Chromebooks are popular for a lot of people, from students to everyday users. However, ChromeOS is ideal for business thanks to its hardware affordability and adaptability to run on any machine. You might see ChromeOS in a lot of business situations. There’s Chrome Enterprise, which can help you manage all of your users and implement cloud-based security protocols. You can also easily deploy Chrome OS devices to facilitate your business transactions. Finally, Chromeboxes are very popular for managing kiosks and other self-serve stations in retail stores. If you need a Chromebook for business, check out our top picks below.
Best overall: HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
Businesses buying Chromebooks should get the latest and greatest; a model with older specifications just won’t cut it. The good news is that our top pick, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is a perfect option. It has a newer 12-generation Intel CPU inside, a great design, and a lot more premium features that make it worth the high $1,000+ price tag.
While you’ll often find Windows laptops with the newest CPUs from Intel, it’s not exactly common in Chromebooks, which are known for their value. This HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is on the other end of that spectrum. There are options for Intel’s 12th-generation U-series chips from the Core i3 to the Core i7. These chips are then paired with 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of RAM; and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of SSD storage. When you combine all of those specs, you get a really great Chromebook for business tasks like dealing with data-packed spreadsheets, running web apps, and so much more, as we found in our review. Even Linux apps should run great on this machine.
As for the hardware, this is the only Chromebook with a haptic trackpad, which helps with scrolling through webpages all day. You feel little vibrations for dragging windows into place, and you can even tap anywhere to click across its surface. It’s also a convertible, so you can turn it into a tablet. With the HP Digital Pen, a business person can sign documents, annotate documents, and take notes in meetings, all on the screen itself.
You’ll be able to do all of your tasks on one of its great displays: Anti-Glare WLED (1920 x 1280), BrightView LED (2256×1504), or BrightView WLED (1920×1280). All look decent with 400 nits of brightness, minus the BrightView WLED, which features 1,000 nits. Regardless of your option, you’ll get a great display with a taller 3:-2 aspect ration for showcasing presentations, holding the Chromebook as a tablet, and even watching content on the screen.
The only problem we had with it was the mediocre battery life, but that’s to be expected with these high-power Intel chips.
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook has a really great haptic trackpad, the latest Intel CPUs, and lots of display options, making it our top pick if you need a Chromebook for business.
Best last-gen Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Flip CX5400
Sometimes you don’t need the latest and greatest, whether you want to save money or don’t need a ton of power. If you’re looking for a last-generation device, we’d suggest the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5400. It might be a year old, but it’s still great by 2022 standards.
Under the hood are 11th-generation Intel Core i3 or Core i7 processors, which are still good for common business tasks like using Google Docs and web browsing. The included 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD storage might not be a lot by today’s standards, but it’ll get the job done for common tasks. It also has an ASUS “ErgoLift” hinge, which raises the keyboard deck up a bit for a more comfortable typing angle. Combine that with the 1.5 mm key travel, and this can help alleviate pains in your wrists when typing.
The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5400 is also a good option if you plan on taking your Chromebook into the field. Like Lenovo’s Windows ThinkPads, this device meets military-grade durability with an all-metal chassis. Despite feeling premium, it’s still portable at 0.62 inches thick and close to 3 pounds. You can easily slide this device into a bag for travel.
The last things we wanted to mention are the display and the stylus. The Asus Chromebook Flip XC5400 has a slim-bezel, 14-inch FHD display that supports an ASUS stylus. Since this is a high-resolution display with pen support, you can use the pen to draw on documents and take notes. When you’re done, just tuck the pen away into the chassis.
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5400
The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5400 is a Chromebook that’s now a year old, but it still has decent specs thanks to the Intel 11th gen CPU, as well as the FHD display that supports a garaged stylus.
Best Chromebook for Windows apps: HP Pro c630 G2 Chromebook Enterprise
ChromeOS is a great platform, but businesses might still need to use Windows apps from time to time. Fortunately, the HP Pro c630 G2 Chromebook Enterprise is certified for running Windows apps. This is because it’s certified to run Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS. With this software, you can run Windows apps on ChromeOS, like Microsoft Office, or just about any Android or Linux app.
