Finest Chromebook 2023: 8 finest Chromebooks to purchase

The perfect Chromebooks aren’t simply laptops that run just a few Google apps anymore. Chromebooks can cowl all kinds of computing wants now, and a superb Chrome OS laptop computer or two-in-one will be extra helpful than a mediocre Home windows or macOS laptop computer. That’s why our decide for the very best Chromebook of 2023 is the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5, which is without doubt one of the best-built, longest-lasting, and best-performing Chromebooks you should purchase.

Chromebooks from firms like Acer, Lenovo, and Asus are identified to ship good worth. The message that many individuals truly need good Chromebooks — fairly than simply low-cost ones — has gotten by to producers. Many are round $500 or $600, although there are good choices within the increased and decrease ranges as effectively. The additional cash goes a great distance towards getting one thing you’ll be proud of.

For the primary time, the standard of the Chromebooks on this vary has been constant. There are such a lot of similarities between the choices from Asus, Lenovo, Google, HP, Dell, and Samsung {that a} conspiracy-minded particular person would possibly recommend they’re all sourcing their elements from the identical manufacturing unit. That’s nice information in the event you’re comparability purchasing; nearly all of this listing can be good buys if you’ll find them at a reduction. They’ll even rival among the finest laptops, finest price range laptops, and finest scholar laptops in the marketplace.

We’ve chosen the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 for customers on a price range. Different robust picks are the Asus Chromebook Removable CM3 and the Lenovo C13 Yoga Chromebook.

What most consumers need in a Chromebook are seemingly the identical issues they need in any laptop computer: a superb keyboard, strong construct high quality, lengthy battery life, a pleasant display screen, and sufficient energy to do the belongings you need. Extra Chromebooks can meet these {qualifications} than ever earlier than, however these are those that rise above the remaining.

What we’re in search of

Worth: Worth is a vital think about evaluating gadgets for this web page. We’re looking for Chromebooks that provide nice worth for his or her asking value and which can be the very best of the very best in comparison with different laptops of their value class. The costlier a tool, the extra distinctive it must be to make it on right here.Specs: Each Chromebook doesn’t want a large quantity of storage, RAM, and efficiency, nevertheless it does want sufficient to accommodate the wants of its audience (and to be value its asking value).Display: We like shows which can be color-accurate and vibrant.Design: Chromebooks are well-liked amongst colleges and college students. We’re in search of laptops with a strong, sturdy construct that may deal with bumps, jostles, and backpack put on.Battery life: College students might go a number of hours with out having a possibility to plug their gadgets in. We like Chromebooks that may assure no less than a number of hours of steady use. Port choice: The extra ports, the higher.

We attempt to maintain our picks as present as attainable, however we might embody an older system over its newer era if we really feel that the newer era is a major downgrade. We not often advocate gadgets which can be greater than two years previous.

1. Asus Chromebook Flip CX5

Finest Chromebook of 2023

$649

The Asus Chromebook CX5 gives a terrific bundle for a little bit of a steep value.

CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 16GB / Storage: 128GB / Show: 15.6-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, contact choice / Dimensions: 14.08 x 9.48 x 0.73 inches / Weight: 4.3 kilos

Of us might understandably balk on the Chromebook Flip CX5’s value, nevertheless it actually is that good. It’s sturdy sufficient to resist all types of jolts and jostles in a backpack or briefcase, and has a novel velvety texture that’s very nice to carry. Add a large port choice, a easy and cozy keyboard, and a vivid show, and also you’ve bought a chassis that may maintain its personal in opposition to loads of midrange Home windows laptops. 

The Asus Chromebook CX5 is the very best Chromebook of 2023. Picture by Amelia Holowaty Krales

The CX5’s efficiency is equally spectacular. We by no means as soon as heard its fan in our testing, even when pushing a workload that slows most gadgets down. Battery life is kind of passable and simply lasted us all day. And the CX5 delivered among the loudest audio we’ve ever heard from a Chromebook. Whereas the CX5 isn’t an ideal system, it’s presently the very best Chromebook you should purchase.

Learn our Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 assessment.

2. Asus Chromebook Removable CM3

Finest removable Chromebook

$370

The Asus Chromebook Removable CM3 is the very best removable laptop computer with a built-in pen and removable display screen. It gives a novel dual-folding kickstand, making it attainable to fold the pill so it stands up like a laptop computer or stands up horizontally.

CPU: MediaTek 8183 / GPU: Arm Mali-G72 MP3 / RAM: 4GB / Storage: 128GB / Show: 10.5-inch IPS, 1920 x 1200, 60Hz, contact choice / Dimensions: 10.06 x 6.58 x 0.31 inches / Weight: 1.12 kilos

The Chromebook Removable CM3 is Asus’s try to compete with Lenovo’s extremely praised Chromebook Duet. Just like the Duet, the CM3 is a ten.5-inch, 16:10 Chrome OS pill with a cloth cowl, a kickstand, and a keyboard that pops on and off. It’s a bit costlier than the Duet, but in addition has just a few further options. 

