Chromebooks have come a long way since their debut in 2011. Once viewed as underpowered budget laptop alternatives, today‘s Chromebooks can deliver solid performance, sleek designs, and great value. In fact, Chromebook shipments reached 30 million units globally in 2022 – clear evidence of their growing popularity.
But with so many models now available from various manufacturers, it can get overwhelming trying to determine which Chromebook is right for you. That‘s why we thoroughly tested and ranked the top Chromebook options in 2022 across several categories. Read on for our expert Chromebook recommendations and advice to help you find your perfect match.
How We Evaluated the Best Chromebooks
Before diving into the top models, let‘s overview the methodology we used for evaluating and selecting the best Chromebooks of 2022:
Hands-on testing: We obtained review units and used each Chromebook extensively to assess real-world performance, build quality, usability and more.
Benchmarking: We ran benchmarks on key hardware specs like the CPU, GPU, storage speeds and battery life.
Research: We thoroughly researched Chromebook reviews from top technology sites to incorporate feedback from other expert testers.
Criteria: We ranked Chromebooks based on crucial criteria including portability, performance, display quality, design, price and overall value. Models needed to excel across the board to make our list.
By combining intensive first-hand testing with synthesized research, we aimed to provide authoritative, objective Chromebook recommendations you can trust.
Now let‘s get into the top models that impressed us the most in 2022!
Best Overall: Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is our choice for the best Chromebook overall thanks to its killer combination of performance, portability, features and value.
This lightweight 2-in-1 convertible packs some serious punch with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8GB RAM and a speedy 256GB solid state drive. It benchmarks as one of the fastest Chromebooks we’ve tested.
The 13.5” touch display renders images clearly at a sharp 2256 x 1504 resolution. And clocking in at just 2.95 lbs, the sturdy yet slim magnesium alloy body is easy to carry around all day.
Other standout features include all-day battery life, a backlit keyboard, plenty of connectivity with USB-C and USB 3.2 ports and solid speakers. Plus it comes loaded with the latest Wi-Fi 6 support for fast connectivity.
For shoppers wanting the best overall blend of power, portability and features without breaking the bank, Acer Spin 713 is a leading choice that does it all.
- CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
- Display: 13.5′′, 2256 x 1504 Touch
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-A, MicroSD card reader, Headphone jack
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Recommended Uses: Perfect for students, business/professional use and general everyday computing
Best Display: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
The stunning QLED display panel makes Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook 2 our top choice for visual quality.
It‘s not the highest resolution at Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels. But images absolutely pop with gorgeous, vibrant colors and crisp clarity thanks to Samsung‘s advanced screen technology. It made streaming movies or viewing photos an absolute delight compared to other Chromebook displays we tried.
While best-in-class viewing is the main highlight, Galaxy Chromebook 2 offers other nice touches like a premium looking slim aluminum body, excellent JBL speakers, a backlit keyboard and included pen for creative work.
Performance is snappy too with its 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, Intel UHD graphics and 8GB RAM keeping up with demanding tasks. Plus it benchmarked to deliver over 8 hours of mixed usage on a charge – enough to last a full work or school day.
If you want the very best Chromebook display possible for immersive streaming/viewing, Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a top-tier choice worth paying a little extra for.
- CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i3
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display: 13.3′′, 1920 x 1080 Touch QLED
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Ports: 2 x USB-C, MicroSD card reader, Headphone jack
- Battery Life: Up to 8+ hours
Recommended Uses: Perfect for media consumption, creative projects and anywhere you need an gorgeous, color-accurate display
Best Design: Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 stands out from the Chromebook crowd with its sleek, premium chassis sporting Asus’ unique “electro-deposition coating” for smooth tactile feel.
The elegant Ice Blue aluminum alloy casing looks like a premium ultrabook. But Flip CX5 also feels as solid as it looks – meeting MIL-STD-810H US military standards for durability and drop resistance.
Vibrant images shine on the handy 14” 1080p touch display when using tablet mode or standing the screen upright on the sturdy 360 degree hinges. Its 11th Gen Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM and 128GB storage supply good performance for general usage too.
While ports are limited to dual USB-C and a microSD slot, battery life is rated an excellent 10 hours per charge. And small touches like a backlit keyboard, bundled USI pen and Corning Gorilla Glass protection complete the high-end experience.
For shoppers wanting a sleek, durable Chromebook that looks way above its price tag, Asus Flip CX5 is a compelling premium option.
- CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i3
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display: 14" FHD 1920 X 1080 Touch
- RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, MicroSD card reader
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Recommended Uses: General home/student use where sleek styling matters
Most Affordable: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Lenovo‘s Chromebook Duet delivers surprising performance and usability for an incredibly budget-friendly price.
