Recommended Free Tools
Use Chrome tab groups to organize related pages inside a browser window, and install supported websites as web apps when you want to open them separately from the browser. For side-by-side work, arrange those windows with ChromeOS controls; Snap Groups can help restore a paired layout on ChromeOS M128 or later.
Choose the right tool for each task
| Tool | Use it for | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome tab groups | Keeping related tabs together in one Chrome window | A group does not turn a site into a separate app window. Google’s multitasking guide. |
| Installed web apps | Opening a supported website from the launcher or home screen in an app-like form | Features vary by site, and offline operation is not guaranteed. Google’s web-app guide. |
| Snap Groups | Arranging and returning to a paired set of snapped windows | Requires ChromeOS M128 or later. Google’s Snap Groups guide. |
| External monitor | Adding screen space and moving windows between displays | Optional; compatibility depends on your Chromebook’s ports and display support. Google’s monitor guide. |
Organize related pages with a tab group
- Open Chrome and right-click a tab.
- Select Add to new group.
- Select the group marker to name the group. Drag related tabs into it, or right-click a tab and choose Remove from group to take it out.
- Use the group marker to edit the group or remove it when you no longer need it.
For example, keep research pages in one group and planning or reference pages in another. They remain tabs in Chrome; grouping does not create a separate app window. Google describes tab groups as a way to organize tabs in its Chromebook multitasking instructions.
Install a supported website as a web app
- Visit the website in Chrome.
- Open More → Cast, save, and share → Install page as app. If the site offers an Install button in the address bar, you can use that instead.
- Launch the installed web app from the launcher or home screen.
Google defines a web app as “an app built for the web that you can access on any device” in its web-app help page. Installation gives a supported site an app-like launch point, but its available functions still depend on the site. Some web apps offer offline storage or other capabilities; others may not work completely without an internet connection.
Open, arrange, and switch between windows
Use Ctrl+N to open a new Chrome window and Ctrl+T to open a new tab. Press Alt+Tab to switch between windows. Chromebook window controls also let you move windows between monitors when a compatible display is connected; check your model’s ports and specifications before choosing a display. See Google’s instructions for using a monitor with a Chromebook.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
Snap and restore a paired layout
On ChromeOS M128 or later, Snap Groups let you arrange snapped windows and return to the paired arrangement:
- Snap a window to an edge of the screen, or use the maximize button’s layout options.
- Select another window for the other side of the screen.
- Resize the layout with the divider between the windows.
- Return to the group through Overview or by pressing Alt+Tab.
These window arrangements are separate from Chrome tab groups: one organizes pages inside Chrome, while the other coordinates open windows. See Google’s Snap Groups instructions for the feature and version requirement.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Check whether Smart group is available
Smart group is not a standard feature across all Chromebooks. Google’s Smart group help page lists availability only for Lenovo Chromebook Plus (14-inch, 10), with age, language, and country requirements as well. Check Google’s current eligibility details and your device before expecting to see it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
