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 | Height | Weight | Size | Resolution | Screen |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 83.7 % | 06/2022 new! | ![]() | Acer Chromebook 514 CB514-1WT-36DP Intel Core i3-1115G4 Intel UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs 8 GB Memory, 256 GB SSD | 19.3 mm | 1.4 kg | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
2 | 79.9 % | 04/2022 | ![]() | Asus Chromebook Flip CM1 AMD 3015Ce AMD Radeon RX Vega 3 4 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC | 18.6 mm | 1.7 kg | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | glossy |
3 | 79.4 % | 01/2022 | ![]() | Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Qualcomm Adreno 618 4 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC | 7.2 mm | 715 g | 13.30" | 1920x1080 | glossy |
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
Top 10 at the time of writing, current reviews first
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Editors' Comments
1st - Acer Chromebook 514
With its matte screen and classic laptop format, the Acer Chromebook 514 stands out from the other devices tested. The processor used here is a somewhat weak Intel Core i3-1115G4 with two cores. However, as our test proves, this processor is more than sufficient for the frugal Chrome OS. Despite active cooling, the Acer Chromebook remains quite quiet.
For private users, the Acer Chromebook 514 is rather uninteresting due to its high price. But the Chromebook proves to be a strong business companion in the test.
For a laptop with Google's operating system, the Chromebook 514 shows a high connectivity, a very high case quality, but also a rather high price. Both USB-C slots are fully developed with Thunderbolt 4. The battery life of more than 8 hours in a real-world WiFi web surfing test, on the other hand, turns out to be standard for Chromebooks.
The Chromebook is currently available for ~$560 on Amazon.
Top 10 Laptops
Multimedia, Budget Multimedia, Gaming, Budget Gaming, Lightweight Gaming, Business, Budget Office, Workstation, Subnotebooks, Ultrabooks, Chromebooks
under 300 USD/Euros, under 500 USD/Euros, 1,000 USD/Euros, for University Students, Best Displays
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2nd - Asus Chromebook Flip CM1
Asus Chromebook Flip CM1 is a simple 2-in-1 notebook that works silently thanks to passive cooling. The equipment of the convertible is sufficient for a Chromebook with AMD-3015Ce-APU, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC memory. The performance is sufficient for internet and office use, but you shouldn't expect more from this Chromebook. However, the 50 Wh battery is enough for over 8 hours in the WiFi web surfing test.
The Asus Chromebook Flip CM1 is sufficiently equipped for simple applications.
The 14-inch display with Full HD resolution can score with high viewing angle stability and decent colour reproduction, but it is not convincing in terms of brightness. Outdoor use with the 2-in-1 notebook is therefore difficult or even impossible.
The most unusual feature of the Flip CM1 is probably the 5 MP camera for snapshots, which is integrated into the palm rest. In tablet mode, you can take acceptable photos.
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3rd - Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
The Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook 11 is one of the most affordable 2-in-1 Chromebooks currently available. Its MediaTek MT8183 octa-core SoC paired with 4 GB of RAM may not be the fastest chip available but it offers a bright display, good connectivity, and a robust case in return.
The design is overall rather bulky and heavy, and the display bezels are fairly wide which makes this 11-inch Chromebook as large as a 13-inch device.
The device is available among others on Amazon with prices starting at just over $200.