Chromebook vs laptop: which is right for you?

Chromebook or a laptop that runs Windows? What about an Apple MacBook? We'll help you choose the right operating system and model for your needs.

Previously, Apple fans who had the money would buy a MacBook, while those on a budget or who favoured Windows would get a Windows device. Now Chromebooks have entered the mix, with a range of designs from budget-friendly to flagship killers. So how do you go about choosing, how much should you spend and what features are most important for your needs?  

This guide will take you through the pros and cons of each type of laptop, based on our expert, lab-tested laptop reviews.

Just want to know which models excelled in our tests? See our pick of the best laptops

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs on ChromeOS, Google’s rival operating system to Windows and MacOS. However, ChromeOS works differently, with an online focus, and you need to have a Google account.

Many of the cheapest laptops you can buy are Chromebooks. There are two main reasons for this: because Microsoft charges a significant amount for a Windows licence and because ChromeOS has lower hardware requirements, so it can be run on cheaper lower-spec computers. 

If you're happy to use online apps, such as Google’s own Docs and Sheets, then a Chromebook could suit you well.

What's the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?

A Chromebook works much like a web browser with Android-like apps. Instead of programs being stored on the hard drive, you do most tasks online via your browser or through apps downloaded from the Google Play store. This is why Chromebooks often have less hard drive space than Windows laptops or MacBooks, as you’re expected to store files in the cloud (online storage may require subscriptions).

It's important to note that Windows and Mac software aren’t compatible with a Chromebook – so you need to consider what apps you use, as some may not be available on ChromeOS, while the ChromeOS versions of others may work in slightly different ways from what you're used to. That said, many popular apps, including Microsoft Office, are available to download or purchase for a Chromebook, so it's often if you use more specialised software that a Chromebook might not be suitable, or if you like to work offline for long periods of time. 

Discover our best laptop deals, covering Chromebooks, Windows laptops and MacBooks – handpicked by our experts.

Quick summary: Chromebook vs Windows laptop vs MacBook

Buy a Chromebook if you…

• Are on a budget
• Value simplicity
• Don’t mind working in web-based applications or Android apps

Buy a Windows laptop if you…

• Prefer the familiarity of Windows
• Use specialist software you can’t live without
• Want a big variety of laptops to choose from

Buy a MacBook if you…

• Have a budget of at least £900
• Value longevity and build quality
• Are happy to learn a new operating system

Windows 11 vs macOS vs ChromeOS: what’s the difference?

These are all different types of operating system.

Windows 11...

• Offers the best software compatibility – there's more likely to be a Windows version of software you need than on any other computer operating system.
• Is available on laptops from a wide range of brands, from Microsoft itself to Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Dell, Asus and Acer among many others, with prices starting from around £300.
• Has a Start menu where you find basic controls, popular apps you use and the search bar.
• Gives you more flexibility with how you arrange and personalise your desktop.
• Program windows can be maximised easily to fill the whole screen.
• Has more advanced AI features than macOS currently.
• Supports the widest selection of video games.
• Microsoft tends to support its Windows operating systems for around 10 years from the operating system's launch (Windows 11 is expected to last until October 2031).

macOS...

• Is best for creatives, such as those who do lots of photo or video editing, with great apps such as Apple Photos, iMovie and GarageBand.
• Works seamlessly with other Apple products like iPhones and iPads.
• Is only available on Apple's own Macbooks and Mac desktops and has a high entry price, with the cheapest new MacBook costing £999 and the cheapest Mac Mini £599 (not including monitor, keyboard or mouse).
• Has powerful Spotlight search to access the functions and files you're looking for.
• Has a reputation for security and stability, with a very loyal user base.
• Since Apple controls both the hardware and operating system, it can offer a more glitch-free experience for some users than Windows.
• macOS is tightly integrated in the Apple ecosystem of products, so compatibility with devices from other companies can be limited. You often need to be willing to pay an Apple price premium for the best experience.
• Apple tends to support its MacBooks for around eight years from launch, giving you a full eight years of macOS support no matter when you buy one new.

ChromeOS...

• The experience centres on the web browser, using web-based applications such as Google Docs and Google Sheets, with files stored in the cloud such as on Google Drive (may require subscriptions).
• The system interface is clear and minimal, making it a great choice for less techy types looking for something simple. It has a shelf similar to the Windows taskbar.
• A pretty wide range of laptop brands offer Chromebooks, including Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, with many priced from around £200.
• Performance-oriented Chromebooks, if you're a more intensive user, are also available under the 'Chromebook Plus' branding, with an Intel Core i3 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above processor and at least 8GB Ram (this is on the lower side for a Windows 11 laptop, but as ChromeOS is less resource intensive, these specs make ChromeOS very run well).
• Apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, similar to Android devices like many smartphones.
• Desktop features are available, such as folders for locally saved files.
• Allows you to easily maximise program windows to fill the whole screen.
• AI features have been trickling in, especially for the latest models, such as Magic Eraser to remove unwanted elements from your photos.
• Integrates well with Android smartphones.
• Chromebook support is now generally quite long, but varies by model and is set from the model's launch date. Check the 'Security' section of in any of our Chromebook reviews for the support date of any model.

