In the Chromebook vs Laptop debate, consider your needs: Chromebooks for simplicity, laptops for power. Choose wisely for productivity!
The Chromebook offers something different from Windows and Mac computers. Especially for aspiring professionals and expanding enterprises that require powerful gadgets, it doesn’t make sense on paper. It has limited storage, a small selection of programs, and isn’t quite as functional as a Windows laptop should be. This is a deal-breaker for people who require a powerful laptop, especially at a time when hybrid work is becoming more common due to the pandemic and at-home gadgets must be able to tackle a large project.
Chromebooks are currently being released by laptop manufacturers, and they readily compete with the greatest Windows and macOS-based computers in terms of internal power. Additionally, Google upgraded Chrome OS’s user interface and introduced support for Linux, transforming it into a desktop-class operating system. With all of these considerations in mind, it appears that Chromebook is now prepared to take on the opposition. As a result, we provide a thorough comparison of Chromebooks and laptops in this post. We have thoroughly evaluated laptops and Chromebooks in all areas, from performance and security to battery life and user interface. Let’s find out who prevails in the Chromebook vs. laptop conflict in 2024 without spending any more time.
We have made an effort to describe the features in greater depth because Chromebooks are significantly less common among consumers. Additionally, while Windows is the primary comparison tool we are utilizing, most of these observations still hold for other desktop operating systems like Linux and macOS. With that said, let’s start our comparison:
Operating System Comparisons
Operating systems are where Chromebook vs Laptop most significantly diverge. Simply, Chromebooks are powered by Chrome OS, a Google-developed, lightweight Linux operating system. The majority of laptops, however, run Windows and macOS, which are produced by Apple and Microsoft, respectively. So how does Chrome OS do in this Chromebook versus laptop comparison to Windows and macOS?
As I’ve already stated, Chrome OS is a thin and modular operating system. It only requires 4GB of storage space and 1GB of it is taken up by the installation image. Windows and macOS, in comparison, require more than 15GB of disc space, and their installation images are more than 4GB. Not to add that Chrome OS has fewer than 7 million lines of code compared to Windows’ more than 50 million.
Chrome OS performs well and has a modest impact on hardware resources (more on this below). For the time being, we may deduce that Chromebooks consume fewer resources overall than laptops, mostly due to the operating system’s small weight.
Windows is heavy and resource-intensive for a reason, though. Windows is a solid platform if you wish to make massive document projects, 3D modelling, or play graphically intensive games. Continue reading to learn more about both ecosystems as I have already gone into detail about the capabilities of both operating systems.
Chromebook vs Laptop: Hardware
The Chromebook does not require top-tier hardware because it runs on a lightweight operating system. Any low-powered chipset can run Chrome OS without any performance issues. For instance, you can run Chrome OS with ease on Celeron or Pentium CPUs, which aren’t among the top chipsets but still deliver respectable performance.
In addition, Chrome OS works out of the box with both Intel and ARM CPUs. As a result, Chromebooks use fewer resources and are future-proof. In addition, Google has released Chrome OS Flex, a lighter and even more streamlined version of its desktop OS. This may be installed on outdated Windows or Mac computers to bring them back to life and restore their functionality.
When it comes to laptops running Windows and macOS, the operating system requires a strong CPU to function. You need at least an Intel i3 processor to get a respectable performance out of the laptop because these operating systems are demanding. This results in higher costs, but you can accomplish several functions that Chrome OS is incapable of, such as video editing and gaming (to a certain extent, as we go on to describe below).
Additionally, you may worry-free run many desktop-class apps on Windows laptops if you have a strong CPU with you. Therefore, a Chromebook would meet your needs as you don’t require a strong CPU for routine chores like browsing the web and viewing movies. On the plus side, you will have more power available to you for resource-demanding apps. On laptops, though, you will need a strong processor to get going.
