Pick the very best chromebooks for coding in 2022. A guide from a professional programmer.

As the fastest-growing desktop operating system, ChromeOS has started to mature and become an extremely versatile OS. What started as a browser-only device has transformed into a complete all-in-one package. Best ChromeOS tablets to buy.

Installing chrome on Python– A step by step guide

Our top picked chromebooks

• Google Pixelbook G

Google’s chromebook is a great pick for computer science students looking for a touch-screen Chromebook wth a stylus.Multiple buying options are available in this model. With selections ranging from entry-level i3 8-64 GB to high-end i7, 16-264 GB. Though the screen size is small, only 13.3 inches, that is what allows the battery to last over 10 hours of continuous use.

• ASUS Chromebook Flip

Asus’s chromebook flip is a great bang for the buck for programmers. It’s a 2-in-1 Chromebook. Prices range from $700 to $1,000 or more depending on the specs. With both the i3 and i5 10th generation options, RAM is available in 8GB or 16GB and 512GB storage is the same on all. This laptop has a 14-inch touchscreen with stylus support. Screen is rotatable to 360 degrees.

• Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5

With a 13 inch screen-Laptop with Touch Display, Intel Core i3-10110U, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage, Chrome OS, Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 has everything you need under budget. One of the most recommended chromebook under $500. It cost only $419.

• HP Chromebook 14

A budget-friendly Chromebook is here. Suitable for beginner programmers and browsing the web, costing only $284 for the entry-level specs. This HP 14-inch Touchscreen Chromebook is powered by an Intel Celeron N3350 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of eMMC flash drive, and offers up to 10 hours of battery life. (Comes with a 128GB MicroSD card and a carrying case). 

• Acer Chromebook Spin

This chromebook from acer is a suitable purchase for everyone. Costing only $519– a mid range prce tag. The specs are not flagship but still way better and reasonable for programming. Powered by the 10th Generation Intel Core i5. Internal specs include, 8 GB of RAM and 128GB SSD, screen size is 13.5 inches. Features a backlit keyboard. Rotableable touch screen makes the device to be used either as a laptop or a tab.

• SAMSUNG Galaxy Chromebook

If the vivid colors are something you’re aiming for? This chromebook from Samsung will simplify your journey. For the mid-range price $653, you get 8GB RAM and 256 ROM. The 13.3 inches UHD screen is touch supported, and with its built-in pen you can go crazy with your creativity.

With the capability of Linux, Android, and progressive web applications, you can use these setups to your heart’s content. Including programming, typing, or the devices will not leave behind your love for gaming. You will get a reasonable gaming experince as well.

This has made ChromeOS one of the most enjoyable operating systems, especially for creative purposes such as developing apps, websites, and different programs.

It may not be perfect, but it does provide you with a bit of peace of mind as you code on it for long hours. Now a Chromebook has been the most popular option among OS-compatible devices.

They are fast, affordable, and reliable in the long term.

You can run development systems like visual studio code or ATOM without any hustle. On top of that, they are available in several form factors so you can’t go wrong in your end decision.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of the best Chromebooks for coding in 2022. Also, if you are looking for additional information, make sure to check out the buying guide at the end.

Best Chromebooks for coding and programming- reviewed

1)  Google Pixelbook Go

KEY SPECS & FEATURES

• One of the best Chromebook for coding by Google that shares a clean layout
• 13.3 Inches full touch screen display that delivers unrealistic visuals
• Powered by Intel’s i5 processor running at 3.5 GHz
• 8GB internal memory that can be upgraded all the way to 16
• Up to 12H of battery performance at normal use

When it comes to the top-rated Chromebook for programming, Pixelbook Go is a model that covers all the bells and whistles that anyone can wish for in 2022.

From an ergonomic design to solid hardware, this beast won’t let you down in harsh conditions. It has already gained tons of positive feedback from the laptop for programming 2021 Reddit and is just getting better.

Performance-wise, it’s also nicely aligned with modern coding conditions, and there are almost no drawbacks associated with it. Now without getting ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about the design.

It features a magnesium textured body that is smooth to the touch and provides an overall good experience. It also shares a quite minimalistic layout and only weighs in about 2.3pounds.

