Gamers who haven’t been paying attention to Chromebooks over the last couple of years have really been missing out on some remarkable innovations. No longer are Chromebooks just little dinky laptops for middle schoolers. They are actually great lightweight laptops for personal use, business use, and maybe even gaming.
Related
The Best Gaming Laptops for 2024
The best gaming laptop for you will come down to budget, expected performance, and workload. Let’s dive in and find your new gaming laptop.
Chromebooks run on Google’s Chrome OS, which is basically an operating system designed to be lightweight and highly secure. It offers seamless integration with Google’s suite of applications and services, making Chromebooks an excellent choice for users who rely on Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive for work or personal use. Additionally, with the ability to run Android apps, these devices offer versatility that is hard to match at similar price points within other laptop categories. What’s more, is that new, modern processors deliver lightning-fast speeds, while also offering exceptionally great battery life.
ASUS, Acer, HP, and Lenovo are some of the best Chromebook manufacturers out there. However, with so many options to choose from, finding the best Chromebook can be a daunting task. Keeping in mind that users may have different needs and requirements, Game Rant has compiled a list of the best Chromebooks that provide top-rated performance at different price tags. Whether users are searching for a device that can keep up with their day-to-day tasks, help them ace their studies, or even provide some light gaming on the side, there’s a Chromebook out there that fits the bill.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Chromebooks in 2024
Best Overall Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus features an Intel i3 processor and UHD Graphics for smooth performance in browsing and media tasks. It boasts a 14-inch Full HD display, superior sound with MaxxAudio speakers, and Google AI enhancements. Its durable, military-grade build makes it reliable for daily use.
- Operating System
- ChromeOS
- CPU
- Intel i3-N305
- GPU
- Intel UHD
- RAM
- 8GB
- Storage
- 128GB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14″, 1920×1080
- Brand
- Lenovo
- Model
- IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus
- Powerful Intel i3 processor
- High-quality Full HD display
- Integrated Google AI
- eMMC Storage
- Slightly bulky
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus stands out as a top-tier choice for those seeking a reliable and powerful Chromebook. The laptop is powered by the Intel i3-N305 processor, which offers a total of 8 cores. Combined with the Intel UHD Graphics, the Slim 3i delivers a smooth and responsive experience, whether it’s for browsing, streaming, or working on documents.
Its 14-inch Full HD IPS display delivers crisp, vibrant visuals, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods. For those planning to use it for media consumption, the front-facing, MaxxAudio-certified speakers deliver deep bass to complete the entertainment package. The Chromebook is also quite portable, while its military-grade certified metal cover keeps it resistant to damage from spills and drops.
Of course, the highlight here is the Chromebook Plus badging, which brings about the integration of Google AI. This includes many of Google’s AI features such as Magic Editor, Generative Editing, and much more. Essentially, the user is upgraded to the Google One AI Premium Plan for 12 months, after which they’ll have to pay for it. Even so, that’s excellent value for money, and the entire package makes sense for most consumers.
Best Budget Chromebook
ASUS Chromebook CM14
$280 $300 Save $20
The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is ideal for students and budget-conscious users, equipped with a MediaTek processor and 8GB of memory for smooth multitasking. It features a 14-inch Full HD display with an anti-glare coating and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. Designed for portability, it offers robust battery life, making it great for daily use on the go.
- Operating System
- ChromeOS
- CPU
- MediaTek Kompanio 520
- GPU
- ARM Mali-G52 MC2
- RAM
- 8GB
- Storage
- 64GB eMMC
- Brand
- ASUS
- Model
- Chromebook CM14
- Very affordable
- Large, anti-glare display
- Good battery life
- MediaTek processor is not as powerful as some Intel or AMD processors
- Limited storage capacity
- No touchscreen support
For students or budget-conscious buyers, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is the perfect gateway to the world of Chromebooks. The laptop is powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, which has been designed specially for Chromebooks. It’s not a lot, but it manages to provide enough power for everyday tasks. Also, unlike other budget Chromebooks on the market, the CM14 comes with 8GB LPDDR4X memory. This is to ensure that one can run multiple tabs and applications smoothly.
Related
Best Budget Laptops for Students in 2024
Unlock your academic potential with our guide to the best budget laptops for students, designed for both work and play.
As the name suggests, the CM14 features a 14-inch display. While it doesn’t support touch input, it’s a full HD display, providing excellent visuals whether you’re working on documents, watching videos, or browsing the web. The anti-glare coating helps to reduce reflections, making it easier to see the screen in bright conditions. Despite being on the cheaper side, the Chromebook comes with a good array of IO options and supports both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
The design isn’t anything fancy, but its portability and ruggedness should appeal to prospective consumers. Additionally, its battery life is robust, allowing users to work for hours on end without needing to plug in. This is a huge plus for anyone who needs to move about during their day. Overall, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is a great option for students, budget-minded users, or anyone who needs a reliable Chromebook for everyday tasks.
