(Pocket-lint) – Looking for a new Chromebook, eh? Chromebooks have been getting more and more successful, and are available from many big names in laptops including HP, Acer and Asus.

Education has also been a big market for the devices, but they’re also great for a simple home laptop for Gmail, Google Docs and web browsing. 

• Can’t decide whether to choose between a Chromebook and a standard Windows or Mac laptop? Then check out Chromebook vs laptop: Which should you buy?

Chrome OS is Google’s alternative to Windows and, essentially, is a more complex version of the Chrome browser with a desktop. It’s ridiculously simple to use, updates itself and lacks the confusion and complexity that often hobbles Windows and macOS. That said, it is less capable for professional use than the other operating systems. But for most users at home or in education it provides more than enough functionality.

Here’s our list of the best Chrome OS laptops and we’ll be adding more in as time goes on. 

Our pick of the best Chromebooks to buy today

Pocket-lint

Pixelbook Go

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If you’re impressed by the Pixelbook line but have a tighter budget, the Pixelbook Go is a hugely impressive entry at a lower price-point (though it’s still pricey for a Chromebook). It’s a uniquely-designed machine that makes some brilliant choices, such as the ripple texture on the unit’s bottom side. 

It’s got impressive power under the hood, too, to make sure that you’ll feel like you’re using a more premium machine than its price suggests, and we comfortably rate it as one of the best Chromebooks we’ve ever used. 

• Google Pixelbook Go review: A sublime Chromebook experience

Lenovo

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3

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Sitting at the lower end of Lenovo’s Chromebook range is this brand new IdeaPad Flex 3.

An 11-inch laptop with an IPS display, this great entry-level laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron processor while there’s up to 10 hours of battery life on board in addition to a plethora of ports – two USB-A, a USB-C and an audio jack.

Although it’s available with 32GB of storage, we’d recommend this 64GB option.

Pocket-lint

Asus Chromebook Flip C434

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A more recent entry in Asus’s line of Chromebooks, the Flip C434 is a great 2-in-1 that feels really premium while still undercutting the Pixelbook’s price nicely. It’s got the holy triumvirate for a laptop, in a solid screen, great keyboard and impressive battery life. 

The trackpad lets the team down a little bit, but it runs really nicely and has great ports. Plus, with the option to use it like a tablet, it’s really adaptable and useful in different scenarios. 

• Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA review: One of the best Chromebooks money can buy

Acer

Acer 714 Chromebook

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Acer is a super choice for your Chromebook buy and while this 714 has a bit of a utilitarian design, there’s a powerful dual-core Intel Core i3 processor in our preferred version alongside 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

There’s a Full HD display, too, powered by Intel’s UHD 620 graphics.

What’s more, there’s an embedded fingerprint reader for accessing the laptop without your password.

HP

HP Chromebook 14 G5

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There’s nothing better for portable productivity than the Chromebook 14 G5. This machine deploys the secure, intuitive Chrome OS to deliver seamless compatibility with Google’s apps, and the HD webcam and noise-cancelling microphone gives you confidence when collaborating.

The Chromebook has a responsive, spill-resistant keyboard, 802.11ac wireless networking and 8GB of memory – and it’s powered by Intel’s latest generation of Celeron processor.

Pocket-lint

Acer Chromebook 11

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If you’re looking at the budget end of the market then a Chromebook is a savvy choice. The Chrome OS operating system has developed considerably over the course of time, with both online and offline use possible, including the option to run Play Store apps.

Sure, the Acer Chromebook 11 isn’t going to bring design excitement with its plastic finish, but it’s befitting of the price point. Besides, it’s smartly made, portable has a 360-degree hinge so the screen can be positioned as you please, and it works for many hours at a time too.

If your school or college season is incoming and you don’t have heaps of cash then this is a savvy buy to crack on with your homework.

Pocket-lint

Asus Chromebook Flip C436

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You want how much for a Chromebook? The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is one of the most expensive Chromebooks we have tested to date, priced at just under a grand.

It’s a premium Chromebook with design appeal – but its high-end spec isn’t as useful in Chrome OS as a comparable Windows machine and, therefore, it’s slightly harder to recommend than the C434 above. 

• Asus Chromebook Flip C436 review: Flippin’ powerful, but flippin’ pricey too

Writing by Dan Grabham.