Whether you’re working remotely or constantly moving, the Pixelbook Go will have you covered. This brings us to its second feature, which is accessibility.

Unlike many budget laptops for programming, it can be opened with only a single hand, and the surface isn’t prone to dust and debris. As a coder, it really couldn’t get better than this.

Its keyboard is nicely laid out with backlight capability and a decent response, moving on to the typing.

According to many real-time reviewers, for the most part, it will be quiet. While as for the trackpad, it’s also top-notch with Google’s palm rejection technology.

The display is an LCD touchscreen with a max resolution of 1980×1080. Again, for coders who constantly work on a small line of codes, it will enhance their efficacy.

Let’s just say it’s about decent in terms of battery performance. According to Google, you can expect this bad boy to run up to 12hours straight without needing to recharge.

2)  ASUS Chromebook Flip

KEY SPECS & FEATURES

• A convertible Chromebook for programming that is provided with a 14inch Full HD Display
• Intel Core i3 onboard processor with clock speeds up to 4.1 GHz & 4M Cache
• 2x USB Type-C accoupled with 8GB system memory and 128GB M.2 SSD
• WIFI 6 compatible to get you up and running at 2.3Gpbs  
• Quite durable and lightweight with magnesium-alloy chassis

Chromebooks for coding are available in a wide range of sizes and price points, but not a whole lot can deliver up to the standards when it comes to versatility. If you face such problems, then the upcoming model will definitely suit your needs: the ASUS Chromebook Flip.

It offers a nice balance between performance and ease of use, which is of course not easy to find these days. I personally like the ASUS Flip because of its superior body with decent ergonomics.

Like its predecessor, the Chromebook Flip accompanies a magnesium chassis layout that is complemented by thin side bezels. It measures 12 x 8 x 0.54 inches in dimensions and weighs just under 2.5pounds.

This particular feature is a game-changer for programmers and other creative individuals. Another thing that is worth talking about is its 360degree hinge, and you can convert it into a tablet or laptop mode on the go.

Moving to its real-time performance, you will be glad to know that the ASUS Chromebook Flip is extremely fast. Being a sub $600 ChromeBook, you might mistake it with a powerful laptop thanks to the built-in Y series Intel i3 processor and 8GB of DDR3 memory.

Additionally, the base model comes equipped with 128GB M.2 Storage, meaning users working on a coding environment such as visual code will benefit.

For convenience, Acer has introduced a fingerprint reader at the rear-end, which is always a nice addition to modern accessories. While regarding the screen overlay, you will get a nice 14inch HD Display that produces bright and vivid images.

It supports touch screen functionality and can even be used for light color-sensitive works (photo/video edits). And although the touchpad is responsive, I personally recommend getting a separate mouse as it can get tedious in the long run.

3)  Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5

KEY SPECS & FEATURES

• A 2 in 1 laptop solution that offers an attractive layout combined with greater personalization
• 10^th gen Intel core i3 processor capable of handling any modern program
• Fully convertible Chromebook with a 13.3-inch FHD display
• Instant access to files and media with up to 10h of battery life
• A wide plethora of connectivity ports, including 2 USB Type-C output

If you’ve been following my reviews, you might remember how well the Lenovo Chromebook duet performed in recent times.

Now it’s time to talk about another one of Lenovo’s top sellers in the Chromebook category, the 13.3inch Flex 5. Even being priced mediocrely, this device doesn’t have that many trade-offs so that you can remain secure about investment.

Whether you want a fast and responsive programming machine or just looking for a decent rig to code on, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 will have you covered.

With that aside, let’s talk about a couple of things that make it the best Chromebook for coding in 2022.

So right off the bat, in the ergonomics section, the Flex 5 provides us with a simplistic but attractive-looking design.

It’s pretty thin at two and a half inches & stays well within the 3-pound form factor. For this single reason, the Lenovo Flex 5 is quite a portable Chromebook.

The 13inch 1080p touch screen is also standard on this particular device. Nothing special in this department as the viewing angles are just about reasonable. However, given it’s a sub $500 laptop, there is nothing to complain about either.

Regarding convertibility, it comes provided with a 360degree hinge so you can flip it over and enjoy quality entertainment whenever you aren’t coding.

