The Best Chromebooks
The major manufacturers do not just sell Windows-based laptops, but have the rather inexpensive and frequently more portable Chromebooks with Google's Chrome OS in their portfolio. This particular operating system is based on the idea that most of the work a user encounters can be done using the browser. Chromebooks run a version of Linux with a very small footprint and utilize the Chrome browser running on top of the OS. Even though local web applications can be installed as well, the focus is clearly on cloud-based services accessed via the browser.
The notebooks in this category do not require a lot of processing power or hard drive space, so they are pretty stripped-down and carry a low price tag. Of course, there are drawbacks as well: popular applications such as Office or Skype will not run on Chrome. The only choice here is to use Google's own applications. Printing and hooking up USB devices can be a bit of a headache as well. Also refer to the following listings to find an affordable device:
The Best Chromebooks
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model / Review | Height | Weight | Size | Resolution | Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 78.5 % v7 (old) | 01 / 2024 |  | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 CB 14M868 MediaTek Kompanio 520 ⎘ ARM Mali-G52 MP2 ⎘ 4 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC | 19.3 mm | 1.3 kg | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 2 | 78.1 % v7 (old) | 01 / 2024 |  | Asus Chromebook CM14 CM1402CM2A-EK0048 MediaTek Kompanio 520 ⎘ ARM Mali-G52 MP2 ⎘ 3.7 GB Memory, 128 GB eMMC | 22 mm | 1.4 kg | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 3 | 77.2 % v7 (old) | 08 / 2023 |  | HP Chromebook 15a-n0008TU Intel Celeron N4500 ⎘ Intel UHD Graphics (Jasper Lake 16 EU) ⎘ 4 GB Memory, 128 GB eMMC | 18.1 mm | 1.7 kg | 15.60" | 1366x768 | matte |
The table above contains an overview over the best notebooks for less than 500 Euros reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Link: Link: all devices in this class reviewed
Note: The switch to a new rating system took place in June 2024. In the new v8 rating, the criteria were adapted to current hardware developments, new points were added and individual measurement methods were changed. As a result, the v8 ratings are slightly lower than under v7. The new v8 rating is not directly comparable with previous versions. For this reason, we are listing two tables with the best devices according to v7 and v8 rating here for the time being. Further information on the new v8 rating can be found here.
Top 10 at the time of writing, current reviews first
Editors' Comments
1st - Lenovo IdeaPad Slim CB
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim CB costs only 100 euros in some cases. Nevertheless, you get a laptop that at least doesn't show any visual flaws. On the downside, however, is the weak hardware equipment. A MediaTek Kompanio 520, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC memory do not necessarily guarantee a fast notebook. But the performance is sufficient for the slim Chrome OS. Surfing, streaming and office work are no problem for the IdeaPad. With the energy-saving processor and a battery with 46 Wh capacity, the Chromebook shows its advantages above all in terms of battery life and energy consumption.
The IdeaPad Slim CB does not need a fan. The energy-saving MediaTek Kompanio in combination with a good battery ensures long runtimes away from the power socket.
The IdeaPad Slim CB's main drawbacks are the screen and speakers. The TN panel does not have a particularly good color display and the speakers do not deliver a convincing sound. However, the low purchase price is a strong argument for the entry-level model and Chrome OS.
At the time of writing, Amazon US offers the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim CB for $220.
Price comparison
2nd - Asus Chromebook CM14
The Asus Chromebook CM14 is another entry-level device with MediaTek Kompanio 520. In terms of hardware, it hardly differs from the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 CB. Only the eMMC memory on the Asus device is twice as large. The screen, battery life, webcam and sound are also pretty much the same on both devices. Unfortunately, the Chromebook from Asus costs a little more than the entry-level laptop from Lenovo.
The Asus Chromebook CM 14 is also a slim entry-level laptop that is suitable for office, streaming and surfing.
One thing that stands out positively about the Asus Chromebook compared to the IdeaPad is the distribution of ports. The CB14 offers a USB-C port on both sides for charging or connecting a monitor.
The Asus Chromebook CM 14 is available through the usual retail channels, including Amazon US. Alternatively, users can order the laptop via Asus's official online store.
Price comparison
3rd – HP Chromebook 15a 2023
With an Intel Celeron N4500 and 4 GB of RAM, the Chromebook 15a from HP is not exactly powerful. However, Chrome OS is very resource-efficient and the small notebook runs quite smoothly. HP offers this affordable laptop from 379 euros. This means that the case and screen are not equipped with the highest quality components. But the Chromebook 15a is robust and therefore perhaps just right for an introduction to Chrome OS or as a student notebook.
The HP Chromebook 15a could be a good entry-level device for pupils and students.
Some variants of HP Chromebook 15a 2023 are available through the usual retail channels, for example Amazon US lists a Pentium N200-powered SKU for $340.
Price comparison
Price comparison
Best Chromebooks in Comparison
