Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Chrome Unboxed’s December 2023 picks span premium laptops, budget-friendly Chromebook Plus models, convertibles and a gaming-oriented option. The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook was its best overall choice, but the right pick depends on whether you value price, a touchscreen hinge, gaming features or repairability. These are historical recommendations—not a guide to current stock or prices.
Video: Chrome Unboxed’s companion video presents its 10 favored Chromebooks for 2023.
How the 2023 picks compare
| Model | Best for | What stood out in Chrome Unboxed’s 2023 assessment |
|---|---|---|
| HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook | Best overall | 1,200-nit display, speakers, build quality, fast internals, RGB keyboard and haptic trackpad; $999 price reference from Chrome Unboxed in 2023. |
| Acer Chromebook 516 GE | Versatility and value | 16-inch 120Hz 16:10 display, 12th-generation Core i5, 3.75-pound chassis, RGB keyboard, Ocean Glass trackpad and upward-facing speakers. |
| Acer Chromebook Spin 714 | Premium convertible | 2023 model with aluminum chassis, strong keyboard and trackpad, fast internals and a 14-inch 16:10 display rated at 350 nits. |
| Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition | Repairability | Modular ports and access to replaceable components, including speakers and the keyboard deck; $999 price reference from Chrome Unboxed in 2023. |
| Lenovo Slim 3i Chromebook Plus | Chromebook Plus value | Rigid frame, 14-inch IPS display and balanced everyday usability. |
| ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip | Gaming-oriented convertible | 14-inch 144Hz 16:10 IPS display, RGB keyboard, strong speakers and high-end internals; price just under $800 in the 2023 article. |
| ASUS Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip | Value convertible | 16:10 Full HD IPS display rated at 300 nits, firm construction, comfortable inputs and AMD Ryzen 3 7320C. Chrome Unboxed described sale prices around $300–$400 and an MSRP of $499 in 2023. |
| Lenovo Flex 3i Chromebook | Affordable choice | Intel N100 processor, 12.2-inch IPS display rated at 300 nits, solid build and low price. |
| ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 | Thin-and-light Chromebook Plus | 300-nit display, sturdy construction, good keyboard and trackpad; $399 price reference from Chrome Unboxed in 2023. |
| Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus | Affordable convertible | 16:10 display, Chromebook Plus internals, speakers, keyboard and trackpad. |
The recommendations and product descriptions in this table reflect Chrome Unboxed’s December 2023 article, not independently verified current configurations or prices. Read the original list.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Which Chromebook should you buy?
For the strongest premium package: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
Chrome Unboxed’s overall pick combined a very bright 1,200-nit display with quality speakers, a haptic trackpad, RGB keyboard and fast internals. Its $999 figure is the article’s 2023 price reference, not a current offer. It suits a buyer prioritizing premium hardware over a low purchase price.
#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.
For a larger screen and gaming-oriented features: Acer Chromebook 516 GE
The 16-inch 120Hz screen and RGB keyboard make the 516 GE the list’s large-screen, gaming-leaning option. Its 3.75-pound weight and 12th-generation Core i5 are useful context if you plan to carry it or use it as an everyday laptop. The article describes the hardware, but does not establish game compatibility, frame rates or current service availability.
For a premium 2-in-1: Acer Chromebook Spin 714
The Spin 714 is the straightforward choice here if you want a convertible with an aluminum chassis and a 14-inch 16:10 screen. Chrome Unboxed rated that display at 350 nits and highlighted its keyboard, trackpad and fast internals.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
For repairability: Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition
Framework stands out for modularity: the article highlights replaceable ports and access to parts such as the speakers and keyboard deck. That approach may appeal to owners who value repair options, but the source does not provide a repair-cost comparison or a guarantee that every repair is simple. Its $999 figure is a 2023 price reference.
Recommended Free Tools
For Chromebook Plus value: Lenovo Slim 3i Chromebook Plus
The Slim 3i recommendation emphasizes a rigid frame, 14-inch IPS screen and balanced everyday use rather than a single standout gaming or convertible feature. It is one of the models to consider if you want a Chromebook Plus laptop without aiming for the premium tier.
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
For a high-refresh convertible: ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip
The Vibe CX34 Flip pairs a 14-inch 144Hz display with a convertible design, RGB keyboard and strong speakers. Chrome Unboxed placed its price just under $800 in 2023. The high refresh rate describes the panel, not a promise that every game or application will run at 144 frames per second.
For a lower-cost convertible: ASUS Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip
The CM34 Flip was the list’s value-oriented convertible: a 300-nit Full HD IPS panel, AMD Ryzen 3 7320C and comfortable input devices. Its roughly $300–$400 sale range and $499 MSRP are figures reported in the 2023 article; do not assume those prices or discounts remain available.
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.
For a basic affordable Chromebook: Lenovo Flex 3i
The Flex 3i combines an Intel N100 processor with a 12.2-inch 300-nit IPS display. Chrome Unboxed’s recommendation was based on its build and low-price positioning, making it the budget-focused option in the list.
For a portable Chromebook Plus laptop: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34
The standard CX34 is the non-convertible Chromebook Plus pick among these recommendations. The article highlights its 300-nit display, sturdy construction and good keyboard and trackpad, with a $399 2023 price reference.
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).
For an affordable Chromebook Plus convertible: Lenovo Flex 5i
The Flex 5i adds a convertible form factor to the Chromebook Plus internals, with a 16:10 display, speakers and a keyboard-and-trackpad combination that Chrome Unboxed considered a value. The source does not specify a price or detailed component configuration for this model.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Chromebook Plus meant in 2023
Google announced Chromebook Plus on October 2, 2023, as a category with baseline hardware requirements. Google set a $399 starting price at launch and specified at least an Intel Core i3 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 3 7000-series processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, a 1080p-or-better webcam and a Full HD IPS-or-better display. Eight new Chromebook Plus laptops were announced, with U.S. retail availability beginning October 8, 2023. These launch details explain the category in the context of this list; they do not establish current prices or stock. Google’s Chromebook Plus announcement.
Check update support before buying an older model
In September 2023, Google said Chromebook platforms would receive regular automatic updates for 10 years after platform release. Devices released from 2021 onward were scheduled to receive the extended policy beginning in 2024. Older devices already in use could opt into an extension to ten years from platform release. Because the policy is tied to the platform release—not simply the date you buy a particular unit—check the specific device’s update eligibility before purchasing an older or used Chromebook. Google’s automatic-update policy announcement.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
What to verify before purchasing one of these picks
- Exact configuration: Confirm processor, memory, storage, screen specifications and included features for the specific model and regional SKU. A model name alone does not establish its configuration.
- Current price and availability: The prices above are historical references from 2023, not live listings. Check current retailer stock and pricing in your region.
- Form factor and weight: Decide whether you want a standard laptop or a convertible, and consider the listed 3.75-pound weight of the Acer 516 GE if portability matters.
- Display priorities: Compare brightness, refresh rate and aspect ratio against how you work. A high refresh rate is a screen specification, not a guarantee of gaming performance.
- Update eligibility: Check the particular device’s support timeline, especially for used or older stock.
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.
