If there’s one manufacturer that’s constantly riling up the competition, many fingers will point towards Acer. This Taiwanese company excels at making top-of-the-line devices, may they be full-fledged PCs or Chromebooks. It has produced some of the finest Chrome OS laptops the world has ever seen, and that automatically makes it fair to include Acer in the list of the best present-day Chromebook manufacturers. You don’t have to be Jeff Bezos to afford a high-quality Acer Chromebook, as this company has catered to the budget range price bracket in magnificent ways.
Where you do have to be Jeff Bezos, however, is when opting for some of Acer’s most premium offerings, like the Spin 713 that costs more than $700. That said, if you’ve been on the hunt for a tireless workhorse lately that doesn’t hesitate in putting out excellent performance levels consistently, you might want to turn your head towards the devices of this glaring manufacturer.
Top 5 Acer Chromebooks to buy in 2021
Follow along with this article, therefore, as we pen down and discuss the top 5 Acer Chromebooks that you can buy today in 2021 and start experiencing Chrome OS at its core. So without any further ado then, let’s get started right away.
1. Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
We couldn’t help but start this list with what, perhaps, is the best Chromebook ever made in the mid-range price bracket. The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a device that’s loaded with state-of-the-art features that not only help raise the bar for other Chromebooks to achieve but pave the way for users to witness Chrome OS at its very best. Its base model is loaded with an Intel Core i5 10210U CPU with 8 GBs of RAM and a 128 GB NVMe SSD for faster read and write speeds. In addition, the Intel UHD graphics make sure that whatever content is viewed on the Spin 713, the quality is nothing short of high-res.
One aspect of this Chromebook grabs all the spotlight: the display. On paper, the specifications tell us about a 13.5-inch CineCrystal high-resolution (2256 x 1504) screen that boasts rich, remarkable colors and a display experience just like no other. However, what takes the cake here is the screen’s 3:2 aspect ratio. This is a nifty technique employed by manufacturers for making the display more expansive, offering users that extra vertical space and simply revamping the device’s overall look. The Spin 713 has little competition in its way when it boils down to the sheer quality of the display, so definitely a win-win scenario here.
Most budget-range Chromebooks and even some mid-range devices share a common problem regarding screen brightness. Acer didn’t cut corners with the Spin 713 in this regard, as the Chromebook’s brightness hits a maximum of 450 nits. This allows you to rock it painlessly on a sunny day outdoors. Given the 3-pound weight and 16-17 mm thickness at the device’s thickest point, the Spin 713 is also reasonably portable. This is excellent news for people who sport an on-the-go lifestyle.
Donning a fantastic keyboard and a great trackpad, this machine packs a surreal level of performance, thanks to its Intel Core i5 processor. It simply flies past whatever you throw at it, no matter the number of opened Chrome tabs, Google Play Store applications, or Linux programs. The battery runtime, which easily lasts for about 11-12 hours, couples profoundly with the performance. These are best-in-class figures for Chrome OS.
If you’d like to read more about the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, do check out our review article on this machine for an in-depth analysis. It’s wise to beware of all the pros and cons of a tech gadget before you take the plunge and purchase it.
2. Acer Chromebook 715
Acer Chromebook 715
The Acer Chromebook 715 can be regarded as the Spin 713’s more affordable sibling, save for a couple of shortcomings. The device’s MSRP is slated for about $450, but you can find the 715 for much cheaper if a keen eye is kept out and discount savings are availed – which go happening around more often than you think. With that said, let’s consider the full $450 price of this machine for a moment and talk about its strengths and weaknesses accordingly. You’ll be surprised (and glad) to know the Acer Chromebook 715, even at its full price, is an affair worth getting into.
First off, the build quality is what has us fairly impressed. It boasts an all-aluminum chassis with a sleek matte finish that not only beautifies this unit but makes it strong, sturdy, and durable as well. The 715 has turned out to be a sizable clamshell laptop. It occupies a relatively large footprint and measures up to 14.4 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches dimensionally. As for the weight, the device weighs about 3.8 pounds which isn’t too over the top and still makes it stay portable to a reasonable extent.