One distinctive perk is that the kickstand folds a number of methods: You possibly can fold it the lengthy option to stand the pill up like a laptop computer, or fold it the brief approach and stand the pill up horizontally. We’re undecided how sensible this performance truly is, nevertheless it’s there you probably have a use case in thoughts. 

If the Chomebook Duet isn’t sufficient, the Chromebook Removable CM3 brings some new perks to the removable kind issue, for an additional value. Picture by Monica Chin / The Verge

The CM3 additionally comes with a built-in USI stylus, and roomy keys with a shocking quantity of journey. However the factor we discovered most spectacular was the battery life: We averaged near 13 hours of steady work on the system. 

The CM3 gained’t be the very best Chromebook for everybody: It solely has two ports (one USB-C and one audio jack) and its MediaTek processor was a bit sluggish in comparison with costlier choices. However in the event you’re in search of a convertible Chrome OS system and discover that the Duet doesn’t fairly fit your wants, you’re seemingly the CM3’s audience.

Learn our Asus Chromebook Removable CM3 assessment.

3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

Finest low-cost Chromebook

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a superb 11-inch price range system. The worth contains the keyboard and kickstand.

CPU: Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 / GPU: Qualcomm Adreno graphics / RAM: 4Gb, 8GB / Storage: 128GB / Show: 10.95-inch IPS, 2000 x 1200, 60Hz, contact choice / Dimensions: 10.16 x 6.48 x 0.31 inches / Weight: 1.14 kilos

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a good, tiny laptop computer for price range customers. It comes with a magnetic removable keyboard that’s a breeze to pop on and off. The display screen additionally helps USI styluses, although a stylus shouldn’t be included within the value. The keyboard is included within the value, nevertheless, as is the magnetic again cowl and kickstand.

Day-to-day, this laptop computer is kind of usable for mild work and leisure. It has a pointy, vibrant 11-inch display screen and a surprisingly comfy keyboard and touchpad. The battery life is near all-day. However the true draw of this system is its portability — it’s simply 2.09 kilos with the keyboard connected, making it fairly handy to hold round and whip out to make use of on the go.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 has a slim and moveable design with a vibrant and sharp 11-inch display screen. Picture by Monica Chin / The Verge

There are just a few compromises: there are solely two ports (and no headphone jack), and the processor will get gradual in the event you try a heavier multitasking workload. However Chrome OS followers who desire a moveable system for enjoyable and multimedia can’t do higher than this Chromebook at this value.

Learn our Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 assessment.

4. Lenovo C13 Yoga Chromebook

Finest premium Chromebook

$325

The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is a convertible, premium Chromebook with a strong, sturdy construct that targets adults and professionals.

CPU: AMD Athlon Gold 315, Ryzen 3 3250C, Ryzen 5 3500C, Ryzen 7 3700C / GPU: AMD Radeon / RAM: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB / Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 256GB / Show: 13.3-inch IPS/OLED, 1920 x 1080/3840 x 2160, 60Hz, contact choice / Dimensions: 21.09 x 8.35 x 0.7 inches / Weight: 3.3 kilos

Many fashionable Chromebooks are oriented in direction of children and college students, however not this one. The C13 Yoga Chromebook is a sturdy, dear, convertible Chromebook for grown-ups. It’s a part of Lenovo’s famend ThinkPad enterprise line, and has all types of ThinkPad perks together with a pink Trackpoint, discrete touchpad clickers, a fingerprint sensor, a webcam shutter, and an aluminum design. Put this Chromebook subsequent to any variety of Home windows ThinkPads, and we’d not be capable of decide it out. 

The ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is a premium Chromebook for grown-ups. Picture by Monica Chin / The Verge

The C13 can be distinctive in that it’s the primary Chromebook to incorporate AMD’s Ryzen 3000 Cellular C-series processors, that are marketed particularly for Chromebooks. The chips run all types of packages — even cell video games — fairly easily. We do want the battery life was a bit higher — we solely averaged simply over six hours on one cost. We averaged seven and a half hours from our prime decide, the Chromebook Spin 713, and loads of the gadgets right here break eight hours with no downside.

Learn our Lenovo C13 Yoga Chromebook assessment.

5. Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook

A Chromebook for midrange customers

The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is a good bundle at an inexpensive value, with a backlit keyboard that’s one of many higher ones we’ve used on a Chromebook.

CPU: Intel Celeron 5205U, Core i3-10110U, Core i5-10210U / GPU: Intel UHD / RAM: 4GB, 8GB / Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB / Show: 13.3-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, contact choice / Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.34 x 0.7 inches / Weight: 2.97 kilos

The Lenovo Flex 5 appears to be like loads nicer than its sub-$400 value would possibly point out. It’s constructed to resist all types of jolts and jostles in a backpack or briefcase, but in addition has a easy soft-touch texture that’s nice to carry. Add a smooth backlit keyboard, a bodily webcam shutter, and front-facing audio system, and also you’ve bought a chassis with hallmarks of a way more costly system.