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 uses an i3 10^th gen CPU, processing at 2.1GHz. Again, this can profoundly affect performance if you use it for intense software development applications.

Other than that, there is a volume rocker and a power button at the rear section, along with a couple of USB Type C, A, and a microSD card slot.

In conclusion, the Chromebook flex is a powerful computer with a better design and a decent battery life. It won’t cost you a fortune, but it does make a difference.

4)  HP Chromebook 14

KEY SPECS & FEATURES

• Backlit compatible Chromebook from HP with an intuitive 14inch WLED display
• Supports Intel’s Y series Celeron processor with a net clock speed of 1.1-2.4Ghz
• 4GB of system memory, along with 32GB of eMMC Boot SSD
• A sleek and robust body that is only 0.7inch thin and weighs about 3lbs
• Up to 10hours of battery timing and HDMI support

Chromebooks generally tend to be cheaper, and our next candidate brings this idea to a whole new level. Meet the HP Chromebook 14, an under $300 programming machine that absolutely bargains for its performance.

You won’t get a Windows 10 laptop under this price tag, and even if you do find one, there will be too many cut corners. However, the HP 14 clearly ups the anti and can be readily accepted in the list for the best budget Chromebook for this year.

As a sub $300 machine, the hardware components are decent for the most part. Depending on your model, it supports an Intel Celeron processor accompanied by 2-4GB of RAM.

These are the specs that aren’t truly suited for a Windows 10 laptop; however, that cannot be said for Chrome OS, which is quite flexible. It also got 32GB of SSD, which is enough to support your basic Linux setup.

Also, because of their integration with Google drive, a lot of your stuff will be stored in the cloud so that you won’t need that much storage anyway.

Additionally, it comes equipped with a 1366 x 768 WLED display, which helps in keeping the pixels intact. Nothing extra-ordinary in this department; however, it will help you watch coding tutorials. As for the battery can last up to 10hours on standard use.

Overall, it’s a nice bridge between almost a tablet and a laptop. If you like the idea of a tablet and its lightweight but still want that tactile keyboard, the HP Chromebook 14 is the way to go.

5)  Acer Chromebook Spin

KEY SPECS & FEATURES

• A quality Chromebook from Acer featuring 10^th gen Intel’s i5 CPU
• Up to 8GB of non-upgradable system memory to run all your applications
• 13.5 Inches Touch screen display with an aspect ratio of 3:2
• Backlit compatible keyboard along with a lithium charged battery
• In terms of backend storage, it shares 128GB SSD

If you’re seeking a high-end programming machine from Acer that will undoubtedly meet your expectations, the Acer Chromebook Spin is one you shouldn’t overlook.

Currently selling for $650 on Amazon, the Chromebook spin follows an innovative design backed by streamlined hardware.

Other notable features that cement it in the top 5 spots are its productive keyboard and a laptop-like trackpad. Let’s go through a couple of more things about it in detail.

So, right off the bat, the Chromebook Spin is provided with a 13.5inch ultra-bright screen to ensure that the overall visuals are top-notch.

With 1080p experience, you won’t have to worry about things like screen tearing. Like its competition, you will also receive a 360degree hinge which allows you to use it as a tablet-like device on the go.   

Now ergonomics-wise, the Acer Chromebook Spin is a complete unit. It has quite a weight to it, and the aluminum chassis make sure that the durability remains checked.

With that said, it’s not a lightweight machine by any means, so programmers looking for a bit of portability might have to compromise.

On the other hand, the keys and the keyboard deck have a professional appearance, and it has little to no flex and may be utilized for longer periods.

Even the best laptop for python programming can get a bit noisy sometimes; however, that’s not the case with the Chromebook spin. Its dual-fan configuration keeps the device cool and eliminates noise.

For coding and similar workflows, this Chromebook is an exceptional pick. It has all the bells and whistles for modern-day tasks at a reasonable price.

6)  SAMSUNG Galaxy Chromebook

KEY SPECS & FEATURES

• Seamless aluminum design paired with Chrome OS setup
• It features the latest gen i5 processors with a decent performance boost
• 4K support through AMOLED touchscreen display & greater contrasts
• 8GB computer RAM & plenty of storage space with quick boot speed
• A multitasking Chromebook thanks to ample connectivity ports

Finally, we have the SAMSUNG Galaxy Chromebook at the bottom of the list. It’s a 14inch ChromeOS laptop boasting a rugged design with an ultra-bright 4K AMOLED display.

