Asus Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) Review — A Reliable budget Chromebook. Asus chromebook cx1

Asus Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) Review — A Reliable budget Chromebook

Asus launched its latest Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) in India earlier this week. Instead of launching 3-year-old Chromebook models like it did earlier this year, this time it has launched the latest model in the country, soon after the global launch. The entry-level Chromebook packs a lot of features and also comes with a durable body. Is this the value-for-money Chromebook under Rs. 20,000? Let us dive into the review to find out.

Box Contents

  • Asus Chromebook CX1 in Transparent Silver colour
  • 45W Type-C AC Adapter
  • User manual

Design and Build

The Asus Chromebook CX1 is an ultra-compact and ultraportable that weighs just 1.24kg and measures 291.6 x 200.9 x 1.95mm. Even though it is not as small as the Chromebook 12 C223 that we had reviewed a few months back, this still has a compact design.

It has a plastic body, comes with metal reinforced hinges, and the outer case has a matte finish. This Chromebook has MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability, and the company says that it has been torture-tested to pass stringent, industry-leading Asus quality tests that exceed even the military standards. Asus says that the CX1101 has undergone several internal quality tests for everyday durability. The company has released only the Silver version in India.

It has a huge bezel around the display with Asus branding below the display and the HD webcam is present above it along with array microphones that promises better voice pickup along with superior background noise cancellation. The webcam is decent for the price.

The display can tilt as far back as a complete 180-degrees, so that you can share and collaborate content with other on a single screen. 360-degree option in the Chromebook Flip C214 was much useful for media consumption.

Regarding the ports, the right side has a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port with charging indicator next to it, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port and a Kensington lock slot. On the left side, there is a USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, microSD slot that accepts cards up to 2TB and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. Both the USB-C ports support PD fast charging.

The bottom part has bushes and dual speakers on either sides. Audio from the speakers are better than the Chromebook C223 model.

Display

Coming to the display, the Chromebook has an 11.6-inch LED-Backlit LCD panel with 16:9 aspect ratio, 1366 x 768 pixels. Since the display has up to 220 nits brightness, it is decent in bright outdoors and the colours are decent as well since it has 45% NTSC colour gamut. It is an Anti-glare display that has a matte finish that promises less eye strain for day-long computing.

The viewing angles are way better compared to the Chromebook C223 model, but the panel quality could have been better. However, due to large bezels the screen-to-body ratio is down to 67%, from 74% in the Chromebook C223 model that has the same 11.6-inch screen. Large bezels were a not distraction for me when consuming media content.

Keyboard and touchpad

The chiclet keyboard with 1.5mm key-travel is comfortable to type, and the trackpad is also good for the price. The spill-resistant keyboard can resist up to 60cc of liquid spillage, says the company. Asus says that the keyboard has 10mn keystroke life-span. The large touchpad that can intelligently recognize accidental palm contact during typing and rejects these inputs so that you can rest your hands naturally and comfortably while typing. The touchpad also supports multitouch gestures.

Chrome OS

Regarding the software, the Chome OS has been improving over the years. It has a simple UI that is designed around the browser. You get Google G Suite apps, and you can install more apps from the Google Store. The company says that it has multiple layers of security to defend against malware, viruses and accidental mishaps. Google usually offers up to 8 years of updates. For this model, Google will offer updates till June 2026, which is 5 years.

There is also Google Play Store to install Android apps, but not all the apps are optimized for the Chromebook or tablet, so these are displayed in the form of portrait UI for phones.

ASUS C204MA Chromebook Review. The Cheapest Touch Screen Chromebook?

Google’s Chrome OS now has Linux support, a feature that lets you use or even develop Linux based software using your Chromebook. You can install Linux command line tools, code editors, and IDEs on the Chromebook.

Performance and Connectivity

The Asus Chromebook CX1101CMA model that we have is powered by Intel Celeron N4020 (1.1GHz base clock / 2.6GHz burst / 4MB cache / 4 cores / 4 threads / 14nm architecture) processor with Intel UHD Graphics 600, which can handle browsing and multimedia content well. This is way better than the dual-core Intel Celeron N3350 in the older Chromebook C223 model.

It is coupled with 4GB of LPDDR4 2400Mhz RAM and 64GB eMMC storage. It can boot quickly and lets you open a few Chrome tabs, but it slows down when you do resource-hungry process like opening more than 10 tabs or playing heavy 3D games or running several Android apps in the background.

The Chromebook scored 45.3 fps in Speedometer 2.0 and in Geekbench 5, it scored 482 in single-core and 911 in multi-core benchmark. In comparison, the Intel Celeron N3350 processor on the older Chromebook C223 model scored 22 fps in Speedometer 2.0, 253 on Geekbench single-core and 515 in Geekbench multi-core benchmarks.

Regarding the connectivity, this has dual-Band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1. I did not have any connectivity issues. Another feature I like in the Chrome OS is that you can connect your Android phone to the Chromebook and easily use the 4G connection on the phone as a hotspot with easy setup without having to set it up on the phone manually.

You can connect a USB Type-C directly or use the USB Type-A port to connect a hard disk, if you feel that the 64GB storage is less. You can also make use of the microSD slot. The USB Type-C ports also act as a display port so that you can connect adapters to connect it to a monitor.

Multimedia

Even though this just has an HD screen, it can play 1080p or even 4K videos on YouTube. It also has Widevine L1 support, so you can play HD content on online streaming apps like Netflix and Hotstar and other apps.

Even though I could play HD content on Netflix and Hotstar without any issues, I couldn’t get to play HD content on Prime Video through the browser, but the Prime Video Android app supported HD playback without any issues. This is the same issue I had with the older model.

The built-in video player supports playback offline without any issues. Audio in some video formats couldn’t be handled by the built-in player, and the VLC player was useful to play those videos without any issues, and it handled HEVC or x265 videos with VLC, unlike the older models with Celeron N3350 processor.

Battery Life

The Chromebook has 42Wh lithium-polymer that promises 13 hours of battery life with a mix of standby, web browsing, and other use. I managed to get close to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge with minimal brightness and mixed online browsing and offline video playback. This might vary depending on your use. With the 45W AC Adapter, you can charge that Chromebook is less than one and half hours from 0 to 100%. You can also any USB-PD charger to charge it.

Conclusion

Overall, the Asus Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) is the best compact Chromebook for less than Rs. 20,000. It can handle browsing, online streaming, offline video, video conferencing, document editing and more. The quad-core Intel Celeron is way better than the dual-core Celeron processor, but the display could have been better, so it might not offer the best multimedia experience.

Pricing and availability

It is available from Flipkart at a special launch price of Rs. 18,990 till 21st December 2021, after that it will cost Rs. 19,999.

  • Compact, lightweight and durable body
  • Good battery life with fast PD charging
  • Dual USB Type-C and a Type-A port

Asus Chromebook CX1 Edu Laptop 15.6″ FHD AG Intel Celeron N5100 4GB 64GB eMMC ChromeOS 1yr warranty. WiFi6 BT5.2, Webcam, USB-C, MicroSD Reader

This item: Asus Chromebook CX1 Edu Laptop 15.6″ FHD AG Intel Celeron N5100 4GB 64GB eMMC ChromeOS 1yr warranty.

Rivacase Regent Carry Bag for 15.6 inch Notebook / Laptop (Black).

Kensington 52615 Mouse Pad. Black Standard mousing surface

Microsoft 1850 Wireless Mouse. Black USB. Scroll Wheel

Features

Asus Chromebook CX1 (CX1500). Get more done every day, from anywhere

Asus Chromebook CX1 is made for boosting productivity and having more fun while on the move. all day, every day. This laptop features up to a quad-core Intel CPU for superior performance and dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 technology for superfast speeds, as well as enhanced portability and an up to 11-hour battery life. The slim-bezel design of the series fits more screen into the compact chassis for easy multitasking and incredibly immersive entertainment, and the device is your gateway to the best of Google, including the rich library of apps for work or play on the Google Play. With speedy performance, robust security and convenient features, Asus Chromebook CX1 is not only perfect for students. it’s ideal for anyone on the go!

Design. Modern, stylish and ultraportable

Asus Chromebook CX1 embodies pure style and portability with a lightweight, 1.8 kg chassis and a distinctively trendy look and feel. Designed for empowering on-the-go lifestyles, it’s always ready to go wherever your day takes you.

Performance. Breeze through work

Powered by up to a quad-core Intel processor, Asus Chromebook CX1 delivers excellent performance for responsive experiences with your favorite apps. Combined with the full capabilities of Google Workspace and other productivity apps from the Google Play2, the device lets you make quick work of your to-do list, from anywhere.

Display. Immersive visuals for focused productivity

Featuring ultra-narrow bezels, Asus Chromebook CX1 packs a stunning 15.6-inch display into its ultraportable chassis, delivering an immersive 77% screen-to-body ratio. Combined with a matte anti-glare coating to reduce distracting reflections, the device maximizes your FOCUS and productivity while minimizing the form factor. empowering you to do more on the go!

Flexibility. Easy idea sharing

Asus Chromebook CX1 offers a 180° lay-flat hinge that allows it to be fully opened and laid completely flat on a desk or table. This setup makes it easy to share ideas, visuals, samples and designs when you’re working with friends, colleagues or clients.

Keyboard. Exceptional typing experience

A full-size, ergonomic keyboard with 1.4 mm key travel ensures that typing is supremely comfortable. Typing on a compact device has never been this smooth and easy! The device also features a numeric keypad for convenient, intuitive number input.

Wi-Fi. Fast, stable connections

Asus Chromebook CX1 (CX1500CKA) offers dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for strong, stable signals and superfast speeds, allowing you to load online content in the blink of an eye. Its connectivity is made even better by exclusive Asus technologies. such as Asus Wi-Fi Master for Chrome OS[7]. that ensure greater speed, stability and range for your Wi-Fi connections and help you stay connected anywhere.

