Chromebooks are dead. Long live Googlebooks. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but Chromebooks seem to be on their way out. Google has introduced a new line of laptops, Googlebooks, which certainly look like an evolution from Chrome OS. Google announced that standard Chromebooks will remain in the lineup for the foreseeable future, but it also stated some of the latest models will be eligible for an update to the new Googlebook operating system.
Five Googlebook models have been released so far, and I’ve been testing them for the past couple of weeks. Despite being some of the most premium laptops Google has ever had in its laptop ecosystem, that doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy one. First-generation products always come with their fair share of compromises, and that’s certainly true here. As someone who’s been testing Chromebooks for over a decade, here are my suggestions on which to buy—and which to skip.
For more recommendations, check out Best Laptops, Best Cheap Laptops, Best Android Tablets, and Best Android Phones.
Cheap Chromebooks That Are Worth It
Unlike my Windows or MacBook laptop recommendations, I’m starting with something on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Despite Google’s best efforts, I still believe most people looking for a Chromebook in 2026 choose price first. Chromebooks have always been pitched as a cheaper alternative to PCs and Macs, and that’s still their strongest attribute—even with the arrival of Googlebook. And that’s why the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is at the top of my list.
It often sells for under $500, cheaper than any Windows laptop I’d recommend buying. One reason is the responsive, smooth-feeling touchpad. That goes a long way toward improving the day-to-day experience of using the laptop. I wasn’t annoyed every time I had to click-and-drag or select a bit of text.
The Chromebook Plus 516’s biggest weakness is definitely the screen, which is true of almost every cheap Chromebook I’ve tested. The colors are ugly and desaturated, giving everything a sickly green tint. It’s also not the sharpest, as it stretches 1920 x 1200 pixels across a large 16-inch screen. But for usability and performance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a great value, pairing an Intel Core i3 processor with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. At $350 when it's on sale, it’s a steal.
The Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15 can sometimes drop to as low as $130. Unlike the Acer above, these are not “Chromebook Plus” models, so they can be configured with less RAM and storage and even use lower-powered processors. That’s exactly what you get in the cheaper configurations of the CX14 and CX15. I definitely recommend the version with 8 GB of RAM, but regardless of what you choose, the CX14 and the larger CX15 are mildly attractive laptops for the price.
I appreciate the relatively thin bezels and chassis of the CX14 and CX15, as well as the larger touchpad and comfortable keyboard. The CX15 even comes in a striking blue color. The touchpad isn’t great, nor is the display. Like the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, it suffers from poor color reproduction and only goes up to 250 nits of brightness. Its webcam is only 720p, which makes video calls a bit rough. But that’s true of nearly all the competition (and there isn’t much).
Of the two models, I definitely prefer the CX14. It lacks the number pad and off-center touchpad of the CX15—two laptop features I’ve always found awkward to use. Look, no one’s going to love using a computer that costs less than $200, but if it’s what you can afford, the Asus Chromebook CX14 will at least get you by without too much frustration.
Whatever you do, don’t just peruse Amazon and buy your kid whatever ancient Chromebook is selling for $100. It’s worth the extra cash to get something with better battery life, a more modern look, and decent performance.
Googlebook vs. Chromebook
Googlebooks share a lot in common with Chromebooks. These devices run a custom version of Android (Googlebook OS) that looks and behaves more like Chrome OS than the phone variant you might be used to. Like Chromebooks, Googlebooks get the full version of the Chrome web browser, which can be updated separately from the operating system—something Chromebooks can’t do. Googlebooks can also run Google Play Android apps natively, meaning they perform faster—more like they do on an Android phone or tablet.
The best aspect of a Googlebook is the seamless integration with Android. As a Google Pixel user, I love how easy it is to send and receive texts or even directly control apps my phone—similar to what Macs can currently do with iPhones. The Gemini-based AI features feel like smaller stakes by comparison, though the AI-based context menu can be handy. But like so much day-one software, it’s full of bugs and small issues that will hopefully be resolved. The inclusion of a year of Google Gemini is the same deal that was offered to Chromebook Plus devices.
