Whether you're a student, casual gamer, or business professional, Chromebooks are perfect laptops for getting things done without breaking the bank. These simple devices are generally pretty cheap year round, but sales like Prime Day can make even the most expensive Chromebooks ridiculously affordable. Whether you want a straightforward budget model or a feature-packed beast of performance, keep reading for my favorite Chromebook deals from Prime Day 2026. 

Some of the Chromebooks below are no-frills laptops that are basically only suited for surfing the web, while others come with premium features like convertible displays, backlit keyboards, and touchscreens. That being said, all of the picks below have been vetted and approved by members of the Android Central team, so you can rest easy knowing you're getting a reliable device, no matter the price. 

Before you settle on a specific model, however, keep in mind that most Prime Day deals will only be available to Amazon Prime members. If you haven't signed up yet, you can take advantage of Amazon's 30-day free trial to explore the ins and outs of a membership without paying a thing. You can even cancel the subscription at any time with no penalty.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

When does Prime Day end?

Prime Day began on June 23rd and will run through Friday, June 26th. If you miss the sitewide sale event, it's worth noting that Best Buy and Walmart's competing sales are set to run through Sunday, June 28th, so you'll have a few extra days to shop.

What is the best Chromebook?

Here at Android Central, we consider the Lenovo Chromebook Plus to be the best Chromebook for most people. The laptop features an ultra-lightweight build with an OLED touchscreen display, fantastic battery life, and the powerful MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 chipset under the hood.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Best Buy's Memorial Day Weekend Sale is here, and it's a great time to pick up Chromebook deals for those in the market. For instance, the retailer has chopped $350 off the price of our favorite Chromebook, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.

We love this laptop for its high-powered performance, its good-looking touchscreen OLED display, long-lasting battery, and its lightweight, portable build. Crucially, this Chromebook has an upgraded processor compared to other devices, making it super quick and truly worthy of the premium label.

It also features a wide range of advanced features like Text Capture, Select to Search with Lens, and other Gemini AI tools. Another major benefit here is that the Chromebook can get up to 17 hours of battery life per charge, and Lenovo says Rapid Charge will yield up to 80% power in just an hour of charging.

All in all, this is a good price for this laptop and if you're already a fan of Chrome OS, it might be a deal worth considering.

✅Recommended if: you're in the market for the best Chromebook on the market, but you don't want to pay the full $1,000 price tag for it; you want a laptop with a bright, vibrant OLED display of around 14 inches; you prefer a laptop with a thin, lightweight build that's easy to take with you wherever you go.

❌Skip this deal if: you need something with wide-ranging connectivity options and would rather go with something that has more ports or has a better refresh rate than 60Hz; you'd prefer something more affordable and you don't need all the bells and whistles or top-notch processing power; you're sensitive about your trackpads and you'd rather go with a device with Apple's Magic Trackpad.

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 has a 14-inch, OLED touchscreen display with a 60Hz refresh rate. With the addition of the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra Series and 16GB of RAM, it boasts the smoothest, speediest performance out of the entire Chromebook lineup, while still managing to achieve 17 hours of battery life.

Arguably the biggest downside is that it only has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, but if that isn't a dealbreaker, then this is a pretty good price point.

Many of the best cheap Chromebook options arrive during sales events, and this one is no different. For a limited time as a part of its Memorial Day weekend sale, Best Buy is offering this 14-inch HP Chromebook for $220 off, or just $180 total.

The HP Chromebook N4500 may have originally been a 2021 release, but the user-friendly Chrome OS platform makes it hold up even today. Add in the balanced size and overall portability, and a decent 14-inch display, and you've got yourself a well-valued laptop.

To be sure, this laptop isn't anything too terribly special, but nor should one expect a premium device at a $180 price. Still, if your main uses are for a laptop are streaming movies and shows using the web browser, other internet surfing needs, or basic word processing and spreadsheet needs, this might be a good time to pick up this budget-friendly laptop.

✅Recommended if: you want a cheap laptop that won't compromise on utility, and you're looking for a device with a roughly-14-inch display; you don't need a lot of onboard storage and you primarily plan to use your laptop for tasks that don't require a lot of file space or performance speed; you've liked devices with Chrome OS and other Google platforms in the past.

❌Skip this deal if: you're in the market for the best Chromebooks out there today, and you have enough money to upgrade to something more powerful; you prefer a laptop with a larger or smaller display, or something with an even more minimal design; you want something that can tackle high-level tasks such as video and audio editing, or you prefer industry-leading performance speeds.

The HP Chromebook N4500 is a basic laptop with a 14-inch screen, 64GB of storage, and the well-liked Chrome OS. Users like this laptop for its long-lasting battery and Google Chrome operating system, along with its price tag (which often scores even bigger discounts, like this one).

HP says the laptop will get up to 10 hours of battery per charge, while it estimates that charging from empty to 50% will take around 45 minutes total.

All in all, this price point is hard to argue with, and those who want something affordable yet useful might want to think about if $180 is around their budget.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm has confirmed that it is working with Google to build some Googlebook laptops.
• Google is also partnering with Intel, Qualcomm, and MediaTek, giving manufacturers more flexibility across future Googlebook devices.
• Googlebooks are expected to support more powerful Android apps and premium hardware from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Google’s new Googlebook platform is already shaping up to be something much more than a Chromebook replacement, and Qualcomm just confirmed one of the most important pieces of the puzzle.

Qualcomm is bringing its Arm-based PC silicon to Google’s next-generation laptop platform after years of Snapdragon X chips being almost entirely tethered to Windows laptops, Qualcomm CMO Don McGuire confirmed in a now-deleted X post. However, the folks at XDA were quick to take a screengrab.

This means future Googlebook devices will not be limited to Intel processors. Qualcomm also confirmed on its own social media channels that it is collaborating with Google to build some Googlebook models, though it didn't specifically mention Snapdragon X chips.

Additionally, John Maletis, VP of Product Management for ChromeOS, revealed partnerships with Intel, Qualcomm, and MediaTek in an interview with ChromeUnboxed.

Deep Android integration

This signals a big change in Google’s laptop strategy. For more than a decade, Chromebooks largely lived in the budget and education space. On the other hand, Googlebooks seems to be targeting premium laptops with deep AI integration, tighter Android connectivity, and desktop-class performance.

The new platform was announced by Google at The Android Show, where it was described as a move beyond traditional operating systems to a “intelligence system.” In simple terms, Google wants AI to be at the heart of the entire laptop experience, not an optional assistant sitting off to the side.

One of the headline features is something called Magic Pointer, which allows users to invoke Gemini-powered contextual actions by moving the cursor in certain ways. Google also showed off AI-generated widgets, real-time image editing tools, and deeper Android integration that lets users access phone apps and files directly from the laptop.

While older Chromebooks were very dependent on web apps and light workloads, Googlebooks are expected to support more advanced Android applications and premium hardware designs from companies like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Pricing could be substantially higher than typical Chromebooks, with early reports suggesting a starting price of around $1,000.

Android Central's Take

Qualcomm jumping into Googlebook is the smartest thing Google could have done here. Snapdragon X chips have already proven their ability to deliver great battery life, cooler thermals, and solid AI performance on Windows laptops. So, it makes a lot more sense to bring that efficiency to Google’s AI-heavy vision instead of solely relying on Intel hardware.

What you need to know

• Googlebook's AI-powered Magic Pointer is also coming to Chrome on Windows and Mac devices.
• Magic Pointer understands on-screen context and suggests actions based on what your cursor points at.
• Google still hasn't confirmed rollout regions, but the feature is expected to expand soon.

It turns out Googlebook's best feature, Magic Pointer, is already rolling out to Google Chrome on desktop devices.

One of the biggest announcements during The Android Show 2026 was Google's new lineup of laptops called Googlebook. Google says these are a new breed of laptops built around an "intelligence system" instead of a traditional operating system, with Gemini deeply integrated throughout the experience. Features include AI-generated widgets, native Android app support, and even a new Glowbar design element.

However, one of the standout features was something called Magic Pointer. If you missed it, the feature essentially turns your cursor into an AI-powered contextual tool. You activate it by wiggling the cursor on screen, and once enabled, it tries to understand whatever you're pointing at.

For example, if you hover over an email, Gemini might suggest creating a calendar event based on its contents. Or if you point at two different images, it could suggest combining them together.

Thankfully, it looks like the feature won't stay exclusive to Googlebook devices. Google has confirmed that Magic Pointer is also rolling out to Google Chrome on desktop platforms, including Windows PCs and Macs.

"Starting today, instead of writing a complex prompt, you can now use your pointer to ask Gemini in Chrome about the part of the webpage you care about. For example, you can select a few products on a page and ask to compare, or point to where you want to visualize a new couch in your living room," Google wrote in a blog post.

Google still hasn't clarified exactly which users or regions are getting access to Magic Pointer in Chrome right now, but since the company has officially announced it, rollout details should surface soon.

My guess is that it will initially launch for English-speaking users in the U.S., although Google could also lock some of the functionality behind its Google AI Pro or AI Ultra subscriptions.

Android Central's Take

Magic Pointer looks like one of the coolest AI features Google has shown in a while, but if it's coming to Chrome on Windows and Mac already, doesn't that instantly reduce the appeal of buying a Googlebook in the first place? Google doing Google things, I guess.

What you need to know

• Google unveiled Googlebook, a new Gemini-focused laptop category built around Android and AI features.
• Google says some Chromebooks may get migration paths, but not every device will support Googlebook features.
• It's still unclear whether future Chromebooks will stay on ChromeOS or shift to Aluminium OS.

At The Android Show today, Google unveiled its new lineup of laptops called Googlebook. However, the company still hasn't clarified what exactly will happen to Chromebooks once Googlebook devices arrive. Here's what we know so far.

Googlebook is Google's new category of laptops built around Gemini Intelligence with Android at the core. The platform introduces several new ideas for desktop computing, including a Magic Pointer with contextual AI suggestions, the ability to run Android apps natively, and seamless access to files from your Android phone.

These Googlebooks are clearly positioned toward productivity users and students looking for AI-focused laptops. But that's also the exact space Chromebooks already occupy today, which naturally raises questions about where ChromeOS devices fit once Googlebook launches.

The Android Central team attended a Google briefing where we specifically asked what would happen to Chromebooks and whether they would eventually receive Googlebook features. Google responded by saying that the company plans to "offer migration options for many devices over time, but not every Chromebook will be eligible."

Google also avoided directly confirming the operating system branding for Googlebook. The company only said it would share more details later this year.

So at this point, Google still hasn't clearly explained what the long-term future of Chromebooks looks like once Googlebook arrives. It's worth remembering that Chromebooks launched in 2021 and later are promised up to 10 years of updates.

What's still unclear is whether those devices will continue receiving ChromeOS updates or eventually transition to the new operating system reportedly powering Googlebook devices, which eaks currently refer to as Aluminium OS.

Android Central's Take

I actually think Googlebook makes a lot of sense. Android and Gemini feel much more modern than ChromeOS right now. But Google really needs to stop creating confusion around its platforms. If Chromebooks are staying, Google needs to be upfront about it. And if Googlebook is replacing them, the company should just say so clearly.

What you need to know

• Googlebook laptops are built around Gemini AI with deep system-wide AI integration across the experience.
• Magic Pointer lets users trigger Gemini actions contextually just by hovering over on-screen elements.
• Googlebook can run Android phone apps directly and access files without manual transfers or emulation.
• Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo will launch the first Googlebook laptops later this fall.

It's been over 15 years since the first Chromebook was announced, and a lot about laptops and desktop operating systems has changed since then. Google is now taking things in a completely new direction with what it calls a new category of laptops: Googlebooks.

Announced at The Android Show, Googlebooks are built around what the company calls Gemini Intelligence. designed from the ground up with Gemini AI deeply integrated into the experience. In the official blog post, Google says computing is shifting from "from an operating system to an intelligence system," and Googlebooks are a chance to rethink laptops.

Every part of a Googlebook is expected to integrate Gemini. One of the headline features is Google's Magic Pointer. The company says users can simply wiggle their cursor to bring up Gemini-powered contextual suggestions directly on screen.

For example, hovering over a date in an email could instantly create a calendar event. Google also says you'll be able to do things like point at two images and combine them together, for example, placing a couch into a photo of your living room to preview how it would look.

Similar to Android, Google is also bringing AI-generated widgets to Googlebooks. The feature, called Create your Widget, lets users ask Gemini to build custom widgets on the fly. These widgets can pull information from apps like Gmail, Calendar, and Drive.

For example, you could ask Gemini to create a travel widget, and it would automatically gather your hotel bookings, calendar events, and things to do into one dashboard on your home screen.

The company is also leaning heavily into Android ecosystem integration. Google says Googlebooks will run apps directly from an Android phone without downloads or emulation.

The laptops will additionally feature Quick Access, which lets users browse and insert files directly from their Android phone into the laptop's file browser without needing manual transfers.

From what we've seen so far, a Googlebook will also allow users to pin apps, files, and folders directly to the desktop, something Android's current desktop mode still lacks. That alone could make these devices feel much closer to traditional Windows laptops or MacBooks.

