Should you buy a Chromebox in 2021?

Best answer: We don’t see new Chromeboxes as often as we do Chromebooks, but new models are likely to release later this year. Still, Chromeboxes available right now make for an awesome desktop experience.

• Best right now: HP Chromebox G3 (From $589 at HP)
• Cheaper but still great: ASUS Chromebox 3 (From $285 at Amazon)

Chromeboxes are safe, secure, and easy desktops

Unlike a laptop, a Chromebox is always plugged in and has a fan to keep things a little cooler. That means they can run a little hotter and a little harder than the same components would inside a laptop. It also means that today’s Chromeboxes are going to handle whatever Chrome can throw at it — including Android apps and Linux apps — just fine for the foreseeable future.

But what about tomorrow’s Chromeboxes? Manufacturers are releasing new Chromeboxes for 2021, but there’s no need to wait for the next-gen unless you’re looking at the very low end or high end when it comes to a specific model.

As someone who often likes to chase specs, I know it’s always tough to make a purchase when you know something new will arrive not too long after you’ve spent your money, but a Chromebox isn’t one of the things you need to wait for. The upcoming models will have better processors and faster RAM, but you’ll not see much difference unless you go for the cheapest option or the very best option. And really, you should never do either when buying a Chromebox.

There are some great choices out there when it comes to buying, too. ASUS offers a Chromebox that can be configured to suit your needs no matter what you’re trying to do with the Chromebox G3. Most users will be fine with one of the cheaper options, but power users can buy an Intel Core i7-powered model that’s complete overkill in all the good ways.

Another excellent choice comes from Acer, which offers a good Intel Core i3 powered Chromebox, a ChromeOS-specific keyboard, and an optical mouse for about $450. That means you can pull it out of the box, plug everything in, sign in to your Google account and you are off and running with zero issues and zero frustration.

If you’re looking for a simple and secure desktop that offers the same familiar feeling you get from a Chromebook, now is a great time to shop.

Best Overall

HP Chromebox G3

$589 at HP
From $254 at B&H (Pre-order)
$569 at Staples

The latest Chromebox

If you want 10th-gen Intel chips and a whole legion of ports, the Chromebox G3 from HP is a fantastic choice for those looking at a new desktop computer.

A cheaper option

ASUS Chromebox 3

• From $285 at Amazon

Still a great choice

You’ll be able to browse the web, shop online, do your taxes, or even play a game with the Chromebox 3 and stay safe and secure.