Finest Chromebooks 2025: High picks for work, faculty, and extra

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On the lookout for an excellent laptop computer that gained’t completely obliterate your funds? A Chromebook is perhaps simply the factor. They’re normally approach cheaper than Home windows machines, with some beginning round $300. They begin up quick, they’re tremendous straightforward to make use of, they usually deal with updates on their very own.

And yeah, with companies like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now, you possibly can even stream huge video games on sure fashions. The primary factor is grabbing one which nails the fundamentals–runs clean, feels sturdy, and doesn’t faucet out midway by way of the day. We’ve examined these picks hands-on, so if it’s on this listing, it’s earned its spot.

When you resolve that you simply’d favor a Home windows laptop computer, try PCWorld’s roundup of the very best laptops out there as we speak.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Finest total Chromebook <img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 - Best overall Chromebook" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/hero.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Execs Zippy processor efficiency

Good keyboard

Big range of connectivity choices

Stylish design Cons Battery life isn’t aggressive

Show’s 16:9 facet ratio feels a bit cramped

Worth When Reviewed: $499 Finest Costs Right now:

Retailer Worth

Asus $399.99 View Deal $499.99 View Deal $529.99 View Deal $559.99 View Deal $599 View Deal Examine Worth comparability from over 24,000 shops worldwide View extra costs

Product Worth Worth comparability from Backmarket Who can buy the Asus Chromebook Plus PX34?

If you'd like a Chromebook that may do all of it, the Asus Chromebook Plus PX34 is it. The Intel Core i5 retains every thing operating clean–streaming, faculty work, or juggling a bunch of tabs. And the ports? You’ve bought USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack, which suggests you possibly can kiss the dongle life goodbye.

Asus Chromebook Plus PX34: Additional concerns

It’s not all sunshine, although. The 16:9 display screen can really feel cramped for those who’re used to roomier shows, and whereas 13 hours of battery life sounds good on paper, others last more. Not a deal breaker, but when display screen area or all-day energy is on the prime of your listing, you may need to look elsewhere.

Learn our full Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 evaluation

Asus Chromebook CX15 – Finest funds Chromebook <img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus Chromebook CX15 - Best budget Chromebook" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/asus-chromebook-cx15-cx1505cka-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Execs Good design with pleasant keyboard

Sharp 15.6-inch 1080p show

Respectable audio system

Extraordinarily cheap Cons Small touchpad

Sluggish dual-core processor

4GB RAM usually holds it again

Brief battery life for a Chromebook

Worth When Reviewed: $159 Finest Costs Right now:

Retailer Worth

eBay $159 View Deal $159 View Deal $249 View Deal Worth comparability from over 24,000 shops worldwide

Product Worth Worth comparability from Backmarket Who can buy the Asus Chromebook CX15?

Want a dependable laptop computer for underneath $200? The CX15 is completely value a glance as a result of it’s nice for anybody who principally browses the online and watches YouTube movies. The spacious 15.6-inch 1080p show and roomy keyboard additionally make it really feel extra premium than you’d count on at this worth level. For each day duties, it actually will get the job completed–you possibly can’t say that about too many machines on this vary.

Asus Chromebook CX15: Additional concerns

You’re not going to get blazing quick efficiency right here and that’s solely OK. The Intel Celeron N4500 processor presents sufficient pep to get you thru lighter workloads, however you might even see some lag with heavier multitasking. Battery life is fairly darn good at round 10 hours, although we’ve seen different Chromebooks that last more.

Nonetheless, for what you pay, the CX15 is a stunning little machine.

Learn our full Asus Chromebook CX15 evaluation

Lenovo Chromebook Duet – Finest Chromebook for college kids <img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Lenovo Chromebook Duet - Best Chromebook for students" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/duet-header.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Execs Nice worth

Versatile type issue

Surprisingly good keyboard

Superb battery life Cons Wants extra RAM

Android apps don’t run properly

Vertical kickstand reduces horizontal choices

Worth When Reviewed: $399.99 Finest Costs Right now:

Retailer Worth

$246.42 View Deal Lenovo on-line retailer $359 View Deal Worth comparability from over 24,000 shops worldwide

Product Worth Worth comparability from Backmarket Who can buy the Lenovo Chromebook Duet?