On the hardware side, Google says it's partnering with Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo for the first wave of Googlebook devices. The company also says every Googlebook will feature "premium craftsmanship and materials" alongside a new "glowbar" — something many initially expected to debut on the Pixel 11 series instead.

Google has not yet shared pricing, specifications, or exact launch timelines for the first Googlebook laptops, but the company says more details will arrive later this year when devices become available in the fall.

Android Central's Take

Honestly, this is a very interesting move from Google. The company is essentially going head-to-head with both Apple and Microsoft by slowly turning Android into a proper cross-platform smartphone and desktop operating system experience. And honestly, Android feels more powerful than ever right now.

With more powerful apps and creator-focused tools expected to arrive this year, Googlebook could push Android much closer to being genuinely comparable to Windows laptops and MacBooks, especially for the education-focused workloads that Chromebooks were originally built for.

Of course, Googlebook will still face tough competition from devices like the MacBook Neo and Snapdragon Elite-powered Windows ARM laptops, but this honestly feels like one of the most promising directions Google has taken in years.

What you need to know

• A report claims that Samsung is looking to create a new Galaxy Book series, which could feature laptops that fall in the "low, mid, and flagship" markets.
• It was stated that these laptops will also drop ChromeOS in favor of Google's new AluminumOS, which is based on Android.
• Early rumored glimpses of AluminumOS appeared earlier this year, showing just how heavily it plays into Android's UI and Gemini.

Samsung's laptops have long-since run on software straight from Google's kitchen (ChromeOS), but that's supposedly changing for future releases.

A report by SamMobile states the publication has "exclusively learned" that Samsung is moving to create an all-new line of "Android-based" Galaxy Books. It adds that each of these laptops could fall within the "low, mid-range, and flagship" markets once they debut. Considering the heavy focus on Android in this report, SamMobile says Samsung will forgo ChromeOS in favor of Google's AluminumOS future.

The folks at Android Police caught wind of this report, adding that there's speculation of Samsung reaching for Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor or its in-house brand (Exynos) for the heavy-lifting. What's more, the report claims Samsung will use Android 17 as its software base under the AlminumOS umbrella. Moreover, consumers could see One UI 9 as the overall skin atop Android 17, meaning we could see loads of features and tools we're used to from Galaxy phones and tablets.

There's little information regarding what the laptops will do (or even look like). The publication assumes we might see something at I/O 2026, and that's not a bad assumption.

Future laptops

It's been a couple of weeks since Google posted its sessions list for I/O 2026, but there's a teaser in there about its software. The event is set to begin on May 19 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT. This is when we'll see the main keynote speech, which is sure to bring some interesting insights about the company's plans moving forward. Later that day, Google will host several mini-events (or sessions) about its AI, Android 17, and Chrome.

It's the following day, May 20, when the company will go over Android, ChromeOS, XR, and more. While these are typically geared toward developers or people who really want to go in-depth, the main keynote on May 19 is where we might see bigger, consumer-facing highlights. If Samsung and Google want to discuss future Galaxy Books, it could be there—or after.

AluminumOS first got talked about late last year when a job listing confirmed its existence. While this is likely its codename, it looks like Google is integrating Gemini into this new OS, potentially signaling a more enriched redesign over ChromeOS. An alleged first look in January really made this ChromeOS replacement seem probable. AluminumOS seemed to merge ChromeOS and Android 16's desktop mode aesthetics with split-screen and other Android-style UI changes.

Chromebook deals are hardly uncommon this time of year, but a discount of over 50% on a top-rated budget laptop? That's always a cause for celebration. Head to Best Buy before the current sale wraps up and that's exactly what you'll get, as the retailer is carving $210 off the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, a lightweight and affordable Chromebook that doesn't skimp on premium features.

The deal comes as part of Best Buy's Ultimate Upgrade sale, a sitewide event that's slashing prices on a bunch of our favorite tech, from smartphones to wearables. The deals expire on Sunday, April 19th, however, so don't wait too long to make your move.

• See the full list of deals at Best Buy

Despite its slightly advanced age (this version of the laptop was released in 2023), the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 still impresses today with a lightweight build, powerful MediaTek processor, and 1080p Full HD display. The Chromebook even sports a touchscreen, which is unusual in this price range. You also get up to 13.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, which means the IdeaPad Slim 3 will easily last a full work day before it needs more juice.

Of course, going with a budget Chromebook means that you'll have to make a few sacrifices. The laptop only comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage, for example, so don't expect lightning-fast speeds or impressive gaming performance. There's also no fingerprint reader or backlit keyboard, and it's a bit disappointing that Lenovo didn't give the IdeaPad Slim 3 a convertible design given its ultra-lightweight build.

That being said, if you want an affordable, lightweight Chromebook that's good for basic tasks, look no further than the IdeaPad Slim 3. At just $189 with the current discount, the laptop is an absolute steal, while premium specs like the FHD touchscreen display are simply the cherry on top. I wouldn't buy the IdeaPad Slim 3 at full price any more, but if you need something simple for under 200 bucks, this is the deal for you.

Spring is a great time for big smartwatch deals, and this year is no different. As such, Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here and the retailer has cut 38% off the price of the CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2, bringing the discounted price down to just $49.

Despite the super-low price tag, this cheap Android watch sports a good-looking AMOLED display, a massive battery life, AI health and sleep monitoring tools and 131 sports modes to choose from. Beyond that, it's impressive to see a device with dual-band GPS at such a low price point, while it also boasts a comfortable, sporty wristband that users like.

This deal is currently available for the watch options featuring an Orange and an Ash Grey band, while you can pay just a little more to get a slightly smaller discount on the Dark Grey and Blue colors.

• See the full list of deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale

✅Recommended if: you want a basic, entry-level smartwatch that still doesn't compromise on good health tracking features, AI-powered health insights, or a good-looking and highly functional AMOLED display; you need a smartwatch with dual-band GPS but you don't want to fork over the cash required to get a premium-level device; battery life is a major priority for you when it comes to buying a smartwatch, and you need something that will last you well over a week with each charge.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for some of the best smartwatches for Android users on the market, and you have the budget to upgrade to something a little more pricey; you have devices from other brands than Nothing and you want to maximize compatibility by going with the same brand as those devices; you need a watch with

The Watch Pro 2 is a great affordable device that doesn't pull punches. Even being as cheap as it is, the Watch Pro 2 features dual-band GPS, up to 13 days of battery life per charge, HR and sleep monitoring, and Bluetooth calling. It also boasts an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, along with 131 sports modes, making it a certifiably solid watch for under $100.

The arrival of the Macbook Neo has really shaken up the affordable laptop industry, and some retailers are responding to the launch by slashing prices on a few of our favorite Chromebooks. 

The Lenovo Chromebook, arguably the best Chromebook that money can buy today, just scored a $100 discount during Best Buy's TechFest sale event, knocking the price down to $649.

This versatile laptop has been tried and tested by our team, coming complete with an ultra-lightweight build and great battery life straight out of the box. Discounts on the Lenovo Chromebook Plus have historically been pretty rare, so seeing a $100 drop during Best Buy's TechFest is quite the welcome sight.

• See the full list of deals at Best Buy TechFest: ends Sunday

The Lenovo Plus 14 was the first Chromebook to utilize the efficient Kompanio Ultra 910 processor, guaranteeing snappy performance whether you're gaming, streaming your favorite TV shows, or presenting a video call. The laptop also boasts a vibrant 14-inch OLED touchscreen display with 16GB of RAM and a bunch of onboard AI functionality. 

Battery life should easily last up to 17 hours on a single charge, plus you get premium features like a fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard. All of this in a laptop that clocks in at just under three pounds? Sign me up.

Now for the million-dollar question: how does the Lenovo Chromebook Plus compare to the new MacBook Neo? Well, it's complicated. If you, like me, spend most of your day using Google apps, sticking with a Chromebook seems like a no-brainer.

This configuration of the Lenovo laptop also boasts more RAM and a bigger OLED display than the $599 Neo, plus you get a backlit keyboard and a touchscreen display, two things that the MacBook lacks. Both laptops are similarly disappointing in the port department, coming with only two USB-C slots.

Of course, MacBooks are undeniably great devices backed by Apple's unshakeable reputation, and it's likely that the Neo will continue to put a dent in the Chromebook market over the next few years. But break it down pound for pound, and you might be surprised at how well spec'd this Lenovo Chromebook is by comparison. You really can't go wrong either way. 

Amazon's Spring Deal Days sale is live in the UK, but one of the best Chromebook deals I've seen all year is not getting the attention it deserves. For a limited time, you can get a stellar 57% slashed off the price of the Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Duet 11, a historic discount that drops the price of the laptop down to just £149.99!

What the Chromebook lacks in power it makes up in general versatility. Weighing just 510g, the versatile device comes with an 11-inch display, detachable keyboard, and up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. 

• See the full list of deals from Amazon Spring Deal Days

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 11 is essentially a versatile Chromebook and Android tablet all rolled into one, with a vibrant 11-inch FHD+ WUXGA display, MediaTek processor, and up to 12 hours of battery life. 

Your purchase also comes with a detachable keyboard and stand so you can easily convert the device from a laptop into a tablet and back again whenever you want. For just £149.99, the Chrombook also gets you 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 5MP camera (with privacy shutter) for video calls. 

Of course, this is still a cheap Chromebook, so don't expect a ton of premium features straight out of the box. The Lenovo Duet 11, for instance, lacks support for expandable storage via microSD, and the detachable keyboard may not feel as sturdy or as reliable if you're switching from a traditional laptop. The 4GB of RAM may also not be sufficient for some online games or heavy file management. 

That said, if you just need a simple device for streaming, studying, or surfing the web, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 11 will do the trick for cheap — particularly if you can add on a 57% discount from Amazon. 

What you need to know

• The new $599 MacBook Neo marks Apple’s most affordable MacBook in years, targeting Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs.
• However, instead of an M-series processor, the Neo runs on the A18 Pro.
• The laptop ships with macOS Tahoe, plus features like iPhone Mirroring and Apple Intelligence.
• With bright color options and an education price as low as $499, Apple is going after buyers who usually pick Chromebooks.

Apple usually stays out of the budget laptop market. That’s why the new MacBook Neo is such a big change.

At $599, this is Apple’s most affordable MacBook in years, the company says. It’s aimed at the market usually filled by Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs. For students, first-time laptop buyers, and anyone who just wants a simple everyday machine, Apple is suddenly offering a far lower price of entry into macOS.

Until now, the cheapest MacBook was the MacBook Air, starting at $1,099 for the latest models. The Neo is about $400 less than any new MacBook before it, making a clear gap between this budget option and the rest of the lineup.

A Mac powered by an iPhone chip

To lower the price, Apple made a bold move. The MacBook Neo uses the A18 Pro chip, which is the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro.

This is different from Apple’s usual M-series laptop chips, but it matches what the Neo is meant for: everyday tasks like browsing, working on documents, video calls, and streaming.

Even so, the hardware is solid. The Neo has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display (2408 × 1506 resolution, up to 500 nits brightness), 8GB of unified memory, storage options of 256GB or 512GB, a Magic Keyboard, a large multi-touch trackpad, a 1080p FaceTime camera, side-firing speakers with Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, and up to 16 hours of battery life.

The laptop comes with macOS Tahoe and supports features like iPhone Mirroring and Apple Intelligence tools. It still fits well into Apple’s larger device ecosystem.

Preorders are open now, and the MacBook Neo will be available starting March 11.

Apple cut corners, and that’s intentional

The Neo’s price tag doesn’t come without trade-offs. The base $599 model includes 256GB storage, but skips Touch ID, while the $699 version adds 512GB and the fingerprint sensor. There’s also no option beyond 8GB of RAM, and storage tops out at 512GB.

There are a few other missing features. The Neo doesn’t have Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging, fast charging, or a backlit keyboard. It only supports Wi-Fi 6E.

Apple’s goal is clear. It’s aiming at price-sensitive buyers, especially students and casual users who might otherwise choose a Chromebook or a low-cost Windows laptop.

The colorful design supports this goal. The MacBook Neo is available in Citrus, Blush, Indigo, and Silver, with matching keyboards. This makes it feel more like Apple’s playful iMacs than the usual minimalist MacBooks.

Apple also has an education price as low as $499, putting the Neo right in the same price range as mid-tier Chromebooks.

Android Central's Take

The MacBook Neo could be a big deal for many people. A $599 Mac makes it much easier to join Apple’s ecosystem, especially for students and casual users who just need something reliable for schoolwork, browsing, and streaming. The specs are basic, but if Apple can deliver the smooth macOS experience people expect, this could finally give buyers a real alternative to Chromebooks and low-end Windows laptops, without having to spend over a thousand dollars.

A range of Chromebook deals has hit the proverbial shelves this Presidents' Day, including $220 off the price of the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 laptop at Best Buy, which is a versatile touchscreen laptop that packs a serious punch.

We've named it the best 2-in-1 Chromebook on the market, in no small part due to its touchscreen and multi-use hinged design or its vibrant, 14-inch, 120Hz display. It also boasts a range of pretty powerful specs, easy access to Google Gemini features, and a long-lasting battery.