Battery. Work or play, all day

The power-efficient Asus Chromebook CX1 is designed to last for up to 11 hour[8] on a single charge, so you can work or play throughout the day and while you’re on the move.

Security. Built-in protection

Asus Chromebook CX1 is enabled with automatic updates[9] and built-in anti-virus protection, seamlessly keeping your device safe, secure and always up to date. Because it leverages the rock-solid security of your personal Google Account, you can rest assured that private documents, emails, photos and confidential data are safe at all times.

Connectivity. USB-C for ultimate flexibility

Two full-function reversible USB-C (USB Type-C ports make it easy to charge Asus Chromebook CX1 or connect it to peripherals and external displays. USB-C provides superfast data-transfer speeds. making it possible to transfer a 2 GB video file to a USB drive in under 2 seconds[10]! For maximum convenience and compatibility, Asus Chromebook CX1 also features standard USB 3.2 ports, and there’s a microSD slot for adding more storage.

Chrome OS. Enjoy the best of Google

It doesn’t get better than Chrome OS. For both work and leisure time, Asus Chromebook CX1 is your gateway to the very best of Google. You’ll enjoy full access to Google Play2, and you can talk to Google to get things done.

Google Play. Easy access to apps on Google Play

Full access to Google Play lets you use your favorite apps for work, play and creativity. Also, with seamless Cloud integration, you can easily access almost anything from any device. Asus Chromebook CX1 opens a whole new world of freedom!

Google Assistant. The fast way to get things done?

Get more done fast using your voice on your Asus Chromebook CX1. Send an email, find documents, listen to music, access your calendar or control Smart home devices, all without switching screens. Just say “OK Google” to get started.

Specifications

Intel Celeron N5100 Processor 1.1 GHz (4M Cache, up to 2.8 GHz, 4 cores)

15.6-inch, LCD, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9, Anti-glare display, LED Backlit, 220nits, NTSC: 45%

2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C1x 3.5mm Combo Audio JackMicro SD card reader

Chiclet Keyboard1.4mm Key-travel

Built-in speakerBuilt-in microphonewith Google Assistant voice-recognition support

Network and Communication

Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax)BT5.2 (Dual Band) 22

36.13 x 24.99 x 1.87 ~ 1.87 cm (14.22″ x 9.84″ x 0.74″ ~ 0.74″)

Warranty: 12 months Warranty period is as stated above unless the manufacturer has chosen to specify a longer period. All warranties are return to base unless otherwise specified.

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A GREAT PURCHASE FORTHE PRICE

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Shipping costs vary based on your location and the items being shipped and in some cases shipping may even be FREE.

To calculate what the shipping costs will be for your order, add the items you are interested in to your cart, view the Shopping Cart page, and select your ‘Delivery Area’ to calculate the shipping cost.

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All orders shipped by PB Tech are sent via a courier with a signature required for each delivery. In some cases, and only where you have given the courier company permission to leave orders at a designated location, your order may be delivered without requiring a signature. All orders sent by PB Tech are fully insured in the unlikely event that your item(s) are damaged or go missing in transit.

Delivery Estimates

The delivery time-frame (in days) for each product we sell is detailed on the individual product page just to the right of the main product image. From when you place your order, in-stock products typically arrive within 7-10 working days for all countries that we ship to.

Overseas Shipments

If you are located in New Zealand, you can order directly from our New Zealand site www.pbtech.co.nz. If you are located in Australia you can order directly from our Australian website www.pbtech.com/au

Returns Warranty

7 day right of exchange

If you change your mind after making a purchase, or realise you have ordered the incorrect item, you can enjoy the peace of mind that we offer a 7 day exchange policy.

To exchange a product, goods must be sealed / unopened, with packaging in original condition, and accompanied by a valid receipt dated no more than 7 calendar days from when you request an exchange.

If there is not a suitable product that can be exchanged for your returned item you will be offered a credit on your account or gift card based on the value paid at the time of purchase.

Please note, items purchased on finance cannot be exchanged for a gift card.

Hassle free warranty service

If your product develops a fault within the manufacturer warranty period, you need to fill out our request a return form.

If your product develops a fault outside of the manufacturer warranty or PB Tech warranty period, we offer a full repair service and are an authorised repair agent for leading brands such as Samsung, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo and more.

Returning a product / making a warranty claim

To return a product to PB Tech, please complete our request a return form.

Or view our returns policy for more information.

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Asus Chromebook CX1 Edu Laptop 15.6″ FHD AG Intel Celeron N5100 4GB 64GB eMMC ChromeOS 1yr warranty. WiFi6 BT5.2, Webcam, USB-C, MicroSD Reader

Date Created: 07:43, 29-05-2023 Product URL: https://www.pbtech.com/product/NBKASU150058/Asus-Chromebook-CX1-Edu-Laptop-156-FHD-AG-Intel-Ce

Features

Asus Chromebook CX1 (CX1500). Get more done every day, from anywhere

Asus Chromebook CX1 is made for boosting productivity and having more fun while on the move. all day, every day. This laptop features up to a quad-core Intel CPU for superior performance and dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 technology for superfast speeds, as well as enhanced portability and an up to 11-hour battery life. The slim-bezel design of the series fits more screen into the compact chassis for easy multitasking and incredibly immersive entertainment, and the device is your gateway to the best of Google, including the rich library of apps for work or play on the Google Play. With speedy performance, robust security and convenient features, Asus Chromebook CX1 is not only perfect for students. it’s ideal for anyone on the go!

Design. Modern, stylish and ultraportable

Asus Chromebook CX1 embodies pure style and portability with a lightweight, 1.8 kg chassis and a distinctively trendy look and feel. Designed for empowering on-the-go lifestyles, it’s always ready to go wherever your day takes you.

Performance. Breeze through work

Powered by up to a quad-core Intel processor, Asus Chromebook CX1 delivers excellent performance for responsive experiences with your favorite apps. Combined with the full capabilities of Google Workspace and other productivity apps from the Google Play2, the device lets you make quick work of your to-do list, from anywhere.

Display. Immersive visuals for focused productivity

Featuring ultra-narrow bezels, Asus Chromebook CX1 packs a stunning 15.6-inch display into its ultraportable chassis, delivering an immersive 77% screen-to-body ratio. Combined with a matte anti-glare coating to reduce distracting reflections, the device maximizes your FOCUS and productivity while minimizing the form factor. empowering you to do more on the go!

Flexibility. Easy idea sharing

Asus Chromebook CX1 offers a 180° lay-flat hinge that allows it to be fully opened and laid completely flat on a desk or table. This setup makes it easy to share ideas, visuals, samples and designs when you’re working with friends, colleagues or clients.

Keyboard. Exceptional typing experience

A full-size, ergonomic keyboard with 1.4 mm key travel ensures that typing is supremely comfortable. Typing on a compact device has never been this smooth and easy! The device also features a numeric keypad for convenient, intuitive number input.

Wi-Fi. Fast, stable connections

Asus Chromebook CX1 (CX1500CKA) offers dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for strong, stable signals and superfast speeds, allowing you to load online content in the blink of an eye. Its connectivity is made even better by exclusive Asus technologies. such as Asus Wi-Fi Master for Chrome OS[7]. that ensure greater speed, stability and range for your Wi-Fi connections and help you stay connected anywhere.

Battery. Work or play, all day

The power-efficient Asus Chromebook CX1 is designed to last for up to 11 hour[8] on a single charge, so you can work or play throughout the day and while you’re on the move.

Security. Built-in protection

Asus Chromebook CX1 is enabled with automatic updates[9] and built-in anti-virus protection, seamlessly keeping your device safe, secure and always up to date. Because it leverages the rock-solid security of your personal Google Account, you can rest assured that private documents, emails, photos and confidential data are safe at all times.

Connectivity. USB-C for ultimate flexibility

Two full-function reversible USB-C (USB Type-C ports make it easy to charge Asus Chromebook CX1 or connect it to peripherals and external displays. USB-C provides superfast data-transfer speeds. making it possible to transfer a 2 GB video file to a USB drive in under 2 seconds[10]! For maximum convenience and compatibility, Asus Chromebook CX1 also features standard USB 3.2 ports, and there’s a microSD slot for adding more storage.

Chrome OS. Enjoy the best of Google

It doesn’t get better than Chrome OS. For both work and leisure time, Asus Chromebook CX1 is your gateway to the very best of Google. You’ll enjoy full access to Google Play2, and you can talk to Google to get things done.

Google Play. Easy access to apps on Google Play

Full access to Google Play lets you use your favorite apps for work, play and creativity. Also, with seamless Cloud integration, you can easily access almost anything from any device. Asus Chromebook CX1 opens a whole new world of freedom!

Google Assistant. The fast way to get things done?

Get more done fast using your voice on your Asus Chromebook CX1. Send an email, find documents, listen to music, access your calendar or control Smart home devices, all without switching screens. Just say “OK Google” to get started.

Specifications

Intel Celeron N5100 Processor 1.1 GHz (4M Cache, up to 2.8 GHz, 4 cores)

15.6-inch, LCD, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9, Anti-glare display, LED Backlit, 220nits, NTSC: 45%

2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C1x 3.5mm Combo Audio JackMicro SD card reader

Chiclet Keyboard1.4mm Key-travel

Built-in speakerBuilt-in microphonewith Google Assistant voice-recognition support

Network and Communication

Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax)BT5.2 (Dual Band) 22

36.13 x 24.99 x 1.87 ~ 1.87 cm (14.22″ x 9.84″ x 0.74″ ~ 0.74″)

Too underwhelming to be a good deal at nearly any price

TechRadar Verdict

The Asus Chromebook CX1500 is an attractive 15.6-inch Chromebook given its price, but it runs on a five-year-old processor that simply can’t keep up with anything but the most basic computing workload. For this price, you can and should find something else.

