The perfect Chromeboxes and Chrome desktops are a much less cell different to Chromebooks, and ideally suited for individuals who get pleasure from working with ChromeOS on a desk with massive displays and a number of equipment. They’re additionally a preferred answer for retail areas and kiosks that want a compact, easy-to-use Chrome system.
Whereas the most effective Chromebooks are fairly plentiful and assorted, Chromeboxes and Chrome desktops are normally restricted to at least one or two fashions per main producer. There are fewer fashions to select from in comparison with laptops, however you may join any keyboard, mouse, and monitor that you simply’d like. This holds true for all-in-one Chrome gadgets, besides when a monitor comes constructed proper in. We have put collectively a listing of the most effective Chromeboxes and Chrome desktops that can assist you purchase the newest and biggest {hardware}.
Our favourite Chromeboxes and Chrome desktops in 2023
Supply: HP
HP Chromebase 21.5
Greatest general
Every part you want in a single package deal
Seeking to get a all-in-one powered by ChromeOS? HP’s Chromebase brings every part you want, together with a 21.5-inch FHD contact show, audio system, and as much as an Intel Core i3 processor.
- As much as a Core i3-10110U CPU
- Rotating 21.5-inch FHD contact show
- Stunning design, first rate port choice
- Constructed-in audio system
- Fashions with Pentium CPU and 4GB RAM are underpowered
- No entrance ports for simpler entry
Because of its all-in-one design, HP’s Chromebase 21.5 units itself aside from the opposite choices on this checklist. As an alternative of only a small field with efficiency {hardware} inside, the Chromebase has a full setup with a show, audio system, digital camera, and extra. It is basically the most effective of two Chrome OS worlds. You get a big display that may rotate, glorious audio system, and even a wi-fi keyboard and mouse thrown in for good measure. Plus, there’s the contact interplay and modern Chrome OS interface that you would be able to get from a Chromebook.
The 21.5-inch show has a 1920×1080 (FHD) decision and may rotate round for vertical or horizontal orientations. You may even connect different shows to the Chromebase should you want a bigger setup. The show sits on a sturdy conical stand that homes the system’s efficiency {hardware} in addition to some 5W stereo audio system. It is all wrapped in a cloth that enables sound by whereas giving the Chromebase a little bit of character. A row of ports alongside the again of the stand consists of two USB-A, two USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack. You may at all times add among the best Chromebook docks should you want extra ports. There’s additionally an influence twine that slips right into a channel below the underside of the bottom for a cleaner look.
Inside, the Chromebase 21.5 is on the market with as much as a tenth Gen Intel Core i3-10110U processor (CPU), as much as 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and as much as a 256GB M.2 PCIe solid-state drive (SSD). We examined a mannequin with this configuration in our HP Chromebase 21.5 evaluate and got here away with a easy Chrome OS expertise that might deal with mild gaming, productiveness work, streaming, and extra. HP does provide lesser configs with a Pentium CPU and as little as 4GB of RAM, however we advocate the Core chip and at the very least 8GB of RAM to maintain from experiencing hangups and points with multitasking.
Supply: Asus
Asus Chromebox 4
Greatest worth
Begins at an incredible value
The Asus Chromebox 4 is on the market in a bunch of various configuration choices, with costs beginning at across the $250 mark. If you wish to get pleasure from ChromeOS on a budget, it is a nice approach to go.
- Compact and will be VESA-mounted
- Loads of ports
- Many configs with totally different efficiency ranges
- A number of RAM and actual SSD storage
Just like the Acer Chromebox CXI4, the Asus Chromebox 4 affords a variety of efficiency {hardware} and loads of ports in a compact plastic case. You may configure it with as much as a tenth Gen Intel Core i7-10510U CPU, although there are additionally Core i5, Core i3, and Celeron choices if you wish to pay much less and do not want as a lot pace.
We nonetheless advocate utilizing a Core CPU and at the very least 8GB of RAM for a greater expertise, particularly should you plan on multitasking or gaming together with your Chromebox. Asus affords as much as 16GB of DDR4 RAM and as much as a 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD to match the upgraded processor pace. Our Asus Chromebox 4 evaluate famous that the followers are noticeable however kick on much less typically than different Chromeboxes we have examined. The Chromebox 4 can both be positioned on a desk or mounted with the included VESA package.
The entrance of the Chromebox consists of two USB-A ports (3.2 Gen 1 for Celeron CPU and three.2 Gen 2 for Core CPUs), a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The again of the field has one other three USB-A, USB-C, two HDMI 2.0, RJ45 Ethernet, and a Kensington lock slot. Some rear USB-A ports change generations for the Celeron chip, however you in any other case get the identical choice. The Asus Chromebox 4 begins at an reasonably priced value, and even the extra highly effective fashions with a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of M.2 storage sit at round $600.
