Test updated with current prices 2021-07-12.
When we last did a big Chromebook test, just over a year ago, the range of computers to test was sparse. There were really impressive models, but only a few manufacturers who seriously invested in the platform and then with very different types of computers.
Tested chromebooksLast year, Google invested heavily in establishing Chromebooks as a real alternative to Windows laptops, both at work and at home. With the help of smart updates to the operating system, more visibility in stores and with marketing, the use of Chrome OS should be accelerated. In fact, more people are using Chromebooks, which are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to Windows.
More and better models
Much is due to the system and platform becoming more and more useful, most recently with two updates that did a lot for ease of use: a redesigned and more touchscreen-friendly interface and support for smart voice control with Google Assistant. The manufacturers have now come out of the starting pits and all the major suppliers now have a really good and wide range of quality computers.
The most interesting ones are the ones that offer notebook performance and have the same kind of hardware that you get in a good Windows laptop. Apps and web services for Chromebook today require more or less the same performance as services and programs do for a Windows laptop.
Tightened requirements
With demanding Android apps and heavy web-based services, we place the same demands on performance and quality on a Chromebook. This not only means a certain level of processor, but that the entire experience should feel high quality. It is thus about a quality screen, high-quality chassis, mouse control, keyboard, media experience and good built-in speakers.
This year we also take an extra look at the webcam in the computers. As video calls and remote meetings have become an increasingly important part of our everyday life, these must function satisfactorily for a computer to be approved by us.
Since most services such as Zoom and Teams can be run in the browser, you can easily connect with a Chromebook, and if additional software is needed, Chrome OS supports Android apps via the Google Play store. That support has steadily improved since its introduction. Today, we can hardly find a single Android app that these Chromebooks can’t run.
So the computers are tested
The computers’ performance was measured with the web-based Speedometer 2.0 as well as the Google Play apps Geekbench 5, 3dmark and GFX Bench. Performance, function and quality were then manually assessed with media playback on Netflix and Youtube, work in Google Docs, Office.com and Google Play’s Office apps, Skype calls via the browser and various simple Android games.
Acer Chromebook Spin 713: Sharp screen and excellent battery life
Best is the expected long battery life.
Rating 5 out of 5
Opinion
There’s a lot that’s good and few things that aren’t good about Acer’s latest Chromebook. With excellent battery life and an extra sharp screen, it shows that the Chromebook is one to be reckoned with. For the right kind of user, it can be a really smart choice. The only downside is the webcam. But it too has acceptable quality, if only just barely.
Positively
- Sharp display.
- Very good battery life.
- Extra durable.
- Good external connections.
Negative
- Requires manual setup.
- The webcam.
Tested: December 2020
Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U, 1.6-4.2 GHz quad core
Battery life: 13h 45min online video (high brightness), 17h low load (low brightness)
Award: SEK 7,990 at Webhallen
Read the full review of the Acer Spin 713
Asus Chromebook Flip C436F: Luxurious lightweight
The same qualities as a really good ultra-thin Windows laptop.
Rating 4 out of 5
Opinion
It’s not the fastest in class or has the longest battery life, and its restrained port setup isn’t optimal. But what the Chromebook Flip C436F does well, it does very well. Excellent picture quality, even better sound together with light weight and good battery life make it an excellent portable Netflix machine.
Positively
- Thin and light.
- Good picture and sound.
- Silent cooling.
- Good battery life.
Negative
- Slightly dim screen.
- Half a webcam.
- Few connections.
Tested: December 2020
Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U, 1.6-4.2 GHz quad core
Battery life: 13h 30min online video (high brightness), 13h low load (low brightness)
Award: SEK 8,990 at Webhallen
Read the full review of the Asus Flip C436F
Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook: Stable, fast and serious
Interesting features for both companies and individual users.
Rating 3 out of 5
Opinion
With this Chromebook you get high build quality, generous ports and extra performance. But not so much that it is worth several thousand Swedish kroner in price and its questionable quality in sound and image as well as worrying Wi-Fi connection mean that we cannot recommend it.
Positively
- Steady construction.
- Extra performance.
- Plenty of connections.
Negative
- Relatively thick and heavy.
- No touchscreen.
- Pale picture and thin sound.
Tested: December 2020
Processor: Intel Core i5-10310U, 1.7-4.4 GHz quad core
Battery life: 7h 30min online video (high brightness), 13h low load (low brightness)
Award: SEK 10,907 on Dell.se
Read the full review of the Dell Latitude 7410
HP Chromebook X360: Stylish but bumpy flip computer
HP’s new Chromebook has as many good and less good features.
Rating 3 out of 5
Opinion
A neat and stable build with basic performance and an attractive price. But the Chromebook X360 14c has a hard time competing against alternatives that are lighter, a notch faster, and have better screens, without costing much more. You can safely buy one and you won’t be disappointed, but we would recommend that you look at the alternatives.
Positively
- High build quality.
- Correct notebook performance.
- Good ergonomics.
- Good sound.
Negative
- Relatively heavy.
- Slow storage.
- Pale and dim screen.
- The next step in battery life.
Tested: February 2021
Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U, 1.6-4.2 GHz quad core
Battery life: 10h 10min (online video, high brightness), approx. 13h (mixed use, low brightness)
Current price: SEK 6,990 at HP
Read the full review of the HP Chromebook X360
HP Elite c1030: Chromebook with a little something extra
Rating 4 out of 5
Opinion
This elegant Chromebook has the right build quality, image and sound. It offers some interesting features and extra functions. And it delivers the performance we expect. The high price and the short battery life are the only real drawbacks – if you can live with these, then we can recommend it.
Positively
- Excellent picture and sound.
- Top build quality.
- Extra good webcam.
- Smart security features.
Negative
- Sure View affects the screen even when it is turned off.
- Questionable battery life.
- The price.
Tested: December 2020
Processor: Intel Core i5-10310U, 1.7-4.4 GHz quad core
Battery life: 5h 10min online video (high brightness), 11h 15min low load (low brightness)
Award: From SEK 16,405 on Prisjakt
Read the full review of the HP Elite c1030
Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5: A comfortable Chromebook
A good and affordable model.
Rating 4 out of 5
Opinion
It’s cheaper than similar competitors, and doesn’t have the same flimsy design. Here you get the right functions, performance and approved build quality for most things at a good price.
Positively
- Affordable performance.
- Good ergonomics and high comfort.
- Relatively good battery life.
Negative
- Plastic feel.
- Dim screen.
- Small ssd.
Tested: December 2020
Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U, 1.6-4.2 GHz quad core
Battery life: 10h online video (high brightness), 12h 50min low load (low brightness)
Award: SEK 8,990 at Elgiganten.
Read the full Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 review