Google Releases Five New Chromebook Laptops with Premium Features

Google has recently released five new laptop models that combine its Chromebook operating system with Google's own hardware design. I've been testing these devices over the past couple of weeks and have some thoughts on which ones are worth considering.

While these laptops represent a significant step forward for Google in terms of premium offerings, it's essential to remember that first-generation products often come with compromises. These trade-offs should be carefully considered before making a purchase.

From my experience testing Chromebooks over the past decade, I can confidently say that price remains the primary concern for most people looking for a Chromebook in 2026. Google has made significant strides in improving its laptop ecosystem, but affordability is still a key selling point.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 stands out as one of the best options in this regard. It consistently sells for under $500, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget.

One area where the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 excels is with its responsive and smooth-feeling touchpad. This feature significantly enhances the overall user experience, making everyday tasks like clicking-and-dragging or selecting text a breeze.

However, the laptop's display is not without its drawbacks. The colors are somewhat muted and desaturated, giving an unappealing greenish tint to on-screen content. Additionally, the screen resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels on a large 16-inch display results in some noticeable stretching.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 still manages to provide excellent value despite its minor flaws, thanks to its pairing of an Intel Core i3 processor with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.

The Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15 offer an affordable alternative to higher-end models, with prices dropping as low as $130.

Unlike some other budget-friendly options, these laptops can be configured with varying levels of RAM and storage, as well as lower-powered processors, but I recommend opting for the 8 GB of RAM version.

The cheaper configurations of the CX14 and CX15 may not offer the same level of performance, but they still provide a decent user experience considering their price point.

One of the notable features of these laptops is their relatively thin bezels and chassis design, which gives them a sleeker appearance than some other budget-friendly options.

The larger touchpad and comfortable keyboard on both models are also a welcome addition, making typing and navigating easier.

The CX15 even comes in a striking blue color option, adding to its visual appeal.

However, the display on these laptops falls short, suffering from poor color reproduction and limited brightness at 250 nits.

The integration of Android apps on Googlebooks offers a unique advantage over Chromebooks, allowing for native performance similar to that of an Android phone or tablet.

This seamless integration enables users to easily send and receive texts directly from their Googlebook, much like using a Mac with an iPhone.

One of the standout features of the Gemini-based AI is its context menu, which can be a handy tool despite feeling somewhat overshadowed by other aspects of the platform.

However, this day-one software has not been without its issues, with many users reporting bugs and small problems that are likely to be addressed in future updates.

A key difference between Googlebooks and Chromebooks lies in their specs, with all available Googlebooks boasting 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage - a level comparable to high-end Windows laptops or the MacBook Air.

The price point for Googlebooks is currently a major obstacle, making it difficult for consumers to justify the cost despite its impressive features.

Among the options available, the Acer Googlebook 14 stands out as the most affordable choice, priced similarly to higher-end Chromebooks such as the Lenovo Chromebook 14 or Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514.

The Dell XPS Googlebook boasts a 13-inch screen, making it the smallest device among its peers.

This compact design is thanks to the same chassis used in the latest Dell XPS 13 laptop, which has been refreshed this year.

Given the XPS 13's reputation as one of the top laptops available today, it's no surprise that the Googlebook shares similar qualities.

However, users should be aware that the XPS Googlebook lacks a headphone jack, just like its Windows counterpart.

In contrast to HP and Asus devices, both Acer and Dell Googlebooks rely on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor instead of Intel chips.

The use of these efficient processors is somewhat disappointing, considering their potential for long battery life.

The high-end prices of Googlebooks may be hindering their appeal, as they fail to offer significant performance advantages over more affordable Chromebook options.

One way to make these premium laptops more appealing would be for manufacturers to start with lower memory or storage capacities, rather than the current minimum specifications.

This would allow consumers to choose a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.

However, Google's decision to set high starting prices for its Googlebooks has led many potential buyers to wonder if they're worth the extra cost.

Despite their promise of improved performance, Googlebooks currently fail to live up to expectations as either a premium offering or an affordable alternative to Chromebooks.

One notable exception is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514, which offers high-end features at a lower price point than many Googlebooks.

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 was a standout device in its time, offering exceptional quality and features that raised the bar for Chromebooks.

Released in 2025, it boasted an impressive OLED screen and a MediaTek Kompanion Ultra processor that delivered solid performance and battery life.

This combination of high-end specs and sleek design made it a favorite among reviewers, including this writer.

However, its price has increased significantly over the past few months, making it less competitive in the market.

At $999, it's no longer the best value for money, especially considering that discounts are scarce.

Meanwhile, Asus has taken a different approach with the Chromebook Plus CX34, prioritizing design and aesthetics to create a more visually appealing device.

Its white shell is both durable and attractive, making it stand out from the typical bland designs of most Chromebooks.