List of Chromebooks with Backlit Keyboards (Buy the Best) – 2023

So, you’re looking for a Chromebook with a backlit keyboard.

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve done some extensive research (that took quite a while) and compiled a list of all the backlit keyboard Chromebooks. They’re all here- or at least they should be.

(If I missed one or listed one erroneously, let me know.)

I’ll also try to update this list as newer models get released as well.

You’re probably here to do some research on making a purchasing decision so you can buy the best one. I wrote a little bit about each particular model so you can get a brief overview of each one.

Note: Some models have multiple versions available and the specs presented here may be different. Be sure to double-check the specs before buying.

There are quite a few different models that have backlighting, so I choose the best three out the bunch and briefly reviewed them. These three laptops are based on personal opinion and reviews from around the web.

Anyway, let’s get on with the list, shall we?

Grab a cup of your favorite drink and sit down. This is a pretty lengthy buyer’s guide.

Last updated: 3/2/23. Updated for inclusion of more models.

Found a new Chromebook that I missed? Let me know and I’ll add it to the list!

The complete list of Chromebooks with backlit keyboards

So here it is.

The complete list of them (at least every single one in existence to my knowledge).

Let me know if you happen to find any additional models I missed, but I think I got the majority of them here- if not all.

This list was compiled using multiple sources from around the web and my own personal contacts and experiences. It’s accurate to my knowledge and should serve you well.

Newer models will be added to this list as they’re released, so you should have a good overview of all your prospective buying options.

Okay, let’s get on with the list already.

Sound good?

Let’s roll.

This list is “lit.” (Had to- couldn’t resist.)

1. Asus Chromebook Flip 2

Model numbers: C02CA-DHM4, C302CA-RHPDT11, C302CA-DH54

Flip 2 is one of the best backlit keyboard Chromebooks.
The Flip 2 is one of the best backlit keyboard Chromebooks due to its power, convertible body, touchscreen, style, and future-proof build.

The Asus Chromebook Flip 2 is the successor the ever-popular Flip.

A glorious touchscreen

It’s a convertible two-in-one laptop with a 12.5’’ touchscreen.

It’s powered by an Intel Core m3 clocked at 2.2GHz CPU with 4GB of RAM. This allows for plenty of power for everyday tasks and decent multitasking capability.

Although it doesn’t have an absurd amount of RAM capacity (some Chromebooks have 6GB or more), it can still handle multiple apps and lots of Chrome tabs running simultaneously.

The 12.5-inch display easily converts to a tablet mode and Chrome OS will follow suit by switching over. You can use the Flip 2 in laptop, tent, immersive, or tablet mode simply by folding the display. It’s also in glorious full-HD with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. With Intel HD graphics, you can play games, watch videos, and view images rendered with crisp and fine detail.

(Are you a gamer? Check out these awesome Chrome OS games.)

Powerful hardware and a huge hard disk

It comes with a whopping 64GB of SSD storage.

For reference, the standard hard drive capacity for a Chromebook is just 16GB. You can store plenty of images, videos, files, and other data with the hard drive of this size. It’s one of the largest capacities of any Chromebook on the market today.

The Flip 2 is advertised to run a full 10 hours on a single charge. This provides plenty of power that’ll last all day for productivity (or games). The Flip was legendary. The Flip 2 doesn’t match the fame the original predecessor had, but it packs a punch.

Lightweight and modern connectivity

It also has plenty of connectivity- USB 3.1 Type-C, Micro SD, and standard audio with 802.11 ac WiFi.

It also has your basic Bluetooth 4.2 wireless receiver to interact with your smartphone and other Bluetooth devices.

Weighing in at just 2.65 pounds and measuring 12 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches, it’s extremely portable and lightweight. It’s literally just half an inch thick. This gives MacBook Air a formidable opponent.

You also have the ability to upgrade to an Intel Core m5 CPU for even more power. Of course, this comes with an added premium to the price.

Aluminum finish

The feature I like best about the Flip 2 is the aluminum body.

A lot of newer Chromebooks have this design and it just looks amazing. It also offers a bit more durability to protect the laptop from bumps and bruises as well. It’s a nice, luxurious touch and makes it satisfy those who crave a nice-looking laptop.

And of course, the Flip 2 has a backlit keyboard so you can use it in dim lighting or in the dark.

One of the best all-around convertibles

The Flip 2 has been one of the most-anticipated laptops in the Chromebook world following after the original Flip’s success.

I wrote plenty more about this that you can read about here if you’re interested. This is one of the proven models that’s earned its place on the market.

Check out the awesome, stylish, Flip 2 convertible touchscreen on Amazon.

2. HP Chromebook 13 G1 Pro

Model numbers: Y5Q74UT#ABA, W0T02UT#ABA, W0S99UT#ABA, W0T01UT#ABA, W0T00UT#ABA

HP G1 is a fast laptop with one of the best screens.
The HP G1 is a fast Chromebook with a stylish finish and very high-resolution screen.

The HP Chromebook 13 G1 is a premium, enterprise-level Chromebook built for professionals. It features a very sleek and expensive-looking brushed aluminum body with a full backlit keyboard.

Plenty of power

It’s powered by an Intel Pentium CPU clocked at 1.5GHz with 4GB of RAM.

The processor is pretty dated at this point, considering newer Chromebooks are loaded with Intel i3 or i5 processors. But then again, this is a pretty old laptop now.

However, the Pentium chipset isn’t anything to scoff at. It still offers plenty of power that can tackle all your daily essentials. Whether it’s typing documents, working on spreadsheets, creating slideshows, holding a conference call over Skype, or collaborating on a project, you can do it all with the HP G1. The 4GB of RAM also provides plenty of multitasking power similar to the Asus Flip 2.

