Top 10: Best Chromebooks – May 2016

It has been an exciting month for Chromebooks and especially following Google I/O 2016. That is because Google has now confirmed that the Play Store and Android apps will become available to devices running Chrome OS over the next few months. This really does mean that there has never been a better time to pick up a Chromebook, as what they can do will significant become better once more apps become available. If you are in the market for a new Chromebook, then here are our top ten best Chromebook purchases for May 2016.

10. Acer Chromebook C740

The Acer Chromebook C740 is one of the newest Chromebooks on this list to arrive on the market and is one which follows on from the previous C7 models. As a result this is a highly tried and tested model. In terms of the specs, this is one which adopts a smaller Chromebook form factor and makes use of an 11.6-inch display with a 1366 x 768 resolution. The rest of the specs come in the form of 4GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and an Intel Celeron (3205U) dual-core processor. Not to mention this is a very well-built and premium Chromebook. In terms of price, this month sees the Acer Chromebook C740 available for about $259, which is one the cheapest prices we have seen so far on this model.

9. Toshiba Chromebook 2

The selection of Chromebooks in the top 10 this month is a mixture of some of the newest models to come through and also some of the Chromebook staples. In terms of the Toshiba Chromebook 2, this is one which firmly falls into the latter category, having been available for some time and having proved to be an extremely popular model for those entering the Chromebook market. Which is not surprising as this one balances specs, price and screen size quite nicely. The Toshiba Chromebook 2 offers a 13.3-inch display which makes use of a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Inside, we are looking at 4GB RAM, 16GB storage and an Intel Celeron (N2840) processor, In terms of price, we are currently looking at around $305.

8. HP Chromebook 14

HP actually has a really interesting new Chromebook in the wings and one which should become available within the next month or so. In the meantime, those looking for a HP Chromebook will likely want to check out the HP Chromebook 14. This is a very popular Chromebook and has been for some time. Sporting a 14-inch display with a 1366 x 768 resolution, this one offers a lot of screen real-estate for the money. Inside, there are multiple configurations available including a 2GB RAM with an Intel Celeron N2840 dual-core processor option and a 4GB RAM and an Intel Celeron N2940 Quad-core processor option. In fact, the 4GB RAM option is currently available at a pretty good price and can be picked up for only $249.

7. ASUS Chromebook Flip

It is likely that ASUS will be introducing some new Chromebooks this month at Computex 2016. However, one of their current best is still the ASUS Chromebook Flip. This is not your traditional Chromebook as it does come with quite a small 10.1-inch display and also includes a more novel form factor, as it can adopt multiple different usage positions. However, the rest of the specs are rather on point including a choice of either 2GB or 4GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and a Rockchip (RK3288) processor. Right now, this one remains priced at $269.

6. Acer Chromebook 11 CB3-131

For those considering entering the Chromebook market and looking for an affordable option to test the waters with, the Acer Chromebook 11 (CB3-131) certainly fits the bill. Coming equipped with a smaller 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display, this one also comes with quite a small price and is currently available for about $170. For that money, you can expect 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and an Intel Celeron (N2840) processor. So while nothing spectacular, this is a solid, reliable and affordable option.

5. Lenovo 100s Chromebook

Speaking of which, there is not much change at five this month with another super affordable Chromebook option, the Lenovo 100s. In fact, while this one is currently priced a couple of dollars cheaper than the Acer option, in many respects, it is almost identical. As a result, you can expect an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and even the same Intel Celeron (N2840) processor. In terms of the price, right now you can pick this one up from about $165

4. Samsung Chromebook 3

Like most industries, Samsung is present and the Chromebook 3 is a much newer addition to the Chromebook market than most of the rest of the options on this list. However, it is priced very competitively which does currently make this a really good option to consider. This is a smaller Chromebook, so you are looking at an 11.6-inch display. However, you do have the option to choose the internals with 2GB and 4GB RAM models available. Although, both versions seem to come with an Intel Celeron N3050 processor. In terms of price, both models are affordable with the 2GB RAM option currently available for about $195 and the 4GB RAM model for about $230

3. Chromebook Pixel

The Chromebook Pixel is simply the best Chromebook you can get. However, it is the most expensive too and this month it actually got more expensive. As result, it has dropped down a spot in our top 10. The reason for the price increase is that the cheapest version (which costs $999) is no longer available to buy from the Google Store. So if you do want a Chromebook Pixel, you are looking at paying $1299. Although, for that price you do get 16GB RAM, 64GB storage, an Intel Core i7 processor and a 2K 12.85-inch display.

2. Dell Chromebook 13

If you are after a very well-built Chromebook, then you only have to look at the latest option from Dell, the Chromebook 13. This one is designed to be a premium look and feel Chromebook and one which comes available in a variety of different specs. However, this is also a fairly high price item (compared to other Chromebooks). That said, the middle of the road option which comes with 4GB RAM, 16GB storage and powered by an Intel i3 processor is currently available for $390, which is the lowest price it has been since launch, Whichever option you do go for, it will come sporting a 13.3-inch (1920 x 1080) display.

1. Acer Chromebook 15

Acer has made quite the name for themselves in the Chromebook world. Largely thanks to the sheer selection the company has on offer. Although number of options aside, they are very good Chromebooks. However, one particular Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 15, has remained the best option to buy for quite a long time. The reason being is that it still offers the best value for money. This is the largest Chromebook on the market as it comes with 15.6-inch display and is available in a choice of RAM and storage configurations. So for those looking to balance cost, specs, and reliability, the Chromebook 15 remains the option to go for. This month, the best option seems to be the 4GB RAM and 16GB internal storage option which is currently available for $279.