Ever since ChromeOS started supporting Android and Linux apps, there has been an increase in the number of Chrome tablets being available in the market. If you’re technologically active, you can pick a device based on system specifications, but if you don’t know a lot about them, then you’ve come to the right place.
Chrome OS is considered an alternative for traditional operating systems like Windows, MacOS. Since you’re here, you already know the advantages of this simple and lightweight operating system and are seeking a reliable tablet device.
Chromebooks are generally lightweight, simple, fast, portable and budget-friendly as compared to conventional laptops. Choosing the right model can give you a nice balance of work, learn and playing games.
Several reputed manufacturers including HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Samsung and Acer have partnered with Google on Chrome devices. Hence, you can get a good blend of performance and experience with this OS.
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7 Best Chrome OS Tablets in 2023
I understand the potential of these tablets and hence I researched the market to find the best options for you. I also tested over 23 models and shortlisted only the relevant devices. Hence, no matter which one you choose from my handpicked list- you’re assured a good balance of specs and performance in each of the following:
1. Best Chrome Tablet: Google Pixel Slate
The Google Pixel Slate is undoubtedly the best Chrome tablet in the market. It is ultra-portable, delivers fast performance, brilliant entertainment and every advantage that you expect from a Google device.
One reason why it’s the best available option is that the software and the hardware both are built by Google or manufacturers who might’ve partnered with them. It also means that the hardware + OS are highly optimized and shall ensure the best possible ChromeOS experience.
Processor & Performance
Get more things done with its powerful and multitasking Intel Core M3 processor (although it isn’t as fast as the new 10th gen processors, it is more than enough for ChromeOS.) It also facilitates splitting the screen and browsing multiple windows simultaneously so that you can do your work faster.
RAM & Storage
You get it with 4GB RAM and internal storage of up to 64GB which can store everything you need. However, if you don’t need high-end specs, you can also consider Pixelbook Go model.
The Display
It has a 12.3-inch large molecular display that offers a 2000 x 3000 screen resolution and 6 million pixels. This brings your favorite movies and videos to life with a cinema-like experience.
Google also allows you to attach a full-sized backlit keyboard or a Pixel Slate pen which will help you in taking meeting/college notes or completing assignments conveniently.
Design & Build
The device comes in a beautiful gray color with minimal design and rightly placed buttons and ports. It also has 2 USB-CTM ports for charging and quick data transfer.
Despite having dual front-firing speakers that provide a premium audio experience as well. The tablet has a weight of only 1.59 pounds and an aspect ratio of 3:2. It has a 48WHr battery which enables you to run the tablet continuously for up to 10 hours on a single charge. What else do you need?
- Touch-optimized big screen for editors and content creators
- Dual front-firing speakers
- Gorgeous display and a high definition molecular screen
- Powerful 8MP front and rear cameras
- Long battery life
- Expensive
- Pixel Slate pen, keyboard and kickstand are sold separately
2. Value For Money: ASUS Chromebook CM3
If you are looking for a Chrome OS tablet that offers a detachable keyboard and stylus for with portability your work, the Chromebook CM3 by ASUS solves your problem.
Processor & Performance
Its super-advanced specifications have the flexibility and power to get everything done. Loaded with a 2GHz MediaTek 8183 processor, this tablet is a perfect companion for a student, a content creator or a power seeker.
RAM, Storage & OS
This 2-in-1 Chrome tablet is equipped with a RAM of 4GB and internal storage of 64GB SSD. It also gives you a 1 year Google One trial for additional storage across Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos.
Its Chrome OS has complete support for Linux and Google Play Store applications. Hence, you can download, edit and convert Microsoft files into Google Docs, Slides and Sheets. It is one of the longest supported Chromebooks available in the market and will get updates until June 2028.
The Display
The Nano edge display across all sides gives you the advantage of a 10.5-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It comes with a productivity cover so as to make vertical and horizontal viewing easier.
Keyboard & Inputs
The device has a decent keyboard for your everyday typing requirements. The trackpad is wide enough to give room for every gesture. It also comes with an intuitive stylus with its reserved place for storing and charging in the tablet.
Design, Build & Connectivity
With a weight of only 1.12 pounds, it is a lightweight option. It comes in a magnesium alloy body which makes it durable and sleek at the same time. It also has in-built front-facing quad speakers powered by Harman Kardon. Talking about connectivity, it includes 1 USB 2.0 port.
You can stay productive throughout your day as it offers a battery life of up to 12 hours. You also get a 3-month Disney+ subscription.
- Extra 100GB cloud storage free for 12 months
- Stylus and Keyboard comes with the tablet
- Free 3 months Disney+ subscription
- Productivity cover for the tablet
- Not enough connectivity options
- The keyboard is not apt for long working hours
3. Best For Professionals: Dell Inspiron C7486 Chromebook
If you are looking for a medium-range Chrome OS tablet with premium features, the Dell Inspiron C7486 Chromebook will surely meet your demands. It is a perfect blend of performance, longevity and convenience of usage.
