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The best Chromebook tablets you can buy
There are many reasons why Chromebooks are great PC alternatives. They are fast, light, simple, convenient, and most are pretty affordable compared to traditional computers. Chrome OS devices come in all sizes, prices, configurations, and shapes. Those who want to buy a more conventional Chromebook can look at our list of the best Chromebooks, but today we will focus on the best Chromebook tablets. This unique breed of Chrome OS computers is more mobile and casual than the typical laptop format.
We’ve also included some Chromebook convertibles, which are laptops that can fold back to hide the keyboard. We know these aren’t technically tablets, but the thinner, lighter ones sure feel like one. Including some in our list of the best Chromebook tablets is essential, as they offer similar functionality.
What to look for in a Chromebook tablet or convertible
Chromebook tablets and convertibles are incredibly enticing to those who want a device that can double as a pad and a Chrome OS laptop. These should offer the best of both worlds, with superior mobility and touchscreen functionality. It should also come with an excellent keyboard, whether attached or not. Of course, we’ll have higher standards for the attached ones.
One crucial factor is that the best Chromebook tablets should have Android app support. While this is a common feature in newer devices, some older ones may lack this. Every device listed here will have Android app support. This will make it simple to operate like any other Android tablet, all while Chrome OS can take on more desktop-like tasks for serious work. If you care for it, some might even be able to handle Linux apps for full desktop app compatibility.
As you’ll primarily operate the screen, its quality should also be important. We prefer 1080p or higher resolutions, but 720p might do, depending on the screen size. Build quality is also essential, as you’ll be handling the device directly much of the time when you use it as a tablet. Since Chromebook tablets are inherently portable, they should stand a chance against slipping or dropping. Look for IP certifications and possibly even military standard ratings, if possible.
Of course, other ordinary gadget factors matter, such as battery life, design, connectivity, and more.
The best Chromebook tablets
- The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 is a large true Chromebook tablet that won’t disappoint you if you want to avoid convertibles.
- The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is for those who want no compromises. It offers powerful specs that match Windows computers.
- The ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip is another high-end Chromebook convertible with specs to meet the most demanding users.
- The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 won’t disappoint users looking for the best-looking Chromebook tablets around.
- The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 has a solid design, good performance, and features to meet any office jockey’s standards.
- The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is a capable device for the classroom, and it’s also a great media consumption device thanks to its superior display.
- The ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3 is for those on a budget, but still want a fun Chromebook tablet with neat features.
Editor’s note: The best Chromebook tablets list will be updated regularly as new devices launch.
The best true Chromebook tablet: Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 is a great option if you prefer a larger 13.3-inch screen and ample storage (128GB). It’s also pretty affordable for what you get. And it’s the best of the last-standing actual Chromebook tablets around. It can detach from the keyboard and be used as a pad.
The 1080p display is detachable, and it features an excellent OLED panel. The device comes with a Snapdragon SC7180 processor and 8GB of RAM. It’s also made of aluminum, so it will look and feel great.
The best high-end option: HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
Chromebooks usually don’t need much power to perform well. Still, if you genuinely want a robust device, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better than the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook. It’s not a gaming Chromebook, but its specs will make you believe otherwise. This thing is powerful!
Base specs are already powerful for a Chromebook, but things get impressive once you start throwing available upgrades at this machine. You can get as much as a 12th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The 13.5-inch screen finds a balance between size and portability, and you can upgrade from 1,920 x 1,280 to 2,256 x 1,504. Since this is a full-bodied convertible laptop, you’ll get a much better keyboard.
Another high-end option: ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip
Here’s a gaming Chromebook. It makes sense, right? Anything gaming requires plenty of power, so it’s only natural to see gaming Chrome OS laptops moving up in the world of high-end Chromebooks. One of the best gaming Chromebooks is the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip. The first sign that this is a gaming-centric device is its looks. The keyboard has color-coded WASD keys, and the overall design is clean, yet offers some gaming touches we know many of you love.
Specs are very competitive too. You can upgrade up to a 12th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, as much as 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage. These are specs we’ve seen in Chromebooks before, though. The display is where things get more exciting for cloud gamers. It measures 14 inches and has a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution. What’s more special is its super-fast 144Hz refresh rate. You also get a full, back-lit keyboard and an included stylus.
