“What is the best Chromebook?” you may ask. Before we get there, you should know that you aren’t the only one who is curious about Chrome OS devices. In fact, demand for Chromebooks has risen by a whopping 122% year over year. Whoa! It’s understandable that many people desire to get their hands on the best Chromebook. The best Chromebooks are no longer exclusively for children. Chromebooks are being produced by an increasing number of laptop manufacturers for both casual customers and work-focused busy bees. The best Chromebooks are also known for their resistance to malware. This means that Chromebooks are less likely to be infected with viruses and malware than other vulnerable operating systems (e.g. Windows). The best Chromebooks are both secure and simple to use. You’ll be relieved to find that the best Chromebooks frequently have long battery life. Check out our list of Chromebooks with the longest battery life as well.
What is the best Chromebook?
The best Chromebook is the Acer Chromebook Spin 713. There is no other Chromebook that can compete with the test results of the Chromebook Spin 713. It has a nearly 12-hour battery life, a brilliant and beautiful QHD display, and it’s a versatile 2-in-1. The Google Pixelbook Go, which is widely regarded as one of the best Chromebooks available, was easily outperformed by the Chromebook Spin 713. The Pixelbook Go, on the other hand, hasn’t been updated in a while, and it’s pricey for a Chrome OS tablet. Take it from me when I say that the Chromebook Spin 713 is a no-brainer.
- The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is yet another fantastic Chromebook device. It’s great for on-the-go consumers, casual users, and students looking for a little device that can easily put into their commute bag. Its compact size is ideal for travelers who rely heavily on Google applications such as Google Chrome and Google Docs. It’s also excellent for folks who only want a portable device to watch YouTube videos, Netflix, and browse the web.
- The Lenovo Chromebook Duet also comes with a detachable keyboard and a kickstand cover, allowing it to be used as a genuine tiny laptop. One disadvantage of the Duet is that if you have large hands, the form factor of the Duet may be too small for you.
- The best Chromebooks are evolving and moving away from the traditional clamshell shape. Many now have more streamlined designs and touch-screen displays; some even have two screens in one. For Chrome OS fans seeking for a high-end laptop, there’s even a premium Chromebook market. Because the best Chromebooks are also surprisingly sturdy, we created our own Chromebook drop test.
- Every year, we analyze hundreds of Chromebooks to find the ones that offer the best combination of value, performance, and computing comfort. Some are so good that they make our list of the best laptops in general. You should also take a look at our list of the best Chromebooks with the longest battery life.
The best Chromebooks aren’t simply laptops that run a few Google apps. Chromebooks may now suit a variety of computing needs, and a competent Chrome OS laptop or two-in-one can outperform a subpar Windows or macOS laptop. As a result, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is our pick for the best Chromebook of 2022, as it performs practically everything flawlessly.
Advantage of using a Chromebook
- The best Chromebooks are well-known for being inexpensive. Manufacturers have received notice that many buyers prefer good Chromebooks over cheap ones.
- Many are around $500 or $600, but there are also great options at higher and lower price points. The extra cash will go a long way toward getting you something you’ll like.
- For the first time, the top Chromebooks in this price range have been consistently outstanding in quality. There are so many similarities between Asus, Lenovo, Google, HP, Dell, and Samsung’s offerings that a conspiracy theorist may believe that they’re all sourced from the same factory.
- That’s great news if you’re doing comparison shopping; the majority of the things on this list would be terrific buys if they could be found at a cheaper price. They are even capable of competing with some of the best laptops, cheap laptops, and student laptops on the market.
- Our top recommendation for the best Chromebook is the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, and our budget pick is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. Among the best Chromebooks of 2022 are the Google Pixelbook Go, Google Pixelbook, HP Chromebook x360, and Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2.
- Most people look for the same attributes in the best Chromebook that they do in any laptop: a solid keyboard, a sturdy frame, a long battery life, a nice screen, and enough power to do what they need. There are more Chromebooks than ever before that can fulfill those specifications, but here are the ones that stand out.