The high-quality keyboard and the glass trackpad contribute to a phenomenal user experience on the Acer Chromebook 715. Typing feels great and comfortable, while the trackpad has a smooth click mechanism to its name. Furthermore, the success story continues with the 715’s performance, which has us pretty much astonished with its premium-grade output. We were able to run quite a bevy of applications at once on this device and never found it to lag or slow down, so people with heavy-duty workloads can pick this unit up for multi-tasking and everything of the like.
Specs-wise, the 715 consists of an 8th Gen Intel i3 Processor with 4 GBs of RAM and 128 GB hard drive storage. These components are enough to get you through the day comfortably, with plenty of battery life still left so that you can watch a movie or two. What’s unique about the 715 is the inclusion of a NumPad on the keyboard deck that could come in handy for professional typists.
If you’d like to know more about the Acer Chromebook 715 before buying it, do check out our review article that talks about some of the areas where the device lets its consumers down. Still, the 715 is one terrific package that gives you great value for money.
3. Acer Chromebook Spin 513
Acer Chromebook Spin 513
The Chromebook Spin 513 is another bright example of what Acer is all about as a Chrome OS laptop manufacturer. This particular device’s MSRP is slated for somewhere around $349, so those enthusiasts not packing a lot of dough at the moment can see the Spin 513 falling into the range of their budget. To talk a bit about the device’s specifications, the highlight reel starts with the Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 7c Compute Platform processor that promises top-notch performance and the ability to work on and off without breaking a sweat.
The hard drive size won’t be driving anyone crazy, being merely 64 GB, but the 4 GB RAM setup is fairly sufficient and allows the unit to take heavy-duty loads like a champ. On the other hand, the port selection is just adequate as the Spin 513 sports two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports, a single USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port for legacy peripherals, and a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. Unfortunately, there is an absence of a microSD card reader slot on this Chromebook, so you’ll have to make do with the base specs.
- Every cloud has a silver lining! Check out these top cloud-based storage solutions for Chromebooks to expand your horizons and enter into a world of cloud computing.
Casting a lens on the design and the build quality of the Acer Chromebook Spin 513, we must admit that this machine is elegantly head-turning. It’s sleek, stylish, and pretty lightweight at 2.65 pounds. In addition, it’s right about 15 mm thick and feels nothing but premium when picked up and got ahold of. However, the keyboard deck acts flimsy when you press down to it, so the device has its fair share of shortcomings. With a price tag under $350, hiccups like these are bound to pop up from time to time.
Generally speaking, the Spin 513 has a high-quality screen, top-of-the-line battery timing, great trackpad and keyboard duo, and an attractive design – all for $349 currently on Walmart. Acer has outdone itself by creating an admirable machine and slapping an affordable price on it. Before buying it, let this review article guide your thoughts if you’d like to know more about the Spin 513.
4. Acer Chromebook Spin 11
Acer Chromebook Spin 11
The Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is one more terrific option for you to consider when looking to buy an Acer Chromebook. It costs about $339 and gives you the benefit of enjoying an included Wacom stylus for jotting down creative ideas or letting out your inner artist. Whatever the case, the Spin 11 comes for cheap and even lets you tinker around with a pen as well, so what’s not to like here? Moreover, this device also has a lot going for itself other than affordability. It packs an Intel Celeron N3350 processor that may sound bang-average at first but genuinely puts out solid performance levels in the long run.
In addition to that, the Spin 11 boasts a 2-in-1 convertible design where the hinge can rotate back to 360° and lets you relish a multitude of viewing modes. So if you’re a frequent television show binge-watcher, you can put the Chromebook in tablet mode and enjoy your streams painlessly. Coupling that attributes is the battery life, which, if we’re to be honest, is simply amazing on the Spin 11. The device employs a 3-cell Li-Ion (3490 mAh) battery that surprisingly lasts for more than 12 hours on a single full charge. So charge it once in the morning and spend a whole day with it – you’ll still have some juice left by the end of your day.
