The Best Chromebooks for 2025

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Budget laptops abound, but few can get you into a slick, capable machine for minimal cash better than a Chromebook. PCMag's expert analysts have been testing and reviewing laptops for decades, and that includes Chromebooks since their very inception. Using PC Labs' detailed methodology, we test all Chromebooks for key aspects that include performance, battery life, and usability. Because Chromebooks aren't compatible with most of the benchmark programs we use for Windows and macOS laptops (they run Google's ChromeOS), we've adopted a unique slate to put these distinct laptops to the test. Our current recommendation for the best Chromebook overall is the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025), for its class-leading performance and features for an excellent price. Of course, we stand behind all of our best Chromebook picks, selected for specific usage scenarios and budgets. Read on to see them all, plus a detailed buying guide and a blow-by-blow spec breakout.

Most Chromebooks lack the powerful hardware of gaming laptops or mobile workstations, but most don't need it. Because you'll be visiting websites and running apps within ChromeOS, which is a souped-up version of the Chrome browser, the technical barrier to entry is low. This also frees you from downloading and installing traditional software; if you can't do something from a standard webpage, chances are you'll be able to from one of the thousands of apps and extensions available to ChromeOS users.

With just a few clicks, your Chromebook can have almost as much functionality as a budget Windows laptop, and most recent Chromebooks also let you install any app designed for the Android mobile OS. (Older or deeply discounted Chromebooks may lack Android support; you can check this list for the model you're considering.) This means both the browser-based and Android versions of Microsoft Office are available if you want an alternative to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

One primary benefit of running web-based software is security. Chromebooks are immune to most of the viruses and other malware that often plague Windows systems.

ChromeOS updates also take just minutes to complete, rather than the several minutes or an hour you may have to wait for macOS and Windows to do their update thing. Although easy access to an always-on internet connection is a must for Chromebooks, you can perform most standard tasks offline and sync up later, so you needn't stop working if there's a Wi-Fi connectivity glitch.

IT management is also easier on ChromeOS. Schools have long taken advantage of Chromebooks' easy-to-use fleet management tools, but business users got a huge boost when Intel launched vPro Enterprise for Chrome. Intel-powered Chromebooks can now enjoy the same security and management tools featured on other business laptops without the hassle of Windows. If ChromeOS has been looking like a good fit for your business, it just got even better.

With the best Chromebooks, you also don't need to worry about long-term lasting power. Google has just increased the supported life of all Chromebooks from eight years to 10 years, meaning that you have a full decade of use knowing that you'll continue getting automatic updates.

What Are Good Specs for a Chromebook?

When shopping for the best Chromebook for your needs, you'll note less hardware variety than with Windows machines. These are the most important specs and factors to be aware of. Also note that a new class of Chromebooks, the Chromebook Plus family, is here. These machines mandate certain minimum Chromebook specs to guarantee a reliable user experience, including high-resolution cameras, IPS screens, and an 8GB floor for memory.

The Chromebook Plus program has also been an introductory platform for Google's Gemini AI in various ways. With its respective AI engine, almost everything a Windows laptop or MacBook can do, so can the latest Chromebook Plus laptops. Many of these features are handled via cloud servers, but some are executed on-device using the latest neural processors, particularly from Intel, in the highest-end Chromebook Plus laptops.

Screen Resolution

The usual native display resolution on a Chromebook will be 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, otherwise known as full HD or 1080p, but cheaper Chromebooks may still have lower resolution while deluxe models will go sharper. For most midsize Chromebooks with screens from 13 to 15 inches, 1080p is just fine. Entry-level models' resolution of 1,366 by 768 pixels can look coarse and is only really suited for laptops with screens smaller than 12 inches diagonally. Try to avoid this resolution on any 13-inch or larger screen, or at least try to eyeball the display in person before you buy. Note that all Chromebook Plus models will have at least a 1080p screen.

