We live in interesting times — not just in general, but when it comes to Chromebooks, too. On the one hand, it's a golden age with high-end prices falling and tablets finally making sense. On the other hand, the selection of new models is starting to dwindle a bit. But whether you need a cheap computer for the kids' homework or something capable to plug the work-from-home gap, a Chromebook can probably do the job, and these are the ones we recommend.

One thing that's worth noting now: Chromebook availability can be a little bit hit and miss these days. While things aren't as bad as they were a few months ago, some of our favorite models might still see some stock and price fluctuations across retailers.

This list is also obviously non-exhaustive. There are a lot of Chromebooks and Chromeboxes out there, and plenty of new hardware is always on the horizon, but these are our recommendations for the best Chrome OS-powered devices among a range of prices and utility categories.

Premium Chromebooks

Acer Chromebook Spin 713

If you want something with some serious oomph behind it, Acer's recent Chromebook Spin 713 tops our list as one of the most powerful Chromebooks you can get. Configurations vary, but it packs a beefy 15W 10th gen Intel CPU, paired with plenty of RAM, and fast NVME storage. The 13.5" 3:2 touchscreen isn't some sub-1080p mediocrity, either, with a high 2256 x 1504 resolution. It even charges fast at up to 45W.

You might expect something like that to break the bank, but the Spin 713 is surprisingly affordable. With an MSRP of $630, you're getting quite a lot of bang for your buck, here — and it's already seeing discounts on top of that. In short, we can't recommend the Chromebook Spin 713 enough.

To be fair, most folks don't need this much power in a Chromebook. If you're just going to do a bit of light browsing on Facebook, this is overkill. But for those hoping to push performance with features like Chrome OS' Linux containers, or heavier duty development work, The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a beast.

This Chromebook will get updates until Jun 2028.

Where to buy the Chromebook Spin 713 Best Buy

Pixelbook Go

If you want a traditional laptop form factor, the new Pixelbook Go is a good (if slightly expensive) choice, packing in some decent specs, a lightweight design, good build quality, and one of the best keyboards out there. Processors range from Core M3 up to an i7, though there isn't too much reason to get the highest-end version if you don't plan on using it for development work or Linux apps.

The starting price of $650 might seem expensive for a Chromebook, and you can track down cheaper hardware on specs alone, but Google got many of the little details right, and we think that's worth the extra money for some. However, since this is a clamshell design, you shouldn't pick one up if you planned to use it as a 2-in-1 or tablet.

We also don't recommend the 4K, 256GB, i7-powered version. It's too expensive ($1,400), overkill for most folks in Chrome OS, and there are reports that the higher resolution display results in some performance stutters.

The EOL date for the Pixelbook Go (when it is expected to stop getting updates) is June 2026.

Budget/Mainstream Chromebooks

The Chromebook mid-range market is stagnating these days as competition at both ends is slowly squeezing the middle out. What used to be a sweet spot on the price to value scale has sort of merged with the top of the budget segment as older models creep down in price over time. That has changed our recommendations a bit.

Many of our previous recommendations have been discontinued all at once, and we can't in good faith recommend a Chromebook you can't actually buy outside sketchy used deals or third-party resellers.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5

Lenovo's IdeaPad Flex 5 mixes together relatively premium parts like a 15W processor with a more budget-friendly 4GB of RAM, 32-64GB of storage, and lower DPI 1080p IPS touchscreen. The folding 2-in-1 design and massive 51Wh battery make it a long-lasting, touch-friendly affair.

It offers a more solid build than you'll see on less expensive Chromebooks, and a great keyboard, but 4GB of RAM isn't future-proof, and the screen could be better. But it starts as low as $360, going up to $400 for the i3-powered model.

If you want some oomph but don't want to drop a couple hundred more bucks, it's a good option. The Chromebook isn't listed yet on the Auto Update Expiration page, but we expect it to last well into 2028.

Where to buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Amazon Core i3/64GB

B&H Photo Celeron/32GB



Lenovo C340 (11")

I loved the Lenovo C330, and the company recently released an x86-based replacement: the 11" C340. Lenovo didn't ruin the sequel, either, following-up on one great Chromebook with another.

You get an Intel Celeron N4000, 4GB of RAM, and varying quantities of storage (32-64GB), plus an 11.6" 768p display, all for around $300, though different models and price gouging right now will vary. It's a 2-in-1 design, so you can use it as a tablet if you like.

Initially, I wasn't as interested in the C340 given its price increase, but now that the C330 is sold out most places, it's probably your best bet — though I think the C330 is a better buy, if you can find one. Also note, there are two screen sizes for this model number (thanks Lenovo). You'll want the 11" version, it's less expensive and a better buy, though admittedly smaller.

The Lenovo C340 will stop getting updates in June 2026.

Where to buy the Lenovo C340 Walmart

Best Buy

Alternatives

If you want a bigger Chromebook, HP's Chromebook 15 (which we haven't reviewed), might satisfy, though it's a bit expensive for what you get and a little underpowered. The 14" HP X360 may also be a decent choice, though we haven't reviewed it either.

We should note: HP also offers way too many different SKUs for its different models, and specs can actually vary pretty wildly. That makes it impossible to comparison shop, but it also makes it difficult to offer a blanket recommendation for a specific product name — it might actually have pretty different specs depending on where you get it.

Lenovo's S340-14 may also be a decent choice if you want something in a similar size.

Tablets/slates:

With the Pixel Slate basically discontinued at this point, there's just one Chrome OS tablet we recommend right now.

Lenovo Duet

The Lenovo Duet had a lot of hype surrounding it at launch, and like almost no product in recent memory, it totally delivered. Just $300 gets you the best Chrome OS tablet experience you can get — we aren't even recommending any others. Sure, it's on the small side at just 10.1", but if you want a tablet, there's not much point in lugging around a 13" monstrosity, just get a laptop.

The MediaTek Helio P60T chipset won't compete with higher wattage parts, but performance is surprisingly decent, and the 16:10 1920 x 1200 IPS display provides a good picture. Pair that with 4GB of RAM, 64 or 128GB of storage, and a 27Wh battery, and it has both the power and longevity to do what you need.

Unlike some 2-in-1 detachables from other companies, you don't have to buy a separate keyboard at an inflated price, either. Just $300 gets you the tablet, a folding keyboard cover, and a kickstand. It might be a little on the thick side with all those things attached, and the touchpad could be better, but again: $300. It's an incredible value.

The Duet still isn't listed on Google's Auto Update Expiration help page, but the near-identical 10e will stop getting updates on June 2028, so it's probably the same.

Where to buy the Lenovo Duet Best Buy

Walmart

Honorable mention

Some older Chromebooks are still good options, especially if you can pick one up used, but they don't compare to more recent models — especially when it comes to updates. Although some other older and otherwise good models are still available, we can't in good faith recommend them due to the short lifespans remaining. Still, some other older Chromebooks nabbed at the right price could be a good deal. Just be sure to check the end of life date if you pick one up.

We have reviewed plenty of other Chromebooks favorably, but a list of the "best" sadly can't include everything, and we're sorry if your favorite Chromebook didn't make the cut.