Chromebook Reviews: The Best of 2018

Are you looking for Chromebook reviews to decide the best option for you? Whether you’re looking at features like battery life, price, size, or others, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn more about Chromebooks and which is the best choice for you.

Chromebook Reviews | Here Are 7 Noteworthy Choices

Before You Buy a Chromebook, Know How It Works

Before you proceed to read the different Chromebook reviews, let’s take a look at what makes Chromebook different from other traditional laptops.

Chromebook technology is different from a regular laptop. A Chromebook relies almost exclusively on an Internet connection. You may notice the similarity in name between Chromebook and the Google Chrome browser. No surprise here, but they are both Google products.

This also explains why the default apps you see are all related to Google. These include Google Drive which stores files in the cloud. There’s also Google Keep, which works similarly to a notepad.

For those who are mobile reliant, here’s some good news: you can now run Android apps on a Chromebook and integrate the Play Store to the laptop.

As for its operating system, it runs on Chrome OS, which is based on Linux. What does that mean? No need for regular updating of apps as Chrome OS applications are stored in the cloud. If that’s not enough, Chrome OS is also a light operating system that requires less hardware resources than OS X or Windows.

One, the Chrome OS is open source. It means developers can customize it according to their preferred use. It is based in the cloud, so the laptop performs more efficiently and is easier to maintain. These features make Chromebook more convenient for beginners than a MacBook Air. Let’s not forget it’s quite a bit cheaper, too.

Chromebook Reviews: Which Is The Best Laptop?

The Chromebook market is getting bigger. In 2016, it outsold Macs in terms of US shipments. More than 2 million of laptops running on Chrome OS have been sold. Apple, on the other hand, had about 1.76 million in sales.

1. ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 ($470)

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A true powerhouse, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 has earned its nickname, “King of the Chromebooks.” Enthusiasts claim it sets the new standard for what a Chromebook should achieve. Its display boasts a 1920 x 1080 resolution so one can expect crystal-clear images on the 12.5-inch screen. The keyboard is slightly larger than a typical Chromebook keyboard making it more comfortable for typing.

Because it has a 360-degree hinge, you can convert this from laptop to tablet mode.

You can use it without charging for about 10 hours. It runs on 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage. It is lightweight and skinny, so it’s portable.

It also possesses one of the best USB ports, which is 3.1. This makes it faster and more efficient – the future of USB.

It can run various apps from both Google Web and Play stores. You can also buy the laptop that already comes with a G Suite for business.

With all these Chromebook features, it is an editors’ choice and usually ranks first among all Chromebook models.

The downside: the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 costs nearly $500. It’s a steep price, even given its high-quality screen and impressive battery life. For that kind of money, many users prefer the functionality of a standard laptop.

However, those who demand superior graphics and large keyboards will find the Flip C302 well worth the price, especially when compared to a traditional laptop.

2. Samsung Chromebook Pro ($549.99)

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Our Chromebook reviews won’t be complete without a Samsung. It reigns supreme on anything Google.

One of its high-powered Chromebooks is the Samsung Pro. It delivers many of the same benefits as the Flip C302, its primary competitor.

But it stands out in two ways. First, as a convertible Chromebook, it works more like a tablet than Asus Chromebook Flip C302. Like a lot of Samsung products, it also comes with a stylus pen.

Make fumbling for apps a thing of the past, also. It can load Chrome OS apps quickly, saving you more time. Its battery can last for about 9 hours while it has a spill-resistant keyboard. If you want to include your Android apps on this Chromebook, you can download with ease.

One of its biggest disadvantages is the cost. It’s more expensive than its Asus counterpart.

But if you love style and don’t mind bringing along a pen, or you want more of a tablet and less of a laptop, this should be your choice.

3. Samsung Chromebook 3 ($199)

#5: Samsung Chromebook 3, 11.6″, 4GB RAM, 16GB eMMC, Chromebook (XE500C13-K04US) https://t.co/BPh16iFBkx

— styhuang (@styhuang) February 2, 2018

Another of our Chromebook reviews is that of Samsung Chromebook 3.

Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also convenient to use. Its screen is less than 12 inches, so it’s more like a mini-laptop. This also makes it ideal for education and children’s use. It is also more luminous than the other models.

It only has 16GB of eMMC memory and 4GB of RAM, but storage can be upgraded via an SD card adapter.

Despite its plastic construction, the Chromebook 3 is sleek and classy. Its hinge allows the screen to tilt a full 180 degrees.

Most of all, you can use it for almost half a day without charging. It has a battery life of 11 hours, beating the more expensive Samsung Chromebook Pro.

4. ThinkPad 13 Chromebook ($431)

New post (Lenovo Thinkpad 13″ 1366×768 Chromebook, Integrated Intel HD Graphics 510, …) has been published on Black Friday Discount – https://t.co/q029LC111d pic.twitter.com/LwmGUzGT15

— Shop Now (@shopnowdiscount) February 14, 2018

Chromebook reviews also need to mention the best for business users. On top of the list is ThinkPad 13 Chromebook from Lenovo.

At 13 inches, it is slightly bigger than Samsung Chromebook 3, but it remains to be portable – perfect for executives on the go. It comes with a pair of USB Type-C ports, so it’s future ready. When it comes to apps, it’s loaded with G Suite for business. Some of the apps you can use are Drive Docs, to name a few. There’s also an admin console to manage other enterprise-related functions. These include billing, reports, and security. ThinkPad 13 is also sturdy, which is a hallmark feature of Lenovo laptops.

5. Acer 14 Chromebook For Work (Starting $299.99)

Acer Chromebook 14, Aluminum, 14-inch Full HD, Intel Celeron Quad-Core N3160, 4GB LPDDR3, 32GB, Chrome, CB3-431-C5FM https://t.co/zml6JS2JEP pic.twitter.com/lEbvgKEm7Z

— evanino (@evanino) February 15, 2018

If you’re looking for a traditional laptop feel, you can pick Acer 14 Chromebook for Work. As its name suggests, it’s designed with the workforce and entrepreneurs in mind.

It doesn’t have a touchscreen display, but its most expensive model already features a full HD resolution with an IPS technology. Not only are the images and videos sharp, but they also don’t look distorted when viewed at different angles. The narrow bezel design allows for a larger than average screen, perfect for completing documents or watching full-screen YouTube videos while on a break.

As the Chromebook for work, a full twelve hours of battery life allows for a long day on the job. It also has a USB type-C port and HDMI port, as well as a microSD card slot.

The Corning Gorilla glass construction provides good protection against scratches.

For fun or work, the Acer 14 delivers all you need for a wonderful Chromebook experience.

6. Dell Chromebook 3189 ($349)

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Regularly lauded as the best Chromebook for students, this Dell model offers all the essential features at a reasonable price point. It certainly suits audiophiles; what it lacks in visual clarity, it more than makes up for with superior sound. Sadly, image quality is mediocre, at best. A small keyboard with mildly concave keys may not suit all adult users.

An Intel Celeron N3060 processor provides enough power for basic web browsing but could be problematic for hardcore multitaskers or anyone who insists on having more than four tabs open at once. Despite these downsides, the Chromebook is easy to navigate and incredibly durable. Its superior battery life suits students with busy schedules.

7. Google Pixelbook ($999)

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The last in our list of Chromebook reviews is the Google Pixelbook. It is one of the latest Chromebook options in the market. But it sure knows how to make a statement.

For one, it has a hefty price tag. It’s probably the most expensive among the Chromebook series.

For its features, it has a dual-core processor. Its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth specs are 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (which means it should have a stable Internet connection) and Bluetooth 4.0 which has a faster and more reliable throughput. Since it’s a Google product, it also comes with a 1 TB of storage in Google Drive for three years.

These Chromebook reviews should prove to you one thing: The market isn’t the monopoly of Windows or Apple. The Chromebook hardware and software are just as reliable. Further, with different choices, you can find one that matches your budget and best fits your needs.

Up Next: Chromebook Vs Laptop: Which Is Best for Your Needs?