11 Best Chromebooks of 2025, Tested and Reviewed Leave a comment
The value for Chromebooks can vary wildly, from $150 as much as $800, and subsequently the specs can differ.
Processor: For one of the best expertise, you must keep away from older Chromebooks with Intel Celeron processors. The Chromebook Plus specs provide an excellent baseline to ensure speedy efficiency, and I’d suggest going with at the very least an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 processor. Simply be careful for overspending on configurations with Intel Core i7 processors except you want the additional horsepower for multitasking, Android video games, Linux apps, and dozens of Chrome tabs. Whereas Intel and AMD dominate the processor scene, you’ll sometimes discover Chromebooks utilizing ARM processors just like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. These will be effective for very fundamental duties, however they gained’t fare as effectively underneath sustained, intense masses. That mentioned, a brand new era of ARM chips are on the best way, just like the MediaTek Kompanio Extremely 910 powering the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
RAM: All the time go for at the very least 8 GB of RAM for those who can afford it. You gained’t discover 4 GB of RAM in something aside from fundamental, super-budget Chromebooks, but it surely severely limits your capacity to multitask. If you wish to keep away from slowdowns, 8 GB of RAM is the usual you must intention for, although for those who’re funds is underneath $300, which may be tough.
Storage: In contrast to a Mac or Home windows PC, a lot of your Chromebook work will likely be saved on the net. This implies you’ll be able to usually get away with much less storage, however I wouldn’t suggest going under 128 GB. In case you can afford it, you’ll be way more comfy with at the very least 256 GB. You’ll get one of the best velocity out of an NVMe stable state drive, so look out for that on the spec sheet while you’re evaluating fashions.
Display: The overwhelming majority of Chromebook shows you’ll discover will likely be IPS LCD panels, and that’s simply effective. OLED shows are lastly beginning to present up on Chromebooks, although IPS LCD screens are extra frequent and provide an excellent stability of brightness, distinction, and colour accuracy. In case you’re buying within the excessive funds vary, be careful for TN LCD panels, as they’re typically decrease high quality and provide worse viewing angles. For decision, a 1920 x 1080-pixel decision (or 1200p for 16:10 side ratio) must be your normal. You’ll get crisp visuals at 13- and 14-inch display sizes, and it’s satisfactory at 15 inches. Larger resolutions will look even higher, however they’re pretty unusual in Chromebooks.
Ports: USB-C ports have develop into commonplace on Chromebooks, so there’s not any excuse to purchase one with out them. Attempt to get one which costs over USB-C so you’ll be able to recharge with a transportable energy financial institution while you’re on the go. A microSD card slot can be useful if you’d like a simple option to develop your storage on the fly. You’ll discover that some Chromebooks help Thunderbolt 4 over their USB-C ports as effectively. Whereas that’s a wonderful choice to have for those who plan to plug your Chromebook into some high-end displays, it isn’t vital for most individuals. As a substitute, you will get comparable exterior monitor help (and spend rather a lot much less) with an HDMI port or DisplayPort over USB-C help.
