Chromebooks are special type of laptop – what we know about them

A few years ago, if you wanted to buy a laptop, you’d have two choices: a Mac or a PC. But these days, you’ve got a third choice: a Chromebook.

Chromebooks are probably pretty different than the laptops you’re used to. Here’s everything to know about the differences between Chromebooks and laptops.

The differences between Chromebooks and laptops

A Chromebook is a special kind of laptop, different from standard Macs and PCs.

Its operating system – the software that decides how the computer works and what programs it can run – is called Chrome OS. It’s made and updated by Google.

As you might expect, Chrome OS is primarily built to run Google apps like Google Drive, Docs, and YouTube, which are all installed on the Chromebook by default (although you can emulate some Mac and PC apps). You log into the device itself using your Google account and password, and will need an internet connection to use most of its features.

The keyboard also has keys you won’t recognize. Instead of a Caps Lock key, it’s got a button called “Search” or “Launcher” (depending on the Chromebook) that lets you search your device or the internet for anything you type. And in place of the Windows or Command key, there’s a key that’ll bring up Google Assistant.

Finally, they’re not as powerful as most high-end MacBooks, and nowhere near as powerful as high-end PCs. If you want a computer for gaming, animation, or image and video editing, look elsewhere.

The chart below compares a top-of-the-line Chromebook with similarly priced PC and Mac models. The best of every category will be highlighted.

_{*Based on third-party benchmark tests, as Apple hasn’t released their own stats.}

But when it comes down to it, a Chromebook is just another type of laptop. You can think of it like this: All Chromebooks are laptops, but not all laptops are Chromebooks.

Note: There are devices that will let you run Chrome OS on a desktop, but these are usually called Chromeboxes, not Chromebooks.

The most popular Chromebook models are the Google Pixelbook Go, the Acer Chromebook Spin, and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. They all look like any other laptop, just with that slightly different keyboard layout.

If you mostly use Google apps, or are tired of Macs and PCs, Chromebook laptops might be worth a look.