The best-designed Chromebook tablet: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is one of our favorite Chromebooks ever. While it isn’t necessarily a tablet, its super thin 0.55-inch body and convertible design make it feel as portable as one. The problem with the first Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is that, while a fantastic computer, it was a bit too expensive. The Samsung Chromebook 2 keeps the gorgeous aluminum design while sacrificing specs and making this premium computer much more accessible.
It features 13 hours of battery life, great audio, and a gorgeous QLED display. Don’t worry about performance either, as it’s still competent. You can get up to an Intel Core i3 and pair it with up to 8GB of RAM.
The best for the office: ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 has an elegant and clean design that will look professional, making it one of the best Chromebook tablets for office workers.
The device comes with a MIL-STD-810H certification, which makes it a great tool to carry around on your way to meetings, sites, and other workplaces. Internals are just as great as externals, too. You can get the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 with up to a 12th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, as much as 16 GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 6E support, and a 16-inch 1,920 x 1,200 screen with a 144Hz refresh rate.
The best for students: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360
Students have specific needs, and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 will likely meet them all. This Chromebook tablet convertible offers plenty of value for a very reasonable price. It’s also one of the few MIL-STD-810H-certified devices on this list — a grade beyond the more common MIL-STD-810G rating.
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is for those who like the Samsung experience, but aren’t willing to pay the premium for the more premium Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2. You’ll see a noticeable downgrade in build quality, but it’s still a gorgeous device. It also happens to have a premium screen. It touts a 12.4-inch LED panel with a stunning 2560 x 1600 resolution.
Other specs are more modest. The unit is powered by an Intel Celeron Processor N4500 and 4GB of RAM. Battery life is rated for 10 hours, and it comes with Wi-Fi 6.
The best budget Chromebook tablet: ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3
ASUS has an excellent option for those looking for the best Chromebook tablet on a budget. It’s no performer, but will do just fine with everyday tasks, is very affordable, and has some nice tricks up its sleeve.
For starters, it’s the only actual tablet (not convertible) with a slot for carrying the stylus, which is included. You’ll also get a removable keyboard and a stand cover that you can use both vertically and horizontally.
Affordable devices don’t have to be poorly built, either. The unit has a unibody aluminum design that’s only 7.9mm thin. Also, its 45W fast charging allows it to run for 45 minutes after being plugged in for just 15 seconds!
FAQs
It depends on your needs. The best Chromebook tablets and convertibles can be very convenient. These can double as tablets, especially considering they have Android app support. Additionally, you can use the Chrome OS desktop UI for productivity and work. If you can live with Chrome OS, you might not even need a Windows or Mac computer.
Everyone’s needs are different. We advise spending more on a higher-end device with more powerful specs if you genuinely want to replace your laptop with a Chromebook tablet. You’ll notice the lower specs on an affordable device once you start running more power-hungry apps and multiple windows. However, those who want a simple Chromebook tablet for everyday tasks and social media will do well with an affordable alternative. As a general rule of thumb, anything over $500 should start getting into the higher-end realm.
RAM is the most important spec for determining a device’s multitasking capabilities. Having more RAM will mean you can simultaneously open more apps and browser tabs without slow-downs. We cannot give you concrete numbers, as your RAM needs depend on many factors, such as the type of app you’re using. With that said, we’ve found that 8GB tends to be a sweet spot for most users. Anything above that will be even better.
Chromebooks aren’t generally the best for playing games, especially if you go for a budget option. They can run Android apps, though, and can be pretty good gaming machines. That is, when the performance can handle them. Get a higher-end Chromebook tablet if you intend to play games. More recently, we’ve seen cloud gaming Chromebooks coming with higher-end specs, and you can even play some PC games using Steam Beta.
While most believe this isn’t possible, modern Chromebooks are capable of editing photos and videos to a certain degree. There are plenty of Android apps and web apps that make this possible.
Are you not convinced by any of the best Chromebook tablets? Maybe you should take a look at options with other operating systems. Check out our lists of the best Android tablets or the best Windows tablets. Additionally, we have a list of the best Chromebooks, just in case you want a Chrome OS device with a traditional form factor.