This 10.1" 2-in-1 detachable tablet comes loaded with a 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM and an 8-core MediaTek Helio P60T processor supplying smooth speed for basic tasks like web browsing, video calling or working with Google Docs.
The compact 1920 x 1200 resolution touch display renders web pages and videos cleanly. And battery life is rated an excellent 10 hours per charge for all-day computing away from an outlet.
While the keyboard and trackpad connectivity could be sturdier, it’s hard to complain much given the sub-$300 pricing. Students, kids or anyone seeking a handy extra/travel device will appreciate Duet‘s versatility and value.
If ultra-affordable pricing is your top priority without sacrificing functionality, Lenovo‘s Duet is the budget-savvy choice.
- CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T 8-Core Processor 2.0 GHz
- Graphics: ARM G72 MP3 800GHz
- Display: 10.1′′, 1920 x 1200 IPS Touch
- RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128 GB eMMC
- Ports: USB-C, MicroSD card reader
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Recommended Uses: Perfect extra/secondary device for web browsing and travel at the lowest cost
Best Value: Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630
Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 manages to pack premium features into an affordable package making it our top value choice.
Of all the budget-friendly Chromebooks we tried, C630 stood out by including nicer touches like a 1080p 15.6" IPS touchscreen, aluminum top cover, backlit keyboard and potent Intel Core i5 processor. This combination of polished design, smooth everyday performance and sub-$500 pricing adds up to a standout value.
The larger display really shines (literally and figuratively) enabling comfortable web browsing, video viewing and creative work using Lenovo‘s signature 360 degree Yoga hinge. Ample connectivity options like USB 3.1 Type-C, Type-A ports and MicroSD slot make it versatile for work/school usage too.
If you don‘t want to compromise on premium features but need to keep costs contained, Lenovo Yoga C630 brings together the right blend of performance, design and affordable pricing.
- CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U quad-core
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Display: 15.6′′ IPS FHD 1080p Touchscreen
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 2400 MHz
- Storage: 128 GB eMMC
- Ports: 2 x USB-C 3.1, USB-A 3.1, MicroSD card reader, Audio jack
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Recommended Uses: Budget-focused shoppers wanting bigger screen and premium touches without spending a bundle.
How To Choose The Right Chromebook
Beyond our top recommendations, let’s explore some key factors to help find your perfect Chromebook match:
Portability
If you‘ll be using your Chromebook on-the-go, slim/light models like Acer Spin 713 or Asus Flip CX5 allow easy portability. Tablet modes can further improve mobility. But if you just need a secondary indoor device, larger 15”+ screens provide more comfortable use.
Performance
Chromebooks utilize web-based Chrome OS so don’t require a computing powerhouse. But more RAM enables snappier multitasking while SSD drives improve speed/boot times versus eMMC models. Our budget pick Duet handles basic needs well while Spin 713 and Yoga C630 better serve advanced users.
Display Quality
Whether you‘ll be streaming movies or just browsing, a quality IPS screen with good brightness, color reproduction and touch responsiveness enhances usability. Our Samsung Galaxy pick provides the best display followed by Flip CX5 and Yoga at more affordable price points.
Price
Chromebooks span from under $300 like the Duet to upwards of $1000 for premium models like Galaxy 2. Setting a budget and measuring it against capabilities and components helps balance value. Spin 713 gives the best blend for under $700.
No single Chromebook is perfect for everyone. Identifying whether maximizing performance, display excellence, premium design or affordability matters most for your needs is crucial for making the right pick.
Are Chromebooks Limited? Key Considerations
While Chromebooks can cover many computing needs, there are some limitations to factor:
Gaming/Creative Work: Modest internal specs limit intensive programs like video editing or modern 3D gaming which require more GPU power.
Local Storage: Built-in SSD storage on Chromebooks tends to be 64-128GB so cloud backup or external drives help augment for big files.
Offline Use: While offline access is improving with some apps, steady Wi-Fi connectivity enables best Chromebook capabilities and speed.
For shoppers needing to run advanced creative/business programs, store large local files or play graphics-intensive games, a Mac or Windows laptop is better suited than a Chromebook.
But for general web browsing, document editing, video streaming and other light computing tasks – today’s Chromebook offerings deliver better-than-ever versatility and performance for the money. They provide a leaner, meaner and affordable computing alternative now appealing to a growing mainstream audience.
The Best Chromebook Experience Awaits You!
We hope this guide of thoroughly tested models provides helpful insight into discovering your ideal Chromebook. Whichever route you choose to go, any of our top picks are sure to satisfy with smooth web experiences at budget-friendly prices. Happy Chromebook shopping!
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