Best answer: We don’t see new Chromeboxes as often as we do Chromebooks. The current models and those likely to be released later this year will make for an awesome desktop experience.
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 Chromeboxes run a little hotter and harder than the same components found inside of 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. Manufacturers tend to release new Chromebooks rapidly because they don’t have that luxury, and we want to squeeze every bit of performance possible out of a battery-powered device.
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. Of course, future 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 4. 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 HP, which offers a good Chromebox with fast hardware capable of having plenty of documents open at the same time. Plus, HP is a name your company purchasing agent probably already knows well if you’re looking for something for business.
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
ASUS Chromebox 4
$1,094 at Amazon
From $499 at B&H Photo
$499 at Adorama
Good things come to those who wait.
The SSD upgrades and extra ports make ASUS the better buy for the long haul, but only if you can wait for it to arrive.
Best on a budget
HP Chromebox G3
From $264 at B&H
$591 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.
