4 Best Chromeboxes

Updated 24 Jun 2022

Why Trust RevuuBuddy?

We spend thousands of hours researching, evaluating, and testing items to recommend the best options for the customers. We only get paid if you purchase anything through one of our links, and all of our product opinions are our own.

Finding the correct product can be difficult and time-consuming. You might not have time to do it yourself, so let us help you. RevuuBuddy reviews thousands of items in hundreds of categories, including home appliances, toys, camping supplies, and everything in between.

We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 24 Jun 2022

Written by

Mark Joseph Aduana

ASUS-SFF Chromebox 4

BOTTOM LINE
Best for Everyday Use
Powerful and versatile Chromebox. Provides tons of features and a smooth online experience.

PROS
Perfect for any home or office. Has a slim and easy to mount design that makes it great for use with larger displays. With three 4K UHD display support, this Chromebox is perfect for anyone who wants premium performance. High WiFi speed, making it ideal for online gaming or streaming movies and shows. Has an extensive collection of ports to connect all your peripherals with ease.

CONS
No mouse or keyboard included.

Check Price

HP Chromebox G2

BOTTOM LINE
Portable Convenience
Designed with portability in mind. An excellent choice for thrifty buyers who want a simple and efficient Chromebox that won't break the bank.

PROS
Affordable and powerful enough to handle most tasks. Compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go. With USB-C port for easy connectivity.

CONS
Lack of features compared to the competition.

Check Price

Asus Aluminum Fanless Chromebox

BOTTOM LINE
Durable & Rugged
The perfect choice for users who need an especially tough and durable model.

PROS
Has WiFi speeds that are among the fastest on the market, and it can connect up to three 4K displays at once. You can rest assured that your computer will always be up-to-date with auto-updates and virus protection. The simple mounting design makes it easy to set up, and the durable metal body ensures that your computer will withstand heavy use.

CONS
Less powerful than some Chromebooks.

Check Price

Acer Chromebox CXI3-4GKM4

BOTTOM LINE
Customer Favorite
A lightweight, capable Chromebox that won't break the bank. Comes with a keyboard and mouse.

PROS
More than enough for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos. Thanks to the Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of memory, fast and responsive. Plus, at just over 2 pounds, it's easy to take with you when you travel. Vertical orientation frees up desk space.

CONS
Can only be connected using HDMI cables.

Check Price

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CHROMEBOXES

Google's Chromebooks have been a big hit with consumers, thanks to their low price point and easy-to-use operating system. Now, the search giant is targeting the desktop market with its new line of Chromeboxes. Like Chromebooks, Chromeboxes are small, affordable, and easy to set up; however, they offer the added benefit of being able to run traditional desktop applications. As a result, they could be an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers looking for an alternative to more expensive desktops.

Chromeboxes are an excellent tool for boosting productivity. Unlike laptops, which can be used anywhere, Chromeboxes are designed to provide a permanent workspace. This means that you can set up your Chromebox exactly the way you want it without worrying about packing it up and moving it every time you need to use it. In addition, Chromeboxes comes with various connectivity ports to interface with monitors, smart TVs, and other tools. This makes it easy to create a custom setup that meets your specific needs.

Chromeboxes use integrated graphics, which cuts down on cost and is smart because a GPU isn’t needed to run Chrome OS apps.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Why choose a Chromebox?

Chromeboxes are cheaper, easier to use, and more secure than traditional PCs and laptops. They are small, lightweight devices that run the Chrome OS operating system. This operating system is designed to be easy to use and highly secure. Google also regularly updates it, so you always have the latest security features. Chromeboxes are also much cheaper than traditional PCs and laptops. You can often find them for less than $200.

While Chromebooks have a lot of great features, there are some downsides to consider as well. One of the biggest is that many Chrome OS apps require an internet connection to work properly. This can be a significant inconvenience for users who need to work offline or in areas with spotty internet service.

In addition, Chromeboxes have less processing power compared to traditional computers. This can limit what you can do with the device and make it unsuitable for certain activities like gaming, rendering, or media editing.

Finally, it's worth noting that Google provides automated system updates to Chromebox operating systems, but not always. Each gadget has an "update expiration date," which means new features and security patches will no longer be applied to them after a certain period, usually five or six years.

Processor

Chromeboxes are devices that use Chrome OS, an operating system made by Google. The central processing unit, or CPU, is measured in gigahertz, and the higher the gigahertz, the faster and smoother the device will run.

