Best Chromebooks in 2024 (2024)

Chromebooks have really evolved since they first hit the scene. Just like Windows laptops, Chromebooks now come in all shapes and sizes and are solid options even against MacBooks. There are a wide variety of devices to choose from, including ChromeOS clamshell laptops, convertibles, and even desktop Chromeboxes.

Chromebooks also have a lot to offer in terms of software. Google has really moved ChromeOS to help support your work, play, and creativity lifestyles. You can run Android apps from the Google Play Store, install Linux apps, and even get away with gaming (in beta) in select higher-end Chromebook models. Thanks to new partnerships and integrations, you even can enjoy cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming on new specialized Chromebook models.

A Chromebook can do a lot for you in 2023, and here are some of our picks for the best ones you can buy right now.

Best overall: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

The best Chromebook, hands down

$1100 $1400 Save $300

The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is the best Chromebook you can buy. It was designed with Google, so it's the closest thing we'll see to a new Pixel-branded Chromebook. It has a 1,200-nit, 2560x1600 display, an RGB keyboard, and 12th-generation Intel CPUs for efficient computing.

Pros

• Great 1,200-nit display
• Powerful audio
• RGB keyboard is delightful

Cons

• Heavy
• Keyboard isn't that great

$1100 at HP

At the top of our list as the best Chromebook you can buy is one that was released to start 2023 and one that we recently reviewed. It's the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. This Chromebook is one of the newest for sale and packs in plenty of impressive features. It carries a high cost of $1,000, but you get premium features from Windows laptops, like an RGB keyboard, an impressive 8MP webcam, a high-resolution display, and fantastic speakers. We dived deeper into why we loved features and more in our HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook review.

As a recap, with the CPU, this Chromebook comes with a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1235U CPU. It's a hybrid CPU, so with performance and efficiency cores, there's no task that this Chromebook won't handle, especially when you consider the 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of storage. Beyond just web browsing, these specs make this the ideal Chromebook for gaming on Steam, trying out cloud gaming services, and even Android gaming.

With the display, ports, and keyboard, there are a few things to keep in mind. The display hits 2560x1600 resolution and a crazy high 1,600 nits of brightness, making sure you can clearly see everything you're working on no matter the lighting conditions. For ports, there are four Thunderbolt 4 ports, which is a first for a Chromebook. Then, with the keyboard, it's an RGB keyboard that can light up your world and adapt to your wallpaper. Altogether, this helps makes this one of the best Chromebooks you can buy, even better than Google's own hardware when it had the Pixelbook lineup.

Best premium option: HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

For when you need to multitask

The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is the best premium Chromebook you can buy. It has speedy fast 12th-generation Intel CPUs that are great for heavy multitasking and running Android apps; a unique haptic touchpad, and a 3:2 aspect-ratio display that gives you a great view.

Pros

• 12th-generation Intel CPUs
• Haptic touchpad
• Great port selection

Cons

• Slightly expensive
• Pen is a separate purchase

$2177 at HP$1099 at Newegg

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Now, for the best Chromebook convertible, which is the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook. This is a very premium Chromebook that comes in close to $1,900. If you're after something cheaper, then check out the other picks on our list.

Under the hood are 12th-generation Intel CPUs. These are all U-series chips that have performance and efficiency cores. We loved the performance of this chip in our review, finding that Linux ran great, Android apps were fast, and webpages loaded up quickly when multitasking. The only downside to the CPU and specs choice, though, is the battery life, which was decent but not outstanding in our tests.

Another thing that makes this Chromebook special is the haptic touchpad. You'll get great feedback for common tasks as you use your Chromebook, like dragging windows into place. You can even tap anywhere you want on it to click since the entire surface is clickable.

Of course, the display matters here, too. You'll be getting a fully convertible display that you can use in multiple modes — either tent, stand, tablet, or laptop. Just as what you'll find on most modern Windows laptops, the display houses a 13.5-inch slim-bezel panel turned to a 3:2 aspect ratio. Paired with support for the optional HP Digital Pen, this means more vertical viewing room for web-based content and inking on the screen.

We'll end with the ports on the machine. You'll get two modern Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-Type A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. HDMI and USB-A mean you can leave your dongles behind.

Best with 13th-generation Intel CPU: Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)

Featuring the latest Intel CPU

$520 $700 Save $180

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is one of the newer Chromebooks featuring 13th-generation Intel CPUs. These CPUs help power this Chromebook through any task you might have. It's the latest CPUs that you'll find even in the latest Windows laptops.