College students, commuters, or anybody who needs one thing mild, low-cost, and lasts all day, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is the one to select. The Duet weighs simply over two kilos with the keyboard and kickstand, so it slides right into a bag prefer it’s nothing.

Battery life? You’re simply getting 12–13 hours, which suggests no trying to find shops between lessons or conferences. The two-in-1 setup is sweet, too. Sort when you could, flip it round, and chill with Netflix or YouTube while you don’t.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Additional concerns

This isn’t a machine for energy customers. It’s not constructed for ten open tabs and a Zoom name. However for notes, docs, emails, and streaming? It’s clean. The keyboard’s higher than you’d count on, flat however cozy, and the display screen, whereas solely 10.1 inches, retains distractions at bay.

Learn our full Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2024) evaluation

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 – Finest high-end Chromebook <img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 - Best high-end Chromebook" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Untitled-design-65.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Execs Good multitasking efficiency

Stunning show

Punchy audio system Cons Keyboard took some getting used to

AI stuff nonetheless feels pointless

Worth When Reviewed: $699.99 Finest Costs Right now:

Retailer Worth

$699 View Deal $799.99 View Deal Examine Worth comparability from over 24,000 shops worldwide

Product Worth Worth comparability from Backmarket Who can buy the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514?

If you'd like a Chromebook that truly looks like a step-up from the entry-level fare and don’t thoughts flipping it into pill or tent mode typically, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is an effective one. The 14-inch 1200p display screen is clean at 120Hz, and at about three kilos, it’s mild sufficient to hold round with out feeling like a brick.

Inside it’s packing the MediaTek Kompanio Extremely 910 chip, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage. It handles a bunch of tabs, schoolwork, YouTube, no matter. Wi-Fi 7 additionally means it gained’t choke on downloads, the webcam is respectable sufficient for the occasional Zoom name, and battery life is round 15 hours.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Additional concerns

The keyboard’s a bit bizarre at first (it sits a bit increased than most individuals are used to). That’s about it—in any other case, it’s quick, versatile, and simply feels approach nicer than most midrange Chromebooks.

Learn our full Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 evaluation

Acer Chromebook 516 GE – Finest Chromebook for cloud gaming <img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Acer Chromebook 516 GE - Best Chromebook for cloud gaming" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/asus-chromebook-516-ge-2-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Execs Enticing design

Wonderful CPU efficiency

A great deal of wired and wi-fi connectivity

Excessive-resolution 1600p show Cons Mediocre keyboard and touchpad

Disappointing audio system and microphone

Show lacks distinction and coloration vibrancy

Worth When Reviewed: $649.99 Finest Costs Right now:

Retailer Worth

$649 View Deal Examine Worth comparability from over 24,000 shops worldwide

Product Worth Worth comparability from Backmarket Who can buy the Acer Chromebook 516 GE?

When you’re all-in on cloud gaming and need a Chromebook that may truly sustain, the 516 GE is constructed for you. It’s packing an Intel Core i5, an excellent clean 120Hz display screen, and it flies with GeForce Now and Amazon Luna. We performed on it and the gameplay was crisp and lag-free. That Ethernet port? A superb transfer for steady, low-latency periods.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE: Additional concerns

No native recreation installs right here; this factor lives within the cloud. In case your web sucks, it’s not going to be enjoyable. But when your connection is strong, you’re golden. You’re additionally getting a pointy 1080p webcam, strong battery (round 65 watt-hours), and a slick design. Worth-wise, it’s not low-cost at round $650, however in order for you a Chromebook constructed for gaming and never simply Google Docs, it earns its maintain.

Learn our full Acer Chromebook 516 GE evaluation

Different notable Chromebooks we’ve examined

These Chromebooks didn’t crack our prime picks listing, however they’re nonetheless value a glance.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 315 is cozy to sort on and handles the fundamentals simply high quality, although the massive bezels and restricted charging choices maintain it again. Then there’s the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, which is tremendous glossy and light-weight at simply 2.58 kilos and underneath half an inch thick.

