Our comparison table only shows our top 5 picks. You can find the other recommendations within this article.
What is a Netbook?
The term netbook doesn't have a precise definition. Typically, it refers to a computer that is smaller, lighter and less expensive than a typical laptop.
Not all netbooks have all these characteristics. For example, a computer may be very portable and weigh relatively little but have a laptop-like price because of its high-end processor, memory or other components.
Laptops had been developed to replace desktops and add the portability factor to a computer. However, the main focus in case of laptops was to have similar features as that of a desktop and still be portable.
For traditional laptop designers, portability was important but not the primary focus. Over time, people started demanding something more. They wanted a gadget just like a laptop but almost as easy to carry as our smartphones.
A netbook is essentially no different from a laptop. It was mainly created to increase portability and give people options that would fit their needs better than a full-sized laptop.
They provide great internet access but tend to not provide a large data storage and memory capacities or high-end processors. However, they are small in size and lightweight, which makes them ideal for travelers, businessmen or students who must carry them in a small backpack or case.
You may be wondering how a tablet is different from a netbook.
Well, a tablet was created to provide the processing and display capabilities of netbooks, but often does not have a built-in keyboard and instead rely primarily on a touch screen. Tablets are great for web browsing or email, but typically don't have the features needed for many business or educational software applications.
Netbooks and tablets have their pros and cons. Now most manufacturers are producing 2-in-1 devices (sometimes called convertibles or detachables) that can be used as either a lightweight laptop or as a tablet.
There are many varieties of netbooks so you should be careful when researching them. You need to choose a device that is economical and productive at the same time and one that meets your specific requirements.
Here are our reviews of the 10 best netbooks. These provide portability, productivity and come at an affordable price with a good warranty as well as excellent customer service.
Our Top Picks for Best Netbooks
1. HP X360-13T
Specs:
This HP laptop is known for its very unique features. One of them would be its size and style. This laptop has a sleek and featherweight body that does not compromise on any of the features. This netbook isn't cheap, but the combination of the processing power and the portability is without compare.
Its strong 8th generation i7 processor that ensure smooth internet browsing, email, or document editing. This laptop has a comfortable build and is easy to work with. With the latest cooling pads, this laptop does not heat up when used for long hours.
The 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage is more than what most netbooks offer. It is fast and powerful and will boost your productivity immensely. Its display is full HD and has great touch facility which makes navigation, scrolling, drawing, writing, etc. easier.
Its 360-degree hinge means you can use this device in several different ways. For example, you can easily convert the laptop into a tablet when needed. As a result, this laptop provides great value for money in a compact size. It is one of the best-selling netbooks on our site and you should definitely consider it if you have the budget to afford it.
2. ACER ASPIRE 1
Specs:
The Acer Aspire 1 is a stylish and affordable netbook. It's small and very portable and battery life will not be an issue at 6.5 hours.
This laptop is the epitome of a netbook. It has features similar to a MacBook and since it comes at an affordable price one can really be satisfied with this model. It's Intel Dual-Core Celeron and Intel UHD Graphics 600 graphics chipset provides enough computing power for most day-to-day computing tasks.
It has a bright 14-inch FHD display with a blue light filter to protect your eyes during long work or play sessions. This laptop can be used for long hours with few side-effects than other models.
It does not heat up easily or freeze when multitasking is needed. It functions smoothly and gives you what you'd expect from quality laptop.
It's ultra slim keyboard provides comfort to writers and makes typing for long hours easier and more convenient. If portability and affordability are important to you, we believe this would be a great netbook choice.
3. ASUS 14" LIGHTWEIGHT NETBOOK
Specs:
This laptop produced by Asus is quite similar to a MacBook. It has a complete metal body that is thin and lightweight; its backlit keyboard provides comfort and can be used in dark rooms as well.
Its 400 nit brightness enables the users to work both outdoors and indoors. This laptop’s main focus is to provide a great portable device with a laptop like features at real low prices. This laptop costs a few bucks more than other netbooks but it provides more storage and more speed than other netbooks.
Its feature is more close to that of a laptop. Its small size does not mean that the company has compromised on any of its features. This laptop is built using the latest technology that fits all the features like a good processor, enough memory, sufficient storage and so on in a thinner and lighter laptop.
This laptop can be carried even in a purse. The sturdy build helps in absorbing shocks from falls and bumps which make the laptop last much longer. Its one-year accident protection warranty makes the users feel more secure as they can easily get it replaced in case of any damage.
