You’ve already decided that you’d rather buy a Chromebook than a Windows laptop or Apple Macbook- what’s next? Deciding exactly which Chromebook to buy.
We’ve narrowed down your list of Chromebooks to the very best of the best, categorizing them by budget and purpose so you’re sure to find exactly what you need. These are the very best Chromebooks as of September 2020.
Quick look charts coming soon!
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
The best Chromebook overall – meaning the most powerful and top performing Chromebook regardless of price – is the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook. It’s the best Chromebook that money can buy and it’ll cost you over $1,000.
Samsung has taken the best of their Galaxy Smartphone series and reconfigured it into a Chromebook which means you’ll get a beautifully designed device, industry-leading 4K screen, and supercharged specs in a future-proof device. If you want the best-of-the-best Chromebooks this is the one for you.
Why it’s worth buying:
- 4K OLED Screen (best in the business)
- Stunning hardware (thin, solid, and light)
- Included stylus
- 8MP camera for ZOOM
- Impressive specs include i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage
Things worth noting:
- Expensive
- Mediocre battery life
Suggested alternative: Google Pixelbook. Not to be confused with the Pixelbook Go, the Google Pixelbook is the company’s premium Chromebook and has top-of-the-line specs across the board.
Best Value: Pixelbook Go
The Pixelbook Go is currently the Best Chromebook available based on its combination of specifications, price, power, performance, and portability. It’s not the most powerful Chromebook overall but it’s the one we’re most likely to recommend to family and friends based on its versatility.
There are several upgrade options (4K screen, i5/i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage), but the best bang for your buck is the base model configuration with an Intel Core m3, 8GB RAM, 64GB Storage). While one upgrade (Intel Core i5 + 128GB Storage) may be reasonable it’s not necessary (and the rest is overkill).
Where to buy it: Google Store
Why it’s worth buying:
- 13.3-inch touchscreen is Full HD (1920×1080)
- Keyboard feels great to type on
- Trackpad is fast and responsive
- Great battery life
- Good speaker sound
- Overall a joy to use
Things worth noting:
- The screen does not flip all the way around for tent or tablet mode
- Not as many ports compared to similar competitors
Other top options:
- ASUS Chromebook Flip C436
- Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook
- Samsung Chromebook 4+
- Lenovo YOGA Chromebook C630
- HP Chromebook 15
Best Cheap Chromebook: Lenovo Ideapad Duet
Most Chromebook shoppers are seeking an affordable alternative to a traditional laptop which is why we always begin our “Best Chromebook” list with the Best Cheap Chromebook. The best of the cheap Chromebooks isn’t actually cheap- it’s just a damn good deal.
The Best Cheap Chromebook is currently the Lenovo Ideapad Duet. It’s under $300 price tag, 10-inch HD display, 2-in-1 keyboard form factor, and capable (but not beefy) specs make the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet the device to buy when you’re on a budget.
Where to buy it: Lenovo
Why it’s worth buying:
- Amazing price with capable specs
- 2-in-1 form factor
- 8MP Rear Camera, 2MP Selfie Cam
Worth noting:
- Only 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage
Other top options:
Best Chromebooks by Category
In the future we hope to explore the Best Chromebooks by more categories to help people find the ideal solution for their needs. Check back soon to see our lists for the below topics and let us know in the comments what else you’d like to see!
- Best Chromebook Keyboard
- Best Chromebook Stylus
- Best Chromebook Display
- Best Chromebook for Kids
- Best Chromebook for Students
- Best Chromebook for Elementary Students
- Best Chromebook for Middle School Students
- Best Chromebook for High School Students
- Best Chromebook for College Students (Acer Chromebook 715: full keyboard with number pad)
- Best Chromebook for Zoom
- Best Selling Chromebook (Lenovo Chromebook Duet)
- Best Rugged Chromebook (Dell Chromebook 3100 Education)
What to consider while Chromebook shopping
Browsing through the Chromebooks is overwhelming. The sheer number of models combined with information overload of specs and features can make the most patient of heads spin. Here are some guidelines to consider when you’re making final purchase decision:
- Form Factor: How far does the screen bend back? Does it have tablet mode (2-in-1)? Is the keyboard detachable? Can you stand it up like a tent? Or is it “only a laptop”?
- Keyboard, Trackpad, and Touchscreen: these 3 pillars of computing will determine your comfort. Although they’re very personal in nature make sure you read through review narratives on these features if you’re unable to test Chromebooks in person
- Stylus: does it come with a stylus? is there somewhere to hold it? is it compatible with 3rd party stylus?
- Camera: video conferencing is become much more popular- don’t be the one with a bum pixelated camera on the call!
- Speaker: can make or break your experience if streaming videos or music are a large part of your online experience
- Processor – Chromebooks are efficient so you don’t need a top of the line processor. The base model is usually fine for most people.
- RAM: Try to get at least 8GB+
- Screen: Don’t overpay for 4K
- Ports: If you plug and play with different peripherals and accessories don’t forget to check what ports are included
FAQ in the COMMENTS
Real users (like you!) sharing their experience and opinions provides additional context that may help someone make the right choice or avoid a huge mistake.
If you used this guide to make your Chromebook purchase decision, please come back to tell us whether or not you’re happy with your choice.