Find the perfect balance of performance and affordability with our guide to the best Chromebooks in Canada. We've reviewed top models for speed, battery life, and build quality.
Staying connected on the go is easy with a smartphone, but not all activities are easy to do on such a small screen. And while your PC at home might be a great solution when you’re actually at home, sometimes you need to work on things in other locations. Laptops are great for filling that void, and if you’re a fan of Google’s operating system, there’s one type in particular that’s right for you.
Chromebooks are laptops that use Chrome OS instead of Windows or Mac operating systems. They are lighter and offer a longer battery life than other laptop types, and all of your documents get saved online automatically. Don’t they sound great?
If you think a Chromebook is the right move for you, but you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for, we’re here to help. Chromebooks will vary in things like weight, overall size, screen size, hard drive size, amount of RAM, colour, and more. Since every feature will affect how much you like it and how well-suited it is to your tasks, we highly recommend you think about all of them.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best Chromebooks in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Chromebooks Right Now
Top Pick: Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook
Upgrade Pick: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop
Alternative Upgrade Pick: Acer Spin 714 Chromebook
Budget Pick: Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook
Gaming Pick: Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook
Our Top Pick for The Best Chromebook
Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook Review
What We Think of the Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook
The Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook has a lot to offer. Since it has an anti-glare screen, you’ll always get a good view of your shows/movies while streaming and typing outdoors won’t become a nuisance for your eyes. With a high-quality camera and speakers, video calls are also a feat easily accomplished with this Chromebook.
We’re also big fans of the touchscreen. It’s responsive and accurate, the two most important things for a touchscreen to be. You won’t need to rely on a trackpad for every single click if you don’t want to. The smaller size and lightweight design also make this one extremely portable, so it’s a great fit for university campuses and frequent flyers.
One of the only downsides to choosing this option is the smaller screen size. If you’re used to a standard 15.6” laptop, you’ll definitely need an adjustment period to get used to working on a smaller screen. The hard drive size is also fairly limited at only 64 GB, so if you need to store a lot of things locally, you might be better off looking at other Chromebooks.
All in all, the Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something that offers reliability, ease of use, and a great aesthetic. Whether you’ll be using it for video calls, school notes, or streaming, it’ll meet and then exceed your expectations.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook
Reviewers are very happy with the quality of the Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook. The battery life is exceptional, and the touchscreen is accurate and highly responsive. It works very well for streaming, video calls, and general note-taking for school purposes. They all appreciate the eye-catching design, too. They would recommend it for most people.
Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook Pros and Cons
Buy If…
A touchscreen appeals to you
Portability is a priority
You spend a lot of time on video calls
You’ll be working in well-lighted or outdoor spaces
Don’t Buy If…
You’ll want to store a lot of things locally
A large screen is what you’re after
Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook Specifications
Dimensions: 11.5” x 8.5” x 0.73”
Weight: 2.9 lbs
Colour: Abyss blue
Screen Size: 14”
Hard Disk Size: 64 GB
RAM: 4 GB
CPU Model: MediaTek MT8183
Touchscreen: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Our Upgrade Pick
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop Review
What We Think of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop
There are so many things to like about the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop. The backlit keyboard helps you stay focused and more productive, and it’s great for improving your typing accuracy, too, especially in dim spaces. Since the colour vibrancy on the screen is also exceptional, this is a great choice for streaming.
One of the features we think you’ll appreciate the most is the touchscreen. It’s highly accurate and reliable, and while it’s useful in laptop mode, it also allows you to use this Chromebook as a tablet — talk about versatility! No matter what task you have ahead of you, this option will help you get it done quickly and without any hassle.
There are only two potential reasons you might need to keep looking for your perfect fit, and we don’t think either of them are dealbreakers. First, this one has a higher price than some, so if you won’t take advantage of all the extras, it might not be worth it. Also, the smaller 14” screen might not work for you if you’re a fan of multitasking.
