The very best Chromebook you should buy in 2025

Whether or not you’re purchasing for a budget-friendly laptop computer for college or a glossy machine for on a regular basis productiveness, one of the best Chromebooks can provide shocking performance for the worth. Chromebooks have come a good distance from their early days as web-only gadgets. Now, many Chromebook fashions function highly effective processors, premium shows and even touchscreen help, making them a compelling different 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 change 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 seemingly a mannequin that matches each your price range and your workflow. We’ve examined the highest Chromebooks in the marketplace that can assist you discover the correct 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 screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen 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 12 months 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 quite a lot of worth for a laptop computer priced at $380. It additionally contains the aforementioned AI options and a 12 months’s price of the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan, which features a beneficiant 2TB of cloud storage to your pictures, Drive and Gmail recordsdata.

Design-wise, the Plus 514 is fairly fundamental, however it will get the job performed; 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 affordable for a sub-$400 laptop computer. (It’s really ever-so-slightly lighter than the extra premium Spin 714.) Similar 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 ok for a laptop computer at this value.

Total, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a strong choice if price is your predominant concern — however it’s additionally price noting that the Lenovo mannequin we picked as one of the best general Chromebook is commonly on sale, typically for underneath $400 as properly. 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 good deal for a succesful Chromebook.

Execs

• 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 screen measurement: 14 inches | Display screen 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 probably the greatest premium Chromebook choices on the market, and the most recent mannequin launched this spring isn’t any exception. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 incorporates 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 in the marketplace, it’s nonetheless a cushty and prime quality display. It’s additionally a little bit 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 digicam that doesn’t scale 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 acquired about eight hours utilizing it underneath my regular workload. That’s not distinctive, however it’s consistent 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, however it’s there should you want it. That stated, for a $700 laptop computer, it’s comparatively skinny (.7 inches) and light-weight (3.2 kilos), so for portability functions, it’s laborious to complain. However Acer has been utilizing this identical fundamental design for a number of generations now, so I’m beginning to suppose they might redesign the chassis for the subsequent mannequin.

The most recent 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 attainable (Google says it’ll obtain software program updates by way of June of 2034), the Acer Spin 714 is straightforward to suggest.

Execs

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

Cons

• A bit expensive
• 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 | 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 gadgets 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 fee. 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 perhaps enthusiastic about attempting 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 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 you can customise, however extra importantly, it’s only a strong and cozy keyboard for enjoying video games or simply typing up reviews. The trackpad is giant and responsive as properly.

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 certainly dip should you’re doing greater than watching movies or informal net looking. Between the highly effective {hardware}, strong design, good trackpad and keyboard and nice display, anybody who desires an even bigger Chromebook will seemingly be proud of this mannequin. As for help, Google says the Plus 516 GE will obtain updates till June of 2032.

Execs

• Giant, high-resolution display with a quick refresh fee
• Loads of ports
• Core 5 chip offers 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 in all probability the primary query about Chromebooks. There are many cheap Home windows laptops in the marketplace, so why hassle 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 is predicated on Google’s Chrome browser, which implies a lot of the packages you may run are net based mostly. There’s no bloatware or undesirable apps to uninstall such as you usually get on Home windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you may utterly reset to manufacturing facility settings nearly as rapidly.

In fact, simplicity can even be a serious 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 internet 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 received’t change Adobe Premiere, however it needs to be helpful for lots of people. Equally, Google and Adobe introduced Photoshop on the web final 12 months, one thing that brings a lot of the ability of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.

Chromebooks can even run Android apps, which drastically expands the quantity of software program out there. The standard varies broadly, however it 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 properly. Between Android apps and a normal enchancment in net apps, Chromebooks are extra than simply portals to a browser.

What do Chromebooks do properly?

Put merely, net looking and actually something net based mostly. On-line purchasing, streaming music and video and utilizing varied social media websites are among the many most typical every day duties individuals do on Chromebooks. As you may count on, in addition they work properly 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 a lot of the identical apps which can be in your telephone on a Chromebook and hold data in sync between them. It’s also possible to use some Android telephones as a safety key to 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 properly, 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 straightforward truth that you simply usually can’t set up conventional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer methods for unhealthy actors to entry the system.

For those who’re enthusiastic about Google’s Gemini AI instruments, a Chromebook is an efficient choice as properly. Each Chromebook in our prime picks comes with a full 12 months of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the same old Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 % 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 strong 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 a number of 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 received’t discover the very same choice on a ChromeOS machine. That’s most true in fields like photograph and video modifying, however it 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 won’t match. For those who’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 just isn’t having the ability to entry iMessage on a Chromebook.

Lastly, gaming Chromebooks usually are not ubiquitous, though they’re turning into a barely extra affordable 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 increased refresh charges in addition to optimizing these laptops to work with providers like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Recreation Cross 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 unimaginable. It’s also possible to set up Android video games from the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not what most individuals are considering of after they need to recreation on a laptop computer.

What are an important specs for a Chromebook?

Chrome OS is light-weight and runs properly on pretty modest {hardware}, so an important factor to search for won’t be processor energy or cupboard space. However Google made it simpler to get constant specs and efficiency late final 12 months when it launched the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any machine 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 best laptop they’ll use day-after-day.

Chromebook Plus fashions have at the very least a Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 collection processor, each of which needs 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 sweet in nowadays of fixed video calling, and so they additionally all need to have at the very least a 1080p FHD IPS display.

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

Google has an Auto Replace coverage for Chromebooks as properly, and whereas that’s not precisely a spec, it’s price checking before you purchase. Final 12 months, Google introduced that Chromebooks would get software program updates and help 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 rule of thumb is to purchase the latest machine you may to maximise your help.

How a lot ought to I spend on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks began out notoriously low cost, with checklist costs usually coming in underneath $300. However as they’ve gone extra mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being basically fashionable netbooks to a number of the greatest laptops you’ll need to use all day. As such, costs have elevated: At this level, you must count on to spend at the very least $400 if you need a strong every day driver. There are nonetheless many Chromebooks on the market out there at a low value which may be appropriate as secondary gadgets, however 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 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 additional cupboard space, like a higher-capacity SSD. In fact, 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 among the extra distinctive Chromebooks on the market. It’s extraordinarily skinny and light-weight, at 0.46 inches and a couple of.6 kilos, however it manages to incorporate a 15.6-inch show in that body. That display is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and vibrant, however its 16:9 facet ratio made issues really feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Efficiency is superb, and the keyboard is strong, 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 honest contemplating its measurement and capabilities. For those who’re in search of an enormous display laptop computer that can also be tremendous mild, this Chromebook deserves consideration, even when it’s not the best choice for everybody.