Best Mid-Range Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
$324 $400 Save $76
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 boasts a Ryzen 3 7320U APU with a powerful integrated GPU to power the pixels. This Chromebook provides an excellent configuration for intensive work which includes a quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB. Its good quality IPS panel is a noteworthy feature, which provides good color accuracy.
- Operating System
- Chrome OS
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
- GPU
- Radeon 610M
- RAM
- 8GB LPDDR5X
- Storage
- 128GB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14″, 1920×1200
- Camera
- 1080p
- Network
- WiFi 63
- Brand
- Acer
- Model
- CB514-3H-R6G5
- Quad Core APU with capable iGPU
- IPS display
- WiFi 6E for fast internet
Ryzen-powered Chromebooks aren’t as common, but they tend to bring more powerful graphics for executing heavier graphical loads. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is what users should get if they are more into gaming and want to play graphically intensive Android games. It is powered by the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U APU, which not only provides 4 cores and 8 threads for great productivity and multitasking, but also boasts a Radeon 610M GPU to provide a smooth gaming experience. Of course, if users want to play modern titles, they can do cloud gaming, but browser and Android games can be played without any worries.
It also features a slightly higher resolution than full HD to provide more details on the screen. An IPS panel is used for good viewing angles and vivid picture quality. For users who like to open several Chrome tabs at once, the laptop gives 8GB of total system memory and a 128GB fast SSD to save important files and data. For internet connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E is the answer for enthusiasts who love to play YouTube videos at higher resolutions and want to download files quickly.
Best Premium Chromebook
HP Elite Dragonfly
The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is a Chromebook designed with business users in mind. It prioritizes security, manageability, and powerful performance, making it a great choice for professionals who need a reliable and secure machine on the go.
- Operating System
- ChromeOS
- CPU
- Intel Core i3-1215U
- GPU
- Intel UHD
- RAM
- 8GB
- Storage
- 128GB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 13.5″, 2256 x 1504
- Brand
- HP
- Model
- Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
- High-end, sleek design
- Strong security
- Good battery life and lightweight
- Very expensive
- Limited upgradeability
The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook redefines what a premium Chromebook can be. This device is not just about powerful specs — it’s about delivering an experience. The laptop’s 13.5-inch touchscreen display offers vibrant colors and crisp details thanks to its 2K resolution. It’s accompanied by dual stereo speakers, tuned by B&O.
Related
Best Laptops for Business in 2024
Discover the top laptops for business in our latest guide.
As for performance, the Dragonfly is powered by the Intel Core i3-1215U processor. Despite being a couple of generations older, it ensures smooth performance for demanding tasks like multitasking, video conferencing, and running web apps. On top of all that, it still delivers an all-day battery life.
The Dragonfly Chromebook prioritizes security with built-in features like data encryption, sandboxing, and more. It even includes the Google-designed Titan C chip to protect identity and system integrity. While it’s definitely one of the most expensive Chromebooks on the market, it’s also one that offers the best premium experience.
Best Gaming Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is ideal for cloud gaming, featuring a powerful Intel Core 5 processor and a 16-inch WQXGA display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It supports NVIDIA GeForce NOW, with reliable connectivity options. The customizable RGB keyboard adds a personal touch for gamers.
- Operating System
- ChromeOS
- CPU
- Intel Core 5
- GPU
- Intel UHD
- RAM
- 8GB
- Storage
- 256GB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16″, 2560×1600
- Brand
- Acer
- Model
- Chromebook Plus 516 GE
- Powerful specs
- High-resolution display
- RGB keyboard
- Limited gaming library compared to PCs
- Shorter battery life
For fans of cloud gaming, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is the perfect option. With an Intel Core 5 120U processor and enhanced graphics capabilities, it can handle more graphically intensive games that typical Chromebooks would struggle with. The highlight is the device’s 16-inch WQXGA display, with a 120Hz refresh rate. It provides gamers with not just more screen real estate, but also a significantly higher resolution for immersive gaming experiences.
Related
The Best 16 inch Gaming Laptops for 2024
A 16-inch gaming laptop can deliver an immersive gaming experience. Here’s a handy guide to help you find the best 160inch laptops available.
The 516 GE comes with support for NVIDIA GeForce NOW, giving its users access to over 1,800 games, including free-to-play titles. Plus, with versatile Wi-Fi 6E and RJ45 Ethernet options, you can stay connected without any issues. The design also screams “gamer”, thanks to its customizable RGB keyboard.
Alternatively, those short on cash but still craving a Chromebook for a cloud gaming experience, can opt for the older Acer Chromebook 516 GE. Powered by the Intel Core i5-1240P, this machine should suffice for cloud gaming needs with ease. It also has the same design and display but doesn’t come with the Chromebook Plus AI capabilities.
Best 2-in-1 Chromebook
acer Chromebook Spin 714 14″
Versatile design, affordable pricing, and high quality —that’s what people get when they buy the Acer Spin 714 touchscreen laptop. Featuring an innovative 360-degree hinge design, this gadget can easily transition from a laptop to a tablet to cater to various work needs. Its 14-inch display is also clear and vibrant, enhancing media consumption and work tasks.
