The very best Chromebook you should purchase in 2025

Whether or not you’re searching for a budget-friendly laptop computer for college or a modern machine for on a regular basis productiveness, the most effective Chromebooks can supply shocking performance for the worth. Chromebooks have come a great distance from their early days as web-only units. Now, many Chromebook fashions characteristic highly effective processors, premium shows and even touchscreen assist, making them a compelling various to an everyday 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 exchange your every 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 price range and your workflow. We’ve examined the highest Chromebooks available on the market that can assist you discover the appropriate one — whether or not you’re after most worth or top-tier efficiency.

Desk of contents

Greatest Chromebooks in 2025

Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen decision: 1,920 x 1,080 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.15 lbs | Accessible 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 virtually a yr in the past, fashions with that designation began at $400 — however since, issues have gotten cheaper. 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 residence about, however you’re getting a whole lot 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 pictures, Drive and Gmail information.

Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly fundamental, but it surely will get the job finished; it’s your normal laptop computer with a 14-inch show. It’s neither overly skinny (.81 inches) or gentle (3.15 kilos), however these specs are completely cheap for a sub-$400 laptop computer. (It’s really ever-so-slightly lighter than the extra premium Spin 714.) Identical goes for the display screen — it’s a touchscreen, and its 1,920 x 1,080 decision is okay, 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 worth.

General, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a stable choice if price is your important concern — but it surely’s additionally price noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as the most effective total Chromebook is usually on sale, generally for below $400 as nicely. In that case, the worth 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.

Execs

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

Cons

• 1080p show generally feels cramped

$344 at Amazon

Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Accessible 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 top-of-the-line premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the most recent mannequin launched this spring isn’t any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 encompasses a 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen. Just like the display screen 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 prime quality display screen. It’s additionally a bit bit brighter than the display screen on the Lenovo (340 nits vs. 300).

One noteworthy characteristic 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 digicam that doesn’t cut back you to a blurry spot is unquestionably appreciated. It’s a much better digicam than the one on our prime decide, too.

As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in a number of 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 obtained about eight hours utilizing it below my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, but it surely’s in step with 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 desires to make use of a 3-plus pound pill, but it surely’s there in the event 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 laborious to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this similar fundamental design for a number of generations now, so I’m beginning to assume they may redesign the chassis for the subsequent mannequin.

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

Execs

• Nice display screen
• Clear webcam
• Loads of energy and cupboard space
• Comfy keyboard and trackpad

Cons

• A bit of dear
• Mediocre battery life

$699 at Best Buy

Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display screen measurement: 16 inches | Display screen decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Accessible 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 must 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 one more reason players could be keen on making an attempt it. However even non-gamers ought to benefit from the Plus 516 GE’s crisp and clear display screen and refined {hardware}.

It additionally contains Intel’s Core 5 120UL chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Given the laptop computer’s measurement, 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 which you could customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a stable and cozy keyboard for taking part in video games or simply typing up stories. The trackpad is giant and responsive as nicely.

The 516 GE weighs 3.8 kilos – fairly gentle for a laptop computer with a 16-inch display screen. We haven’t examined the 2024 mannequin but, so I can’t verify the battery life; Acer claims 10 hours, a determine that’ll certainly dip in the event 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 screen, anybody who desires an even bigger Chromebook will possible be pleased with this mannequin. As for assist, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.

Execs

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

Cons

• Not everybody will recognize the gamer aesthetic

$649 at Best Buy

Greatest Chromebooks FAQs

What’s Chrome OS, and why would I take advantage of it over Home windows?

That is in all probability 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 easy and clear nature of Chrome OS is an enormous promoting level. Chrome OS is predicated on Google’s Chrome browser, which suggests many of the applications you’ll be able to 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 fully reset to manufacturing unit settings virtually as rapidly.

After all, simplicity may also be a serious disadvantage for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program could be a dealbreaker in the event 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 internet browser, utilizing instruments like Google Docs and spreadsheets for productiveness with no need 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 Pictures app on Chromebooks – it received’t exchange 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 also can run Android apps, which drastically expands the quantity of software program out there. 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’ll be able to set up the Netflix app and save movies for offline watching. Different Android apps like Microsoft Workplace and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly succesful as nicely. Between Android apps and a basic enchancment in internet apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.

What do Chromebooks do nicely?

Put merely, internet searching and actually something internet primarily based. On-line purchasing, streaming music and video and utilizing varied social media websites are among the many commonest every day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you may count on, additionally they work nicely with Google providers like Pictures, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Maintain and so forth. Sure, any laptop that may run Chrome can try 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 in the event you’re an Android person you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You will get many of the similar apps which can be in your telephone on a Chromebook and maintain information in sync between them. You can even use some Android telephones as a safety key in your Chromebook or immediately tether your 2-in-1 laptop to make use of cellular knowledge.

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

Should you’re keen on Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an efficient choice as nicely. 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. On condition that this plan is $20/month, it’s a reasonably stable perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embrace instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Pictures Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you’ll be able to create by filling in a number of prompts.

As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is straightforward: Should you rely closely on a particular native software for Home windows or a Mac, likelihood is you received’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS gadget. That’s most true in fields like picture and video enhancing, but it surely may also 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 may not match. Should you’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 isn’t having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.

Lastly, gaming Chromebooks should not ubiquitous, though they’re turning 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, which means laptops with greater 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 not possible. You can even set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are pondering of after they wish to recreation on a laptop computer.

What are a very powerful specs for a Chromebook?

Chrome OS is light-weight and runs nicely on pretty modest {hardware}, so a very powerful factor to search for may not be processor energy or cupboard space. 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 suggest most individuals get in the event that they’re searching for the best laptop they will use day-after-day.

Chromebook Plus fashions have no 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 until you’re actually pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus fashions need to have a 1080p webcam, which is good in lately of fixed video calling, they usually additionally all need to have no less than a 1080p FHD IPS display screen.

After all, you may get increased specs or higher screens in the event you want, however I’ve discovered that principally every thing included within the Chromebook Plus goal specs makes for an excellent expertise.

Google has an Auto Replace coverage for Chromebooks as nicely, 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 formidable 10 years after their launch date. This support page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for nearly each Chromebook ever, however an excellent rule of thumb is to purchase the latest machine you’ll be able to 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 below $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being primarily trendy netbooks to among the finest laptops you’ll wish to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, it is best to count on to spend no less than $400 if you would like a stable every day driver. There are nonetheless many Chromebooks on the market out there at a low worth which may be appropriate as secondary units, however an excellent Chromebook that may be an all-day, every-day laptop computer will price extra. However, notably, even the most effective Chromebooks normally price lower than the best Windows laptops, and even the most effective “common” laptops on the market.

There are many premium Chromebooks that strategy and even exceed $1,000 that declare to supply higher efficiency and extra processing energy, however I don’t suggest spending that a lot. Usually, that’ll get you a greater design with extra premium supplies, in addition to extra highly effective internals and further cupboard space, like a higher-capacity SSD. After all, you additionally generally 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 without doubt one of the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and lightweight, at 0.46 inches and a couple of.6 kilos, but it surely manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display screen is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and shiny, 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 every thing to the left. At $700 it’s not low cost, however that feels honest contemplating its measurement and capabilities. Should you’re searching for an enormous display screen laptop computer that can also be tremendous gentle, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the most suitable choice for everybody.