To get the best performance out of a product, you don’t always have to get the most expensive version. While it is easy to fantasize about purchasing expensive products, the majority of people simply cannot afford to do so. Chromebooks are typically a low-cost alternative, although even they can cost more than $1,000. As a result, we’ve produced a list of the best Chromebooks under $300 to help you find a nice computer at a fair price.
Consumers who do not want to spend a lot of money on a new laptop may want to consider purchasing a Chromebook.
A Mac or Windows laptop can easily cost more than $1,000, but a well-made Chromebook—one that can perform typical tasks such as browsing the web, editing office documents, and making video calls—can occasionally be purchased for as little as $300.
Disadvantages of using a Chromebook
A Chromebook may have a slower processor and a smaller hard drive than more costly counterparts, but this is tolerable because it relies on cloud-based software that isn’t unduly demanding (think Gmail and Google Docs).
If you’ve never used a Chromebook before, there may be a slight learning curve, but it’s pretty simple to adjust, especially if you’ve used the Google Chrome web browser before. This is because Chrome OS, the operating system that powers Chromebooks, is remarkably similar to Google’s popular browser.
- Chrome OS is primarily dependant on web applications like Google Docs, although it has lately gained the ability to run Android apps, allowing it to run software like Adobe Lightroom (for image processing) and children’s games. These may be downloaded via the Google Play app store, much like on an Android smartphone.
- Our Chromebook tests are similar to those we do on Windows and Mac laptops. We evaluate how well they perform when running different apps, how comfortable the keyboard is to text on, and how long the battery lasts.
- We also take display quality into account, such as how effectively the screen represents colors and how wide the viewing angle is. The idea is to provide you an accurate, easy-to-understand portrayal of what it’s like to own the device.
- We presently have 17 Chromebooks in our inventory, all of which are made by well-known brands such as Acer, Asus, and HP.
- Some of the best low-cost alternatives are listed below, ranked by Overall Score.These are available in a number of sizes, including 11.6-, 14-, and 15.6-inch displays, as well as form factors including as classic clamshells and rotating convertibles. As a result, everyone should be able to locate their ideal partner. Here are our recommendations.
Why should you buy a Chromebook for Under 400 dollars?
The best reason to acquire a Chromebook is that it is the most secure laptop available. Because Google manages everything on a Chromebook, the corporation has an easier time keeping your data safe and malware-free.
You can also install as many Google Play apps as you like without worrying about them destroying your machine or exhausting its RAM. Furthermore, they will update automatically – all without the need for you to click ‘Check for Updates in your settings!
Finally, you’ll appreciate how quickly these machines boot up – especially if you purchase one with a powerful processor, like this Acer model.
Simply said, if you value simplicity, security, and speed, there is no better alternative than a Chromebook under $400. There are numerous Chromebooks available at this price range on the market. Nonetheless, the sole reason I chose these gadgets was their widespread popularity and great user feedback.
What factors should you examine before purchasing a Chromebook under $400?
A Chromebook is a notebook that runs Google’s Chrome OS. They include features and specs that allow them to run faster and smoother than Windows or Mac OS X laptops.
Before purchasing a Chromebook Under 400, as with any other computer equipment, you should determine if it is the greatest fit for your needs. Before completing the transaction with the seller, it is best to consider its pricing and warranty duration. Here are some things to think about to help you decide:
- When shopping for a Chromebook under $400, the first thing to consider is the quantity of RAM in their memory. It affects the operation speed and the time it takes to open an application or website, among other factors. A 4GB RAM provides more than adequate storage space for most users, and it is upgradeable if needed.
- Before purchasing a Chromebook, you should also verify the processor. From 2013 onwards, the operating system is intended to run on many cores throughout Intel’s x86 platform. As a result, a device with at least a dual-core processor from this generation should be considered. A third-generation processor will also operate well, but you may feel a tiny hesitation or slowdown after some time using it.
