Technologies
Best Chromebook 2022: 7 Chromebooks for Any Budget
Whether it’s for work, home or school, these are the best Google Chromebook laptops tested and reviewed by CNET editors.

Chromebooks are known for their ease of use, portability and affordability, meaning a lot of people in the market for a laptop would be better suited with a Chromebook. Using Google’s ChromeOS, Chromebooks are designed to be user-friendly for everyone.
The best Chromebooks tend to be more affordable than traditional laptop options, such as Windows laptops or Apple MacBooks. And since they’re safe and less complicated to use, Chromebooks are anexcellent gift (you can get great Chromebook deals during holiday sales) for kids and less tech-savvy adults in need of just a simple computer. They’ll also suit anyone who wants an inexpensive laptop for productivity and entertainment.
While entry-level Chromebooks don’t feature all the bells and whistles of more premium models, they still get the job done. And for those with some extra money to spend, premium Chromebooks often include features like touchscreens, backlit keyboards and USI pen support for notes or drawing. Now, there are even Chromebooks made for cloud gaming. If you’re looking for the best Chromebook 2022 has to offer, keep reading.
What is the best Chromebook?
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is the best Chromebook for 2022 that we’ve tested. It’s full-featured with a fast 12th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and it is built to last. If you’re looking for a Chromebook to use as your one and only computing device, this is a great choice. It is more expensive than the average Chromebook, though. If you want to spend less, consider the 17-inch Acer Chromebook 317 or, if mobility is a concern, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook.
Read more: How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook
The best Chromebook is still somewhat subjective, though. A lot comes down to what features you need in a Chromebook and how big of a budget you have. CNET’s editors tested and reviewed all of the Chromebooks on this list and all offer excellent performance and features for their price. Also, if you’re considering an older or used model, be sure to check the auto-update expiration date for the model. The AUE is when ChromeOS stops receiving system updates and is typically eight years, but the date is not the same for every model.
And if you’re still not sure if this type of laptop is right for you, here’s a breakdown of all that a Chromebook can and can’t do compared with a traditional laptop. This list of the best Chromebook models is updated periodically.
Best Chromebooks for 2022
Chromebook FAQs
What is the difference between a laptop and a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a laptop running on Google’s ChromeOS instead of Microsoft Windows or Apple’s MacOS. This is the biggest difference and it means Windows or Mac software cannot be directly installed and run on a Chromebook. Instead, Chromebooks are designed to use web apps (like those for Microsoft Office 365), Android apps and Linux software. Because ChromeOS is built for efficiency and to take advantage of web or cloud services, the operating system runs well with less expensive hardware. However, while Chromebooks come in a variety of sizes and designs, options are more plentiful with Windows laptops or Apple MacBooks, especially if you need to run demanding software. Again, ChromeOS is what really makes a laptop a Chromebook but there are some other differences to consider before you buy.
What OS does a Chromebook use?
Chromebooks run on Google’s minimalist Chrome operating system, or ChromeOS. When ChromeOS launched more than a decade ago, it was essentially Google’s Chrome web browser. It has grown vastly in capabilities over the years but remains a simple, lightweight and secure operating system that can run briskly on even low-end components. And, even though ChromeOS can do much more today, the fact is quite a lot can be done entirely on the web these days. Take stock of everything you do on a daily basis and you may find there’s nothing you can’t accomplish with ChromeOS.
What are the pros and cons of a Chromebook?
There are several pros to a Chromebook but one big con will instantly rule out buying one. Chromebooks are not natively compatible with Windows or Mac software. If you need to run a specific Windows or MacOS program, you will not be able to do so directly from a Chromebook. That said, there are ways around it including finding a substitute web or Android app, or a Linux equivalent.
Also, if you need advanced photo- and video-editing capabilities, you’ll want a Windows, Mac or Linux laptop. Basic photo and video editing are fine, but Chromebooks typically don’t offer the graphics performance you need for demanding tasks or, again, the option to install Windows or Mac software and games.
