The 7 best Chromebooks of 2017: the top Chromebooks ranked

You don’t have to say ‘OK, Google’ to find the best Chromebooks this year has to offer. Although, if you did, it would probably lead you here to this page. Among the million or so laptops we could recommend that you buy right now, somehow a surprising amount of our favorites are Chromebooks. Even so, perhaps we should have put an asterisk beside that point, because Chromebooks aren’t ideal for every use case.

For most people, Chromebooks will get the job done. When you spend most of your time typing away at Google Docs or drafting spreadsheets in Excel anyway, it’s frankly unnecessary to spend a ton of money on an upscale Windows laptop. And, with a few odd exceptions here and there, most entry-level Windows laptops are shoddy and slow. The only answer, then, is to adopt an economical – but still well-made – Chromebook.

But, where do you start in your search for the best Chromebooks? Well, as we mentioned before, we have a list. It includes the seven best Chromebooks we’ve had the opportunity to get our hands on this year. Every make and model in our guide to the best Chromebooks has been fully loaded with specs, pros, cons, and a brief synopsis as well as a link to an accompanying full-length review, in case a blurb simply wasn’t enough.

Not long after declaring the Chromebook Pixel dead, Google has revived it in a way that frankly none of us were expecting leading into its reveal. Now, it’s called the Google Pixelbook, and it takes a sharp turn away from its spiritual predecessor. That’s mainly because we’re looking at a machine that can run Android apps natively in addition to bolstering Chrome OS. With ample storage space, nigh-perfect stylus integration and Google Assistant, the Pixelbook is the best Chromebook you can buy.

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook

Before the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 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, all of these facets were brought to life. If you want all the key features of the Pixelbook without spending a grand, this is a solid alternative. Despite its sound quality leaving something to be desired, the Asus Chromebook Flip is a flagship disguised by a tasty price.

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, the Acer Chromebook 15 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, 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. Plus, this Chromebook can withstand all sorts of reckless behavior, making it an ideal choice for students and kids. 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.