The specs are also a major difference between Googlebooks and Chromebooks. All of the available Googlebooks come with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, on par with high-end Windows laptops or the MacBook Air.
Price is the biggest hurdle with the Googlebook platform in this first iteration. That’s why the Acer Googlebook 14 feels like the best overall option right now, which comes in at the cheapest of the available options. It’s priced closest to higher-end Chromebooks like the Lenovo Chromebook 14 or Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514—two devices I like a lot. The OLED display on the Acer Googlebook 14 is far superior, though, with a 2880 x 1800 resolution and 120-Hz refresh rate. That display is sharper, brighter, faster, and more colorful than any Chromebook.
My runner-up pick is the Dell XPS Googlebook. This laptop best exemplifies the idea of the Googlebook, emphasizing portability, battery life, and high-end design. In comparison, the HP Googlebook is slightly thinner, the Asus Googlebook is lighter and has more ports, and the Acer Googlebook is cheaper. But the XPS Googlebook is the only one with a smaller 13-inch screen, which really shrinks the device’s overall footprint. It uses the same chassis as the latest Dell XPS 13, refreshed this year. The XPS 13 is one of my all-time favorite laptops you can buy right now, so it’s no surprise I like this Googlebook, too. Like the Windows version, the XPS Googlebook doesn't include a headphone jack—something to consider.
Both the Acer and Dell Googlebooks use the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, rather than the Intel chip the HP and Asus use. Unfortunately, none of the Googlebooks offer battery life that can compete with what you get on the Windows side. That’s a disappointment, because we know how efficient those Snapdragon chips can be. Plus, an M5 chip in the MacBook Air still considerably outperforms devices, even in browser speed (as tested in Speedometer 3.1). On the other hand, Chromebooks have also been behind in battery life for the past few years.
As good as the hardware is, don't be surprised if you run into a fair number of bugs in the Googlebook software. On Intel models, some Chrome extensions just plain won't load. Meanwhile, performance on Android apps can feel a little slow and clunky. And then there's the compatibility issue of Android apps themselves. While they run much faster than on Chromebooks, that doesn't mean they're all properly optimized for keyboard and touchpad. Google finally updated some of its own apps to support keyboard and touchpad (like Google Docs), but you still can't normally select text with the touchpad in Microsoft Outlook. An app like Spotify, meanwhile, technically works fine, but is still built for touch and looks weird to use on a laptop. This situation will almost certainly be improved over time, but in most cases, I just reverted to the web apps in Chrome to avoid having to guess and check on how optimized these apps are. On the other hand, that defeats one of the big advantages of Googlebooks over Chromebooks.
I also really wish Google had let manufacturers start with either less memory or less storage. The main issue I have with these Googlebooks is the expensive starting prices—and to me, that’s the main reason they don’t get much interest. It leaves you not appreciating the extra performance—and instead, wondering why you can’t get one for cheaper. So far, Googlebooks don’t feel like a proper Windows or Mac alternative as a premium offering when it comes to performance, nor the economic option like the Chromebooks they are intended to supplant.
Speaking of cheaper, there’s one Chromebook I’d recommend that has the premium hardware of a Googlebook without the exorbitant price. That’s the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514. It’s a compact, modern-feeling laptop at just 0.61 inches thick. The white chassis is pretty, too. The MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 processor is also important: a very efficient chip that delivers much longer battery life than your average Chromebook. The review unit I tested had a sharp display, which made the laptop feel premium. However, I can’t find that model for sale online right now, so only this more basic, lower-priced version is available. The touchpad and keyboard feel great; it comes with extra ports, 12 GB of RAM, and it can even handle up to three 4K monitors.
Google mentioned that some Chromebooks will be upgradeable to Googlebook OS at some point. Unfortunately, the company hasn’t yet revealed which models will be compatible (or when it will be available), but I imagine the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 would be a perfect candidate.
Other Good Chromebooks to Consider
We’ve tested dozens and dozens of Chromebooks over the past years, reviewing every major release across the price spectrum. Many of these are no longer available to purchase. I stand by my picks above, but here are a few standouts from our testing that are still worth considering for the right person.