Pros

• Features 13th-generation Intel CPUs
• Has a 16:10 aspect ratio screen
• Has backlit keyboard

Cons

• Sometimes hard to find
• No garaged pen

$649 at Amazon$520 at Best Buy

The Chromebooks we've mentioned so far are pretty impressive when it comes to overall design and features. But if you're a person that wants a device with the latest Intel CPUs, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 will be for you. This is one of the first Chromebooks to feature 13th-generation Intel CPUs, which bring higher clock speeds and slightly better performance than last year's 12th-generation counterparts.

Specifically, it has an Intel Core i5-1335U CPU, along with the 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. This new CPU is still hybrid, meaning it has performance and efficiency cores, but the operating range is slightly better. Last year's variant maxed out at a 4.40 GHz turbo, but the CPU in this year's Acer Chromebook Spin 714 has a slightly faster 4.60 GHz speed. All of this means you should get amazing performance for any task, be it web browsing with tons of tabs in Chrome, gaming on Steam, or even running Linux apps.

It's also on par with other premium Chromebooks in terms of other hardware. It has a fantastic 16:10 aspect ratio 1920x1200 resolution display, it's made of quality aluminum, and the keyboard is backlit. The trackpad is also made of glass, so scrolling will feel amazing. Even the port selection is solid, with two USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and a USB-A port. No dongles will be needed. The fancy gold accents on the hinge will make this Chromebook shine, too, and will help it fit in any setup, a home or an office.

Keep in mind, though, that you'll still see many versions of the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 for sale. The version with 13th-generation Intel CPUs is only for sale right now at Best Buy, so it's relatively rare and hard to find elsewhere.

A new Chromebook Plus model: Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

With AI features and more

Google recently launched a new line of Chromebook Plus models, and the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is one of them. This Chromebook has a great FHD display, up to 16GB RAM, and a neat 1080p webcam. The webcam is also backed by AI features like background blur.

Pros

• Beautiful design
• Great performance
• Backlit keyboard and trackpad

Cons

• Poor battery life

$600 at Asus$440 at Amazon

Google has a new type of Chromebook that you can buy, dubbed Chromebook Plus. These new Chromebook models meet Google's strict standards. They feature great displays, great performance, and excellent webcams. All three of those things are what help land the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 on this list.

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a great everyday Chromebook for under $500. Under the hood of this Chromebook is the 12th-generation Intel Core i3-1215U CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB of universal flash storage. Specs like this help ensure you can use this Chromebook for work or school and casual web browsing without issue. The Intel Core i3 CPU is much faster than the typical Intel Celeron CPU you'd see in most budget Chromebooks. Additionally, you get 8GB RAM, which is double the RAM of most other Chromebooks in this price range.

As for the display, the Aus Chromebook Plus CX34 has a 14-inch FHD 1920x1080 resolution display. You can spread all your favorite apps across these windows, and worry less about running out of room on the display when working or having to connect to monitors. The display is non-touch, but touch options will be sold soon. Note that atop the display is a 1080p webcam, but thanks to ChromeOS, you'll have access to features like background blur, and lighting improvement, to boost webcam quality. All around, including the ports, which are two USB-C ports, two USB-A port, and an HDMI and headphone jack, this Chromebook should excel for most people.

Best for streaming: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Great for Samsung fans, too.

For those who love streaming and multimedia, the best Samsung Chromebook to buy is the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2. The QLED display will bring content on the screen to life, and you'll be able to convert this Chromebook into other modes of use. The striking red colorway is also quite interesting, helping set you apart from the sea of boring gray laptops.

Pros

• Vibrant QLED display
• Striking red colorway
• Affordable at under $1,000

Cons

• Older Intel CPUs
• Only has USB-C ports and microSD

$700 at Amazon$700 at Best Buy$700 at Samsung

If you're after the best Samsung Chromebook, then the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is our pick for that. This is one of the best options if you're looking to make ChromeOS your go-to platform for drawing. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 continues the overall design of the original Galaxy Chromebook but reduces some of the premium features to attain a more reasonable price. The most impressive feature here is definitely the display. You'll be awestruck by every image with the world’s first jaw-dropping QLED display on a Chromebook, which produces 100% color volume.

The processor options here are not quite as high-end since these are 10th-generation Intel parts, but the Intel Core i3 should do the job for most users. Starting options include the Intel Celeron, for $400, with an upgrade to the Intel Core i3 being $550.

While the S Pen is still supported, it’s not bundled with the laptop, so you’ll need to buy it separately. This also means there’s no slot for storing the S Pen in the body of the Chromebook.

