With prices starting from just £249, a Chromebook is undoubtedly a tempting choice if you’re on a budget. However, are you missing out on key features found in the likes of Windows laptops or MacBooks?

Deciding between a laptop and a Chromebook can be difficult, especially since they often look quite similar and it’s hard to distinguish between the two. To help you choose, we’ve compared the two below and noted what a laptop can do that a Chromebook can’t, and why one might suit you better than the other.

Once you’ve made up your mind between the two, visit our best laptop and best Chromebook lists to find out which to buy. 

What is a Chromebook?

In a nutshell, a Chromebook is essentially a laptop that is powered by ChromeOS instead of Windows 11 or macOS. 

ChromeOS is an operating system developed by Google for tablets and PCs and, unsurprisingly, was designed primarily for web browsing and the use of Android applications like Drive, Docs and Photos. 

You can also access the Google Play Store to download a wide range of compatible apps, including Adobe Lightroom, Microsoft Office, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, as well as games like Roblox.

What’s the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?

The main difference between a Chromebook and a laptop is that a Chromebook runs on ChromeOS while a laptop can run on Windows, macOS or Linux instead. 

As mentioned earlier, ChromeOS was developed by Google and is subsequently designed for the use of Android applications. Other systems, such as Windows and macOS, offer greater versatility as there’s a broader range of software and tools available.

In addition, Chromebooks tend to offer less memory and rely on cloud storage like Google Drive instead, while laptops tend to boast more local space alongside the ability to add SSDs and HDDs too. 

What can a normal laptop do that a Chromebook can’t?

In a nutshell, a Windows laptop or MacBook can do most of the things that a Chromebook is simply unable to do, due to the nature of ChromeOS.

If you need to take part in more advanced tasks such as photo or video editing, PC gaming or just want a more powerful processor and more storage, then even one of the best budget laptops is likely to be a better choice over a Chromebook. 

However, if all you want a laptop for is to surf the web, tinker with light productivity apps like Docs or Sheets or general gaming, then a Chromebook should suffice.

Are Chromebooks good for students?

Chromebooks are arguably a great option for students who need a budget-friendly computer that can support them through web-based activities, productivity apps like Microsoft Office and, of course, for entertainment purposes too. 

On the other hand, if you require a bit of gruntwork, say for coding or Photoshop, then you may need to invest in a higher-spec laptop instead, as Chromebooks typically don’t have the same level of horsepower.

Which one is right for you?

Essentially, choosing between a Chromebook and a laptop boils down to what you intend to use the device for.

If you simply need an everyday device that’ll comfortably handle light tasks and support moderately powerful apps, such as Adobe Lightroom and Figma, then a Chromebook is a great choice. Plus, as they’re typically cheaper than Windows laptops or MacBooks, they’re an ideal option for anyone who wants a more affordable model.

However, as there are a range of different laptops available, from the best Windows laptops and best MacBooks to dedicated gaming laptops and cheap laptops too, you’re more likely to find an option that’s tailored to your needs.