Best Chromebook 2021

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  • PCHF IT Feeds
    PCHF Bot
    • Jan 2015
    • 54573

    #1

    Best Chromebook 2021

    These days, the best Chromebooks easily rival Windows 10 laptops (and even MacBooks) when it comes to performance and design. These aren’t just super-cheap budget laptops (though many of the devices on this list are brilliant low-cost machines), but powerful productivity tools and media playing laptops.

    Every Chromebook runs Chrome OS, which is an alternative operating system to Windows 10 or macOS, and is based on the popular Google Chrome web browser. This means the best Chromebooks need less power to run, and it means they are also cheaper to make and, therefore, to buy.

    But don’t think Chromebooks limit you to just browsing the web using Chrome. The best Chromebooks support apps, including Android apps, so you can do some casual gaming and light photo editing without being connected to the internet.

    Some of the best Chromebooks are even more versatile thanks to the 2-in-1 form factor and touchscreen capability. And, these portables also offer very long battery life, rivaling some of the best laptops and the best 2-in-1 laptops out there.

    Whether you should move to the best Chromebooks from Windows laptops or the best MacBooks depends a lot on what you need out of a laptop. In fact, our article on whether you should buy a Chromebook can help you make up your mind on what’s best for you. If you’re ready to switch to a Chromebook however, read on to see our top picks.

    If you’re still having trouble deciding if you should get a Chromebook, check out our Chromebooks vs laptops article. And, students considering one for school, should check out our best student Chromebooks guide. For the most budget-conscious, cheap Chromebook deals should help narrow down the options as well.

    [HEADING=1]Best Chromebooks[/HEADING]

    [IMG alt=“Google Pixelbook Go is the best Chromebook of 2021”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Yx...boQDMzuNnQ.jpg

    (Image credit: Google)
    [HEADING=2]1. Google Pixelbook Go[/HEADING]

    The best Chromebook ever made

    CPU: Intel Core m3 - Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) or 4K LCD touchscreen | Storage: 128GB - 256GB eMMC

    Incredible battery life
    Amazing ‘Hush’ keyboard
    Iffy pricing at mid- to- high-end
    No biometric login

    Google continues its tradition of making the best Chromebooks in the world. While it’s older Pixelbook used to occupy the top spot, it’s been replaced by Google’s latest Chromebook: the Pixelbook Go. This is a Chromebook that proves that these devices can be just as stylish and powerful as traditional laptops, and the Pixelbook Go brings a lot of the original Pixelbook’s premium features to a more affordable device.

    One of it’s most impressive features is the fantastic battery life, which can outlast many traditional laptops with ease, and means you can go a full work or school day without needing to charge it. We also love the fact that you can close the lid, leave it for a few days, and when you pick it up again, it’s still got plenty of battery life left - something Windows 10 laptops never achieve.

    Its brilliant keyboard is also worth pointing out. It feels fantastic to type on, and makes working on it incredibly comfortable. In fact, this has meant we’ve stopped using much more powerful (and expensive laptops) in favor of the Pixelbook Go - it really is that good.

    Read the full review: Google Pixelbook Go

    [IMG alt=“Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2m...6tm8znbB7K.jpg

    (Image credit: Lenovo)
    [HEADING=2]2. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook[/HEADING]

    Everything that netbooks should have been

    CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T Processor | Graphics: ARM G72 MP3 800GHz | RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4X | Screen: 10.1" FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS, glossy, touchscreen, 400 nits | Storage: 64 GB eMMC

    Lightweight and portable
    Long battery life
    Very affordable
    Tiny keyboard and finicky trackpad
    Charger and headphones share a single port

    Is it a Chromebook or is it a tablet? Well, luckily, you won’t have to decide with the brilliant Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook. True to its name, this Chromebook delivers two form factors in one, while utilizing the versatility of the Chrome OS and setting you back much less than many of the top Windows tablets out there.

    Of course, like all the best Chromebooks, its battery packs an incredibly long life of almost 22 hours – so you could pull an all-nighter, work through the day and mid-afternoon, and you’ll still pass out before it runs out of juice.

    For this price, sacrifices have to be made, naturally – the keyboard is tiny, the trackpad isn’t as reliable, and the charger and headphones share one port. However, if budget is your top priority, those are definitely not deal-breakers.

