Chromebooks are laptops that run on Chrome OS, a Linux-based operating system designed by Google.
They are marketed as being a cheaper and more lightweight alternative to Windows laptops and Macbooks.
As Chrome OS has evolved, Chromebooks have gained in popularity and they often come recommended in place of a Windows or Apple laptop, especially if you’re on a budget.
But is a cheaper Chromebook alternative still a capable device for web browsing?
Are Chromebooks Good For Web Browsing?
Chromebooks are good for web browsing because they run on Chrome OS which is lightweight, fast, and centered around the Google Chrome web browser interface which is inherently optimized for web browsing.
Web browsing can be memory intensive.
Because your computer uses temporary memory (RAM) as a cache to store information it may need quick access to – like web pages and data associated with plug-ins and browser extensions – it can slow down a laptop that may be a little light on memory and running on a heavy operating system that competes for resources.
Chrome OS runs cooler, consumes less battery, takes up less space, and performs faster than other operating systems and this frees up memory and allows more resources to be used on web browsing instead of system operation and maintenance.
This is especially true on low-end laptops and you will typically have a much better experience browsing the web on a $200 Chromebook versus a $200 Windows laptop.
Chromebooks also have a very long battery life so you can browse the web for longer.
Thanks to the Chromebook’s lightweight operating system, you can expect more than twice the battery life you would get with a comparable windows device.
This is a nice benefit considering how much people are willing to spend on devices with extended battery life and means you can be much less concerned about plugging in your laptop when you’re on the go.
Web browsing is also safer and more secure on a Chromebook because they are based on the Linux OS which is more stable and has fewer known security flaws compared to Windows or Mac OS, Chromebooks are also encrypted, updated automatically, and feature varified booting, making them among the most secure type of laptop you can access the internet on.
When Is A Chromebook Not The Best Option For Web Browsing?
A Chromebook is not the best option for web browsing if you have a much larger budget to buy a laptop.
A Chromebook’s value for money begins to seriously diminish as you get into the higher-end laptop market of $1,000+.
At this price range, you may be better off buying a Windows or Macbook device as they are more versatile, and in the $1,000 range, you should find plenty of options that won’t be lacking in processing power or memory.
But for a user who can achieve everything they want through the use of a web browser – streaming, video chatting, light editing, and office work – a Chromebook will more than suffice.
You Might Also Like: 15 Reasons Chromebooks Are Great For Students
How Much Storage, Memory, And Processing Power Does A Chromebook Need To Be Good For Web Browsing?
The great thing about Chromebooks is that their lightweight OS allows even the cheapest models running on entry-level processors to provide a fast web browsing experience.
So even if you buy a $200 Chromebook with 4GB of RAM and 32GB storage, it should still provide a fast web browsing experience.
If budget is the most important factor in your buying decision and you’re looking for a Chromebook under $300, aim for one that has at least an Intel Celeron N4000, with 4 GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
The HP Chromebook 14 is a good budget option.
If you can spend a bit more, an Intel Core i3 processor will allow more multitasking and provide you with much zippier performance for web browsing.
And premium Chromebooks should have an Intel Core i5 or i7, at least 8 GB of RAM, and 128 gigs of SSD storage.
There are loads of Chromebook models and tons of deals online so it’s important to shop around as much as you can before committing to a purchase.
Be sure to check out lenovo.com where you can sometimes find some excellent deals on high-end Chromebooks.
I recently bought a Lenovo Yoga Chromebook with an 8th generation Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM for a $500 discount.
In conclusion, Chromebooks are great for web browsing and if you’re the type of internet user that can achieve all they need through a web browser, then a Chromebook is all you need.
Chromebooks are lightweight, fast, and affordable, making them a great choice for the average person who just needs a basic laptop for streaming, light office work, and browsing the web.
