The perfect Chromebook you should purchase in 2025

Whether or not you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop computer for college or a modern machine for on a regular basis productiveness, the perfect Chromebooks can provide stunning performance for the value. Chromebooks have come a great distance from their early days as web-only units. Now, many Chromebook fashions function highly effective processors, premium shows and even touchscreen help, making them a compelling various 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 substitute your day by day driver. Whether or not you are after a brand new Chromebook for streaming, work or staying on prime of emails, there’s probably a mannequin that matches each your finances and your workflow. We’ve examined the highest Chromebooks available on the market that will help you discover the suitable one — whether or not you’re after most worth or top-tier efficiency.

Editor’s observe (7/16/25): Whereas I nonetheless suggest every thing on this information, there’s one very intriguing new Chromebook I’m within the technique of testing. Lenovo, who makes our choose for greatest general Chromebook, simply launched a brand new premium mannequin. The Chromebook Plus 14 begins at $649 and is the one of many first to make use of the ARM-based MediaTek Kompanio Extremely 910 chip. Most different performance-focused Chromebooks run on Intel or AMD chips, however up to now the Kompanio Extremely has been greater than as much as what I’ve thrown at it. And the opposite profit is battery life — Lenovo guarantees as much as 17 hours. I haven’t totally examined this but, however from what I’ve seen the ARM chip is unsurprisingly way more environment friendly than the Intel ones I exploit on most different Chromebooks. I’m hopeful that this laptop computer will final for 10 hours of actual use, not simply enjoying again video or another low-power job.

Design-wise, it has extra in widespread with Google’s previous Pixelbook Go or perhaps a MacBook Air than most different Chromebooks. It is pleasantly skinny (.63 inches) and lightweight (2.58 kilos). It additionally contains a 14-inch OLED show, 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. The mannequin I’m testing prices $749, however there’s additionally a $649 configuration with 12GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and no touchscreen — nevertheless it makes use of the identical chip, nonetheless has an OLED display screen and may get equally lengthy battery life. The comparatively excessive worth makes me hesitate on calling this the perfect Chromebook for everybody, nevertheless it’ll nearly actually be the Chromebook to purchase should you care about battery life. I’ll replace this information once more as soon as I end my testing.

Desk of contents

Finest Chromebooks in 2025

Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display dimension: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,920 x 1,080 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.15 lbs | Obtainable 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 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 house about, however you’re getting plenty of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally contains the aforementioned AI options and a yr’s value 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 primary, nevertheless it will get the job completed; it’s your normal 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 screen — 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 ok for a laptop computer at this worth.

General, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a strong choice if value is your most important concern — nevertheless it’s additionally value noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as the perfect general Chromebook is usually on sale, typically for below $400 as effectively. In that case, the value distinction between the 2 laptops is shut sufficient that it’s value 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 good deal for a succesful Chromebook.

Execs

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

Cons

• 1080p show typically feels cramped

$275 at Amazon

Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display dimension: 14 inches | Display decision: 1,980 x 1,200 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.02 lbs | Obtainable 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 among the finest premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the newest mannequin launched this spring isn’t any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 contains 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 cushty and prime quality display screen. It’s additionally a little bit bit brighter than the display screen 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 digicam that doesn’t cut back you to a blurry spot is certainly appreciated. It’s a much better digicam than the one on our prime choose, too.

As for the remainder of the {hardware}, the Spin 714 bests the Lenovo in a couple 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 received about eight hours utilizing it below my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, nevertheless it’s consistent with what I’ve seen on different Intel-powered Chromebooks.

Simply because the identify 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, nevertheless it’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 laborious to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this identical primary design for a couple of generations now, so I’m beginning to assume they might redesign the chassis for the following 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 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 by way of June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is simple to suggest.

Execs

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

Cons

• A little bit dear
• Mediocre battery life

$599 at Best Buy

Picture by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Display dimension: 16 inches | Display decision: 2,560 x 1,600 | Put in reminiscence: 8GB | Weight: 3.75 lbs | Obtainable 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 price. 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 avid gamers is likely to be desirous about attempting 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 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 which you can customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a strong and comfy keyboard for taking part in video games or simply typing up studies. The trackpad is massive and responsive as effectively.