To run Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS, you need decent specs. It’s why the HP Pro c630 G2 Chromebook Enterprise has 11th-generation Core i5 processors, and 8GB of RAM or 128GB of storage. In particular, this Chromebook is using the Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU. The Intel Iris Xe graphics even mean this Chromebook is certified for gaming with Steam (if that’s something you want to do in your downtime).
The HP Pro c630 G2 Chromebook Enterprise also packs in a great display and design. It’s an FHD 1920 x 1080 resolution, 14-inch display, resulting in a crisp, clear picture. You’ll also be able to get a lot done with that display, thanks to the number of ports. Here, you’ll get a USB Type-C, two USB Type-A, a headphone/microphone combo, and HDMI 2.0, so there’s little need for a dongle. HP also mentions that this Chromebook has a wipeable keyboard, which we’re sure IT admins will appreciate.
Speaking of IT, this Chromebook includes the Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, which makes system management easy. And for security? There’s a slider on the webcam that can block the webcam when it is not in use. Just keep in mind the webcam is only 720p resolution, so investing in an external webcam might be a good idea if you buy this Chromebook.
HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook Enterprise
The HP Pro c630 G2 Chromebook Enterprise is a great Chromebook for business thanks to the ability to run Windows apps with Parallels for ChromeOS.
Best ThinkPad: Lenovo ThinkPad C14 Chromebook Enterprise
One thing that we know from years of reviewing laptops is that ThinkPad and business go hand in hand. This is due to their specs, durability, and enterprise software options. Though it might be a surprise, there is a ThinkPad Chromebook, too: the Lenovo ThinkPad X14 Chromebook Enterprise.
Based on specs alone, you’ll see that this is quite a powerful Lenovo Chromebook. It’s another Chromebook with 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processors that come with 10 cores and 12 threads — above what you’d find on other Chromebooks. You also get 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, so you can run a number of tabs in Chrome or a couple of programs.
For security, this Chromebook has Google’s Titan C security chip inside. There’s also a webcam privacy shutter and an optional fingerprint reader. When you combine all three of these features, data on this Chromebook will remain super secure and safe, and won’t get into the wrong hands. There’s also VPro certification, which is great for IT and makes deploying this Chromebook and managing it a lot easier.
ThinkPads are also quite durable. This one, in particular, passes the MIL-STD 810H standard, so it won’t break easily if it’s dropped in the field. And it doesn’t mean this Chromebook has to be heavy, either. It weighs just 3.5 pounds and is 0.88 inches thick, which is very manageable.
In other areas of design, we want to point out the keyboard, display, and ports. The keyboard on this ThinkPad looks just like what you’d get on a Windows ThinkPad with the iconic nub in the middle and concave-shaped keys. The 14-inch FHD display is also great. And atop the display is an FHD 1080p webcam, which is great for looking your best on web calls. Lastly, with ports, there are USB-C Gen 1, Thunderbolt 4, two USB Type-A ports, a microSD card reader, HDMI 2.0, and a headphone/mic combo. It’s a very well-connected machine, just like some of the best Windows laptops.
Lenovo ThinkPad C14 Chromebook
The Lenovo ThinkPad C14 Chromebook mimics a Windows laptop but runs ChromeOS. It has a great keyboard, a 1080p webcam, and 12-generation Intel CPUs.
Best portable Chromebook: Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5
A new trend in business is giving employees iPads or Android tablets for work. If you’re looking into that as part of your operations but prefer a ChromeOS-powered device, then the good news is that ChromeOS tablets are available, including the excellent Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5.
We’ve recommended this tablet a lot, and for good reason. We reviewed the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5, and really enjoyed what the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c brings to everyday performance. Like the M1 chip on an iPad Pro, this is an Arm-based SoC, so it runs efficiently for running Android apps and using it in web-based workflows.