Processor & Performance
The Dell tablet is processed by Intel’s latest ULV processor, the 2.2GHz 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U CPU. It gives 2 times faster performance and will not let you feel the need for an i5 or i7 processor.
RAM, Storage & OS
This device offers a RAM of 4GB and an eMMC flash memory of 128GB. It also comes with a 100GB free cloud storage so that you can store your files and photos in Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Thanks to the Chrome OS integration with Android, you can now access all the apps from Google Play Store.
The Display
It has a 14-inch backlit FHD display with IPS technology for viewing true and vivid colors. The screen offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a brightness of 320 nits
Keyboard & Inputs
The backlit keyboard is slightly advanced than other Chrome OS tablets available in the market. The keys are rightly placed with appropriate space in between. It also supports stylus with EMR technology.
Design, Build & Connectivity
The tablet is engineered with a sturdy aluminum chassis and weighs 4 pounds. The 360 degrees flip and fold design facilitate you to use it the way you feel comfortable.
If you need a tablet with a full-size USB port, this one is a great potion. It has 2 USB 3.0 Type-C and 1 USB Type-A port along with a headphone jack and a micro SD card slot for greater connectivity and storage. Its 56WHr battery facilitates you to work for up to 10 hours after a single full charge.
- Includes a USB Type-A port
- 2x faster performance with Intel Core i3-8130U processor
- Long battery life
- Advanced backlit keyboard for comfortable typing
- Free 100GB cloud storage
- Uneven backlight in the screen
- Bulky
4. Best For Students: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Lenovo consistently bringing budget-friendly Chrome OS tablets which can give you the best value for your money. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet has a military-grade design that does not do any harm to the tablet even when dropped.
Processor & Performance
It is processed by a 2GHz MediaTek Helio P60T processor which is optimized especially for tablets. It is powerful enough for running augmented reality applications, recording videos and giving presentations.
RAM, Storage & OS
The device has 4GB RAM and a 64GB eMCP internal storage which can store all the important applications for your regular use. It operates on Chrome OS which allows your younger ones to run problem-solving games, assessments and other learning applications.
The Display
The 10.1-inch display comes with an in-plane switching (IPS) technology which enables wider viewing angles, excellent color accuracy and faster response time.
Keyboard & Inputs
You can also avail of this tablet with an optional folio keyboard which can be connected hassle-free and in no time with magnets and a pogo pin. Get your work done faster and effortlessly with the Google Assistant on the device.
Design & Build
This tablet is also compatible with a stylus so that kids can bring out their creativity. It is slightly heavy, weighing 3.36 pounds. The body has a 360° flip-and-fold convertible cover. It has a USB Type C port and pogo pin for attaching the keyboard. The tablet has a battery life of up to 10 hours.
- Excellent device for remote learning
- Supports keyboard and stylus
- Portable and durable
- No audio jack
- Keyboard is sold separately
5. Best For Kids: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
If you are looking for a cheap Chrome OS tablet, I would recommend going with the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. You can get this highly portable, long-lasting and efficient tablet for under $300.
Processor & Performance
Loaded with the MediaTek Helio P60T processor, it delivers moderately fast performance to do your everyday tasks efficiently. It is also equipped with the ARM G72 MP3 graphics card.
RAM, Storage & OS
This model has a RAM of 4GB. It can be availed at the internal storage of either 64GB or 128GB eMMC. It runs on the Chrome OS tablet which provides you access to all your cloud-based emails, documents and more by just logging in to your Google account.
The Display
It has a 10.1-inch 1080p FHD display with in-plane switching (IPS) technology which gives a colorful and detailed view of everything that is on your screen. It has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The display is bright enough to give you a comfortable viewing experience in sunlight as well as moonlight.
Keyboard & Inputs
It has a plug-and-play detachable keyboard that is magnetically attached to the screen. The keyboard is enabled with a 5 point pogo pin and enables you to type even while traveling. The touchscreen is highly responsive and multitouch-sensitive to up to 10 points.
Design & Build
The tablet comes in an ice blue and gray color and weighs only 0.94 pounds without a keyboard while 2.03 pounds with it. It also has a 2MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera aiding video recording.
The exteriors are built with aluminum alloy with a unique dual-tone design and sophisticated fabric texture. It also has a USB Type-C port. Overall, it is a productive, stylish and practical device that comes at a budget-friendly price. It keeps you working throughout the day with a battery life of up to 8 hours.
