Top 10 Chromebooks for coding and programming in 2023

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If you’re considering buying a Chromebook just for programming and writing code but can’t put your finger on one device,  we’re here to help you. Many capable Chromebooks are out there, but not all are cut out for this sort of work. However, our job is to fill that gap and shortlist the best Chromebooks for coding and programming in 2023.

Therefore, read along the list comfortably, knowing that these devices have been tried and tested to offer high-performance levels and painless compatibility with Linux apps. In addition, we’ve ensured that all of the forthcoming entries have their Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date stretching to at least three years from now and beyond.

Let’s dive right into the guide with no further ado.

• Recommended read: 2023 Chromebook buying guide – What to look for in a ChromeOS laptop.

10 of the best Chromebooks for coding and programming

The following is our cherry-picked collection of Chromebooks that can allow you to write code and indulge in programming without breaking a sweat. Make sure to read until the end for the best results.

1. Acer Chromebook Spin 713

Starting off the list is our personal favorite—the Acer Chromebook Spin 713. There’s no way this device isn’t capable of meeting a variety of needs of a single person, given how versatile Acer has developed the Spin 713 to be. It features a gorgeous 13.5-inch CineCrystal high-resolution (2256 x 1504) display with excellent viewing angles and colors.

The device’s performance is up to the mark, allowing you to download and try various Linux apps on the go, such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code and other code-centric software. It’s one of the best devices you can get for programming, given its reliable performance and sturdy build quality.

The Spin 713 also sports a convertible form factor, meaning that its screen can rotate back to 360° and allow you to enjoy different viewing modes. You may try a stylus with the machine, too, if needed, but we’re already quite content with the responsive and fluid touchscreen of the 713.

• For a more detailed analysis of the Chromebook, please check out our full review of the Acer Chromebook Spin 713.

2. Dell Inspiron Chromebook 14

The Dell Inspiron Chromebook is the best for coding and programming and is among the top 10 Chromebooks for movie streaming in 2023. Being a high-quality product of Dell — the famous US-based manufacturer — the Inspiron 14 does not disappoint when it boils down to sheer performance.

Sporting an 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8130U processor with 4 GB RAM and a 128 GB eMMC SSD, the Chromebook in question flies past regular tasks like nothing while empowering users to get started with the Linux terminal without breaking a sweat. The device weighs about 1.8 kg and is not overly challenging.

In addition to the performance aspect, the Inspiron 14 has an extra perk. It’s one of the few Chromebooks that offer an in-built stylus functionality, letting you fully enjoy the device’s highly responsive touch-enabled display. Talk about jotting down notes or learning cursive writing with this first-rate Dell Chromebook.

As for the price of this unit, the Inspiron Chromebook 14 will set you back about $350 if purchased off Amazon. But please be advised that the listing does not include the USI stylus of the device. You will have to buy that separately in this case.

• Check out our in-depth Dell Inspiron Chromebook 14 review for more information and a detailed device account.

3. HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is one of the most recent Chromebooks to launch in the first quarter of 2022. This laptop means serious business, and we mean that in quite the literal sense. Being an enterprise-focused Chromebook, the Elite Dragonfly packs all the bells and whistles you require for it to help you code.

Not only that, but the unit at hand will help you achieve a lot more on that front, making it possible to install other operating systems on your Chromebook, such as Windows, and work with various virtual machines, too, such as VirtualBox. That’s what you get with a Chromebook that has been specced out to the max.

Speaking of specifications, some may argue that the Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is a bit too expensive—almost out of the regular ballpark of ChromeOS—and they wouldn’t be blatantly wrong. The device, after all, costs about $1,255 from the official Dell store.

There are various customization options on the Dell Store, making it possible for potential customers to modify the configuration of the Elite Dragonfly Chromebook and choose between the different available choices. Beware, though, since the fully loaded device version will cost you about $1,882. That’s some money to shell out.

