Google’s Chrome OS was first released back in 2011, as a stripped-back operating system designed for cheap machines. But it’s come a long way since then, reflected in the release of plenty of premium Chromebooks these days. The user experience is still more simplistic than Windows 11 or macOS Ventura, but that makes them much easier to pick up and start using. If you just need a device for everyday tasks (such as ) or don’t need access to specific apps or software, Chrome OS could be right for you. But choosing the right Chromebook isn’t easy. There’s more choice than ever before in 2023, with established brands such as Acer, HP, Asus and Lenovo all regularly releasing new devices. This article aims to simplify your decision, with a list of 10 of the very best Chromebooks you can buy. Some models might be a year or two old, but they’re still widely available and offer good value. Also, Chromebook tech doesn’t move as fast as Windows laptops. Chromebooks are also included in our budget laptop chart, while the main laptop guide features more premium devices. But if you’re set on Chrome OS, you’ve come to the right place.
Best Chromebook 2023
Excellent display Great battery life Fast performance
Slightly spongy keyboard Fan noise at times
The 360-degree hinge means a versatile design and things run very nicely on the 10th-gen Core processor we tested with 128GB storage, though a cheaper model uses a Pentium processor and half the storage. It’s a powerful combination which puts the device on the top of the pile for those who want a Premium ChromeOS laptop without it costing the Earth. Sure, it’s a lot to pay for a Chromebook compared to some, but in these times of laptops routinely costing hundreds more than that, this is good value for money.
Great screen Decent performance Excellent webcam
Expensive high-end models
The keyboard is ultra-quiet and other features such as a high-quality webcam make this Chromebook a great option for remote workers. The two lower-spec models are better value for money, but there are higher storage options should you want them.
Fast performance Great audio Premium components
Reflective Display Glitches at low power
For a reasonable price, you get a great all-rounder with a versatile design thanks to the 360-degree hinges and 14in touchscreen even if it’s not the brightest around and has a glossy finish. Build quality is solid and so are the core specs with a Core i3 processor and a healthy 8GB of RAM. Add in a decent keyboard and Bang & Olufsen speakers and you’ve got yourself a Chromebook you can rely on for a vast range of tasks.
Large display Good battery life Fast performance
Dim display Rough edges on faceplate Cramped numberpad
This ensures smooth performance day-to-day and along with a large screen and solid battery life from a single charge, the CX5 is a great option. Add in the convertible design and it gets even better. A dedicated numpad might be a boon for some although it is cramped in size and the display is lacking brightness stopping the CX5 from being a knockout package. It also has some build issues worth considering before hitting the buy button.
Excellent build quality Great keyboard Stylus Included
Patchy performance Poor battery life Average cameras
This applies not only to durability but also elements like the keyboard and the Yoga part means it’s convertible, too. Furthermore, the stylus – which neatly slots into the laptop itself – will be very useful for some users. On the flip side, the battery life is poorer than you’d expect for a ThinkPad, we experienced gaming issues and the cameras are pretty average, too.
Impressive 15.6in screen Plenty of RAM & storage Solid performance
Spongy keyboard Average battery life No touchscreen
That’s not the case here, with the Chromebooks Full HD IPS panel one of the best you’ll find on any Chrome OS device. It offers plenty of detail and vibrant colours, while the 15.6in size is larger than many rivals. it also features a matte coating, making it less reflective than the typical glossy finish. Other highlights include Intel Core i3 or i5 processors (albeit 11th-gen chips) and 8GB of RAM, meaning performance is solid. A 128GB SSD is slightly on the small side, but shouldn’t be an issue given Chrome OS’ emphasis on cloud storage. With a good range of ports and separate number pad, the Chromebook 515 has a lot going for it. If you can look beyond a slightly spongy keyboard and don’t want to spend a full day away from the charger, it’s worth considering.
Inexpensive Attractive design Good keyboard
Sub-standard battery life Slightly underpowered
It won’t be able to cope with much beyond basic tasks and the battery life is limited making it more suitable for around the home rather than on the road. If you want a quality Chromebook that’s more affordable than the Pixelbook Go, the C423NA is a good option.
Smart design Great keyboard Decent battery life
Lacklustre display Only suitable for light tasks
Yes, the display isn’t the best and the webcam is poor, but at this price, it gets a lot more right than it does wrong. It has a nice design with a decent keyboard and you also benefit from long battery life. Just make sure you only need it for lighter tasks.
Attractive hybrid design Comes with keyboard Cheap
Lacks processing power Cramped keyboard Small screen
The fact you’re getting a ChromeOS laptop and an Android tablet in one affordable package is just the start really – and yes, the keyboard is included in the price. It looks nice, lasts a decent amount of time and has a good quality display. It’s not the biggest screen, though and the keyboard is also a little cramped so isn’t ideal for all work situations – ie lots of typing or large spreadsheets. It also doesn’t have huge amounts of power so is better suited to lighter use.
Simple, clean design Excellent battery life Good port selection
No touchscreen Average display Occasional streaming glitches
There’s nothing particularly amazing about the 314 but that’s not the point. It gets the job done without breaking the bank and you might even find the Full HD model with 64GB for the same price as the lower-spec option. As long as you don’t expect anything flashy on the Chromebook 314 you’ll find it to be a very usable laptop that can be employed for work or home purposes. Cheap and cheerful? Yes, we’d say so. However, if you’re looking at an older model, it’s worth checking whether it supports them on not before buying. For the alternatives to other popular software, see the Q&A section on the Chromebook website. Instead, you’ll need to get used to smaller displays and relying on cloud storage rather than storing most files locally. Google offers 100GB of Drive storage with every machine and a range of other perks with every Chromebook bought. But entry-level processors are likely to hold you back unless you only need a Chromebook for the absolute basics. Look for a device running an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU or higher, while 8GB of RAM is a good baseline to aim for. In terms of display, look for a Full HD (1920×1080) or higher resolution and IPS LCD panels. OLED is nice to have, but rare on Chromebooks. These days, you can find displays ranging from 10-16in. Some offer touchscreens and 360° hinges, which allow the keyboard to be folded out of the way and it used like a tablet. But there are also a growing number of Chrome OS tablets with detachable keyboards. Battery life is also crucial, but don’t pay too much attention to the capacity itself. Instead, look for how much usage you can expect to get from a single charge. If the manufacturer doesn’t say, read reviews to understand other people’s experience with it. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
