Many the great unwashed view Chromebooks to be the sleeker , quicker , and even simpler cousin of the traditional laptop computer . Unlike a Mac or Windows system , a Chromebook mostly rely heavily on the internet for workaday tasks .

Since they ’re also typically less expensive , you might be wondering how a Chromebook compares to a regular laptop computer , including thebest laptopsaround . What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop ? Are Chromebooks a waste of money or an low-priced diamond in the rough ? Let ’s find out .

What is a Chromebook?

When Chromebooks first appeared in 2011 , they were lightweight , budget laptopsbased on Google ’s new ChromeOS platform . These laptops mainly relied on cloud - based applications programme rather than traditional software system . Over the years , their more affordable nature has changed , but the economic value is still at the heart of what a Chromebook offers .

Acer , Asus , HP , Dell , Lenovo , and Samsung all deal Chromebooks in various size range from the Ultrabook - character pattern to2 - in-1 laptopsto the traditional grapple .

The chinchy models be given to be larger and less powerful than the slender , sleeker agiotage framework . These lower - goal Chromebooks are most often see in schools or as first - time personal laptops . Higher - destruction Chromebooks like Google ’s own Pixelbook Go characteristic bounty aluminium bodies , fast Intel Core processors , and , in some case , 4 K and OLED screens — the latter of which you ’ll find on theLenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook , the first detachable tablet with an OLED display .

Although you ca n’t grease one’s palms a $ 2,000 Chromebook like you could a Windows 11 laptop computer or MacBook , there is now a all-encompassing range of options depend on your needs .

What is the difference between a laptop and a Chromebook?

Among the most expensive Chromebooks you’re able to buy is HP ’s Elite Chromebook C1030 , which starts at $ 1,624 . It represents the high destruction not only in premium material and build up quality , but also in operation .

Overall , you ’ll find Chromebooks ranging from 11 - inch 2 - in-1s up to 15 - inch options for extra screen real estate . HD resolution is the criterion , while Full HD , touchscreen , and 4 K options are becoming more usual . Intel Celeron mainframe are a popular choice for today ’s Chromebooks — typically , three-fold - center interpretation that rarely uprise above the 2.0GHz mark — although you ’ll find Core i5 and i7 cow chip as the prices climb .

Most Chromebooks offer 2 GB to 4 GB of RAM , which is enough for average laptop tasks but low compare to traditional laptop computer good example that regularly offer 8 gibibyte or 16 GB of RAM . As for storage , Chromebooks do n’t have large disk thrust , as they depend on the internet for most data intent . Storage can commonly be augmented with an SD card or a USB drive if necessary .

For larboard , most Chromebooks are largely comparable to laptop computer , though fewer in bit . USB - A , USB - C , and phone jacks are common connectedness .

Most Chromebooks have better battery life than the distinctive laptop computer . Although about 10 hours is most coarse , newer manikin are more likely to have 12 - hour assault and battery lifetime depending on the work flow . Windows laptops are slowly closing the gap , but on average , Chromebooks last longer .

The truly high - end part of the laptop computer stove , however , does n’t include Chromebooks . You wo n’t rule Intel 12th - gen , AMD Ryzen 5000 , or Apple M1 processors like you get on a laptop like theMacBook Pro 16,Razer Blade 17 , orDell XPS 15 . These content - creation machines and play laptop will outclass any Chromebook in price of carrying out .

eventually , ChromeOS tablets such as HP ’s Chromebook X2 11   are uncommitted , but we would n’t advocate those without a keyboard .

What can a Chromebook do?

Chromebooks ship with their own operating system send for ChromeOS , which is ground on Linux and uses the Chrome web browser as an port . It has canonic computing constituent , such as a filing cabinet director and an app launcher , but most of what you apply are entanglement - ground apps that need no downloading .

That might sound limiting at first , but many popular apps already offer web - base version like Spotify , Netflix , Slack , and Evernote . Due to the preponderance of web app , many mass spend most of their time in a web web web browser anyway . If your typical work flow resembles this scenario , transition to a Chromebook will be relatively smooth . Just plug in to Wi - Fi and proceed with your browse as normal .

However , with the addition of the Google Play Store , you’re able to also download Android apps to fulfil in any package gaps . Their implementation in a laptop context might be a little funky in some cases — some spread out full - CRT screen while others stay on locked in smartphone screen mood — but you canuse Android apps on a Chromebookif you really need them .

