While you look at the market for great premium Chromebooks, sometimes you might really wonder if you need a laptop running ChromeOS. If you want to try the simple and efficient operating system for the first time, or just run and enjoy it while sitting at a desk hooked up to a monitor without worrying about battery life or other issues, then a Chromebox works well, too.
A Chromebox is basically like a mini PC tower. Rather than go through the trouble of installing ChromeOS on your own hardware by using ChromeOS Flex, you can just buy a compact Chromebox that already has everything you need to try ChromeOS right out of the box. Just hook it up to power, a monitor, and a keyboard, and you're ready to go.
This can also let you save space on your desk, as you can tuck it behind a monitor for a compact and clean setup. In the case of businesses, it's also great for kiosks and works with docking stations, too. That's why we put together this handy guide for the best Chromeboxes you can buy in 2023.
There aren't many new Chromebox units so far in 2023 but more are on the way. We've collected some older units, but keep in mind that newer models like the Acer Chromebox CXI5 are coming soon.
Our picks for the best Chromeboxes in 2023
Lenovo ThinkCentre M60q Chromebox
The best Chromebox for everyone
The Lenovo ThinkCentre M60q Chromebox is the best Chromebox for anybody. It's one of the newer Chromebox models featuring a 12th-generation Intel CPU, a great port selection, and a sleek ThinkPad-like design.
- Features newer Intel CPUs
- Has a lot of ports
- Can slide into back of a monitor
- Configurations limited
- Not available for purchase through Lenovo yet
A lot of the Chromebox models you'll see on this list are a few years old, and one of the newer models available is the Lenovo ThinkCentre M60Q Chromebox. This is Lenovo's first Chromebox in nearly seven years, and it is quite powerful, too as it's certified for use in enterprise and features 12th-generation Intel CPUs under the hood. Unfortunately, Lenovo.com is struggling to keep this product stocked, but other retailers like Newegg have it available for purchase. Lenovo mentioned it is expected to start at $323, but we see it at Newegg for $490.
That higher price is still good for all this processing power. You'll get a 12th-generation Intel Core i3-1215U CPU, 8GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD. You can also choose up to a 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor, up to a 256GB SSD, or up to 16GB of RAM depending on the stock available. These newer processors are much faster than others on this list. Clock rates on the chips are up, and the system comes with performance cores as well as efficiency cores for prolonged performance in demanding tasks like running Android apps, and even web browsing with multiple tabs open in Chrome.
Ports are also great on this machine, as with other Chromebox models. Front ports include 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, and a headphone mic combo. On the rear, there are 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4, as well as an Ethernet jack. Of course, the design lets you house this Chromebox at the back, while still having access to all these ports.
HP Chromebox G3
Best value for the money
The HP Chromebox G3 is the second-best Chromebox money can buy. It comes with an efficient 10th-generation Intel CPU. Other than that, it also comes with a keyboard and is highly configurable at checkout just like a Windows PC.
- Under $600
- Efficient CPUs
- Comes with keyboard
- Slightly older model
If you're looking for the best Chromebox for your money, then the HP Chromebox G3 is what we suggest. This is one of the most customizable Chromeboxes from HP, and it has relatively powerful specs.
This unit comes with a base option for Intel Pentium processors, which is fine for ChromeOS. With the operating system being as efficient as it is, you'll be able to speed through most things without issue. But going back to what we said at the top of this section, you also can spec it out with either the 10th-generation Intel Core i3-10110U, Intel Core i5-10310U, or the Intel Core i7-10610U. Of course, choosing these will bump the price up significantly.
Other than the CPU choices, you also can choose great RAM options, too. The base configuration will come with 4GB of RAM, but you also can push it as high as 8GB, 16GB, or even 32GB. As far as storage goes, the base model has 32GB of eMMC storage, but for added performance you can grab a faster 128GB PCIe NVMe Value SSD. This storage is faster than eMMC, which is flash storage.
We do want to mention that all units will come with an HP Business Slim USB keyboard. You'll have to add your own mouse, however. The most important part of the HP Chromebox G3, though, is the ports. It has dual HDMI ports, USB-A, Ethernet, microSD as well as USB-C. This lets you chain it together to displays, for digital signage and use in kiosks.
Asus Fanless Chromebox
Less the noise
If you need a quiet Chromebox, then Asus has you covered with the Asus Fanless Chromebox. It is a bit older, but it comes in a wide range of configurable specs making this device appealing to a variety of users.
- Doesn't make a lot of noise
- 10th Gen Intel CPUs are speedy
- great design
- Kind of big for a Chromebox
Nobody likes hearing the fans on a computer. It can be quite distracting in a quiet office environment. That's why there are fanless Chromeboxes. These types of Chromeboxes have interesting design tweaks that make them run efficiently without running too hot.
For more on the overall design, this is as interesting as it gets. An extruded aluminum chassis is what keeps this Chromebox cool. It has metal fins at the top, which help with heat dissipation. This is really rare on a Chromebox, as most are made of plastic, which, as you know, could be damaged with excess heat. This Chromebox even features a VESA mount that allows you to attach the device to the back of a display, or mount it on a wall to free up desk space for accessories like keyboards or docks.
The Asus Fanless Chromebox features a 10th-generation Intel Core or Celeron processor. The Asus Fanless Chromebox also supports up to three 4K displays and comes with USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and USB-C which also supports power delivery and DisplayPort connections.
