Explore the 12 best Chromebooks on the market in 2023

2K

Whether you’re a business owner looking to push sales or simply an individual wanting to get a reliable modern-day laptop, Chromebooks are nothing to miss out on. The best Chromebooks to buy in 2023 are all bursting at the seams with unmatched functionality, not to mention their overall speed, security, and simplicity.

Chromebooks have fought their way out of the “mere web browser” stigma and shown the world how they are much more capable than we thought. ChromeOS is a constantly evolving operating system that lets users work with Linux software, Google Play Store apps, and easy-to-approach PWAs for easy access.

That is why switching to ChromeOS is the right choice in 2023, given how some of the best Chromebooks in the world offer the perfect blend of value for money and quality. As we cherry-pick devices based on their design, battery life, tech specs, and performance, read until the end to shower yourself with multiple buying options.

12 of the best Chromebooks that you can get today

What entails ahead is a collection of all those Chromebooks that have been deemed a cut above their competition. The criteria for selecting devices rotate around several significant factors, such as screen and build quality, battery runtime, and port selection. We also try prioritizing newer Chromebooks because of their extended end-of-life date.

However, when an older Chromebook outclasses its latest counterpart, we’ll go with the former so that you can make a well-informed purchasing decision. Now then, read until the end for the best results.

1. HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

Right off the bat, we’re going to talk about the finest, most premium Chromebook the world has ever seen to date—the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. Coming in as the direct successor to the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, this next-gen upgrade is just top-of-the-line in most departments, may those be build quality, performance, speed, and even screen standard.

The Dragonfly Pro is a gorgeous-looking Chromebook, styled even better with a shower of robust specs. This machine is considered the best Chromebook across the planet right now for not just one but a myriad of good reasons. For starters, the Dragonfly Pro has an astonishingly bright 1200-nit screen that sparks magnificence day in and day out.

In addition, it boasts a 14-inch IPS screen with a 2,560 by 1,600p resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, making the entirety of the panel look more upfront and substantial. HP also decided to include an exclusive support-based app for 24/7 access to the company’s IT experts, should you choose to ever inquire about anything or report a problem.

Regarding the specifications, the Dragonfly Pro—costing about $1,000 for its single configuration—runs on an Intel Core i5-1235U CPU with a whopping 16 GB memory setup and 256 GB NVMe SSD. The battery life lasts about 8 hours, which is respectable, given the stunning screen quality of a sensational Chromebook.

2. Asus Chromebook CX9

These last couple of years have been monumental for the realm of ChromeOS, with the top-ranking manufacturers of our time, such as HP, Acer, and Asus, having a field day with remarkable innovations. The Asus Chromebook CX9 is the first to feature an all-virtual numpad that registers on the device’s trackpad with the flip of a switch.

In addition, the device uses an “Ergo Lift” design for its hinge that pushes the keyboard upward as you open the lid for a more coherent typing experience. These features are rarely found in other devices, and the CX9 is just starting with what makes it a great Chromebook.

Expect sublime performance levels thanks to its Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU, 16 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD, not to mention its military-standard durability and an FHD screen with sharp and radiant colors. However, the CX9 is a pricy venture and not a budget-friendly device to get into. One specced-out configuration of it costs about $1,150.

3. Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook

We love the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook because of its unmatched versatility. Thanks to its detachable form factor, this device can be anything you want. If you wish to use it as a tablet, remove the keyboard from the screen, and there you have it, and we all know how ChromeOS tablets fare up against their Android counterparts.

The Duet 5 is one of the best Chromebooks to buy in 2023 for not just one but various reasons. The device features an approximate 15-hour battery runtime, allowing you to power through your day without worrying about plugging it into a charger. In addition, it sports a 13.3-inch OLED display panel for a terrific viewing experience.

Apart from the resounding display quality, the Duet 5’s performance has kept many purchasers content, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180 processor, 4 GB RAM, and a 64 GB hard drive size. On top of that is the extended battery runtime of the device, and what we have here is a pure winner.

