I regret buying a Chromebook due to its low storage, limited offline use, and restricted gaming options. However, it has some strengths that impressed me, so I continue to use it. But are they enough to make it worth buying?
1
Chromebooks Won’t Break the Bank
One of the biggest benefits of a Chromebook is affordability. You can find a suitable model for under $300, but finding a decent Windows laptop at that price can be difficult, and you can basically forget about anything Apple. Chromebooks use cloud-based storage instead of large internal drives and run on lower-end hardware, which keeps costs down. A Chromebook can be a solid option if you’re on a budget.
However, the price may be similar to a mid-range Windows laptop if you need a device with more storage and powerful hardware.
2
Boots Up in Seconds
Windows laptops take longer to boot due to background processes and services, while Chromebooks start nearly instantly. Thanks to the lightweight ChromeOS, you can reach the desktop in just a few seconds. This makes it an excellent choice for on-the-go use. If you need a device that’s always ready to go, a Chromebook won’t slow you down.
I measured the boot time of my Windows laptop and Chromebook—my Surface laptop took 35 seconds, while my Chromebook started up in just 7 seconds.
3
Easy-to-Use Interface
Unlike Windows (and to a lesser extent, macOS), Chromebooks have a clean and user-friendly interface. You can effortlessly launch apps from the App Launcher, pin favorites to the Shelf, and adjust settings through the Quick Settings panel. This makes Chromebooks a good choice for beginners, seniors, or those who aren’t tech-savvy.
While the interface is simple, customization options are pretty limited. You can only adjust a few elements, such as the wallpaper, screensaver, Launcher, Shelf, and basic settings.
4
Long-Lasting Battery Life
A Chromebook’s battery can easily last an entire work or school day without a recharge. This is thanks to ChromeOS’s lightweight design, reliance on cloud computing, and energy-efficient hardware that prioritizes battery life over raw power. A Chromebook is a solid choice if you’re looking for a laptop for studying, traveling, or remote work that won’t keep you tethered.
For comparison, despite being two years old and costing three times less than my Surface laptop, my Chromebook lasts more than a day, while my Surface only lasts five hours.
5
Runs Android Apps and Linux
Chromebooks support Google Play, letting you run millions of Android apps like other Android devices. You can also enable Linux on your device to turn your device into a lightweight development machine. This gives you access to Linux-compatible apps and coding tools. Few operating systems offer such smooth integration of both ecosystems.
However, since Android apps aren’t specifically designed for Chromebooks, some may not be compatible with your device, and others might not run as expected. Still, the range of apps is extensive.
6
Seamless Synchronization
Chromebooks are deeply integrated with Google’s ecosystem. With your Google account, you can use Google Workspace apps that automatically sync files to Google Drive and keep your Chrome bookmarks, history, and passwords up to date. Likewise, other services like Google Photos, Google Calendar, and more stay synchronized.
Once you’ve set up one Chromebook, transitioning to a new device is effortless—your data and settings are imported automatically with minimal manual effort.
7
Strong Built-In Security
Chromebooks are highly secure devices. They run each app and web page in a sandboxed environment to prevent malware from spreading and perform integrity checks at every startup to detect and repair any issues. Also, they don’t support EXE files and encrypt local data for added security. Essentially, they protect you from ransomware, phishing, and unauthorized access.
Since Chromebooks are highly secure, there’s no need to purchase a third-party antivirus program, which can help you save on unnecessary software costs.
Chromebooks are secure, have long battery life, boot up quickly, and support Android and Linux games. If these factors matter to you, a Chromebook could be your next laptop.
