Can you imagine working from home without a laptop?
Well for me, addicted to a laptop and can’t even breathe without one.
I guess a normal person too, can’t think of working from home without a laptop.
I mean, how can you prepare assignments, take online classes, do music edits, and do many other tasks without a laptop?
But, why do you like to buy an expensive laptop when you can use a cheap Chromebook for working from home?
A Chromebook is as efficient as a laptop.
And in most cases more portable, and comes with longer than laptop battery backup.
I too use my laptop for mostly browsing, streaming, webcamming, and taking online classes and that’s it.
When I tried to use a Chromebook for the same kind of tasks.
Wallah, I can do anything related to online tasks, and my studies, without messing around with complex Windows files.
For you too, if you use your laptop working from home, browsing, taking online classes, zoom class, Google classes, or taking notes, use a Chromebook. You would love to see how efficient, seamless, and easy to use they are.
But the question here is, how can you find great Chromebooks for working from home?
Let me rephrase this question, how would you know what makes a Chromebook good for working from home?
Rephrasing again, what features make a Chromebook stands out for working from home?
This is where we are going to help you. We have gathered top Chromebook models and cheaper ones.
All the features and qualities that make them great to work from home.
You can pick any of the models, and I am sure you would not go wrong with any of them.
Best Overall:
Google PixelBook Go
Google Pixelbook Go is the best overall laptop not just because it comes from Google but because of the right power due to its i5 processor, two RAM options, lightweight, and above all FHD Webcam to help you attend online classes, to video conferences without any disruption, blurry, or faint images.
Yes, it is a little expensive but worth every penny you spend. It’s the right regular home laptop you can get hands-on.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Chromebook for Working remotely
Not all Chromebooks will suit your needs. It is you who needs to decide on the right type of Chromebook, with the right configuration.
Not all Chromebooks are designed the same, maybe your work requires handling dozens of tabs, and worksheets.
For that, you require a good processor Chromebook, core i3 Chromebook, or core i5 processor Chromebook.
In the same way, if you attend online classes, and take notes on the screen, you need a touchscreen Chromebook with digital Pen support.
Let’s discuss all these factors and make you learn what makes a good Chromebook for you.
The right Type:
Yes, the first thing is the right type of Chromebook. That means, a touchscreen Chromebook with a digital pen that converts into a tab or a non-touchscreen regular Chromebook.
Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook:
Things are changed from what they were long back. Now, people want to use their laptops as a tablet.
For that laptop, brands come up with an idea of a touchscreen with a convertibility feature.
Some Chromebooks convert into a tablet, the keyboard supports 360-degree conversion, and rolls back of the screen.
Most Chromebooks support touchscreens, but not all support convertibility into a tablet and Digital Pen.
So, if you have computing needs like taking notes on the screen, editing docs using a digital pen, reading eBooks, and many more, you should buy a Chromebook with digital pen support, and a convertibility feature.
Screen Size and Weight:
A lightweight laptop makes it very easy to travel with. If you move out or go to school, college, or university, it is necessary to pick a lightweight laptop.
The same applies to working from home too. Many think cumbersome heavy laptops perform better, no that’s not true.
I always recommend buying a 13-inches Chromebook. Well, most of the Chromebooks come with a 13-inches screen.
Most of the options you will see out there are already 13 inches or 14-inches in size. Take its weight into consideration too.
Thin, portable, and lightweight laptops are in trend; they call them Ultrabooks.
Power, functionalities:
This is the most important aspect, and one should pay special attention to it as well.
The power helps you run your laptop for the tasks you handle every day. From browsing to many other everyday tasks.
Well, Chromebooks are not designed for heavy computing tasks like high-res video editing, photo editing, or heavy software such as 3ds Max, Zbrush, Blender, and many others running.
They are made to handle online stuff. Here everything is online.
Still, for doing online stuff too, you require good power.
For that, if you handle dozens of tabs, worksheets, and docs, go with at least a core i3 processor Chromebook, or core i5 processor Chromebooks.
For RAM size, for a Chromebook 4GB RAM is more than just good.
Still, if you do lots of online things, go with an 8GB RAM. Or read our guide, on what size of RAM is good for Chromebook.
For storage, people don’t use a Chromebook to store hundreds of GBs of data. Like storing photos, videos, or lectures.
You can still use 100GB of cloud space, to store hundreds of movies.
But for onboard storage or integrated storage, I recommend going with 64GB RAM Chromebook or 128GB as per your need.
Display:
It is not very long when Chromebooks were considered to use only for browsing.
For binge-watching, Chromebooks were not considered ideal due to their HD screens, and poor viewing angles.
But now, Chromebooks are as bright and as good for binge-watching as laptops.