On top of that, you also get LTE connectivity as well as enormous battery life. Although it might not be as cheap as most Chromebooks for coding, it sure is an ideal bargain, especially if you have some extra bucks to spare.

What I personally like about the SAMSUNG Galaxy Chromebook is its gorgeous design. It’s confined in a full-aluminum layout with less than 10mm thickness.

SAMSUNG has clearly done a pretty good job maintaining eye candy for every kind of user. In addition to solid ergonomics, the keyboard that this device comes with is top-notch. Its chiclet-style keyboard with keys has decent separation and travel distance.

Any hardcore programmer will love working on it, and there are no strings attached with its use case. Another noticeable feature of the Galaxy Chromebook is its crisp and clear display.

The screen size is around 14inch which can provide 4K clarity.

Whether you’re doing color-sensitive work or just using it for your normal work, it will have you covered. For further ease of mind, SAMSUNG has provided this Chromebook with a 720p webcam that can provide exceptional video calling experience.

This is great, especially for your zoom meetings with other developers or like-minded individuals.

The audio performance is also on part with some of the best laptops in the industry. Overall, it’s a mid-range Chromebook that I recommend you check out for coding.

Honorable Mentions

·       Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11

A budget-oriented 2 in 1 Chromebook from dell banking an Intel Celeron N30 processor with 4GB RAM space.

·       Lenovo Chromebook Duet

You can get this performance-driven coding device from Lenovo at a price premium and upgrade your coding potential.

·       Google Pixel Slate

In the category of reliable Chromebooks, the Pixel Slate is a superb device. With a rugged design and great keyboard backup, there won’t be a need to replace it anytime soon.

Everything You Need About Chromebooks for Programming

Generally speaking, Chromebooks are basically your standard laptops so that you will have the primary display, the keyboard, trackpad, and the conventional processor.

However, they are unique because they run ChromeOS, an operating system developed by Google, based on their Chrome web browser.

When Chromebooks first came out, they were extremely basic, and it was essentially a full-screen setup running with Chrome.

Nowadays, ChromeOS is much more advanced with tons of dedicated features such as resize windows, support for both android & Linux apps, and built-in data protection.

Another great thing about OS-compatible devices is that they remain pretty lightweight. With windows 10, it’s a bit complicated operating system, which means you need more powerful components so that they can get expensive.

On top of that, laptops drain quite a lot of power, so it cuts the battery life, leading to a bigger, bulkier device.

With a Chromebook, you don’t need that power to get an excellent performance. They are also cheaper, and that’s for me is, a great selling point.

Should You Use Chromebooks for Coding as Laptop Replacement?

So why would you go for a Chromebook?

Well, if you are on a budget and want to do some word processing on built-in apps or simply enjoy web browsing, Chromebooks are a great option.

On top of being affordable, they have a superior battery life, which can get you up and running in those dire situations.

Whether you’re a student or simply someone who has a passion for coding, I would definitely appreciate your advice to get yourself a Chromebook.

However, this doesn’t mean that laptops are poorly optimized for programming, and they have their benefits as well, one of which being is flexibility.

Yes, you’ve heard me right! Code editors for ChromeOS are quite limited, and their user interface might seem annoying, especially for beginners.

Windows itself have a large user base and supports pre-unlocked inner Linux OS. Something which Chromebooks are still in need of.

So, in conclusion, both have some sort of strings attached; whatever gadget you choose depends on your personal needs and ambitions.

Conclusion

This concludes my picks for the top Chromebooks for programming this year. Each one of these options was selected based on their performance, price and reviews, so in the end, you get the best deals possible. No matter which Chromebook you decide from the list, they won’t disappoint. You can code on them for hours and hours and still have plenty of battery life in the end. They also got one of the prominent keyboards in the portable machine category and are overall smooth to the touch. Let me know which Chromebook you believe I overlooked in the comments section below.

Written by Haris Khan

Haris is an undergrad student who is enthusiastic about writing, especially writing about tech-related stuff. His main goal is to provide friendly as well as easily digestible content for his viewers.