Be aware that the Asus Chromebox 5 was introduced at CES 2023 and is predicted to launch within the first half of 2023. You may at present discover a variety of configurations with Intel Celeron or twelfth Gen Intel Core P-series CPUs accessible for preorder at B&H.
Supply: Acer
Acer Chromebox CXI4
Premium decide
Intel Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs
Acer’s Chromebox CXI4 is comparatively dear, however fashions include as much as a Core i7 CPU for tremendous efficiency. It has a lot of ports, it may be used vertically or horizontally, and it is all wrapped up in a tidy silver case.
- Tons of ports
- May be VESA mounted or stood vertically
- As much as a Core i7-10610U CPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Loads of efficiency ranges accessible
- Excessive-end configs get costly
- Can typically be onerous to search out the mannequin you need
The Chromebox CXI4 from Acer is constructed right into a tidy little case that may sit horizontally, stand vertically with the included stand, or be mounted with included VESA {hardware}. It even comes with a wired keyboard and mouse that can assist you get began. The CXI4 has a silvery end with black caps on the top surrounding the ports, of which lots exist. Acer actually did not fiddle on this regard, providing up two USB-A 3.2 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader on the entrance, in addition to three USB-A 3.2, RJ45 Ethernet, two HDMI 2.0, and USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) on the again. If you happen to’re snug getting contained in the Chromebox, Acer affords two M.2 slots — one for an SSD and one for a WLAN card — for upgrades.
Base fashions begin within the reasonably priced $280 vary, although the Intel Celeron 5205U CPU, 4GB of DDR4 RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage will battle to maintain up with heavy multitasking and even mild gaming. Fortunately, Acer affords as much as an Intel Core i7-10610U CPU (with Core i3 and Core i5 stops alongside the way in which), 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB M.2 SSD for altogether sturdy efficiency. These fashions climb in value rapidly, and you’ll count on to pay nearer to $900 for a mannequin that is maxed out.
Be aware that the Acer Chromebox CXI5 was introduced at CES 2023 and can function Intel’s twelfth Gen processors. It is anticipated to launch inside the first half of 2023 with no stable launch date acknowledged.
Supply: HP
HP Chromebox G3
Greatest config choices
A number of efficiency tiers
HP affords many alternative configuration choices at its official web site, permitting you to get as highly effective of a Chromebox G3 as you want. It is compact and appears nice with its rounded edges.
- Loads of customization choices
- As much as a Core i7 CPU with 32GB RAM and 128GB SSD
- A number of ports
- Features a lock slot
- Not probably the most reasonably priced choice
The HP Chromebox G3 has a satisfying rounded-edge design and compact case that will not take up a lot room in your desk. It has a Kensington lock slot on the facet to maintain it in place inside a busy workplace, and it even comes with VESA mounting {hardware} to get it fully out of the way in which. The entrance of the Chromebox G3 has two USB-A 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The again consists of USB-C, two HDMI, two extra USB-A 3.0, and RJ45 Ethernet. It is a pretty simple setup that ought to give you the correct connectivity to connect all equipment and shows.
HP has loads of {hardware} to combine and match at checkout, however the value is one main disadvantage. A mannequin with an Intel Pentium Gold 6405U CPU, 32GB of eMMC storage, and 4GB of RAM begins at $560, placing it within the value vary of competing Chromeboxes with Intel Core CPUs and way more storage and reminiscence. Upgrading the CPU, reminiscence, and storage rapidly provides up, however you may arrange a moderately highly effective mannequin in case your finances can deal with the blow. Rise up to a Core i7-10610U CPU, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and 128GB of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage for about $1,660.
The excellent news? HP typically hosts gross sales on its official web site, and third-party retailers additionally appear to have nice offers. For instance, a Chromebox G3 with Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage prices about $320 at Amazon, making it a lot simpler to digest.
Supply: Asus
Asus Fanless Chromebox
Greatest for enterprise use
Run your storefront or kiosk
On the lookout for a Chromebox that may run your storefront or kiosk? The Asus Fanless choice has the correct serial ports and would not want any airflow, permitting you to tuck it away below a counter.
- May be VESA mounted, consists of lock slot
- Further ports for enterprise use
- Sturdy Intel Core efficiency
- Aluminum construct and no fan noise
- Intel Core fashions are tougher to search out
- Not ideally suited for informal customers
The ASUS Fanless Chromebox is finest used for industrial or enterprise makes use of wherein you want a dependable pc to run a setup. ASUS lists functions like retail POS and digital signage in shops or kiosks, and the Fanless Chromebox even has the Legacy RS-232 (RJ50) serial port required for barcode scanners and printers. Why is it fanless? While not having any airflow, you may tuck it away in a cupboard or below a show case to maintain it out of sight. It even comes with a VESA mount to actually get it out of the way in which, and a lock slot retains it in place.
