Chromebooks, if you haven’t heard, are fantastic alternatives to those often-pricier Windows 10-powered laptops. Powered by Google’s own operating system, aptly titled Chrome OS, Chromebooks are marvellously cheap, and are often hailed as a perfect second device or a laptop that’s great for the kids. Picking up the right Chromebook can be tricky but that’s where we come in.
There are a lot of things to consider when making a Chromebook purchase. While Chrome OS is a far more streamlined operating system than the likes of Windows or Apple’s equivalent, you won’t find anything particularly powerful in your search for the best Chromebook. Don’t worry too much about internal specs: You need to look out for screen size, display quality and build quality when making your Chromebook purchase.
Below, you’ll find our pick of the best Chromebooks you can buy in 2019, catering for every budget and need.
Best Chromebook 2019: The best Chromebooks from £200
1. Google Pixelbook
Price: £979 | Buy now from Amazon
Google, take a bow. The Californian firm has finally created a proper Chromebook that goes toe-to-toe with Windows, and has every chance of coming out on top.
A superior Chromebook in every aspect, the Pixelbook is crammed with top-end specs, with a choice of either a Core i5 or Core i7 processor, with a bunch of different storage and RAM configurations to pick and choose from. The Pixelbook is in a different league entirely: it’s every bit as gorgeous and user-friendly as the best Windows or macOS laptops.
What’s more, with the Play Store opening up the platform to millions of ready-made Android apps, and Google Assistant making its first appearance, this is the best Chromebook ever made. Yes, if you need to run specialist software then you’ll have to give the Pixelbook a miss. But for a great many people, Chrome OS is now flexible enough to be your number-one, day-to-day OS – and the Pixelbook is a fantastic Chromebook that ensures you won’t regret making the switch.
| Key specs | |
|---|---|
| Processor: Dual-core 0.9GHz Intel Core m3-6Y30 | Screen resolution: 2,560×1,440 |
| RAM: 4GB | Weight: 1.2Kg |
| Total storage: 32GB | |
2. HP Chromebook 13
Price: £630 | Buy now from Amazon
HP’s Chromebook 13 is a far cry from those Chrome OS-powered devices of old. It’s pricey sure, but HP’s latest is a proper standout Chromebook marvel, with Windows-rivalling performance and a wonderfully crisp Quad HD screen. It’s not cheap and plasticky either, with an all-metal chassis that looks to stand the test of time. This is one of the best Chromebooks you can pick up in 2019.
Now, it’s not cheap (and for that you’ll have to look elsewhere) but if you’re up for splashing a little more cash for a device that’ll last and can effortlessly butt heads with its Windows counterparts, HP’s Chromebook 13 should be your go to.
| Key specs | |
|---|---|
| Processor: Dual-core 0.9GHz Intel Core m3-6Y30 | Screen resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 |
| RAM: 4GB | Weight: 1.2kg |
| Total storage: 32GB | |
3. Acer Chromebook 14
Price: £250 | Buy now from Amazon
Acer’s Chromebook 14 almost clinches the top spot. Acer’s latest hits the nail right on the head, with its fantastic build quality compared to the rest of its Chrome OS-powered rivals.
That aluminium exterior is a sight to behold, but it’s not just a looker. The whole things feels super premium and it’s a surprisingly decent performer, so long as you don’t force it to do anything too strenuous. Its display leaves a lot to be desired, but for the asking price, you really can’t do wrong.
The Acer Chromebook 14 is one of those Chrome OS laptops that’ll stick with us for years to come.
| Key specs | |
|---|---|
| Processor: Dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3060 | Screen resolution: 1,366×768 |
| RAM: 2GB | Weight: 1.68Kg |
| Total storage: 16GB | |
4. Dell Chromebook 11 2-in-1
Price: £259 | Buy now from Dell
It might be a little chunky, but Dell’s Chromebook 11 2-in-1 is designed to withstand the hustle and bustle of a school classroom. And it has a nifty little party trick. It’s the only Chromebook on this long list that does double duties as both a laptop and a tablet, so it’s golden if versatility is what you’re after. Fittingly, it’s a touchscreen display, so finger prods can help you out with your demanding workload, and thankfully it’s a decent looking display to gawk at, too.
And it’s easy on the wallet, with prices starting at £259 including some decent specs to back it up. With a dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3060 working in tandem with 4GB of RAM, performance is top-notch and given its cheap asking price, offers plenty of bang for your buck.
Get Dell’s Chromebook 11 2-in-1 if money is a bit tight, you’re up for a bit more versatility and you want something that’s child-proof.
| Key specs | |
|---|---|
| Processor: Dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3060 | Screen resolution: 1,366×768 |
| RAM: 4GB | Weight: 1.43Kg |
| Total storage: 16GB | |
5. Acer Chromebook 11
Price: £199 | Buy now from Currys PC World
This bargain Chromebook is a top pick for both the classroom and the office. The build quality is impressive for the price and just like Dell’s Chromebook 11 above, it’s durable enough to withstand some pretty heavy wear and tear. Performance is what you’d expect from a sub-£200 device. It’s definitely not the fastest, but battery life is excellent and the keyboard is great. If you’re on the hunt for a cheap and cheerful device for the kids, or something extra for the office, this could be the Chromebook for you.
| Key specs | |
|---|---|
| Processor: Dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3060 | Screen resolution: 1,366×768 |
| RAM: 4GB | Weight: 1.3Kg |
| Total storage: 32GB | |
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