- The type of storage that a Chromebook has in its memory, among other things, impacts its speed and processing time. Most models come with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB hard drives, all of which would enough depending on the tasks the user intends to perform. You may expand your storage capacity by putting an SD card or USB flash drive into the memory slot on your Chromebook model.
- Some models are equipped with touchscreen displays, while others do not. If you’re looking for a laptop to conduct tasks that require a keyboard and mouse, you don’t need one with touchscreen capabilities.However, if you also want to display different things on its screen, touch screen laptops are the way to go. Another issue is that some units only let users to scroll up and down when web browsing and do not support multi-touch gestures, as do other machines in this price category.
- The clarity of the sound is also determined by the quality of the speakers built in a Chromebook. Choose devices with high-definition speakers to create superior sound quality even at higher volume levels. A team that allows for travel is more valuable than one that does not.
- You should also look into the battery life of any Chromebook model before purchasing it. This allows you to choose how long you can use it without a power supply when it has fully charged.It could take two or three hours depending on the model and electrical connection available near your location. Some units contain quick charging technology that allows customers to charge their laptops in less than an hour and use them right away for certain tasks.
- Another significant factor to consider is whether a particular brand provides support services for Chromebook users. A company that offers a one-year guarantee and assistance with repairs and software issues is more likely to continue providing these services than one that does not. Some models may come with a one-year limited warranty; however this does not preclude them from being serviced after the warranty period has expired.
- Before purchasing any specific model, read reviews to learn what other people think about its features and functions, as well as any problems they have when using them.This way, you can also assess whether the cost supplied by various merchants is worth the quality or features offered by each model in this price range.
- Check the manufacturer’s website on a frequent basis to see if they have any special deals on their products. This is due to the fact that prices fluctuate over time, and you may even acquire a brand new laptop for less than half of its original price if the model has been discontinued.
- If feasible, check out an older version that is currently available in stores before purchasing it online or from a different area. After reviewing the description offered by vendors of this type of laptop, you will have firsthand knowledge of whatever you are unsure of.
- Finally, before deciding on one unit over another, examine your demands and requirements. The more things you want your laptop to execute at the same time, the more processing power it will need to run without hiccups or slowdowns.
Top 10 best Chromebooks under $400 in the US
1. Samsung Chromebook 4+
This classy piece of Samsung hardware comes first in our best Chromebooks under $300 roundup, and it should suit people looking for a general computing machine with a huge screen. It has a 15.6-inch LCD screen with Full HD resolution. The 1,920 by 1,080-pixel resolution ensures plenty of display capacity for various programs or windows. The Samsung Chromebook 4+ is powered by an Intel Celeron N3000 or N4000 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. With a 720p HD webcam, you can have clear Duo or Zoom conversations with friends and family.
Wi-Fi 5, a sprinkling of USB-A and USB-C ports, a slot for microSD cards, and, of course, a headphone jack are among the other features. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 12.5 hours, which should be enough to get almost everyone through a busy work or school day.
Specification
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
- Display: 15.6-inch, Full HD
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Webcam: 720p
- Ports: 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C
- Battery: lithium-ion
- Weight: 1.7kg (3.75lbs)
2. Asus Chromebook C423
The Asus Chromebook C523 is yet another powerhouse in terms of productivity. It has a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1,366 by 768 pixels. Asus kept the bezels to a minimum in order to achieve an 80 percent screen-to-body ratio. Because of the larger screen, a full-sized keyboard and a generous trackpad are possible. The processing power is provided by a dual-core 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N3350, which is teamed with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB storage. There is also a camera for video conferencing.
Two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a headphone/mic jack, a MicroSD slot, and a Kensington lock are located on the sides. The 38Wh battery has a capacity of roughly 10 hours. It weighs 2.6 pounds and is one of the less expensive alternatives on this list.
