Five Chromebooks worth buying now instead of waiting for Googlebooks

At a glance:

• Googlebooks, Google's spiritual successor to Chromebooks combining Android and ChromeOS with Gemini AI features, is expected to arrive this fall — but specs, pricing, and build quality remain largely unknown.
• Five current Chromebook models from Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS cover every budget tier, from premium OLED laptops down to sub-$350 everyday machines and ultra-portable tablet designs.
• Google has confirmed Chromebooks will continue receiving software support for up to 10 years, with new models still shipping in 2026 and 2027 — so buying now won't leave you stranded.

What we know — and don't — about Googlebooks

Google is pitching its upcoming Googlebooks as a next-generation laptop that merges the best of Android and ChromeOS into a single platform, seasoned with Gemini-powered AI features. The company has teased capabilities like the Glowbar, a contextual light strip along the chassis, and the Magic Pointer, a new input method designed to make on-screen interaction more intuitive. On paper, it sounds like an ambitious reimagining of what a Chromebook can be.

However, there are significant gaps in the picture. Google has not finalized specs, build quality assessments, or — critically — pricing for the first wave of Googlebooks. That uncertainty makes it a genuine gamble for early adopters. If the devices land with aggressive pricing and polished execution, they could be worth the wait. If not, buyers who held off on current Chromebook deals may end up paying more for a first-generation product.

The premium pick: Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is widely regarded as the de facto choice in the Chromebook world, and the reasons are straightforward. It checks virtually every box a discerning buyer would look for in a modern laptop.

The display is a 14-inch OLED panel with a 2K resolution, delivering rich colors, sharp text, and wide viewing angles. Lenovo rates the machine for up to 17 hours of battery life on a single charge, a figure made possible by the highly efficient MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 chipset. That same chip, paired with 16 GB of RAM, provides ample horsepower for multitasking, on-device AI workloads, and general productivity. Beyond raw specs, the little details reinforce the package: an aluminum chassis that feels sturdy, a comfortable keyboard, and Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers.

• Display: 14-inch OLED, 2K resolution
• Processor: MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910
• RAM: 16 GB
• Battery: Up to 17 hours
• Audio: Dolby Atmos speakers
• MSRP: $649.99 (sale prices at some retailers have dropped to $699)

Two-in-one versatility: Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514

For buyers who value form-factor flexibility, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is the strongest alternative to the Lenovo. Its 2-in-1 design lets you rotate the screen into tablet mode or prop the laptop into tent mode for hands-free media consumption — a level of adaptability the Lenovo does not offer.

Under the hood, Acer has also equipped the Spin 514 with the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 chipset, though RAM is slightly lower at 12 GB. The 14-inch display swaps OLED for an IPS panel, but compensates with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate compared to Lenovo's 60 Hz panel. Additional highlights include 256 GB of storage, a 5 MP webcam, and a comfortable backlit keyboard.

• Design: 2-in-1 convertible
• Display: 14-inch IPS, 120 Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 256 GB
• Webcam: 5 MP
• MSRP: $749.00

Budget all-rounders: Acer Chromebook Plus 516 and ASUS Chromebook Plus CX14

Not every Chromebook buyer has premium dollars to spend. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 and ASUS Chromebook Plus CX14 target the value end of the market without sacrificing core usability.

The Acer 516 features a large 16-inch IPS display at 1920 × 1200 resolution, an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage. Its port selection is generous: two USB-C ports, two full-size USB 3.1 ports, HDMI out, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. It regularly drops to around $349 on sale against an MSRP of $479, making it one of the best-value Chromebooks available.

The ASUS CX14 takes a more portable approach with a 14-inch screen and a weight of just 3.06 lbs, a full pound lighter than the Acer 516. It pairs an Intel Core 3 Series 1 chipset with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, along with two USB-C ports, HDMI out, and a headphone jack. At roughly $329 on sale against a $429 MSRP, it is the most affordable option on this list.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 highlights:

• 16-inch IPS, 1920 × 1200
• Intel Core i3, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
• Two USB-C, two USB 3.1, HDMI, headphone jack
• MSRP: $479.00 (often on sale for ~$349)

ASUS Chromebook Plus CX14 highlights:

• 14-inch IPS, portable at 3.06 lbs
• Intel Core 3 Series 1, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
• Two USB-C, HDMI, headphone jack
• MSRP: $429.00 (often on sale for ~$329)

The travel companion: Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9

If portability above all else is the priority, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 stands apart from every other machine on this list. It is technically a tablet that connects to an included keyboard dock, weighing just 2.03 lbs with an 11-inch display. It will not replace a primary laptop for heavy workloads, but as a travel machine for long flights or a casual companion at a coffee shop, it is remarkably capable for its size.

The Duet Gen 9 is powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 838 chip with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage — modest by laptop standards, but sufficient for everyday browsing, streaming, and light productivity. It also ships with an included stylus and benefits from a rear-facing camera, a rarity among Chromebooks, useful for document scanning or quick photos.

• Design: Detachable tablet with included keyboard dock
• Display: 11-inch
• Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 838
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 128 GB
• Weight: 2.03 lbs
• Extras: Included stylus, rear camera
• Typical sale price: ~$320

Should you still buy a Chromebook in 2026?

The short answer is yes. While Googlebooks will inevitably introduce features unavailable on current Chromebooks, nothing announced so far — the Glowbar, the Magic Pointer, deeper Gemini integration — reads as a must-have that justifies waiting months for an unproven first-generation product at an unknown price point.

More importantly, Google is not abandoning Chromebooks. The company has confirmed that existing Chromebooks will continue to receive software support for up to 10 years and that new Chromebook models are still shipping in 2026 and 2027. A Chromebook purchased today will not become an unsupported paperweight overnight. For anyone who needs a reliable, affordable laptop now, the current generation of Chromebooks remains a strong buy.