Chromebooks have come a long way, yet outdated myths about their limitations persist. From the belief that they’re useless offline to claims that they’re too slow, these budget-friendly devices are often misunderstood. Let’s clear up some of these common misconceptions.
8
Chromebooks Are Useless Without the Internet
One of the most common misconceptions about Chromebooks is that they are useless without an internet connection. People think this because Chromebooks are built for cloud-based use, relying on web apps and online storage for most tasks. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them offline.
You can still get plenty done even without an internet connection. You can use offline mode in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to create and edit documents, which will sync once you’re back online. Gmail Offline lets you read, reply to, and compose emails, which are automatically sent when you reconnect. You can play downloaded media and use offline apps.
7
Chromebooks Only Run Web Apps
A common myth about Chromebooks is that they can only run web apps. While this was true when they were first introduced—since they initially supported only native ChromeOS apps, which were essentially web-based—this is no longer the case. Today, Chromebooks support the Google Play Store, which lets you install thousands of Android apps.
Additionally, Chromebooks support Linux, which enables you to run applications such as GIMP, LibreOffice, and even coding tools like VS Code. You can also install Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which run seamlessly and offer a native app-like experience. With each ChromeOS update, app support continues to expand.
Related
What Are Progressive Web Apps?
Ever wish web apps behaved more like real apps? Progressive Web Apps are a new technology that’s aiming to make that happen.
6
You Can’t Use a Chromebook Like a Desktop
Many believe that Chromebooks are only suitable for on-the-go tasks and can’t function as desktop computers, but this is far from true. Many modern Chromebooks come with an HDMI port, which lets you connect your device to a TV or monitor and use it like a desktop. You can also buy a Chromebox, which is a compact ChromeOS-based desktop computer.
If your Chromebook doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can still connect to an external monitor using a USB-C hub or docking station. You can also easily pair a wireless or wired keyboard and mouse to create a desktop experience. Plus, with virtualization, you can even run Windows-based software.
Ugreen Revodok 105 5-in-1 USB-C Hub
The UGREEN Revodok 105 comes with five useful ports that allow you to expand your laptop’s connectivity without stretching your budget.
5
Chromebooks Are Only for Students
Because Chromebooks are widely used in education—from elementary school to high school—many people assume they are only for students. However, that’s just another myth. While they are popular in classrooms due to their affordability, Chromebooks are also well-suited for professionals, digital nomads, and casual users.
With access to Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, Slides, and productivity and video conferencing tools, Chromebooks offer everything a professional might need. They are also great for browsing, streaming, and video calls, making them a solid choice for everyday use. Plus, their cloud-based nature makes them an excellent option for small businesses.
4
Chromebooks Are Too Slow to Be Practical
Chromebooks are often perceived as slow, underpowered, and weak. While this may have been true for early models with limited RAM and slower processors, that’s no longer true. ChromeOS is optimized to run efficiently on lower-end hardware, and modern Chromebooks now come equipped with high-end components that deliver smooth, responsive performance.
A Chromebook could perform better than similarly priced Windows, macOS, or Linux laptops. It boots up in seconds, efficiently manages multiple browser tabs, launches apps quickly, and runs them without noticeable slowdowns. In fact, budget-friendly Chromebooks can sometimes even outperform more expensive Windows devices in terms of speed and efficiency.
3
Gaming on a Chromebook? Forget About It
While a Chromebook won’t match the gaming experience of a high-end Windows laptop, it’s far from a bad choice for gaming. With Google Play Store support, you can play a vast selection of Android games. Cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming allow you to stream high-quality games without needing powerful hardware.
Some Chromebooks now officially support Steam, expanding the range of games available to you. Plus, by installing Linux, you can run compatible games with decent performance. However, if you’re a professional gamer looking for a device solely for gaming, a Chromebook may not be the best option.
2
Chromebooks Have Cheap Build Quality
The first Chromebook I bought disappointed me due to its cheap build quality—a terrible screen, plastic construction, and a subpar trackpad and keyboard. This led me to believe that all Chromebooks were made this way to keep costs down. However, that misconception disappeared when I tried high-end Chromebook models that rival traditional laptops in quality.
While budget Chromebooks may still have flimsy designs, premium models from reputable brands feature durable aluminum bodies and sturdy hinges, built to withstand accidental drops and everyday wear. Their trackpads are smooth, keyboards are comfortable to type on, and some even meet MIL-STD-810G durability standards.
1
ChromeOS Is Nothing More Than Linux
Many people assume ChromeOS is just a stripped-down version of Linux, but that’s not accurate. Although ChromeOS is based on Gentoo Linux and uses the Linux kernel, it doesn’t function as a full Linux OS or a traditional distribution. It lacks the flexibility and control typically found in standard Linux distributions.
Unlike traditional Linux, where apps are installed via package managers, ChromeOS relies on the Play Store. Likewise, it’s deeply integrated with other Google services, whereas Linux distributions focus on open-source software. Also, while most Linux distributions grant users administrator (root) access, ChromeOS enforces strong sandboxing and security restrictions.
Related
How Linux Helped Me Avoid Spending Money on a School Chromebook
Money saved is money earned. Wait, does that mean my kid made me money?
Chromebooks are often misunderstood, and these misconceptions make people hesitant to give them a try. In reality, they’re more capable than many assume. If you’ve been considering switching to ChromeOS but these myths have held you back, you can now separate fact from fiction and decide with confidence.
