Ever stopped to wonder about the difference between Google’s Chromebooks and Microsoft’s Windows 10?
You may not know it, but Chromebooks may be what you need depending on what your situation is. There are many factors you need to consider when comparing the two operating systems.
To lessen your headache in deciding the best between the two, look no further. Here’s a guide comparing their features from the user interface to their value. Read on to learn the difference between Chromebook vs Windows 10.
Chromebook vs Windows 10
Are you interested to know where it all started? Before we move on to comparing Chromebooks vs Windows 10, let’s take a short detour to learn about their history.
Chromebook
The Chromebook is a tablet or laptop running Chrome OS as an operating system. This type of laptop uses the Google Chrome browser to perform a variety of tasks. Most applications and data you have in your Chromebook are in the cloud rather than the laptop.
Chromebooks were first released in 2011, with Acer Inc and Samsung selling the first ones. The Chromebooks line is the most successful Linux laptop computer ever launched. Recent launches can now run Linux and Android apps.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a popular operating system with an impressive 77% market usage share worldwide. It got released to the general public in 2015 and surpassed Windows 7 as the most popular version by May 2020. Microsoft sells Windows licenses, which you can load on laptops and desktops.
Microsoft’s wide-open approach has let Windows conquer over its competition for the past few decades. Windows boasts that they have the largest library of traditional software. This is because of Microsoft Window’s longevity and global availability.
It can run through plenty of brands such as Lenovo, HP, Dell, Asus, and so on. With so many big brands tied to this OS, it’s no wonder why it’s the most popular OS today.
Interface
The latest version of Chrome OS shows a Start-like button in the bottom-left corner. When you press it, the launcher shows your most opened apps with a Google search bar. Whether you have touch support or not, scrolling down can give you Google Now info cards.
You can see information like suggested articles, local weather, and calendar updates. Chromebooks also have support for the Play Store for Android apps. The taskbar of the desktop typically shows active apps and shortcuts for Google apps.
Some essential Google apps include Drive, Docs, YouTube. You can find the basic settings, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, at the bottom right. Chrome OS is a web-first operating system, which means all the apps need the Chrome browser to run.
Windows 10 has a more well-polished and seamless operating system compared to its predecessors. You can find the start menu and basic settings in the same area in Chromebooks. The Start button reveals your most use programs and recently installed software on the left side.
The right side of the start menu shows your pinned apps, and some apps may have animations. The taskbar includes a Cortana search bar with small icons next to it, showing active apps. On the bottom left, you can find the notifications icon with the action center.
Both the Chromebooks and Windows 10 can handle multitasking. You can place the apps side-by-side up to four windows. They also have touch-friendly models and those that can have tablet mode.
Performance
Chromebooks use modest processors for their system. One of the low-end Chromebooks is Samsung’s Chromebook 3 that runs with a Celeron processor with only 4GB RAM. At the higher end, Google’s Pixelbook runs with a Core i5 processor with 16GB RAM.
Google Pixelbook can cost up to $1,399 for only 256GB storage and a 4K screen. These are great specs, but Windows can surpass these specs for a lower price with ease. If you’re looking for better and proper performance, Chromebooks may not be the one for you.
Windows 10 laptops have more of a variety of processors from NVIDIA and AMD. Their systems can use the latest Core i9 processor for the best graphics for gaming. High-end laptops can go up to 64GB RAM for heavy intensive tasks like editing and gaming.
Apps and Programs
Chromebooks offers an ever-growing library of apps and programs which Windows 10 may not be able to run. This includes Android apps and the Google Play Store.
They’ve even perfected device syncing and data integration between mobile devices and Chromebooks. This makes it easier for users to switch or cast apps between each device. However, you may be out of luck if you want to run apps for heavy-intensive tasks like Photoshop or Premiere.
Windows 10 offers all the basic programs you need on a laptop. This includes Office suite, Netflix, Spotify, Photoshop, and so on. Many Windows 10 laptops can handle gaming, business, and heavy tasks like multimedia editing.
Security
Windows has always been a target for hackers looking to place viruses, botnets, and malware in your laptop. This is where Windows Defender comes in and protects your device. You also have a secure-boot feature where your laptop checks itself for certificates of authenticity before booting.
This means that it minimizes all risks of getting loads of infected software. Google controls the Chromebook ecosystem, which means it has tight security and constant updates. Chromebooks checks and applies security updates while placing sandboxing media and web filters.
Productivity
Chromebooks have plenty of Google based apps where you can work, such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides. You can also run Microsoft’s apps, but only the web-only versions that are available through OneDrive. Most apps in Chromebook have to run with an Internet connection, but only Google Drive can work offline.
Windows 10 is the standard for getting work done. Many businesses would rather use Windows 10 since plenty of business apps are only compatible with Windows. Microsoft also has its own Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
It’s not hard to use Chrome apps in Windows. You can use Google Drive, OpenOffice, and most third-party software programs for working.
Portability
Chromebooks are smaller in design. They are thinner and lighter, but that doesn’t mean the price is the same. The typical Chromebook weighs only a few pounds less than Windows 10.
Laptops with Windows 10 have a wide variety of sizes and weights. This means that you have a lot to choose from when it comes to Windows 10 laptops. However, Windows 10 laptops are heavier due to the bigger screens and components.
Value and Selection
The price is one of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing between Chromebook vs Windows 10. Chromebooks take the lead for cheaper laptops, which can go as low as $100. The most expensive Chromebook is $1,650 Google’s Pixelbook.
However, Windows 10 also offers the same prices going as low as $120. At the higher end laptops, you can get monster deals for gaming or business laptops for as high as $4000. These laptops can rival high-performing desktops, especially in horsepower.
There are also incentives from Google and Microsoft for promotional goodies. Google is currently offering plenty of stuff worth a hundred dollars for customers who buy the new Chromebook. You can also get 100GB of Google Drive Storage, free movies on Google Play, and 90 days of Google Play Music.
Microsoft varies in their promotional goods, but they are consistent with Office 365. You can get a free one-year subscription to Office 365 and get 500GB of storage space on OneDrive.
Booting Speed
One of the biggest advantages of using Chromebooks is the start-up. They’re an excellent choice for a stop and go computing since it starts up within a few seconds. Windows 10 takes about 10 to 15 seconds to wake from sleep mode and start-up.
Hardware Options
The market for Chromebooks are smaller, but they are growing at a steady pace. About 30 different brands now sell Chromebooks, including Asus, HP, Acer, and many more. The display range of Chromebooks can go from 11 inches to 15 inches.
Only a few models have touch capabilities. As stated above, Chromebooks have the advantage of being more portable. Some business Chromebooks are also popping up in the market, like Acer Chromebook 14.
Windows 10 has more variety, with screen sizes ranging from 11 inches to 21 inches. About eight major brands create Windows laptops along with Intel and AMD chips. You can get a lot of storage space from Windows 10 laptops from 2GB going as high up as terabyte levels.
Windows 10 laptops have plenty of designs with more colors than Chromebooks. They also offer more laptops for gamers, businesses, tablets, and 2-in-1s.
Which Laptop Is Right For You?
Now you know some major differences between the two operating systems. So, are you going to choose Chromebooks, or Windows 10? It all comes down to personal needs, budget, and preference. Do you want to learn more besides the differences between Chromebook vs Windows 10? There are also tons of benefits to choosing either one of these laptops. Check out more of our guides to learn more, and make a better, more informed decision when it’s time to buy!
