A top-of-the-line Apple or Windows laptop is not necessary if you are a student who only needs a device for basic computing tasks. In that case, I recommend a Chromebook. These are laptops that run Google's Chrome OS. They do less than regular laptops but are much more affordable. They are also rugged, portable, and suitable for online work.
Many manufacturers offer their own Chromebook laptops, including Acer, Samsung and Lenovo. As the Chromebook operating system has evolved with Android apps from the Google Play Store and Linux software, premium models are now available with more RAM and storage, faster processors, and higher performance. The best Chromebook laptops with all the trimmings are more expensive than average Chromebooks, but they are also lighter and slimmer and usually have better battery life.
However, we caution that if you have certain requirements that you can't live without, such as more than one USB port, an HDMI port, compatibility with Google Assistant, a specific screen size, or a headphone jack, you should ask more specifically - these features are not guaranteed on all Chromebooks.
Google Pixelbook Go
The Pixelbook Go is simply one of the best Chromebooks you can buy. At just 2 pounds, the Google notebook is super slim and light, and it has a grippy design. The extreme portability extends to this Chromebook's battery life, which was a very impressive 11 hours and 29 minutes in our battery test for web browsing. Other highlights include the brilliant 13.3-inch display and the solid performance of the Core m3 processor (Core i5 is available). The speakers are not outstanding, but overall the Pixelbook Go is a great option.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
Samsung's Chromebook offerings have been a bit confusing lately, but there's no denying that the tech giant is making some eye-catching devices. Samsung's latest ChromeOS notebook carries the premium "Galaxy" name while offering a budget experience. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 features a unique 12.4-inch LED display that's somewhere between 1080P and 4K. This is unusual for a device in this category, as it is not an ultra-premium Chromebook. Rather, it is aimed at students and casual users. Still, the Intel N4500 that powers this convertible notebook is nothing to scoff at.
Nevertheless, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is a solid device for light tasks, and it is one of the few "budget" devices on the market that actually has a decent screen. Right now, you can get the 4GB/128GB model directly from Samsung or Best Buy for just $369. There are more powerful devices in this price range, but this Chromebook will serve you well at this price and you won't feel like you bought a lemon.
Asus Chromebook 17
If you're looking for something bigger but don't need big performance, the ASUS Chromebook CX1 is a solid choice. Powered by the same N4500 found in the Samsung, the CX1 is one of the few 17.3-inch Chromebooks on the market with a full HD display. You also get an integrated full-size numeric keyboard, which is a must if you like working with numbers. With only 32 GB of storage, the CX1 is very space-efficient, but it does offer a MicroSD slot for expanding storage and transferring files.
For content consumption, web browsing, or even data entry, the ASUS Chromebook CX1 is a great option if you're on a budget. The monstrous notebook, which normally costs $369, is available at Best Buy for just $189. That's a savings of $180 and a very good deal for an oversized Chromebook that will have updates through June 2029.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 10-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad. The small size of this Lenovo Chromebook might be a bit limiting as a primary Chrome OS device, although you can connect an external display via the USB-C port. However, the Lenovo Duet is a good choice if you are looking for an affordable Chromebook for pure mobility or as a secondary device that can be used in tablet mode. Its small size could be an issue depending on what you're looking for, but the mobility and efficient Chrome OS make it worth considering.
I wouldn't necessarily call it the best Chromebook on the market, but considering the price and convenience, don't write it off too quickly. An updated version, the Duet 3 Chromebook, came out in May. It features an 11-inch touchscreen with 2K resolution, faster Qualcomm processors, an improved keyboard (still included), and unfortunately a higher starting price of $400.
HP Chromebook x360 14c
It's about 0.75 inches wider than a 13.3-inch premium model, but that extra width makes it easier to work in two side-by-side windows. The two-in-one design means you can use the HP Chromebook x360 as a tablet (though it's a bit heavy to use as a handheld). You can also stand it up, plug in an external keyboard and mouse, and use it as a small all-in-one computer.
The Core i3 processor and 8GB of memory on the model we tested kept this HP Chromebook running smoothly, even with multiple tabs open and video streaming in the background. The Chromebook operating system handles typical tasks seamlessly.
And this Chromebook has a long battery life, which was 10 hours and 40 minutes in CNET's test. However, this is a higher-end configuration with a regular price of $699. This notebook is regularly offered for less than $500, but if you like the design and don't need the more powerful components, the Pentium Silver version is a bargain at just under $300.
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