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with an efficient keyboard and a kickstand
- Point multi-touch highly responsive screen
- Exteriors built from aluminium alloy ensures durability
- No jack for headphones
- Inefficient speakers
6. Best For Seniors: Asus Chromebook Tablet CT100
Today, a tablet has become as necessary for a student as his textbooks as education is moving online. Hence, Asus has designed the Chromebook Tablet CT100 keeping in mind all the needs of adults and seniors.
Processor & Performance
Powered by a 1.5GHz Rockchip RK3399 processor, gives it a snappy and quick performance. It is efficient for running games like PUBG, CS, etc.
RAM, Storage & OS
Just like the previous tablet in the list, this tablet also contains a 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC internal storage. It also entitles you to a 100GB Google One membership free for 12 months so that you can have additional storage for all your files and photos.
It runs on the Chrome OS operating system which enables you more productivity and smarter work. The system is automatically updated with all the advanced features and security. You can learn more and show creativity with its teacher-approved apps.
The Display
For those who want to have a mobile device, CT100 gives you a 9.7-inch Qxga display with a high pixel resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. So you can experience all the beauties of the real world in great detail with this device.
Stylus & Inputs
The tablet comes with a Wacom EMR Pen to enable you to write manually, doodle or personalize your photos. The pen does not need charging and can be safely placed in the tablet’s inbuilt pen holder. Hence, students can also use them to complete their assignments or create content.
Design, Build & Connectivity
It is fully protected with scratch-resistant technology and the exteriors are covered with a tough rubber bumper. Its sturdy micro dimple 3D texture also saves the tablet from any scratch or fingerprint. Hence, your device always looks new with less maintenance for old people.
It has a USB Type-C port and a slot for a micro SD card. College students can take online classes the whole day with a battery backup of up to 9 hours with a single charge and take this lightweight device (1.2 pounds) everywhere you go.
- 12 months free subscription of Google One
- Micro SD card slot
- US Military Grade design with scratch-proof exteriors
- Comes with a Wacom EMR Pen and an inbuilt pen holder
- Google Assistant for more productivity and faster performance
- Does not come with a keyboard
- No fingerprint reader
7. Cheapest Option: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
If you are looking to buy a tablet that can be suited for your whole family needs, consider buying the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. It enables you to add multiple users.
The Spin 311 lets you supervise your children’s activity using FamilyLink and explore distance learning resources for them. The Night Light and Do Not Disturb features take care of the digital well-being of the family members.
Processor & Performance
It is processed by the 2.8GHz Intel Celeron N4020 processor. The graphics run faster with its integrated Intel UHD 600.
RAM, Storage & OS
The 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC is sufficient to perform your everyday tasks conveniently. The Chrome operating system ensures automatic updates and multiple layers of security to keep your files protected from malware. It also facilitates access to more than 2 million Google Play apps and other Google services.
The Display
Experience crisp, sharp and clear visuals on its 11-inch display with a 1366 x 768 screen resolution. It also gives you more vertical space because of the 16:9 aspect ratio. You can enhance your productivity with its efficient backlit keyboard and the Acer Stylus which comes with Wacom EMR technology for the natural writing experience.
Engineered with lightweight aluminum material, it promises a modern yet sturdy look.
Design & Connectivity
It weighs 2.62 pounds and has a reversible 2 USB 3.1 Type C port for charging and connecting to other devices. Its 10 hours of battery life lets you work all day on only one charge. Overall, it is a great device for families.
- Single port for multiple uses
- Access to a wide range of Google Play apps and services
- Multiple layers of security against malware
- Less RAM
- Heavyweight
Frequently Asked Questions
You can play Google games, Linux games, Web games, Arcade games and even Android games on a Chrome OS tablet. These games include Mortal Kombat, Tomb Raider, Asphalt 9, PUBG, Dream League Soccer, Arcane Legends, MAME4droid, T-Rex Run and many more.
No, you cannot officially install Windows on a Chrome OS tablet. However, you can run Windows programs on a Chromebook with CrossOver.
The best Chrome OS tablet includes the Google Pixel Slate and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook. You can also refer to the above list for selecting the most suitable Chrome OS tablet for you according to your needs and wants.
No, there is a lot of difference between them. The Chrome OS can run a web-based application while in Android, you have to first install the application before running it. Also, Chrome OS can run Android applications while vice versa is not possible.
Verdict
Today, the world is moving from Android tablets or Macbooks to Chromebooks. The Chrome OS tablets are more portable and can run even the Android and Linux apps and games. And with them, you do not feel the need for large storage space because the Chrome OS can run web-based applications.
The above list contains the best picks for 2023, however, if you need more clarity, here it is:
- If you are a professional, purchase either the Google Pixel Slate.
- The Asus CT100 is designed for seniors and adults and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is well suited for students and kids.
- In case you are looking for a cheap tablet – Acer Spin 311 would be great for you.
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