How we take a look at Chromebooks

The PCWorld group places each laptop computer by way of a collection of benchmarks that take a look at GPU and CPU efficiency, battery life, and so forth. The concept is to push the laptop computer to its limits after which examine it towards others we’ve examined. As a result of cloud-based nature of Chromebooks, they undergo a collection of web-based exams. It wouldn’t be truthful or doable to run the identical sorts of exams on a Chromebook as we use on laptops as a result of they solely run a very totally different working system.

For a extra thorough clarification of our testing procedures, try how PCWorld exams laptops.

Why you must belief PCWorld for laptop computer opinions and shopping for recommendation

It’s in our title! PCWorld prides itself on laptop computer expertise and experience. We’ve been protecting PCs since 1983, and we now evaluation greater than 70 laptops yearly. The entire picks under have been personally examined and vetted by our specialists, who’ve utilized not solely efficiency benchmarks however rigorous usability requirements. We’re additionally dedicated to reviewing PC laptops at each worth level that will help you discover a machine that matches your funds.

Who curated this text?

Hello, I’m Ashley Biancuzzo, and I oversee all laptop computer and Chromebook protection at PCWorld. When you’ll see me evaluation Chromebooks every so often, I’m additionally actually into the broader world of shopper tech. I spend a number of time writing and desirous about the place laptops are headed–from AI and sustainable designs to long-term developments. After I’m not deep on the planet of tech, you’ll in all probability discover me gaming, getting misplaced in an excellent e book, or chilling with my rescue greyhound, Allen.

How to decide on the very best Chromebook

If you'd like one thing like a Home windows or MacBook however cheaper, try a Chromebook. Simply consider they’ve bought some limits. They’re good for easy, on a regular basis stuff however they don’t have a number of RAM or storage, so that they’re not geared up to deal with extra resource-intensive duties like gaming or video enhancing.

We’ve bought a information that compares Chromebooks and Home windows laptops if you wish to work out what’s greatest for you.

Key Chromebook options to contemplate

Working system

Chromebooks solely run Chrome OS, which is fairly straightforward to make use of. You possibly can’t put Home windows or macOS on them — you’re caught with Google’s setup.

Processor

Shoot for a mid-range Chromebook for those who can. They value wherever within the $400 to $600 vary and lots of of them come geared up with Intel Pentium, Intel Core i3, or AMD Ryzen 3 processors. These Chromebooks run the browser smoother. They’re the very best deal for the worth. The fancier ones typically include Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 chips, that are far more highly effective.

RAM

Numerous Chromebooks include simply 4GB of RAM, which isn’t a lot. Since they’re all concerning the net, you want sufficient RAM to maintain your tabs from lagging. When you can drop a bit more money, you possibly can seize a mid-range Chromebook with 8GB, which runs approach smoother.

FAQ 1. What's the greatest Chromebook?

PCWorld thinks the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is the very best all-around Chromebook. It’s bought a strong Intel Core i5 processor, numerous ports, and handles on a regular basis stuff rather well. Principally, it’s an incredible decide in order for you a dependable Chromebook with out breaking the financial institution.

2. What's the greatest low-cost Chromebook?

PCWorld calls the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook the very best low-cost decide. It’s light-weight and has strong battery life, so it’s good for those who’re on a funds. Simply bear in mind, 4GB RAM means it’s not nice for operating numerous stuff without delay.

3. What's the greatest Chromebook for gaming?

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is the very best Chromebook for gaming. It’s bought an enormous 16-inch 120Hz display screen, handles cloud gaming fairly properly, and has an Ethernet port for regular web, which you want for stuff like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

4. What’s the distinction between a Chromebook and a laptop computer?

A Chromebook’s only a laptop computer that runs Google’s Chrome OS as a substitute of Home windows or Mac. It’s principally for net stuff like Google Drive and YouTube. Common laptops are extra highly effective and might deal with just about something.