Use our expert laptop reviews to help you choose the right model for your budget.

Where to buy a Chromebook?

Chromebooks are available from a wide range of retailers; the following links will take you direct to Chromebook listings on each retailer to browse:

• Chromebooks at Amazon
• Chromebooks at AO
• Chromebooks at Argos
• Chromebooks at Currys
• Chromebooks at John Lewis
• Chromebooks at Very

Should I buy a Chromebook?

Chromebook pros

• They feel fast. Without Windows hogging system resources, Chromebooks with relatively light specifications can feel a lot faster than comparable laptops running Windows. This means paying under £200 for a Chromebook will get you a laptop that feels faster than a £200 Windows model.
• They’re very simple to use. If you can use a web browser, you can use a Chromebook. With no extra apps required to get up and running, Chromebooks offer one of the easiest set-up experiences of any tech device out there.
• Almost all Chromebooks take the form of thin, light laptops with excellent battery life – perfect for taking away on trips or, for students, carrying around school or campus.
• Chromebooks can run Android apps from the Google Play store. This is a blessing and a curse: there's a lot of variety, but many of the apps are optimised for phones so might not be easy to use.

Chromebook cons

• You pay a price for simplicity; you won’t be able to run the Windows or Apple software you’re used to on a Chromebook. There are browser-based alternatives for most types of applications, including photo-editing apps, but a Chromebook isn’t the best bet if there’s a program you can’t live without.
• Chromebooks work best when connected to the internet. Applications such as Google Docs can be set up to work without an internet connection, and will sync changes to your files to the Cloud when you reconnect to the internet. But most other web-based apps won’t work at all without a connection. You’ll also need a Google account to get everything set up properly.
• Because most Chromebooks are cheap, you end up having to face some compromises in various areas, including screen quality, speakers and occasionally build quality. Our Chromebook reviews highlight any shortcomings. 
• Chromebooks have an expiry date when they stop receiving updates. Our Chromebooks investigation in 2021 found models on sale with less than three years' support. All of our reviews tell you when security support runs out – check the Specifications section.

Discover the models we recommend in our guide to the best Chromebooks.

Should I buy a laptop that runs Windows?

Windows laptop pros

• Decades of dominance in the market means most people are familiar with using Windows. This can be comforting, especially if you've never used anything else.
• Windows lets you run Word, Excel and other Microsoft products with ease, and it’s flexible, too. For users with basic needs, it tends to be easy to work with; for more advanced enthusiasts, there are plenty of tweaks you can make.
• There's a wide range of prices to choose from. We've tested models that cost up to £1,500, but we've also reviewed perfectly reasonably Windows laptops that cost less than £300.
• Windows laptops are sometimes easier to upgrade, allowing anyone with little technical knowledge to add a larger hard drive or more memory to improve performance. However, this depends entirely on the laptop you choose.

Windows laptop cons

• Windows PCs are a much bigger target for virus creators than Macs or Chromebooks. We recommend you install one of our best antivirus software, which includes free versions, if you want extra peace of mind.
• Windows updates continue to be a bit of a pain. They have improved markedly in recent years, but the best way to avoid them causing disruption is to let Windows install them when it asks you to, instead of putting it off for months and being forced into a long restart at an inopportune time. This is safer, too, as you're immediately protected from known threats.
• Although it's handy that Windows laptops come in all shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that suits you best, the huge choice can also be a curse. There are as many duds as there are stars, without the same consistent quality of the smaller Mac range. 

See our expert pick of the best Windows laptops for all budgets.

Should I buy a MacBook?

Apple MacBook pros

• Apple's operating system, macOS, has a well-earned reputation of being fast, slick and easy to use. This is partly because it only runs on a very small number different models of Macs, making it easy to produce an operating system that runs consistently well. There may be a bit of a learning curve while you adjust to its layout and functions, but once you’re up and running, you may never look back.
• Apple has invested a lot of money on the look and feel of its computers. That usually means a premium, metal finish, and MacBooks feel like they're built to last. 
• MacBooks come preloaded with strong software for video and photography editing, and making music. Not only that, there’s a lot of premium applications available, making macOS a popular choice for those working in creative industries. Many apps available for iPad are also available on macOS, too.

Apple MacBook cons

• One word – price. While deals and discounts can be found, you will typically need at least £900 for the cheapest model.
• Instead of the likes of Word and Excel, Apple has the iWork office suite. This comes with its own free word processing (Pages), spreadsheet (Numbers) and presentation software (Keynote). If you want to open a Word or Excel document from your old computer, or that somebody has emailed you, you may notice they look a little different. But you can always buy Office for Mac or download a third-party program if that's a major concern. You could also use Google Docs and Sheets, or use Microsoft Office Online, which can be used in your web browser.
• MacBooks have been quicker to lose technologies as Apple adopts newer alternatives. For example, in 2016 MacBooks ditched HDMI ports and full-size USB ports, only to reinstate HDMI in the 2021 versions of its 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. This will bother you if you have to figure out an alternative way to work, or even buy a new accessory.

See the best MacBooks to help you decide which model is right for you and to find which retailers have the best prices.