Chrome OS has come along profoundly over the last decade and is now a more sophisticated operating system than ever. The top-ranking manufacturers of our time, such as Acer, Dell, Asus, and HP, have been working to dish out state-of-the-art Chromebooks like never before. We’ve got touchscreen beasts that sport a charming, fluid display, along with school-ready Chromebooks that comprise all the necessary Google applications for education.
It’s safe to say that the Chrome OS space exceeds its constraints and is now getting propelled into more depth and advancement with time. At Chrome Ready, we’ve covered Chromebooks with the best performance levels and best keyboards, so it’s only logical to go over the ones that boast the best trackpads in the business just as well. So follow along with the devices listed in this guide if you’re after a trackpad that negates the need for a separately purchased mouse.
The listicle will comprise different types of devices, but all of them will have been tested to comprise tip-top trackpads with fluidity at their best level. Let’s dive right in without any further delay.
More From Chrome Ready: Things to check before buying a refurbished Chromebook.
The best Chromebooks and top-tier trackpads
The following Chromebooks have been cherry-picked and comprise a high-level touchpad. We’ve made sure to include devices from different budgets so that you can make your purchase flexibly. So let’s start with the first one.
1. Acer Chromebook Spin 13
Acer Chromebook Spin 13
The Acer Chromebook Spin 13 is one of the most premium devices on the list. It employs the horsepower of an Intel Core i5 8250U quad-core processor with 8 GBs of RAM and a sizable 128 GB hard drive storage. When the device first came out, it launched for a retail price of $899. Fret not, though, since the Spin 13 can be bought for around $629 off of Amazon right now, which is a suitable price for the unit at hand.
With that said, we haven’t even come close to the most striking highlights of the Acer Chromebook Spin 13. First off, this device is one of the favorites of digital content creators and artists solely due to the inclusion of a high-quality Wacom stylus. This makes the Spin 13 one of the best stylus-compatible Chromebooks in the industry, allowing users to jot down digital notes on the go or create full-of-life drawings like a pro. You can even learn cursive writing on this device!
As for the next defining point of the Chromebook in question, you’ve got a brilliant 13.5-inch QHD 2K (2256 x 1504) 3:2 IPS to talk about. The colors look fabulous, the viewing angles are great, and the overall unit is just so well-built it’ll make you drool in awe. To come down to the trackpad now, which is what this device has been included here for, the Spin 13 does not disappoint. Its trackpad is coated with Corning Gorilla Glass, compact, and incredibly responsive.
- Check out our full review of this high-end Chromebook here.
2. Dell Latitude 5400 Chromebook
Dell Latitude 5400 Chromebook
The second entry belongs to the deluxe-grade Dell Latitude 5400 Chromebook. Although this is one of the most expensive Chromebooks ever made, you can dive in knowing that you’ll get no less than a maxed-out experience with this one. It comprises an 8th Gen Intel Celeron 4305U processor with 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB NVMe PCIe SSD. The device is an enterprise model targeted toward large-scale businesses and organizations.
That is why you’ll see it features a highly generous port selection. There is a total of three USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 ports, a single 3.1 USB-A Gen 1 port, an HDMI port for effective video conferencing, the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, a microSD card reader slot for extra storage, and even a SIM card reader for mobile hotspots. That’s quite massive for a Chromebook and definitely, a point to consider for those enterprises looking to reinvigorate their IT department.
Somewhere along the benefits of this device comes along the trackpad, which is nothing but sturdy, compact, and commendable in size. Movements made on its surface feel swift and just on point. Lastly, the click mechanism works just as intended, making the Dell Latitude 5400 an all-around convenience. If you’ve got the required budget to spare, do consider what this Chromebook can do for you, apart from delivering a high-end trackpad experience.
3. Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 is another remarkable tech piece specializing in having a brilliant trackpad. In addition, that’s not the only part where this sleek machine topples the competition and gives us an admirable Chrome OS experience. By sporting an Intel Core i3 1115G4 processor alongside an 8 GB RAM and a 128 GB NVMe SSD storage setup, this machine boasts unreal performance consistently.