Another positive trait of the Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is its I/O. The model has two USB-C ports for fast data transfers and charging speeds to its name, along with two USB-A ports for legacy peripherals, a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a microSD card reader slot to expand your storage options. If we compare the Lenovo Chromebook Duet in this regard that comes with a single USB-C port and nothing else, we have at our disposal an undisputed winner.
- On a side note, USB-C hubs exist for all those devices that are short on USB ports. Find out some of the best ones to use for your Chromebook here.
The speakers and the trackpad of any laptop are two crucial components that each enhance the overall user experience. Unluckily, the Spin 11 takes a considerable nosedive in both of those areas, so a fair bit of compromise will be needed from your side here. On the plus side, the Spin 11’s pros easily outweigh the cons, and you should bear in mind that this is one of the best Chromebooks out there in the budget-friendly price range, with all things considered.
If you’re still not sold on this Chromebook yet, consider giving our review article a go that goes more in-depth on this device and allows you to reach a definite buying conclusion.
5. Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2021 AMD)
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 AMD 2021
Right after the Chromebook Spin 713, the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 AMD 2021 is the most luxury-grade device on this list. By looking at the specifications sheet, it astoundingly hits us that this Chromebook is packing an AMD 3000 series processor under the hood. This more or less guarantees performance levels like no other, and the statement has so far held true for the AMD edition of the Spin 514. If you’re someone who prioritizes performance out of any other trait on a device, let us put it out here in simple words that this Chromebook’s performance is just mind-blowing.
It may not have the most intimidating of RAM and ROM setups, 4 GB and 64 GB, respectively, but what’s lackluster in terms of specs is shortly compensated by the Spin 514 AMD’s reliability and consistency. Furthermore, since the machine performs like a high-end laptop, you can go above and beyond what a Chromebook is usually capable of, meaning that you can install other operating systems on a device like this, not to mention an uninterrupted usage of desktop-grade software and Google Play Store applications.
The sandblasted and anodized aluminum chassis gives off luxurious vibes that do nothing but bode well for the Spin 514 AMD. It comes with military-grade durability and reinforced protection layers, so small-time knocks, bumps, and drops are easily withstood without breaking a sweat. It weighs about 1.55 kgs, so portability is also quite appreciable here. As for the keyboard and the trackpad, neither were we expecting a disappointing experience nor did we get one. Both of these essentials work just as intended and feel exceedingly comfortable. The Spin 514 has measured up to be the jack of all trades so far.
Lastly, we have the screen of this Chromebook to talk about. On paper, the Spin 514 has a 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080p) touchscreen with an IPS display. However, when we sat down to review the display, we found pleasant, punchy colors with ample brightness stretched across the whole FHD screen. The viewing angles are exceptional, and there’s the added security of the Gorilla glass applied on the display for further protection. What’s unique about the Spin 514 AMD that’s seldom found in other devices is its next-level hinge, which locks in at each viewing mode and necessitates an extra push to make it go to the next viewing mode. This touch goes a long way in improving the overall impression of the Spin 514 AMD.
Suppose you’d like to read more about the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 AMD 2021 before buying it at Walmart. In that case, we highly recommend reading our review article on this device that profoundly analyzes the pros and cons of this fantastic machine.
Conclusion
Acer has been a top-end manufacturer for the Chrome OS space. The company has displayed its artistic work in most of its Chromebooks, as you can comprehend from the Chromebook Spin 514 AMD 2021 and Spin 713, both boast a sensational Chrome OS experience chock-full of features. We love how the Chromebook Spin costs about $340, which is quite pocket-friendly, and lets users enjoy a full-fledged device with a Wacom stylus as well.
Suppose you’ve been contemplating buying a new Chrome OS laptop lately and haven’t been able to fix your decision on a single device. In that case, we advise you to read the interlinked review article of each listed Acer Chromebook to acknowledge all its strengths and weaknesses and finally cherry-pick the machine that best suits your taste. Chrome Ready wishes you a happy shopping time!
- Are you interested in other manufacturers? Then, check out the top 5 HP Chromebooks.
