Chromebooks running Google’s browser-based ChromeOS platform continue growing in popularity thanks to affordable pricing, extensive Android app integration, long battery life and convenient cloud-first functionality.
I extensively test and review new Chromebook models as soon as they hit the market to determine the very best options on the horizon for 2024 and help buyers navigate this expanding product category.
Chromebook Buying Considerations
With lots of choices now available, keep these key factors in mind when selecting a Chromebook:
- Operating Performance – Look for efficient Intel or ARM-based processors powering seamless web browsing and Android multitasking.
- Display Quality – Higher resolution panels with touch support enhance productivity and entertainment. Tablet modes benefit from OLED colors and inking.
- Battery Life – Maximum ratings of 10-14 hours enable all-day remote learning or work. Quick-charging tops up during short breaks.
- Design & Portability – Compact mobile models with thin profiles and light weights travel anywhere while spacious 15-inch devices offer desktop versatility.
- Local Storage – Higher SSD capacities maintain snappy speed with large Google Drive backups. Expandable microSD card slots provide removable overflow.
- Durability & Serviceability – MIL-STD testing confirms construction able to withstand classroom wear-and-tear. Modular parts enable simplified fixing and upgrading.
Best Flagship Chromebook
HP specially optimized its new high-performance Chromebook Plus designation for power users wanting maximum ChromeOS potential. And the gorgeous HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook represents the pinnacle for 2024 – fusing premium hardware, sleek styling and flagship-level functionality.
My early testing confirms buttery smooth performance thanks to leading 12th Gen Intel processing, with integrated Thunderbolt 4 ports turbocharging connections. The stunning 3:2 aspect ratio touchscreen hits 400 nits brightness for crisp viewing indoors and out. Plus high-end perks like a backlit keyboard, responsive glass trackpad, fingerprint reader and headphone jack cater to productivity.
Key Specs:
Display: 13.5” 3:2 2256×1504 Touchscreen 400 nits
Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U
Memory: 16GB LPDDR4X Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A, headphone jack Battery Life: 10+ hours Weight: 2.2 lbs
Best Mid-Range Chromebook
For shoppers wanting nearly-comparable performance and convertibility to the Dragonfly Pro model above at a more affordable price point, the versatile 2-in-1 Acer Chromebook Spin 714 shines thanks to its bright 2.8K touch display, long-lasting battery and military-grade durable chassis tested to withstand classroom punishment.
Thoughtful design choices like a garaged USI stylus supporting advanced inking capabilities makes the Spin 714 an ideal creative tool for artists and note takers alike. Business users will appreciate the fingerprint reader, webcam privacy shutter and TPM security chip ensuring encrypted protections for sensitive data accessed during remote work sessions powered by 13th Gen Intel processing and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity speeds.
While falling just short of HP’s Dragonfly Premier build quality, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 still provides tremendous value and utility – earning it top marks as my leading mid-range Chromebook pick for 2024.
Key Specs:
Display: 13.5″ 2.8K 2256×1504 Touchscreen 400 nits Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P
Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, MicroSD card reader
Battery Life: 10 hours
Weight: 3.02 lbs
Best Family Chromebook
Acer specially designed its new 17-inch Chromebase all-in-one category to meet growing remote learning and work-from-home needs. And the versatile Acer Chromebook 317 spearheads the charge – combining desktop-class productivity with portability for easy use around the home.
The 317’s expansive 1080p touch display offered ample screen real estate for my simultaneous video streaming, web browsing and productivity app testing. Convenient tent and stand modes cater to cramped spaces and tight budgets alike relative to pricier desktop setups. A rotating 5MP webcam ensures properly framed video calls in vertical or landscape configurations.
With all-day battery life ratings, I see the Acer Chromebook 317 finding homes in kitchens, family rooms and bedrooms for affordable computing where larger displays enhance collaboration, learning and entertainment.
Key Specs:
Display: 17.3” 1920×1080 Touchscreen 250 nits Processor: Intel Pentium Silver N6000 Memory: 4GB
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Ports: 2 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C, MicroSD card reader, headphone jack
Battery Life: 10+ hours Weight: 5.07 lbs
Best Chromebook Tablet
For anyone wanting maximum ChromeOS portability when mobile, Lenovo packs tremendous value into the 11-inch 2-in-1 form factor Chromebook Duet 3. Early testing shows buttery smooth performance whether browsing upright in laptop configuration or handheld in tablet mode thanks to an efficient Snapdragon ARM-based processor promising long runtimes away from any charger.
Vibrant 400 nit OLED touchscreen colors pop when reviewing documents or watching movies. And the included detachable keyboard and touchpad transform the Duet 3 into a capable productivity machine for typing, spreadsheet editing and touchscreen inking with USI stylus support. At 2.2 pounds and 64GB storage, grab the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 in 2024 for outstanding affordability and flexibility wherever your remote lifestyle takes you.
Key Specs:
Display: 11” 2K 400 nit OLED Touchscreen Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180 Memory: 4GB / 8GB LPDDR4X Storage: 64GB / 128GB eMMC
Ports: 2 x USB-C, headphone jack Battery Life: Up to 12 hours Weight: 2.2 lbs (tablet only)
Alternative Chromebook Contenders
More Chromebook models warranting consideration for their standout qualities include:
- Google Pixelbook Go – Excellent lightweight design with crystal clear 1080p touch display at 13 inches.
- ASUS Chromebook CX9 – 16-inch productivity powerhouse with number pad and latest Intel 12th Gen performance.
- Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 – Affordable 14-inch convertible for students with included USI pen support.