You see Chromebooks now have an FHD display, larger viewing angle, and sharper screen with IPS Panels to provide you with a super-smooth viewing experience.
If it is a convertible Chromebook, I recommend buying a Chromebook with little bezels on the sides.
Because, when you will convert your Chromebook into a tablet, without bezels, it will be hard to grab the screen.
So, make sure the Chromebook has an FHD display, with IPS panels, the screen resolution should at least be 1920X1080P if you aspire to binge-watch Netflix on your Chromebook.
Battery Backup:
I always consider battery one of the most prominent aspects when buying a laptop or Chromebook.
Battery or the option to work on a laptop without tethering to a power cord makes a difference between a laptop and a desktop.
Anyway, Chromebooks consume way less power compared to regular Windows laptops.
They at least last for 6-8 hours, even the poor ones too. But, for a CHROMEBOOK I recommend at least 10 hours.
Because, if you are attending a degree in College like Business majors, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or PA schools and medical studies.
It will be hard for you to catch up with a poor battery backup Chromebook.
Best Chromebook for Working from Home Reviews (2022)
1. Google Pixelbook Go (Best Chromebook Overall)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 processor ram: 8GB RAM
- Display: 13.3 inches FHD Touchscreen IPS display
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Weight: 2-pounds
- Backlit Keyboard
If you want me to recommend the best overall Chromebooks students use for their regular tasks, it is Google Pixelbook Go.
Google PixelBook Go is by far, the finest designed and performing Chromebook.
It checks all the boxes right; powerful performance, 8GB, and 16GB RAM options, FHD display, and above all just 2-pounds of weight.
Google Pixelbook Go comes in four configurations. Intel Core m3 processor, 8GB RAM, and 64GB storage variant comes in hands under the $600 price range.
I recommend the Core i5 processor variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage. You get the power needed to cater to a load of everyday computing.
From browsing multiple tabs to light photo editing, and assignment preparation, the i5 variant can handle it well.
If you look at the display of the PixelBook I can assure you that you can’t find it better than this in a Chromebook.
Full HD Sharp Touchscreen Display:
It has 13.3 Inches FHD IPS display with Wider viewing angles. The display is as bright, and more apparent, as a good laptop’s screen.
So, if you love to binge-watch, I can’t think of any other Chromebook Than Google PixelBook Go. Yes, as I mentioned above, there are bezels.
But they don’t look odd, they make the laptop screen greppable, especially for a touchscreen display.
Super-quiet comfortable Keyboard:
The second most impressive feature of Google PixelBook Go is its Keyboard. The only Chromebook that competes with Google Pixel Book’s Chromebook is HP 14.
Its keyboard is very quiet, smooth, and offers impressive travel.
There is almost no clicking noise, an impressive feature, especially for students who have to work at night without disrupting their roommate’s peace.
Lightest Chromebook:
Google Pixelbook Go is as light as a feature. Yes, it weighs just 2-pounds, but blazing fast. It is super-fast, unlike cheap Chromebooks.
It makes me do anything I like, the freedom that older Chromebooks could not offer to their users.
How much does a Chromebook weigh?
Longest Battery Backup:
Google Pixelbook Go can’t be beaten if you compare its battery. Yes, not just the well-thought-out design, and its performance but its battery backup is impressive too.
It lasts for around 12 hours in one-time charging. Plus, it takes only 20-minutes to charge enough to last 2 hours.
Full HD Webcam 1080P:
If you stay at home, working from home, you might have to do zoom calls. Well, the Google PixelBook Go comes with an FHD 1080P Webcam.
This can not only help you attend zoom meetings but online classes, with no grainier images.
Should I Buy It?
Google Pixelbook Go is an overall best Chromebook not only in my testing but every expert. It is a well-balanced package of power and portability.
It has an FHD crisp display, lightweight design, FHD Webcam, 12-hour battery, and above all it performs smoothly, without freezing.
This is what you may have to handle at home.
Also read: Best Chromebook with Number Pad
2. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook (Best for Home use under $100)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 processor
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Display: 13.3 inches 4K Display
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Weight: 2.29-pounds
- Backlit Keyboard
Samsung is a perfectionist, and you know that. The brand produces not only qualitative products but makes sure its products look cool too.
The same goes for Samsung-designed Galaxy Chromebook.
It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, one of the most beautifully designed laptops.
It is a red metallic constructed laptop, with the right infusion of power, performance, portability, and beauty.
Beautiful 4K AMOLED Display:
No doubt about the beauty, sharpness, clearness, and vividness of the 13.3 inches 4K AMOLED display of the laptop.
It shares a marvel look, brightness and contrast are super-amazing, and the touchscreen renders performance at its best.
It is a convertible screen display, that converts into a tablet. The screen looks perfectly thin, and integrated Stylus helps you get the most out of it is drawing enthusiasts or digital artists.
