Chromebooks have come a long way from being devices that were just capable enough to run the Chrome browser. Today, they’re up to speed with a plethora of computing needs, and a quality Chromebook is even better than an average, traditional laptop that works in full flight. Moreover, Chrome OS has only seemed to get better and better as time progressed. Present-day, there are budget Chromebooks like the Lenovo Duet that pack amazing value for their money.
Amidst all this, top manufacturers that lead the global market are trying to slap on more high-end specs while keeping their prices significantly lowered. But then again, some premium-level Chromebooks like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook with 4K Ultra display cost just a shade under $1000. The notion at hand brings us to the question – which makes the best Chromebooks?
In this article, we’ll aim to write down the best Chromebook manufacturers and some of their noteworthy innovations. Stick around for a detailed guide.
Listing Down the Big Chromebook Makers
The following list is ranked in terms of popularity and success rate.
Google Pixelbook
It feels fitting to get a Chromebook built by the very company that manages its operating system. Google is widely known to produce some excellent quality Chromebooks with a knack for making a top-class impression. Although you will find every Chrome OS made by the tech giant will lie on the pricier end, the specifications and build quality they pack make for an otherwise worthy purchase.
Google’s most advanced Chromebook is the Pixelbook, which costs a whopping $999. Some may argue that the device is very overpriced for the operating system it affords but rest assured, the Pixelbook is supremely high-end. It’s able to tackle more than 25 Chrome tabs at once and boasts up to 10 hours of battery life. Apart from the greatness of the Pixelbook, Google also blessed Chrome OS fans with a lighter and more affordable of the $1000 powerhouse – Pixelbook Go.
The two of these devices share some stellar qualities, such as the amazing “Hush” keyboard that makes typing a gift from the heavens and great performance. Specs-wise, the Pixelbook has 16 GB of RAM and a massive 512 GB of eMMC flash storage, while there are variations to choose from in the Pixelbook Go.
Royalty and first-rate quality surround the Pixelbooks, and Google has made sure that their products offer the best of the best. If you’re looking for a Chromebook that doesn’t settle for anything less than greatness, Google might have something that will interest you vehemently.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy 4K Ultra Chromebook
Next up on this list is Samsung – a Korean manufacturer with its hands in almost every tech-related field in the world. From mobile phones, televisions to refrigerators and laptops, the business tycoon has excelled in every division it has worked in. That said, Samsung’s Chromebooks are going to be some of the most affordable, stylish, and high performing devices you’ll ever get to own.
The Samsung Chromebook 3, for instance, is a fantastic embodiment of how the company thrives in blending a combination of budget-friendliness and good technical specifications. It comprises a solid 4GB RAM build 32 GB of eMMC flash storage. Phenomenal battery life gets you through all day, and an Intel Celeron N3060 processor powers the Chrome OS. It’s also very lightweight; it weighs about 2.5 pounds, making it possible to carry the device everywhere efficiently. Above everything else, the best part is this Chromebook’s price, costing somewhere around $160 only.
There are many other similar examples that we can give you, and all they would do is merely add to the point we’re trying to make. However, if you look at the other side, Samsung has gone on and made the marvelous Galaxy Chromebook with a price that’s on par with the Google Pixelbook.
4K AMOLED display, built-in pen, fingerprint sensor, top-notch processor – you name it. The Galaxy Chromebook is one that gets you sorted for the next 7 years or so with its brilliant design and feature-rich build. This product shows the true capability of a Chromebook and supercharges it with peak performance. Like the Google Pixelbook, this Chromebook’s price point may come off as a downside for many, but those searching for a premium-level Chrome OS don’t have to look any further than this Galaxy beast.
Asus
ASUS C423 Chromebook
Asus is like the people’s champ when it comes to making Chrome OS. They’re consistent in making great quality Chromebooks while keeping their cost not far too pricey. However, the Taiwanese giant does have splendid options if you mean to go out of your budget. That said, Asus has been in the game long enough to know the ins and outs of this massive tech industry. They’re also known to produce full-fledged gaming powerhouses and computers of the like. Thanks to this reputation, they have also made a reputable name in the Chrome OS business.
This is why you’ll see many Asus Chromebooks that have been deemed the “best” in their respective categories. For one, the Asus Flip C434 has stirred up quite the popularity for itself, coming in for about $450 and bringing value for your buck. With a visually bezel-less 14 inches screen and a 1080p resolution, the Chromebook is design-wise upright spectacular. It might be a little too heavy if you compare it to its counterparts, but the otherwise seamless usability makes the C434 a compelling contender. It’s loaded with good specs, too; 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and great I/O.
Except for the celebrated C434, Asus’s $1000 Chromebook Flip C436 is a stunner too. This product alone is an illustrious display of this company’s potential when it comes to making awe-inspiring Chromebooks. Despite a bang-average battery life of 5-6 hours, the sturdy and convertible build of the Asus Flip C436 alongside terrific specs makes it simply top-of-the-line.
Asus is definitely something to look forward to if you’re expecting an outstanding device with tablet capabilities. We recommend giving their product a go if you’re trying to buy compact Chromebooks with a build quality that lasts long.
Acer
Acer Spin 713
Acer, hands down, is one of the best brands out there if you’re looking for a collection solution of cost-effectiveness, elegance, and performance. It’s considered the perfect alternative to expensive laptops that you’ll have a hard time affording. Acer has its unique lineup of gaming laptops that have populated the market with its usability and grace in equal measure. To think of Chrome OS, on the other hand, the Taiwanese multinational doesn’t seem to slow down either.