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 for $999: For a while, this was my absolute favorite Chromebook. In many ways, nothing quite compares to it. It came out in 2025 and set a level of quality that had never existed in Chromebooks. The OLED screen is certainly part of the equation, as is the MediaTek Kompanion Ultra processor, which gives it really solid performance and battery life, just like the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514. Unfortunately, the price of the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 has risen substantially over the past few months, and discounts are incredibly rare. At $999, you’re better off getting a Googlebook.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 for $479: Chromebooks don’t tend to be lookers, but Asus breaks tradition with the Chromebook Plus CX34 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It’s wrapped in a gorgeous white shell that, while plastic, felt durable in my testing. I’ve reviewed many bland, gray Chromebooks, and I found myself reaching for the CX34 more because of its attractive design. The hardware is typical for a Chromebook Plus, and it felt responsive even when I had my usual complement of more than a dozen tabs and a handful of apps running. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a backlit keyboard, and its 14-inch, 16:9 display feels cramped compared to other Chromebooks I’ve used with taller 16:10 screens. If you can look past those shortcomings, though, the CX34 is a solid little workhorse that stands out. —Daniel Thorp-Lancaster
What Specs Should You Look for in a Chromebook?
Chromebook prices can vary widely, from $150 to $999, so specs can differ.
Processor: For the best experience, you should avoid older Chromebooks with Intel Celeron processors. The Chromebook Plus specifications offer a good baseline to guarantee speedy performance, and I recommend going with at least an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 processor. Just watch out for overspending on configurations with Intel Core i7 processors unless you need the extra horsepower for multitasking, Android games, Linux apps, and dozens of Chrome tabs.
While Intel and AMD dominate the processor scene, you’ll occasionally find Chromebooks using ARM processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. These can be fine for very basic tasks, but they won’t fare as well under sustained, intense loads. That said, a new generation of ARM chips is on the way, like the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 powering the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
RAM: Always opt for at least 8 GB of RAM if you can afford it. You won’t find 4 GB of RAM in anything but basic, super-budget Chromebooks, and it severely limits multitasking. If you want to avoid slowdowns, aim for 8 GB of RAM, though if your budget is under $300, that may be difficult.
Storage: Unlike a Mac or Windows PC, much of your Chromebook work will be stored on the web. This means you can typically get away with less storage, but I wouldn’t recommend going below 128 GB. If you can afford it, get at least 256 GB. You’ll get the best speed from an NVMe solid-state drive, so look for that on the spec sheet when you’re comparing models.
Screen: Most Chromebook displays you’ll find are IPS LCD panels, and that’s just fine. OLED displays are finally starting to appear on Chromebooks, but IPS LCD screens are more common and offer a good balance of brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. If you’re shopping in the extreme budget range, watch out for TN LCD panels, as they’re generally lower quality and offer worse viewing angles. For resolution, make 1920 x 1080 (or 1200p for a 16:10 aspect ratio) your standard. You’ll get crisp visuals on 13- and 14-inch screens, and it’s passable on 15 inches. Higher resolutions will look even better, but they are fairly uncommon in Chromebooks.
Ports: USB-C ports are now commonplace on Chromebooks, so there’s no excuse to buy one without them. Try to get one that charges over USB-C so you can recharge with a portable power bank when you’re on the go. A microSD card slot can also be beneficial if you want an easy way to expand storage on the fly. Some Chromebooks also support Thunderbolt 4 over their USB-C ports. That’s an excellent option if you plan to plug your Chromebook into high-end monitors, but it isn’t necessary for most people. Instead, you can get similar external monitor support (and spend a lot less) with an HDMI port or DisplayPort over USB-C support.
What Are Googlebooks?
For years, it had only been rumors and reports. Whispers of some kind of replacement or evolution of Chromebooks—perhaps one that might even merge Android and Chrome OS. Aluminium OS was the early code name. Such an operating system would benefit both Google and Android users, yet attempts to unify the two have not worked out so far (anyone remember the Pixel Slate?). But that’s exactly what Googlebook-based laptops are attempting to do, and as of October 2026, the first wave of Googlebooks has officially arrived.