If you love to binge-watch, I can’t ask for a better display than this.
Overall Performance:
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook gives the toughest competition to the dominancy of Google PixelBook Go.
It comes with all the power a home user or a professional user can ask for.
I opened as many as two dozen tabs, watched movies on Netflix, and tried to put as much load as possible, but nothing could freeze it.
It’s because of its core i5 processor. The Chromebook got a Core i5-10210U processor, which helps you handle just about anything.
It comes with 256GB SSD storage, to help you store lots of movies, photos, and many other files. It also has 8GB RAM, and you know that 8GB RAM is more than Good for a Chromebook.
For storage, you can use the cloud storage, 100GB of cloud storage is given to a Chromebook. To help you store your files and videos on the cloud.
Pleasant Keyboard:
I find its keyboard very pleasant. Yes, it might not have enough travel, it is just 0.29 inches thick just.
And there is no room for travel, and you can’t provide travel in such a thin package.
But, if you compare the keys, it is well smooth and provides a good click.
Keys support backlighting and help students, as well as professionals to handle hours-long typing work.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook also comes with a fingerprint reader. It is a friendly fingerprint reader, that works quite well, and helps you secure your files and personal data.
Complaining Battery:
Yes, its battery backup is as complaining as many others are saying. And there is nothing you can blame Samsung for.
Guys, it is a 4k AMOLED display, the display we had never imagined for a Chromebook.
If you put this Display on a Google PixelBook, I can’t think of anything better that would have happened.
Should I Buy It?
If you stay at home, working from home, I don’t think of any other Chromebook than Samsung Galaxy Chromebook.
It has a stunning display, it is insanely compact, and above all, performs as smooth as butter.
In our testing the battery is its drawback, but if you are going to use this at home, I don’t think this would be an issue.
Also Read: Best Chromebooks with HDMI ports
3. HP Chromebook x360 (2-in-1 Chromebook for Students)
- CPU: 10th Gen core i3 processor
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 64GB SSD
- Display: 14-inches HD convertible display
- Backlit Keyboard
If you are a student and looking for the best convertible Chromebook to help you work from home, don’t skip HP designed Pavilion X360 Chromebook.
The reasons why I recommend this Chromebook for students are its superior battery backup, and impressive keyboard.
Display:
As I mentioned, this Chromebook is great for students.
It is a 14-inches display, an HD display, good for students to help you stream movies, seamlessly.
Well, the brightness might not be as good as you get with an Apple Macbook, it is 250-nits, gorilla glass display.
It is a touchscreen Chromebook, convertible, you can flip it over and convert it into a tablet.
Great to use as a tablet, thin bezels help you hold and grip it better while using a digital pen.
Power and Performance:
For me, its power is more than sufficient. It is a core i3 processor Chromebook, tested it with more than 10-tabs, a music app, and streaming did not freeze.
I don’t think for a student, even handling heavy docs files, or using a webcam for taking online classes, will make them suffer.
It is as good a Chromebook, and as powerful, as you expect a student’s laptop.
8GB RAM makes you handle anything to throw at it. From video editing to photo editing apps, and browsing to webcamming, it does it all.
Yes, 64GB storage seems low. I had expected at least 128GB SSD storage for a student’s Chromebook, especially a middle school student, distance learning, or a grad school.
But there is an SD card reader, which supports up to 256GB SSD storage extension, which easily helps extend the storage.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
I loved its keyboard, backlit enabled keyboard. The trackpad is large, gorilla glass constructed, but a little sluggish and sometimes does not register the touch.
The keyboard performance is more than just smooth, quiet keys, with a smooth and error-free typing experience.
The only problem I had with the keyboard is when it is rolled back on the screen, the speakers get muffled, as they are on the keyboard. Well, it is a design issue, not a keyboard problem.
Should I Buy It?
If you are a student working from home, handling your regular classes and other things at home, this is the right Chromebook for you.
It also supports Linux applications, and Android apps too. So, if you work from home and require Linux apps, this is the right laptop for you.
Plus, we loved its 2-Type-C ports, you can use one for charging as well. There is one USB Port as well, for those who love to connect a wired mouse.
Also Read: Best Chromebooks for Seniors
4. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 (Chromebook Under $400)
- 10th Gen core i3 U-series processor
- 13-inches FHD Touchscreen convertible
- 64GB of storage
- 8GB RAM
- 2-USB Type C, one USB Port
For a Chromebook working from home, it should be good enough to handle every kind of task.
From browsing to streaming, docs handling to music files editing, light Android games to assignment preparation.
For a Chromebook, it is hard to check all these boxes, unless it comes from Lenovo.