Cons

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Asus Chromebook CX1500 two minute review

Here is the Asus Chromebook CX1500 configuration sent to TechRadar for review: CPU: Intel Celeron N3350 | Dual-core | 1.1 GHz/2.4GHz max Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500 RAM: 4GB LPDDR4 Screen: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080p) | 16:9 | 220 nits Storage: 64GB eMMC Flash Storage Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | 2 x USB Type-C Gen 1 | 1 x 3.5mm Combo Jack | 1 x MicroSD Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 | Bluetooth 4.2 Camera: 720p | Built-in microphone w/ Google Assistant Weight: 3.97lbs. | 1.80kg Size (W x D x H): 14.22 x 9.84 x 0.74 ins. | 361.3 x 249.9 x 18.9 mm Battery: 38WHr

There is something to be said for a cheap Chromebook capable of getting some work or basic computing tasks done on the go, but the Asus Chromebook CX1500 struggles to clear even that low bar.

The CX1500 has some appealing features. There’s the 15.6-inch, Full HD (1080p) IPS display, which is not something you typically see in a Chromebook at this price. Originally, its retail price in the US was 269 (about £200/AU375) but that has fallen to just under 230 online when we checked recently.

We’ve asked Asus for some clarity on the the exact pricing and availability in the UK and Australia, and will update this review when we hear back from the company.

A 15.6-inch, Full HD Chromebook at this price is definitely something that will get your attention in a Best Buy or a Walmart if you don’t know all that much about what the spec sheet next to it is telling you – if it lists the specs at all.

The problem here is that there is really a huge mismatch between the CX1500’s features and the hardware that needs to power it. Even the best Chromebooks will rarely have more than an Intel Core i3, but the Intel Celeron N3350 processor in the CX1500 was first released as a budget processor in 2016.

It has a base frequency of 1.1GHz, with a burst frequency of 2.4GHz. It has two processing cores and no hyperthreading, so you only get one thread per core. This means that its ability to multitask is severely limited. If you were hoping to browse the web, write up a paper, and listen to Spotify while you work, you’ll have to scale back your ambitions.

The CX1500 can support up to 8GB LPDDR4 RAM. If you buy it with 8GB or you install the extra RAM yourself, you might be able to open up a few more Chrome tabs, but you’ve still got an entire operating system to run. Chrome OS might be lightweight, but it’s not that lightweight.

All of this trash talking the N3350 processor has a point. It’s a processor that is much better suited for an 11- or 12-inch Chromebook running at 768p, because its integrated graphics, Intel HD 500, is pretty old tech in 2022.

Running full 1080p graphics on a 15.6-inch display probably requires a lot more than the N3350 is really capable of, especially when the chip has so little to work with in every other area, like its meager 2MB cache.

And while we don’t expect the very latest tech in a cheap Chromebook, the CX1500 is still restricted to the much slower Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 standards. Expect slow data connection speeds (think sluggish video conferencing, TV streaming, etc), even if you are otherwise connected to a fast connection from an ISP.

Here is how the Asus CX1500 Chromebook performed in our suite of benchmark tests: Kraken JavaScript: 2,983ms Octane 2.0 JavaScript: 11,485 Jetstream 2: 35.4 Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 10 hours 18 minutes

There are some areas where the CX1500 does well, like its 10 hour 18 minute battery life, but that’s pretty much standard for Chromebooks nowadays. You’d think that a chip with a TDP of just 6W and a display with just 220 nits of brightness should at least squeeze out some extra juice.

asus, chromebook, cx1101, review

But there’s only so much you can get out of 38WHrs. With a laptop this big, there is plenty of room to accommodate a bigger battery, even just an extra 10WHr would have been enough to get us to maybe 14 hours.

Likewise, the 15.6-inch form factor means that the keyboard deck has substantially more room to breathe. Instead of taking advantage of that extra space by featuring, for instance, up-firing speakers (they point straight down), why didn’t they add-in a ten-key numpad, or even make the existing keys bigger? Instead, the CX1500 manages to make its keyboard feel cramped even when it’s being flanked by 2-inches of empty, unused space on three sides.

Ultimately, every design choice appears to stem from wanting to have a 15.6-inch display, but without considering if this was even a good idea. The dimness of the display makes it all but unusable anywhere but inside, and chances are that extra screen real estate is just going to give you more to look at in frustration when the app you’re running hangs or slows down due to the underpowered hardware.

The best thing that can be said about the Asus Chromebook CX1500 is that it has a solid number and variety of ports, which is good because you’ll need to rely heavily on flash drives if you want to save files locally. With just 32GB eMMC Flash storage, there’s very little room for lots of photos, videos, or Android apps from Google Play.

In the end, if you really need a 15.6-inch Chromebook – and only 15.6-inches will suffice – then this is one of the most affordable options you’ll find. The price alone makes it worth considering. We said “consider,” not “buy.” It’s still hard to recommend this Chromebook when there are far better options at this price.

Buy it if.

You need a very cheap 15.6-inch Chromebook If you absolutely must have a 15.6-inch Chromebook on a tight budget, this one might do the trick.

Best Chromebooks of 2023 – comparisons and buying guide

In this article, we’re going over our recommendations for the Best Chromebooks available in 2023.

Chromebooks are snappy, easy to use, and inexpensive computers designed for everyday use and Internet-based activities such as browsing, email, text-editing, YouTube, Netflix, light gaming, and the like.

Many options start at under 300 these days and for that kind of money, you’ll get a fully functional computer able to handle the activities mentioned above, which makes those inexpensive Chromebooks excellent for kids, students, seniors, and pretty much anyone else who needs a simple and affordable computer for basic use. They also last for hours on a charge, start in seconds, and don’t slow down as they age.

At the same time, those of you looking for nicer-made devices, higher-quality IPS or OLED screens, backlit keyboards, snappier multitasking performance, longer battery life, and other modern features, will need to spend a little more for one of the better Chromebooks out there, and the market offers plenty of these premium Chromebooks right now, which should cater to even the pickiest of buyers.

We’ve reviewed and compared many of the available Chromebooks here on Ultrabookreview.com, and in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options to the devices that will best fit your needs and budget, based on their features, strong points, and quirks. For your convenience, we’ve split the article into three main sections:

Before we get to talk about the actual recommendations, though, I want you to be absolutely sure that a Chromebook is the right pick for you, so make sure to also check out my detailed Chromebook buying guide.

Best budget Chromebooks in 2023 (under 300)

There are quite a few competitive Chromebooks selling for under 300 these days, making for excellent laptops for kids and for students in school, affordable travel companions, or just the go-to’s for those of you on a limited budget.

Down below you’ll find a more detailed list of the options that you should consider in this class, and we’ll get in-depth on our recommendations afterward.

Keep in mind that I’ve only included the more recent products that are on par with today’s requirements in this list. You’ll still find other options in stores as well, older Chromebooks and many of them selling for as little as 200 (follow this link for more details), but I’d advise stretching your budgets for one of these newer variants if possible, as they are significant upgrades in terms of design, features, and especially the way they perform with everyday use, being built on updated and faster hardware platforms.

Format, made of Price Screen Hardware Weight Battery
Acer Chromebook 314 Clamshell, part metal ~230 14″ HD/FHD IPS matte Celeron Apollo or Gemini Lake / 4-8 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 3.4 lbs 45 Wh
Acer Chromebook 315 Clamshell, plastic ~259 15.6″ HD TN or FHD IPS matte Celeron Gemini Lake or AMD R4 / 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 3.3 lbs 8 h
Acer Chromebook Spin 311 511 Convertible, plastic ~270 11.6″ HD IPS touch, EMR pen Celeron Gemini Lake / 4 GB RAM / 32 GB eMMC 2.9 lbs 10 h
Asus Chromebook C202 Clamshell, rugged plastic ~300 11.6″ HD TN matte Celeron Braswell / 4 GB RAM / 16 GB eMMC 2.5 lbs 38 Wh
Asus Chromebook CX1 CX1100 Clamshell, plastic ~180 11.6″ HD TN matte Celeron Apollo Lake / 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 2.65 lbs 38 Wh
Asus C423 Clamshell, plastic ~300 14.0″ HD/FHD TN matte or touch Celeron Apollo Lake / 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 2.65 lbs 38 Wh
Asus C523 Clamshell, plastic ~280 15.6″ HD/FHD TN matte or touch Celeron Apollo Lake / 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 3.1 lbs 38 Wh
Dell Chromebook 11 Clamshell, plastic ~250 11.6″ HD TN matte/touch Pentium Apollo Lake/ 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 2.9 lbs 42 Wh
HP Chromebook 11 Clamshell, plastic ~250 11.6″ HD IPS matte/touch Mediatek/ 4-8 GB RAM / 16-64 GB eMMC 2.4 lbs 44 Wh
HP Chromebook 14 Clamshell, plastic ~220 14″ HD IPS matte/FHD touch Celeron Gemini Lake or AMD R4/ 4-8 GB RAM / 16-64 GB eMMC 3.4 lbs 47 Wh
Lenovo Chromebook Duet tablet, mostly metal ~240 10.1″ 16:10 FHD IPS touch MediaTek/ 4 GB RAM / 64 GB SSD 2 lbs 27 Wh
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i Convertible, all metal ~300 13.3″ FHD IPS touch Pentium Gold/ 4 GB RAM / 64 GB SSD 3 lbs 51 Wh
Lenovo Chromebook 3 Clamshell, plastic ~230 11.6″ HD TN matte Celeron Apollo Lake / 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 2.5 lbs 42 Wh
Lenovo S330 Clamshell, plastic ~250 14.0″ HD IPS matte MediaTek / 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 2.5 lbs 42 Wh
Lenovo C340 (Flex 11) Convertible, plastic ~300 11.6″ HD IPS touch Celeron Gemini Lake/ 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 2.6 lbs 42 Wh
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 11 Clamshell, plastic ~180 11.6″ HD TN matte Celeron Gemini Lake / 4 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 2.4 lbs 48 Wh
Samsung Chromebook 4 Clamshell, plastic ~220 11.6″ HD IPS matte Celeron Gemini Lake/ 4-6 GB RAM / 32 GB eMMC 2.6 lbs 39 Wh
Samsung Galaxy Go Clamshell, plastic ~300 14″ FHD IPS matte Celeron Jasper Lake/ 4-8 GB RAM / 32-128 GB eMMC 3.2 lbs 42 Wh

Specs are definitely important at this level, as even if you’re after a basic Chromebook, you’ll still want something that can actually smoothly handle basic tasks. To keep things simple, I’d recommend getting a device with at least an Intel Apollo Lake (Celeron N3350) or preferably a Gemini Lake processor (Celeron N4020/4010 or Pentium N5000), or an AMD/Mediatek equivalent, at least 4 GB of RAM, and at least 32 GB of storage (preferably 64 GB).

