Chromebooks versus Windows laptops: Which should you buy?

Should I buy a Chromebook or a Windows laptop? It's a common question, whether asked by parents weighing the best computer option for back-to-school or by people who just want an inexpensive computer for themselves. We'll help you choose the right one. Our latest update includes more answers to questions you might have: such as, how slow (and inexpensive) can a Chromebook be before it stops being usable? What does Windows 11 and Windows 11 SE mean for laptops? Read on for the answers, plus our up-to-date buying guide for November 2021 and Black Friday, plus more details and what to buy. A notebook PC or laptop powered by Microsoft Windows offers several advantages. Windows offers the most flexibility to run just about any app, your choice of any browser, and configure antivirus options, utilities, and more. You can tweak and configure your PC as you choose. That convenience demands more computing horsepower, and often a higher price compared to most Chromebooks. Prices can soar into the thousands of dollars, and if you need a powerful PC for gaming or video editing, Chromebooks can't compete, and they don't try to. But you'll find some great deals among our more affordably priced, top Windows picks. See our buying guide to the best laptops for even more options.