One other potential negative is the Auto Update Expiration date, or AUE. Currently, non-Google hardware is only supported for so long before it stops receiving ChromeOS and browser updates, including those for security. For models released now, the date is roughly seven to eight years from the initial release of the device, but that’s not always the case. Google maintains a list of AUE dates for all models, and you should check it before you buy a Chromebook, new or used.
There are many pros to a Chromebook, but the biggest is the price. While premium models start at around $500, you can find excellent options for everyday use for $200 to $300. The Lenovo Duet Chromebook, for example, is a two-in-one Chromebook with a detachable keyboard cover so it can be used as a tablet or a laptop and starts under $300. Like other laptops, though, a higher-end Chromebook generally means a better experience.
Also, some of the same reasons Chromebooks are popular for schools and businesses make them excellent family computers. Everyone in the family can have separate Google accounts, and signing in gives them access to only their stuff and not yours. Accounts for kids can be managed with Google Family Link. It’s nearly impossible for Chromebooks to be corrupted with viruses or other malware. And if it isn’t running quite right, you can reset it with Chrome’s Powerwash feature and in a couple of minutes, the system is clean and fresh. Just sign into your Google account and the Chromebook is completely restored.
Read more: How to Reset a Chromebook in Under a Minute
Can I use any USB-C charger for my Chromebook?
Yes and no. Since 2017, new Chromebooks all charge via their USB-C ports. Chromebooks typically need either a 45- or 65-watt power adapter. You’ll need to check the specs for your specific model to find its power needs, typically found on the bottom of the Chromebook or on the manufacturer’s site. (If it’s given in volts and amps, you can get watts by multiplying the two together e.g. 15 volts x 3 amps equals 45 watts.) Using a charger that doesn’t meet the power demands of the Chromebook may still charge it but at a slower rate. Also, if you’re using the Chromebook while using a low-power charger, it will take even longer to charge fully. On the upside, Chromebooks will display a notification if the USB-C cable you’re using won’t support the necessary performance.
How we test computers
The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device’s aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.
The list of benchmarking software we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. The most important core tests we’re currently running on every compatible computer include: Primate Labs Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra.
A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found in our How We Test Computers page.
More laptop and home office advice
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- Best Monitor Deals
- Best Laptop Backpack for 2022
- Best Printer for 2022
- 5 Ways to Share Files With Your Team While Working From Home
- Best 2-in-1 PCs for When You Need a Laptop and Tablet
- Best Office Chairs to Buy for 2022
- Best Racing Wheel and Pedals for iRacing and Your Budget
- Best Android Tablet for 2022
- 7 Must-Have Ergonomic Upgrades for Your Home Office
- Best Desktop PC for 2022
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Thursday, Aug. 14
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Aug. 14

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s Mini Crossword isn’t too tough, and it has some fun movie and TV references. Just remember that «poster» can mean a couple of different things — it’s not always that photo of Def Leppard hanging on the wall. Want help with today’s NYT Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Animals holding «Eat Mor Chikin» signs, in a classic ad campaign
Answer: COWS
5A clue: Suffix with Beatle or Wrestle
Answer: MANIA
6A clue: «Au revoir!»
Answer: ADIEU
7A clue: Ugly poster?
Answer: TROLL
8A clue: Be likely (to)
Answer: TEND
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Core group
Answer: CADRE
2D clue: Vegetable combined with celery and carrot to form «mirepoix»
Answer: ONION
3D clue: Handle, as a sword
Answer: WIELD
4D clue: «Better Call ___» («Breaking Bad» spinoff)
Answer: SAUL
5D clue: Damon of «Oppenheimer»
Answer: MATT
Technologies
The iPhone 17 Hasn’t Been Announced Yet, but There’s Already a Case for It
The new case makes a bold style statement, but there’s no official confirmation that it correctly reflects Apple’s upcoming phone.