Moreover, it’s got something that isn’t readily found on Chromebooks, even higher-end ones in the market. The CX9’s speakers are no less than pure magic. They sound loud, bassy, crisp, and just about right to fill up the room with their magnificence. On top of that comes the build quality and the overall design of the Asus Chromebook Flip CX9, putting it above most other devices in the same price bracket as this Chromebook.
- Before grabbing the device online, do check out our in-depth analysis of the CX9 to find out about all of its strengths and weaknesses.
4. Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 has it all: a terrific screen, blazing-fast performance, a robust keyboard, and, of course, a fantastic trackpad. This is one of the best mid-range Chromebooks that money can buy, and definitely, a solid Acer product that the company is proud of. You can grab it right now from Best Buy for somewhere around $500. This is a discounted price instead of the Spin 713’s $629 retail cost.
To discuss the specifications, this sport is packing. The 713 has an Intel Core i5 10210U processor with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB NVMe SSD. It weighs around 3 pounds, making the device relatively portable and not that much of a hog to carry around. The device’s hinge attributes to a one-finger lift, which is always lovely to see on a Chromebook. With that said, what truly takes the cake is the overall quality of the Spin 713’s screen and display.
It employs the brilliance and vigor of a 13.2-inch LCD (2256 x 1504) IPS display with rich colors and a unique viewing experience. In addition, the screen isn’t certainly your average one on this Chromebook. It’s a high-quality 3:2 aspect ratio screen that allows the Spin 713 to look as tall as a 15 or 16-inch display. Topping this off is the 450 nits screen brightness that makes sure outdoor picnics with this marvelous device are nothing but flawless.
This brings us to talk about the 713’s top-class trackpad. It’s outright immense and features exceedingly fluid movement reception. In addition, the component is reinforced with Corning Gorilla Glass which is a standard in the industry. Performing gestures feels nice and makes the overall device look super good. Do check out our in-depth review of the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 before purchasing the unit.
5. Acer Chromebook Spin 513
Acer Chromebook Spin 513
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 is another highly desirable fan-favorite device. It’s pretty affordable at $399, considering the functionalities it packs, and now can be found even cheaper on Walmart. The battery life is excellent, the design is relatively dashing, and the trackpad is de facto top-end. It employs a glass trackpad that feels smooth and swift to use, picks up finger movement nicely, and gives the user enough space to use the component efficiently.
The Spin 513 boasts an excellent 13.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) TFT IPS display that provides users with vibrant colors and appreciable viewing angles. There’s nothing to complain about here, considering that the quality at hand is typical of Acer. As for the brightness, the Chromebook painlessly reaches 300 nits in terms of that and avoids itself from being a major disappointment. The Spin 513, with its convertible form factor, is going to keep you fully satisfied.
- Find out how the device has fared up in our review article here.
6. Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
The Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 is a capable specimen, offering users the speed and stability of Chrome OS at full flight in an elegant fashion. This device is generous with its specifications and doesn’t go overboard with the hardware. You’ll observe the mobile-centric Intel Celeron 3965Y processor alongside a 4 GB RAM and 32 GB hard drive setup. The performance dished out by these components is nothing but decent and will allow you to get work done reliably.
As for the trackpad, which is why the Plus V2 is on this list, we cannot help but marvel at how high-quality it’s been made on the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2. It just feels great to click on and employ gestures with fingers.
The click mechanism is smooth, and the part has just been engineered to be wide – easily one of the top 10 Chromebooks with the best trackpad. In case you didn’t notice, the device also treats you to a docked stylus, which opens up another world of functionality all on its own.
- Before purchasing the machine off of Amazon, read how the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 has been reviewed here.
7. Asus Chromebook CX9
Asus Chromebook CX9
The Asus Chromebook CX9 is currently the king of all Chromebooks. What it lacks in having a convertible form factor and an okay battery life is quickly compensated by a mountain of other features of the CX9. First off, its build quality is beyond the premium, and the “Stark Black” color is nothing but beautiful. The unit weighs about 2.50 pounds, so it’s lightweight, sturdy, and compact, all in an equal measure. It’s worth noting the reduced weight from the aluminum alloy chassis.
Apart from all the flash and pizzazz of the CX9’s sensational build quality, what genuinely dazzles us is the quality of the trackpad. It’s by far the best quality we’ve ever had the opportunity of witnessing on a Chromebook. However, despite the amazement that comes from its fluidity and responsiveness, the CX9 offers one more boon than all that. It employs a magical numeric keypad within the trackpad that can be toggled on and off with the touch of a button.