Hardware aside, keep in mind that many of the options in this section are still plastic-made clamshell Chromebooks with matte screens and mediocre quality TN LED panels, non-backlit keyboards, and basic IO. There are however some exceptions that are partially made out of metal, include IPS screens or even a touchscreen, and those are what I’d primarily look into.

Now, as far as our actual recommendations go in this segment, there’s one option that clearly steps out of the crowd, and that’s the Lenovo Chromebook Duet.

Update: Recently, Lenovo also unveiled an updated and more affordable version of their popular 13-inch Chromebook Flex 5. This late-2021 update gets an Intel 11th gen Pentium Gold 7505 hardware platform with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage, so is not as snappy as the Core i3 ChromeBook Flex 5 variant (which we’ll discuss further down), but it sells for ~70 to 100 less at the time of this update. I’d still recommend going with the Core i3 version, but this Pentium Gold model is definitely interesting as well if you’re shopping at a sub 300 budget.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Starting at under 250, this is an aluminum-made compact and lightweight tablet with a surprisingly good 16:10 FHD touchscreen, with pen support. Furthermore, a keyboard folio is also included by default, for laptop use, and the MediaTek hardware platform inside is capable enough for snappy everyday use and some multitasking, while also highly efficient.

So while the Chromebook Duet is only a 10-inch device and bundles a smaller battery as a result, it can still last for 6 hours of daily use and 8 of video.

Unfortunately, though, the Duet is not that easy to find in stock these days, and that’s no surprise considering the unmatched value you’re getting here. If you can find it and you’re OK with this sort of smaller Chromebook, go for it, there’s no better alternative in this segment.

OK, so if you’re looking for a device with a larger screen or larger battery, or perhaps prefer the traditional laptop form-factor that would make the computer more convenient to use on the lap, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and especially Asus offer some inexpensive and ruggedly built Chromebook options, but most of them with LED TN screens.

At the lower end of inexpensive models, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 11 Chromebook and the Samsung Chromebook 4 earn my current recommendation over the other options. The newer Asus Chromebook CX1 is another interesting budget 11-inch alternative, but the Ideapad 3 is overall better value in this class with its faster processor and bigger battery. You’ll find links for all of these in the table above.

Next, the compact Lenovo’s Chromebook C340 or the Acer Spin 11 sell for a bit extra over the options above, but replace the 11-inch TN matte panel with convertible 360-degree IPS touchscreens, something I’d gladly pay extra for.

As we move up in size, the offer for larger Chromebooks with 14-inch screens starts with the more affordable HP Chromebook 14, Acer Chromebook 314, or Lenovo Chromebook S330, and goes up to the more lightweight Asus Chromebook C423 and Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go. None of these are amazing options, and I’d advise saving a little extra for one of the value 14-inch models that we’ll cover in the next section.

asus, chromebook, cx1101, review

Finally, both Asus and Acer still offer 15-inch Chromebooks in this price range, if that’s what you’re after, but you’re sacrificing portability for that larger display. The Acer Chromebook 315 is the most interesting inexpensive 15-inch model here.

Overall, I recommend going through more detailed reviews for each of these if you prefer this sort of larger-format device, but I’d rather advise you to step up to the next price category for better-made options with higher-quality screens, faster hardware and a few extra features that are not available in this budget laptop segment.

Some of the affordable Chromebooks

Best-value Chromebooks in 2023 (300 to 500)

Having used many of the existing Chromebooks, I’m convinced that you can get better value for your money in this price segment, especially if you’re after a well-rounded laptop with a mid-sized 12 to 14-inch display. You’re not just getting faster hardware (Pentium Gold, Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen equivalents) and a bigger and improved screen on these options, but also a more spacious and more comfortable keyboard, a larger battery, extra ports, and improved build quality.

First off, just as in the previous section, here’s a more detailed list of the Chromebooks worth considering in this segment as of right now, and we’re getting into more details down below.

Format, made of Price Screen Hardware Weight Battery
Acer Chromebook 317 Clamshell, plastic ~329 17″ FHD IPS matte Celeron Jasper Lake / 4 GB RAM / 64 GB-128 eMMC 5.2 lbs 56 Wh
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 convertible, all metal ~450 14″ FHD IPS touch AMD Ryzen 5 / 4-8 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 3.65 lbs 56 Wh
Acer Chromebook 715 Clamshell, all metal ~499 15.6″ FHD IPS matte Core U / 8 GB RAM / 64 GB-128 eMMC 3.9 lbs 56 Wh
Acer Chromebook R13 Convertible, partially metal ~300 13.3″ FHD touch Mediatek / 4 GB RAM / 32 GB eMMC 3.3 lbs 54 Wh
Acer Chromebook Spin 15 Convertible ~399 15.6″ FHD IPS touch Pentium Apollo Lake / 4-8 GB RAM / 32-128 GB eMMC 3.8 lbs 54 Wh
Acer Chromebook CX1 Cx1700 Clamshell, plastic 17″ FHD IPS matte Celeron and Pentium Jasper Lake / 4 GB RAM / 64 GB-128 eMMC 5.4 lbs 67 Wh
Asus Chromebook C425 Clamshell, partially metal ~350 14.0″ FHD IPS matte or touch C0re Y / 8 GB RAM / 32-128 GB eMMC 2.8 lbs 48 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip C214 Convertible, rugged plastic ~400 11.6″ HD IPS touch, EMR pen Pentium Apollo Lake/ 4 GB RAM / 32 GB eMMC 2.6 lbs 46 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip C433 Convertible, partially metal ~500 14″ FHD IPS touch Core Y/ 4-8 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 3.2 lbs 48 Wh
Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 CM3000 tablet, plastic ~380 10.5″ 16:10 FHD IPS touch Mediatek/ 4-8 GB RAM / 32-128 GB eMMC 1.2 lbs 27 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 CM3200 Convertible, partially metal ~330 12″ 3:2 1.5K touch Mediatek/ 4-8 GB RAM / 32-128 GB eMMC 2.5 lbs 32 Wh
Dell Inspiron 11 2-in-1 Convertible, plastic 399 11.6″ HD WVA touch Celeron Apollo Lake/ 4 GB RAM / 32 GB eMMC 3.1 lbs 42 Wh
Dell Chromebook 14 Clamshell, plastic 329 14.0″ FHD TN matte Pentium Apollo Lake/ 4-8 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 3.5 lbs 42 Wh
Google Pixel Slate Tablet, aluminum ~429 12.3″ FHD 3:2 IPS touch, EMR pen Core Y / 8-16 GB RAM / 128-512 GB SSD 1.6 lb 47 Wh
HP Chromebook 15 Clamshell, mostly metal ~500 15.6″ HD IPS matte/FHD touch Pentium Gold or Core U / 4 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 4 lbs 60 Wh
HP Chromebook x360 12 Convertible, all metal ~350 12″ HD 3:2 IPS touch Pentium Apollo Lake or Gold/ 4-8 GB RAM / 32-64 GB eMMC 3 lbs 40 Wh
HP Chromebook x360 14a Convertible, all metal ~360 14″ FHD IPS touch Pentium Gold or Core U/ 4-8 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 3.6 lbs 61 Wh
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 tablet, metal ~430 13.3″ FHD OLED touch, EMR pen Qualcomm/ 4-8 GB RAM / 64-256 GB eMMC ? 42 Wh
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13 Convertible, all metal ~360 13.3″ FHD IPS touch Core U/ 4 GB RAM / 64 GB SSD 3 lbs 51 Wh
Samsung Chromebook 4 Clamshell, plastic ~400 15.6″ FHD TN matte Celeron Gemini Lake/ 4-6 GB RAM / 16-32 GB eMMC 3.8 lbs 39 Wh
Samsung Chromebook Plus v2 Convertible, mostly metal ~500 12.2″ IPS FHD 16:10 touch Celeron Y / 4 GB RAM / 32 GB eMMC 2.95 lbs 39 Wh

Pixel Slate and Asus Chromebook Flip CM3

At the more portable end, the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 and especially the Google Pixel Slate stand out from the crowd, both 12-inch convertibles.

The Pixel Slate is primarily a tablet, thus great for tablet/pen use, but perhaps not as versatile as a laptop. It’s excellently crafted, gets a splendid 3:2 touchscreen, as well as competent Intel Core hardware and a large battery that allows for 10 hours of daily use. The typing experience is not on-par with some of the other options in this price range, though, and the keyboard deck or the pen are not included by default and will cost around 150 on top of the actual tablet, which alone could be enough to steer many of your towards something else.

