Top 10 Best Chromebooks – March 2018

March has proven to be an interesting month in the land of Chrome OS as Google, along with a little help from Acer, has now officially unveiled the latest device form factor to join the Chrome OS ranks – the humble tablet. As a result, this year should see a number of ‘Chromebook tablets’ arriving, starting off with the Acer Chromebook Tab 10. In the meantime, however, if you are in the market for a Chromebook now, then here are our top 10 best Chromebook picks for March, 2018.

10. Acer Chromebook Spin 11

Acer’s Chromebook Spin 11 is an ideal option for those looking for a durable Chromebook. Granted, it is not the most stylish of Chromebooks, but this is usually the cost of opting for a unit that is better at withstanding the perils of daily life. Adding to its appeal is a 360-degree rotating hinge for improved flexibility, and a stylus for those looking for more of an interactive experience. In terms of the baseline specs, the Chromebook Spin 11 features an 11.6-inch display along with a 1366 x 768 resolution. In addition to 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, an Intel Celeron N3350 dual-core processor, and a 4,870 mAh battery. Its one major downside is its price as it is not the most affordable Chromebook – there are better options available for the money.

9. Samsung Chromebook 3

If value is what you are primarily concerned with, then the Samsung Chromebook 3 is always an option worth considering. First off, this is not a premium Chromebook. Secondly, this one does not come with any additional features to note. Thirdly, its design and general appearance is rather generic. However, this is a Chromebook which can be typically picked up for less than $200 and one that comes from a major name in the industry. Resulting in a highly-affordable Chromebook with a no-frills approach from a reliable name. As for the specs, the Chromebook 3 is available in two distinct models which only differ in the amount of RAM (2GB vs. 4GB). Otherwise, both models feature an 11.6-inch display with a 1366 x 768 resolution, 16GB storage, and an Intel Celeron N3050 processor.

8. ASUS Chromebook Flip C101

If size is of concern, then there can be little arguing with the ASUS Chromebook Flip C101. As the Flip line of Chromebooks in general have always looked to be as compact as possible and the C101 model sums up this mantra perfectly thanks to its inclusion of a display measuring just 10.1-inches in size. This effectively makes the C101 more comparable in size to a tablet than a traditional Chromebook. Albeit, one that is equipped with a keyboard. Adding to its tablet-like persona, the C101 also features a 360-degree rotating hinge so the Chromebook can be used in various different positions. Besides its size, the Flip C101 also comes loaded with 4GB RAM, 16GB storage, and a Rockchip RK3399 quad-core processor.

7. Acer Chromebook R 13

The Acer Chromebook R 13 is very similar to the Flip C101 in terms of its design as this Chromebook also heavily focuses on portability and flexibility. Most notably due to its inclusion of a 360-degree rotating hinge which means it can be adjusted for use in various different forms, including a tablet mode. However, unlike the Flip C101, the Chromebook R 13 is designed to offer users a greater degree of screen real estate thanks to its 13.3-inch display. Making this one far more ideal for those in need of more display to play with. Along with the boost in size also comes an increase in resolution to 1920 x 1080, compared to the Flip C101. While the rest of the spec list is padded out with 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a MediaTek (MT8173C) quad-core processor.

6. Acer Chromebook 14

Generally speaking, the Acer Chromebook 14 is – on paper – almost a carbon copy of the R 13 as it does come with a very similar spec list, a very similar build quality, and is also from Acer. Therefore the overall experience is expected to be quite similar. However there are some very notable differences between the two models and these come down to flexibility, size, and price. For example, while the R 13 is designed to be an adaptable Chromebook, the Chromebook 14 is not, as it instead opts for a more of a traditional laptop-like design. Whether this is a good or a bad thing will largely depend on the needs of the buyer. One of the benefits of this lesser-need for flexibility means the Chromebook 14 comes with an even larger display size, measuring in at 14-inches. Likewise, in spite of the larger display, the lack of the additional design points does mean the Chromebook 14 is cheaper than the R 13 and typically by as much as $100. Which is a lot in Chromebook land. The rest of the included specs consist of 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, an Intel Celeron N3160 processor, and a 3,950 mAh battery.

