Finest Chromebook Plus in 2024

Not all Chromebooks are created equal, and Google determined it will be good for patrons to know which of them include further spicy {hardware}, creating the Plus variation of Chromebooks in 2023. To attain the accolade of getting Plus in its title, the underlying platform of the Chromebook should have at the least an Intel i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an HD decision display screen and digital camera.

All of the machines on this assortment made the grade, and for just a little more money, they provide one thing greater than an odd Chromebook expertise.

Prime Chromebook Plus fashions to suit all budgets

Lenovo’s newest Chromebook, the IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, could not function a groundbreaking design, but it surely builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Flex 5i. Aimed toward satisfying buyer preferences, this new mannequin boasts upgrades to maintain up with the competitors and preserve an interesting value level.

Notable enhancements embrace a 1080p webcam, an upgraded Intel Core i3-1315U processor, and enhanced port choice. The Intel thirteenth era processor considerably enhances the person expertise, pushing this gadget past the everyday limits for Chromebook designs.

What hasn’t considerably modified from the bottom Flex 5i is the development and supplies used, using Lenovo’s signature aluminum and plastic to handle weight and manufacturing prices.

Nonetheless, there are areas for potential enhancement. A high-resolution display screen with elevated brightness would have been fascinating, as the present mannequin is heavier and lacks ample battery life for a full day’s work. Regardless of these limitations, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus nonetheless gives a compelling cause for buy, particularly contemplating its decreased value from some retailers.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 strikes an impressive stability between entry-level Chromebooks and high-end fashions, making it a improbable worth that outperforms many pricier choices.

What actually makes the Chromebook Plus 514 stand out is its Intel Core i3-N305 processor, an eight-core CPU launched in early 2023. With a turbo clock velocity of three.8GHz, this platform delivers extra energy than typical ChromeOS gadgets, making it a superb selection for customers in search of top-notch efficiency from a Chromebook.

The bottom mannequin options 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, in addition to a 14-inch IPS display screen with a 1080p decision. Some retailers even provide variations with elevated reminiscence and storage for a barely larger value. The touch-capable display screen permits seamless interplay with Google’s AI picture creation instruments for fast space highlighting.

In succesful fingers, this Chromebook can deal with all of it, and it is good for a kid’s first pc system. Whereas the trackpad and keyboard have been criticized for lack of responsiveness, they nonetheless carry out nicely sufficient.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is an impressive possibility for maximizing a Chromebook’s potential whereas staying inside an inexpensive price range.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024) is designed to be a flexible system appropriate for each work and play. Priced at a premium to mirror its larger specs, this Chromebook incorporates a new Raptor Lake Intel Core i5 class processor, providing rather more energy than most Chromebook customers are acquainted with. Chromebooks and Home windows PCs are sometimes comparable in structure, and this overlap is particularly evident within the 516 GE.

Outfitted with a variety of options you’d count on from a current mid-range Home windows laptop computer. The 516 GE has a 2.5GbE Ethernet port, a considerable 16-inch 2560×1200 decision IPS show, and even HDMI out for exterior shows. Nonetheless, with ChromeOS, as a substitute of pre-installing Home windows 11 because the working system, the battery life can simply prolong past a full working day.

Acer has included particular Chromebook Plus options, together with a gaming dashboard, which allows customers to report and share their gaming experiences with others. The newest Intel Raptor Lake processor helps enhanced AI options and Nvidia GO gaming, aligning with Google’s newest developments.

If this design has a draw back, all that expertise and display screen dimension have elevated its weight to a stout 3.81 kilos, making it hardly the lightest Chromebook to hold round. Moreover, intensive gaming can considerably impression battery life, so it is advisable to have entry to mains energy for prolonged gaming classes.

The HP Chromebook Plus x360 14-inch was launched with a price ticket of $560, but it surely’s come down considerably from its MSRP and now might be discovered for at the least $200 lower than that.

For that sum, you get a versatile kind issue the place the machine could be a laptop computer, pill or use the favored tent mode. The processing energy is nice with a Core i3-N305 processor and 8GB of RAM, a chic aluminum development and a pretty two-tone white-and-gray coloration scheme.

The place Chromebooks can typically be a letdown is with USB ports, however this mannequin has two USB-C ports (one being for charging) and an older USB-A port for a mouse or exterior keyboard.

The weaknesses of this design that stopped it from being nice worth are that the display screen is not brilliant sufficient for outside work, and the battery life is disappointing. We would additionally say that the display screen refresh is not as much as fast-paced video games or motion films.

In testing, this Chromebook was challenged to finish a full working day on a single cost, even with decreased brightness. Nonetheless, for many who work inside and have entry to energy, neither of those points might be dealbreakers.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515, a part of Acer’s Plus collection fashions, continues to supply a formidable person expertise regardless of its preliminary launch in mid-2022. That predates Google’s creation of the Plus definition, however this machine in all probability influenced the chosen specification.

Powered by the Twelfth Era Intel Core i3-1215U, it boasts 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Canadian customers may also go for a 256GB storage variant, though this selection is just not accessible to US prospects.

One criticism of this design is its lack of a standout aesthetic. If making a trend assertion is a precedence, there are different manufacturers to think about. Nonetheless, this Chromebook prioritizes performance over visible distinctiveness.

The strongest level of this design is that the battery can final for ten hours when you flip the display screen brightness down. Though the display screen might be brighter, it stays readable indoors even at 50% brightness, making this a sensible proposition.

Competitively priced at round $300, the efficiency of the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 surpasses that of most rivals, particularly these geared up with the Intel N95 and N100; it gives ample energy to deal with recreation streaming by Nvidia GeForce Now with out points. General, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 gives an interesting stability of efficiency and affordability.

Selecting the correct Chromebook Plus

Having to spend just a little extra money on a Plus mannequin means there must be a return on that funding. Clearly, with extra reminiscence and a greater processor, a Chromebook Plus permits for higher productiveness and the simultaneous activation of extra purposes. Extra exterior ports will also be helpful when you use exterior storage or a mouse.

The place most Plus fashions diverge is on the scale and determination of the display screen, and the battery capability. Bigger screens provide simpler readability and are helpful if you wish to work with pictures, however they invariably eat extra energy, decreasing battery life. Most Chromebook Plus fashions ought to final at the least 10 hours of use, however some will last more when you do not typically get an opportunity to recharge throughout a working day.

These facets and the usefulness of a 2-in-1 design have been essential elements in selecting the right general Chromebook Plus.

Which Chromebook Plus is best for you?

The 14-inch Flex 5i Chromebook Plus stands out as our best choice. This convertible laptop computer that includes 360-degree hinges supplies versatility past the standard clamshell design, its sturdy development ensures longevity, and the comfy keyboard is neatly bracketed by audio system on either side. With a smooth, trendy look and a show that is the perfect mixture of excessive decision and contact performance, it is a compelling possibility for a lot of customers.

Nonetheless, not everybody desires to spend $400+ on a Chromebook, and designs exist that ship an enhanced expertise with out breaking the financial institution, because the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 proves. With an 8-core CPU and loads of reminiscence, it is good for many who wish to get essentially the most from Chrome OS. The additional {hardware} packed into the 514 permits the proprietor’s Chromebook expertise to evolve naturally, and is undoubtedly well worth the further price.

Are you able to get cheaper Chromebooks? After all, however not with specs that rival our prime two selections, so be ready to compromise when you attempt to spend even much less cash.