Additionally, you may worry-free run many desktop-class apps on Windows laptops if you have a strong CPU with you. Therefore, a Chromebook would meet your needs as you don’t require a strong CPU for routine chores like browsing the web and viewing movies. On the plus side, you will have more power available to you for resource-demanding apps. On laptops, though, you will need a strong processor to get going.
Benchmark and Performance
We can move on to the performance front and determine who prevails in the conflict between Chromebook vs Laptop after we have a clear grasp of the differences in terms of OS and hardware. Let me be clear: Chromebooks outperform conventional laptops in terms of general task performance. I’ll use an Intel i5-powered Chromebook as an illustration, and the performance difference between it and a Windows laptop with a similar configuration is noticeable. I can sign in quickly on the Chromebook after turning it on, but the Windows laptop takes a while to load up. Furthermore, although the Windows laptop takes some time to launch its services and become operational, the Chromebook is immediately ready to use after signing in.
In the benchmark test, my Chromebook got a staggering 78.1 points whereas the Windows laptop only received 31.3 points on the Speedometer test. When using Chromebooks and Windows laptops regularly, you will notice a performance difference of this nature. But given that Windows has been around for a long time and has added libraries for games, developer tools, recovery tools, drivers, network utilities, support for third-party apps, and many other things, the speed gap is acceptable. The Chromebook, on the other hand, is not required to keep up with so many different things. It lacks support for several third-party utilities, games, specialized applications, and native programmes.
We may conclude that Windows laptops are sluggish but functional devices that can be utilized by both businesspeople and regular users. In comparison, Chromebooks are a great device for everyday users but offer few capabilities for professionals.
The Chromebook outperforms a laptop by a wide margin when it comes to activities like online surfing, photo editing, playing music, creating papers, and sketching, which are performed by the majority of us. The Chromebook outperforms a laptop by a wide margin when it comes to activities that the majority of us perform, such as online surfing, picture editing, playing music, creating papers, and sketching.
User Experience and User Interface: Chromebook vs Laptop
In contrast to Windows laptops, Chromebooks were initially conceptualized in 2009, making the operating system relatively up-to-date. You get a taskbar that is centrally located, an app launcher like those on smartphones, a fast settings panel, and more. In general, Chrome OS appears to have been influenced by smartphone interfaces, especially the Android design language.
To make UI navigation simple for you, Chrome OS also has a tablet mode, support for touchpad gestures, and several keyboard shortcuts. The operating system seems quick and responsive to operate as a result of its mobile-driven user interface.
A granular permission system akin to Android is another benefit of using the smartphone design language, aside from that. It simply means that, unlike Windows, Chromebooks require explicit permission from programmes and websites before they can access local files, the microphone, the webcam, alerts, etc.
The drawback of this strategy is that several UI components, including menus, buttons, and controls, have smaller target areas and appear to be intended for tapping rather than clicking, giving the impression that the desktop OS is still in its infancy. Similar to Windows laptops, the file manager is less feature-rich, and many people would be dismayed to learn that the desktop is completely inoperable.
Chromebook vs Laptop: App Support
This section will help you rapidly decide between a Chromebook and a laptop if you are undecided. Web and Android apps are supported by Chromebooks the most. Web apps are websites that function and behave more like mobile applications and offer offline functionality. They are also known as Progressive Web Apps or PWAs. For instance, online apps like Twitter, Pixlr, Spotify, Zoom, and many more all function well, frequently better than native programs accessible on Windows laptops. In reality, businesses are turning more and more to PWA applications, including Windows, which has begun hosting web applications on the Microsoft Store.
Additionally, Chromebooks allow you to browse Android apps. The nicest thing is that Android apps are designed to function in full-screen mode while supporting a mouse and keyboard. On a Chromebook, you may directly download several high-quality Android apps from the Play Store, including Microsoft Word and art programmes. However, bear in mind that certain Android programmes (such as Microsoft Word) don’t give the same range of desktop functionality on a Chromebook that they would on a Windows laptop.