The Fanless Chromebox in any other case has two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack on the entrance. The again has one other three USB-A 3.2 ports, two HDMI 2.0, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 1), RJ45 Ethernet, and an prolonged energy swap for working different related gadgets. Configure fashions begin with an Intel Celeron 5205U CPU and go all the way in which as much as a Core i7-10510U chip for final efficiency. It is joined by as much as 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD.
Supply: CTL
CTL Chromebox CBx2
A number of energy
Intel Core i7 efficiency
The CTL Chromebox CBx2 will be had with as much as an Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 250GB of storage, making it one of many extra highly effective choices on this checklist.
- As much as a Core i7-10510U CPU
- Nonetheless accessible at an affordable value
- Compact design with VESA mounting
- Fan can get loud below load
- New mannequin is on the way in which
The CTL Chromebox CBx2 at one time was one of many extra reasonably priced choices accessible — largely because of the big selection of configuration choices — however the announcement of the CBx3 has seen the older fashions blown out to make room for the brand new {hardware}. There are nonetheless Core i7 fashions accessible at a reasonably affordable value, however do not count on to trace down most of the cheaper choices with out delving into the refurbished area. As for the brand new CBx3, you may at present pre-order a number of fashions on the official CTL web site.
The CBx2’s small field has a bead-blasted matte end for the plastic physique, and it even comes with a VESA mounting package if you would like to get it fully off your desk. A lock slot on the facet provides some further peace of thoughts should you’re working in a busy workplace. The entrance of the CBx2 affords two USB-A ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. These are joined by USB-C, two HDMI, USB-A 2.0, USB-A 3.0, and an RJ45 Ethernet port on the again.
We examined a mannequin with an Intel Celeron 5205U CPU in our CTL Chromebox CBx2 evaluate and located that even mild duties with this dual-core chip brought about the fan to change into audible. However, the system remained cool below load. A part of the draw to the CBx2 is the big selection of accessible efficiency {hardware}. You may go as little as the Celeron CPU with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, or as excessive as a Core i7-10510U CPU with 32GB of RAM and 250GB of storage.
The Chromeboxes and Chrome desktops included above characterize the most effective you should purchase at present. A lot of them, nevertheless, will be custom-made with totally different ranges of efficiency {hardware}, which may result in over- or under-buying to your wants. There are some main elements to remember when selecting your Chromebox or Chrome desktop:
- Intel’s Core processors will ship the most effective efficiency, and you’ll usually select between Core i3, i5, and i7 (with ascending efficiency ranges). Intel Celeron and Pentium processors are additionally frequent right here, however they’re finest reserved for mild use and targeted duties.
- 4GB of RAM is on the low-end performance-wise, and you do not need to find yourself with a tool that may’t sustain together with your workflow. Stick to 4GB provided that you are utilizing it flippantly or discover a mega deal. 8GB of RAM will carry out significantly better, and the good points will develop with 16GB or 32GB. Extra RAM can even preserve you going lengthy into the long run.
- Chromeboxes and desktops have Auto Expiration Updates (AUE) identical to their Chromebook counterparts. Upon hitting this date, Google now not ensures updates. On this round-up, we checklist each AUE date that can assist you store, and you’ll relaxation assured there aren’t any dates sooner than 2028 included.
- Your person expertise will hinge closely on a Chromebox’s equipment. Some Chromeboxes and Chrome desktops include a keyboard and mouse, however we nonetheless advocate testing the most effective keyboards for Chromebooks and the most effective mice for Chromebooks. You will be a lot happier with equipment suited completely to your preferences.
Getting the most effective Chromebox or Chrome desktop for you
Most of the finest Chromeboxes share an analogous compact design and efficiency ranges. Then, you even have Chrome desktops and all-in-ones just like the HP Chromebase, which may tackle the function of the household pc due to its built-in 21.5-inch FHD contact show, zippy efficiency, 5W stereo audio system, and aggressive value.
In our HP Chromebase 21.5 evaluate, Commerce Editor Ara Wagoner famous that it “lets you might have the most effective of each Chrome OS worlds: the a lot bigger display and beefier audio system of a desktop with the contact interplay and easy-to-use interface of a Chromebook.” It is ok to earn our Editor’s Alternative badge and must be an ideal decide if you would like to purchase all you want in a single go. HP even tosses in a reasonably stable wi-fi keyboard and mouse to get you going.
If you happen to’re searching for a extra conventional Chromebox and do not need to overspend, the Asus Chromebox 4 is a stable selection with costs beginning at about $258 for an Intel Celeron mannequin.
Supply: HP
HP Chromebase 21.5
Greatest general
The HP Chromebase 21.5 is our high decide due to its comparatively affordable value. You get a full pc right here with built-in FHD show, audio system, and even a keyboard and mouse.