If that isn’t awesome, we’re not quite sure what is. The click mechanism of the whole thing works perfectly, and we can genuinely say that this Chromebook is one for the future, especially since its end-of-life date is slated for June 2029. A lightning-fast fingerprint sensor, a privacy shutter for the 720p HD webcam, and USI stylus compatibility are some more of the CX9’s excellent features. It’s easily one of the best Chromebooks with a high-quality trackpad.
- Do read our full review of the Asus Chromebook CX9 before diving in and plunging for the purchase.
8. HP Chromebook x360 14c
HP Chromebook x360 14c
The HP Chromebook x360 14c might be a bit too heavy for some users, but make no mistake in acknowledging that this is one of the best all-arounder Chromebooks on the market at the moment. It employs the horsepower of a 10th generation Intel Core i3-10110U CPU with a comfortable 8 GB RAM and a 64 GB eMMC flash drive setup. This allows the x360 14c to perform like a champ and make it possible for users to run Linux software and Google Play Store apps side by side.
What takes the cake is both the quality of the trackpad and the keyboard as well. While the latter is a killer component that’s whisper-quiet to type on and is LED-illuminated as well, it might comfort you to know that the glass trackpad is even better. It’s made to dish out tip-top responsiveness consistently while accommodating users with its spacious design. Even a fingerprint sensor is mounted below the right arrow key for effortless sign-ins.
- Don’t forget to check out our full review of the HP Chromebook x360 14c.
9. Asus Chromebook Flip CM5
Asus Chromebook Flip CM5
The Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 is the sibling of the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5. It’s a proponent of the same winning formula that its counterpart ever so gracefully uses. One specialty of this Chromebook is the color-blocked WASD keys that add flair to your gaming experiences.
In addition, the trackpad of the CM5 is nothing but inspiring. It’s glass-made, has a decent amount of size to its name, and the click mechanism is wholly excellent. The clicks that you make manage to hit the sweet spot somehow and attribute to a terrific trackpad experience that we’ve grown to admire. One of the best Chromebooks that you can get not just for navigating around but for good performance, sensational battery life, and the extra perk of a dedicated numeric pad.
- Check out our full review of the Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 here.
10. Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2021 AMD)
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 AMD 2021
Acer has the highest number of entries on this list, and you’re probably getting the idea now that this Taiwanese manufacturer is simply one of the bests in the industry. Finalizing this list is the terrific Chromebook Spin 514 AMD 2021 edition that came out last year. It’s a revamped version of the original Spin 514 loaded with an AMD Ryzen 3000C processor. As the name depicts, this quality component consistently manages to dole out exceptional performance.
Apart from its speedy operation and 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS LCD touchscreen display, the Spin 514 AMD 2021 sports a high-quality mylar trackpad that will make your browsing and navigation seamless. It’s well-built and can provide users with responsive gesture movement on the surface. Unfortunately, it isn’t coated with Corning Gorilla Glass, but that’s pretty expected given the unit’s sub $500 price tag.
The device’s I/O is quite generous, too, featuring a duo of USB Type-C ports and two USB-A ports as well for all of your legacy peripherals. There is also the 3.5 mm headphone jack and the expandable storage option you get with the microSD card slot. You’re going to need the latter if you ever want to fill up the device’s 64 GB eMMC flash storage. Fantastic performance, appreciable build quality, and a fantastic keyboard and trackpad duo make the Spin 514 AMD 2021 an excitingly desirable affair.
- Read our full review of the machine to get a better idea of all of its pros and cons.
Conclusion
Chromebooks have been relentlessly getting better as time flies by. Manufacturers have been using high-quality components and trying their best to make these slick devices stand on par with Windows laptops, although the domain is quite not there yet. We’ve got ourselves a terrific list here of those Chromebooks that have the best trackpad in the business.
If you’re cautious about navigating your device and only wish to work with the most robust trackpads ever, the Chromebooks mentioned in this guide are going to check out for you. First, however, we recommend reading the review of each device to acknowledge all its pros and cons and make a well-informed purchasing decision.
- Find out the significant differences between an ARM Chromebook and an Intel x86 Chromebook here and know which type of device to buy.