The Googlebook OS is built entirely on Android, but it maintains the Linux kernel in order to provide the full desktop version of the Chrome web browser. This is what makes Googlebooks feel like Chromebooks, without many of the same limitations. You still can’t install traditional software like on Windows or Mac, but it can run Android apps natively. These first Googlebooks start at $899, so the company is clearly starting with high-end laptops. Cheaper Googlebooks, presumably, are to come.
Google has insisted that it won’t phase out Chromebooks right away and will support them for a long time. But it hasn't provided a timeline yet.
What Is Chromebook Plus?
Almost every Chromebook we recommend has “Chromebook Plus” in the name. Google launched this initiative in late 2023 with its hardware partners to offer a new category of Chromebooks designed for a better, more premium experience. To be deemed a Chromebook Plus, a laptop has to meet or exceed the following hardware requirements:
- CPU: Intel Core i3 12th Gen or above; AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above
- RAM: 8 GB or more
- Storage: 128 GB or more
- Webcam: 1080p or higher with Temporal Noise Reduction
- Display: Full HD (1080p) IPS or better
The result? A new baseline that guarantees a certain level of performance when you see the Chromebook Plus name. With the rise in remote work, Google is focused on ensuring Chromebook Plus laptops deliver a superior video-calling experience, with higher standards for webcams and AI-powered camera enhancements. It’s also gradually folding new AI features into ChromeOS that benefit from the better hardware. When you buy a new Chromebook Plus laptop, you currently get a free 12-month subscription to Google AI Pro, which gives you access to AI features like NotebookLM and Gemini, as well as 2 TB of cloud storage.
Regular Chromebooks haven’t disappeared, and you’ll still find super-budget Chromebook models without the “Plus” moniker. Chromebook Plus models start at $399 and range up to $800, though you’ll often find them on sale for less. Expect non-Plus Chromebooks focused on basic needs to keep hitting store shelves in the sub-$300 range. The first wave of Googlebooks have targeted the price and specs category above Chromebook Plus models, but it's worth noting that future Googlebooks may more directly intersect with Chromebook Plus territory.
How Long Do Chromebooks Get Updates?
In 2023, Google announced a new policy guaranteeing 10 years of automatic updates for any Chromebook released in 2021 or later. That’s probably far beyond the usual upgrade cycle for most people, but it keeps secondhand Chromebooks and school-issued devices secure and up to date for a long time. When a Chromebook gets its final automatic update, ChromeOS will notify you that it’s time to throw in the towel.
The 10-year automatic update timer starts from when a Chromebook is first released. You can check when your Chromebook is set to receive its final update at any time in the “Update schedule” section of its settings menu (Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details > Update schedule). Google also keeps a handy running list of automatic update timelines for every Chromebook model on its support site.
What’s the Downside of a Chromebook?
There are lots of things you can't do on a Chromebook. You can download and organize files, but you can’t install traditional software like you can on a MacBook or Windows laptop. Everything you do must happen in a web browser. You can open Chrome windows and tabs to your heart’s content, but when you go to download the desktop version of Photoshop or Microsoft Word, you’re stuck. Proprietary school or work applications likely won’t work, and you certainly can’t play Steam games. However, you might be surprised by how much you can actually accomplish in a browser window these days.
Android apps can, however, fill in some of the gaps. With access to the Google Play Store, you can install Android games or use Android versions of some apps. This can help in a pinch, though I've often found that web-based versions of these apps work better on Chromebooks when they’re available.
Other downsides of Chromebooks come down to hardware. Most Chromebooks are made of plastic and use cheaper components. Like many budget laptops, manufacturers often compromise on touchpads and displays.
Lastly, you may run into compatibility issues with certain accessories. Standard peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and external storage shouldn’t give you issues, and even most printers are compatible. Niche peripherals designed for highly specific uses just won’t work. For example, I use a USB colorimeter to test display quality, but Chromebooks don’t support it.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
Comments
Back to top