Chromebooks are popular, affordable, and seemingly everywhere, but are these Google-powered laptops good picks for gaming, too? Some Chromebooks are now specially designed to play games via cloud-based gaming services, and we’ve tested most of the field. PCMag has been reviewing both gaming laptops and Chromebooks since their creation, evaluating Chromebook performance, battery life, connectivity, display quality, and other features in the course of testing 100-plus laptops every year. Our current top pick for the best gaming Chromebook is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, packing a high-refresh-rate display, a fast-polling keyboard, and a speedier Wi-Fi radio—all tuned for cloud gaming. But it’s hardly your only option. Here’s a rundown of our best-bet Chromebooks for gaming, followed by a detailed guide to all the aspects of gaming on ChromeOS and a spec chart comparing our top picks.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Overall Gaming Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)
- Boosted productivity and gaming performance
- High-res IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate
- Four-zone RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting
- Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet
- Below-average battery life
- Non-touch display limits Android app use
The second iteration of Acer’s gaming edition Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025), is built for cloud game streaming. It’s chock full of gamer-friendly features, like a new CPU for boosted performance, a high-resolution IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet support for smooth streaming, and an RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting for fast-paced input. But it’s also a high-quality Chromebook overall, with excellent productivity performance and AI-enhanced features under the Chromebook Plus brand. Plus, at just $649, it’s the most affordable gaming machine you’ll find, so long as you’re OK without a proper GPU.
This deluxe laptop is built for existing Chromebook fans who want to game or gamers who want to ditch the bulky laptop or desktop for an affordable, portable Chromebook. The design balances portability, productivity, and gaming with a cost-conscious price but still includes RGB eye candy.
Class
Chromebook, Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i5-120U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Yes
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.84 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches
Weight
3.75 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:16
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025) Review
Best 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook for Gaming
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
- New AI features supercharge ChromeOS
- 12 months free Google One with Gemini Advanced
- Versatile, durable 2-in-1 design
- Intel Core Ultra processing and on-device AI
- Excellent battery life
- Clear, colorful touch screen
- Pen not included
- ChromeOS still has quirks
Though not as affordable as some Chromebooks, Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the best ChromeOS-powered laptop we’ve seen, especially for Android gaming. It packs a capable 2-in-1 design and a powerful Intel Core Ultra processor, plus two fistfuls of AI-powered upgrades, including a 12-month trial of Google’s Gemini Advanced. We already loved the Spin 714’s elegant design and quality construction, but the latest model ups the ante with the smartest version of ChromeOS we’ve seen yet.
This one is for anyone who wants the best that ChromeOS with Android support has to offer. Whether you’re into productivity, creativity, student life, or just chilling at home, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is as close to perfect as Chromebooks get.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.21 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:46
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review
Best General-Use Chromebook for Gaming
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
- Impressive CPU performance
- Pleasant keyboard and touchpad
- Lots of connectivity
- Attractive, friendly design
- A bit of flex to the chassis
- Basic 1080p display easily outclassed for not much more
- Enough battery for a workday—no more
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) earns our pick for a “Plus” model for ChromeOS gaming with its impressive performance and user-friendly design. Equipped with an updated Intel Core i5 processor, it delivers potent CPU performance, making it suitable for productivity tasks and light gaming. The comfortable keyboard and pleasant touchpad enhance the overall user experience, while extensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7 and multiple ports, add versatility. The 1080p display is ideal for schoolwork and casual gaming, and at a competitive list price of $499 (often discounted), it presents an exceptional value. This Chromebook is ready to handle Android apps, online games, and streamed gaming services, making it a well-rounded choice for users seeking a capable device.
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers and anyone looking for a reliable device for both work and play. Its combination of performance and features makes it a smart choice for users who want a Chromebook that excels in productivity while providing legitimate gaming options. Whether it’s tackling school assignments, enjoying Android games, or streaming high-end PC games, this Chromebook delivers an excellent experience for a super-affordable price.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11be, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
12.85 x 8.44 x 0.74 inches
Weight
3.17 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:51
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review
Best Budget Chromebook for Gaming
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
- Responsive 12.2-inch touchscreen
- Low price
- Compact and lightweight
- Decent port selection
- Flexible 2-in-1 design
- Middling Intel N100 processor
- Storage limited to 64GB eMMC
- Lagging battery life
- Plastic construction with unwanted chassis flex
The Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is our favorite low-cost Chromebook for gaming, a 12-inch laptop that’s petite and lightweight, with a convertible design that works as both laptop and tablet. The port selection is above average, and the performance is fast enough for the OS’s browser-centric approach. Longer battery life would be nice, but this Chromebook will still get you through the day, making it ideal for casual users who want something that’s easy to bring along and quick at web browsing and running apps.