The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 CM3200, on the other hand, is a 12-inch convertible with a 3:2 touchscreen and a compact, lightweight design, made possible by the fact that this is motorized by a low-power Mediatek hardware platform. That means it’s not the snappiest multitasker, but it’s fine with daily use and lasts for a fair bit on a charge, despite the fact that it includes a smaller battery than what the Intel Chromebooks offer these days. This Flip CM3 is also on the most affordable options in the class, and a solid alternative to last year’s affordable HP Chromebook x360 12.

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13 and Duet 5 OLED

With these smaller options out of the way, my main recommendation in this price range goes once more towards Lenovo Chromebooks, the excellent Flex 5 13 convertible, and the more recent Duet 5 OLED tablet.

At somewhere between 350 to 380, the Chromebook Flex 5 13 laptop punches way above its class and successfully challenges many of the more expensive products.

The construction is part metal and part plastic, much like with the Windows-based IdeaPads, the format allows the screen to convert to 360-degrees, Lenovo implemented a good-quality IPS touchscreen with 300-nits of brightness and fine colors, and the backlit keyboard is one of the better available on any Chromebook.

On top of these, the Core i3 platform is snappy enough for everyday use, the 51Wh battery ensures 10 h of life on a charge, and even if some of you might appreciate more memory and storage space, 4 GB are still enough for most potential buyers on a budget Chromebook.

Bottom point, sure, you can get more refined Chromebooks if you’re willing to spend 500, but at roughly 370 right now, there’s nothing out there that can match the Flex 5 at this point.

Update: Recently, Lenovo also unveiled an updated and more affordable version of their popular 13-inch Chromebook Flex 5. This late-2021 update gets an Intel 11th gen Pentium Gold 7505 hardware platform with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage, so is not as snappy as the Core i3 ChromeBook Flex 5 variant, but it sells for ~70 to 100 less at the time of this update.

As for the Chromebook Duet 5 OLED, this has an MSRP price of 429 at launch and is expected in stores around October 2021.

The format is still of a tablet with a keyboard folio and kickstand, so pretty much an oversized version of the existing Duet. The main selling point is the OLED 13-inch touchscreen, most likely the Samsung panel we’ve already seen on some OLED laptops in the last months. It’s sure punchy and excellent looking, but I wonder whether Lenovo will be able to address the graininess I’ve noticed on some of the Asus models.

We’ll also have to see how the hardware platform inside the Duet 5 is going to handle the FHD OLED screen. It’s the same Snapdragon 7C platform that’s already selling in the Samsung Galaxy Go, so not a very fast implementation based on that product. Hopefully, it can make up for it with good efficiency.

All in all, the Duet 5 OLED might be one of the most competitive Chromebooks of late-2021 and early-2022, but we’ll have to spend more time with it before drawing conclusions. So for now, just consider this on your shortlist.

Acer Chromebook Spin 514 and HP Chromebook x360 14a

Jumping into 14-inch models, the convertible Acer Chromebook Spin 514 and the HP Chromebook x360 14 are my favorite options in this price segment.

Metal is entirely used for their construction, and the Acer model offers marginally more powerful specs but is also a more expensive option compared to the HP x360 14 and the Flex 5 13 mentioned earlier. You won’t be wrong with any of these. Also, don’t forget that we’re talking about the lower-specced Pentium Gold version of the X360 14a here, as there’s also a newer and more powerful Core i3 X360 14c that we’ll touch on in the next section of this article.

15 and 17-inch Chromebooks

This class also includes full-size 15-inch Chromebooks with IPS screens, partially metal construction, and large batteries, starting from affordable options such as the convertible Acer Chromebook Spin 15, and all the way up to the HP Chromebook 15.

I will also mention the Asus Chromebook C523 and Samsung Chromebook 4 15-inchers as more inexpensive alternatives in this 15-inch class, but you’ll end up with mostly plastic builds and TN screens with these, so I’d rather save up for one of the other options as much as possible here.

Finally, 17-inch Chromebooks are also available these days in this mid segment, with an affordable Chromebook 317 from Acer and a higher-tier CX1 CX1700 available from Acer, the latter with faster hardware and a bigger battery. Don’t expect much in terms of display quality on any of these, though.

Best Premium Chromebooks of 2023

While most buyers won’t spend 600 to 1000 on a Chromebook, there are actually quite a few excellent devices available in this segment. With these, you’re getting the uncompromised Chromebook experience, with a mix of upgraded builds, displays, and hardware specs over any of the more affordable options. In fact, most of the options in this class are built on the latest-gen Intel platforms with plenty of RAM and fast SSD storage, so you’re not going wrong in terms of performance with any of them.

In fact, the choice in this segment is between the designs and the form factors that you like best, the specific features offered by some options, as well as the overall pricing and value.

Here’s the list of all the premium Chromebooks available as of now, and we’ll get in-depth down below.

Format, made of Price Screen Hardware Weight Battery
Acer Chromebook 514 clamshell, all metal ~600 14″ FHD IPS matte Core U / 8 GB RAM / 256 GB SSD 3.1 lbs 56 Wh
Acer Chromebook 714 Clamshell, all metal ~650 14″ FHD IPS touch matte Core U / 8 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 3.3 lbs 56 Wh
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 Convertible, all metal ~560 13.5″ FHD 3:2 IPS touch, EMR pen Core U / 8-16 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 3.2 lbs 54 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip C436 Convertible, all metal ~700 14″ FHD IPS touch Core U/ 8-16 GB RAM / 128-512 GB SSD 2.6 lbs 42 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 Convertible, all metal ~540 14″ FHD IPS touch Core Y/ 4-8 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 3.2 lbs 48 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 14 CX5400 Convertible, partially metal ~700 14″ FHD IPS touch Core U/ 4-16 GB RAM / 64-256 GB SSD 3.1 lbs 48 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 15 CX5500 Convertible, partially metal ~560 14″ FHD IPS touch Core U/ 4-16 GB RAM / 64-256 GB SSD 4.3 lbs 57 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 15 CM5500 Convertible, partially metal ~550 14″ FHD IPS touch Ryzen/ 4-8 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 4.3 lbs 57 Wh
Asus Chromebook Flip CX9 CX9400 Convertible, metal ~750 14″ FHD IPS matte Core U/ 8-16 GB RAM / 128-256 GB SSD 2.3 lbs 50 Wh
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Chromebook Convertible, part metal 599 14″ FHD IPS touch Core U/ 4-8 GB RAM / 128 GB eMMC 3.7 lbs 56 Wh
HP Chromebook x360 14c Convertible, all metal ~600 14″ FHD IPS touch Core U/ 8-16 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 3.7 lbs 61 Wh
HP Elite ChromeBook 1030 Convertible, all metal 1000 13.5″ 3:2 2K IPS touch Core U/ 8-16 GB RAM / 128-256 GB SSD 3.3 lbs 50 Wh
Google Pixelbook Convertible, magnesium 899 12.3″ FHD 3:2 IPS touch, EMR pen Core Y / 8-16 GB RAM / 128-512 GB SSD 2.5 lb 41 Wh
Google Pixelbook Go Clamshell, magnesium 649 13.3″ FHD 16:9 IPS touch Core Y / 8-16 GB RAM / 128-512 GB SSD 2.4 lb 48 Wh
Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook Convertible, plastic ~550 13.3″ FHD touch Core U/ 4-8 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 3 lbs 51 Wh
Lenovo Yoga C630 Chromebook Convertible, all metal ~800 15.6″ FHD/UHD IPS touch, EMR pen Core U/ 4-8 GB RAM / 64-128 GB eMMC 4.2 lbs 56 Wh
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Convertible, all metal ~700 13.3″ UHD AMOLED touch, EMR S pen Core U / 4-8 GB RAM / 128-512 GB SSD 2.2 lbs 49 Wh
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 Convertible, all metal ~550 13.3″ FHD QLED touch Celeron Comet Lake or Core U / 4-8 GB RAM / 64-512 GB SSD 2.7 lbs 45 Wh

Acer Chromebook Spin 713 and Google Pixelbook Go

For the most part, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 and the Google Pixelbook Go are still the best-balanced premium Chromebooks you can get these days.

The Pixelbook Go is a somewhat older addition to the Pixel family, but still a viable option today.

It doesn’t replace the convertible Pixelbook, instead, it is designed to sell by its side, as a traditional clamshell notebook with a 16:9 FHD IPS touchscreen, fanless fast hardware and good battery life, a lightweight magnesium shell, and some of the better speakers you will find in a Chromebook. The Go is also one of the best typers in this segment, and well as 150-200 more affordable than a similarly specced Pixelbook Go, all these making it a compelling offer even today, despite the newer options released by the competition in the meantime.

It’s not a convertible, though, and it’s built on somewhat older Intel Core Y hardware, so not as fast as other Core U options in this price segment.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 13, on the other hand, is a convertible and a true alternative to the original Pixelbook, but with modern specs.

It gets a 13.5-inch convertible QHD touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 400-nits of brightness and a built-in EMR pen, the latest-generation Core U hardware, up to 16 GB of RAM, SSD storage, and a backlit keyboard, starting at around 560 at the time of this update. And that’s for a no-compromise Core i5 configuration with 8 GB of memory and 128 GB of SSD storage out of the box, backed up by a 54Wh battery, that creative-focused 3:2 display and fine inputs.

In all fairness, though, inputs are one aspect where Acer could further improve this model, alongside the audio quality, which are still bested by the PixelBook Go.

All in all, though, the Chromebook Spin 713 is one of the best performing Chromebooks out there and an excellent option for heavy users and those interested in running Linux on such a device.