Normally priced at $700, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 isn't a cheap device, but you can sometimes find it on sale like it is now. At just $480, it looks like a fairly good pick for those who want a lot of power without going full premium, and variety in the way they'll use their laptop.

• Last chance! See the full list of deals from Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale

✅Recommended if: you want a laptop with a touchscreen and an easy-to-use hinge for multiple use cases; you want something powerful enough to handle high-performance tasks, as well as something with access to some of Google's latest Gemini AI features; you like a laptop with a roughly 14-inch display.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't want a laptop with a touchscreen and you would rather consider one of Acer's other Chromebooks to save a bit of money; you prefer a larger or smaller laptop than this one; you need something with more than 256GB of onboard storage, or you'd rather go with a laptop that includes an AMOLED display.

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 features a 14-inch touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 180-degree rotating hinge that lets you use the computer in an upright configuration, and a battery life of up to 17 hours, according to Acer.

Performance is backed by a pleasantly impressive MediaTek Kompanio Ultra CPU and 12GB of RAM, while it also features 256GB of storage and decent connectivity options. These include two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, and a headphone and microphone jack.

The Chromebook also includes a backlight keyboard, and the intuitive Chrome OS, as well as some of the latest Gemini AI tools from Google. The company also says it's built with military-grade durability, aluminum top and rear covers, and sturdy hinges for upright use.

To be sure, it includes an LCD display which doesn't offer quite the same vivid experience as premium-level AMOLED displays, but if that isn't a dealbreaker for you, everything else about this laptop should make it seem pretty appealing at this price point.

Chromebook deals are bountiful this Presidents' Day, and those who are looking for a slightly more-premium experience will love this next entry. Best Buy is currently offering $250 off for this 15.6-inch HP Chromebook Plus, marking nearly half off the normal purchase price.

The laptop includes a 15.6-inch Full HD LED screen, a full-size keyboard with a number pad, and a thin, lightweight design that's perfect for taking it on the go.

It's not a powerhouse in terms of performance, though it usually competes with rivals in the mid-range category, and as such, it should compete really well at this price point. It also has 128GB of storage, and if that isn't enough for buyers, it features a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a cheap laptop and you've liked other Chromebook interfaces in the past; you want something affordable with decent performance for web browsing, streaming, and basic school or work tasks that don't require high-level processing; you like a laptop with a large screen of around 15.6 inches, and you don't want to pay a premium-level price tag for it.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a laptop with industry-leading performance, and you'd instead consider some of the best Chromebooks on the market across price ranges; you prefer a smaller laptop to a larger one, and portability is one of your main priorities; you prefer Samsung or other manufacturers, and you'd rather hold out for deals on those.

The HP Chromebook Plus bills itself as a decent mid-range laptop option, with a normal sticker price of $549. It includes a 15.6-inch LED display with a Full HD resolution, 128GB of storage, a microSD slot, and 8GB of RAM. It'll also outperform the base-level Chromebook lineup across many brands, as supported by the Intel Core i3 processor, which sports boost clock frequencies of up to 3.8GHz.

HP says this laptop will get up to a little over 13 hours of battery life, and while that certainly isn't industry-leading, it's sure to be enough for most casual users, students, and professionals.

Some laptops, like the premium-level HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, feature additional features like a haptic trackpad, a Digital Pen, and other features that better rival those with Windows and macOS. However, if a low price point is your main concern and you don't mind going with a Chromebook Plus, this discount may be a really good time to pull the trigger.

What you need to know

• Acer’s latest Chromebooks prioritize durability first, designed to survive drops, spills, and daily backpack abuse.
• The Chromebook 311 and Spin 311 are Acer’s first education models powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 540.
• The processor enables up to 15 hours of battery life on a charge and allows for a completely silent, fanless design.

Classroom laptops often take a beating. They get stuffed into crowded backpacks and sometimes have to survive spilled juice boxes. Student devices need to be more than just smart; they need to be tough. Acer understands this, and its latest education Chromebooks focus on both durability and strong internal features.

Acer has introduced the Chromebook Spin 311 (R725T) and the regular Chromebook 311 (C725), which are the first education Chromebooks to use the MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor. While we usually see Intel or older ARM chips in this segment, this new silicon promises to handle the heavy lifting of modern STEM apps and Minecraft Education Edition without breaking a sweat.

The Kompanio 540 chip helps these laptops last longer. Acer says you can get up to 15 hours of battery life on one charge. The chip also makes a fanless design possible, so the laptops stay quiet during study time.

Acer designed these laptops to meet MIL-STD 810H standards, so they can handle drops from up to 48 inches (122 cm). The keyboard also has a drainage system that can direct up to 11 ounces (330 ml) of liquid away from the inside. So, if a water bottle leaks, the motherboard shouldn't fry instantly.

Easy, modular repairs

For parents who are tired of replacing devices, repairability is a big advantage. Acer now uses a modular design, so you can swap out the keyboard by removing only two screws. The keys are attached securely to prevent kids from pulling them off, but if one breaks, it is easy to fix. The USB-C ports are also modular, making them simple to replace without changing the whole mainboard.

These laptops are ready for the future when it comes to connectivity. Both models support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. This may seem unnecessary for now, but as school networks improve, these laptops will keep up and not slow things down.

Keep in mind that while these laptops are very durable, the screens are still 11.6-inch HD (1366x768) panels. This is typical for this type of device, but you should not expect 4K quality visuals.

Both models will be available in North America in March 2026. The Chromebook 311 starts at $500, and the Spin 311 starts at $580.

It's officially a new year, meaning a fresh batch of post-holiday laptop deals for many. For example, right now Best Buy is offering the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus for just $600, marking a $150 discount on our favorite Chromebook Plus option on the market.

We like Samsung's Galaxy line Chromebook Plus for multiple reasons, especially including its good-looking 15.6-inch display and its super-lightweight build. It also boasts powerful performance backed by an Intel chip, an impressive number of ports, and a price tag that feels fair, even before the discount.

Perhaps the most significant downside is the device's lack of a fingerprint scanner, and the fact that this is the computer's only available configuration. There are also some laptops around this price point that seem to have a better handle on battery life, though perhaps none that match this computer's level of performance.

• See the full list of deals at Best Buy

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a powerful and portable Samsung laptop for around $600, and you have other devices within the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem that you also like; you want a relatively large AMOLED screen of around 15.6 inches; you're looking for a laptop that has a lot of connectivity options without sacrificing overall slimness and portability.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a laptop with a different-sized screen, a touchscreen, or a 360-degree rotating hinge; battery life is a major priority for you, even if it means getting something with a little bit slower performance; you're looking for something with a built-in fingerprint scanner.

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a powerful device, featuring an Intel Core 3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch AMOLED display that's really pretty and easy on the eyes. For those and other reasons, the laptop has landed the spot for the best Chromebook Plus in our top Chromebooks index, along with its wide range of ports, including an HDMI port, two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a microSD slot, and a headphone jack. This laptop is also Samsung's lightest and slimmest laptop, making it an ideal pick for anyone who needs something especially portable.

Samsung says this laptop will get up to 13 hours of battery life per charge, and while that's plenty for most casual users, those who want an industry-leading device in this regard may be able to find that elsewhere—even if it means spending a bit extra.

However, for those who don't need the absolute best battery option or an onboard fingerprint scanner, the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a solid pick, and even more so at just $600.

The modern world is full of distractions, but if you're hoping to level up your productivity in 2026 without breaking the bank, a Chromebook could be the way to go. These versatile laptops are usually pretty affordable from the outset, but slap on a fresh discount and even the most premium Chromebooks become an absolute steal.

Whether you want over 50% off a top-rated Lenovo IdeaPad or a straight $150 off the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, keep reading for all of my top deals of January 2026. If you're not sure exactly what you're looking for just yet, you can also check out our guide to the best Chromebooks or see the FAQ at the bottom of this page.

The best Chromebook deals of the month

FAQ

What is the best Chromebook?

We chose the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 as the best overall Chromebook for most people, thanks to the laptop's powerful CPU, ultra-lightweight construction, and up to 17 hours of battery life straight out of the box.

That being said, the perfect Chromebook for you may depend on how you plan to use it. Do you need lots of battery life? What about a touchscreen? Do you need something portable to throw in a backpack or do you plan to keep the Chromebook on your desk most of the time? Answer these questions before placing an order and you'll be enjoying a dream device in no time.

What should a Chromebook be used for?

Most folks use Chromebooks for school, work, or basic tasks like browsing the web or streaming video content. These laptops are known for their straightforwardness, affordability, and portability; if you need a device for serious PC gaming or file management, you'll be better off using a traditional laptop.

Where can I find the best Chromebook deals?

Unsurprisingly, big retailers like Amazon and Best Buy generally offer some of the best deals on Chromebooks, but you can also check the manufacturers' sites to see if they're running any special promotions. Samsung, for example, commonly offers trade-in deals for folks who want to ditch old or broken devices, while Lenovo is known for running regular sale events throughout the year with exclusive Rewards and fast shipping.

• Chromebook deals: Best Buy | Lenovo | HP | Amazon

Cheap laptop season is always around the corner, as evidenced by the fact that Best Buy is currently carving $190 off for the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook. The deal comes as part of the Best Buy January outlet sales event, and it marks a nearly 60% discount on a laptop that already boasts a pretty affordable price tag.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a bare-bones laptop in a super-thin, lightweight housing. It comes with the user-friendly Chrome OS, while this particular version of the computer is the 14-inch, non-touchscreen model with 64GB of storage.

Still, it also has a microSD slot for those who need additional storage, and users also like the screen's bright, vivid look, as well as the computer's battery life. It also includes a 720p selfie camera for video calls, a privacy shutter, dual speakers, and a headphone jack out. It's not a performance model, to be fair, but it might feel a little like one compared to some of the competition around this discounted price point.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a laptop for under $130 that will still perform decently well across most tasks; you want a computer with a vivid display of around 14 inches; you like having a slim, lightweight laptop that's easy to carry around with you by hand, in a backpack, or other bag.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for the best Chromebook on the market and are able to spend the extra money for it; you need a laptop that also includes a fingerprint reader, or a wide range of connectivity options; you need a computer with more than 64GB of onboard storage, and you can't get away with using a microSD card to expand available storage.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook joins the wide range of Chromebook laptops across price points as a worthy competitor. With its 14-inch, 1080p display, up to 13.5 hours of battery life, and a super-low discounted price point, this could be a chance to score a device that truly punches above its weight class.

This IdeaPad Slim 3 comes with the smooth, swift Chrome OS, backed by a basic MediaTek Kompanio 520 CPU and 4GB of RAM. As for connectivity, buyers may also want to pick up a USB dock of some sort, as the device only includes a USB-C charging port, one USB-A port, a microSD slot and a 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack.

What you need to know

• Lenovo showcased a new Chromebook Plus 15" i with Google AI features, a 2K display, and up to 11 hours of battery life.
• Lenovo refreshed its Yoga and ThinkPad laptops, led by the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition with Intel Core Ultra 9 and OLED display.
• New accessories include a 140W 2-in-1 power bank and a multi-port 100W charger launching later this year.

Lenovo showcased its Meta Ray-Ban-style AI Glasses concept at CES 2026, but alongside that reveal, the company also shared details about a new Chromebook Plus model as well as refreshed laptops across its Yoga, IdeaPad, and ThinkPad lineups.

Like previous Lenovo Chromebooks, the new Chromebook Plus 15" i is a low-powered device running on an Intel Core i3 processor. That said, it still offers Google AI features and a large 15-inch 2K IPS display. The laptop includes audio tuned by Waves, a full-size keyboard with a dedicated numpad, and a large touchpad. Lenovo claims up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Designed for both education and personal use, the Chromebook Plus 15" i meets MIL-STD-810H durability standards. Lenovo says the Chromebook Plus will launch in Q2 2026 with a starting price of $470.

Beyond Chromebooks, Lenovo also refreshed its Yoga and ThinkPad series, which run Windows out of the box. Leading the lineup is the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition, featuring up to Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processors and a Tandem OLED display.

One of the more interesting additions across several Yoga laptops is the new Force Pad. It offers a larger touchpad that can also double as a drawing surface. Paired with the Yoga Pen Gen 2 powered by Wacom, users can use the trackpad for precise sketching and annotation.

Lenovo also introduced new charging accessories at CES 2026, including a multi-port 100W charger with three USB-C ports. It can simultaneously power a smartphone, a laptop, and an additional device.

The more notable accessory is the new 2-in-1 Combo Power Bank, which combines 140W charging with a 10,200mAh battery in a single unit. Like others in its category, it features a display showing input and output wattage, along with battery status, as well as the temperature of the device.

The 2-in-1 Combo Power Bank starts at $150 in the U.S. and will be available next month. The multi-port 100 W charger starts at $75 and will go on sale in April 2026.

With 2026 rapidly approaching, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that we've been doing a lot of thinking about what the future holds. Not just because of the current global component shortage that's wreaking havoc across the board, but also because it's just how we do things around here for everything from phones and smartwatches to Chromebooks and tablets.