4. Dell i3168-0027
Specs:
This netbook is for all the Dell lovers out there. Many people are very particular about the brand they use in case of gadgets. They trust only a few brands and Dell is one such laptop producing company that has over the years build quite a broad base of very loyal customers.
This netbook packs all the features of a normal Dell laptop in a much smaller body which weighs much less. The 11.6-inch Full HD display also provides touch facility. This laptop is not just any netbook it is a tablet cum netbook.
This two in one laptop provides more comfort and efficiency to the users. One can buy two gadgets at the price of one. It has a strong Intel Core processor which provides greater productivity than average netbooks and a 4 GB RAM that is enough to provide great speed.
Its build is strong yet stylish. It uses the latest technology to provide some of the best cooling systems to make this laptop efficient enough for extensive use. The Waves MaxxAudio Pro provides good sound quality that is rarely found in other laptops of the same range.
All in all this laptop is like a complete package that offers greater portability, productivity, style and so on, all at a very reasonable price.
5. CUK VivoBook K571 by ASUS
Specs:
The graphics on this VivoBook are outstanding. Watching videos and playing simple games on this netbook is very enjoyable.
This device weighs less than five pounds, which isn’t the most lightweight device on this list, but it is one of the more versatile netbooks featured here. It has brilliant connectivity, excellent response time, and doesn’t overheat.
The CUK VivoBook has been especially designed for high productivity and entertainment purposes. That means you can work and play on this netbook, which is the main reason it made it to our list as a top pick.
6. LENOVO 110S NETBOOK
Specs:
This netbook produced by Lenovo is one of the cheapest yet best of the entire lot. It offers great performance and speed as compared to other netbooks. Its 11.6-inch HD display provides great clarity and makes watching movies and videos fun.
It's not a MacBook Pro or a proper laptop to replace your desktop, but it provides great features at a really affordable price to suit your budget. It is mobile, light weighted, efficient and comfortable to use.
It is a true netbook and offers just what the users expect from it. Its small size makes it convenient for the users to work while on road. Teenagers can even save up their allowance and buy themselves such a netbook to surf the social networking sites and do their school homework.
Since it comes at such a low price people have their doubts about its quality. Being a Lenovo product this laptop uses the latest technology and high-quality parts and even offers a one-year warranty to its users. One can bank on the reputation of Lenovo to trust the quality of this laptop.
It's 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron processor is rather powerful as compared to other notebooks and provides enhanced connectivity with WiFi and Bluetooth. The internet works flawlessly on this small yet cute and stylish netbook.
7. Dell Inspiron 3000 Series 15.6" HD Notebook
Specs:
The laptop is packed very well and extremely easy to setup. You don’t have to be overly technically savvy to be able to use this laptop, but having a basic knowledge of laptops and how to use them will be useful.
Although this laptop is advertised to have a backlit keyboard, this model does not. If this is important to you, you might be a little it disappointed if you order the Dell Inspiron 3000 series to learn that it doesn’t have these features.
Everything that you could possibly want your laptop to have is here. You get a high-quality screen, Windows 10, multiple cores, and more.
8. Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga
Specs:
This model of the Lenovo Yoga series is created for all those users out there who are looking for an affordable and portable laptop clubbed in one. This latest generation model is a dream come true for some of us.
At a very reasonable price, one gets as good features as a laptop and high standard parts in a laptop which last much longer than the average ones. This laptop charges quite fast just like a turbocharger and lasts for as long as 15 hours with maximum use. That's amazing.
Its full HD 14-inch display has touch screen facilities and can be converted into a tablet when needed. Being a hybrid laptop it automatically offers more than the normal laptops. It is more convenient to work with and easier to handle.
The touchscreen makes writing, drawing, browsing and such activities simpler and easier. Since we all are so accustomed to our smartphones, such a laptop is like a precious gift which makes it fun to work.
The strong processor and great RAM makes working faster and more efficient. All in all this laptop will make a great choice as it has a lot to offer at a very small amount.
9. HP STREAM LAPTOP PC 11-Y010NR
Specs:
This HP produced machine is small yet has some bold features and beautiful looks. Its 4 GB RAM is one of the unique features that it houses. A netbook with such great memory and speed is hard to find.