In addition, Google released Linux applications for Chromebooks. In summary, Chrome OS supports running programmes from the Web, Android, and Linux ecosystems. The majority of my work is done via online applications, but I also use ProtonVPN on Android and GIMP on Linux for picture processing. Additionally, I use the Linux application Wine to install most Windows programmes when I wish to execute them on my Chromebook.
Regarding app support for Windows laptops, not much can be said. Since the platform has been present for the past 40 years, laptops have very strong support from programmers all across the world. Laptops offer greater support, and you can get native programmes and utilities for practically anything, from entry-level photo-editing programs to professional-level software.
The app functions on laptops are yet another major plus. Even though identical software could be available on both platforms, Windows-based apps have additional functionalities. Use Microsoft Word as an illustration. On Chromebooks, Word is only available as a web or mobile app, therefore you are utilizing a condensed version of the software. Having said that, Chromebooks have also advanced, and nearly everything is now accessible to the average user. Not to mention that Chromebooks are now a reliable tool for developers thanks to the addition of Linux support.
Support for gaming
There is just no competition when it comes to local gaming in the battle between Chromebooks and laptops. For playing games locally, you should consider a laptop, especially a Windows laptop (not a MacBook). Chromebooks are not the finest gaming computers. However, you won’t discover AAA games or other well-known games that are native to Chromebooks. Some fantastic Android games are, however, accessible and work well on Chromebooks.
Having said that, you can play FPS games like CS: GO on your Chromebook with Linux support if you have a bigger storage device and a potent processor. To enable huge AAA games via Steam, Google has also launched a new Borealis container called Steam Gaming. However, this container is still in testing, and only a small number of Chromebooks are compatible with it. You’ll get the finest gaming experience on Chromebooks if you’re okay with cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, etc.
Most PC games run flawlessly on Chromebooks and may be played. The new Gaming Edition Chromebooks are also becoming more popular since they include RGB lighting and other design elements geared towards gamers. Overall, if you want the finest gaming experience, you should get a Windows laptop, but Chromebooks won’t let you down if you’re OK with cloud gaming.
Vocal assistance
Although several businesses tried their hand at voice assistants, Google Assistant continues to hold the top spot. The greatest thing is that Chromebooks have support for Google Assistant out of the box, including a keyboard button just for the assistant. You may ask questions, set timers, play music, set reminders, and more with Google Assistant enabled on Chrome OS, and everything will be linked to your Android smartphone. To improve your experience, look at some common Google Assistant instructions.
Similar to how all of your smartphone’s calendar alerts will show up on your Chromebook. How fantastic is that? On the other hand, Cortana on Windows laptops is essentially dead and frequently fails to understand your voice commands. In the duel between a Chromebook and a laptop, I’d say the Chromebook comes out on top in the voice assistance category.
Also read- 10 Most Powerful Chromebooks To Buy In 2023
Security
Because of the update method, Chromebooks are among the most secure gadgets when it comes to security. Unlike Windows laptops where the update system is dreadful even on the Windows 11 version, Google strictly controls the update method for Chromebooks. Google has developed a smooth method to upgrade the operating system because Chromebooks are designed for everyday users.
Users aren’t even aware that their system has upgraded thanks to the way it works. The update is downloaded and installed in a secondary partition using a feature called a Seamless Update Mechanism. Now, the boot slot is moved and the OS is updated instantly when you restart a Chrome OS device. So I would always prefer Chromebooks over laptops if you want a safe and basic device, especially for average users who update quickly.
Battery’s life
The lightweight OS that powers Chromebooks, as was already noted, means that there is minimal overhead and no stress on the system’s essential resources. As a result, Chromebooks have excellent battery life. I use a Chromebook and a Windows laptop side by side, and the former allows me to use it continuously for more than 10 hours while the latter runs out of juice in just 4 hours.
