Best Light Use Laptops 2026
Simple, affordable laptops for web browsing and basic tasks.
Last updated: January 12, 2025•5 products tested
Our Top Picks
Full Rankings
#1
HP Chromebook 14
Best OverallSimple, secure, and affordable.
Pros
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Fast boot times
- ✓Automatic updates
Cons
- ✗Limited to web apps
- ✗Small storage
- ✗Chrome OS learning curve
#2
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3
Best ValueVersatile 2-in-1 with great display.
Pros
- ✓Versatile 2-in-1
- ✓Great display
- ✓Includes keyboard
Cons
- ✗Limited power
- ✗Chrome OS only
- ✗Small screen
#3
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go
Lightweight with LTE option.
Pros
- ✓Very lightweight
- ✓LTE option
- ✓Durable build
Cons
- ✗Basic display
- ✗Modest performance
- ✗Chrome OS limits
#4
Acer Chromebook Spin 311
Best BudgetCheapest convertible option.
Pros
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Convertible design
- ✓Touchscreen
Cons
- ✗Modest specs
- ✗HD display only
- ✗Limited storage
#5
ASUS Chromebook CM14
Good build quality for the price.
Pros
- ✓Good build quality
- ✓Decent performance
- ✓Nice keyboard
Cons
- ✗Not the cheapest
- ✗Chrome OS limits
- ✗Average battery
Comparison Table
| Product | Value | Ease of Use | Battery Life | Reliability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1HP Chromebook 14 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | $249 |
#2Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | $349 |
#3Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | $299 |
#4Acer Chromebook Spin 311 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 7 | $199 |
#5ASUS Chromebook CM14 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | $279 |
Buying Guide
For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and streaming, you don't need much power. Focus on value, reliability, and ease of use.
What We Evaluate
35%
Value
Price for what you get
25%
Ease of Use
Setup, interface
20%
Battery Life
Hours of use
15%
Reliability
Brand track record
5%
Display
Basic quality
Our Testing Methodology
We test for basic tasks, boot times, and reliability.
Learn more about how we test →Frequently Asked Questions
Chromebook vs Windows?▼
Chromebook for simplicity, Windows for flexibility.