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

Execs

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

Cons

• Not everybody will recognize 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 hassle 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 packages you possibly can 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’ll utterly reset to manufacturing facility settings nearly as shortly.

After all, simplicity may even be a significant downside for some customers. Not having the ability to set up native software program generally is 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 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 enhancing instruments to the Google Photographs app on Chromebooks – it received’t substitute Adobe Premiere, nevertheless it must be helpful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the internet in 2023, one thing that brings a lot of the ability of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.

Chromebooks also can run Android apps, which enormously expands the quantity of software program obtainable. The standard varies extensively, nevertheless it means you are able to do extra with a Chromebook past simply web-based apps. For instance, you possibly can 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 shopping and actually something internet primarily based. On-line purchasing, streaming music and video and utilizing numerous social media websites are among the many commonest day by day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you would possibly count on, in addition they work effectively with Google providers like Photographs, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Preserve and so forth. Sure, any pc 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 consumer you’ll discover some good ties between the platforms. You will get many of the identical apps which can be in your telephone on a Chromebook and preserve data in sync between them. It’s also possible to use some Android telephones as a safety key in your Chromebook or immediately tether your 2-in-1 laptop computer to make use of cellular information.

Google continues to tout safety as a significant differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s undoubtedly an element value contemplating. Auto-updates are the primary strains of protection: Chrome OS updates obtain shortly 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 easy truth 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 desirous about Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an effective choice as effectively. Each Chromebook in our prime picks comes with a full yr of Google’s AI Pro 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 Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs and different apps, Gemini 2.5 Professional within the Gemini app and extra. Provided that this plan is $20/month, it’s a fairly strong perk. Chromebook Plus fashions additionally embody instruments just like the AI-powered “assist me write,” the Google Photographs Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you possibly can create by filling in a couple of prompts.

As for when to keep away from Chromebooks, the reply is easy: Should you rely closely on a selected native software for Home windows or a Mac, chances are high you received’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS gadget. That’s most true in fields like picture and video enhancing, nevertheless it can be the case in regulation 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. Should you’re an iPhone consumer, you’ll additionally miss out on the best way the iPhone simply integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the large draw back will not be having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.

Lastly, gaming Chromebooks should 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, which means laptops with larger screens which have greater refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with providers like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Recreation Move and Amazon Luna. You’ll clearly want an web connection to make use of these providers, however the excellent news is that enjoying fashionable video games on a Chromebook isn’t unattainable. It’s also possible to set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are pondering of after they need to sport on a laptop computer.

What are an important specs for a Chromebook?

Chrome OS is light-weight and runs effectively on pretty modest {hardware}, so an important 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 suggest most individuals get in the event that they’re in search of the perfect laptop computer they will use every single 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 must 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 as of late of fixed video calling, and so they additionally all should have no less than a 1080p FHD IPS display screen.

After all, you may get greater specs or higher screens should you need, however I’ve discovered that mainly every thing 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 value checking before you purchase. Final yr, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and help for a formidable 10 years after their launch date. This help web page lists the Auto Replace expiration date for just about each Chromebook ever, however rule of thumb is to purchase the most recent machine you possibly can to maximise your help.

How a lot ought to I spend on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks began out notoriously low-cost, with listing costs typically coming in below $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being basically fashionable netbooks to among the greatest laptops you’ll need to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, it is best to count on to spend no less than $400 in order for you a strong day by day driver. There are nonetheless many Chromebooks on the market obtainable at a low worth which may be appropriate as secondary units, however Chromebook that may be an all-day, every-day laptop computer will value extra. However, notably, even the perfect Chromebooks normally value lower than the perfect Home windows laptops, and even the perfect “common” laptops on the market.

There are a handful of premium Chromebooks that method 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 space for storing, like a higher-capacity SSD. After all, you additionally typically pay for the model identify. However, the specs I outlined earlier are normally sufficient, and there are a number of good premium Chromebooks within the $700 to $800 vary at this level.

See Additionally:

Different Chromebooks we examined

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus, launched in late 2024, 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, nevertheless it manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display screen 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 strong, 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 truthful contemplating its dimension and capabilities. Should you’re in search of an enormous display screen laptop computer that can be tremendous mild, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the most suitable choice for everybody.