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 checks all the boxes right. It has a convertible FHD touchscreen display.
Powerful Processor, required USB Ports including 2 Type-C ports, a sturdy premium designed Keyboard, and much more.
Power and Performance:
For a Chromebook, it does not require a powerful I9 processor.
You see even an m-series processor handles ChromeOS well. But this Chromebook comes with a Core i3 processor, it is a 10th Gen core i3 U-series processor, that helps you do anything you like.
It also got a 64GB of storage. The storage though is lower than expected and what you might need working from home. But it got an SD card reader, with 128GB SSD card support.
Don’t forget the 8GB RAM. The 8GB RAM is enough even for a full-fledged Windows laptop or desktop system.
And with a Chromebook 8GB RAM is more than enough. It helps you handle anything. From browsing to video editing, photo editing, docs handling, webcamming, and much more else.
Don’t forget that this all comes under the $400 price range. A core i3 processor Chromebook laptop under $400.
Display:
You might say the screen size is low, it is 13 inches FHD Display but when you actually get it in your hands you find the screen is non-jeopardizing.
It is smaller enough to easily take around and big enough to help you do anything.
It is a convertible screen a Chromebook, supports a 360-degree FHD screen, and transitions into a tablet.
The bezels are narrow but good enough to provide you with a grip and hold when transforming it into a tablet.
Unbelievable Keyboard and Mouse:
I find this Keyboard unbelievable, what makes the typing extremely fast and responsive. The keys are well-spaced, quiet, and help you type easily.
The feedback of the keys is impressive, enough to let you know when the key is pressed or typed a letter.
The keys support backlighting but dim off when hands are away. Turns back on, when you hover your fingers over the keys.
Battery Life:
As I mentioned above it is hard for a Chromebook to check all the boxes right. But this one seems to check all, one by one.
The battery backup is one of the important aspects, people working from home pay special heed towards. This one lasts all day long.
You can take this out with you in a park, to have some fresh air, and do your tiny computing things.
Or take it to the nearest coffee shop, to sip your favorite coffee while having an eye on the screen.
HShould I Buy It?
To be a favorite working from home Chromebook, a laptop should be good enough to check most of the boxes right.
Especially display, Power, good backlit keyboard, all-day battery backup, and rugged enough to withstand roughness.
If you weigh this Chromebook on all the above-mentioned criteria, we find it stands heads and shoulders above the rest.
5. Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (Professional’s Chromebook for working from home)
- CPU: 10th Gen core i5
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 13.3 2K Touchscreen Display
Do you watch lots of movies on your Chromebook?
If yes, then pay special attention to a Chromebook’s display.
Not just the display, but for working from home, it should be a well-balanced package; portability, performance, and affordability.
If that’s what you are asking for, don’t overlook Acer Chromebook Spin 713.
Display:
I like the display of this Chromebook. It comes with a 13.3 inches UHD 2K display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, indeed work great to not only helps you view but get thing done quickly.
It is a retina display, that produces colorful images, and it is a really bright display.
Yes, it supports 360-degree conversion. With this convertibility, you can transform this Chromebook into a tablet, to take notes on the screen, draw on the screen, edit files, read blogs, and read eBooks.
Power and Performance:
If you compare the power, I don’t think any of the listed Chromebooks can compete with Acer Chromebook Spin 715.
It shares a 10th GEN core i5 processor. Go check and see how many brands are making core i5 processor Chromebooks.
This one is among very few models, and I am sure if you check its overall performance, it exceeds the expectations.
Not just the processing power, but it got a good-sized RAM too; 8GB.
About the storage, it got 128GB SSD storage. I like the storage size because in most Chromebooks you see only 64GB of storage.
If you prefer more storage, as you like to store your photos on a laptop, it also has an SD Card reader.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
Its keyboard is better than the previous Spin series Chromebook.
It has a full-sized backlit keyboard, to help you type through your required typing tasks, including assignments, writing tasks, lyrics writing, and much more others in the row.
The keys are well-spaced, and typing becomes as seamless as you like.
The trackpad is spacious too.
Should I Buy It?
If you are a professional, and due to restrictions or by choice are working from home Acer Spin 713 is the go-to Chromebook.
It is a great choice, stunning 2k display, 2 USB Type-C port, good battery, and overall power-packed performance
Also Read: Best Chromebooks with Ethernet Port
Wrap Up:
Working from Home Chromebook is different from a regular laptop. You have to handle a variety of operations using one laptop.
You require a powerful processor, portability, a good backlit keyboard, and all-day battery life.
For a Chromebook, it is hard to check all the boxes right.
But we tried to pick models that picked most of the boxes right.
These Chromebooks are hands-on options. You can buy any of them.
They all perform stunning and come in hands at the varied price range. You can pick as per your budget range.