All in all, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop is a huge winner in our books. With tons of user-friendly features and high-quality specs, this Chromebook is well-suited to almost any task you can dream up.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop
Reviewers have a high opinion of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop. It’s fast and offers exceptional graphics, so they’re really enjoying using it for streaming. They love being able to use it in two modes (laptop and tablet), and the touchscreen makes it a lot easier to use. The backlit keyboard is a huge plus, too.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop Pros and Cons
Buy If…
A backlit keyboard appeals to you
You don’t want to go without a touchscreen
You’ll want to use your Chromebook as a laptop and tablet
High graphics quality is important to you
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a tight budget
You’re not interested in a downsized screen
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14" FHD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Chromebook Plus Laptop Specifications
Dimensions: 12.4” x 9” x 0.78”
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Colour: Grey
Screen Size: 14”
Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
RAM: 8 GB
CPU Model: Intel Core i3
Touchscreen: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Our Alternative Upgrade Pick
Acer Spin 714 Chromebook Review
What We Think of the Acer Spin 714 Chromebook
The Acer Spin 714 Chromebook brings us lots of things to admire. Like most Chromebooks, it offers a touchscreen and dual laptop/tablet functionality to make sure you can use it no matter what activity you have ahead of you. Its 512 GB hard drive gives you tons (and tons) of local storage space, too. That’s not an easy thing to find in the Chromebook world!
The advanced Intel Core Ultra 5 processor makes this Chromebook a thing of efficient beauty — if multitasking is your game, you won’t need to worry about this one keeping up with you. One of the more unique things about this option is its sustainability — it’s energy efficient, comes in sustainable packaging, and uses recycled materials. You can feel good about this one all around.
Honestly, the only thing you might not like about this Chromebook is the price tag. It’s quite a bit more expensive than the average Chromebook, and while you’re getting a lot of value in return, it simply won’t work for every budget. And if you’re looking for something simple, you certainly don’t need to spend quite so much. It sure is worth it if you’ll maximize its potential, though.
All in all, the Acer Spin 714 Chromebook is a pretty impressive option. It has some of the best processing power, making it perfect for multitasking, and all its other top-tier features just build on its usefulness. You won’t regret this one.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Acer Spin 714 Chromebook
Reviewers are very impressed by the Acer Spin 714 Chromebook. The 512 GB hard drive gives them plenty of room for local storage of applications and other files, and they have no complaints about processing power for serious multitasking. The sustainability efforts behind this one make them feel even better about their decision. They would all choose this one again.
Acer Spin 714 Chromebook Pros and Cons
Buy If…
Local storage is a must-have
You’re in need of a lot of processing power for your activities
You don’t want to rely on a mouse/trackpad
You like to support sustainability
Don’t Buy If…
You don’t want to spend much on a Chromebook
Acer Spin 714 Chromebook Specifications
Dimensions: 12.4” x 8.9” x 0.71”
Colour: Grey
Screen Size: 14”
Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
RAM: 16 GB
CPU Model: Intel Core Ultra 5
Touchscreen: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Our Budget Pick
Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook Review
What We Think of the Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook
The Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook is by far our favourite budget-friendly option this year. Of course, it has one of the lowest price tags around, but it offers way more than that! Its large 15.6” screen means you won’t notice any difference if you’re switching over from a traditional laptop, and it works in concert with the up-turned speakers to give you a fantastic streaming experience.
The extra-long battery life on this Chromebook makes it great for school use or people who need to travel a lot for work. You won’t ever run out of juice when you need it most. The anti-glare screen is another feature we think you’ll love — whether you’re streaming, typing, or video-calling, you’ll always have a perfect view of every pixel on your screen. Thank goodness.
There are two main things that we’d change about this one if we could. First, the hard drive only offers 32 GB of storage, so you won’t have a ton of space for downloading applications. Second, this Chromebook does not come with a touchscreen, so it isn’t usable in tablet mode and you’ll need to rely on a mouse or the touchpad for all of your clicking and scrolling.
All in all, the Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook is the best choice if you need a Chromebook that is both affordable and well-rounded. It doesn’t have all of the advanced features you might want, but for simpler activities, it’s pretty great.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook
Reviewers are quite happy with the Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook. The large screen and up-facing speakers make it perfect for streaming on YouTube or Netflix, and the long battery life makes it a great companion for school. They’re all very happy with the price and the overall quality. Some of them have already purchased extras for family members.
Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’re looking for a standard screen size
You don’t ever want to worry about battery life
An affordable price tag is your number one priority
An anti-glare screen would be nice
Don’t Buy If…
You want a Chromebook with a touchscreen
Local storage is a must-have
Acer CB315 15.6" HD Chromebook Specifications
Dimensions: 14.4” x 9.6” x 0.79”
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Colour: Pure silver
Screen Size: 15.6”
Hard Disk Size: 32 GB
RAM: 4 GB
CPU Model: Intel Celeron N4000
Touchscreen: No
Warranty: 1 year
Our Gaming Pick
Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook Review
What We Think of the Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook
We are very impressed by the Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook. One of its selling points is the video call quality — with a flare-reducing webcam and AI tools (automatic background blurring, noise cancelling, lighting fixes, etc.), you’ll always look and sound your best. This Chromebook is incredibly durable inside and out, too. It’ll last you a long time even with heavy use.
Of course, the main reason to consider this option is its gaming potential. The extra-large screen, RGB and anti-ghosting keyboard, exceptional graphics and audio, and the convenience of cloud gaming make this a perfect choice for die-hard gamers. The massive 512 GB hard drive gives you tons of space for local games, too, so you won’t have to miss out on any of your favourites.
One of the only problems you’ll run into with this Chromebook is the lack of a touchscreen. If you prefer a tablet-style Chromebook or you just like to avoid using the mouse or trackpad on a laptop, this missing feature makes this option a no-go for you. Otherwise, the expensive price tag might be the only thing that sways you in a different direction.
All in all, the Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook is the ideal choice for people who strongly believe in working hard and playing hard. Unparalleled video call quality, impeccable gaming performance, and a sleek appearance make this an easy number-one choice.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook
Reviewers could not have better things to say about the Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook. They’re totally in love with all of the gaming-related features — the RGB keyboard, the impeccable graphics, the DTS audio…they couldn’t ask for better. The extra-large screen makes multitasking a breeze, too, and they’re very happy with the video call quality.
Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’ll primarily be using your Chromebook for gaming
An extra-large screen is ideal
You do a lot of video calling
Longevity is a priority for you
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a budget
You’re set on having a touchscreen
Acer 516 GE CBG516-2H-54YJ Chromebook Specifications
Dimensions: 14” x 9.8” x 0.83”
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Colour: Black
Screen Size: 16”
Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
RAM: 8 GB
CPU Model: Intel Core 5
Touchscreen: No
Warranty: 1 year
How to Properly Choose Your Chromebook
Price
The price of a Chromebook can fall anywhere between $200 and $1,200, generally. Most people won’t need to spend more than $800 for a model that fits their needs, though. Typically, more expensive Chromebooks will have larger hard drives, bigger screens, more advanced processors, better graphics, and extras like touchscreens or backlit keyboards.
Screen Size
Chromebooks are available in a variety of screen sizes. The most common size is a 14” screen, but there are also options available at 15.6” or even 16” if you prefer more space for multitasking and streaming. The price of a Chromebook tends to go up as the screen size goes up, so you’ll have to decide where the perfect balance is.
Hard Drive Size
There is a lot of variability when it comes to hard drive size with Chromebooks. Some are very small and only offer 32 GB of local storage, but others can compete with regular laptops with hard drives as large as 512 GB. If local storage is a must-have feature for you, you’ll want to pay the extra money for a larger hard drive.
RAM
Chromebooks can come with either 4 GB, 8 GB, or 16 GB of RAM depending on what price point you’re looking at. More RAM means better multitasking without lagging, so if you plan to keep lots of browsers open, you’ll want at least 8 GB. Keep in mind that the price goes up as RAM goes up.
CPU Model
There is a lot of diversity in the Chromebook market when it comes to CPU models. Every processor will offer its own pros and cons, so if you’re particular about the processing power of your Chromebook, you’ll want to do specific research on the CPU model it offers to make sure it is a good fit.
Touchscreen
Many Chromebooks come with a touchscreen that enables you to ditch the mouse and trackpad in favour of more immediate control of your screen. This feature will almost always also coincide with the ability to use the Chromebook in both laptop mode and tablet mode, so if you’d like to take advantage of that versatility, a touchscreen is the way to go. You can find them at nearly every price point, so your budget won’t be much of an issue here.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