Design is another strong point for the Galaxy Chromebook 2, particularly in the Fiesta Red color. If you’re looking for a Chromebook that matches your personal style, then this is an excellent option to consider. In terms of design, the aluminum chassis feels sturdy and substantial, and it's a pleasure to carry around.

Beyond the look, Samsung kept the profile slim and rigid, opting for only two USB-C ports (one on each side) and a micro SD slot. This means you'll need to use a dongle for connecting to displays and USB-A accessories. Overall, this is the best Samsung Chromebook for you if you can live with that downside and a device with older Intel CPUs.

Best 15-inch: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4+

Big screen on a small budget

For a decent budget Chromebook with a 15-inch screen, you'll want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4+. This Chromebook has a great 15.6-inch FHD display. It also has a sleek MacBook-like design with slim bezels along the screen. Of course, it's plastic, but it packs a spill-proof keyboard. The CPU powering it is also decent enough for everyday web browsing.

Pros

• FHD resolution and 15.6-inch screen
• Sleek design
• Good port selection

Cons

• Keyboard isn't backlit
• CPU might be limiting for some people

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$300 at Samsung$320 at Amazon

Not everyone has $1,000 to spend on a Chromebook, and that's where the Samsung Chromebook 4+ comes in. This is one of the best 15-inch Chromebooks that comes in at a really low starting price of $300. It strikes a decent balance when it comes to the display, keyboard, design, and performance.

Powering the all-plastic Samsung Chromebook 4+ is an Intel Celeron N4000 processor. This is a much lower-end processor found in most Chromebooks of this price range, so things like Android apps might not perform the best. Paired with 4GB of RAM, though, it is enough to get you through web browsing just fine, as ChromeOS is heavily optimized for lower-end hardware.

As for the display, you're getting a Full HD 1920x1080 resolution 15.6-inch panel. The panel has an anti-glare coating and should hold up great when being used in office settings. Samsung even slimmed the side bezels of the display down a bit, to make it seem more like what you get on a MacBook. There's still an ugly chin, though, which you can't blame Samsung for at this low price. Overall, 15-inch Chromebooks are typically heavy. But Samsung's option is actually one of the lightest and thinnest, measuring 14.16 x 9.64 x 0.65 inches and weighing 3.75 pounds.

The keyboard and trackpad are also great on this device. With nice key travel, the island-style chicklet keyboard is good enough for getting through a day's work. There's also no backlighting either, so you'll have to stick to using this in the daytime or work under lights at night. But the added bonus of being spill-proof saves it from dying if it comes in contact with liquid Just like a MacBook or a more premium Chromebook, Samsung includes two USB-C ports for charging onboard the Chromebook 4+. This is in addition to a headphone jack and a single USB-A port. Older USB drives or peripherals should work fine on this system thanks to that bonus USB-A port.

Best for cloud and Steam gaming: Acer Chromebook 516 GE

Gaming on a Chromebook?

Gamers looking for a Chromebook will love the Acer Chromebook 516 GE. This Chromebook packs in an impassive 120Hz display, great speakers, and 12th-generation Intel CPUs for gaming without lag.

Pros

• 120Hz screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio
• RGB keyboard
• Great selection of ports

Cons

• No touchscreen
• A little on the heavy side

$600 at Amazon$650 at Best Buy

Cloud gaming is one of the newest things you can use Chromebooks for. There are actually a series of new Chromebooks designed just for that and the Acer Chromebook 516GE is one of them. This is a Chromebook we spent a lot of time with, and found it hard not to suggest it as one of the best in 2023 thanks to its CPU, display, keyboard, and design.

This is another Chromebook powered by Intel's 12th-generation CPUs. Here, it's the Intel Core i5-1240P processor, a CPU that's overkill for cloud gaming but great for doing tasks locally. You'll be able to run any Linux app you want with ease, along with any Android games. Web browsing should also be a breeze.

As for the overall design, this is one of the newest 16-inch Chromebooks that you can buy. This Chromebook comes in at 14.04 x 9.83 x 0.84 inches and 3.75 pounds. Plus, Acer even uses premium materials that make this worth the midrange price. The top lid is made of aluminum, and only the palm rest and display are made of plastic.

Usually, Chromebooks have displays that max out at 60Hz, but this panel maxes out at 120Hz, which makes it great for playing games. Other than that, this Chromebook also has a 16:10 aspect ratio. It means you can fit more on your screen without running out of room. And that keyboard? It's actually an RGB keyboard, which used to be something you'd only find on Windows laptops. You can light up this keyboard on this Acer in several colors through ChromeOS settings. The keyboard even has soft, quiet action, so you won't bother those around you when typing.