You get another perks as effectively. The Flex 5 has one of many higher keyboards I’ve ever used on a Chromebook, not to mention a Chromebook at a midrange value level. It additionally has a helpful port choice together with a microSD reader and a USB-C port on both sides, in addition to a crisp 1920 x 1080 contact show.

The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is an efficient Chromebook for midrange customers. Images by Monica Chin / The Verge

The one caveat is that the Flex 5 has considerably disappointing battery life, averaging simply over 5 and a half hours in our testing. For those who’ll be utilizing the system when you’re out and about, you’ll wish to be sure to carry the 45W charger with you.

Learn our Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook assessment.

6. HP Chromebook x360 14c

Finest Chromebook for video conferencing

The Chromebook x360 14c boasts a terrific webcam and HP’s signature premium design. The audio system are among the finest you may get on a Chromebook, making it a wonderful alternative for video calls. On the draw back, the battery life is simply okay (although not horrible) and the display screen is a bit dim.

CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U, Core i5-1235U / GPU: Intel UHD, Iris Xe / RAM: 8GB, 16GB / Storage: 128GB, 256Gb, 512GB / Show: 14-inch IPS, 1920 x 1200 / 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, contact choice / Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.68 x 0.71 inches / Weight: 3.34 kilos

For those who’re in search of an inexpensive Chromebook with robust efficiency and a strong construct, the Chromebook x360 14c is an choice for you. No person does laptop computer builds fairly like HP, and this convertible Chromebook isn’t any exception.

Sitting comfortably within the $500-$600 vary the system is powered by Intel Core processors (our take a look at unit had an i3), and it ran our normal workplace workload with out problem. We noticed little warmth and little fan noise all through. Battery life was acceptable, although we didn’t fairly get a full day. We even discovered the webcam to be surprisingly good.

For college students or anybody in search of a strong system, the HP Chromebook x360 14c is an efficient decide. Picture by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

The first disadvantage value contemplating is the dim display screen – it maxes out at 250 nits, and we needed to take care of fairly a little bit of glare in brighter areas. It’s additionally removed from probably the most moveable product on this listing, weighing in at 3.35 kilos. However in the end, it is a nice-looking and nice-feeling system that’s notably good for video conferencing.

Learn our HP Chromebook x360 14c assessment.

7. Acer Chromebook Spin 714

Finest Chromebook for energy customers

$729

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 gives quick Intel processors and Thunderbolt 4 help. Whereas it’s not as spectacular as its predecessor’s, notably in terms of battery life, it’s a robust laptop computer with good perks like an HDMI port and garaged stylus.

CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U, Core i7-1260P / GPU: Intel Iris Xe / RAM: 8GB / Storage: 256GB / Show: 114-inch IPS, 2560 x 1600, 60Hz, contact choice / Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.82 x 0.71 inches / Weight: 3.09 kilos

With a hefty Intel processor and Thunderbolt 4 help, Acer’s Chromebook Spin 714 is without doubt one of the strongest Chromebooks you should purchase. It’s lightning quick, producing little noise and warmth even below pretty intense skilled workloads.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is the very best Chromebook for individuals who want uncooked energy. Picture by Becca Farsace / The Verge

The keyboard is great with a snug, quiet really feel, and good backlighting. There’s even an HDMI port, which you don’t see on a skinny Chromebook every single day. It’s a well-built system as effectively, with an expert end appropriate for an workplace setting. The primary drawbacks to think about are that the Spin’s audio system aren’t nice, and the battery life is a bit decrease than final 12 months’s mannequin’s was.

Learn our Acer Chromebook Spin 714 assessment.

8. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5

Finest OLED Chromebook

$499

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 comes with a beautiful 13.3-inch Full HD OLED touchscreen and lengthy battery life however lacks biometric authentication.

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 / GPU: Qualcomm Adreno / RAM: 8GB / Storage: 128GB / Show: 13.3-inch OLED, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, contact choice / Dimensions: 12.05 x 7.32 x 0.27 inches / Weight: 2.22 kilos

The Chromebook Duet 5 is a compact convertible system with an OLED display screen. It’s thinner and lighter than most Chromebooks on the market, and its again cowl doubles as a kickstand. And it’s typically out there for below $400, making it one of many least expensive OLED gadgets you should purchase.

The OLED show makes for fairly gratifying viewing, and the removable keyboard is nice as effectively with glorious spacing and satisfying suggestions. Efficiency (our unit was powered by the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2) was snappy, and the system might deal with our normal workplace workload with no problem. However the standout characteristic was battery life: We noticed between 10 and 12 hours to a cost, even when doing pretty demanding duties like Zoom calls and high-resolution YouTube movies.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 is certainly one of our favourite Chromebooks of 2023. Picture by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

There are just a few unlucky omissions: there’s no fingerprint sensor, and there’s no included stylus (although one is supported). However we expect Chrome OS followers who need a terrific display screen for multimedia viewing can’t do higher than this Chromebook at this value. 

Learn our Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 assessment.

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