Specification
- Processor: 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N3350 Dual-Core
- Display: 14-inch, HD
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Webcam: Yes
- Ports: 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, headphone, microSD
- Battery: 38Wh lithium-ion
- Weight: 1.17kg/2.6lbs
3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
At first appearance, the ultra-portable Lenovo Chromebook Duet may be mistaken for a journal. When you lift the type cover, you’ll find a sharp Full HD screen inside, enveloped in comfortable fabric. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet screen is only 10.1 inches across, yet it’s ideal for on-the-go use.
If you’re searching for a 2-in-1 with a plethora of ports, the Chromebook Duet has the internals to make up for it. Lenovo has squeezed an octa-core MediaTek Helio P60T engine and ARM G72 MP3 graphics into the compact gadget. In addition, the typical configuration includes 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB of eMCP storage. For a Chromebook around $300, it’s not a bad blend between a tablet and a laptop.
Specification
- Processor: MediaTek Helios P60T Octa-core
- Display: 10.1-inch, Full HD
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Webcam: 2MP Fixed-focus
- Ports: 1 USB-C (Gen 2)
- Battery: 7,000mAh
- Weight: 0.92kg/2.03lbs with keyboard
4. Dell Chromebook 3100
The Dell Chromebook 3100 is primarily aimed at the school industry as a low-cost choice under $300. It’s a tough, MIL-STD-rated convertible with a splash-proof keyboard and reinforced ports. Dell’s mini-laptop is also available as a 2-in-1. It sports a smaller 11.6-inch display with a resolution of 1,366 by 768 pixels, making it suitable for HD viewing. This Chromebook has a dual-core 2.8GHz Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage, as well as a webcam for distance learning.
Ports and the like are fairly robust. There are two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a headphone/mic connector on the Chromebook. At 2.85 pounds, it’s one of the lightest options on deck. The battery has a 14-hour runtime rating.
Specification
- Processor: 2.8GHz Intel Celeron N4020
- Display: 11.6-inch, HD
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Webcam: Built-in
- Ports: 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, headphone, microSD
- Battery: 42WHr
- Weight: 1.29kg/2.85lbs
5. HP Chromebook 14
The HP Chromebook 14 has significantly larger real estate than the 11.6-inch choices, allowing for greater productivity. The 14-inch touch display has a low resolution of 1,366 by 768 and a broad viewing angle of 178 degrees. The HP 14 is equipped with a dual-core 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4000 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. If you require more storage space, the Chromebook accepts microSD cards. Other features include Intel HD Graphics 600 and a battery life of 13 hours.
Connectivity spans the spectrum. Along with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth, there are two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C and one USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A port. It also contains stereo speakers, dual embedded mics, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic connection, all for a little more than $200.
Specification
- Processor: 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4000 Dual-Core
- Display: 14-inch, HD
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Webcam: Built-in
- Ports: 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C, headphone, microSD
- Battery: 32Wh lithium-polymer
- Weight: 1.46kg/3.24lbs
6. Lenovo Chromebook S330
Another clamshell choice rounds off our list of the top Chromebooks around $300. Lenovo’s Chromebook S330 is designed for business, featuring a Business Black appearance and a 180-degree hinge that folds flat for presentations. The enormous 14-inch display is fantastic for productivity, yet it’s still tiny enough to fit in a backpack.
The S330 has only one CPU choice, which is a MediaTek MTK 8173C rated at 1.7GHz with four cores and four threads. Other performance-related specifications include integrated PowerVR GX6250 graphics and 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM @ 1866MHz. A 720p webcam is ideal for Zoom meetings, and 64GB of storage is standard.
Specification
- Processor: 1.7GHz MediaTek MTK 8173C
- Display: 14-inch, HD
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Webcam: 720p
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A 3.1, HDMI, SD card
- Battery: 3-cell Li-Po
- Weight: 1.5kg/3.2lbs
7. ACER CHROMEBOOK SPIN 713
Acer’s Chromebook Spin 713 is the greatest Chromebook money can buy. You’ll get a ton of extra vertical space for work and multitasking with a stunning 3:2 screen that beats some more expensive competitors.
