Top Wireless Chromebooks for Seamless Connectivity
For most people, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 stands out as the top wireless Chromebook. It delivers fast Wi-Fi 6E, a responsive touchscreen, and a robust build. Its main limitation is the shorter battery life compared to some rivals.
Wireless connectivity is the backbone of any Chromebook. Strong Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensure smooth streaming, quick downloads, and reliable peripheral connections.
We compared seven leading models to find those with the best antennas, latest standards, and longest range. Considerations include battery life, portability, and price.
Our top picks
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 combines a 14-inch QHD display with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Its 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor ensures snappy performance. Owners praise its sturdy build and vivid screen.
Pros
- Excellent wireless speed with Wi-Fi 6E
- Vivid, sharp display
- Solid aluminum chassis
Cons
- Battery life is average
- No LTE option
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 is a 13.3-inch detachable tablet with an OLED display. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. Its compact size and long battery life make it ideal for travel.
Pros
- Stunning OLED display
- Extremely portable
- Great battery life
Cons
- Keyboard sold separately
- Limited ports
ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 offers a 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen and Wi-Fi 6. A 4G LTE model is available for constant connectivity. It features a backlit keyboard and a 360-degree hinge.
Pros
- LTE option for on-the-go
- Large screen with touch
- Good performance
Cons
- Heavier than others
- Battery life is moderate
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 features a 13.3-inch QLED display with vibrant colors. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Its fanless design keeps it quiet and cool.
Pros
- Gorgeous QLED display
- Long battery life
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Performance is modest
- No LTE option
HP Chromebook x2 11
The HP Chromebook x2 11 is a detachable with an 11-inch 2K display and included USI pen. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Its magnesium body is both light and durable.
Pros
- Included USI pen
- Sharp 2K display
- Compact and light
Cons
- Small screen
- Keyboard is extra
Acer Chromebook 317
The Acer Chromebook 317 boasts a 17.3-inch Full HD display, perfect for productivity. It includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. The full-size keyboard and numeric keypad enhance usability.
Pros
- Huge screen real estate
- Full keyboard with numpad
- Good price for size
Cons
- Older Wi-Fi 5
- Heavy and bulky
Google Pixelbook Go
The Google Pixelbook Go offers up to 12 hours of battery life in a light 2.3-pound body. It supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. Its silent fanless design and comfortable keyboard are highlights.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Lightweight
- Quiet keyboard
Cons
- Outdated wireless standards
- No LTE option
What matters most
How they stack up
| # | Model | Wireless | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acer Chromebook Spin 714 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Best Overall Wireless Chromebook | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | Best Portable Wireless Chromebook | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, optional LTE | Best 2-in-1 with LTE Option | 8.9 | Check price |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | Best Display Quality | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | HP Chromebook x2 11 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | Best for Note Taking | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Acer Chromebook 317 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | Best Large Screen | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Google Pixelbook Go | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 | Best Battery Life | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
What is Wi-Fi 6E and do I need it?
Wi-Fi 6E uses the 6 GHz band to provide faster speeds and lower latency. It is beneficial if you have a compatible router and many devices. For most users, Wi-Fi 6 is sufficient.
Can I use a Chromebook with mobile hotspot?
Yes, you can connect to a phone’s hotspot via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth tethering. This uses your phone’s data plan and may incur extra charges.
Do Chromebooks support external monitors wirelessly?
Some Chromebooks support Miracast or Chromecast for wireless display. Check if your model supports these features. Many require a wired connection via USB-C or HDMI.
How do I check the battery life of a Chromebook?
Click on the battery icon in the system tray. It shows the percentage and estimated time remaining. Actual battery life varies based on usage and settings.
Can I upgrade the Wi-Fi card in my Chromebook?
Most Chromebooks have soldered Wi-Fi modules, making upgrades impossible. Choose a model with the wireless capabilities you need from the start.
What does Bluetooth 5.0 offer over older versions?
Bluetooth 5.0 has double the range and four times the speed of Bluetooth 4.2. It also supports more simultaneous connections, improving audio and peripheral performance.
Are Chromebooks good for online gaming?
Chromebooks can run Android games and cloud gaming services like GeForce Now. They are not suited for high-end PC gaming. Wireless latency may affect performance.
How do I choose between a Chromebook and a laptop?
Chromebooks run ChromeOS and are ideal for web-based tasks. Laptops run Windows or macOS and support more software. Choose based on your application needs.
Can I use a Chromebook without internet?
Yes, many Chromebook apps support offline mode. You can store files and documents for offline access. However, some features require connectivity.
What is the range of Bluetooth on Chromebooks?
Bluetooth 5.0 has a range of about 240 meters in open space. In typical indoor use, expect around 10 meters, depending on obstacles.
The verdict
For the best wireless performance and overall value, choose the Acer Chromebook Spin 714. If portability and display quality are paramount, consider the Lenovo Duet 5. For those needing LTE, the ASUS Flip CX5 is your pick.