    Read the full review: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook

    [IMG alt=“Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mv...WJX84LGgrb.png

    (Image credit: Lenovo)
    [HEADING=2]3. Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook[/HEADING]

    A pricey, but nearly perfect Chromebook

    CPU: AMD Athlon Gold 3150C - AMD Ryzen 7 3700C | Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon | RAM: 4GB - 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS LED | Storage: 32GB eMMC - 256GB SSD

    Powerful AMD processor
    Outstanding security features
    Expensive
    Less than 10-hour battery

    The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook lands straight in our best Chromebooks list due to the fact that it is one of the most powerful Chromebooks money can buy in 2021. While you’re going to pay extra for this kind of horsepower, especially if you want some of the best features that come with the high-end models, it’s well worth it if you’re looking for a future proof Chromebook that’s going to last you for years to come.

    As a 2-in-1 device, it’s got the flexibility that many other Chromebooks lack, and the screen on this thing is stunning. Best of all, it comes packing the new AMD 3000C-series processors - starting with an Athlon 3150C and scaling up to a Ryzen 7 3700C - and this means you’ll get more processing power out of this Chromebook than many of it’s competitors.

    For students especially, then, this is one of the best Chromebooks money can buy right now.

    Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

    [IMG alt=“Best Chromebooks: HP Chromebook 14”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Qm...Np5meFvxvQ.jpg

    (Image credit: HP)
    [HEADING=2]4. HP Chromebook 14[/HEADING]

    Striking optimal balance between value and design

    CPU: Intel Celeron N2840 – N2940 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 2GB – 4GB | Screen: 14-inch, HD (1,366 x 768) BrightView | Storage: 16GB – 32GB eMMC

    Excellent keyboard, trackpad
    Crisp, vivid screen
    Slower than some rivals
    Average battery life

    The best Chromebooks balance a bargain price and efficient use of Chrome OS – and the HP Chromebook 14 is the perfect example of that.

    While it’s similar to the Acer Chromebook 15 in a lot of ways, this 14-inch Chromebook is a tad more compact and looks slightly better. Complemented by a bright blue finish and a screen made to astound, the HP Chromebook 14 offers the best value of any Chromebook out there. Even if the battery life and performance are average – the HP Chromebook 14 is easily one of the best Chromebooks to date.

    We were particularly impressed with how slim and light this Chromebook is, and it means the HP Chromebook 14 is a great device for anyone who wants a long-lasting laptop that they can comfortably carry around with them. If you want a laptop to work on while lounging on a sofa, this is a great choice as well.

    Also, unlike some other Chromebooks, the HP Chromebook 14 comes with plenty of ports, including HDMI-out, USB 3.0 and a microSD card slot, making this a brilliantly versatile Chromebook for the price.

    Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14

    [IMG alt=“Best Chromebooks: Asus Chromebook Flip”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wf...DKYfJxeCYQ.jpg

    (Image credit: Asus)
    [HEADING=2]5. Asus Chromebook Flip[/HEADING]

    Premium Chromebook specs, economic Chromebook pricing

    CPU: Intel Pentium 4405Y – Intel Core m3-6Y30 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12.5-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED backlit anti-glare | Storage: 32GB – 64GB eMMC

    Elegant tablet mode
    Tactile keyboard
    Middling speakers

    The Asus Chromebook Flip is a brilliant Chromebook that proves that these devices can be sleek, stylish and premium - and not just budget.

    With an Intel Core processor and a full-HD display, the Asus Chromebook Flip is a powerful performer that will keep up with any day-to-day task you require it to perform, and offers plenty of value without compromising on performance - a tricky balancing act that many other Chromebook makers fail to achieve.

    This is a Chromebook that’s been out for a while now, but it still impresses with brilliant performance and an excellent build quality that’s thin and light, and puts many more expensive laptops to shame. If you’re on a budget, this is one of the best Asus laptops to consider.

    Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip

    [IMG alt=“Acer Chromebook 314”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pV...9BV9Lx9NGA.jpg

    (Image credit: Acer)
    [HEADING=2]6. Acer Chromebook 314[/HEADING]

    A tremendous Chromebook

    CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 14-inch LED (1366 x 768) high definition | Storage: 32GB eMMC

    Excellent battery life and performance
    Bright, crisp screen
    No touchscreen
    No fingerprint reader

    If you’re looking for a Chromebook that really gives you excellent value for money, then the Acer Chromebook 314 is the best Chromebook for you. It’s easy to use, reliable, and has a wonderful screen and battery life (up to 12 hours) combo – not to mention, a 14-inch crisp and bright display that gives you more screen real estate for your productivity needs.

    It also has a keyboard that is satisfying and a joy to use, as well as a touchpad that interacts well with all your fingers’ movements and commands. More importantly, it strikes a great balance between design, usability, features, battery life and performance, while being comfortable with its own limitations.

    Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 314

    [IMG alt=“Best Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Spin 311”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nE...FASno8Prr4.jpg

    (Image credit: Acer)
    [HEADING=2]7. Acer Chromebook Spin 311[/HEADING]

    Versatile and fun little Chromebook for work and play

    CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) 16:9 IPS touchscreen | Storage: 64GB Flash Memory

    Great design and build
    Lovely size
    Excellent touch screen and flip mechanism
    Dim screen
    Massive bezels drastically reduce actual screen size

    If versatility is a top priority, then look no further than the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. This all-rounder has all the makings of a great Chromebook, from its good battery life to its robust build and solid usability.

    However, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 takes it further with its impressive levels of versatility, thanks to its abundance of ports considering its size, 2-in-1 design, portable size and excellent touchscreen display. It also boasts a keyboard and a touchpad that are not only reliable, but also satisfying to use. That’s a rare thing in a machine at this price point.

    The small size of this Chromebook means it’s really easy to carry around with you, so if you’re looking for the best Chromebook for travelling with, this is it. However, that small size may mean some people find it uncomfortable to use for long periods of time, especially if you’re more used to larger laptops.

    Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 311

    [IMG alt=“Best Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Flip C436F”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sK...ZfuBSEhy4.jpeg

    (Image credit: Asus)
    [HEADING=2]8. Asus Chromebook Flip C436F[/HEADING]

    A whole lotta hits

    CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i3 – i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 8GB – 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 | Screen: 14” LED-backlit Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 display | Storage: 512GB / 256GB / 128GB PCIe® NVMe 3.0x 2 M.2 SSD

    Superb performance
    Premium build and features
    Impressive keyboard
    Subpar speakers
    Erratic touchpad
    Touch display not accurate enough

    Premium Chromebooks occupy their own space in the laptop market, bridging that gap between powerful traditional laptops and super lightweight Chromebooks.

    And, the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F is perhaps one of the very few examples of these out there, with its combination of superb power, terrific feature set, premium build and a price tag that’s cheaper than its rivals.

    During our time with the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F, we were really impressed with its gorgeous design, with a magnesium alloy body, stunning 1080p screen, and wonderful keyboard. This could easily rival premium laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook, and it even comes with features like Wi-Fi 6 support and a fingerprint sensor.

    If you’re looking for a lightweight OS machine that touts more power than the rest of the clan, this is one of the best Chromebooks on offer.

    Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip C436F

    [IMG alt=“Acer Chromebook 15”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zd...Le3edGFGqP.jpg

    (Image credit: Acer)
    [HEADING=2]9. Acer Chromebook 15[/HEADING]

    Favoring longevity over beefy specs

    CPU: Intel Pentium N4200 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 32GB eMMC

    Unbelievable battery life
    Attractive, fanless design
    Trackpad feels clunky
    Easy to weigh down with tabs

    With a solid build quality that rivals a MacBook, it’s easy to excuse the Acer Chromebook 15’s aversion to 2-in-1 form factors.

    Still, given that the best Chromebooks rolling out this year are fully convertible, thanks to the wide adoption of Android app support, the Acer Chromebook 15 had to prove itself with more than great style.

    Beyond its aptitude for laying flat using a 180-degree hinge, this beautiful 15-inch Chromebook also makes a great impression with its battery life, lasting nearly 17 hours in our battery test.

    Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15

    [IMG alt=“Acer Chromebook 714”]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yR...xJS9iTH4PK.jpg

    (Image credit: Acer)
    [HEADING=2]10. Acer Chromebook 714[/HEADING]

    Seriously solid, if not especially stylish

    CPU: Intel Pentium 4417U – Intel Core i5-8350U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 610 – UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 – 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 Touchscreen | Storage: 32GB – 64GB flash memory

    Seriously solid metal chassis
    Strong battery life
    Slightly dated styling
    Keyboard a little mushy

    The best Chromebook for professionals currently available might just be the Acer Chromebook 714 whose premium and seriously solid chassis is just the ticket for the business-oriented bunch. It’s not especially stylish, sadly, but that decent performance and strong battery life makes up for its lack of fashion sense. And, aren’t those all the more important if you’re meeting with clients, tackling paperwork and balancing the books all day? In fact, the quad-core processor is good enough for light content creation tasks, making it a boon for those starting out in the content creation industry as well.

    Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 714

    [ul]
    [li]Many of the best Chromebooks also made our best cheap laptops list[/li][li]Stay safe online with one of these best Chrome VPN extensions[/li][/ul]

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