For an ultraportable that’s also light on price, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a smart choice. Whether you’re using it to take notes in class or tackle Android games at night, stream movies on the couch, or enjoy the best games Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming platform has to offer, the Flex 3 is the best Chromebook for gaming we’ve seen that should fit the very tightest budgets.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel N100
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
12.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.72 by 11.18 by 8.27 inches
Weight
2.76 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:38
Learn More
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook Review
Best Chromebook for Linux Gaming
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
- Ultra-affordable
- Excellent battery life
- Chromebook Plus features enhanced with AI
- Sturdy design with plenty of ports
- Capable touch display
- Small storage capacity in most models
- Underwhelming performance
- Keyboard isn’t backlit
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is another excellent Chromebook Plus model, with the emphasis on a budget-friendly price. For just $349 you get a capable ChromeOS laptop that offers more than 14 hours of battery life, a sturdy design with plenty of ports, and a touch display that’s great for tapping and swiping in Android games. But our favorite benefit of the new model is probably the AI-enhanced Intel Core i3-N305 processor and way-above-average 512GB SSD. That beefier processor and storage combo makes it a perfect choice for dual-booting with Linux, opening all sorts of new gaming opportunities.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a great affordable pick for any budget-conscious buyer, but we especially love this Chromebook for its processing power and sizable storage, which make Linux gaming possible. Budget shoppers interested in loading up a Linux distro will appreciate both the price and the capable hardware.
Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i3-N305
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1,920 by 1,080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.81 by 12.87 by 8.86 inches
Weight
3.15 lbs
Operating System
Google ChromeOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:18
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 Review
Best ChromeOS Tablet for Android Games
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
- Among the least expensive convertible laptops on the market
- Sharp touch screen
- Tablet portion has a high-quality build for its price
- Headphone jack is back
- Test model includes stylus pen
- All models include bundled keyboard
- Middling performance and battery life
- Keyboard has squishy keys, is designed for smaller hands
Though it may not be the most powerful option on the market, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 stands out as the best ChromeOS tablet for Android games, thanks to its aggressively low price and versatile 2-in-1 design. With a sharp touch screen and a sturdy build, this device is perfect for casual gaming and everyday tasks. Don’t expect robust performance from this light model; its seamless conversion from tablet to laptop is what makes it an ideal choice for people who play lots of tablet games. The detachable tablet portion will be more comfortable to hold for longer gaming sessions than a rotating 2-in-1 could ever be, and features like front and back cameras offer more phone-like feature support than a convertible laptop does.
This tablet/laptop hybrid is perfect for students, younger users, and budget-conscious individuals seeking a dependable device for online activities and light, touch-based gaming. If you need a versatile tool for entertainment while spending as little as possible, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is an excellent choice that meets essential needs without unnecessary frills.
Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 838
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
ARM Mali-G57 MC3
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches
Weight
1.12 lbs
Operating System
Google ChromeOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review
The Best Chromebooks for Gaming in 2025
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Chromebooks for Gaming in 2025
You’re probably familiar with Chromebooks, the laptops running ChromeOS, Google’s browser-focused operating system that leverages online storage and apps to offer functionality on par with a basic Windows or Mac laptop. As simple, inexpensive machines for everything from checking email and social media to writing papers and joining Zoom calls for classes and work, Chromebooks are well-suited to today’s always-online life. But many recent Chromebooks add gaming to the mix. From online games and Android apps to streaming game services, there are more ways than ever before to enjoy your downtime on a Chromebook.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The first few Chromebooks made explicitly for gaming are now a couple of years old. Mind you, no Chromebook then or now qualifies as a traditional gaming laptop with a discrete graphics processing unit (GPU), playing demanding 3D games on the laptop itself. Streaming game screens from powerful servers to your Chromebook’s display is the name of the game. But if you want a lightweight machine that’s made for cloud gaming services, these low-cost systems are fascinating options. In fact, today you have several distinct approaches to playing games on Chromebooks, and even a couple of ways to enjoy today’s most popular games.
How Does Gaming on a Chromebook Work?
While the term “gaming” may call to mind high-powered gaming laptops or Microsoft’s and Sony’s dedicated family-room consoles, the reality is that the gaming world is much larger than the so-called AAA or big-budget titles that major studios release. From retro games to the casual games that make smartphones so entertaining, plenty of gaming opportunities don’t require an expensive GPU or an RGB-backlit keyboard.
(Credit: Brian Westover)
At your disposal today are four main ways to game on Chromebooks, each with unique considerations for the type of hardware you have:
-
You can rely on browser-based games that need nothing more than visiting a website.
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You can run Android games, giving you access to all the best games in the Google Play store.
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You can stream games through cloud gaming services such as Nvidia’s GeForce Now.
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You can install a handful of Linux games directly onto your Chromebook, if you’re willing to do some work.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Our How to Play Games on Your Chromebook guide has more detail, but we’ll briefly discuss your options here.