Thanks to the Chrome operating system, the Spin 714 easily handles demanding apps and showcases efficient performance
- Operating System
- Chrome OS
- CPU
- Intel Core i5
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 2 TB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14″ Touchscreen FHD+
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Powerful Intel Core i5 processor
- High-resolution touchscreen with stylus
- Expensive
- Heavier than a typical tablet
For those who crave flexibility, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is an excellent choice. This 2-in-1 device seamlessly transitions between a laptop and a tablet. The package also includes a touchscreen display with the USI stylus for those who sketch or take notes digitally. As for the panel itself, it’s a beautiful 14-inch WUXGA IPS panel that looks great and works very well. The laptop’s 360-degree hinge allows the user to easily switch from tablet, laptop, tent, and every angle in between.
As for performance, the Intel Core i5-1335U is a trustworthy processor, coupled with 8GB RAM. It performs well in various use cases, from browsing and media streaming to more demanding productivity tasks. The Spin 714 also boasts a military-grade MIL-STD 810H certification, meaning it can withstand the occasional drop or spill. The Chromebook is also Intel Evo-certified, with a claimed battery life of up to 10 hours.
Related
Best Portable Laptops in 2024
Explore the top portable laptops that offer the best in performance, portability, and battery life.
How To Choose The Best Chromebook?
These are the factors that buyers should consider when choosing a Chromebook: size, performance, storage, and battery life.
Size
Chromebooks come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from 10 inches to 16 inches. Most users will probably fall between the 12-inch to 14-inch range, but people who need more screen real estate and aren’t as worried about portability should look at the 16-inch options.
Alongside the screen size are the overall dimensions of the Chromebook. Most of these devices are intended to be used on the go and taken everywhere, so having one that will fit into a bag or is otherwise not a pain to carry is vital. This number is different for everyone, so to make it easy, take out a bag that is most comfortable for commuting or traveling and measure it to see which Chromebooks will fit.
Performance
Chromebooks are not the bleeding edge when it comes to mobile computer performance, but they can accomplish a surprising amount of tasks, especially with the latest Chromebooks that are coming out. Because most Chromebooks rely on integrated graphics, the CPU and RAM are the main two specs people will want to check out.
Generally, users who want to multitask and accomplish whatever the workday throws at them should look for quad-core CPUs. Some more budget Chromebooks will use mobile processors like a Snapdragon SC7180; these aren’t bad, but they will probably have slower performance than the Intel or AMD options.
As far as RAM goes, ChromeOS is very well optimized, so despite the Chrome browser’s reputation for being a memory hog, most Chromebooks can run perfectly fine with 4 GB of RAM. A Chromebook with 8 GB of RAM will feel much more snappy and responsive, but it is a bit overkill unless it is for gaming or heavy work.
The Processor
Chromebooks sport many processors, which determine their application. Low-end models may have the Intel Celeron processor, which is entry-level and perfect for light-duty work, such as office and school assignments.
For gaming, programming, and video editing, users will need a Chromebook with a sturdier processor, like Intel Core i5 and above, or at least Core i3.
Cost
Consumers should work within their budgets when getting a Chromebook. The good news is that they are cheaper than typical laptops, though the specialized models, like the ones for gaming, might be a bit pricey. Users should check reviews to get a Chromebook that is the perfect balance of cost and features.
Storage and Battery Life
Finally, storage and battery life are the last couple of factors to remember. Regarding storage, Chromebooks don’t need as much storage as Windows or MacOS devices, so there is no need to get 1 TB drives. For the most part, 64 GB is very common, but for users who want to use a Chromebook for work and gaming, it is probably best to go for 128 GB of storage. Separate from the amount is the type of storage.
SSD drives are great for every use case. They are faster, more reliable, and typically can support more storage than eMMC. On the other hand, eMMC’s main advantage is the price; eMMC storage will always be more budget-friendly than SSDs.
When it comes to battery life, it’s not too much of a concern. Most Chromebooks have a battery life of 8 to 12 hours, which will get most people through a day of work or travel without needing a recharge. Game Rant recommends ensuring all the other specs align with what is required and checking out the battery life towards the end.
Related
Best Laptops for Gaming and Work in 2024
Discover the ideal laptops that excel in gaming and productivity, ensuring you get the best of both worlds in one device.
FAQ
Q: Which Chromebook has the longest lifespan?
It is hard to tell for every person, but overall, the Chromebook that has the best chance to survive the longest is the Framework Chromebook. The fact that users can replace or upgrade components as needed means that they can hold onto this Chromebook for quite a while before purchasing a whole new one.
Q: Do Chromebook batteries last longer than laptops?
One of the most significant advantages of Chromebooks is that they typically have longer battery life than most laptops. Most of the Chromebooks recommended here have a battery life of over 8 hours, which is much better than even the most power-efficient Windows laptops.
Q: Are Chromebooks still good in 2023?
Chromebooks are an excellent option in 2023. They have only gotten better in recent years.
