Top 10: Best Google Chromebooks – October 2016

Every month the Chromebook market becomes even better thanks to a number new Chromebooks arriving. This month has seen quite a few announcements and rumors circulating which means the next few months are likely to be filled with even more choices. Although earlier this month saw Acer announce a revised edition of their popular Chromebook 15 model. One which is a little more affordable but offers a greater degree of battery life. If you do happen to be in the market for a new Chromebook and are unsure of which to go for, then here are our current top 10 best Chromebook picks for October 2016.

10. ASUS Chromebook Flip

The ASUS Chromebook Flip is one of the Chromebooks which adopts a less-than-traditional Chromebook design. Instead of being more like a laptop, this one looks to straddle the tablet and Chromebook market. As such, with the Chromebook Flip you can expect a tablet-sized device and one which can be used in a variety of positions, but one which comes running on Chrome OS. This is also a Chromebook which can be picked up in different variants depending on your needs or budget. Although, the best option is the one which comes loaded with 4GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and a Rockchip (RK3288) processor. There is little change in price on this one with the current October price for the Chromebook Flip coming in at around $270.

9. Acer Chromebook C740

The Acer Chromebook C740 is much more of a traditional shaped and designed Chromebook, albeit one which is on the small size as it comes loaded with an 11.6-inch display. However, while it is small it is a powerful Chromebook as it does come packing a 1366 x 768 resolution, 4GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and an Intel Celeron (3205U) processor. Which means that this is a good option for those looking for a powerful, yet portable and well-designed Chromebook. Although, this is not the most affordable Chromebook on the market and especially considering its size as it will currently cost you around $255 to buy.

8. HP Chromebook 14

Those interested in the Chromebook market, the HP Chromebook 14 will need little introduction. This is one of the staples of the Chromebook world and as such, is an extremely reliable and good-performing option to go for. While it is not the most premium designed Chromebook, it is one which offers a good all-round level of specs and performance. Most notably is the larger display as the Chromebook 14 comes with a 14-inch display and makes use of a 1366 x 768 resolution. The rest of the specs depend on which model you opt for with a 2GB RAM and Intel Celeron (N2840) option available, as well as a 4GB RAM and Intel Celeron (N2940) option. Of the two, the 4GB RAM one is the highest priced and is currently priced at $279.99

7. Acer Chromebook 11 CB3-131

So far, the Chromebooks on the list have all been similarly-priced Chromebooks. However, there are those which are primarily designed to be super affordable and the Acer Chromebook 11 is one of those. This is a Chromebook which is available to buy for about $175 which makes it a great option for those on a tighter budget. In return for that low-cost, you are getting a smaller display as the Chromebook 11 boasts an 11.6-inch display with a 1366 x 768 resolution. While the specs are also on the more budget side and include 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and an Intel Celeron (N2840) processor.

6. Lenovo 100s Chromebook

Each month the Acer Chromebook 11 and the Lenovo 100s Chromebook do battle for the same position as they are (on paper) the same Chromebook. Like the Acer Chromebook 11, the Lenovo 100s Chromebook is also an 11.6-inch Chromebook with a 1366 x 768 resolution. Likewise, the Lenovo 100s Chromebook is also a Chromebook which comes packing 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and the same Intel Celeron (N2840) processor. Which means that each month the only notable difference between the two is the price. While both do come with a $179.99 retail price they do fluctuate each month and right now, the Lenovo 100s Chromebook does pip the Acer Chromebook 11 to the 6th position as you can pick this one up for a little under $170.

5. Samsung Chromebook 3

While the Acer Chromebook 11 and the Lenovo 100s Chromebook continually switch places each month, one Chromebook which has remained just ahead of the two on this list is the Samsung Chromebook 3. This is another ultra-affordable option and generally speaking, comes with very similar specs to the Acer and Lenovo options and at the same price. So for under $180 you can get the Chromebook 3 with an 11.6-inch display, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and an Intel Celeron (N3050) processor. However, where the Samsung option stands out is that this one is also available in a 4GB RAM model which is priced at just under $200. In fact, this month is a great time to pick up the Samsung Chromebook 3 4GB RAM model as it is currently available at only $179. Essentially, the same price as the 2GB Samsung model and both the Acer and Lenovo 2GB RAM options.

4. Dell Chromebook 13

Those looking for more power from a Chromebook will inevitably have to pay more and for those people, the Dell Chromebook 13 is worth checking out. This is a Chromebook range which looks to offer not only a choice of specs, but also a very premium build quality and design. The downside is though, that this is one of the more pricey Chromebook ranges. Although, you are getting what you pay for here. In terms of the specs, you are able to customize the RAM, storage and processor based on your needs but the middle of the road option is the 4GB RAM model which comes with 16GB storage and an Intel I3 processor. This one comes in at $429. Regardless of which model you opt for, the Dell Chromebook 13 comes loaded with a medium-sized 13.3-inch display.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad 13

The Lenovo ThinkPad 13 is another good option to consider and especially as this is a relatively new Chromebook and one which is designed with choice in mind. So as well as being able to choose a RAM level between 4 and 8GB, and the choice of Intel Core processor and even the choice of display resolutions, you can even choose between operating systems with a Chrome OS and a Windows option both available. The one consistent aspect though is the screen size with all models of the ThinkPad 13 coming equipped with a 13.3-inch display. At the moment, you are looking at spending $279.00 for the most affordable option and that price rises depending on the RAM, processor and resolution chosen.

2. Acer Chromebook 15

The Acer Chromebook 15 is another one of the staples of the Chromebook world and for a long time remained the best choice to go for. This was largely due to this Chromebook being available in a number of variants and priced extremely competitive. However, its big selling point is that it does come with a very large 15.6-inch display. Which makes it ideal for those looking for a larger Chromebook. The price of this one does largely depend on which model is selected as the Acer Chromebook 15 is available in 2GB RAM/16GB storage, 4GB RAM/16GB storage and 4GB RAM and 32GB storage options. Although, the best options for the money is the 4GB RAM and 32GB storage model which can currently be picking up for only $249.99. Interestingly, Acer very recently released an updated version of this Chromebook which comes with a battery that is expected to offer up to 12 hours of usage before needing to be recharged. This newer model is available for only $199.99, although the downside is that it is only available in a 2GB RAM and 16GB storage option. Not to mention, it can only currently be purchased through Walmart.

1. Acer Chromebook 14

While the Acer Chromebook 15 is no longer the best Chromebook to buy, it has been replaced by another Acer model, the Acer Chromebook 14. This one does come with a smaller display (measuring 14-inches), but does come with a much more premium build quality and design. Not to mention the rest of the specs are also pretty good and include 4GB RAM, 32GB storage and an Intel Celeron N3160 processor. The other big selling point is that in spite of the premium design and decent specs, this is a fairly affordable Chromebook and can be picked up for just under $300. For what you are getting for the price, this is the best Chromebook to consider buying in October.