One of the first cases for the iPhone 17 has made its appearance. Canadian tech accessory company Dbrand announced its Tank Case for the iPhone 17 is set to go on sale in September, the same month we’re expecting Apple to announce the eagerly awaited iPhone 17.
While we don’t know the price of the Tank Case yet, Dbrand has certainly made some striking design choices in the hard black shell case, including plenty of number codes, the Freemason Eye of Providence in what looks like a center designed for MagSafe connections and what appears to be Braille. Dbrand is light on details for now, but you can sign up with your email address to get notifications about the case.
A representative for Dbrand did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Patrick Holland, CNET managing editor and mobile guru, cautions that these early-announced phone designs don’t always end up making it to the release date. Holland saw that happen just last year, when some manufacturers were forced to push quick redesigns to make room for the iPhone 16’s surprise camera control button.
«It’s become a yearly tradition,» Holland said. «We see companies try to be the first out with a new case design for the latest iPhone, even though the phone hasn’t been announced by Apple.»
«For Dbrand, it’s unclear whether the Tank case is designed based on rumors, or if the company got an early look at the iPhone 17 series, or were given a dummy model,» Holland said. «The case does feature a full body width camera bump that has been heavily leaked for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. There’s one thing that’s for certain: Dbrand’s Tank case looks chunky and busy, especially for a sleek new iPhone.»
That’s why we’re also keeping a close eye on all the latest reports of iPhone 17 features, including rumors of a redesigned camera bump and a movable lens that could throw a curveball for third-party cases like this.
Social media buzz
Commenters on X shared a variety of opinions about the case. While one person wrote, «that case looks fire,» another wrote, «that case looks hideous.»
Commenters also wondered if the case design was revealing some previously unknown details about the iPhone 17.
«So the second button is basically confirmed?» one X commenter wrote. «Why would the case sport an area that looks pressable or ‘slideable’ otherwise?»
Another wrote, «Am I seeing that correctly? Three cameras on a base iPhone model finally.»
Others zeroed in on the idea that Apple likely does not want case manufacturers to reveal details about a phone before the company announces it, noting that Dbrand also unveiled a case for the Nintendo Switch 2 before that console came out.
«First the Switch 2, now the iPhone 17,» the one commenter wrote. «Yeahh, they’re never getting shit early to make cases anymore.»
Technologies
Apple Reportedly Planning AI Comeback, Complete With a Tabletop Robot
Home security cameras and a standalone smart display are also coming, the report says.

Apple wants a bigger place in your home, according to a report posted Wednesday from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While you might think of Apple primarily because it provides your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook, AirPods and more, the tech giant reportedly hopes to use artificial intelligence to sell you a number of new smart home devices. Those devices may include a tabletop robot, home security cameras and a smart speaker with a screen.
A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tabletop robot
According to Bloomberg, it’s the tabletop robot, reportedly coming in 2027, that is the center of the plan. Bloomberg — and CNET — have reported on this plan before. At that time, the company reportedly had two concepts in mind: a robot that can move around the home, and a tabletop robotic device.
Now, Bloomberg says the robot «will feature a lifelike version of Siri and the ability to engage with users throughout the day.» It reportedly resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can reposition itself to face you.
Former CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco wrote in 2024 that «perhaps the biggest challenge when it comes to a home robot is that the market is unproven.» We’ve all seen the robot maid Rosie on the old Jetsons cartoon, but do we really need or want a robotic helper in our homes?
Standalone smart display
Another item Apple is reportedly working on is essentially a smart speaker with a screen. Bloomberg calls this a «stripped-down version of the robot.»
It won’t have a robotic arm or conversational Siri, but it should be able to do such things as music playback, note taking, control home devices and video conferencing. Bloomberg says it will run a new operating system called Charismatic.
Home security cameras
Home security cameras are becoming more and more popular, and Apple wants to move into that realm as well. The company will make cameras that will anchor an Apple security system, the report says.
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