Best Chromebooks in 2026: fast, secure and better than ever

Chromebooks have matured into practical daily drivers: they boot quickly, stay secure with automatic updates, and now offer brighter displays and stronger processors. After testing the latest hardware, we’ve rounded up the best Chromebooks you can buy in 2026 that balance performance, price and reliability.

Highlights include multiple Acer Chromebook Plus models, Lenovo’s Chromebook Plus 14 and a range of alternatives from ASUS and Samsung. Chromebook Plus certification now ensures a useful baseline: at least a 12th‑gen Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series, 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD, plus a 1080p webcam and display.

Why choose a Chromebook?

• Lightweight, secure OS: Chrome OS runs web and Android apps in sandboxes, receives fast auto‑updates and benefits from Verified Boot.
• Great for everyday tasks: browsing, streaming, office work and Google‑centric workflows (Docs, Drive, Gmail).
• Android app support and improved web apps (e.g., Photoshop on the web) broaden what Chromebooks can do.

Notable models we tested

• Acer Chromebook Plus 514 / Spin 514 / 516 GE: Strong value and solid performance across clamshell and 2‑in‑1 designs.
• Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14: Balanced choice with good build quality and Chromebook Plus specs.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Great all‑rounder if you find it on sale.
• ASUS CX15: Ultra‑budget option (good for basic use) but limited for heavy multitasking.
• Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: Premium, ultra‑thin 15.6″ option with excellent display and portability.

Chromebook Plus and AI perks

Chromebooks in our picks generally include one year of Google’s AI Pro plan — a notable perk that bundles Gemini tools, extra Google One storage and other productivity enhancements. Given the plan’s usual $20/month value, the bundled year makes many Chromebook Plus models particularly compelling.

Buying advice

• Expect to spend at least ~$400 for a solid daily‑driver Chromebook; premium models sit in the $700–800 range.
• Check the Auto Update policy for your model to maximize years of support — newer devices get the longest update windows.
• Prefer a Chromebook Plus model if you want reliable performance (8GB RAM, modern CPU, 1080p display).

For more detailed reviews and specs, see coverage from major outlets and manufacturer pages: Google Chromebook • Full roundup & tests.

Discussion: Which Chromebook features matter most to you — battery life, screen quality, or raw performance? Share your top pick for 2026.