Asus Chromebook CX5 14 and HP Chromebook x360 14

These two 14-inch models are very similar to the Acer Spin 713 and might well be the better options in your region, as they’re nearly the same specs, features, builds, and formats. HP has an edge on battery life, as it offers a bigger battery than the other two, but is also the heavier option. Both are 16:9 screens, and not the 3:2 format available on the Spin.

All in all, I’d make sure to go through detailed reviews of all these options, to better narrow down their particularities and potential quirks. I’m not going in-depth here, but if you have any questions or feedback, please get in touch in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section at the end of the article.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook and Chromebook 2

The original Samsung Galaxy Chromebook launched in 2020 has been touted by many as the best Chromebook of its generation, and a 2nd generation updated later followed in 2021.

The 2020 Galaxy is still available in stores as a convertible with a 13.3-inch 4K AMOLED touchscreen with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, 400-nits of brightness, and the excellent black levels you would expect from an OLED screen.

The build quality and craftsmanship are both A, with metal used for the entire chassis, and a highly compact and portable format that weighs 2.2 lbs. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook does not sacrifice in performance either, with Intel Core U hardware, 8 GB of memory, and fast (upgradeable) NVMe storage. As a side note, this is also passively cooled, which is an advantage on one hand, but also causes the laptop to run warmer than other fan-cooled Chromebooks with similar specs, and somewhat limits the performance.

Furthermore, the battery life isn’t great on this laptop. There’s a 49 Wh battery inside, but the power-hungry 4K display drains power quickly, so only expect around 4-6 hours of battery life on a charge. On top of that, audio quality is also rather mediocre on this Galaxy, which paired with the high price tag further adds to its list of shortcomings. On the plus side, though, you can find this disocunted these days, so it might still be worth considering for that OLED screen.

With the 2021 2nd generation Galaxy ChromeBook, Samsung decided to ditch the OLED screen for a QLED FHD panel, updated the hardware, added a fan inside, and trimmed the build and material quality in order to meet a lower price point. The base variants built on a COmet Lake Celeron processor start at 550 in this case, while the Core U variant goes for around 700, several hundred less than the initial Galaxy Chromebook at launch.

Unfortunately, though, this 2n generation Galaxy has also lost some of its appeal and shine with these changes, and with all the other updated options from the competition, I feel this series is not as compelling in rea-life as I would have perhaps expected. In fact, I’d most likely rather go for a discounted 2020 Galaxy Chromebook over the 2021 updated model.

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook and Asus CX5 15-inch

Lastly, those of you interested in a full-size 15-inch premium Chromebook should still have a look at the Lenovo Yoga C630 Chromebook, or even the newer and more affordable Asus ChromeBook CX5 15.

The Yoga C630 is a sturdily crafted computer that borrows from the design and build lines of Lenovo’s ThinkPad series, with a 15.6-inch touchscreen available with either an FHD or a UHD panel and EMR pen support, Core U hardware, up to 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of eMMC storage, as well as a backlit keyboard and 56 Wh battery.

The Yoga Chromebook starts at 599, but don’t forget that even if this is compact and light for a 15-inch convertible, with small bezels and a total weight of 4.2 lbs, it’s still nowhere near as portable as some of the other options out there.

The 15-inch Yoga Chromebook

As for the Asus CX5, this is available with a 15.6-inch IPS display and either Intel (latest-gen) or Ryzen (older-gen) hardware. The Intel model is especially powerful and a fair bit cheaper than other modern 15-inch configurations, but too bad Asus skimped on the screen quality, only offering a 250-nit washed-out panel. In comparison, there’s a much nicer 300-nits 100% sRGB panel on the 14-inch Chromebook CX5.

Wrap-up

Chromebooks have come a long way in recent years, and these days the offer is diversified to cater to every need.

Many of you are spending the majority of your time online, and if that’s the case, a Chromebook is a compelling and inexpensive option to consider, as a smoother, safer, and simpler alternative to the existing Windows laptops. Of course, Chromebooks are not ideal for specific workloads that require a Windows or Apple architecture, or for gaming, but for everyday multitasking, they’re hard to beat by even the best laptops and ultrabooks out there.

Now, potential buyers can opt for affordable Chromebooks under 300, or get one of the balanced mid-tier options with superior builds and screens, snappier performance, longer battery life, and still excellent value.

The premium Chromebook options are a harder sell, but could still make sense for those of you not interested in specific Windows/Apple software or games, which would rather get a simple and snappier computer with an excellent screen and the build quality and battery life they wouldn’t otherwise get in a similarly priced Windows device.

There’s no perfect Chromebook, but a few devices offer a lot for the money

At the end of the day, Chromebooks make for great travel companions, inexpensive laptops for students in school, and even everyday notebooks for those of you who stick to Internet-based activities like browsing, emailing, multimedia, and so on. They’re not for everyone, but as long as you’re aware of their strong points and limitations, I’d expect you’ll end up satisfied with one of these.

That’s about it for now. I’m constantly updating this list of the best Chromebooks available out there, adding new devices as they pop in stores, and retiring the obsolete variants, so make sure to bookmark this and check it out from time to time for changes. Last but not least, share this post around if you found it useful, and check out the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section below, it’s open for your suggestions and questions, and I’m around to reply and help you find the best Chromebook for your needs.

Disclaimer: Our content is reader-supported. If you buy through some of the links on our site, we may earn a commission. Terms.

Article by: Andrei Girbea Andrei Girbea, Editor-in-Chief. I’ve a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and I’ve been covering mobile technology since the 2000s. You’ll mostly find reviews and thorough guides written by me here on the site, as well as some occasional first-impression articles.

The Best Chromebook

After a new round of testing, we’ll be adding the following picks to this guide: the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 will be our top pick, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″) will be our budget pick, and the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 will be our upgrade pick. If you want a big screen, we recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16″ with an i3 or i5 processor.

A good Chromebook can do almost anything a regular laptop can do, and the best ones feel better to use than their similarly priced Windows counterparts. After testing most of the Chromebooks released over the past eight years and testing 16 models so far in 2022, we recommend the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″). It’s comparatively inexpensive, and it offers fast performance plus an excellent keyboard and trackpad. The Flex 5i is also compact and light, and its 1080p touchscreen is vivid and bright. Though our other picks last a couple of hours longer, the battery in the Flex 5i should still survive a full day of work or classes.

Why a Chromebook?

Many kids already use Chromebooks at school, and these inexpensive, secure, and accessible laptops are great for pulling out of a bag and getting right to work.

Chromebooks can do almost anything that regular laptops can do, using browser-based software and services instead of Windows or macOS apps.

A great 400 Chromebook can feel faster to use—and be lighter and more compact—than a similarly priced Windows laptop.

If you already have a desktop or laptop, a Chromebook makes an excellent and affordable secondary device.

The best Chromebook

With excellent performance for its low price, a great keyboard and trackpad, and a compact, light body, the Lenovo Flex 5i is the Chromebook to buy.

Buying Options

At the time of publishing, the price was 450.

Recommended configuration

Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4 Screen: 13.3-inch 1920×1080 touch
Memory: 8 GB Weight: 2.97 pounds
Storage: 64 GB or 128 GB SSD Tested battery life: 8 hours

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″) is an exceptional Chromebook. In addition to being an all-around great laptop, our recommended model offers faster performance than most Chromebooks under 500. Many cheap Chromebooks can’t handle a video call and an open document at the same time, or they feel slow with just a handful of tabs open. But thanks to its Core i3 processor and 8 GB of memory, our pick can handle everyday workloads with aplomb. The Flex 5i’s predecessor, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 (13″), is a decent option if you find it in stock and on sale with a Core i3 processor, but it has only 4 GB of memory, and its guaranteed update support runs out a year sooner.

Faster, smaller, and lighter

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is smaller, lighter, and speedier than the Flex 5 and lasts longer on a charge, but it’s quite a bit more expensive.

Buying Options

Recommended configuration

Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U Screen: 13.3-inch 1920×1080 touch
Memory: 8 GB Weight: 2.71 pounds
Storage: 128 GB eMMC Tested battery life: 11 hours

If you’re willing to pay more for a smaller and lighter Chromebook with longer battery life, get the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2. The Flex 5i is more than good enough for most people, but if you want a sleeker, more portable Chromebook, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is the best option—if I had to carry a laptop around all day, this is the one I’d buy. Unlike our other picks, this model has only USB-C ports; if you own older peripherals that use USB-A, you’ll need a dongle or dock to accommodate them. (Note that we don’t recommend the Galaxy Chromebook 2 with a Celeron processor, as it’s too slow for its price.)

A 15-inch option

The Flip C536 has a large, 15.6-inch screen and a built-in number pad, but it’s too big and heavy to travel with frequently.

Buying Options

At the time of publishing, the price was 370.

Recommended configuration

Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4 Screen: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 touch
Memory: 8 GB Weight: 4.3 pounds
Storage: 128 GB SSD Tested battery life: 11.5 hours

If you need a bigger screen and a number pad, the Asus Chromebook Flip C536 (C536EA-BI3T3) is the best option. Its 15.6-inch touchscreen provides more room to do work or enjoy media, but it also makes the laptop bulkier. We don’t recommend this 4.3-pound laptop if you need to take yours to work, class, or even a coffee shop—it’s best used around the house. If the C536 is unavailable, the virtually identical Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 (CM5500FDA-DN344T) is another great option.

It can be difficult to find a decent Chromebook in stock during the back-to-school shopping season. If none of our picks are available, we recommend setting up stock alerts through NowInStock.net or browser extensions like Keepa. If you can’t find a new Chromebook anywhere, consider a used Chromebook—but double-check the official end-of-support date before you buy. You can also turn an old Windows or Mac computer into a Chromebook, if you have an aging system lying around.

The best Chromebook

With excellent performance for its low price, a great keyboard and trackpad, and a compact, light body, the Lenovo Flex 5i is the Chromebook to buy.