We can’t forget to mention the display, either. You see, this isn’t a Chromebook with an IPS or LCD panel, but an OLED panel with FHD 1080p resolution. That means you’ll get a very color-accurate display for showcasing presentations, watching replays of meetings, and enjoying multimedia content. The display also gets crazy bright, too, at 500 nits. At the end of the day, all of this means this Chromebook tablet brings your content to life more than a regular iPad ever would.
The other great thing about this Chromebook tablet is h ow Lenovo includes a keyboard in the box. You don’t even get that with an iPad or a Surface! You just pull out the kickstand and get typing, be it on your desk or your lap. We typed out long posts for XDA when we reviewed this tablet and really enjoyed the experience. You can also purchase an optional USI pen if you want to draw on the screen or take notes.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5
Thanks to the amazing OLED screen and included keyboard, this Chromebook is hard to pass up for business if you compare it to an iPad.
Best with LTE: HP Elite c1030 Chromebook
Business operations don’t always end up being in the office or at home. Sometimes you need to be out and about. The good news is that there are a few Chromebooks that offer LTE connectivity, including the HP Elite C1030 Chromebook. It’s an older Chromebook, but it still is worth suggesting just because of that LTE connectivity, so you’ll always be connected.
Unlike the other devices we’ve suggested purchasing so far, this one has an older Intel 10th-generation CPU inside. That might sound bad, but again, if your business is primarily doing web-based tasks, this will power you through without issue. This Chromebook might not be certified to run Windows apps, but it can run Linux and Android apps just fine. At a minimum, you can get this with a Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, but it goes up to a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The Core i3 model, though, is the easiest to find.
It also has a great design. It’s made of aluminum and has a 2-in-1 form factor, so you can use it as a tablet if you wish. HP also says it’s tested against MIL-STD 810H standards so it can stand up against drops. The overall weight of the device comes in at less than 3 pounds, so you can take it out of the office, too.
Similar to our top pick, this older Chromebook has super slim bezels around the display. This helps make the WUXGA resolution and 3:-2 aspect ratio screen feel much more spacious, especially if you plan to multitask and use apps side by side.
If we absolutely must complain about this pick, though, it’s definitely the price. LTE is important, but this Chromebook is close to $1,000 with top-end specs.
HP Elite c1030 Chromebook
This Chromebook is great for business, mainly thanks to the LTE support, but the design is great too.
Best Chromebox: Asus Chromebox 4
Not every business needs a laptop. If you need to power a kiosk, or just want your own monitor and keyboard, Chromeboxes are a great idea. A Chromebox is a lightweight and compact machine that can fit behind a monitor or on the side of a desk, and the best you can buy is the Asus Chromebox 4.
This option features a 10th-generation Intel Core or Celeron processor and DDR4-2666 memory for faster, smoother, and more energy-efficient performance. We get that it isn’t the latest Intel CPU, but Chromeboxes aren’t really meant to be desktop replacements. For a bit more power, these specs are also configurable up to a Core i7 and 16GB of RAM. It also supports up to three 4K displays and comes equipped with versatile USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for fast data transfers. USB-C also supports power delivery and DisplayPort connections.
The device also lets you enjoy your favorite apps, offering easy access to Android apps via Google Play. Then, there’s the ASUS Chromebox Enterprise 4 option, which uses Chrome Enterprise to empower businesses with more tools. You can also configure this Chromebox with up to 256GB SSD storage, an impressive amount for a ChromeOS device, and enough to power through and install Linux apps, too.
Overall, this is the Chromebox for you if you need a machine that can run web-based applications with a range of choices regarding internal specs. The ability to connect three displays makes this a workhorse at the office and should be at the top of the list for business users.
ASUS Chromebox 4
The ASUS Chromebox 4 is a great Chromebox with speedy CPUs, a compact design, and a wide range of ports.
These are the best Chromebooks you can buy for your business or use at work. No matter which Chrome OS device you choose for business, you’ll get the flexibility of Chrome OS combined with the security of Chrome Enterprise. Chromebooks can also lower your equipment costs, making them one of the best hardware options for any size business. If we had to choose one, we would go with the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, which has everything you’d need to get things done via the web. However, there are options here if you’re looking for a tablet for work in the field, or a Chromebox if you want to run a kiosk.
