TechComputers & PCsLaptopsIs Chrome OS better than Windows 11? Google and Microsoft’s operating systems comparedGoogle’s Chrome is ultra-fast and ultra-light, but Windows is prettier and much more powerfulWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechComputers & PCsLaptopsIs Chrome OS better than Windows 11? Google and Microsoft’s operating systems comparedGoogle’s Chrome is ultra-fast and ultra-light, but Windows is prettier and much more powerfulWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Google’s Chrome is ultra-fast and ultra-light, but Windows is prettier and much more powerful
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Is Chrome OS better than Windows 11? If you want a super-cheap, super-light and super-streamlined portable computer then, simply put, yes. But if you need to do things that you can’t do in the cloud, Windows 11 is likely to be the better choice.
But, as ever, it isn’t quite as simple as that. As such, here we look at the details of what Chrome OS does better than Windows 11, and what Windows 11 does better than Chrome OS. That way you know what will work for you best when browsing thebest laptopsandbest Chromebookson the market today.
(Image credit: Computerworld)
(Image credit: Computerworld)
When Chrome OS is better than Windows 11
Chrome OS devices don’t slow down over time, because you aren’t installing tons of apps on them. They also remain secure because when Google patches its online services those patches are available everywhere to everyone.
Chrome is simpler and easier to learn than Windows. Windows 11 is prettier than before but it’s still a lot more complex than Chrome.
The key thing here is whether the apps you need are available in the cloud and whether their cloud-based versions are as good as the equivalent Windows apps. Take Photoshop, for example: the web-based version is good, but it’s a slimmed down version rather than the full version you’d run on Windows so it doesn’t have all the same tools.
For work, studying and entertainment most of the key apps are available in the cloud, whether that’sMicrosoftOffice online,Disney+ or presentation apps. But more heavyweight apps for things like music production or digital imaging are more likely to be available for Windows than for Chrome.
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(Image credit: Microsoft)
(Image credit: Microsoft)
When Windows 11 is better than Chrome OS
Many apps just aren’t available for Chrome. That could include the statistics app you need for college or the CRM app your workplace uses; the digital audio workstation you’d like to record your music on or the video editing app you’d like to make a movie with.
Windows laptops typically have much more storage than Chromebooks, and you can still install cloud services for mobile access and file sharing.
Higher-spec Windows machines are brilliant for gaming in a way that Chromebooks aren’t: not just in terms of performance but in terms of choice. You’ll find Angry Birds on Chrome but not triple-A blockbusters or Steam.
The choice of Windows laptops is absolutely massive, ranging from thebest budget laptopsto high-end workstations and thebest gaming laptops.
Chrome OS vs Windows 11: which is best?
That really depends on you. Chrome is a great operating system for everyday computing, with a good range of affordable but not underpowered devices that are easy to use and effortless to travel with as well as some higher-spec models for more demanding tasks. Windows is much more powerful and much more flexible, but it may be overkill if you’ll only be using it to work in Google Docs and streamNetflix, both of which you can also do in Chrome.
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