Although Windows laptops are finally getting longer battery life, thanks to ARM support, the Chromebook continues to impress us with all day battery life, something that’s still out of the reach of most Windows 10 laptops. When Google revealed its original laptop lineup nearly seven years ago, we weren’t sure what to expect from the best Chromebooks. Now, in 2018, there are over 25 million Chrome OS users in the world who have embraced the world of Chromebooks.
Quick performance, low cost and long battery life are the core tenets that all the best Chromebooks follow. And, while you shouldn’t expect the best processors, the best Chromebooks keep getting better, as evidenced by 2018 offerings like the Acer Chromebook Spin 15 and the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 – both releasing in the very near future.
And, new features are being added to the best Chromebooks all the time. For instance, Google is developing a tablet mode for Chrome OS and AltOS – which will allow users to install a second operating system. Plus, at Google I/O, Google showed off a ton of new tricks in the works for Chrome OS, like Linux apps, SD card compatibility for Android apps, and better stylus support.
However, even with the best Chromebook, you’ll still be restrained to what your web browser (and Google’s own Android storefront) can do. So, you’ll want to look elsewhere for all of your gaming and media editing needs. Still, if you spend a large portion of your computer time in word processors, email clients and video streaming services, you might want to look into picking up one of the best Chromebooks.
Shortly after declaring the end of the Chromebook Pixel, Google brought it back in a way nobody was anticipating before its announcement, and subsequent release back in October 2017. Now, it’s the Google Pixelbook, and it stands completely independently of its spiritual predecessor. That’s because, unlike the Chromebook Pixel, it can natively run Android apps, on top of building upon Chrome OS. And, when you add in the huge storage space, fantastic stylus and Google Assistant, it shouldn’t be surprising when we say the Pixelbook is the best Chromebook available in 2018.
Read the full review: Google Pixelbook
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip
Before the Google Pixelbook showed up and showed us the full potential of the premium Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Flip was the best Chromebook you could buy. Rocking a full-fat Intel Core processor and full-HD display, the Chromebook Flip changed everything. With this Chromebook all the features we take for granted came to life. Put simply, if you want the key features that the Pixelbook offers, but you don’t want to drop that much cash, the Asus Chromebook Flip is a great choice.
Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip
When Google announced that Android apps would be heading to Chromebooks, it was only a matter of time before Samsung took its mastery of the two OSs and crafted something truly beautiful. Boasting a 12.3-inch QHD touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge, the Samsung Chromebook Pro is widely acclaimed for its built-in stylus – the first of its kind to show up in a Chromebook. Not only does it show up a majority of laptops in its own category, but it’s better than most Android devices as well, our issues with the speakers and keyboard aside.
Read the full review: Samsung Chromebook Pro
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.
If the Samsung Chromebook Pro is all about versatility, the Dell Chromebook 11 is about value. Reinforced by a 180-degree hinge, sturdy design and a sealed keyboard and trackpad in addition to a punchy typing experience, this Chromebook is a perfectly portable package. Not only adequately suited for school and work, the Dell Chromebook 11 even packs a set of loud stereo speakers for listening to music or watching videos. Don’t worry about dinging it, either, as this device remains the most rugged Chromebook on our list.
Read the full review: Dell Chromebook 11
With the build quality of a MacBook, we can look past the Acer Chromebook 15’s aversion to 2-in-1 form factors. But, given that most Chromebooks releasing in 2018 are fully convertible due to the wide implementation of Android app support, the Acer Chromebook 15 had to prove itself to us with more than just a beautiful design. So, on top of its ability to lay flat using a 180-degree hinge, this 15-inch beauty makes great strides with its battery life as well, lasting nearly 17 hours in our own TechRadar battery life test.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15
- This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the HP Chromebook 14.
Judging by the recent release of the Chromebook Spin 11, we wouldn’t surprised if the Acer Chromebook R11 is replaced, but it still holds up to this day as a great choice for those on the prowl for the best Chromebook around. It isn’t the most powerful Chromebook around, but it still gives you full access to Android Apps on the Google Play store. What’s better, it does so on a touchscreen display that can be rotated around into tablet mode, complemented by an all-metal finish that you won’t be embarrassed by.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11
The HP Chromebook 14 is practically the posterchild for Chromebooks. Its rock-bottom starting price and zippy interpretation of Chrome OS only begin to exemplify its appeal. While Acer's Chromebook 15 serves up similar components, HPs' 14-incher is a bit more compact and better looking to boot. Embellished with a bright blue finish and a screen devised to surprise, this machine boasts the best value out of every Chromebook you could buy. Albeit average in both battery life and performance, the HP Chromebook 14 remains a sublime value nonetheless.
Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14
- This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip
The HP Chromebook 13 goes above and beyond what any of us would expect from a Chromebook. You’re guaranteed at least a 1440p screen, two USB-C ports and, if you're willing to shell out just a bit more cash, you can also snatch yourself an Intel Core-M processor rather than a Pentium. All of this is complemented by incredible style and a metallic design that exudes Pixel influence. Given that Google discontinued its own Chromebook earlier in the year, the HP Chromebook 13 is one of the few remaining alternatives.
Read the full review: HP Chromebook 13
Watch the video below for the top 7 things to consider when buying a laptop.
Juan Martinez and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article.
- Many of the best Chromebooks also made our best cheap laptops list