The last thing to mention is the ports. There are a ton of ports here, including one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, one HDMI port, one Ethernet (RJ-45) port, one 3.5 mm headphone jack, and two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2. We never had to worry about using dongles with this Chromebook.

Best for developers: Framework Chromebook

Build your own Chromebook

Developers and those who love upgrading their devices will adore the Framework Chromebook. It's one of the most customizable Chromebooks on the market thanks to the ability to swap out the ports, RAM, and SSD without sophisticated tools. It's an expensive Chromebook, though, and there's no touchscreen, so it's not for everyone.

Pros

• 12th-generation Intel CPUs
• Can swap out components easily
• Ports are fully modular

Cons

• Expensive
• No touchscreen

$999 at Framework

A lot of the Chromebooks we've mentioned on our list so far are powerful, affordable, or midrange devices. A special Chromebook we want to mention, though, is the Framework Chromebook. This Chromebook is a lot like the Windows-based Framework Laptop. You can upgrade the RAM, solid-state drive, and other critical parts of this Chromebook by following easy-to-understand online guides. Even the main board is user replaceable! Developers in need of a powerful Chromebook will love this device as a result. All of this makes the Framework Chromebook quite a unique device and worth suggesting for the right person, even at $1.000.

You can customize it to fit your own needs. And, just like some other devices on our list, the device is premium feeling. It is made of precision-formed aluminum. The keyboard even offers 1.5mm of travel with backlit keys, and the touchpad has a matte glass surface to make scrolling feel smooth.

Though $1,000 might seem a lot for a Chromebook, this Framework device offers great specifications and customization you won't get on any other device. You get a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1240P CPU paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as default. As we mentioned earlier, though, you're not stuck with these specifications. Using the included screwdriver, you can loosen the screws at the bottom of the laptop and release the keyboard deck to get inside this Chromebook, allowing you to replace the storage and the RAM.

You can actually even customize the ports as you see fit since Framework sells expansion ports. At any time, you can release the ports from the side of the laptop and add another in place. The ports function as Expansion Cards. You can purchase or add USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Display port, Ethernet, extra storage, or microSD. The display is also customizable. You can swap out the bezel on the display for various colors beyond just the standard black. All display options, however, are the same: a 2256 504 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Yet if you dig deeper into this Chromebook, you even can remove components like the battery, speakers, and Wi-Fi card. Framework sells these parts as well.

Best for business: HP Elite C640 G3

Ready to (sort of) run Windows

The HP Elite C430 G3 is a great Chromebook to consider for business. It is compatible with Parallels for ChromeOS, so it can run Windows. It also packs options for 12th-generation Intel CPUs, has options for a great FHD screen, and packs in plenty of ports.

Pros

• 12th-generation Intel CPUs
• FHD screen
• Lots of ports
• 5MP webcam

Cons

• Slightly expensive
• The best features are add-ons

$1004 at HP$1132 at CDW

Businesses looking for a specialty Chromebook might want to consider the HP Elite C640 G3, one of our favorite business Chromebooks.

This Chromebook comes with options for upgrading as high as the 12th generation Intel Core i7 CPU. Combine that with up to 16GB RAM, and businesses can also use this device to run Windows apps with Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS, for access to apps that aren't on ChromeOS. You even can add the option for LTE. Upgrading the parts on this Chromebook brings the price up a bit, but it might be worth it for businesses who don't want to buy a top-end Chromebook like the HP Elite Dragonfly that's convertible.

Speaking of upgrades, you can upgrade the display as high as a 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is perfect for stacking apps side by side and multitasking. HP offers this display with as high as 1,000 nits brightness, which is great for the outdoors. Even the webcam is great since it's a 5MP webcam, and not 1080p like on other devices. We also want to mention the backlit and spill-resistant keyboard.

Ending with ports, there's more than enough to avoid using a dongle or a docking station, which is important for enterprise scenarios. You'll get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two Type-A ports, a microSD card slot, a headphone jack, and HDMI.

Best Asus Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Flip CX5601

Fully convertible with all the features

The Asus Chromebook CX5601 is the best Asus Chromebook. This ChromeOS device sports 12th-generation Intel CPUs, 8GB RAM, and 128GB of storage. The display is huge at 16 inches, and it's even in the 16:10 aspect ratio. This means you'll have no issues multitasking and enjoying your favorite content on this Chromebook.

Pros

• 16-inch screen with 16:10 aspect ratio
• 12th-generation Intel CPU
• 1080p webcam

Cons

• Might be heavy for some people
• Only 8GB RAM

$649 at Best Buy$877 at CDW

Near the end of our list is a Chromebook from Asus: the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5601. Asus is one of the top Chromebook makers, and this is one of its latest, sporting speedy-fast 12th-generation Intel CPUs. It also has a fantastic display, a great port selection, and a premium design that makes it worth the sub-$600 asking price.

