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MagyarThe 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 | 89.4 % | 03/2023 new! |  | HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook Intel Core i5-1235U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 16 GB Memory, 256 GB NVMe | 17.8 mm | 1.5 kg | 14.00" | 2560x1600 | glossy |
| 2 | 84.8 % | 02/2023 |  | Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 CX5601FB Intel Core i7-1255U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 20 mm | 2.1 kg | 15.80" | 1920x1200 | glossy |
| 3 | 83.7 % | 06/2022 |  | 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 |
| 4 | 83.4 % | 12/2022 |  | Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16 Intel Core i5-1235U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 8 GB Memory, 256 GB SSD | 19.95 mm | 1.8 kg | 16.00" | 2560x1600 | matte |
| 5 | 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 |
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
Editors' Comments
1st - HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
Chromebooks like the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook are among the absolute top devices with Chrome OS. The notebook comes with a potent i5 processor, generous 16 GB of RAM, and a decent 256 GB NVMe SSD. Thanks to the touchscreen, it should also be compatible with many Android apps. However, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is not a convertible.
The small form factor, super-bright sRGB display, and high-quality build make the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook an almost ideal travel companion for most users.
We only see a bitter point of criticism in the connectivity. The Chromebook only offers four USB-C ports with Thunderbolt. Thus, you have to use docking stations and adapters for everything else.
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2nd - Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 proves that a Chromebook has to be anything but boring. The notebook convinces with above-average performance in all areas. An Intel Core i7 and 16 GB of working memory make sure of that. With a keyboard, touchpad, touchscreen and stylus, the Chromebook is suitable for a wide range of projects. The constantly growing compatibility of Chrome OS also contributes to that. The Google Play Store, the Chrome Web Store and now also Steam offer a variety of apps and games that mostly run smoothly on the device. Google also guarantees updates for the device until mid-2030.
The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 is equipped with a strong performance and a high-quality casing. There are only slight flaws in the display.
he biggest point of criticism in the test is the display. This is covered with a high-gloss pane and has a brightness of only 264 cd/m². This makes it difficult to use in bright rooms or outdoors.
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3rd - 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 review.
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.
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4th - Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16
What Lenovo has built into the IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16 seems a bit over the top. A 120 Hz display with 1,600p, an Intel Core i5 and 8 GB of RAM are a strong combination. Hardly any other Chromebook is so well equipped
However, those looking for a dGPU for gaming will not find it. The gaming in the name refers to streaming games. The notebook is well equipped for this with its fast display.
Incomprehensible for us: The powerful hardware is not fully supported by Chrome OS. Not all apps support the 120 Hz output and WiFi 6E networks are not recognized.
The Chromebook is available in several variants from Amazon and other retailers.
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5th - 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.
