Chromebooks are known for their ease of use, portability, and affordability, which means that many people looking for a laptop would be better served by a Chromebook.
Chromebooks, which run Google’s ChromeOS, are intended to be user-friendly for everyone. The best Chromebooks are typically less expensive than traditional laptop options such as Windows laptops or Apple MacBooks.Chromebooks are also an excellent gift (you can get great Chromebook deals during holiday sales) for kids and less tech-savvy adults in need of a simple computer because they are safe and simple to use. They’ll also suit anyone looking for a low-cost laptop for productivity and entertainment. While entry-level Chromebooks lack the bells and whistles of more expensive models, they do the job. Premium Chromebooks, on the other hand, often include features such as touchscreens, backlit keyboards, and USI pen support for taking notes or drawing. There are even Chromebooks designed specifically for cloud gaming. Continue reading if you’re looking for the best Chromebook 2022 has to offer.
Which Chromebook is the best?
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is the best Chromebook we’ve tested for 2022. It has a fast 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and is built to last. This is an excellent choice for a Chromebook to serve as your sole computing device. It is more expensive than the average Chromebook, but it is frequently on sale. Consider the 17-inch Acer Chromebook 317 or, if mobility is a concern, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook if you want to spend less. However, the best Chromebook is still somewhat subjective. A lot depends on what features you need in a Chromebook and how much money you have. All of the Chromebooks on this list have been tested and reviewed by sidpill.com editors, and they all provide excellent performance and features for the price.
Also, if you’re thinking about buying an older or used model, make sure to check the model’s auto-update expiration date. The AUE is the date when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates and is typically eight years, but the date varies by model. If you’re still not sure if a Chromebook is right for you, here’s a breakdown of what a Chromebook can and cannot do in comparison to a traditional laptop. This list of the best Chromebook models is updated on a regular basis.
Best Chromebooks for 2022
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
With the Spin 713, Acer had one of the best Chromebooks available in 2021, and it has now replicated that success with the Chromebook Spin 714.
In terms of what it offers (sturdy design, nice-looking display, strong performance, and long battery life), the premium two-in-one doesn’t deviate much from its predecessor, but Acer did make some changes to keep it competitive, such as including a USI pen that stores and charges in the 714’s body. There are cheaper options, but if you want a Chromebook that will last for years, this is the one. Keep an eye out for this one going on sale: Its regular price is $729, but it is sometimes available for less than $600.
Acer Chromebook 317
The 317 is essentially a mobile ChromeOS desktop, also known as a Chromebase. The large display facilitates multitasking. Without overlapping windows, you can watch a YouTube video in the corner while working on a presentation and checking email or chat. It is large and heavy in comparison to the other Chromebooks on this list, so it is not a good choice if mobility is important. However, it is small enough to move around the house, and with a battery life of more than 10 hours according to my tests, you can work all day and still have time for a video chat with family, gaming, or streaming a movie. The configuration we tested costs less than $400, but there is a version that meets our basic Chromebook requirements for less than $300.
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook
Thanks to an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 128GB solid-state drive, this Lenovo 13-inch Chromebook two-in-one has a full-HD display as well as excellent performance and battery life for the price. The battery life is also impressive, lasting nearly 11 hours. While there aren’t many extras, the Flex 5i Chromebook does have a privacy shutter on the webcam that allows you to physically block it when not in use. The touch display is also pen-enabled, so you can use a USI pen to write or draw on it. It is unquestionably one of the best Chromebook models in terms of price, power, and size. The Lenovo Duet Chromebook is another two-in-one option on our best Chromebooks list. The Lenovo Duet Chromebook is priced similarly to the Flex 5i, but it is a detachable two-in-one, meaning it is a tablet with a removable keyboard cover. If you need a Chromebook for all-day use, the Flex 5i is the way to go. The Lenovo Duet Chromebook is better suited for on-the-go productivity and entertainment tasks.
HP Chromebook x360 14c
This high-end 13.3-inch HP Chromebook has a wide display that is ideal for video streaming and makes it easier to fit two side-by-side windows. Because of its two-in-one design, the HP Chromebook x360 can be used as a tablet (though it’s a little heavy to use as a handheld device). You can also tent it and use it as a small all-in-one computer by connecting an external keyboard and mouse.
The model we tested’s Core i3 processor and 8GB of memory kept this HP Chromebook running smoothly even with a couple of dozen tabs open and video streaming in the background. Chrome OS will handle typical usage with ease. And the battery life on this Chromebook laptop is impressive, lasting 10 hours and 40 minutes in CNET testing. This is a more expensive configuration, with a regular price of $699. This laptop is frequently available for less than $500, but if you like the design and don’t require the more powerful components, the Celeron version is closer to $300.
Lenovo Duet Chromebook
The Lenovo Duet Chromebook (also known as the Chromebook Duet 3) is a fantastic 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad. Its small size and poor performance make it unsuitable for continuous use. However, if you’re looking for an affordable ultraportable device to work on the go, sketch or jot down notes in class, or do simple things like email, web browsing, gaming, reading, and streaming video, the Chromebook Duet 3 is a good choice. When it is in stock, the original 10-inch Duet Chromebook is still available for $300 or less.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
It’s unusual for a device’s second generation to have fewer features than the original while still being an improvement, but that’s exactly what this Samsung Chromebook does. Samsung reduced some of the original’s features and components, making this Samsung Chromebook sequel more affordable than the first-generation model. It has a touchscreen, tablet storage, 8GB of RAM, and an Intel Core processor. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook also has significantly improved battery life, and Samsung accomplished this while retaining all of its predecessor’s premium appeal.