Chromebooks also support Linux software . If you perfectly need desktop practical software , setting up Linuxis sure an selection . There are Linux version of Audacity , Firefox , GIMP , OBS Studio , Steam , VirtualBox , and many more , but your favorite program program may not offer a Linux - based variant . correspond the developer ’s website first before ruling out a Chromebook .

Finally , if you ’re a gamer , there are mass of options , but you ’re also limited . For example , your best bet is to install Android game . InstallingSteam on a Chromebookis doable , but the typical low - remnant hardware and minimal storage will circumscribe what you’re able to download and play .

That say , Chromebooks are n’t meant for gambling . If that ’s theonlyreason why you need a laptop — to playCyberpunk 2077or something alike on the go — the best investment would be one of the Windows - poweredgaming laptopsyou can buy today . Still , we have alist of the best games for Chromebooksif you ’re interested in what is available and easily playable .

What are the downsides of a Chromebook?

The restriction of ChromeOS mean you ca n’t establish some crucial software that you might otherwise take . Some famed examples admit certain Adobe software or any form of proprietary software that ’s restricted to Windows or macOS . If you rely on similar applications , you ’ll either require to incur a Linux - based choice or avoid Chromebooks totally .

limitation also extend to performance in general . Chromebooks do incline to run tight , but typically that ’s due to the lightweight nature of ChromeOS — it ’s not service - heavy in the backdrop like Windows . However , in some instance , you ’ll be limited by the components inside . downcast - end Chromebooks incline to habituate old or low - end central processing unit that ca n’t vie with what you get in the Windows and Mac space , especially in term of multitasking . Then again , if you ’re appear at spend $ 200 , a Chromebook is a far better option .

New accessary also sometimes lack the necessary drivers to work correctly on a Chromebook . While support may arrive down the bloodline , it may not , sometimes leaving Chromebook exploiter define by choice of accessories compared to those on Windows laptop computer and MacBooks .

Local storage still tends to be limited to between 16 GB and 100 GB on most Chromebooks , and it ’s almost only eMMC Flash storage . That means it ’s relatively fast , but distance is restrictive . Why so minuscule ? Again , ChromeOS was originally designed to be an low-priced , lightweight solution that relies on web - establish apps . Now that the weapons platform supports Android apps and Linux desktop software program , storage needs have skyrocketed , but the depot capacities stay qualified .

That ’s where Google Cloud come in . You get 100 GB of free cloud storage for 12 month , but after that , you ’re charged $ 20 annually , which is n’t bad . Other Google One plans range from 200 GB to 30 TB , be up to $ 150 per month . Ouch . The Chromebook ’s low storage pushes you to bank on subscription - found cloud services . However , one alternative solvent is to install an SD card if the Chromebook let in a time slot . presently , you ca n’t unload Android apps to an South Dakota wag , and maximal SD notice capacities vary between models .

You could also use an external hard drive if you want more local storage space .

Do Chromebooks need to be connected to the internet?

Most Chromebooks relate to the net using Wi - Fi , though some higher - price model offer cellular connectivity . If you ca n’t find a signal , there are workarounds for muckle of quotidian tasks — do n’t lease the big trust on Chrome fool you .

For instance , you’re able to still compose and read emails withGmail Offlineand work on documents offline with Google Drive . The offline apps will automatically store your work and synchronise back up with the online services when your Chromebook reconnects . Even more ,   you could download and take on many Android game offline , too .

Who are Chromebooks for?

Chromebooks are designed with a few specific people in intellect . At the forefront are students , as school day administrations incline to favor Chromebooks due to their surety benefits , stout anatomy quality , and computer software limitations . That means you ’ll find cheap Chromebooks in public schools across the state .

Chromebooks go beyond just cheap , plastic laptops for tiddler . There are also higher - end options for professionals and college scholar . Because they tend to be lightweight with long battery lifespan , they are great pick for hoi polloi who call for to take their oeuvre on the go , whether that ’s from course to class or on long flights . Some of these admit the business - orientedHP Dragonfly Pro , andAcer Chromebook Spin 713 .

There are certainly those same options in the Windows laptop world . However , in the gimcrack price range , Chromebooks can sometimes leave a better time value . For good example , approximately $ 500 is where Chromebooks thrive , but Windows 11 laptops at this price tend to get bogged down with a thick chassis and clunky operation .

How much do Chromebooks cost?