That being said, over the past year, we've seen a lot of ups and downs across the market. But it's probably safe to say that Google and Qualcomm kind of put the whole market on a "pause" during Snapdragon Summit 2025. And no, I'm not just talking about Chromebooks or just talking about tablets, but both categories.

It's not an "if," but a "when"

I get the feeling we'll soon see a merger between Android tablets and Chromebooks. I wrestle back and forth between it being an adaptation of Android 16's Desktop Mode, a redesigned ChromeOS experience, or something else entirely.

There's a non-zero chance I'm just overthinking things, and it'll just be Android desktop mode, tuned for a laptop form factor. If Google takes this approach, it might be able to cut out much of the extra bloat that comes with providing both a mobile interface and a desktop-like one.

As a result, we could be looking at devices that are even faster and snappier than the current crop of Chromebooks and tablets. Plus, there is already evidence of Qualcomm adding support for Android 16, presumably for its Snapdragon X series of processors.

Seeing as MediaTek stole the show in 2025 by bringing the Kompanio Ultra to Chromebooks, this could be Qualcomm's way of fighting back.

Chromebook, tablet, who cares. Just give me Google hardware

Given the current smattering of Chromebooks and tablets, Google's only offering is the Pixel Tablet. The problem here is that the clock's ticking, with the final major OS update arriving in mid-2026, before Google's tablet is relegated to two and a half more years of nothing but security patches (and possibly Pixel Drops).

However, when the bombshell dropped at the Snapdragon Summit, there weren't any mentions of a third party making the hardware behind Google's Android laptop. Again, it's probably a case of me borrowing Jerry Hildenbrand's tinfoil hat for a minute (thanks, Jerry). But perhaps this new category of devices is what sparks Google to get back into the laptop hardware game.

I've been pretty vocal about wanting an upgraded Pixel Tablet, and even more vocal when it comes to the rumored Pixelbook 2. Instead of delivering either of those, Google might have just been playing the long game, waiting until the chips fell into place so it could do just that, but with this new software.

Chromebooks and tablets aren't dead, or dying

Regardless of the sensationalized headlines you might find yourself coming across, neither Chromebooks nor tablets is actually going anywhere. Even with the supposed Pixel Laptop expected to be debuted at some point in 2026, this will just be an additional hardware category, as opposed to being a replacement for an existing one.

"How can you be sure?" you might be asking. In November, a report from Omdia claimed that tablet shipments are up by more than 5% compared to 2023, with Chromebooks growing by about 3.1%. Arguably just as impressive is that tablets have continued to grow in popularity for "seven consecutive quarters."

So not only is there still an apparent demand, but it may also indicate that the market is ready for something different. We're already starting to see it with Android phones, courtesy of Samsung's and Huawei's new tri-foldable phones. Perhaps Google wants to perform one of its patented public product experiments.

As always, I want more

This time last year, I commented about how I wanted to see more compact flagship tablets. Although it didn't come to fruition in the way I thought it might, we did see smaller powerhouse tablets such as the Legion Tab Gen 3, Lenovo Y700 (Gen 4), and RedMagic Astra. None of these options is larger than 9.06 inches, and two of the three are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

I hope to see this trend continue in 2026, as I'm also hoping some of those region-locked devices expand to North America (i.e. Lenovo's Y700.) But more importantly, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that more companies enter the mix. It would be awesome to see Samsung release a flagship Android tablet in the footprint of the Galaxy Tab A9.

On the flip side of things, even with the Pixel Laptop thingamajig probably on the way, I'm still holding out hope for a Pixel Tablet 2. Hell, I'd be happy if it were nothing more than a spec bump, leaving everything else the same, including compatibility with the Charging Speaker Dock.

Or, at the very least, I hope Google will make a surprise announcement about a new smart home interface that will "replace" the Android build on the Pixel Tablet, extending its lifespan even further. It's not like Google couldn't do it. The Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max are powered by ancient processors, so a streamlined smart home-focused interface should breeze through requests and tasks.

Who the hell knows anymore

I can sit here and keep beating the drum about how Chromebooks and tablets can keep improving. But the truth is, I have no earthly idea what's on the horizon. There is some concern about Google entering a new product category, potentially causing confusion in the ranks and throwing a wrench into everything.

We've been there before, and it wasn't until long after the Chromebook Plus branding was introduced that some semblance of order was restored. That's not to say I think this is what's going to happen, but I do think that Google has to walk a tightrope if that's the path it chooses to follow.

Then again, skyrocketing RAM and storage prices due to shortages could mean that 2026 ends up being another boring year with OEMs not willing to provide any groundbreaking releases.

Every year, we see new Chromebooks launch, but this year, we saw not only new products but a massive uptick in people buying new laptops and Chromebooks.

Our resident expert and Senior Editor, Andrew Myrick, digs deeper into this year’s winners. Congrats, Lenovo, for taking the crown for Best Chromebook this year!

Read on more to know what Andrew has to say about all the winners, including best Android tablet and best e-reader!

Best Chromebook: Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14

For years, those who use Chromebooks regularly have been wanting something that is both powerful and power-efficient. Until the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, many wondered if this would have come to fruition.

Thanks to the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910, the Chromebook Plus 14 finally delivers exactly that. By making use of an ARM SoC, Lenovo and Google were able to provide an extremely performant device, while also offering the best battery life in a Chromebook that we've ever seen.

Best Android tablet: OnePlus Pad 3

Many Android tablets are stuck in a kind of weird spot, as the market demand is constantly in flux. However, Samsung has remained at the top of the food chain until now, as it's been supplanted by the OnePlus Pad 3.

The reasoning behind this isn't so much that the Galaxy Tab S11 series is bad, but it's more about what the Pad 3 offers. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, compatible with the OnePlus Stylo 2 and Smart Keyboard, and features a beautiful 13.2-inch, 144Hz LCD 3.4K display, all for $100 less than the Galaxy Tab S11.

Best e-reader: Amazon Kindle Scribe

E-Ink devices have seen quite the rise in popularity in recent years, thanks to options such as the Boox Palma 2. However, amongst the AC crew, it was actually the Amazon Kindle Scribe that came out on top as the best.

With the Scribe, you’re already getting one of the best e-readers available, but with the added benefit of being able to use it as a digital notebook thanks to the included stylus. Not only that, but the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft will be arriving soon, perfect for those who prefer a color display over the traditional black and white.

Chromebooks: B / Tablets: A

When you're as forward-focused as we are, it can be difficult to even remember what happened last month, let alone last year. There is a constant onslaught of new releases, software updates, and industry changes that are shifting and evolving. While the market for Chromebooks and tablets isn't as volatile as smartphones or wearables, 2025 surprised me in a few ways.

I guess that's to say that I'm thankful that I'm able to look back and review what my thoughts were at this time last year. Both Chromebooks and tablets were in a completely different place than they are today, and as 2025 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on how things played out over the past 12 months.

A rollercoaster of a year for Chromebooks and ChromeOS

For much of the year, things were fairly quiet with Chromebooks. Really, the first half of the year was more "ho-hum" than I expected, with new Chromebook releases being quite iterative. It wasn't entirely unexpected, as Samsung and Lenovo ended 2024 with a bang thanks to the former's return to the platform after a hiatus, and the latter bringing us another great hybrid option.

Fundamentally, there weren't many drastic changes made to ChromeOS, as Google shifted its focus to better implementing Gemini into the system. Little did I know that bigger plans were on the horizon for both the hardware and the software.

Flagship ARM chips bring x86 power without sacrificing battery life

The major shift didn't really begin until the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 was revealed in June, offering the "dream" Chromebook with excellent performance and incredible battery life. Lenovo certainly delivered, thanks to the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910, an ARM chip that goes toe-to-toe with some of the best traditional x86 chips found in Chromebooks.

Not only does this make for a very snappy Chromebook, but the Kompanio Ultra allowed Google to implement even more on-device Gemini functionality. Up to this point, a few AI tasks could be handled locally, but many still relied on cloud processing, potentially slowing your workflow. That's now changed, as you're now able to perform tasks like editing images with Gemini on your Chromebook.

It wouldn't be until September that we would see the Kompanio Ultra arrive in another option, as Acer picked up the mantle with its Chromebook Plus Spin 514. It offers the same level of performance as Lenovo's Chromebook, but has the benefit of sporting a convertible design, whereas the Lenovo sticks to a traditional laptop design.

Just as impressive, if not more so, is the battery life for these new Chromebooks. Both the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 and Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 are rated to last for up to 17 hours on a single charge. This is a far cry from the 8-10 hours we're used to seeing on many of the best Chromebooks that rely on x86 processors.

It's not all sunshine and rainbows in the Chromebook world

While it was awesome to see the Kompanio Ultra set a new standard for what Chromebooks should be capable of, only two OEMs are bringing these to the masses. Samsung seems to be just letting the Galaxy Chromebook Plus ride the wave for a while, while ASUS and HP have pushed more iterative releases.

Honestly, that's not really a big deal, as it's still nice to have a bit of competition in the space, regardless of the price range. However, I was frustrated by OEMs' unwillingness to release Chromebooks with higher storage configurations. Some have microSD card slots, which is great (in theory), but not always reliable.

I hoped we'd see at least one Chromebook with 1TB of storage, but we didn't even get one with 512GB. Well, at least not one released for consumers and not limited to businesses.

This could become a problem rather quickly. One concern is that as Chromebooks become more powerful, it opens the door to more on-device Gemini and AI functionality.

However, to perform tasks on-device, the necessary AI models must be accessible locally, so they must be downloaded. So it's not entirely inconceivable that your brand-new 128GB Chromebook really only has around 100GB of usable space, which simply isn't enough for a daily computing device.

The other problem is that a memory shortage is already driving up the prices of RAM and storage. Just as a brief example, take the SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSD card. For much of the past year, it's hovered around the $100 mark, reaching a low of about $76 back in October.

However, over the past two months, the price creep has led the microSD card to be priced at $140. The same can be said for the 2TB SanDisk Extreme microSD card, which had an average price of $180 over the past 6 months, only to now cost an eye-watering $270.

Really, all I can say is that we all need to buckle in while the AI boom drives prices through the roof.

Smaller flagship tablets are trickling in

Pivoting over to tablets, one of my biggest wishes coming into 2025 was that we would end up seeing smaller flagship tablets released. Man oh man, not only did we see that, but I'd almost go so far as to say it's becoming a trend with more and more options becoming available.

Lenovo kicked off the year in a big way by releasing the 8.8-inch Legion Tab Gen 3 here in the U.S., which is essentially just a rebranded Y700 2024 that was only available abroad. Lenovo also released the Y700 (Gen 4), powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, but the company has yet to bring that tablet to the U.S. market.

However, the RedMagic Astra arrived in June, bringing with it both a 9.06-inch OLED display and the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Unlike the Y700, the Astra is available here in the States, serving as the most powerful Android tablet that doesn't feel like you're carrying around a laptop.

I hope to see even more tablets under 10 inches released in 2026, but I'm also pretty happy with the current state.

Android tablets are actually good again

For those who don't care quite as much about having smaller, powerful tablets, 2025 was really a banner year for the category across the board. Samsung led the charge with its release of the Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, both of which are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus.

OnePlus dethroned Samsung as the best Android tablet with the OnePlus Pad 3, which runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite and features an excellent 13.2-inch, 144Hz display. But it also comes equipped with plenty of great features to improve the experience, and I don't mean just by shoehorning AI into every facet of the software.

Lenovo and Xiaomi also released new flagship tablets, while Honor beat everyone else to the market with the MagicPad 3 Pro, the first tablet powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. I haven't gotten my hands on that one just yet, but I'll hopefully be able to change that in the near future.

Arguably, the best part of all this is that, aside from Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11, all these tablets can be had for under $1,000. For years, Samsung dominated the tablet market, but it seems the tide is finally beginning to shift, as more and more OEMs are entering the ring.

2026 might flip everything on its head

Looking back at the past year, there are reasons to be excited about both Chromebooks and tablets, regardless of your stance on one versus the other. However, it might not be long before the two converge into a single device, as Google and Qualcomm alluded to the potential of an Android-powered laptop at the most recent Qualcomm Summit.

At the moment, we don't really know much about what a supposed Android Laptop powered by Qualcomm would look like, aside from trying out Desktop Mode in Android 16. I can't imagine this being the replacement for ChromeOS, as the platform continues to grow and is heavily relied upon in schools. But I'm also intrigued by how this will be positioned in a market dominated by Windows and macOS.

Then again, this could just be an experiment with Google, wanting to see where it goes before deciding what the future holds. Or it could really spell the beginning of the end for Chromebooks and even laptop-replacement tablets like the Tab S11 Ultra.

I'm excited to see what's to come as we head into 2026, as I hope both Chromebooks and Android tablets continue to grow in popularity. That said, I am also concerned about the dark clouds moving in across the tech space as a whole, and what the space will look like if memory shortages continue to plague the industry.