Chromebook Spin 513 (CP513-2H) from Acer (Update: Currently Out of Stock)
Acer’s Spin 513 is an update of sorts to one of the best Chromebooks from 2021, the Spin 713. It’s a two-in-one convertible Chromebook with a 13.5-inch display that has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The extra vertical space means less scrolling when you’re working. The screen size is also close to that of letter-size paper, making it comfortable for notetaking in tablet mode with a USI pen. Compared to the 713, it drops a couple of noncritical features like an HDMI output in favor of a more affordable price. It has amazing battery life, though, and a sturdy fanless design, making it silent — perfect for quiet classrooms, lectures, or video calls. Also, be sure to get the latest version of the Spin 513, model CP513-2H The processor is a MediaTek Kompanio 1380.
Chromebook HP Elite Dragonfly
Though the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is my top pick, the Elite Dragonfly is the best Chromebook for business users. More than two years ago, HP, Google, and Intel set out to create a complete Chromebook for enterprises. A Chromebook with all of the features that business users desired, rather than just a few.
The result is the Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, a legitimate ChromeOS dream machine for hybrid workers. It’s too expensive for most people to recommend (it starts at $1,149 and can go up to more than $3,000), but it’s unquestionably one of the best you can buy right now.
Chromebook Frequently Asked Questions
What is the differences between a laptop and a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Google’s Chrome OS rather than Microsoft Windows or Apple’s macOS. This is the most significant distinction, and it means that Windows or Mac software cannot be installed and run directly on a Chromebook. Chromebooks, on the other hand, are designed to run web apps (such as those for Microsoft Office 365), Android apps, and Linux software. Because ChromeOS is designed for efficiency and to take advantage of web or cloud services, it works well on less expensive hardware. While Chromebooks come in a variety of sizes and designs, Windows laptops and Apple MacBooks have more options, especially if you need to run demanding software. Again, ChromeOS is what truly distinguishes a laptop from a Chromebook, but there are some other distinctions.
What operating system does a Chromebook use?
Chromebooks are powered by Google’s minimalist Chrome operating system, also known as ChromeOS. ChromeOS was essentially Google’s Chrome web browser when it first launched more than a decade ago.
Its capabilities have grown dramatically over the years, but it remains a simple, lightweight, and secure operating system that can run quickly on even the most basic components. And, while ChromeOS can do a lot more these days, the fact is that a lot can be done entirely on the web these days. Take stock of everything you do on a daily basis, and you might discover that there is nothing you can’t do with ChromeOS.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a Chromebook?
A Chromebook has several advantages, but one major disadvantage prevents you from purchasing one. Chromebooks are incompatible with Windows and Mac software. You will not be able to run a specific Windows or macOS program directly from a Chromebook. However, there are workarounds, such as finding a replacement web or Android app, or a Linux equivalent. You’ll also want a Windows, Mac, or Linux laptop if you need advanced photo and video editing capabilities. Basic photo and video editing are acceptable, but Chromebooks typically lack the graphics performance required for demanding tasks, as well as the ability to install Windows or Mac software and games. Another potential disadvantage is the Auto Update Expiration date, abbreviated as AUE. Non-Google hardware is currently only supported for a limited time before receiving ChromeOS and browser updates, including security updates. For models released recently, the date is roughly seven to eight years from the device’s initial release, but this is not always the case. Google keeps a list of AUE dates for all models, which you should check before purchasing a new or used Chromebook. A Chromebook has many advantages, the most important of which is its low cost. While premium models start around $500, excellent options for everyday use can be found for $200 to $300. For example, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook, which starts at $300, is a two-in-one Chromebook with a detachable keyboard cover that can be used as a tablet or a laptop. A higher-end Chromebook, like other laptops, generally means a better experience. Furthermore, for the same reasons that Chromebooks are popular in schools and businesses, they make excellent family computers. Everyone in the family can have their own Google account, and signing in grants them access to only their data, not yours. Google Family Link can be used to manage children’s accounts. Chromebooks are almost impossible to infect with viruses or other malware. If it’s not working properly, you can reset it with Chrome’s Powerwash feature, and the system will be clean and fresh in a matter of minutes. Simply sign in to your Google account, and the Chromebook will be fully restored.
Can I charge my Chromebook with any USB-C charger?
Both yes and no.
Since 2017, all new Chromebooks have used USB-C charging ports. Chromebooks are typically powered by a 45- or 65-watt adapter. To determine the power requirements for your specific model, consult the specifications, which are typically found on the bottom of the Chromebook or on the manufacturer’s website. (If it’s given in volts and amps, multiply the two to get watts; for example, 15 volts x 3 amps equals 45 watts.) Using a charger that does not meet the Chromebook’s power requirements may still charge it, but at a slower rate. Also, if you’re charging the Chromebook with a low-power charger, it will take even longer to fully charge. Chromebooks, on the other hand, will display a notification if The USB-C cable you’re using will not provide the required performance.