The keyboard is wonderful, with a beautiful illumination and a comfortable, silent feel. There’s also an HDMI port, which is unusual for a slim Chromebook. And, most crucially, the 11th-Gen Intel processors can easily handle a huge load of tabs. The speakers on the Spin aren’t excellent, and there’s no biometric login, but those are reasonable trade-offs for a laptop of this quality at this low price.
In a market where the major differences between Chromebooks in this price range are their screens and sometimes an included stylus, Acer stands out by creating a budget laptop that is outstanding in practically every regard.
8. LENOVO CHROMEBOOK DUET
If you’re searching for a low-cost gadget for on-the-go work, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet provides outstanding value for money. It’s a 10.1-inch 2-in-1 gadget with a detachable keyboard and a kickstand cover.
The Duet has a MediaTek Helio P60T engine, 4GB of RAM, and up to 128GB of storage, and it works decently when surfing and not under severe pressure. It also employs a version of Chrome OS tailored to its flexible form factor, as well as the first version of Chrome geared for tablet use. When not connected to its keyboard, the Duet has an Android-like gesture navigation mechanism that makes switching between programs simple. The most impressive aspect, though, is the battery life; I was able to get close to 11.5 hours of quite intensive use.
Of course, there are disadvantages. The touchpad and keyboard are small, there is no headphone jack (and only one USB-C connector), and the 16:10 screen is a little dull. However, those are reasonable trade-offs to make for such a low price. It’s an excellent supplementary device for studying or browsing on the go.
9. HP CHROMEBOOK X360 14
If you want more power and don’t mind having a little larger laptop, the HP Chromebook x360 14 is an excellent choice. HP offers numerous configurations under this name, but we recommend the one we tested, which includes 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage in addition to the i3 processor.
While we chose the Asus for its sleek look, there isn’t anything to criticize about the somewhat larger HP. It features the same connectors, RAM, and storage as the original. The keyboard is excellent, and the sound is significantly improved because the speakers are located on the keyboard deck rather than on the bottom.
10. ASUS CHROMEBOOK DETACHABLE CM3
The Chromebook Detachable CM3 is Asus’ attempt to compete with Lenovo’s well-received Chromebook Duet. The CM3 is a 10.5-inch, 16:10 Chrome OS tablet with a fabric cover, a kickstand, and a keyboard that pops on and off, similar to the Duet. It is slightly more expensive than the Duet, but it also includes a few additional functions.
One unique feature is that the kickstand folds in two directions: you can fold it long to stand the tablet up like a laptop, or you can fold it short to stand the tablet up horizontally. We’re not sure how useful this functionality is, but it’s available if you have a specific use case in mind.
The CM3 also includes a built-in USI stylus and roomy keys with remarkable travel. But it was the battery life that impressed us the most: we averaged nearly 13 hours of continuous use on the gadget.
The CM3 is not the ideal Chromebook for everyone: It only has two connections (one USB-C and one audio jack), and its MediaTek processor is slow in comparison to more expensive options. However, if you’re searching for a convertible Chrome OS device and the Duet doesn’t quite meet your requirements, you’re most likely the CM3’s target audience.
11. SAMSUNG GALAXY CHROMEBOOK 2
With a $1,000 price tag, an OLED display, a bundled stylus, and a luxury design, Samsung’s first Galaxy Chromebook aimed for the stars. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is less of a sequel to that gadget and more of a stripped-down, cheaper version. There is no fingerprint sensor, no stylus, and no OLED — but it is fairly functional, and with a starting price of less than $600, it is a considerably more affordable choice.
