Best Chromebook 2023: Reviews & Buying Advice 

The Pixelbook Go is a lightweight yet premium device which has great battery life and performance. It’s also more affordable than the previous Pixelbook, though still pricey compared to most Chromebooks.

The keyboard is ultra-quiet and other features such as a high-quality webcam make this Chromebook a great option for remote workers. The two lower-spec models are better value for money, but there are higher storage options should you want them. 

Google reportedly won’t be making any more of its own Chromebooks, but the Pixelbook Go still holds up very well.

Chromebooks were never traditionally designed for gaming, but Acer is one of the companies trying to change that. The 516 GE is a very impressive first attempt, combining a premium design with great performance and genuine AAA gaming.

But with only integrated Intel graphics alongside the 12th-gen processors, the latter relies on streaming games via Nvidia GeForce Now instead. Provided your internet connection is solid, the experience here is truly compelling.

With a good range of ports, impressive RGB keyboard and stunning 120Hz display, Acer is on to a winner here.

The 516 GE more expensive than many Chromebooks, but it undoubtedly justifies the extra expense.

In a world where so many Chromebooks (and other laptops) look similar, the Vero 514 truly stands out. Recycled plastic can be found in the chassis, keycaps, and speakers, while all the packaging can be recycled too.

Deciding against using paint results in a unique speckled grey design, which looks good but also feels impressively durable. Combined with great performance from 12th-gen Intel CPUs and an excellent Full HD webcam, Acer is on to a winner here. There’s also a solid port selection, even if there looks to be space for a second USB-A slot.

But it’s not all good news. Below the impressive keyboard is an erratic trackpad that often has a mind of its own, while the matte display means content often looks dull and washed out, even if it is much less reflective than the usual glossy alternative. You’ll also have to get used to typing in a PIN or password, with no fingerprint sensor or face unlock available.

Whether these are dealbreakers will be up to you. But the Vero 514 is strong in so many other areas that it’s definitely worth considering.

As the name suggests, this version of the IdeaPad 5 is designed for gaming. Specifically, cloud gaming, where all the most popular services are supported and run well.

That’s due to some impressive performance specs, but also great connectivity options. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 support are joined by a healthy port selection, with HDMI the only real thing missing.

The 16in, 120Hz display looks good in a range of situations, although arguably battery life is the highlight. It’ll last a full day of general use or several hours of gaming on a single charge, beating nearly all Windows gaming laptops.

A muted design means you can use it for either, but this cheap plastic build is one reason you might want to avoid it. They keyboard, trackpad and webcam could also be improved, while it’s much better value in the US than the UK.

But if you can live with a few compromises and battery life is a priority, the IdeaPad 5 Gaming Chromebook is a great choice.

It might not be quite able to pip Google and Acer but HP has done a great job with its latest Chromebook x360.

For a reasonable price, you get a great all-rounder with a versatile design thanks to the 360-degree hinges and 14in touchscreen even if it’s not the brightest around and has a glossy finish.

Build quality is solid and so are the core specs with a Core i3 processor and a healthy 8GB of RAM. Add in a decent keyboard and Bang & Olufsen speakers and you’ve got yourself a Chromebook you can rely on for a vast range of tasks.

With unusually powerful components for a Chromebook, around Intel 11th-gen Core i3 and i5 processors along with 8GB of RAM, the Flip CX5 is one of the most powerful around.

This ensures smooth performance day-to-day and along with a large screen and solid battery life from a single charge, the CX5 is a great option. Add in the convertible design and it gets even better.

A dedicated numpad might be a boon for some although it is cramped in size and the display is lacking brightness stopping the CX5 from being a knockout package. It also has some build issues worth considering before hitting the buy button.

If you want a well-made and hard-wearing Chromebook then this ThinkPad from Lenovo will not disappoint, living up to the famous name.

This applies not only to durability but also elements like the keyboard and the Yoga part means it’s convertible, too. Furthermore, the stylus – which neatly slots into the laptop itself – will be very useful for some users.

On the flip side, the battery life is poorer than you’d expect for a ThinkPad, we experienced gaming issues and the cameras are pretty average, too.

In an attempt to get the price as low as possible, Chromebooks often make big display compromises.

That’s not the case here, with the Chromebooks Full HD IPS panel one of the best you’ll find on any Chrome OS device. It offers plenty of detail and vibrant colours, while the 15.6in size is larger than many rivals. it also features a matte coating, making it less reflective than the typical glossy finish.

Other highlights include Intel Core i3 or i5 processors (albeit 11th-gen chips) and 8GB of RAM, meaning performance is solid. A 128GB SSD is slightly on the small side, but shouldn’t be an issue given Chrome OS’ emphasis on cloud storage.

With a good range of ports and separate number pad, the Chromebook 515 has a lot going for it. If you can look beyond a slightly spongy keyboard and don’t want to spend a full day away from the charger, it’s worth considering.

The C423NA is another classic Chromebook from Asus, providing you with a laptop to carry out day-to-day tasks at low cost. It looks nice, is highly portable and offers a comfortable keyboard and trackpad.

It won’t be able to cope with much beyond basic tasks and the battery life is limited making it more suitable for around the home rather than on the road.

If you want a quality Chromebook that’s more affordable than the Pixelbook Go, the C423NA is a good option. 

A charming little 2-in-1 Chromebook that might be light on power but is big on fun. It’s no wonder the Duet was highly anticipated.

The fact you’re getting a ChromeOS laptop and an Android tablet in one affordable package is just the start really – and yes, the keyboard is included in the price. It looks nice, lasts a decent amount of time and has a good quality display.

It’s not the biggest screen, though and the keyboard is also a little cramped so isn’t ideal for all work situations – ie lots of typing or large spreadsheets. It also doesn’t have huge amounts of power so is better suited to lighter use.