Diving into the specifics, this Chromebook features a 12th-generation Intel Core i3-1215U CPU, along with a total of 8GB of RAM. You'll also find that it has a traditional 128GB SSD and not the slower eMMC storage. This CPU might be on the lower end of Intel's Core lineup, but for a Chromebook, it's speedy-fast since Chrome OS is very optimized for these processors. You should have no issues with running Android apps, multitasking, and basic productivity with this device.

And speaking of multitasking, this Chromebook sports a 16-inch display, which is actually quite rare for a Chromebook convertible. What's even better is that the screen is set in the 16:10 aspect ratio, which gives you more vertical space for multitasking and stacking windows side by side. The resolution comes in at 1920x1200, which is above the FHD 1920x1080 resolution we usually look for.

Elsewhere, on this Chromebook, we love the FHD 1080p webcam, the backlit keyboard with 1.4mm of key travel, and the 5.73-inch trackpad. The quad speakers and the port selection are huge wins too, with Thunderbolt USB 3.2, HDMI, and a microSD card reader along with a headset jack. That's enough to avoid using a dongle to connect to displays, enough to get you extra storage for your favorite files, and even to connect an external mouse or keyboard to your Chromebook.

Best for battery life: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook

Featuring an Arm-based SoC

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a great budget-friendly Arm-based Chromebook. It might be under $400, but it has a big 14-inch FHD display, and it's very lightweight. The MediaTek chip under the hood also makes this a great Chromebook for long battery life and running Android apps, too.

Pros

• Long battery life
• Arm-based SoC is great for running Android apps
• Super lightweight
• Great colorway

Cons

• Not for heavy multitasking
• No backlit keyboard

$319 at Lenovo$319 at Best Buy

The last Chromebook on our list is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook. This Chromebook usually sells for $300, but it is frequently on sale for under that price. It's quite an affordable Chromebook, but it packs plenty of value for the price. It has a great FHD 1920x1080 resolution display, a sleek lightweight design, and is also great for running Android apps.

Firstly, this is a sleek Chromebook. It comes in a striking Abyss Blue colorway and dual-tone lid that helps set it apart from other ChromeOS devices. It's also pretty slim and light, coming in at 12.83 inches in length, and a 0.73-inch thickness. As far as weight goes, it's under 2.86 pounds, which is plenty portable for a Chromebook. Connectivity could be better, though, since there's only a microSD card slot, USB-C, USB-A, and a headphone jack. The keyboard isn't backlit, either, and this is an all-plastic device.

Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520, and 4GB RAM, this is a pretty decent Chromebook for web browsing, too. We had no issues with it when putting it through our workflow here with multiple browser tabs in Chrome, and when we fired up Android apps, the performance was smooth. The 4GB RAM is a bit limiting should you want to multitask heavily.

As for the display, it's rare to see a budget-friendly ChromeOS device with an FHD 1920x1080 resolution display. Yet, that's what this Chromebook has. It's even a touch screen, too, and it's plenty bright, even for working outdoors.

We talked about why we loved this ChromeOS device so much in our IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook review.

The best Chromebooks in 2023: The bottom line

And there you have it! We highly suggest picking up a flagship device like the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. This is as close to a new Google-made flagship Chromebook as you'll get, especially when you consider that Google and HP worked closely on it together. It's a traditional clamshell Chromebook with a super bright display, a really comfortable RGB keyboard, speakers, and a premium design. We also can't forget the speakers onboard, which will make anything you listen to sound great. Even the speedy and efficient 12th-generation Intel CPUs under the hood make this a Chromebook great for tasks like running Android apps, speeding through web browsing, and so much more.

Best overall

HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

The best Chromebook, hands down

The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is the best Chromebook you can buy. It was designed with Google, so it's the closest thing we'll see to a new Pixel-branded Chromebook. It has a 1,200-nit, 2560 x 1600 display, an RGB keyboard, and 12th-generation Intel CPUs for efficient computing.

$1000 at HP

If that's not your cup of tea, or if it's too expensive, then don't worry. There are plenty of alternatives for you. There's the much more affordable Galaxy Chromebook 4+ which has a 15-inch screen, and a really sleek design. It also has a good port selection, a super comfortable keyboard, and a decent CPU under the hood for everyday web browsing. Remember, Chromebooks are versatile devices, so we're sure there will be something for you to try out and enjoy.