If you're ready to upgrade, but you still want a good premium laptop deal, then this next entry is right up your alley. Best Buy has slashed the price of our favorite Samsung laptop by $450, just as the holidays are kicking into gear. The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro is a serious performance machine, and while it's still not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, this deal brings the laptop down to just $1,200.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Book 5 Pro last year, offering a powerful lineup of Copilot Plus-backed PCs that are made for an AI-integrated, performance-driven experience. This deal is for the non-360 model, which doesn't have the 2-in-1 design, though it still packs a punch in a traditional laptop body that also includes a touchscreen display.

The lineup includes an upgraded CPU model from previous generations, a wide range of connectivity, and a slim, lightweight housing that makes it easy to transport. While the price tag is perhaps the largest deterrent to the Galaxy Book 5 Pro, $450 in savings definitely doesn't hurt if you were already considering a $1,000-plus laptop.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a good deal on a premium laptop, and you don't mind spending over $1,000; you like a lightweight laptop with a large screen of around 16 inches, and you'd prefer one with a touchscreen; you want an industry-leading device that can handle high-level, power-intensive tasks without issues.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a more affordable laptop option and you don't need the latest bells and whistles in AI and software; you don't care about having a touchscreen and would rather consider a traditional laptop option.

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro is the best Samsung laptop for more than one reason, but the 16-inch, 3K AMOLED touch display is definitely near the top of that list. The device's powerful performance is backed by an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor and 16GB of RAM, while it also features a capable Intel Arc 140V Graphics card suitable for gaming and other tasks.

This model includes 1TB of SSD storage, as well as a wide range of the latest Copilot Plus AI features such as advanced image generation and editing, real-time language translation, seamless searches, and more.

While it's still a fairly pricey laptop by most standards, buyers definitely get what they pay for with the Galaxy Book 5 Pro, and especially at a $450 discount.

One of the more surprising Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals saw the Galaxy Chromebook Plus drop to $200 off. That's the lowest price we've ever seen for Samsung's flagship Chromebook. But if you missed out on that deal, Best Buy's got your back, as the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is currently $150 off.

Sure, this Chromebook deal might not be as good as the ones on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but it's still pretty incredible. Not to mention that Christmas is just over a week away, and I suspect that it'll be awhile before we see the Galaxy Chromebook Plus for this cheap.

✅Recommended if: You want an ultra-thin Chromebook that is incredible performant while featuring an absolutely gorgeous AMOLED display.

❌Skip this deal if: You prefer having (or need) a Chromebook that offers a convertible design, one that isn't quite as large, or you're on a budget.

Sometimes there are Chromebooks that just check most, if not all of the boxes. Unsurprisingly, this is the case with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, as remains one of the best Chromebooks of the year, and not just because it's from Samsung.

The 16-inch AMOLED display is just incredible, which really isn't much of a surprise given Samsung's reputation in the space. It's great for watching movies or playing games, and is large enough so that you don't feel cramped when using split-windowed apps or working with a bunch of different apps.

There is one potential caveat with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, and it has to do with the display. Unlike many of the other best Chromebook options out there, Samsung opted against offering a convertible design. As such, you'll need to look elsewhere if that's a key requirement for picking up a new Chromebook.

Even still, if the convertible design is not an absolute necessity, and you have the budget, then this is probably the Chromebook for you. And while it might not have the latest and greatest processor, there's still plenty of juice under the hood to handle much of what you can even think about throwing at it.

Samsung and Google worked closely on the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, as it was the first to feature a dedicated "Insert Key." This works in almost every app or browser window on your Chromebook. It also gives you quick access to basic things like an emoji picker, and of course, Google Gemini.

Speaking of which, if you do happen to snag the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, not only are you saving $150, but Google includes 12 months of Google One AI Premium. With this, you get 2TB of storage, access to the Gemini Advanced model, along with being able to make use of Gemini in your various Google apps.

With that in mind, you might want to move fairly quickly on this deal, as Christmas will be here before you know it. And as such, there's a pretty good chance you'll end up seeing the Galaxy Chromebook Plus return to its original retail price.

Chromebooks seem to be the hot gift item this holiday season, and luckily for us, there are plenty of deals to make these devices cheap enough to stash under the tree. Walmart's holiday sale has a bounty of these discounted laptops on display at the moment, and I've dropped a selection of my favorites below.

• See the full list of deals from Walmart's holiday sale

Whether you want a versatile HP laptop with a flip-and-fold design or something super straightforward and budget-friendly from Lenovo, keep reading for the best Chromebooks currently on sale during Walmart's holiday sale. Keep in mind that the deadline for ordering gifts with Christmas delivery is around December 16th this year, so don't wait too long if a particular deal catches your eye!

My TOP 5 Chromebook deals from Walmart's holiday sale

Holiday shopping 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 50% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: major discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line

Those in need of a serious Chromebook deal for the holidays are in luck. Right now, buyers can get $231 off the price of this HP 14-inch Chromebook at Walmart, marking a serious discount of over 50% from the normal purchase price.

This 14-inch HP Chromebook features the smooth and quick Chrome OS, suitable for a wide range of activities such as web surfing, music and video streaming, word processing and more, making it a good pick—especially at the discounted price point.

Purchase also includes three free months of Google One AI Premium, including Gemini, 2TB of cloud storage, and a handful of other bonus perks. Additionally, buyers will also get access to four free months of Apple Music, and three free months of Apple TV with their purchase. While this Chromebook does go on sale pretty regularly, this is one of the largest price drops we've seen. This deal is for the 128GB storage configuration of the laptop, and the one that comes in HP's Glacier Silver color.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a simple web book-style laptop for under $180; you're looking for one of the best Chromebooks for students; you like a mid-sized laptop with a screen of around 14 inches that also features an HD resolution; you like the quick, lightweight Chrome OS and you think mid-level performance speeds will be enough for you to complete school or work tasks, or basic, low-level gaming.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a performance machine and you wouldn't mind spending more on a laptop; you're looking for a 2-in-1 style laptop or one that at least includes a touchscreen; you need a computer that can handle high-level gaming and other power-intensive tasks and you'd rather consider some of the best Chromebooks on the market.

HP has long been known for being a trusted leader in the Windows and Chrome laptop spaces, and its Chromebooks are no different. To be sure, this HD laptop isn't going to feel like a premium-level device, but it's got plenty of power for most casual users, and a decent-looking display that will get the job done for most.

This laptop has a 14-inch display, up to 12 hours of battery life, 128GB of onboard storage, and 4GB of RAM. It also comes with a pretty basic Intel Processor N200, as well as access to a wide range of apps via the Google Play store.

Overall, it's hard to beat a solid Chromebook for under $200, and while it's not a premium device, it's definitely worth considering for those on a budget.

Holiday shopping 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 50% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: major discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line

There are plenty of tech products out there. Some are great buys offering excellent value, but others aren't. Most fall somewhere in the middle.

Unless you have the means to buy one of everything, you have to decide if something is the right fit for you. That can be hard; the companies making them will tell you that you need one to make your life complete, people who got a lemon or just didn't like it will say the product is garbage, and reviewers simply can't cover everything.

Often, it's good to take a step back and see what you're going to get inside that pretty package. Was it worth what you paid for it? Will you get enough use from it to justify the purchase? Or maybe you should hold off and see what's coming next.

We can't make those decisions for you, but we can tell you what we think and maybe where you should start your decision-making process.

Should you buy a brand-new Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook for just $189?

It usually sells for $399, but Best Buy really wants you to save some money even though Black Friday is long gone. It's not a terrible idea but is a great deal.

The Pros

The IdeaPad Slim 3 is not the end-all be-all of Chromebooks. It's not the best at playing games, nor does it have the greatest display you've ever seen. But it's super portable, and the battery seems to last forever.

It has insane battery life. The battery charges nicely and quickly, and once full, expect it to be there for you all day long. This one is a battery life champ!

Ultra-portable. The hint is in the name: Slim. The IdeaPad Slim sacrifices some amenities in order to be uber-portable and light, coming in at just 2.8 pounds. It's going to fit in any backpack or carry-on bag.

It has a big screen. You would expect a Chromebook designed to be light and easy on the battery to have a small display, but the IdeaPad Slim has a 14-inch FHD display. It's also a touch-screen!

The cons

Nothing is perfect, and there are some things to think about before you fork over your money for an IdeaPad Slim 3.

It has 4GB of RAM. It's capable, but just. You can do anything a Chromebook is capable of doing with 4GB of memory, but you can't do too many things at once. Watching a video or playing an Android game is no problem, but don't do both for the best experience.

It has 64GB of storage. That's not too bad, but it might be limited depending on what you're looking for. The real issue is that you can never change out the embedded storage to add more

It's already two years old. Like your phone, there is a limited support lifetime for Chromebooks. This version of the IdeaPad Slim should be supported by Google officially until 2032, so there is still plenty of life left in it.

The trackpad and keyboard aren't going to amaze you. They're more than adequate, but with this one being perfect for things like online school work or for a student to carry to class, you'll be spending a lot of time using the trackpad and keyboard. They could be better and more responsive.

My verdict

So should you buy the IdeaPad Slim 3?

Ask yourself do you want or need something easy to carry with long battery life for getting any sort of work done? Or do you need something cheap yet capable for homework and business away from your desk?

If you said yes to either of these, this is perfect for you. It's not the Chromebook for the showcase, but it is a workhorse that will last you all day. When you can get one this cheap, it's a really good deal if you need it.

Cyber Monday and Black Friday laptop deals are mostly over, but those still looking will appreciate this next entry. Even after the sales, buyers can score a $170 discount for the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go at Best Buy, marking over half off the price and bringing it down to just $160.

Samsung released the Chromebook Go as its slimmest and lightest laptop yet. This deal is for the 128GB storage configuration, while it also sports a 14-inch screen, 4GB of RAM, and an Intel Celeron CPU.

To be sure, it's definitely a laptop that's meant to be more budget-friendly than some, though it isn't going to offer anything too impressive from a performance standpoint. Still, it's not a bad pick for casual users, those surfing the web and streaming movies, or those who are performing basic word processing, spreadsheet, or other netbook-level tasks.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for an extremely thin Chromebook that's easy to take with you wherever you go; you like the simple Chrome OS and you're looking for something more affordable than other Samsung Galaxy Books; you want a laptop screen of around 14 inches.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a performance machine that can handle high-level computing; you'd prefer a 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen or something with a higher screen refresh rate; you have the budget to upgrade to one of the best Chromebooks in the mid-range or premium categories.

Samsung offers a wide range of Chromebook options with its Galaxy Books, but the Go was specifically designed with the intent of being affordable and highly portable at just 3.2 pounds. It also has a 14-inch LED display, 128GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, and up to 12 hours of battery life per charge.

As for connectivity, the Galaxy Chromebook Go includes two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, and a headphone-microphone jack, as well as offering 45W USB-C charging. It also has a 720p selfie cam and built-in microphones for video meetings or recording, as well as a durable 180-degree hinge for multiple viewing angles.

While it's not an industry-leading device by any stretch of the imagination, Samsung does highlight that the Go features substantially faster performance as well as a WLAN card that's around three times as fast as previous Galaxy Book generations. There are definitely other potential options out there, but this deal seems pretty solid compared to rivaling models around this price point.

Holiday shopping 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 50% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: major discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line

Whether you're doing some holiday shopping or simply upgrading the home office, I just noticed one leftover Cyber Monday Chromebook deal that deserves your immediate attention. Best Buy has decided to extend a deal that carves $200 off the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, an ultra-lightweight and versatile laptop that's well-suited for both work and play. 

We've tested dozens of Chromebooks over the years, and the Galaxy Chromebook Plus stands out as one of the best laptops we've used. That being said, it's not exactly cheap, which is why deals like this have become so crucial to shoppers.

• See all the best deals at Best Buy today

The Galaxy Chromebook Plus is further proof that Samsung is the master of manufacturing sleek, lightweight devices that don't skimp on performance or cutting-edge features. 

Straight out of the box, the Chromebook Plus offers a gorgeous 15.6-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, while under the hood you'll get a powerful Intel Core 3 100U chip and 8GB of RAM. There's also 256GB of expandable storage and a surprising number of ports, especially given that, at 11.8mm thick, the laptop is actually thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. It's also the first Chromebook to come with the Quick Insert key, a new feature that lets you access Gemini and other streamlined AI features more easily. 

Of course, there are a few drawbacks with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus. For one, it doesn't have a touchscreen or a convertible design, and the battery life (estimated around 13 hours max) is a bit disappointing given the steep price tag. You also don't get a fingerprint scanner with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, and you're limited to the 256GB storage configuration (although you can expand the storage using a microSD card). 

On a $300-$500 Chromebook, these issues wouldn't be a big deal, but I've come to expect more from laptops in the $750 range. Fortunately, this Best Buy discount places the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus much closer to where it needs to be, just in time for holiday shopping. 

Holiday shopping 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 50% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: major discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line

Samsung surprised us in late 2024 when it made a triumphant return to the Chromebook space with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus. Fast forward to today, and it remains one of the best options out there. But now, it's one of the best Cyber Monday Chromebook deals, as it's $150 off.

Frankly, we're kind of surprised to see that this deal is still hanging around, as it was one of the first big Black Friday deals we saw. However, there are still a bunch of great Samsung Cyber Monday deals going on, so it's awesome to see the Galaxy Chromebook Plus included.

