Best Chrome OS Tablets

Chrome OS tablets are devices that run on a unique system developed by Google. ChromeOS is a Linux-based operating system that revolves around the Google Chrome web browser. Tablets that work on this OS are used for a wide range of tasks, including work, watching movies, studying, sending and receiving emails and media files, playing games, and other things. 

The operating system is beginner-friendly due to its ease of use. Not to mention that its cloud-based system also ensures you can sync data across different devices. But since there are different Chrome OS tablets on the market, you may find it a bit challenging to choose one. 

This guide includes all the information you need to make the right choice, so let’s see what the 5 best Chrome OS tablets are and what makes them special. 

5 Best Tablets with Chrome OS

What Are Chrome OS Tablets?

Chrome OS tablets are small devices that operate on Google’s Chrome operating system. Made by a wide range of brands, these units run on a cloud-based operating system and revolve on the Google Chrome browser. As such, users can easily enter the Google Play Store and download all the necessary apps. 

Chrome OS is a system that runs smoothly and is very easy to manage. This makes it a great option both for beginners and more experienced tablet users. 

Comparison

Tablet Model	Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5	Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3	HP Chromebook X2 11	ASUS Chromebook CM3	Lenovo Chromebook Duet
OS	Chrome OS	Chrome OS	Chrome OS	Chrome OS	Chrome OS
Release Year	2021	2022	2021	2021	2020
Screen Size	13.3”	11”	11”	10.5”	10.1”
Display Quality	1920 x 1080	2,000 x 1,200	2160 x 1440	1920×1200	1920×1080
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180 Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2	Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7c Compute Platform	MediaTek Kompanio 500	MediaTekHelio P60T
Battery Life	Up to 15 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 11 hours and 15 minutes	Up to 12 hours	Up to 10 hours
Storage	256GB	128GB	128GB	128GB	128GB
Cellular Connectivity	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Camera Quality	Medium	Medium	Low	Low	Medium
Price	Mid-range	Low	Medium	Low	Low

Best Overall

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook offers a compelling blend of portability and performance, ideal for those seeking a versatile Chrome OS tablet. With its stunning 13.3″ OLED display featuring 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and reduced blue light emissions, the Duet 5 delivers vibrant visuals and less eye strain, making it perfect for extended viewing sessions. Whether you’re watching movies, browsing the web, or playing games, the touchscreen interface ensures intuitive navigation.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180 processor and paired with 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, this Chromebook provides responsive performance for multitasking and productivity tasks. It supports stylus input (Lenovo Active Pen sold separately), enhancing its versatility as both a tablet and a laptop with its detachable fabric folio keyboard. The Duet 5 is well-equipped for content creation and collaboration, boasting dual 8 MP and 5 MP cameras that capture crisp, Full HD video for streaming and video calls.

Thanks to Chrome OS, you have seamless access to Google Play Store’s vast library of apps, including productivity tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Google Meet. With up to 15 hours of battery life, the Duet 5 ensures all-day productivity and entertainment without needing frequent recharges. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 stands out as a portable powerhouse for work and play, combining sleek design with practical functionality for on-the-go computing.

What To Look For In Chrome OS Tablet

We want you to use the right Chrome OS tablet for your needs. That being said, we put together a set of criteria to find the best Chrome OS tablets on the market. Here are the factors we took into consideration:

• Release Year – Different Chrome OS tablets have been released throughout the years. Since the release year may influence the performance of the gadget, we paid attention to this aspect so you can enjoy the latest technology. 
• OS Support Period – This tells you how long your operating system will still get support. This period must be as long as possible, so your unit is up to date. Thus, we looked into tablets that have an excellent support period. 
• Screen Size – Having a larger or a smaller screen directly impacts your tasks. Larger screens make it easier to see everything better, including your games, movies, art, and even your photos and notes.
• Display Quality – We looked for screens of the best quality, as they help you see things clearly and in more detail while browsing your tablet. 
• Processing Power – Processing power influences the performance of your tablet. The unit must be able to process information quickly and offer you a smooth performance. 
• Brand – There are several brands that have manufactured Chrome OS tablets throughout the years. They all differ in their layouts, features, and benefits, so you can choose one that meets all your needs.
• Battery Life – The longer the battery life, the better your experience will be. It will ensure you don’t have to rely on a charger all the time, especially if you’re using the gadget out and about or when traveling. 
• Storage Capacity – You may want enough storage space to store precious files and information. That includes photos, artwork, videos, films, books, notes, etc. Thus, we made sure to include tablets with various storage space options. 
• Camera – A tablet with a high-quality camera lets you make memories. We also looked at how well a tablet’s camera performs.
• Cellular Connectivity – Cellular connectivity ensures that you can make calls and that you don’t have to rely on a WiFi connection all the time. 

What Can You Do on Chrome OS Tablets?