Chromebooks cost anywhere from $ 100 , to $ 1,000 and everywhere in between . However , they do n’t tend to extend far beyond that , as they just are n’t usable with the same kind of factor which make some Windows and Apple laptops price in the one thousand of dollars .

A Chromebook ’s characteristic will never be able to liken with more expensive laptop computer , particularly when it comes to graphics performance and local storage , but they do just about every task you ’d need them to do and their displays and stamp battery life can be competitive with top Windows machines . They are dependable , trustworthy products that fill spontaneous , budget - well-disposed want and desires .

Their simplistic excogitation also make them amazingly exploiter - well-disposed , which is always a capital matter , as many people are technologically challenge and may not be entirely comfortable when they have to go with laptops or computer .

Should you choose a Chromebook over a laptop?

First , demand yourself this question : Why do I need a notebook ?   Dig late and regard what you require from a mobile PC .

If you ’re front for a laptop that can handle mellow - level gaming , crystal - open 4 kibibyte video editing , or even professional digital art broadcast , then a Chromebook believably is n’t the right pick for you .

While you could install Linux - based choice to upgrade your system , the underlying computer hardware in most Chromebooks is simply underwhelming compared to alternatives . Android apps do a decent job of satiate in many of the golf hole that ChromeOS native apps ca n’t , but the Windows and macOS software system environments are simply more grand and flesh out .

Chromebooks endure from modified storage quad , which is another concession user will require to consider . Most Chromebooks only propose 32 GB to 64 GB of storage space , about half that of their Windows and MacBook similitude ( which start at 128 GB ) . To get around the low storage issue , you ’ll need to purchase a premium good example like the Galaxy Chromebook with 256 GB of storage .

Overall , Chromebooks are splendid for everyday manipulation , especially for electronic mail , social media , and word processing . They ’re an low-priced alternative to higher - priced machines , but the typical web - free-base contour seen across most Chromebooks are n’t think to repel heavy desktop applications , making them double-dyed for canonical projects . They just are n’t as able as many Windows laptop andApple MacBooksbecause they focalise on a different market .

The dispirited price , then , is the top ground why Chromebooks are a pop choice , particularly for studentswho do n’t need a richly - perform laptop computer .

Which is the best Chromebook to buy?

There ’s a lot of refinement that goes into selecting thebest Chromebook , but theHP Dragonfly Prois toughened to puzzle .

It ’s a innovative , cutting - bound Chromebook with a gamy - declaration screen , a quick CPU , and a agiotage build caliber . It comes with all of the trimmings of a high - conclusion laptop as well , including a haptic touchpad , Intel vPro certification , and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity .

If you ’re search for the king of Chromebooks , the HP Dragonfly Pro is for you . However , it ’s expensive and not befit for every intention . Here are a few additional choice .

For gaming

Chromebooks are n’t built for play — or , at least , most of them are n’t . TheAcer Chromebook 516 GEis one of the rare Chromebooks that was built specifically for gaming . It ’s not a gaming notebook computer like you ’ve probably view , though .

It ’s built for cloud gaming . The Intel Core i5 - 1240P processor can play some light games , but the Chromebook 516 GE is crafted to run apps like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass . The laptop computer itself helps that with a 120Hz blind , allowing you to take advantage of high refresh rates usable in some cloud gaming apps , as well as Wi - Fi 6E for high-pitched - speed connectivity and Bluetooth 5.2 to hook up your controller .

For students

Students are usually strapped for cash and need a powerful machine . For the best balance of damage and portability , it ’s hard to beatLenovo ’s IdeaPad Duet 5 . It ’s a $ 400 Chromebook with excellent battery living and one of the most rich shape we ’ve seen out of a Chromebook .

operation is solid for the political machine , with an eight - core wandering processor that can power basic productiveness apps . Like most Chromebooks , you ’re limited to 128 GB of storage , but that ’s not a huge job at this price . It ’s easy to overlook , too , considering the beautiful OLED presentation .

If you need to go cheaper , theLenovo Chromebook Duet 3is also a firm option at around $ 300 , though it ’s smaller and the keyboard is n’t as nice .

Touch screen

You ’ll find pinch screens on many Chromebooks , but theAcer Chromebook Spin 713is our darling . It ’s a 2 - in-1 design that can flip around to give you full admittance to the touchscreen , and despite its premium build and self-coloured major power , it ’s not too expensive .

The machine clocks in at just shy of $ 800 . For that , you ’re getting a beautiful 3:2 display , Intel Evo certification , and a twelfth - gen Intel mainframe .