Acer has proudly manufactured some of the best Chromebooks ever made. By this statement, we shoot for a hint towards the magnificent 715 model that falls in the company’s premium range. This device is loaded with features, and the quality of its build is nothing but grand. The Acer Chromebook 715 has a fully aluminum chassis where durability is the frontrunner. Moreover, it boasts a top-grade performance and has over 10 good hours of battery life to offer.
715 is perfect for students. The spacious, user-friendly keyboard also has a prebuilt Numpad to help minimize the effort involved in handling digits. Additionally, tech specs include 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage space – everything that’s more than enough to overcome tasks regularly. Additionally, the 15.6-inch display has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, so the colors are visually sharp and pleasant.
Besides the 715, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is another majestic device that paints a picture of a modern-day superb laptop. It comprises a keyboard that feels like no other when you’re typing on it. Moreover, with a powerful 10th gen Intel processor, the 713 is your go-to device that’s ready to go just when you are. Acer is a name that cannot be overlooked, with the number of technological advancements it has made in Chromebooks. Whenever you see a good deal on this brand, know beforehand that your purchase will be well worth it.
Lenovo
Lenovo Chromebook C340
Lenovo is a brand that screams affordability coupled with astonishing quality when Chromebooks are in the question. All for a good reason; they are also recognized as one of the leading PC vendors worldwide. Although there’s the excellent Yoga C630 Chromebook that costs well above $700, most of this company’s devices are tilted towards the budget end. This is an admirable prospect since many students out there need something that’s able to withstand the workload of classrooms in and out, and the diversity of Lenovo Chromebooks is built to accommodate just that.
To talk about one fine Lenovo specimen, the all-rounder Duet has Chrome OS enthusiasts delighted in surprise. With an incredibly affordable price tag, this Chromebook is simply one of the best in terms of quality and portability. Getting down to the specifications, this device packs 4 GB RAM with storage that goes up to 128 GB. What adds to its ultra-portability is its lightweight yet fascinating build – weighing just about 2 pounds.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet boasts exceptional battery life, even sprinting out ahead of the Google Pixelbook Go in this regard. Furthermore, one can do a lot with this Chromebook’s 2-in-1 design, allowing you to transform the device into a tablet with a detachable keyboard. The display is commendable and features a color-rich viewing experience.
However, what may not appeal to some users is that the Chromebook Duet does not have a 3.5 mm headphone jack. However, you could always use an adapter and plug it in your singular USB-C port on the device to tackle this issue. All in all, this Chrome OS measures up to be just one example of Lenovo’s tech-savviness in the game. Numerous other devices, such as the first-class Lenovo S330, live up to the company’s name. We sincerely recommend trying out a Lenovo Chromebook to see if it interests you.
Dell
Dell Latitude 5300 2-In-1 Chromebook Enterprise
Most people have Dell Chromebooks as the frontrunner for being their daily drivers, which is not without great reasons. Not only they’re affordable, but the US-based giant always sees to it that its products come out top-notch, long-lasting, and high performing. Durability and versatility are where Dell shows its true colors – you got 2-in-1 Chromebooks for first-rate multitasking and devices with high endurance to handle the daily bustle of playful kids. What’s more, Dell has also made high-end laptops over the years, such as its premium Enterprise range of Chromebooks. Nonetheless, there are budget-friendly options to choose from, which only add more respect to Dell’s name.
To talk about fine best-selling Dell product, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook has amazed many due to its feature-rich build quality and everlasting fun experience. It’s powered with a 10th gen Intel i5 Core with 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD for fast computing speeds. The screen is also the one to highlight – featuring a Full HD (1920 x 1080) 4.0″ display that delivers from the get-go. In addition to that, this Chromebook features multiple viewing modes because of its flexible design. The 7410 does cost around $1400, but the investment is well worth the time and money.
Another Chromebook that we could talk about for days is the Dell 3100 that doesn’t dig too deep in the pocket – costing just a shade under $250. We’re talking about a very compact device here that’s built with the average child in mind, making it able to tolerate harsh usage, multiple drops, and bad management. The 3100 Chromebook boasts about 14 hours of battery life, close to the highest you can get in a Chromebook.
With 4 GB RAM and 32 GB of storage, the affordability here is what really sells this Dell device. There are even two versions of this Chromebook – one is a 2-in-1 variant priced a bit above the base model. It’s also more powerful specs-wise, but both of these Chromebooks have the same Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core processor. As if Dell wasn’t one of the leading retailers in the Windows laptop scene, they’re good on their way to conquer the domain of Chromebooks as well. With their emerging devices day by day, the day doesn’t seem too far off either. The conclusion? A Dell Chromebook will never disappoint.
Honorable Mention
The following manufacturer may not produce the best Chromebooks, but they still have made worthwhile impressions in the computing industry.
Hewlett-Packard (HP)
HP 14″ Chromebook
HP might not wipe the floor with its rivals in Chromebooks’ competition, but it does muster up a remarkable fight. This USA-based company is otherwise one of the most dominating PC and laptop manufacturers in the world if we’re to focus outside the boundary of Chrome OS. With that being said, when it comes to these minimalistic computers, the likes of HP x360 and the intricate HP Chromebook 14 make sure that the company’s name shines bright.
Durability and endurance are one of the hallmarks of HP, and this is something that is found in every Chromebook that this manufacturer produces. Besides that, HP also has its variety of high-end Chromebooks that cost quite a bit, but if you really are going to spend that much, consider Samsung’s offerings or the almighty Google Pixelbook instead. Rest assured, you can find satisfactory, and budget-friendly HP Chromebooks that get the job done and don’t break down anytime soon.
