true in fields like picture and video modifying, but it surely can be the case in legislation or finance. Loads of companies run on Google’s G suite software program, however extra nonetheless have particular necessities {that a} Chromebook won’t match. For those who’re an iPhone person, you’ll additionally miss out on the best way the iPhone simply integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the large draw back just isn’t having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.

Lastly, gaming Chromebooks are usually not ubiquitous, though they’re changing into a barely extra cheap choice with the rise of cloud gaming. In late 2022, Google and a few {hardware} companions introduced a push to make Chromebooks with cloud gaming in thoughts. From a {hardware} perspective, meaning laptops with larger screens which have increased refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with providers like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Sport Go and Amazon Luna. You’ll clearly want an web connection to make use of these providers, however the excellent news is that taking part in trendy video games on a Chromebook isn’t unattainable. You may as well set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are considering of once they need to sport on a laptop computer.

What are a very powerful specs for a Chromebook?

Chrome OS is light-weight and runs effectively on pretty modest {hardware}, so a very powerful factor to search for won’t be processor energy or space for storing. However Google made it simpler to get constant specs and efficiency late final yr when it launched the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any gadget with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimal necessities, which occur to be similar to what I’d advocate most individuals get in the event that they’re on the lookout for the best laptop they will use every single day.

Chromebook Plus fashions have not less than a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 collection processor, each of which ought to be greater than sufficient for most individuals. These laptops even have a minimal of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, which ought to do the trick except you’re actually pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus fashions should have a 1080p webcam, which is good in lately of fixed video calling, they usually additionally all should have not less than a 1080p FHD IPS display.

After all, you may get increased specs or higher screens should you need, however I’ve discovered that mainly all the pieces included within the Chromebook Plus goal specs makes for an excellent expertise.

Google has an Auto Replace coverage for Chromebooks as effectively, and whereas that’s not precisely a spec, it’s price checking before you purchase. Final yr, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and assist for a powerful 10 years after their launch date. This support page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for just about each Chromebook ever, however a superb rule of thumb is to purchase the most recent machine you may to maximise your assist.

How a lot ought to I spend on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks began out notoriously low-cost, with record costs typically coming in beneath $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being basically trendy netbooks to a number of the finest laptops you’ll need to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, you must anticipate to spend not less than $400 if you need a stable each day driver. There are nonetheless many Chromebooks on the market accessible at a low value which may be appropriate as secondary units, however a superb Chromebook that may be an all-day, every-day laptop computer will price extra. However, notably, even one of the best Chromebooks normally price lower than the best Windows laptops, and even one of the best “common” laptops on the market.

There are many premium Chromebooks that method and even exceed $1,000 that declare to supply higher efficiency and extra processing energy, however I don’t advocate spending that a lot. Typically, that’ll get you a greater design with extra premium supplies, in addition to extra highly effective internals and further space for storing, like a higher-capacity SSD. After all, you additionally typically pay for the model title. However, the specs I outlined earlier are normally sufficient.

See Additionally:

Different Chromebooks we examined

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook Plus is likely one of the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and lightweight, at 0.46 inches and a pair of.6 kilos, but it surely manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and vivid, however its 16:9 facet ratio made issues really feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Efficiency is excellent, and the keyboard is stable, although I’m not a fan of the quantity pad because it shifts all the pieces to the left. At $700 it’s not low-cost, however that feels truthful contemplating its dimension and capabilities. For those who’re on the lookout for an enormous display laptop computer that can also be tremendous mild, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the most suitable choice for everybody.