Buying Options

At the time of publishing, the price was 450.

Faster, smaller, and lighter

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is smaller, lighter, and speedier than the Flex 5 and lasts longer on a charge, but it’s quite a bit more expensive.

A 15-inch option

The Flip C536 has a large, 15.6-inch screen and a built-in number pad, but it’s too big and heavy to travel with frequently.

Buying Options

At the time of publishing, the price was 370.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs ChromeOS, an operating system that uses the Chrome web browser as its primary interface. Chromebooks are ideal for students and kids, but you should also consider one if you spend most of your computer time in a web browser, if you’re on a tight budget, or if you already have a decent desktop PC. A good Chromebook can do almost anything a regular laptop can do—as long as that task is possible in a web browser or in Android apps. And Chromebooks are cheap: A 400 Chromebook is faster, lighter, and sleeker, and blessed with better battery life, than a 500 Windows laptop. Chromebooks are also secure and easy to maintain.

But Chromebooks can’t run Photoshop, Windows-specific games, or many of the programs you might be used to having on your Mac or Windows computer. They don’t have much local storage, and they work best with a full-time internet connection—though there are offline options for Gmail, Google Drive, and other apps. If you use web-based email, if you can get by with Microsoft’s Office 365, Google’s office web apps, and Android app alternatives, and if you stream your music and movies over the internet as well, a Chromebook should do just about everything you need it to.

In 2022, most Chromebooks have 64 GB or 128 GB of onboard storage; Google also provides 100 GB of free online Google One storage for one year. (Once your year is up, you need to pay to keep that Cloud storage. Right now, 100 GB of storage costs 2 per month or 20 per year.) Most Chromebooks also include USB ports and a microSD card slot that you can use to expand the storage.

The Best Laptop Under 500

If you’re on a budget, these are the best cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks we recommend after extensive research and hands-on testing.

Why you should trust us

Senior staff writer Kimber Streams has tested most of the Chromebooks released since 2014, when they began researching and testing Chromebooks for Wirecutter. They’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops, including Chromebooks, cheap Windows laptops, gaming laptops, and fancy ultrabooks.

How we picked

A Chromebook doesn’t need to be exceptionally powerful or look fancy. But if slow performance, poor battery life, a horrendous screen, or a bad keyboard or trackpad gets in the way of your using the internet, the Chromebook has failed at its only job. Here’s what we look for:

Performance: A decent processor and enough memory (RAM) together make the difference between a Chromebook that feels quick and responsive and one that suffers from slow load times and frustratingly laggy inputs.

In our mid-2022 round of testing, we found that reliable performance for a Chromebook requires 8 GB of RAM and at least a 10th- or 11th-generation Intel processor or 5000-series AMD Ryzen processor. When we used Chromebooks with lower-end processors or less memory for everyday tasks, we encountered longer and more frequent delays loading tabs, typing in documents and spreadsheets, and speaking on Zoom calls. People who work with lots of tabs, frequently work in large documents while on video calls, or use Linux apps on their Chromebooks should get a model with at least an Intel Core i3 processor and 8 GB of RAM.

Some low-end processors paired with 4 GB of RAM are fast enough to get by on a budget Chromebook. We’ve found in our testing that processors with at least four threads—an important spec that influences how fast your computer feels and is often listed alongside the number of cores a processor has—can handle running a Zoom video call and taking notes in a document simultaneously. But we have encountered occasional freezes and delays on these models, and we’re concerned about how well they’ll perform over the long term.

Avoid most Chromebooks that run on Intel’s N-series Celeron or Pentium processors, on ARM-based processors from companies like MediaTek or Qualcomm, or on AMD’s Athlon A4 and A6 processors; in our testing over the years, we’ve come away frustrated by their laggy, inconsistent performance. Also avoid any Chromebooks with less than 4 GB of memory, regardless of their processor.

Price: As of mid-2022, Chromebooks that meet our performance requirements typically cost at least 400, and you can get a great one for less than 500. Options with better performance tend to cost at least 600.

Keyboard and trackpad: A keyboard and trackpad should be good enough not to get in the way of your work. A backlit keyboard is a nice luxury, and most Chromebooks priced over 400 have one.

Battery life: A Chromebook should last for a full eight-hour day of classes or work so you don’t have to hunt for an outlet or be stuck with a dead laptop.

Size and weight: The lighter and more compact a laptop is, the easier it is to lug on a plane, to a coffee shop, or to class. And for Chromebooks with 360-degree convertible hinges, being lighter makes them easier to hold in tablet mode—less than 3 pounds is ideal.

Screen: We recommend a 1920×1080 resolution for a 13- to 15-inch screen—any higher isn’t worth the trade-off in battery life, and any lower looks noticeably worse. A 1366×768 resolution is acceptable on a smaller screen in a cheaper Chromebook.

Ports: We appreciate when a Chromebook includes both USB-C ports and traditional USB-A ports to connect older peripherals.

Touchscreen and 360-degree hinge: A touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge are nice perks since Chromebooks also run Android apps, and an included stylus is a bonus. Since those features add cost, we don’t require them for all of our picks.

Support: Google guarantees eight years of software updates—including new features and security fixes—for every new Chromebook released after 2020. 1 We don’t recommend any Chromebooks with a support date that expires before 2026. You can check how long a model has guaranteed support on Google’s support site or check on your Chromebook itself by following these steps. (This support is separate from a hardware warranty provided by the laptop’s manufacturer.)

The Best Laptops

From budget-friendly options to thin-and-light ultrabooks to powerful gaming laptops, we’ve spent hundreds of hours finding the best laptops for most people.

How we tested

We lived with each Chromebook for at least a full day of work to get a feel for the keyboard, trackpad, screen, and speakers, as well as for each laptop’s real-world performance. We checked Gmail and Google Calendar, ran Slack, streamed music, worked in large Google Drive spreadsheets and text documents, chatted on Zoom, and paid attention to input lag while typing in Google Docs. We also watched streaming video on Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.

To quantify how fast a Chromebook felt to use, we gathered results from the Speedometer 2.0 and JetStream 2 benchmarking tools to measure performance, combining those results with what we saw in our real-world testing. This step also highlighted the performance gap separating models with Intel’s and AMD’s typical laptop processors from those with low-budget Intel or AMD chips, as well as ARM-powered Chromebooks.

To test the battery life of each Chromebook, we used a customized version of the Chromium battery test designed to emulate normal browsing behavior. The first 60% of the test involves loading a new website every minute, scrolling down and back up the page. The next 20% of the test loads a Gmail tab with audio streaming in a background tab. For the next 10%, the Chromium test loads various Google Docs items; the final 10% of the test plays a full-screen YouTube video. We ran the test until each Chromebook died.

Our pick: Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″)

The best Chromebook

With excellent performance for its low price, a great keyboard and trackpad, and a compact, light body, the Lenovo Flex 5i is the Chromebook to buy.

Buying Options

At the time of publishing, the price was 450.

Recommended configuration

Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4 Screen: 13.3-inch 1920×1080 touch
Memory: 8 GB Weight: 2.97 pounds
Storage: 64 GB or 128 GB SSD Tested battery life: 8 hours

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″) is an exceptional Chromebook—it’s fast, it has an excellent keyboard and trackpad, it’s compact and light, and it has a bright 1080p touchscreen with rich colors. And somehow, it’s still comparatively inexpensive. The Flex 5i’s battery life is just long enough to last through a day of work or classes, but that’s cutting it close to the battery’s 8-hour average in our tests, and it’s the one area where our other picks do better. (The Flex 5i’s predecessor, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 (13″), is a decent option if you find it in stock and on sale with a Core i3 processor, but it has only 4 GB of memory, and its guaranteed update support runs out a year sooner.)

Many Chromebook keyboards are merely serviceable, and others feel stubborn, mushy, and unpleasant to type on. But the backlit keys on the Flex 5i offer deeper travel than those of many laptops and are comfortable to use. The trackpad, like most Chromebook trackpads nowadays, is accurate and reliable.

The Flex 5i is much lighter and more compact than most Chromebooks in this price range. In fact, at around 3 pounds and 12.2 by 8.4 by 0.7 inches, it’s closer in weight and size to our upgrade pick, though the Flex 5i is a bit thicker.

In our productivity and media testing, the Flex 5i’s 13.3-inch, 1920×1080 touchscreen display looked good. Light colors in spreadsheets appeared distinct and weren’t washed out, and shadows and deep blacks looked appropriately dark in movies and TV shows. The Flex 5i has a 360-degree hinge, but it’s too bulky to hold comfortably in tablet mode, despite being smaller and lighter than most Chromebooks. If you want a Chromebook you can use comfortably in tablet mode, consider our upgrade pick instead.

On the right side, the Flex 5i has a power button, a volume rocker, and a USB-C port, plus a lock slot. Photo: Michael Murtaugh

On the left, you’ll find another USB-C port, a USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a microSD slot. Photo: Michael Murtaugh

On the right side, the Flex 5i has a power button, a volume rocker, and a USB-C port, plus a lock slot. Photo: Michael Murtaugh

The Flex 5i has a mix of new and old USB ports, so it should accommodate most of the accessories and cables you already have. That mix includes two USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports, one USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 port, an audio jack, and a microSD slot for additional storage. The webcam is about as good as that of most laptops—it’s sufficient for work or school calls—and our pick has a handy, physical privacy shutter that you can slide across the lens when you’re not using it to ensure that no one can see you. The Flex 5i also supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and 100 GB of Google One storage for one year (which normally starts at 20 per year), and it has update support through June 2029.

asus, chromebook, cx1101, review

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Chromebook model Tested battery life (hours:minutes)
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″), 8 GB RAM 8:05
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 (13″), 4 GB RAM 8:23
Lenovo 5i Chromebook (14″) 8:34
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 (i3 model) 10:01
Asus Chromebook Flip CX3 (CX3400FMA-DH388T-S) 10:14
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook (15″) 10:16
Asus Chromebook Flip C536 (C536EA-BI3T3) 10:41
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-3W-5102) 11:44

Our battery-life test mimics ordinary browsing behavior by scrolling through websites, Gmail, audio streaming, Google Docs, and YouTube videos. We run the test until each Chromebook dies.

