Best Chromebook as of August 2018

Best overall
Best on the go
Best on a budget
Best for the pro

Best overall

HP Chromebook X2

HP's Chromebook X2 is the first detachable Chromebook, and the category is starting off with quite the bang. This powerful Chromebook does double-duty as a tablet, and Android apps make the X2 something you might also consider if you're looking for a new Android tablet.

Add in its light weight, beautiful display, and long battery life and the HP Chromebook X2 is the best Chromebook you can buy overall.

The bottom line: Clamshell or tablet, the HP Chromebook X2 is a winner no matter how you use it.

One more thing: Like any Chromebook worth its salt in 2018 you'll find an excellent Pen for drawing and note taking.

Why the HP Chromebook X2 is the best

Dollar for dollar you can't beat what HP has to offer here.

HP has built a powerful Chromebook that can moonlight as an awesome tablet with the Chromebook X2. We love the Intel Core M3 processor and the 0.3-inch thickness and the functional features like Assistant and Google Lens. But as we've seen before in the Chromebook world, the display steals the show.

The display on the HP Chromebook X2 is the very same 12.3-inch 2400x1600 IPS touch panel that you'll find on the Pixelbook or Samsung Chromebook Pro. It's beautiful to look at and supports a stylus, which is included and stows in a handy loop on the keyboard.

You'll have plenty of power for the browser or to pull up spreadsheets and presentations in Google Docs and Android apps while you're working. Or play something from Netflix on the gorgeous screen when you're not.

With a more power-hungry screen than many other Chromebooks, the Chromebook X2 still has great battery life. It will last most people a full workday (8-10 hours) on a single charge. And when it's time to charge the battery, you'll appreciate the standard USB-C charging instead of a proprietary input. With the right cable, your Chromebook X2 will charge anywhere your phone does.

The HP Chromebook X2 is a great all-around package, and right now it's the best Chromebook available.

Best on the go

ASUS Chromebook Flip (C101)

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The ASUS Chromebook Flip was rather unassuming and a little confusing when it was first unveiled, but turned out to be a hit and spawned a great successor with the Flip 101. This little laptop with its 10.1-inch display and folding design that turns it into a pseudo-tablet is the go-to choice for anyone that wants a good, inexpensive and hyper-portable Chromebook.

For less than $300 you're getting a 1280 x 800 touch screen, a metal build, great battery life and solid performance. If you're always on the move and looking for a great Chromebook, you can't do much better than this.

Bottom line: The Chromebook Flip is also one of the first models slated to pick up Android app compatibility through the Google Play Store, which could tip the scales a bit for folks looking to be ready for the new feature addition.

Best on a budget

Acer Chromebook R13

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The Acer Chromebook R13 is a mid-range offering that seems like it should cost more. It has a 1080p IPS touchscreen for interaction with Android apps, can fold back into various modes for an all-touch experience, and charges using the new USB-C standard rather than an older connector.

The standout feature of the Chromebook R13 is the great way it's built. It's solid and well machined and not something you would expect from a sub-400 dollar laptop. The Chromebook R13 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a premium product without a premium price.

Bottom line: The Acer Chromebook R13 looks and feels like a laptop that would cost a lot more, and is a great choice for savvy shoppers.

Best for the pro

Google Pixelbook

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Anyone who needs a dependable laptop to use all day, every day, and wants it to be a Chromebook should have a look at Google's Pixelbook.

It's thin and sleek, and oozes "premium" when using it, has the best keyboard and trackpad of any Chromebook (and as good or better than you'd find on a MacBook) and a gorgeous touchscreen. It was also designed from the ground up for Google Play and use as an Android tablet, and it excels at it.

If you want or need the very best and are willing to overpay for it, the Pixelbook was made for you.

Bottom line: You're paying double the price of the Samsung Chromebook Plus, but for some it will be worth it.

Conclusion

There's a Chromebook to satisfy most any need that you may have. Whether you're buying for yourself, as a gift, or giving guidance to someone else for their own purchase, be sure to start here before making a buying decision. For most people, though, most of the time, the Samsung Chromebook Plus is the overall best bet.