Chrome OS tablets offer a versatile platform primarily designed for productivity and entertainment. Here are some key activities you can do on Chrome OS tablets:

1. Productivity Tasks: Chrome OS tablets support a variety of productivity apps, including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Microsoft Office apps (via Google Play Store), and other productivity tools available through the Chrome Web Store. This makes them suitable for tasks like word processing, spreadsheet management, creating presentations, and more.
2. Web Browsing: As with any device running Chrome OS, Chrome OS tablets excel at web browsing. They leverage Google Chrome’s browser capabilities, allowing users to browse the internet smoothly, access web-based applications, and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
3. Android Apps: Chrome OS tablets can access the Google Play Store, enabling users to download and run a wide range of Android apps. This expands their functionality beyond the built-in Chrome OS apps, offering access to social media, games, entertainment streaming services, and more.
4. Entertainment: Chrome OS tablets are great for entertainment purposes. You can stream videos and movies from services like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu, as well as listen to music on Spotify or other streaming platforms available on the Google Play Store.
5. Education: Many Chrome OS tablets are designed with education in mind. They support educational apps and tools that are beneficial for students and educators alike, making them suitable for use in classrooms or for remote learning environments.
6. Multitasking: Chrome OS tablets support multitasking capabilities, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously in split-screen mode or by switching between them effortlessly using the overview button. This enhances productivity by enabling you to work on different tasks simultaneously.
7. Offline Capabilities: Chrome OS tablets have improved offline capabilities over the years. Many apps, including Google’s productivity suite, can be used offline, allowing you to work and access content even when you’re not connected to the internet.
8. Gaming: While not as robust as dedicated gaming tablets, Chrome OS tablets can run Android games available on the Google Play Store. This includes a variety of casual games and some more demanding titles, depending on the tablet’s hardware specifications.

How Are Chrome OS Tablets Different From Android, Windows and iPad OS?

Chrome OS tablets differ from Android, iPadOS, and Windows tablets in several key ways, primarily influenced by their respective operating systems and target audiences:

1. Operating System: Chrome OS tablets run on Google’s Chrome OS, which is designed for web-centric tasks and relies heavily on cloud-based services. Android tablets, on the other hand, use the Android operating system, optimized for touch interfaces and supporting a vast ecosystem of mobile apps. iPadOS powers Apple’s iPad tablets, offering a more tablet-centric experience with exclusive features and optimized apps. Windows tablets run full Windows OS, providing a desktop-like experience with support for legacy applications.
2. User Interface and Apps: Chrome OS tablets have a simplified and intuitive interface, similar to the Chrome browser, with a taskbar, app launcher, and support for Android apps via the Google Play Store. Android tablets feature a touch-centric interface optimized for mobile use, with access to a wide array of Android apps and games. iPadOS offers a refined touch interface, exclusive iPad features like Split View, and access to a vast library of apps optimized for the iPad. Windows tablets provide a desktop-like interface, supporting traditional desktop applications alongside touch-friendly apps from the Microsoft Store.
3. Productivity and Multitasking: Chrome OS tablets emphasize web browsing and cloud-based productivity tools like Google Workspace. They support multitasking with split-screen view and easy app switching. Android tablets excel in mobile productivity and entertainment with access to a wide range of apps, though multitasking can vary by device and Android version. iPadOS tablets offer robust productivity features, multitasking with Slide Over and Split View, and support for Apple Pencil. Windows tablets are known for their productivity capabilities, running full desktop applications and supporting multitasking with features like Snap Assist and Task View.
4. Ecosystem Integration: Chrome OS tablets integrate seamlessly with Google services and the Chrome browser, ideal for users heavily invested in Google’s ecosystem. Android tablets offer integration with Google services as well as a vast array of third-party apps and services. iPadOS tablets are tightly integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, including iCloud, iMessage, and the App Store. Windows tablets provide integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive, Outlook, and the Microsoft Store, catering to users who rely on Windows-based applications.
5. Security and Updates: Chrome OS tablets are known for their strong security features, including sandboxing, automatic updates, and verified boot. Android tablets vary in terms of security depending on the manufacturer and update policy. iPadOS tablets benefit from Apple’s stringent security measures and regular updates across all supported devices. Windows tablets provide robust security features but can vary in terms of updates and patch management depending on the Windows version and device manufacturer.

Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of Chrome OS tablets, you can always opt for iPad OS, Android, Amazon Fire OS, or Windows tablets. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Android – Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE – This tablet was released in October 2023, running on Android 13 up to Android 17 and One UI 6. With up to 256GB storage, a 10.9-inch screen, an 8MP wide main camera and 12MP selfie camera, and an octa-core Exynos 1380 GPU, this device is ideal for anyone who wants to watch movies, take photos, or play games. It’s also an option for artists, thanks to its stylus support. 
• iPad OS – iPad 10th gen – Released in 2022, the iPad 10^th gen has a 12MP main camera and selfie camera, as well as 1^st gen stylus support. Furthermore, it comes with cellular connectivity and a hexa-core Apple A14 Bionic processor, and it can store up to 256GB of data and files. The unit can be used for games, work, creating art, and even watching movies. 
• Windows – Microsoft Surface Go 3 – The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an everyday tablet that houses an Intel Core processor. It’s a portable 2-in-1 device with digital pen connectivity and up to 8 GB RAM. It also features a 10.5” touchscreen, making it easy to watch movies, navigate the Internet, or draw. It also has secured OneDrive cloud storage, optional LTE, and built-in WiFi. The battery can run up to 11 hours. 
• Amazon Fire OS – Amazon Fire Max 11 – This Amazon Fire OS tablet was released in 2023. It has an 11.0-inch display and is great for regular tasks despite having no SIM support. The stylus support and WiFi connectivity make it suitable for browsing social media, taking notes, studying, working, and drawing. It also has a Mediatek MT8188J GPU, an 8 MP main camera, and an 8 MP selfie camera. 

How to Turn on Developer Mode for Chrome OS

Here are the 4 steps to take to turn on developer mode for Chrome OS:

1. Hold Esc and Refresh on your device. 
2. Hit the Power button.
3. Let go of the Refresh and Escape keys when it turns on.
4. Press Ctrl + D when you see the message “ChromeOS is missing or damaged”. 

FAQ’s