The Best Chromebooks (Fall 2020), Starting at $ 300 and Up

This story was originally published 2020/01/22
9:55 a.m. PSTJanuary 22, 2020 and last update 2020/11/20
8:30 am PSTNovember 20, 2020.

Chromebooks are hard to buy these days. If they’re even in stock, it’s hard to say which ones are worth your time. Fortunately, we’ve put together a little list of our favorite models. Whether you need a cheap kids’ homework computer or something that can bridge the homework gap, a Chromebook can probably do the job, and these are the ones we recommend.

One thing to note now: Chromebook availability continues to be a bit hit and miss these days (especially on Amazon). While things aren’t as bad as they were earlier this year, some of our favorite models might still be experiencing inventory and price fluctuations at retailers.

This list is also obviously not exhaustive. There are plenty of Chromebooks out there, and plenty of new hardware is always on the horizon, but here are our recommendations for the best devices running Chrome OS from a range of price points and utility categories.

Premium Chromebooks

Acer Chromebook Spin 713

If you want something with a serious twist 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 powerful 15W 10th Gen Intel processor, coupled with plenty of RAM and fast NVME storage. The 13.5 “3: 2 touchscreen isn’t mediocre at 1080p either, with a high resolution of 2256 x 1504. It even charges quickly up to 45W.

You might expect something like this to break the bank, but the Spin 713 is surprisingly affordable. With an MSRP of $ 630, you get what you pay for, here – and it’s already see discounts on top of that. In short, we cannot recommend the Chromebook Spin 713 highly enough.

To be fair, most people don’t need this power in a Chromebook. If you’re just going to do a little light browsing on Facebook, that’s overkill. But for those hoping to boost performance with features like Chrome OS’s Linux containers or heavier development work, Acer’s Chromebook Spin 713 is a beast.

This Chromebook will receive updates until June 2028.

Pixelbook Go

If you want a traditional laptop size, the new Pixelbook Go is a good choice (albeit a bit pricey), with decent specs, a lightweight design, good build quality, and one of the best keyboards in the world. market. Processors range from Core M3 through i7, although there isn’t too much reason to get the top-end version if you don’t plan on using it for development work or Linux applications.

The starting price of $ 650 might seem expensive for a Chromebook, and you can search for cheaper hardware just on specs, but Google got a lot of the small details right, and we think it’s worth it for some. However, since it’s a clamshell design, you shouldn’t choose one if you plan to use it as a 2-in-1 or tablet.

We also do not recommend the 4K, 256GB, i7 version. It’s too expensive ($ 1,400), overkill for most Chrome OS users, and there are reports that the higher resolution display causes performance stuttering.

The Pixelbook Go’s EOL date (when it should no longer receive updates) is June 2026.

Economy / consumer chromebooks

The mid-range Chromebook market is stagnating these days as competition on both ends slowly pushes the middle out. What was once a sweet spot on the price-to-value scale has sort of merged with the top of the budget segment as the price of older models has declined over time. It changed our recommendations a bit.

A lot of our previous recommendations were scrapped suddenly, and we can’t in good faith recommend a Chromebook that you can’t. Actually buy off piecemeal second-hand deals or third-party resellers.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5 combines relatively high-end components like a 15W processor with more economical 4GB RAM, 32-64GB of storage, and a lower 1080p IPS touchscreen. The 2-in-1 foldable design and massive 51Wh battery make it a durable and user-friendly affair.

It offers a more solid build than you’ll see on cheaper Chromebooks and a great keyboard, but 4GB of RAM isn’t the test of time and the screen could be better. But it starts as low as $ 360, going all the way up to $ 400 for the i3 model.

If you want some oomph but don’t want to waste a few hundred dollars more, this is a good option. Chromebook is not yet listed on the Auto Update expiration page, but we expect it to last well in 2028.

Lenovo C340 (11 “)

I loved the Lenovo C330, and the company then released an x86-based replacement: the 11 “C340. Lenovo didn’t spoil the sequel either, chasing a great Chromebook with another.

You get an Intel Celeron N4000, 4GB of RAM and varying amounts of storage (32-64GB), plus an 11.6 ” 768p display, all for around $ 300, though different models and high prices vary. currently .It’s a 2 inch -1 design, so you can use it as a tablet if you want.

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

The Lenovo C340 will stop receiving updates in June 2026.

Acer Chromebook Spin 311

If battery life is one of your top priorities, Acer’s Chromebook Spin 311 and its low-power ARM chipset may be the way to go. (Note that there are multiple models – we recommend the latest CP311-3H-K5GD.) For a similar price ~ $ 300, you get a 2-in-1 design with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, paired with a 768p 11.6 “touchscreen.

It’s a bit lighter on ports than the Lenovo C340, and we weren’t the biggest fans of the trackpad, but it does have a good keyboard, decent build quality, great battery life, and a slim design. and lightweight, all in a package that won’t break the bank. And it charges relatively quickly at 45W, too, when you run out of power.

This model of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 will receive updates until June 2028 – although this has not yet been listed by Google.

While this newer model of the ARM-powered Chromebook Spin 311 is a bit more difficult to locate, you can get it in a few places.

Shelves / slates:

With the Pixel Slate all but discontinued, there is only one Chrome OS tablet that we recommend at this time.

Lenovo Duet

The Lenovo Duet had a lot of hype around it at launch, and like hardly any product in recent memory, it totally delivered. Only $ 300 allows you the best Chrome OS tablet experience you can get – we don’t even recommend others. Sure, it’s a small side at just 10.1 “, but if you want a tablet there’s not much to lug around a 13” monstrosity, just grab a laptop.

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

Unlike some 2-in-1 detachable from other companies, you also don’t have to buy a separate keyboard at an inflated price. Only $ 300 gets you the tablet, a foldable keyboard cover, and a kickstand. It might be a little thick with all of those things attached, and the touchpad could be better, but then again: $ 300. It is incredible value.

The Lenovo Duet will receive updates until June 2028.

Honorable mention

Some older Chromebooks are still good options, especially if you can pick a used one. But keep in mind that Chromebooks don’t get updated forever. Many of the models you’ll see promoted on deal sites are several years old, and this great price hides the fact that they have hardly any updates left – sometimes they even try to sell them after the upgrades have ended. up to date. Be sure to check the end of life date if you notice anything on sale that you don’t know.

We have rated many other Chromebooks favorably, but a “best” list unfortunately cannot include everything, and we’re sorry if your favorite Chromebook didn’t make it.