Browser-Based Games: Play It Straight in Chrome
The simplest options for Chromebook gaming are browser-based games. These work right in the Chrome browser, without requiring a download or particularly powerful hardware. They range from basic versions of chess and checkers to old-school classics like Pac-Man and Doom, along with a huge number of indie games that are free to play online.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Retro games are freely available for playing in your browser via several legitimate websites, from Classic Games Arcade to the Internet Archive’s coin-op arcade. Google even has its own collection of browser-based games, called GameSnacks, that run in HTML 5.
While many of these games can be accessed just by navigating to the right website, you can enable some games for play in the Chrome browser via installing a browser extension. These are the simplest game options on this list, and most game extensions are free. And an important perk: They also have the benefit of letting you play offline.
For these games, you need nothing more than a Chromebook that can go online. The selection is a bit limited, but you might recognize a few titles, like Flappy Bird and Temple Run. Most work with a keyboard and mouse, but they may also offer support for game pads and touch screens.
These games are the perfect option for the average Chromebook, because they don’t rely on local processing power, large install files, or special input devices. And since they’re browser-based, they’ll work on any Chromebook, including school-issued systems.
Android Games: Play Phone Apps on Your Chromebook
Next are Android games, played using the support for Android apps built into all Chromebooks from the last few years to today. (Be sure to check if you have an elderly model.) From simple clickers to complex RPGs and action titles, the Google Play store is chock-full of games that can now be enjoyed on any Chromebook, with a couple of caveats.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Two things are important to note. First, you may not be able to play some Android phone games properly unless your Chromebook has a touch screen. Second, students may be out of luck, since most school districts disable Android support by default. But if you’re one of the millions of Chromebook owners who can freely use Android apps, you can enjoy a wealth of gaming options through the Google Play store, from viral hits like Among Us and Wordle to a wealth of games in every genre.
Really, any of the best Android games we recommend for phones will work just as well on ChromeOS—but here’s the catch. As noted, with Android games designed for phones and tablets, you’ll definitely want to get a Chromebook that offers touch capability.
We’d strongly suggest a 2-in-1 design for anyone who wants to use smartphone-centric Android apps on their Chromebook. Detachable tablet 2-in-1 designs do have an edge over rotating convertible 2-in-1s when it comes to Android gaming. Some of this is due to the form factor—detachable tablets, by their nature, are slimmer and lighter than laptop-size convertibles. If you’re playing a game for more than a few minutes, the extra weight of a convertible laptop (with its keyboard) will be a real drag. But it also has to do with the features that a tablet offers, with extras like front and rear cameras and more sensors. These can give you a more phone-like experience than any laptop masquerading as a tablet ever could.
Streaming for Fun: Gaming in the Cloud
If you want to play more mainstream AAA games, you’ll need to use a cloud game-streaming service, like Nvidia GeForce Now or Amazon Luna. Many new Chromebooks even offer trial periods for these services, letting you try them out before committing to a paid subscription.
The upside? You can play AAA games (some are even free with your membership) like Saints Row IV, Darksiders III, Control, and Far Cry 6. The downside: You’ll either face limitations in in-game visual quality, or need to pay a subscription fee, in addition to the expense of buying games. However, you may not be able to run these services on every Chromebook.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Cloud gaming is available only on models that meet certain hardware parameters. Because gaming requires ample CPU and GPU power, Steam on Chrome requires at least an 11th Generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor with Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics and at least 8GB of RAM—and those are relatively high-grade components for a Chromebook. With those limits in mind, we’ve included our favorites in this list. (Note that not all of them meet that set of minimum criteria, though. Check the specs!)
A More DIY Approach: Linux Gaming on ChromeOS
Finally, because ChromeOS is built on the foundations of the Linux kernel, you can try running Linux games on your Chromebook. This opens up a whole range of software, much of it available for free.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
Once you shift to storing and running programs locally, however, you need a machine with more processing power and roomier storage than your typical Chromebook. That means something running on an Intel Core or AMD Ryzen chip rather than the low-powered Arm processors common among budget Chromebooks. You’ll also want to step up to more memory and larger, faster solid-state drive (SSD) storage instead of the limited eMMC flash memory of economy models.
That settled, you’ll find two paths to take on the Linux front: You can go the official, Google-approved route and install Linux apps using Crostini, or you can install a full Linux desktop using Crouton. Both options are explained in our guide How to Install Linux on Your Chromebook, and either will let you access the Linux game catalogs on Steam and GOG.
Gaming on ChromeOS: Still a Stretch, But Plenty of Fun
We’ve covered a whole bunch of options for enjoying games on a Chromebook: a round of Pac-Man in your browser; popular Android phone games; streaming games through Nvidia or Amazon; even installing the Linux operating system just for games.
But at the end of the day, it’s worth pointing out that not even the best Chromebook will match the cheapest of our choices for the best cheap gaming laptops. Instead, ChromeOS gaming is all about giving you some fun ways to leverage what laptop hardware you already own, or need to buy for other, more critical purposes. Still, if you want to go Chrome and play, check out our picks above and our spec breakout of our current gaming Chromebook favorites.