It is perfect for blog writers or people who use the internet extensively. The RAM is large enough to provide impressive speed and avoid interruptions. The Intel Celeron N3060 processor is better than average processors but cannot be as productive as a desktop.
This laptop has a cute and sturdy build that lasts for a longer time and can easily be carried around. Another feature of this gadget that stands out is its cooling system. This laptop uses the latest technology to avoid heating up of the laptop when used extensively.
The display is not quite good but it is great when offered at such a low price. This laptop comes with Windows 10 already installed with all the Office applications and hence it works efficiently in that aspect.
One can work on Excel sheets or word documents the whole day without the laptop freezing or heat up on their laps. This laptop provides top class security from viruses and great connectivity to please its users. Hence to conclude this laptop provides great value for money.
10. Dell Inspiron i3567
Specs:
Dell as a company has been ruling the laptop market for quite some time and this laptop is an example why it has been able to capture the market. It has an 15.6-inch edge to edge display which enhances the experience of watching High Definition videos and pictures.
The display is a touchscreen and makes it easier for the user to scroll and navigate through pages. It is packed in with Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of RAM, making the response time of the commands shorter and the laptop faster.
The feature that stands out for this laptop is that it includes a DVD burner. Also, the speakers of the laptop are exceptional, making it a good laptop for casual gaming and streaming multimedia.
It is powered by a 1TB storage capacity and Windows 10 as the operating system. The Dell Inspiron i3567 is very affordable, making it one of the best laptops in the given price range.
11. SAMSUNG XE350XBA-K01US Chromebook 4
Specs:
The first thing I loved about this laptop is that it is able to run Android apps. This is a very important feature as not all apps are available to every user, but this laptop makes these apps more accessible.
The Samsung Chromebook is also super responsive and rarely lags, even if you are trying to watch or edit graphic video content. Typing on this laptop is very easy too, although, ideal keyboard layout is very personal, so just make sure the device you go for has a familiar keyboard layout.
You will be pleased to learn that this device has very low power requirements, thanks to the power-saving processor. The laptops also won’t overheat frequently either which is great.
Finally, the screen has a wide range of viewing angles and you can comfortably view the screen from most angles. This is important for anyone using the netbook to watch movies, or if you are using multiple screens at a time.
Conclusion
These are the 11 best netbooks currently available in the market. One should check the features and the after sale services being provided before buying such a gadget.
Netbooks have made working very easy and simple which was not the case before. With this advancement in technology, it would be a drawback if you do not own one such netbook.
So, what are you waiting for, go to a store or just use the internet and book one for yourself today!
Netbook FAQ
If you want to learn more about netbooks to help you decide whether a netbook or a laptop will be the best for you, then read the following section. I have put together the most common frequently asked questions regarding netbooks along with their answers below for your reference.
What Are the Disadvantages of Netbooks?
Netbooks have low RAM and data storage abilities. They usually have about 1.5 to 3 gigabytes of RAM, much lower than the most simplistic laptops on the market.
Netbooks also have very small features and minimal power, which isn’t useful for anyone looking for a simple device for taking notes in class, but other than that, you will struggle to do more with the device. You should see netbooks as a notebook with internet access, and not like a laptop.
What is the Difference Between a Netbook and a Laptop?
Netbooks can be used for Skype, checking emails, surfing the web, and for taking notes, whereas laptops can perform complicated tasks. Laptops are complicated devices that can write code, edit images, and much more, whereas netbooks are simple.
What is the Build Quality Like on a Netbook?
Netbooks have mini-screens and can fit into your rucksack without taking up a lot of room. They are designed to be taken out and about with the user and are usually robust and durable.
Are Netbooks Still a Thing?
Netbooks are becoming less and less popular these days. Most people prefer investing in tablets or small laptops instead of purchasing a netbook. Netbooks are becoming a thing of the past, although there are still enough people using them to stop them from being taken off the market.
Can I Install Windows 10 on a Netbook?
Yes, Windows 10 can be installed on devices with 1 GB RAM; however, you will not get the full benefits of Windows 10 on such a device.
What Can’t You Do On a Netbook?
Netbooks are very simple, so you won’t be able to do much more than watch videos, send emails, and take notes on your netbook. You won’t be able to edit images, play games, or write code on a netbook device.
What is the Difference Between a Netbook and a Notebook?
Netbooks are designed to give users an easy way to access the internet for simple procedures, whereas notebooks are complicated and advanced enough to be used as a replacement for a desktop computer.