In our mid-2022 web-browsing battery test, the Flex 5i lasted 8 hours 5 minutes, about two hours short of many other Chromebooks we tested. It still has enough battery to get through a full day of work or classes, but that’s pushing it, especially if you crank up the screen brightness. We’d prefer a couple more hours of battery life, but our pick excels in so many other ways that we think it’s worth this small trade-off.

The lid can be a little tricky; I frequently found myself needing two hands to open the Flex 5i. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, consider the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 or the Asus Chromebook Flip CX3 instead—we were able to open both of those laptops with one hand in our tests. We wish the Flex 5i had a lip, as some of Lenovo’s Yoga models do, to make the laptop easier to open. Otherwise, our pick offers excellent build quality.

asus, chromebook, cx1101, review

Upgrade pick: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Faster, smaller, and lighter

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is smaller, lighter, and speedier than the Flex 5 and lasts longer on a charge, but it’s quite a bit more expensive.

Buying Options

Recommended configuration

Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U Screen: 13.3-inch 1920×1080 touch
Memory: 8 GB Weight: 2.71 pounds
Storage: 128 GB eMMC Tested battery life: 10 hours

As someone who tests laptops for a living, if I were shopping for a Chromebook, I’d get the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 with the Core i3 processor, and if you’re willing to pay more for a smaller and lighter Chromebook with longer battery life, you should, too. Unlike our other picks, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 lacks USB-A ports for connecting older peripherals; you need a dongle or dock to attach those. (Note, too, that we don’t recommend the Celeron version of the Galaxy Chromebook 2, as it’s too slow for its price.)

ASUS Chromebook (2022) Full Overview. Not Review | Best Budget Laptop for Students

While the backlit keyboard is shallow, it’s still satisfying to use. And whereas some laptop keyboards emit a clacking noise as you type, the Galaxy Chromebook 2’s keyboard is quiet, which makes it ideal for a shared workspace. The trackpad is smooth and accurate, and though it’s a bit smaller than the Flex 5i’s trackpad, we didn’t run into any issues with its size.

In our mid-2022 battery-life tests, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 had solid battery life in line with many of the models we tested—the Core i3 model we recommend lasted 10 hours 1 minute in our tests. We expect it to last through a full day of work or school without needing to be plugged in. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is just a bit smaller all around than the Flex 5i, and it weighs just 2.71 pounds. It’s not quite the lightest and most compact Chromebook we’ve tested—that honor goes to our previous upgrade pick, the Google Pixelbook Go. (We still think the Pixelbook Go is a great Chromebook, but it’s no longer our upgrade pick because support for the Pixelbook Go runs out in June 2026, and five years is the minimum we expect for a laptop.) But the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is light enough to use comfortably in tablet mode, unlike any of our other picks.

The 13.3-inch display looks crisp and vibrant, and because it gets a bit brighter than the Flex 5i’s screen on the highest settings, it’s better suited for working outdoors in sunlight. The touchscreen on this Samsung model offers the same 1920×1080 resolution as on most of our picks, plus it has a 360-degree hinge for tent and tablet modes, unlike the Pixelbook Go, which works only as a regular ol’ clamshell laptop.

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 doesn’t have any USB-A ports. The right side has one USB-C port. Photo: Michael Murtaugh

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 doesn’t have any USB-A ports. The right side has one USB-C port. Photo: Michael Murtaugh

This Chromebook has two USB-C ports that carry data at 5 Gbps, power, and display, as well as one 3.5 mm audio jack and a microSD slot. It doesn’t have any USB-A ports for connecting older peripherals; if you want to do that, you need to attach a dongle or dock. The Galaxy Chromebook 2’s webcam looks a bit better than the Flex 5i’s, but it’s still not as sharp as the Pixelbook Go’s excellent 1080p webcam. Like our top picks, this laptop supports Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 has guaranteed update support through June 2028, a one-year warranty, and 100 GB of Google One storage for one year.

The best 15-inch Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Flip C536 (C536EA-BI3T3)

A 15-inch option

The Flip C536 has a large, 15.6-inch screen and a built-in number pad, but it’s too big and heavy to travel with frequently.

Buying Options

At the time of publishing, the price was 370.

Recommended configuration

Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4 Screen: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 touch
Memory: 8 GB Weight: 4.3 pounds
Storage: 128 GB SSD Tested battery life: 10.5 hours

If you want a larger screen and a number pad, we recommend the Asus Chromebook Flip C536 (C536EA-BI3T3). Its 15.6-inch touchscreen provides more room to get work done or to enjoy media, and the number pad is useful if you perform a lot of data entry. That big screen makes the whole laptop heavier and bulkier, so the C536 is much less portable than our other picks—we don’t recommend it if you need a laptop to take to work, class, or even a coffee shop. If the C536 is unavailable, the virtually identical Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 (CM5500FDA-DN344T) is also a great option.

The Flip C536’s biggest appeal lies in its spacious 15.6-inch, 1920×1080 touchscreen, which is ideal if you want more room to work on documents and spreadsheets, or if you simply prefer a larger screen for watching shows and movies. Its colors are vibrant, and we didn’t see any noticeable color tints during our tests. For some reason the C536 also has a 360-degree hinge, but it’s way too heavy and bulky to flip around and use comfortably in other modes.

On the right side, the C536 has a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD slot. Photo: Michael Murtaugh

And on the left, it has another USB-C port, a USB-A port, and an audio jack alongside the volume rocker and power button. Photo: Michael Murtaugh

The Flip C536’s backlit keys are enjoyable to type on, with deep travel and springy feedback. It’s also the only one of our picks with a number pad, so if that feature is a must-have for you, this is the Chromebook to get. The extra-wide trackpad is responsive and accurate, too.

Even though the Flip C536 will last a long time away from an outlet—we recorded 10 hours 41 minutes in our battery test—it’s too large and heavy to carry around on a regular basis. At 4.3 pounds, it’s by far the heaviest of our picks, and compared with the Flex 5i, it’s about 2 inches wider, an inch deeper, and a bit thicker. If you need a portable Chromebook to take to classes, to commute or travel with, or to occasionally cart to a café, consider our other picks instead.

Like our top picks, the Flip C536 has two USB-C ports that carry data at 5 Gbps, power, and display. It also has a USB-A port (3.2 Gen 2), a microSD slot, and an audio jack. The HDMI port supports the 2.0a specification. (The Flip CM5 model has HDMI 1.4.) The webcam is about as good as that of our other picks, and the Flip C536 supports Wi-Fi 6 and has guaranteed update support through June 2029. It comes with a one-year warranty and 100 GB of Google One storage for one year.

Other good Chromebooks

If our top pick is out of stock: Get the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 (CBV514-1H-38VS), the next best option. Compared to the Lenovo Flex 5i the Vero 514 is more expensive, it’s bulkier and a bit heavier, and it lacks a touchscreen. But the Vero has solid performance, long battery life of around 12.5 hours in our tests, a decent 14-inch 1080p display, and a higher-quality 1080p webcam.

If you can’t find our other picks: The Asus Chromebook Flip CX3 is another good option, but at 3.64 pounds it’s much heavier and more expensive than the Flex 5i and the Chromebook Vero 514. The Flip CX3 offers great performance, a 14-inch 1080p touchscreen, a comfortable keyboard and trackpad, and two more hours of battery life than the Flex 5i. It also comes with a stylus.

If you’re looking for a cheaper 15-inch Chromebook: The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook (15″) is a decent choice, especially if you can find it on sale for less than 400. But this model’s performance is borderline due to its N6000 processor—in our testing, conducting a Zoom video call while working on a spreadsheet maxed out the processor, which resulted in video and audio delays on Zoom and delays when we navigated and typed in the spreadsheet.

If you want longer battery life and a taller screen: The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (CP714-1WN-53M9) is an excellent Chromebook, with 13 hours of battery life, a reliable keyboard and trackpad, and a vivid 14-inch display. Compared with the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, the Spin 714 has a taller display and more ports, but it’s noticeably heavier and bulkier. If you find the Spin 714 on sale—or if you don’t mind the extra weight—it’s worth buying.

If you want a repairable Chromebook: The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition is what you’ve been waiting for. Just like its Windows counterpart—which received a 10 out of 10 repairability score from iFixit and which we recommend in our Windows ultrabook guide—you can easily replace and upgrade the Framework Chromebook’s individual parts. Framework includes a screwdriver and handy QR codes by each internal part that direct you to step-by-step replacement guides with links to the exact parts you’ll need. You’ll be able to add more storage and memory, replace your battery, extend your ChromeOS support date by upgrading your mainboard with a new processor, or repair anything else if it breaks. But this promise depends on Framework continuing to exist and supply parts for this Chromebook. If the company goes under or stops supporting this model, then it’s just like any other Chromebook—when it breaks or its support runs out in June 2030, you’ll have to replace the whole thing. It’s also very pricey for a Chromebook at 1,000, and its battery life is decent, but not superb at 10 hours and 18 minutes.

If you need a durable Chromebook for young kids: The Acer Chromebook 712 (C871-C85K) could be a good option, thanks to its durable body and spill-resistant keyboard. But it’s slower than our top pick—it can handle remote schoolwork or a video chat, but it can’t do both at the same time gracefully. It also suffers from a terrible, low-resolution, non-touch screen, and its keyboard is mediocre.