Choose a Chromebook over a Windows laptop without a second thought if battery life is important to you. Chrome OS computers have longer battery lives than macOS-powered laptops do. However, with Apple’s adoption of its own M-series silicon, the MacBook now has a remarkable battery life that rivals or even exceeds that of Chromebooks.
Prices of Chromebook vs Laptop
The cost is the last issue we must address. You can buy functional Chromebooks starting at approximately $300 since Chromebooks can function on outdated technology. Even though you have the option to spend less, the point at which you acquire useful gadgets for everyday use is $300. With the introduction of Chromebooks with Gaming Editions and high-end models from Acer and HP, Chromebooks have also recently become more expensive. These pricey Chromebooks for gaming might meet your demands if you’re into development.
On the other hand, a decent Windows computer will set you back more than $500. There is no use in debating the entry price for a macOS notebook here as it is $999. The final line is that, for the same money, a competent Chromebook will be a better purchase if you are on a tight budget than a typical laptop.
Chromebook vs Laptop: Which Should You Pick?
You should start with the purpose of determining which device is best for your needs before deciding between a Chromebook and a laptop. What are your computer-related goals? A Chromebook is an excellent choice and far superior to conventional laptops if you want to surf the internet, write articles, produce presentations, watch films, edit images, or doodle. On Chromebooks, performance, battery life, and security are excellent.
Laptops might be a good choice for you if you want a comprehensive computer that allows you to try everything, including gaming, video editing, and utilizing specialist software from companies like Adobe and Autodesk. But keep in mind that getting everything on a laptop would cost money.
Should You Purchase a Laptop or a Chromebook?
It used to be quite simple to pick up a laptop. It came down to choosing between a MacBook or a Windows laptop, both of which had a strong tribal following. The Chromebook is a more recent opponent, and the two are perhaps more competitive than they’ve ever been.
Chromebooks are replacing “regular” laptops as the more sensible option because of their lower pricing and straightforward design. In reality, we’d say a Chromebook is the best option unless you really must use a certain programme that is only accessible on Windows (or Mac). They are also highly secure, assisting in preventing a security breach from happening to you.
Nowadays, internet computing predominates over using your computer directly. Using your email? through the cloud. Your paperwork? backed up on Dropbox or Google Drive. Your audio and visual works? not downloaded, but streamed. Chromebooks are ideal for this “always-online” strategy and are far less expensive than Windows or Mac-based laptops.
There are some things that Chromebooks, MacBooks, and Windows laptops can all complete better than the others, but each has its pros and limitations. They can all access the web, stream videos, and manage documents since they are all fundamentally laptops.
Conversely, Chromebooks are often relatively affordable, have outstanding battery life that will last all day, are quick to start, and are simple to use, making them an excellent choice for anyone wishing to improve their work-from-home scenario without going over budget. Additionally, they are some of the most secure business-related technology available, thus avoiding a security breach may have significant advantages.
- If all you want to do is browse the web, send emails, and stream videos, consider getting a Chromebook.
- If you need to utilize specific programs and collaborate with Windows users, choose a Windows laptop.
- If you want a strong, user-friendly laptop with a high-end screen, choose a MacBook.
| Chromebook | Windows Laptop | MacBook | |
| Screen Size
| 10-15 inches | 11-17 inches | 12-15 inches |
| Battery Life | 10+ hours | 3-12 hours | 10-12 hours |
| Operating System | ChromeOS | Windows 11 | MacOS |
| Processor | Mobile chip | Intel core | Intel core or M1 chip |
| Storage | 32GB+ | 128GB – 1TB | 128 – 500 GB |
| Microsoft Office | Web apps | Windows Office | Mac Office |
| Price | 10-15 inches | 11-17 inches | 12-15 inches |
We hope this blog on “Chromebook vs Laptop” has shed light on the distinctions between these devices. Understanding your requirements is key to making the right choice. Happy computing!