Processor

If you browse with only a tab or two open, a low-end CPU like an Intel Core (no Ultra), Intel N-series, or MediaTek chip will suffice. Chromebooks based on Intel Core i-series or Core Ultra processors will allow for more multitasking, though they'll also be more expensive. Note that AMD has C-series Ryzen mobile processors designed especially for Chromebooks, but they're less common.

For $300, a Windows laptop with an Intel Core or N-series processor and 4GB of memory would be unpleasantly sluggish for everyday use, but a Chromebook with the same specs should be fine for basic tasks. If you tend to be a multitasker, though, consider a Core i-series or Core Ultra chip and 8GB of memory. Chromebook Plus models, which start at $399 and go up from there, will have at least an Intel Core i3 chip by default and at least 8GB. You may also see AI-centric Intel Core Ultra chips on the latest higher-end models.

Storage

Most of your files on a Chromebook will be stored in the cloud, so many Chromebooks include only a small serving (32GB or 64GB) of eMMC flash-memory storage on which to save your local creations. Look for an SD or microSD card slot if you think you'll want to save more documents and files on the device. A growing number of the best Chromebooks, spec-wise, have 128GB or larger solid-state drives (SSDs), which are much faster as well as roomier than eMMC flash. Some very new models alternately employ UFS drives, something of a speed and price midpoint between eMMC and SSD. Chromebook Plus models will include at least 128GB of storage by definition.

Connectivity

Most Chromebook connections are wireless, as you'll use the machine almost exclusively when attached to Wi-Fi. Wired Ethernet ports are rare, but support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi is ubiquitous, with 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 found in most of today's Chromebooks.

If you'll need to give presentations from your Chromebook, an HDMI monitor port is usually more convenient than carrying a USB-C DisplayPort adapter. Also, look for a USB port or two if you want to attach a mouse, a flash drive, or another peripheral.

Gaming

Entertainment isn't a big concern for classroom users, but gaming on Chromebooks is finally a reality. Not only do you have several ways to play on Chromebooks of all kinds, but the latest game-ready models are built to take advantage of cloud services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Microsoft's Xbox cloud gaming.

Two years in since the first gaming Chromebook, the purpose-built gaming Chromebook is still very much a niche concept, but the combination of features and processing power makes these few models some of the best Chromebooks around. And even if you don't buy a gaming-focused Chromebook, you can still have plenty of fun with a standard Chromebook, so check out the best Chromebooks for gaming for our latest reviews.

Are Touch-Screen and Tablet Chromebooks Worth It?

Today's Chromebooks have stepped up from basic, bare-bones laptops to elegant computers with surprisingly rich capabilities. A few sport carbon-fiber chassis or lightweight magnesium alloy frames. Others not only swap out flash storage for a speedy SSD but boast a bright, 1080p, or higher-resolution in-plane switching (IPS) display with sharp text, vivid colors, and wide viewing angles. Top models have premium styling that rivals any high-end Windows notebook.

That includes touch screens (ChromeOS is optimized for touch input), which are especially handy when you're tapping away at Android apps designed for touch. And while most Chromebooks are traditional clamshell laptops, a growing number are 2-in-1 convertibles whose screens flip and fold into laptop, tablet, and kiosk or presentation modes, just like Lenovo's Yoga and HP's x360 systems. A handful of our best Chromebook picks are detachable, with kickstands and removable keyboards, comparable to Windows tablets. These days, a budget Windows laptop and a similarly priced Chromebook can look far more alike than you might expect.

Ready to Buy the Right Chromebook for You?

Whether you're a Facebook or Instagram addict or you just need a machine for checking email and working in Google apps, Chromebooks are easy to use, convenient to take on the go, and relatively inexpensive. If you think a Chromebook could be right for you, check out our detailed spec chart and our pick list for the best Chromebooks we've tested. If you're on a tight budget but need Windows, our guides to the best cheap laptops and the best laptops for college students are worth a look, too. For more general buying advice, check out our comprehensive guide to today's top laptop picks, regardless of price.