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Chromebook vs laptop: which is right for you?
Chromebooks, Windows laptops and Apple MacBooks are all fighting for your cash. We compare the key differences and pros and cons to help you find the right model for you.
Chromebook or a laptop that runs Windows? What about Apple MacBooks? We'll help you choose the right operating system and model for your needs.
Previously, Apple fans who had the money to spend would get a MacBook. 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?
Chromebooks are laptops that run ChromeOS, Google’s rival operating system to Windows and MacOS. ChromeOS works differently, with an online focus, and you need to have a Google account.
Instead of programs being stored on your Chromebook’s hard drive, you do all your tasks online via your browser or through apps downloaded from the Google Play store.
If you mainly use online apps, such as Google’s own Docs and Sheets, a Chromebook could suit you well. Plus many popular apps, including Microsoft Office, are available to download or purchase.
However, Windows and Mac software isn’t compatible – so some programs you use may not be available for ChromeOS.
Chromebooks often have less hard drive space than laptops from Windows or Apple, as you’re expected to store files in the cloud (online storage may require subscriptions).
Quick summary: Chromebook vs laptop with Windows vs MacBook
Use our expert laptop reviews to help you choose the right model for your budget.
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 and light laptops with excellent battery life. This means they’re perfect for taking away on trips and ideal for carrying around school or campus if you’re a student.
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 if there’s a program you can’t live without, a Chromebook isn’t the best bet.
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, back in 2021, found models on sale with less than three years of support. All of our reviews tell you when security support runs out - just check the Specifications section.
Discover the models we recommend in our guide to thebest Chromebooks.
Should I buy a laptop that runs Windows?
Windows laptop pros
With its decades of dominance in the market, 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 massive range of prices you can choose from. We've tested models that range up to around £1,500 but, we've also reviewed perfectly reasonably Windows laptops that will cost you less than £300.
Windows laptops are sometimes easier to upgrade, allowing people with little technical knowledge to add a larger hard drive or more memory to improve performance. Although this entirely depends on the laptop you choose.
Windows laptop cons
Windows PCs are a much bigger target for virus creators than Macs and Chromebooks. We recommend you install one of our best antivirus software, which includes free versions, if you want some 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 from 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 be a curse, too. There are as many duds as there are stars, without the same consistent quality of the smaller Mac range.
Apple's operating system, MacOS, has a well-earned reputation of being fast, slick and easy to use. This is partly because MacOS 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 were built to last.
MacBooks come pre-loaded 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 common choice for those working in creative industries. Many apps available for iPads 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, MacBooks ditched HDMI ports and full-size USB ports in 2016, 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.