However, this isn't always the case, and it's important to remember that different devices have different needs. For example, a Chromebox doesn't need as much power as a traditional desktop computer to get by with a lower GHz rating. The bottom line is that you should never base your decision solely on the GHz rating. Instead, look at the overall specs of the device and compare it to other similar devices to see which one will best meet your needs.

Chromeboxes come in various shapes and sizes, but all of them offer users a fast, simple, and secure way to access the internet and their favorite apps.

Memory

One important factor to consider when choosing a Chromebox is the amount of random-access memory or RAM. RAM is responsible for storing information that the processor needs quick access to. The more RAM a device has, the more information it can store and the faster it can retrieve that information. This can make a big difference in the overall user experience, particularly when multiple programs are running simultaneously. When comparing Chromeboxes, check the specs to see how much RAM is available. More RAM usually means a better user experience, but it's important to balance price and performance.

Storage

A Chromebox is a computer that uses virtual cloud storage to store your data. This type of computer is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers several advantages over traditional computers. Perhaps the most significant advantage is that you don't have to worry about losing your data if your computer crashes. Your data is stored in the cloud to be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

Ports

Chromebooks are designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, so the port selection is important. HDMI ports let you connect to a TV or monitor for more extensive displays, while USB 3.0 ports quickly transfer data between your Chromebook and other devices. Ethernet ports provide a reliable wired connection for areas with spotty Wi-Fi coverage. SD card readers make it easy to transfer photos and other files from your camera. If you plan on using your Chromebook offline or want to expand its storage capacity, look for models with these features.

While most people will be satisfied with the port selection on a typical Chromebook, a few specialized models offer additional ports for specific needs.

Chromebooks are designed to be lightweight and portable, which means less space for internal cooling components. To avoid overheating, use cooling pads or external fans.

TEAM
RevuuBuddy

FEATURES

Included peripherals

For many people, the appeal of a Chromebox is its simplicity. It's a complete computing solution in a compact package, and it requires very little setup or maintenance. However, the lack of an external display and keyboard and mouse can be a deal-breaker for some users. Fortunately, there are now several companies that offer Chromeboxes with these add-ons.

SD card readers

Many models have features that other laptops lack, such as SD card readers. SD card readers are essential for anyone who wants to transfer photos and videos from their camera to their computer. They can also be used to add extra storage to your Chromebox.

Upgradability

Although Chromeboxes are designed to be low-cost and low-maintenance, that doesn't mean that they can't be upgraded. Like any other computer, there are various ways to improve the performance of a Chromebox. For example, adding more RAM will help it run more smoothly, and upgrading the storage will give you more space for files and applications.

CHROMEBOX PRICES

Inexpensive: Some Chromeboxes cost $200 or less. These models feature processors with 1.5 to 1.8 gigahertz, 4 to 8 gigabytes RAM, and several connectivity ports.

Mid-range: Chromebooks that cost around $300 now boast faster processors, more RAM, and larger SSDs. If you're looking for a fast, lightweight laptop that's easy to use and won't break the bank, a $300 Chromebook is a great option.

Expensive: If you're looking for a top-of-the-line Chromebox, you'll need to be prepared to spend at least $400. These Chromeboxes offer the fastest processors and the largest amount of RAM.

Chromeboxes come with syncing and storage features from Google. If you have ever used a Chromebook, you know that your work is automatically synced to the cloud so that you can access it from any device. Chromeboxes offer the same feature but on a larger scale.

TEAM
RevuuBuddy

TIPS

Secure your Google account by turning on two-factor authentication. Google's two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires a password and a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your account, even if they know your password.
To get the most out of your Chromebox, you'll want to use it with a display that has an HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI connection. This will ensure that you can take advantage of the high-resolution graphics and features that these devices are capable of.
Invest in a keyboard specifically designed for Chrome OS. Keyboards designed for Chrome OS often have dedicated search buttons that take the place of Caps Lock, which can be very useful. In addition, they may also have other features that are tailored to the specific needs of Chrome OS users.

The Chrome OS operating system used by Chromeboxes doesn't support full desktop versions of Office applications. However, newer models of the Chromebox do include the Google Play Store, giving you access to various Office Android apps.

FAQ

Q. What other components do I need to have a complete computer system?

A. A monitor, keyboard, and mouse are needed to use a Chromebox as a full computer system.

Q. Can a Chromebox work offline?

A. Chromeboxes work offline, but some features like Gmail and Google Calendar will not be available. You can still use the Chromebox while offline, but you will need to be connected to the internet to sync your data.

Q. Are Chromeboxes good for gaming?

A. Chromeboxes are not as powerful as gaming laptops, but they can handle some basic games. A more powerful computer would be a better choice for more intense gaming.