✅Recommended if: You want a Chromebook that's incredibly thin and lightweight, while still being able to enjoy a beautiful and massive 15.6-inch AMOLED display.

❌Skip this deal if: You need a Chromebook that offers a bit more "oomph" in the horsepower department, or one that sports a convertible design.

Very few expected Samsung to jump back into the Chromebook mix, but it did so with a bang. This was the first Chromebook to be released with the Quick Insert key, giving you easy access to Gemini from practically anywhere. Not only that, but it understands the context of whatever window you're using, meaning that when pressed, the Quick Insert menu will show relevant and/related tasks.

The star of the show, for some at least, is the gorgeous 15.6-inch AMOLED touchscreen display. Outside of those who suffer from PWM, Samsung's displays are some of the best out there, and the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is no different.

For others, the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is an intriguing option due to how thin and lightweight it is. It weighs just 2.58 pounds, and at the thinnest point measures in at a mere 11.8mm (0.46-inches.) Surprisingly, this is actually thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but of course, not the redesigned Galaxy Z Fold 7.

As you'd expect, it's no slouch in the performance department either. It's powered by the Intel Core 3 100U chip, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage. However, this is the only configuration that Samsung offers, which is rather disappointing.

Nevertheless, with Cyber Monday winding to a close, it won't be long before this deal is gone again. So make sure you jump on the train before it runs out of steam.

Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
• Cyber Monday Google Pixel deals
• Cyber Monday Motorola deals

We have seen a ton of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Chromebook deals over the past few days, but many folks may be wondering what they can do to maximize their laptop experience before the sales wrap up.

Well, you're in luck: a ton of the most essential Chromebook accessories on the market are still seeing outstanding discounts as we approach the end of the sales, and I've gathered some of the best options below. Need a mouse for your new laptop? What about a gaming controller? Whether you plan to use your new Chromebook for work, play, or simply browsing the web, the accessories below will give you the best Chromebook experience imaginable. That said, most of the best Cyber Monday deals are set to expire at midnight tomorrow night, so don't wait too long if something catches your eye!

Top 12 essential Chromebook accessories

Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday

When it comes to finding different deals to share, you'll rarely see me recommend a Chromebook for under $150. This is because those sub-$150 Chromebook deals just aren't worth it. But, I'm breaking my personal rule after seeing that Lenovo's Slim 3 Chromebook is just $119, a savings of $200.

In fact, I'd even go so far as to say that this is the only time you should really buy the Slim 3 Chromebook. It usually fluctuates in pricing whenever it's not Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day, but I've never seen this Chromebook for this cheap.

✅Recommended if: You're in the market for a cheap laptop or tablet to do some lightweight tasks, and don't care about a convertible design or touchscreen.

❌Skip this deal if: You're on the lookout for a cheap Chromebook, but need something with a bit more power or one that at least includes a touchscreen.

• Even more Cyber Monday Chromebook Deals

So what makes this such a compelling deal? The answer is simple, really: it's just a well-rounded machine. This is the case with many of Lenovo's other Chromebooks, regardless of how cheap, or expensive, they can get.

With the Slim 3 in particular, you're getting a 14-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution which makes for a nice and crisp screen. While this model in particular doesn't feature a touchscreen, that's not really a bother since you can't flip the screen back and use it as a tablet anyways.

As for performance, we have the MediaTek Kompanio 520 at the helm, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. This is usually the point where I would tell you to stay away, but Lenovo found magic in a bottle here. No, you won't be able to have a slew of app windows and Chrome tabs open at the same time, but it's great for lighter browsing.

What seals the deal for me is the battery life. Lenovo rates the Slim 3 Chromebook to last for more than 13 hours, and that's even with a 1080p display. A lot of times, I'll see a cheap Chromebook rated to last that long, only to find out that it's using a 720p screen, which isn't exactly ideal.

Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Cyber Monday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Cyber Monday
• The best Samsung deals of Cyber Monday
• The best Motorola deals of Cyber Monday

Black Friday laptop deals are still going strong, with some premium laptops getting serious price cuts. Amazon has slashed 30% off the price of the 15.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Book 5 360, marking an impressive $400 in savings on the premium 2-in-1 laptop.

The Galaxy Book 5 360 is one of our favorite convertible Samsung laptops, right behind the upgraded Pro version. Both of these laptops come with a pretty hefty price tag, to be sure, but the regular model is a little cheaper and looks extra appealing at the current price point.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Book 5 lineup this year, featuring a rotating 360-degree screen that's perfect for use as a traditional laptop or as a tablet. It also includes a vibrant 15.6-inch AMOLED display, a capable CPU, and a wide range of Samsung's latest Galaxy AI features such as AI Select, Photo Remaster, and more. Meanwhile, the laptop also comes with 512GB of storage as standard, up to 31 hours of battery life per charge, and a lightweight design that makes it easy to transport. Samsung says it can charge up to 39% in just 30 minutes, It's also compatible with other Galaxy devices, easily letting users add an additional screen with their Samsung tablets or phones.

It's worth noting that the discounted price tag will still cost buyers a pretty penny, but if you were already considering spending around $1,000 on a premium laptop, this might be a good opportunity to pick this one up.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a powerful, rotating 2-in-1 laptop and you have other Samsung Galaxy devices or you've liked the brand's products in the past; you're looking to spend around $1,000 on a premium laptop with high-paced performance speeds and a large, good-looking display; you're looking for something with at least 512GB of storage.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd prefer to go with a mid-range or budget-level laptop with a much cheaper price tag; you like laptops with a smaller screen than 15.6 inches; you don't need a 2-in-1 or convertible laptop and you'd prefer to either go with a tablet or a regular, traditional laptop.

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 360 is the slightly more affordable, smaller sibling of the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360, which is our top pick for the best 2-in-1 Samsung laptop available. As such, it still features many of the same things we like about the Pro model, save for a few pieces of upgraded hardware.

The Galaxy Book 5 360 comes with a 15.6-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 512GB of storage, a powerful 2.2 GHz Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and an impressive 31-hour battery life. Despite featuring the 360-degree display hinge, it's fairly durable and weighs just about 3 pounds, making it perfect for those on the go.

The laptop also includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, a microSD port for expandable storage, and an HDMI port. It also features a headphone and microphone jack, and Wi-Fi 7 for swift wireless internet connections.

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

Black Friday Chromebook deals are officially going live across multiple retailers, and some of our favorite models are among them. As part of its Black Friday sale, Best Buy just slashed $180 off the Asus CX14 Chromebook Plus, our favorite cheap Chromebook there is. The CX14 sports a 14-inch Full HD display, a long battery life, and a decent performance that's suitable for most use cases.

It comes with 128GB of storage, as well as the smooth Chrome OS included with most Chromebook options. It also has a 1080p selfie camera, a built-in microphone, and a 3.5mm jack for use with headphones. This isn't the pick for those who need a touchscreen, but if you're looking for a straightforward laptop at a great price, this is a Black Friday deal to remember.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a mid-sized laptop with Chrome OS and smooth performance for web browsing and low-level tasks; you need enough battery life to get through a workday or a day of classes and note-taking; you'd prefer a laptop that has a USB-C port that can also be used as display outputs.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd prefer a laptop that also includes a touchscreen; you need a computer that has either more than 128GB of onboard storage or at least a microSD port for added storage; you're looking for a premium-level performance computer and you have the budget to upgrade to something more powerful.

The ASUS CX14 and CX15 Chromebook Plus models were released earlier this year, sporting a wide range of Google Gemini AI features, two screen size options, and the quick Chrome OS that users have come to love over the years.

The CX14 is the smaller of the two with a a 14-inch Full HD LED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, and while there is a touchscreen option available, this model doesn't include one. It does, however, offer up to 10 hours of battery life per charge, an Intel Core 3 Series 1 for decent performance, and 8GB of RAM for optimal multitasking capabilities.

Beyond that, the CX14 also comes with a USB-C display and charging port, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a built-in headphone jack, making it easy to use with a handful of other external devices.

To be sure, you probably shouldn't pick this one up if you need a performance machine, though there's also more than one reason why it's our favorite cheap Chromebook option available right now—especially with the added Black Friday discount.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: major discounts on Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: official Black Friday discounts on tablets, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday (so far)

What you need to know

• A Google job listing confirms "Aluminium OS," a new Android-based operating system for PCs, is in active development.
• Internal references to “non-Aluminium ChromeOS” suggest Aluminium may be an internal codename, not necessarily the final consumer branding.
• Google is baking Gemini-powered AI features directly into the OS, indicating a deeper redesign instead of a simple ChromeOS refresh.

Google is quietly setting the stage for one of its biggest platform pivots in years, and new evidence points to a new desktop-centric version of Android taking shape under the name Aluminium OS.

A recent job listing on LinkedIn, spotted by Telegram user Frost Core, describes Google as working on “a new Aluminium, Android-based operating system,” which all but confirms the project’s existence, Android Authority reports. But at the same time, internal references to “non-Aluminium ChromeOS” suggest that Aluminium may be an internal codename used by Google’s engineering teams.

This shift is not unexpected. Android leads on phones and tablets, and ChromeOS is popular in schools and basic laptops. But Google hasn’t managed to enter the mainstream PC market, which is still ruled by Windows and macOS.

AI at its core

That leaves Google with a clear path: unify its strengths and build a desktop-class platform on top of Android, rather than trying to stretch ChromeOS further. The job listing backs this up, revealing that Aluminium OS is meant to run on laptops, detachables, tablets, and mini-PCs. Google is also designing this system with AI woven into its core, making full use of its Gemini models and signalling that whatever comes next won’t just be ChromeOS with a different coat of paint.

More hints come from the hardware roadmap. Engineers mention distinct tiers such as AL Entry, AL Mass Premium, and AL Premium — labels that sit alongside existing “Chromebook” and “Chromebook Plus” categories. This suggests that Aluminium-based machines might co-exist with ChromeOS for a while, and it’s not limiting the new OS to budget machines. If anything, Aluminium seems designed to scale from cheap student laptops to premium hardware — exactly the space where ChromeOS has struggled to thrive.

The transition won’t be sudden either. Google’s own wording talks about guiding the company “from ChromeOS to Aluminium with business continuity."

The name is still a wild card

The name is still uncertain. “Aluminium” matches Google’s internal codename style, but it doesn’t scream consumer branding. It might appear on retail devices, or Google might fold the new system under the ChromeOS banner to avoid confusing buyers.

Until the company locks it in, Aluminium is best understood as a label for the platform’s development phase, even if it strongly hints at the future direction of Google’s desktop efforts. The first devices running this Android-based desktop OS are expected to arrive in 2026, and that’s when Google will finally have to decide what name it wants the world to say out loud.

While Lenovo might've beaten Acer to the punch by releasing a Kompanio Ultra-powered Chromebook, the Chromebook Plus Spin 514 has one key feature that Lenovo's offering doesn't. Instead of sticking to the traditional laptop form factor, Acer's latest Chromebook sports a convertible design, making it much more versatile. This makes for a compelling reason to choose the Spin 514, and now, it's on sale for $100 off over at Best Buy.

This deal is available as part of Best Buy's early Black Friday promotion, of which we've already seen quite a few Chromebooks discounted. But saving $100 on the Spin 514 is particularly exciting, not just because it's one of Acer's latest offerings, but also because it's the first time that this Chromebook has gone on sale.

✅Recommended if: You're in the market for a Chromebook that is both powerful and offers truly all-day battery life, while offering the added benefit of being a convertible.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a Chromebook that features a better selection of ports, such as an HDMI port, without needing to rely on external solutions.

Part of what makes this Chromebook special is that it's powered by the Kompanio Ultra processor, one of the best chips we've seen come from MediaTek. It basically provides the "dream" scenario for potential Chromebook buyers, as this chip is powerful enough to handle heavy multi-tasking, along with supporting more on-device AI features and functionality.

At the same time, Acer understands how important versatility is when it comes to getting a new Chromebook, and the Spin 514 delivers here, too. The convertible design lets you use this Chromebook in a variety of different ways, such as folding the screen back and using your favorite USI pen to take notes, draw, or even just play games without the keyboard getting in the way.

Many Chromebooks manage to check off those two boxes, but are often at the mercy of subpar or disappointing battery life. That's not an issue with the Spin 514, as this beast is rated to last for up to a whopping 17 hours of battery life on a single charge. It doesn't get much better than that.

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

What you need to know

• Google has announced a partnership with NVIDIA to make game streaming more accessible.
• GeForce NOW Fast Pass is a new subscription that is being made available "exclusively" for Chromebook owners.
• To celebrate, if you buy a Chromebook starting today (Nov. 20), GeForce NOW Fast Pass will be included "for one year."

Gaming is more popular than ever before, a trend that continues to rise thanks to the barrage of excellent games being released. This is also true of Chromebooks, and Google has announced a new partnership with NVIDIA, introducing GeForce NOW Fast Pass.

With this announcement, Google states that "GeForce NOW Fast Pass allows users to stream over 2000 PC games directly to their Chromebooks." Since GeForce NOW was already available for Chromebooks, you might be wondering what the big deal is.