4. HP Chromebook x360 14c

HP knows how to make impressive Chromebooks, and looking at the x360 14c, the scenario is no different. This one came out in 2021, so expect official support from Google through updates until 2028. This gives you five more years to enjoy the x360 14c at its very best, praised highly for a 14-inch FHD display with IPS tech and sturdy build quality.

The machine’s performance is more than up to par, sporting a 10th Generation Intel Core i3-10110U CPU with 8 GB memory and a 64 GB eMMC flash drive storage size. There are some future-proof features that the x360 14c comes with, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.

Thanks to the 2-in-1 functionality of the device, we’ve labeled the x360 14c as one of the best convertible Chromebooks to buy right now, should you opt for a versatile machine. As for the pricing, this one costs about $450 for a new unit, but you should undoubtedly watch major retail platforms for discounted deals.

5. Acer Chromebook 516 GE

Next, we’ve got the Acer Chromebook 516 GE duly earning a spot on this list for its unique splendor. This is the world’s first proper gaming Chromebook, filled from top to bottom with enticing tech specs that do more than fulfill various use cases. The 516 GE is a sturdy machine with robust build quality, not to mention a top-tier performance level.

It’s one of the largest Chromebooks on the market, with its screen size clocking out at 16 inches. Speaking of the screen, the 516 GE’s display is a treat, being the world’s first Chromebook with a 120Hz refresh rate. As for the processing power, it comes with a 12th-gen Intel Core i5-1240P CPU with 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD.

Last but not least, this Acer front-runner has an RGB keyboard, whose brightness can be a little adequate in dimly lit settings, according to our in-depth review of the Chromebook. With that said, the device has trivial cons as opposed to its pros, so it’s not even a question of whether the 516 GE justifies its  $649 price tag.

6. Acer Chromebook 514

There are some Chromebooks whose specs sheets do not do them justice regarding how they feel and run. You’ll find this to be the case with the Acer Chromebook 514, offering a MediaTek Companio 828 CPU along with 4 GB RAM and a 64 GB hard drive capacity on paper. Good specifications and nothing too extra, right?

The Chromebook 514 may come with adequate hardware, but the impression it leaves on the user on the other end is indelible. Talk about a crazy long battery runtime that rests in the neighborhood of 15 hours and an exceptionally high-quality keyboard and trackpad that feel great—the former even sports backlit illumination.

Moreover, the screen of the device is touch-enabled and clocks out at a resolution of 1920 x 1080p. Our detailed review of the Acer Chromebook 514 concluded that the device’s sub $450 price tag is less than what it’s worth, bringing forth a remarkable ChromeOS experience with fast performance, terrific peripherals, an extended battery, and an admirable screen.

7. Acer Chromebook Spin 713

To talk about an iconic Chromebook that has made waves across the spectrum for its matchless efficacy, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 has found a place in the hearts of many ChromeOS enthusiasts. This machine makes no mistake in striking the perfect balance between affordability and quality, letting users enjoy ChromeOS for what it genuinely is.

The Spin 713 features a screen size that does not fall out of the norms of the industry, but there’s one part about it that stands out like a sore thumb—the aspect ratio. Donning a 3-by-2 ratio on that front, the 713 looks and feels tall and makes no mind of its smaller screen size, which is 13.5 inches.

Regarding performance, the Spin 713 is a tireless workhorse with an Intel Core i5-10210U processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 128 GB NVMe SSD. The device has plenty of ports, unlike the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook and the overall battery runtime is something to write home about. In simple terms, the 713 is a masterclass all-rounder.

8. Dell Inspiron Chromebook 14

As one of the best Chromebooks for remote workers in 2023, the 2-in-1 Dell Inspiron Chromebook 14 has several features. For starters, it feels premium but doesn’t have a likewise price tag. Its MSRP is $500, but you can find it cheaper online at various retail stores.

Furthermore, finding good quality speakers is uncommon on most Chromebooks, but that’s not what the Inspiron Chromebook 14 lives up to. The set of speakers on this machine sounds clear and reasonably loud. There are more than enough ports to utilize, and the added benefit is default USI stylus inclusion for top-tier versatility.

9. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5

Moving forward, we’ve got the Lenovo Flex 5 barging into the scene and grabbing all the spotlight for its budget-friendly pricing. The value proposition of this Chromebook is impressive, considering how you can get it for no more than $320 these days. There are fewer devices out there that can rival the Flex 5 in this price bracket.

Some of the greatest strengths of the Flex 5 Chromebook rotate around the device’s screen and performance. Starting with the display, expect a 13.3-inch FHD IPS panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio that looks as good in real life as it feels on paper, boasting rich, sharp colors with admirable viewing angles.

As for its working speed, the Flex 5 has a dual-core Intel Core i3 processor and not a mobile CPU like the Intel Celeron. Accompanying that is a 4 GB RAM and 64 GB hard drive setup that is adequate to sort your storage and performance requirements on the fly.

10. Asus Detachable CM3 Chromebook

If you have a thing for portable machines that slide into any and every backpack while offering decent performance, the Asus Detachable CM3 Chromebook is a good bet to place your money on. Like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, the CM3 features a titularly detachable keyboard that separates from the screen and lets the latter function as a tablet on its own.

Specs-wise, the device at hand is relatively modest but still remarkable in the performance department. The specs sheet tells us that the Detachable CM3 sports a MediaTek 8183 Processor 2.0 GHz ARM processor with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. Moreover, its 10.1-inch touchscreen has a 1080p touchscreen display that powers work and play settings in equal measure.

Reviewers who’ve bought the machine say that the pre-included magnetic case that transitions into a kickstand cover is of solid quality and incorporates even more flexibility into the workflow of various individuals. The Detachable CM3 is a reliable Chromebook and is highly recommended at its $315 price point.

11. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

The next entry on the list is the ever-graceful Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, celebrated across the globe for its dazzling design, firm build, and commendable tech specs. This device is the successor to the original Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, among the pioneers of Chromebooks with a 4K display.

However, since the latter was priced around the $1,000 mark, not much saw eye to eye with spending that much on a Chromebook. This was also around when ChromeOS wasn’t as developed as it is now. Hence, Samsung shifted gears and outed the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 with a lower price tag and spectacular QLED display.

Slowly but surely, this dazzling Samsung specimen has become one of the best Chromebooks for its sleek design and that brilliant Fiesta Red color scheme, not to mention its 2.7 pounds weight that deems the device highly portable overall. The port selection is also satisfactory, and the device pushes out commendable performance levels.

12. Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga C13 Chromebook

The final pick is the ever-amazing Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook. At this point, it’s safe to say that Lenovo—a Chinese tech tycoon— loves making devices that blend affordability and quality for the sake of the user. The C13 Yoga costs about $311 at the time of writing and comes with 2-in-1 functionality, a 128 GB SSD, and a slew of ports.

Whether you need a whip for programming and coding or perhaps something that can fulfill your content creation requirements, the C13 Yoga can accommodate various use cases thanks to its speedy performance and pleasurable 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen.

Even more so, it’s also one of the best Chromebooks with an HDMI port. Hooking the device to an external monitor for Google Meet conference calls or Netflix streaming is as easy as pie. As for the rest of the I/O, the C13 Yoga is brimming with connectivity due to two USB-C and USB-A ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and an SD card reader slot.

Conclusion

ChromeOS in 2023 is a uniquely different operating system as compared to what it was a decade ago. Today, these devices can run resource-intensive Linux apps, various Play Store games, and even dedicated software, such as WordPress and Kali Linux.

Therefore, it’s hard not to take up a device that feels and runs fast and is overly secure, considering that Chromebooks have never been hit with ransomware before. What’s more, the best Chromebooks in 2023 offers a ChromeOS experience that’s true to its core, which is undoubtedly something going for in the day and age we live in today.

In the comments section below, let us know what device you want to get into. Chrome Ready wishes you a happy shopping!