5. Acer Chromebook 15 (2017)

If the larger size of the Chromebook 14 is appealing to you, then the Acer Chromebook 15 is likely to be even more appealing as this Chromebook features a 15.6-inch screen. Making the Chromebook 15 just about the largest display Chromebook on the market. Therefore, if a larger size is what matters most, this is certainly one of the key Chromebooks to check out. While its size has always been a major selling point for the Chromebook 15 line in general, previous generations have not come with the build quality and design often associated with Acer Chromebooks. This has changed, however, with this latest model now more in line with the likes of the Chromebook 14, the R 13, and so on. Of course, that upgrade in design does mean it is more expensive than previous Chromebook 15 versions but based on the display/cost ratio, there are few better options than this one. Size aside, the Chromebook 15 comes loaded with 4GB RAM, up to 32GB storage, and an Intel Pentium N4200 quad-core processor.

4. Lenovo e-series Chromebooks

Lenovo recently announced three new Chromebook models which all collectively form the new “e” series. These are the 100e, 300e, and 500e Chromebooks. Technically speaking, the 5003e Chromebook is the most premium and “best” option for those looking for more features and an advanced Chrome OS experience, as it not only includes a heightened level of specs, and an adjustable form factor, but also a stylus. However, this is sort of the point with the e series, as the three models are designed for different customer needs. For example, while the 100e is the most basic of the three, it is designed to be a highly-durable, entry-level product that is priced to suit. Making the e series as a whole one worth checking out as not everyone is in need of a Chromebook for the same reasons.

All three e Chromebooks are now available to buy with the 100e available through Lenovo’s website priced at $199. The middle option, the 300e is now available to buy for $269 and the 500e is currently priced at $309.

3. ASUS Chromebook Flip C302

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 is a great all-around option for those looking for a little bit of everything in a Chromebook. For example, with this being a Flip model it does place a good deal of its focus on its portability and flexibility best summed up through its 360-degree rotating hinge. However, unlike the other Flip model, the C302 is not quite as small, as it comes equipped with a 12.5-inch display. Making it ideal for those who like the idea of the Flip line but need that little bit more display to play with. Likewise, and in spite of its size, the C302 is designed to be a high-performing Chromebook thanks to its combination of 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and an Intel Core m3 processor.

2.Samsung Chromebook Plus/Pro

Arguably, the Samsung Chromebook Plus and Pro models are the best Chromebooks you can buy when it comes to features and overall experience for the asking price. These are premium models and therefore do come with a premium price although that price is not quite as expensive as the ASUS C302, making these better value overall. For example, the flexibility of the Plus and Pro is relatively equal to the ASUS model thanks to the same employment of a 360-degree hinge. In addition, these Chromebooks also come with a stylus as well. That is in addition to a build quality synonymous with Samsung. Making these well-built, high-performing, and feature-rich options. Both models feature the same 12.3-inch display with a 2400 x 1600 resolution. In addition to 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. Where they primarily differ is in the processor department with the Plus version sporting an OP1 processor, compared to the Pro model which features an Intel processor.

1.Google Pixelbook

Once again, the Google Pixelbook remains our go-to option for those in the market for a Chromebook right now. Although this recommendation does come with a fairly big caveat as the Pixelbook is not priced for everyone. This is more of a show of force from Google and while this means the Pixelbook is easily the most powerful Chromebook on the market, it is pricey. With the baseline version starting at $999 and the price rising from there. However, for that elevated cost, the buyer can expect an elevated experience in all respects. This is not simply just a more powerful machine, but also a very premium looking and built device, as well as one that has been highly-tuned to Chrome OS. For example, while other Chromebooks have gained Google Assistant integration, this one comes with a hardware button dedicated to the feature. Put simply, for those looking for the ultimate Chrome OS experience, the Pixelbook is the only Chromebook to go for.