Well, if you're an existing Free Tier subscriber, you'll likely find yourself stuck waiting for ads before actually being able to jump into a game. Fast Pass "eliminates ads, so you can just fire up your Chromebook, connect a controller, and start playing.

There are some limitations, as it seems that Fast Pass isn't an alternative to the Performance or Ultimate GeForce NOW subscriptions. Instead, it can be seen as more of a supplement, as you're limited to "10 hours of gaming per month, with up to five unused hours rolling over." For comparison, both Performance and Ultimate allow for up to 100 hours of monthly playtime, along with an abundance of additional features.

Google also confirmed that anyone who buys a Chromebook starting today (November 20) will get GeForce NOW Fast Pass for free, for one year. This comes at the perfect time, as many Black Friday Chromebook deals are already live, meaning that you'll get yet another perk when picking one up.

While some Chromebooks are capable of enjoying Steam games, it's not exactly a viable option for many. Storage limitations are just one reason why, and that's provided that you're able to even get more than a game or two running. And while there are a bunch of fantastic games available on the Play Store, it's not quite the same as playing a new AAA title.

Thankfully, cloud gaming solutions such as GeForce NOW, Xbox Game Pass, and Amazon Luna help to fill the gaps. Of the bunch, GeForce NOW is a favorite among many, as it connects to various game libraries, letting you stream many of the games you already own.

One can't help but wonder what the cloud gaming landscape would look like if Stadia were still around.

Samsung laptop deals aren't as common as we'd like, but Best Buy's Black Friday sale is about to change all of that. For a limited time, the retailer is chopping $370 off this 15.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Book 4, sending the price down to a manageable $529.99. While the current Galaxy Book 5 lineup offers some of our favorite industry-leading laptops from Samsung today, most casual users will get what they need out of the Book 4 model.

The Galaxy Book 4 features a relatively bright, Full HD screen, and this particular model comes with 512GB of SSD storage. It's also got a long-lasting battery, and easy compatibility with other devices within the Samsung ecosystem. Additionally, it comes with the Windows 11 Home OS, the Copilot AI assistant, and a built-in voice assistant with Bixby. It's also compatible with other voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa, Cortana, and more. It's a Black Friday deal for the history books, so don't wait too long to make your move.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a laptop that's larger than average but still offers enough battery life to make it through the work day; you like having a laptop with a sleek, minimal design; you've liked other devices within the Samsung ecosystem and you want something similar and powerful.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen and the ability to fold it into more of a tablet; you'd rather upgrade to a newer generation device, and maybe to one of the best Samsung laptops available today; you're not looking for a mid-level or premium laptop, and you'd rather get a computer for under $500; you prefer a lightweight laptop.

The Samsung Galaxy Book laptop series has been well-liked since its inception, and the Galaxy Book 4 is no exception to the rule. This particular version of the laptop comes with the huge, 15.6-inch Full HD LED display and a 60Hz refresh rate, sporting up to 300 nits of brightness. It also comes with 512GB of SSD storage, which is plenty for most.

Meanwhile, the laptop's performance is backed by 16GB of RAM for optimal multi-tasking capabilities, as well as a 10-core Intel Core 7 Series 1 CPU that features boost clock speeds of up to 5.4 GHz.

As for connectivity, the Galaxy Book 4 features two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a headphone and mic jack, an HDMI output and an ethernet port. The laptop also comes with a 45W USB-C power supply, a backlit keyboard, a 720p selfie cam, and a built-in set of stereo speakers.

It is worth noting that this isn't a particularly lightweight laptop at almost 3.5 pounds, but if that doesn't bother you or stop it from being portable enough for you, then this price point might be right.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday (so far)

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, and we've already seen some fantastic Black Friday deals on Chromebooks. And now you can save $45 on my favorite Chromebook of the year, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.

This deal comes directly from Lenovo, and is specifically for the top-end model. That means it's equipped with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to go along with the Kompanio Ultra 910 and beautiful 14-inch OLED display.

✅Recommended if: You want a Chromebook that doesn't compromise battery life for performance, or vice-versa.

❌Skip this deal if: You need a Chromebook that sports a convertible design, or you're on a budget.

When you've been using and reviewing Chromebooks for as long as I have, it can be somewhat difficult to get overly excited with every release. Occasionally, something new will show up that brings the spark back, and Lenovo's Chromebook Plus 14 did exactly that.

Many are already aware that Lenovo makes some of the best Chromebooks, but the Chromebook Plus 14 is on a different level. That's because it was the first Chromebook to include the Kompanio Ultra 910, an ARM chip that is just as powerful as some of its x86 counterparts.

This is particularly exciting as it means that we finally have a Chromebook that is extremely powerful, but doesn't sacrifice battery life. In fact, the Chromebook Plus 14 is rated to last for up to 17 hours on a single charge, which is absolutely incredible.

Not only that, but the Chromebook Plus 14 also allows for more on-device AI features, removing a bit more of the reliance on the cloud. All of which is packed into a sleek design with a subtle nod to the Pixelbook Go with its unique bottom casing.

All of this is to say that if you want the best Chromebook, regardless of your budget, then the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is the way to go.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday (so far)

Chromebook deals are a dime-a-dozen this time of year, but it's unusual to find an offer this good. . Right now, Best Buy is offering the Acer Chromebook 315 and a bonus laptop sleeve for over 50% off, bringing the price down to just $119.

This Acer Chromebook 315 features a 15.6-inch Full HD display, 64GB of storage, and enough battery life to get through most workdays. While 64GB of storage isn't much for those who need a lot of space for large file types, the laptop also has a MicroSD slot for expandable storage of up to 1TB. The laptop comes in Acer's Sparkly Silver color, while the included first-party case comes in a Navy Blue color.

To be sure, buyers shouldn't expect to get a premium-level laptop out of this device, but if you're looking for something affordable that's suitable for basic-level tasks, web browsing, and streaming, this Chromebook is a great pick for dirt cheap.

• Need a new Chromebook? These are four of my favorites and they're already on sale ahead of Black Friday

✅Recommended if: you're looking for an affordable laptop with a large screen that also comes with a protective sleeve; you value having a battery life of around 10 hours per charge; you prefer laptops with broad connectivity so you can use a range of external devices, or those that are suitable for use as gaming laptops.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a performance-level laptop that can handle tasks like video and audio editing or hardcore gaming; you'd rather go with a device that includes a touchscreen; you need more than 64GB of built-in storage or you're looking for something with an external display output such as an HDMI port.

Acer's lineup of Chromebooks feature a broad range of options, though the 315 Chromebook is a great pick if you want a large screen and a pretty good battery life on a budget. This laptop features a 15.6-inch LCD screen, which is great for those who like a larger laptop, along with 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, and up to 10 hours of battery life per charge, according to Acer. This particular Best Buy deal also comes with an included Acer-brand case, if you'd prefer to have one bundled with your laptop purchase.

As far as connectivity goes, the Chromebook 315 includes two USB-A and two USB-C ports, a headphone and mic input, along with a microSD port. It runs the smooth Chrome OS, and while it's no performance machine, it's a great pick for those needing a decent device at only $150.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday (so far)

What you need to know

• A recent rumor suggest Qualcomm is adding Android 16 support to its Snapdragon X series of processors.
• It's currently unknown as to whether Qualcomm will be doing the same for its Snapdragon X2 chips.
• Even with this progression, we're still likely a few months away from seeing the first Android laptop.

There were quite a few announcements made at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit earlier this year, which included confirmation that Android laptops were on the way. Recently, it was discovered that Qualcomm "is working on Android support for the X Elite and X (series)" processors.

Bringing Android support to Qualcomm's flagship ARM SoC was one of the hurdles that needed to be cleared before either Google or Qualcomm could move forward. However, with this out of the way, it's probably safe to assume that the development cycle will ramp up fairly rapidly.

It's not like we were expecting to see any Android-powered laptops before the end of the year anyways. But, given that the announcement was made in late September, it's reassuring to see meaningful progress being made before the end of the year.

As a refresher, Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon X series of processors in June 2024, debuting as the company's latest attempt to bring Windows to ARM devices. A few companies released new hardware to accompany the launch, such as Samsung with its Galaxy Book 4 Edge, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 11.

After years of failing to really compete with Apple's M-series, Qualcomm seemingly struck gold with the Snapdragon X lineup. Our colleagues over at Windows Central found that the X Elite nearly matched Apple's M3 Pro and M3 Max in single-core CPU performance. Meanwhile the X Elite (80W) goes toe-to-toe with the M3 Pro when it comes to GPU performance.

At the most recent Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X2 series of processors, looking to build on the success. In regards to the Snapdragon X2 Elite, Qualcomm says that CPU performance "up to 31% faster" than its predecessor, "and requires up to 43% less power."

As for GPU performance, the Snapdragon X2 Elite is said to offer a "2.3X increase in performance per watt and power efficiency." Not to mention that there's also the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, but I wouldn't hold my breath if you're hoping to see this powering an Android laptop.

Nevertheless, it's still exciting to see Qualcomm moving forward, even if the first batch of Android laptops aren't powered by the Snapdragon X2. I'm sure more information will continue to trickle out, but I'm not expecting to see much until after the new year. And a year after I wrote about it, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for a Surface Pro-style laptop powered by Android.

Black Friday Chromebook deals are showing up weeks ahead of the big sale, including $180 off this Acer Chromebook 315 at Best Buy—bringing it down to just $120 and marking a 60% discount.

The Chromebook 315 sports a 15.6-inch IPS display with Intel UHD graphics and a Full HD resolution. This particular deal is for the 64GB storage configuration and comes with a blue laptop sleeve, while the laptop itself comes in Acer's Sparkly Silver color.

If 64GB of storage isn't enough for your needs, the computer also features a microSD port for expandable storage. It is worth noting that this is a fairly basic Chromebook, and while it won't offer peak performance speeds, it does come with the smooth and user-friendly Chrome OS, and up to 10 hours of battery life. This deal also includes three free months of Google AI Pro and 2TB of Google Cloud storage, in addition to the included laptop case.

Still, at just $119, it's a great budget-friendly pick that's worth considering, especially if you're a casual user or just need something powerful enough for basic, low-level computer tasks.

• See the best deals from Best Buy's Black Friday sale (so far)

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a basic netbook-style Chromebook for web browsing, low-level word processing, and similar tasks; you want a laptop that's affordable, along with being super thin and lightweight for optimal portability; you're looking for a laptop bundle that comes with a case and you're open to the Acer Chromebook lineup.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for one of the best Chromebooks available and you have the budget to upgrade to something more performance-focused; you want a 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen; you need a computer with more than 64GB of onboard storage.

The Acer Chromebook 315 includes a 15.6-inch IPS LCD screen with a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, 4GB of RAM, and a basic Intel Celeron processor.

As far as connectivity goes, the 315 has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm headphone and microphone input, and the aforementioned microSD slot. Beyond that, it also features a 720p selfie cam, an onboard mic, and a backlit keyboard.

It's definitely an economy-level laptop, but don't misjudge this budget Chromebook for its price; it also has the smooth, swift Chrome OS and up to 10 hours of battery life per charge, making it well worth the $119 for the right buyer.

Chromebook deals are popping up weeks ahead of Black Friday, including $240 off this 2-in-1 Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus at Best Buy.

Not only is the Flex 5i Plus our favorite Chromebook for students, but it also features a 2-in-1 folding design that allows users to use it as either a traditional laptop or a tablet that can be stood up in "Tent Mode" or flattened to focus on touchscreen use. In either case, Lenovo says it'll net users up to 11 hours of battery life per charge, while also offering a wide range of connectivity options including two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a 3.5mm headphone and mic jack, a microSD slot for expandable storage, and a Kensington lock.

It doesn't feature an upgraded configuration like most Chromebook options, although if 128GB of storage isn't a dealbreaker for you, then this is a pretty great price point. Additionally, Best Buy will give you 12 months free of Google One AI Premium with 2TB of cloud storage and a wide range of the latest Gemini AI Advanced features.

✅Recommended if: you want a medium-sized laptop that also has a touchscreen and doubles as a tablet; you need a device that's more powerful and has better performance than many of the budget-friendly Chromebook options; you've liked other devices with the light and smooth Chrome OS in the past.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a laptop that has a screen with a refresh rate of over 60Hz; you don't want a laptop that includes a touchscreen, and you'd rather take a look at the rest of the Chromebook Plus lineup for something that's a better fit; you aren't looking for something with power-intensive performance and you'd rather save money going with a budget Chromebook option.

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a great pick, especially for any students looking for a powerful option with a touchscreen. It sports a 1920 x 1200, 14-inch IPS touch display, and it's also fully foldable if you prefer to use it as a tablet, or as a standing tablet in the "Tent Mode" setup.

Lenovo also says it boasts up to 11 hours of battery life per charge, and performance is backed by the Intel 13th Gen Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. While it only comes with 128GB of storage, it also includes a microSD port for added storage of up to 1TB, and it has a wide range of Google Gemini AI features for those who are interested in that.