The Chromebook 2’s finish is its standout feature: It comes in a brilliant “fiesta red” color that will stand out wherever you use it. (There is also a gray option if you prefer something more modest.) It’s also the first Chromebook to use one of Samsung’s QLED displays. QLED isn’t OLED — it’s just a better LED — but it’s still one of the most beautiful displays I’ve seen on a Chromebook.
Nice screens can degrade battery life, but that is not the case here. I averaged roughly seven hours and 21 minutes of continuous work on the Chromebook 2, so you shouldn’t have to charge it all the time. While the Core i3 processor isn’t the most powerful chip available in a Chromebook, it’s adequate for day-to-day work.
12. GOOGLE PIXELBOOK GO
The Google Pixelbook Go is a stylish 13.3-inch laptop that weighs about 2.3 pounds. It includes a strong magnesium chassis with a ridged grip on the bottom to prevent slippage on sloped surfaces.
The Pixelbook Go is not only portable and elegant, but it also boasts strong performance and supports fast charging via either of its USB-C connections. The battery life is also commendable. In our tests, the Go lasted more than eight hours, and it should be plenty to get you through a full workday. The keyboard, however, is its major feature, as it is silent, has good travel, and has a springy feel. It was Verge editor Dieter Bohn’s “favorite thing to type on by a long mile.”
As far as Chromebooks go, the Go is an expensive product, and it doesn’t top our list because the Chromebook Flip C434 offers comparable hardware and features for a somewhat lower price. However, we believe that many customers who seek long battery life and a lightweight design may prefer to pay a little extra on this gadget.
13. LENOVO C13 YOGA CHROMEBOOK
Many current Chromebooks are aimed at children and students, but not this one. The C13 Yoga Chromebook is a robust, costly convertible Chromebook for adults. It is part of Lenovo’s acclaimed ThinkPad product series and features ThinkPad-specific features such as a red Trackpoint, distinct touchpad clickers, a fingerprint sensor, a camera shutter, and an aluminum design. If we put this Chromebook next to any number of Windows ThinkPads, we might not be able to tell them apart.
The C13 is also notable for being the first Chromebook to have AMD’s Ryzen 3000 Mobile C-series CPUs, which are designed exclusively for Chromebooks. The chips are capable of running a wide range of programs, including mobile gaming. We do wish the battery life was a little longer – we only got a little more than six hours out of it on a single charge. We averaged seven and a half hours from our top option, the Chromebook Spin 713, and many of the laptops here easily exceed eight hours.
14. LENOVO FLEX 5 CHROMEBOOK
The Lenovo Flex 5 appears to be much nicer than its sub-$400 price suggests. It’s designed to endure jolts and jostles in a bag or briefcase, but it still boasts a smooth soft-touch texture that’s comfortable to handle. Add a sleek backlit keyboard, a physical webcam shutter, and front-facing speakers, and you’ve got a chassis that looks and feels like it belongs in a much more expensive gadget.
You also gain some other benefits. The Flex 5 features one of the best keyboards I’ve ever used on a Chromebook, let alone one in this price bracket. It also includes a microSD reader and a USB-C port on each side, as well as a clear 1920 x 1080 touch display.
The Flex 5’s battery life is slightly disappointing, averaging a little over five and a half hours in our testing. If you intend to use the gadget while out and about, please be sure to bring the 45W charger with you.
Best Chromebooks Under $400 – Final Recommendation
Investing in a low-cost Chromebook will save you money while also allowing you to work more efficiently on a Chromebook thanks to the superior capabilities it provides. With an average battery life of 10 hours, you can take them on the go with you, and MIMO Technology enables for a fast internet connection to work successfully everywhere.
We’ve selected the top ten Chromebooks under $400 to fulfill all of your needs. They all have cutting-edge features and technology. You can also discover a Chromebook in a reasonable price range to purchase.
But our top pick is the Lenovo Chromebook C330 81HY0000US, which excels in every category, from battery life to memory storage to price. So, why wait any longer? Purchase as soon as possible. Best wishes on your purchase!
