The 7 best Chromebooks of 2017: the top Chromebooks ranked

Maybe the last time you owned a cheap Windows notebook, it crashed on you constantly. Maybe that ‘Not responding’ error appeared too much or perhaps after shelling out nearly two grand for a MacBook Pro, some dust jammed up your space bar and allofyourwritinglookedlikethis. At any rate, the best Chromebook is a solid alternative.

Not all the best laptops are Chromebooks

Because they run Google’s lightweight and thin client Chrome OS, Chromebooks don’t take a lot of horsepower to operate smoothly and as expected. Instead, the best Chromebooks can handle the aforementioned out of the box. They’re usually under $500 USD, more than suitable for work and now you can even use them as alarm clocks, thanks to Android integration.

Okay, they don’t come with true Android pre-installed, but every Chromebook that releases these days boasts support for Google Play Store apps, making their value all the more impeccable. We wouldn’t suggest replacing your smartphone with one, but the best Chromebook on the market could substitute your existing PC. Here it is, along with 6 others.

Before the Asus Chromebook Flip came around, pickings were slim when it came to affordable Chromebooks sporting full-on Intel Core processors and full HD 1080p displays. Touchscreens, backlit keyboards and USB-C ports were also anomalies. Yet, with the Chromebook Flip C302, all of these facets were brought to life. It doesn’t have the performance prowess of the Google Pixelbook, but it’s also significantly cheaper. Plus, rumors are swirling that there’s a spec bump on the way, set to make it more comparable to Google’s high-end mecha.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip

When Google revealed that Android apps would make their way to Chromebooks, it was only a matter of time before Samsung mastered its convergence of the two OSs. Toting a 12.3-inch QHD touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge, the Samsung Chromebook Pro is widely acclaimed for its built-in stylus – the first of its kind to be featured in a Chromebook. Not only does it beat out a vast majority of laptops in its own category, but it’s better than most Android slates as well, our qualms with the speakers and keyboard aside.

Read the full review: Samsung Chromebook Pro

This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.

Best Chromebook

If the Samsung Chromebook Pro is all about versatility, the Dell Chromebook 11 is about value. Reinforced by a 180-degree hinge, sturdy design and a sealed keyboard and trackpad in addition to a punchy typing experience, this Chromebook is a perfectly portable package. Not only adequately suited for school and work, the Dell Chromebook 11 even packs a set of loud stereo speakers for listening to music or watching videos. Don’t worry about dinging it, either, as this device remains the most rugged Chromebook on our list.

Read the full review: Dell Chromebook 11

This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.

best chromebook

Unlike most in its class, this Chromebook is blessed with a 15.6-inch Full HD screen made better only by its optional Intel Core i5 processor. You probably won't need all that power on a Chromebook (luckily, there’s a newer, even cheaper model that’s been available since October), but it sure is nice to have the option. When it comes to larger Chromebooks, there isn’t much selection, but Acer has come out with a unique exception to this limited trend. Even if it’s packing a few extra pounds, the Acer Chromebook 15 is ace.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15

This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the HP Chromebook 14.

Acer Chromebook R11

The Acer Chromebook R11 won’t be winning any fashion shows any time soon, but it’s won our hearts over if only for keeping it classy. Among the first Chromebooks to support Android apps by way of the Google Play Store, the Chromebook R11 even pioneered a whole world of additional functionality for Chrome OS. Exhibiting an all-day battery life, top-notch performance and a 360-degree hinge with a touchscreen, the Acer Chromebook R11 is worth writing home about – and it won’t break the bank either, thereby making its flaws that much easier to swallow.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11

This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.

best chromebook

The HP Chromebook 14 is practically the posterchild for Chromebooks. Its rock-bottom starting price and zippy interpretation of Chrome OS only begin to exemplify its appeal. While Acer's Chromebook 15 serves up similar components, HPs' 14-incher is a bit more compact and better looking to boot. Embellished with a bright blue finish and a screen devised to surprise, this machine boasts the best value out of every Chromebook you could buy. Albeit average in both battery life and performance, the HP Chromebook 14 remains a sublime value nonetheless.

Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14

best chromebook

The HP Chromebook 13 goes above and beyond what any of us would expect from a Chromebook. You’re guaranteed at least a 1440p screen, two USB-C ports and, if you're willing to shell out just a bit more cash, you can also snatch yourself an Intel Core-M processor rather than a Pentium. All of this is complemented by incredible style and a metallic design that exudes Pixel influence. Given that Google discontinued its own Chromebook earlier in the year, the HP Chromebook 13 is one of the few remaining alternatives.

Read the full review: HP Chromebook 13

Juan Martinez and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article.