The Elite Dragonfly Chromebook has some exciting features, starting with the 13.5″ anti-glare WLED + LBL UWVA WUXGA+ (1920×1280) touch-enabled display, a 5-megapixel “Integrated Camera,” and a 12th generation Intel Core i3-1215U processor as well.

This type of hardware makes the Chromebook a solid pick for consumer-grade individuals looking to write code, develop software, and program their hearts out daily. Check out our full HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook review for more details if this machine piques your interest.

It’s worth noting that the successor to the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook — the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook — was announced and revealed at CES 2023 lately. Do check out our coverage of the event for more information.

4. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5

Many of Lenovo’s best Chromebooks come with an ARM processor, and that does not help our case when we talk about the most significant Chromebooks for coding and programming. However, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 changes that paradigm and brings forth an x86 Intel processor to the table for ChromeOS enthusiasts to work with.

The Flex 5 features an exciting hardware standard and a promise of swift performance, provided that you don’t push it to its limits. Individuals looking to get a budget-friendly Chromebook that can handle its fair share of tasks can readily opt for the Flex 5 or the Flex 5i.

The device sells for about $335 on Amazon, which is 22% off the retail price. Regarding the device’s cost, the Flex 5 features a 13.3-inch FHD IPS display with convertible functionality. This means you’ll be able to enjoy various viewing modes, including tablet, tent, and stand.

• Don’t forget to check out our in-depth Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook review.

5. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Next up, we’ve got the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 to talk about, and this is one fine Chromebook to pick up if you’re on a budget and need something to get you through the day quickly and without breaking the bank. The Chromebook has an Auto-Update Expiration (AUE) date of 2026, so you still got three years left out of this one.

The device can be bought for around $173 if purchased from Amazon. As opposed to the $289.99 retail price of the Spin 311, this is one bargain of a price that you can get the best of and dive into 2-in-1 convertible functionality. That is to say, the Chromebook at hand is a versatile device, and it even boasts a prolonged battery runtime.

If the quality of the display isn’t a big deal for you, and you can live with the device’s sizable bezels, you’ll find the Spin 311 performing up to the mark while boasting additional functionality. For instance, you can turn the device’s display around and enjoy Netflix streaming in its tablet mode.

• Our Acer Chromebook Spin 311 review will take things further from here on out.

6. HP Chromebook x360 14c

Moving up on this list, we have a lightweight powerhouse to cast a lens on—the HP Chromebook x360 14c. Hosting a 10th Generation Intel Core i3-10110U processor with 8 GB RAM and a 64 GB eMMC flash drive, the x360 14c is a reasonably sizable device, amounting to a 14-inch display.

We’ve reviewed the Chromebook and given it a solid 8.4/10 due to its terrific build quality, impressive speakers, Wi-Fi 6 availability, and a high-quality keyboard and trackpad combo. Speaking of which, the HP Chromebook x360 14c is one of the Chromebooks with a superior keyboard, so that’s another advantage to consider.

As for the pricing of the device, the x360 14c’s Intel Core i3-10110U variant with 8 GB RAM and 64 GB hard drive is currently listed for $427 on Amazon. With appreciable reviews and a commendable overall rating, individuals who like to write code and download dedicated software for programming and sure to enjoy what the Chromebook at hand has to offer.

7. Asus Chromebook CX9

If you’re looking for a Chromebook that does and has it all, you must orient toward the Asus CX9. Style, vigor and an everlasting impression—this one does it seriously and doesn’t even flinch when it boils down to its authenticity in performance.

Our editor’s choice 9/10 rating of the device in our comprehensive Asus Chromebook CX9 review wasn’t allotted for no good reason. The Chromebook has several exciting specs and features, including an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, a 14″ LCD FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 wide view anti-glare display, and military-grade durability.

Not just that, but the CX9’s cutting-edge hinge design is something to marvel at. When you lift the device’s hinge, you’ll observe the keyboard coming up from its place and adopting a more elevated position. This grants users a better angle to type with while making the overall process look utterly high-quality.