AOpen Chromebox Commercial 2 Chromebox
Perfect for enterprise
The AOpen Chromebox Commercial 2 is designed for use in business situations. It is a commercial-grade Chromebox that's rated tough and is plenty durable since it is shock and vibration resistant, and can operate in extreme conditions.
- Shock and vibration resistant
- Can run in extreme temperate
- Can power two UHD 4K screens
- Slower Core i3 CPU
- Not readily available
Businesses in need of a Chromebox might want to check out the AOpen Chromebox Commercial 2. As the name suggests, this Chromebox is perfect for use in business. It combines a lot of what we like in a Chromebox in a perfect and compact package. While it's not available anywhere outside the official website (and you have to request a quote), it might be just what you're looking for.
While it's not a brand you might know, AOpen is really known to provide good computing solutions to businesses. With all that experience in the industry, you can expect this Chromebox will be shock and vibration-resistant with a wide operating temperature range and a fanless design. This can ensure first-rate performance in challenging situations like showroom floors, digital signage, kiosk, and video wall applications.
As for connecting to displays, this one drives up to two UHD 4K screens via HDMI and supports AI applications. It even has optional antennas for better Wi-Fi reception. Through AOpen's preferred software platform meldCX, the Chromebox even supports AI applications such as eyeball tracking and gesture-based movement.
Powering this Chromebox is an Intel Core i3 processor. It has 4GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD. Ports include two HDMI ports, two USB-A 3.0 on the front, a headphone jack, an Ethernet jack, and three USB-A 3.0 ports on the rear.
Asus Chromebox 4
For those with limited space
The Asus Chromebox 4 is one of Asus' newest. It's a great Chromebox with speedy CPUs, a compact design, and a wide range of ports. It is a bit on the expensive side when you configure it to the best specifications, though.
- Speedy fast Core i7 CPU options
- Compact design
- Traditional SSD
- Slightly expensive
Asus makes a lot of great Chromebox machines, and the Chromebox 4 is one of the most compact ones you can find. It's also quite powerful, too, with options for 10th-generation Intel processors. Overall, this Chromebox measures 5.84 x 5.84 x 1.5 inches. It weighs 2.2 pounds, too. That means it's perfect to put at the back of a monitor or slide onto the side of a desk.
As for what's powering it, the Asus Chromebox 4 features a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and 16GB of RAM. On the lower end, you can also find it with an Intel Celeron CPU. It also supports up to three 4K displays since there are Dual HDMI ports on the rear, along with USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. For the added space for files, you can also configure this Chromebox with up to 256GB of SSD storage, an impressive amount for a Chrome OS device.
Overall, this is the Chromebox for you if you need a top-of-the-line machine with a range of choices when it comes to internal specs. The ability to connect three displays makes this a workhorse at the office and should be at the top of the list for business users.
Acer Chromebox CXI3
Sleek and compact
Those that need a Chrome OS experience on the desktop will love Acer's Chromebox CXI3-UA91. With 128GB of SSD storage, this is a great option for small businesses. This Chromebox can fit just about anywhere, even mounted to the back of a monitor.
- Compact design
- Comes with stand
- Good port selection
- Slower Intel Celeron CPU
A lot of the Chromeboxes we've highlighted so far are either square or circular-shaped machines. Acer's Chromebox CX14, though, is quite a different story. It's a more rounded machine that has an interesting stand which makes it look quite cool when sitting at a desk. This is also a solid Chromebox for businesses, too, as it's under $270.
This Chromebox runs the Intel Celeron 3867U processor with 4GB of standard memory. You also get up to a 128GB SSD for storage, very spacious by Chrome OS standards. To add value, Acer also includes a USB mouse and keyboard for easily setting up in a business environment. You can find models without it, though, depending on your needs.
With dimensions of 5.9 in x 5.8 in x 1.6 inches, this compact Chromebox can fit into any environment. It’s ideal for stowing away on the back of a monitor, and an optional VESA kit allows for easy mounting. You can connect this Chromebox to two displays to extend your desktop and increase productivity. It’s also worth picking up a docking station to extend the port selection if there aren't enough ports for you to enjoy. Ports here include one USB 3. 1 Type C Gen 1 port, three USB 3. 1 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2. 0 ports, and an HDMI Port.
Best Chromeboxes in 2023: The bottom line
The list of Chromeboxes worth buying is quite limited right now because it's not common for OEMs to release Chromeboxes. If you still want the very best, then the Lenovo ThinkCentre M60q Chromebox is for you. This Chromebox features 12th-generation Intel CPUs under the hood, which is one of the newest CPUs you'll find on a Chromebox. It also has a sleek design, that mimics the best ThinkPads, with that classic gray finish. And we can't forget how compact it is, and how the port selection means you can plug any peripheral or monitor and accessory into it.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M60q Chromebox
The best Chromebox for everyone
The Lenovo ThinkCentre M60q Chromebox is the best Chromebox for anyone to buy. It's one of the newer Chromebox models featuring a 12th-generation Intel CPU under the hood. It also has a great port selection and a sleek ThinkPad-like design.
There are other options, though, including a fanless device like the Asus Fanless Chromebox, or a more compact device like the Asus Chromebox 4. There are even upcoming devices from Acer which you might want to look into in the future. We hope this list has helped you find what you want, regardless of your budget.