Today is a sad day for millions around the world, as Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10. Released in 2015, this operating system introduced a dramatic shift away from the "Metro" interface of Windows 8 and 8.1. It's also been regularly maintained despite Windows 11's introduction in 2011, with millions of users still relying on it for their daily computing needs.

So, with Microsoft ending the chapter on Windows 10, what does that actually mean? For starters, it's not like your laptop or computer will just stop working altogether. Those with compatible computers will likely eventually upgrade to Windows 11, but what if your computer doesn't meet the requirements? Well, you're in luck, as you can install ChromeOS Flex and not worry about buying something brand new when your current laptop works fine.

What is ChromeOS Flex

ChromeOS Flex has been around for quite some time, as it was originally known as CloudReady and was developed by Neverware. It allowed you to install and use a modified version of ChromeOS on a virtual machine, adding a layer of versatility to your computing arsenal. Back in 2020, Google acquired Neverware, before eventually re-releasing and rebranding CloudReady as ChromeOS Flex.

In doing so, Google also announced that it was making it possible to install ChromeOS Flex on select laptops and computers as a way to replace whatever current operating system you were running. This list has continued to expand over the years, as there are now thousands of laptops and computers that are Certified to work with the platform. Plus, Google regularly updates the list of compatible models, so you can easily figure out whether ChromeOS Flex will work on your computer.

To put it more simply, ChromeOS Flex is just a modified version of ChromeOS tweaked to work on laptops and computers that aren't Chromebooks or Chromeboxes. This means Windows or Mac computers are eligible, transforming them into a new machine with a new operating system.

What are the benefits of ChromeOS Flex?

The most obvious benefit of ChromeOS Flex for those dealing with the end of Windows 10 is that it gives your computer a new lease on life. See, while you'll still be able to use Windows 10 on your computer, technically, until the end of time, there are a couple of problems that could arise. Arguably, the most important thing is that you'll no longer receive regular security updates, which could leave your computer open to malware and viruses due to vulnerabilities in the software.

Although you could rely on third-party apps to help keep your Windows 10 machine as virus-free as possible, there's another issue that lies ahead. There's a pretty good chance that whatever app or service you decide to use will eventually drop support for Windows 10 machines, putting you right back at square one.

By installing ChromeOS Flex, there's a good chance you'll be able to extend the life of your machine for at least a few more years. In some instances, the Windows 10 laptop you're currently using could have its lifespan extended by another six or seven years with ChromeOS Flex. Not to mention that it's almost impossible to get a virus on ChromeOS or ChromeOS Flex, with the only real threat coming in the form of installing rogue or nefarious Chrome extensions.

Replace Windows 10 with ChromeOS Flex

One of the best things about ChromeOS Flex is that it's extremely simple to install. We've already written a complete ChromeOS Flex install guide for you to follow, but here are the cliff notes:

• Backup all of your important files and documents either to the cloud (i.e., Google Drive) or an external drive.
• Verify that your laptop/computer is supported
• Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility from the Chrome Web Store.
• Use a USB drive and follow the steps to install the ChromeOS Flex image.
• Boot your computer from the USB.
• Install ChromeOS Flex.
• Enjoy!

The prospect of installing a new operating system on your laptop or computer might seem daunting, but as long as you follow the steps, it's really pretty easy. If anything, I'd recommend looking up how to boot from a USB, as some computers rely on a boot menu, while others require you to enter the BIOS in order to change the boot order. But beyond that, it's so easy that a caveman could do it.

And who knows. Maybe you'll mess around with ChromeOS Flex and decide that you prefer it over Windows. And maybe when it comes time to actually replace your computer, you'll first take a look at a Chromebook as opposed to anything else. After all, there are some great Chromebook models out there, such as the Galaxy Chromebook Plus or the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.

Amazon's Prime Day sale is now in its second and final day, meaning you can still snag a wide range of Chromebook deals and more. For those who are in need of a super-affordable laptop, the retailer has chopped 19% off the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook, making it just $178 during the sale.

We liked the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 upon its release, especially because of its lightweight, portable build, its 1080p display, and, arguably, most of all, because of its low price tag.

Despite the low price, we found the laptop to be more powerful and smooth than expected, and while it's definitely not going to perform like those on the premium end of the spectrum, it's a pretty solid laptop for the price. It comes with 64GB of storage, a microSD slot for added storage, and around 13 hours of battery life per charge. It also has a 720p selfie camera with a physical privacy switch, a headphone jack, Bluetooth capabilities, and more, making it a worthy contender amongst today's market.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a small, lightweight, and portable laptop with functionality for basic-level tasks; you need a laptop that has a USB-C charging port and/or a USB-A port; you've liked other Chromebooks you've had in the past and you're particularly looking for one for under $200.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather upgrade to one of the best Chromebooks on today's market; you want a 2-in-1 laptop that includes a touchscreen; you prefer other laptop OS options than Chrome OS.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a straightforward, no-frills laptop that still punches a bit above its weight. It has a 14-inch LCD screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and up to 300 nits of brightness.

While this discount is for the version of the Chromebook with just 64GB of eMMC storage, it also includes a microSD port in case you need additional space. It also comes with 4GB of RAM and a MediaTek Kompanio 520 CPU that really impressed us when we tried the Slim 3 out for ourselves.

This Chromebook charges using a USB-C port, offering around 13 hours of battery per charge. As for connectivity, the laptop also includes a USB-A port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the aforementioned microSD slot. It also has a 720p HD selfie camera for video meetings, along with a privacy shutter that can be switched to a closed position when not in use.

Prime Big Deal Days - quick links

• Amazon Prime 30-day FREE trial: Most deals are Prime-exclusive
• See all the Prime Day deals: USA | UK | Canada | India
• Rival sales: Best Buy | Walmart | Dell | Newegg | HP | Target
• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

This year's October Prime Day sale ends at midnight tonight, which means you only have a few more hours to take advantage of the best Samsung laptop deals this side of Black Friday. Fortunately, I'm here to cut through the fluff and tell you exactly which discounts are worth checking out and which you can skip altogether. Case in point: Amazon's sale is currently carving 30% off the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360, a versatile workstation and one of the best convertible laptops I've ever used.

The Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 takes all of the power of the standard Book 5 Pro and packs it into a versatile flip-and-fold design, which means you can turn the Samsung laptop into a tablet in an instant (that's where the "360" comes into play). 

Like many Samsung laptops, however, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is pretty expensive, which is why I wouldn't miss this opportunity. The Prime Day Samsung deal drops the laptop back to its lowest price ever recorded, the only catch is that you'll need to be a Prime member to enjoy the savings. 

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT - see the full list of deals

The 'excellent' Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 just crashed to a record low price

✅Recommended if: you want a portable, rugged Samsung laptop to replace your MacBook; you want a lightning-fast device with a gorgeous touchscreen display and convertible construction.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for something cheaper, smaller, or more straightforward, such as a Chromebook. 

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with 16GB of RAM straight out of the box, plus you get a 15.6-inch AMOLED touchscreen display (with S Pen support), quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, and up to 31 hours of battery life on a single charge. 

As a Samsung device, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 also comes with all of the latest Galaxy AI-boosted software features, such as real time translations during video calls. The laptop also features a rugged aluminum build and, perhaps most shockingly, weighs just slightly over three pounds. 

Needless to say, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is the perfect MacBook replacement for just about anyone who values performance with a great display to match. At $1,349.99, buying the laptop at full price could be a hard sell, but thanks to this Prime Day deal, the convertible Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is about to reach a whole new audience. 

Prime Big Deal Days - quick links

• Amazon Prime 30-day FREE trial: Most deals are Prime-exclusive
• See all the Prime Day deals: USA | UK | Canada | India
• Rival sales: Best Buy | Walmart | Dell | Newegg | HP | Target
• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Acer continues to make many of our favorite Chromebooks year in and year out. But just because there's a new model every year, that doesn't mean you need to upgrade to the latest and greatest. And when you can get a deal like saving $100 on last year's model, like this Prime Day deal on the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, it's too good to pass up.

Not only are you getting an excellent Chromebook with solid performance, but you'll also enjoy 12 months of Google AI Pro. This includes 2TB of cloud storage, which is great for pairing with a Chromebook, along with access to a bunch of awesome Gemini AI features. That is worth $200 on its own, meaning that you're really saving a total of $300.

✅Recommended if: You want an unassuming and reliable Chromebook that just gets the job done, without any frills.

❌Skip this deal if: You need a Chromebook with a convertible display or one that offers a bit better battery life.

There are times when you find a device that "just works," letting you get your work done without being overly flashy. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 falls into that category, complete with its rather basic and recycled design. One might even think this is an older model, simply because Acer has opted to keep things simple by basically only upgrading the internals over the previous model.

Powering this machine is the Intel Core i3-1305U, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While this might not match up to the likes of the Galaxy Chromebook Plus or Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, the Chromebook Plus 515 will still be more than sufficient for the majority of people.

It's equipped with plenty of ports, as Acer includes a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 3.5mm Audio Jack, and a full-size HDMI port. All while being packed into a chassis that won't weigh you down, regardless of you're traversing heading between classes or trying to catch a flight.

While it does feature a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, it lacks a convertible design. So if you were hoping to turn this into a digital notebook, you might be better off checking out the Prime Day deal on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11.

• For more on Prime Day 2025, check out our ultimate shopping guide

If you missed out on the back to school Chromebook sales, that's actually probably a good thing. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days has slashed the price of Lenovo's excellent Chromebook Duet 11 lower than ever before, coming in at $209.

For that, you'll get the best Chromebook tablet on the market, along with an included folio keyboard, which makes this deal even more insane. The only thing that you'll need to grab is a compatible stylus, and there are some great deals on a few of our favorite USI pens.

✅Recommended if: If you want a lightweight and portable Chromebook that doubles as an excellent tablet when paired with a USI pen.

❌Skip this deal if: You need a Chromebook that can handle more intense workflows with lots of different tabs, windows, and apps open at once.

As the name implies, the Chromebook Duet 11 sports an IPS display that's just about 11-inches, and looks much better than you might expect. While a lot of the rage is about devices having OLED screens, you probably won't even notice that the Duet 11 is using a 2K LCD panel.

Powering the Duet 11 is the MediaTek Kompanio 838, which also makes this a powerful device that easily makes it last through the day. The Kompanio 838 is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, providing enough power for most tasks.

Considering that there aren't very many ChromeOS-powered tablets out there, your options are already limited. However, Lenovo continues to prove that it's dedicated to providing an excellent experience, regardless of what the rest of the market looks like. That trend continues with the Chromebook Duet 11, and frankly, this is probably the best Chromebook deal for most people.

While Amazon has the cheapest deal on the Duet 11, both Best Buy and Lenovo have also discounted the Chromebook. The only difference being that those retailers are offering the 4GB/128GB model for $250, while this Prime Big Day Deals discount is for the 4GB/64GB version.

• For more on Prime Day 2025, check out our ultimate shopping guide

Chromebook deals do come around fairly often, partially just because of how many different device options there are across brands. One such deal includes $100 off the price of this already affordable 14-inch HP Chromebook, which is now selling for just $220. In addition to the laptop, the purchase includes a bundled 7-in-1 docking station, a microSD and SD card reader, a 32GB microSD card, a cleaning cloth, and a 3-in-1 charging cable.

It comes with the straightforward, well-liked Chrome OS, along with 64GB of storage, an HDMI port, and a basic HD display. It comes with a non-backlit, tenkeyless keyboard configuration, and a front-facing camera for video calling. The color is described as a Modern Gray, offering a simple, sleek design, and its size makes it more portable than laptops with larger screens.

Like many devices in the Chromebook lineup, it has a fairly low price tag (even before this discount), though it's meant to be used largely as a "netbook" for basic tasks, web browsing, and other activities that aren't too performance-intensive.

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✅Recommended if: you're looking for an affordable laptop for web browsing, streaming, or basic work or school tasks; you like a medium-sized laptop with a screen of around 14 inches; you want a laptop that includes an HDMI output and a broad range of useful accessories.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer a 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen; you need something that has a lot of RAM and can handle multi-tasking across performance-intensive applications; you'd rather upgrade to a mid- or premium-level laptop, like many of those included in our best Chromebooks index, and you have the budget to do so.

HP's Chromebooks offer a smooth Chrome OS experience that many users like, and this one is housed in a mid-sized, 14-inch HD display laptop in Modern Gray. It features 64GB of storage, and while it doesn't include a built-in microSD port for expandable storage, this particular bundle also includes a 7-in-1 docking station and an SD and microSD card reader, among other accessories.

Performance is backed by a basic Intel Celeron N4120 CPU and 4GB of RAM, and while it's no performance tank, it'll get the jobs done for those streaming, doing basic word processing or spreadsheet work, web browsing, or other low-level tasks. It also has a built-in HDMI port for utilizing external video devices.

If you're trying to find a laptop for high level gaming, editing programs, or other performance-intensive tasks, you'll probably want to upgrade to something more powerful. However, this HP Chromebook might be a good pick for anyone doing basic schoolwork or professional work, sending emails, or web surfing, and especially with the included bonus accessories and the discounted sticker price.