The Asus Chromebook CX5 does something similar, but the CX9’s “Ergo Lift” design is much grander than its counterpart. With that said, the CX9 does fall on the pricier side of things, with one of its specced-out versions starring an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 512GB SSD, and 16GB RAM costing north of $1,100 on Amazon.

8. HP Chromebook Elite c1030

If you’re looking for a sheer workhorse capable of running software like WordPress, Kali Linux, and Scrivener, the HP Chromebook Elite c1030 is the device you should be vying for. Remember that this is one of the best Chromebooks HP has ever made, alongside other front-runners such as the HP Pro C640 Chromebook.

With top-of-the-line build quality, powerful hardware, and minimal bezels that attribute the Chromebook to exhibit a stunning nano-edge screen, there’s little that gets in the way of the c1030 in terms of beauty and design. It’s a 13.5-inch Chromebook with a tall, 3:2 aspect ratio, just like the aforementioned Acer Chromebook Spin 713.

There’s also spacious storage here, with the Elite c1030 sporting a 128 GB NVMe SSD. The device also features a unique set of shortcut keys not found in most other Chromebooks. For example, there’s a dedicated key for taking a screenshot, not to mention separate buttons on the keyboard for the backlighting functionality.

The Elite c1030 is relatively expensive and certainly not something that you can get on a pocket-friendly basis. For instance, the device’s fully loaded variant costs about $1,900 if you purchase it from Amazon. You can find other, lesser priced, and relatively underpowered configurations of the model, but nothing brand-new will still cost you anything below $1,000.

• Before you dive into the purchase, it’s worth checking out our HP Elite c1030 Chromebook review.

9. Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is a high-quality Chromebook akin to the Lenovo Chromebook Duet in many ways. However, we genuinely wanted to include the latter in this list of the best Chromebooks for programming and coding, but the Duet comes with an ARM processor, a CPU architecture type that does not bode well for Linux apps.

• If you’d like to know more about the differences between an x86 and an ARM processor to determine which one you should buy, check out our detailed guide that explains both architectures.

The C13 Yoga Chromebook is fueled with a fair level of technical specifications. It comprises an AMD Ryzen 3 3250C dual-core processor with 4 GB memory to dish out decent performance levels and not let the Chrome browser bog down the system, as is usual with low-end devices.

As for the device’s build, it features 2-in-1 convertible functionality, so it’s possible to switch to different viewing modes. Moreover, the C13 Yoga costs about $309 on Amazon. This is an admirable price point for a Chromebook that can be relied on in various spaces.

• Do check out: Chromebooks vs. Tablets – Which is better for productivity?

10. Acer Chromebook Spin 514

Last but not least, we have another powerful Chromebook that can sort out your programming requirements just like any other day. Thanks to its AMD Ryzen 3000C processor, the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 AMD—one of Acer’s most noteworthy Chromebooks—features exceptional performance levels.

The addition of the “Spin” moniker necessitates the 514 AMD to come with a convertible form factor. The 10-hour battery runtime, an excellent keyboard, and ample 64 GB storage make this Chromebook well worth the purchase. Finally, the Spin 514 comes for about $366, which, to be fair, is competitive pricing from the Taiwanese manufacturer.

• Before purchasing the machine, read our Acer Chromebook Spin 514 AMD 2021 to make a well-informed purchasing decision.

Conclusion

Chromebooks have been marking their foray into several fields of the modern-day computing world, including business, school, and gaming. As these devices are getting more and more feature-filled with every major ChromeOS update, people from different industries have started to pick up these minimalistic devices in greater numbers.

This is why we now have some high-quality Chromebooks for coding and programming specifically. Let us know in the comments section whether you purchased a Chromebook using this list. As always, Chrome Ready wishes you good luck!

• Next up: Top 5 Chromebooks with HDMI ports in 2023.