Not a convertible laptop

This isn’t a convertible Chromebook.

It’s your standard laptop with a clamshell design. You flip the lid. It powers on. You use it. That’s it. Nothing fancy if you’re one who prefers a laptop that does what a laptop does. Strictly business.

Gorgeous 3K display

The best feature about the HP G1 is the screen.

It features a 13.3-inch LED display with a 3200 x 1800 resolution. That’s a crazy amount of pixels are and makes this a Chromebook with one of the best screens you can possibly buy.

(Looking for a larger display? Check out this list of big screen Chromebooks.)

For a 13.3-inch display, it only weighs 2.69 pounds and measures 12.59 x 8.64 x 1’’ all around. It’s pretty compact for the big screen size and is light enough to carry around on business travel or meetings.

It also has a battery advertised to last a full 8 hours, so it should be enough for the majority of professionals to last all day.

Plenty of storage space and connectivity

The storage ranks in at 32GB, which is double the standard.

This is plenty of space for saving documents and spreadsheets. And you also have access to Google Drive for cloud access so you can access important documents anywhere.

It’s got all the basic connectivity you need as well- USB 3.1 (Type-C) Gen 1, USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, and 802.11 a/c speedy WiFi.

With Intel HD graphics, the HP 13 can power through any video or presentation in full-HD. It’ll provide power to take advantage of the super high-resolution display and show off your next startup pitch video in a snap with FHD quality.

The HP 13 G is also a Play Store compatible Chromebook, meaning it’ll run Android apps when the update rolls out to it.

Perfect for professionals

It’s built for professionals and has all the hardware to do so. It’s not a cheap laptop though. With powerful components, it demands a premium price. That’s the only drawback.

Check out the business-class HP G1 on Amazon.

3. Acer Chromebook 14

Model numbers: CP5-471-312N, CP5-471-581N, CP5-471-C4N5, CP5-471-35T4

HP 14 Chromebook is a fast laptop with a backlit keyboard.
The Acer 14 is an excellent deal for performance to price. It’s fast, stylish, and has a backlit keyboard.

The Acer 14 is one of the most popular Chromebooks on the market today.

It’s pretty affordable and offers a lot of features for the price point. And it has a backlit keyboard.

Decent hardware

For starters, the Acer 14 has the 6th Generation Intel Core i3-6100U CPU clocked at 2.3GHz.

This is one of the more powerful processors you can find in a Chromebook. It makes this laptop fast and snappy for running all your favorite apps.

It also has 32GB of storage similar to the other previous Chromebooks. It’s also upgradeable to an Intel i5-6200U processor as well. But of course, this comes at a higher price point.

Did you notice that Chromebooks with backlit keyboards tend to have more storage capacity, more power, or more RAM? Perhaps lighted keyboards are reserved for only higher-end models since you generally don’t find these light-up keyboards on cheaper Chromebooks.

The Acer 14 is no exception. It has a whopping 8GB of RAM. This is pure multitasking power.

You can run every app you want and have tons of tabs open on Chrome at the same time. You can do work, listen to music, watch a video, play games, and probably even stream a film all at the same time. The Acer 14 is one of the Chromebooks with one of the biggest RAM capacities available today.

A large screen with FHD display

The display is a 14’’ FHD widescreen. 14″ is kind of weird, as most Chromebooks sport a 11.6″ for smaller viewports and 15″ for bigger displays. This one is kind of in the middle. But the aspect ratio/resolution isn’t affected at 1080P full HD.

It features LED-backlit technology with IPS ComfyView. IPS display technology ensures vivid colors and eliminates dull or color-lacking images that TN panels generally have. It also promises a wider viewing angle so you still see the screen from the side.

(Looking for a photorealistic picture? I compiled a list of Chromebooks with the highest resolutions and have some of the best screens around.)

With a 1920 x 1080 resolution screen, you can watch movies and play games in full-HD. It comes loaded with Intel HD Graphics 520 so you can stream movies, play moderately-demanding games, and view images in crisp and sharp detail. It’s a widescreen Chromebook with a wide field of view webcam that shows more “picture” in the frame.

Basically, it’ll capture a larger frame so chatting with multiple people is easier.

With the right video conference app, you can host a professional business meeting over your Chromebook.

You also get dual digital microphones so you can chat and call standing, slouching, or leaning. The microphone on this is one of the best. It eliminates any background noise so your conferences are crisp.

You also get two dual speakers for stereo sound output. Pair that with a good webcam and you’re set for a quality conference.

Connectivity galore

As for connectivity, the Acer 14 Chromebook has everything you need- USB 3.1 (Type-C), USB 3.0, HDMI, and 802.11 a/c WiFi for a fast Internet connection.

You also get the basic HD webcam (1280 x 720 pixels) with an 88-degree wide angle lens with high dynamic range (HDR) for better coloration and clarity. You also get Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity as well.

It’s advertised to last 10 hours on a full charge, so it’s perfect for the student, professional, or casual user.

(Looking for a Chromebook for a student? I have a buyer’s guide for that.)

A bit bulkier- but super durable

It weighs 3.2 pounds, so it’s a little heavier than the other models on this list.

But it does have a 14’’ screen, so it makes sense.

Its dimensions are 13 x 8.9 x 0.9’’, so it’s slightly bulkier. It’s still relatively lightweight and can be easily transported in a laptop case or bag.

The best thing about the Acer 14 is the durability factor. The screen is a slice of Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This makes the screen resistant to damage and scratches. It also has a spill-resistant keyboard that routes any spilled liquid away from internal components. The lid also can withstand up to 132 pounds of downward force.

So you could literally drop a decently-sized textbook on it and it’ll resist the damage. That’s pretty awesome.

The corners of it also have rubber padding to mitigate bumps and drops up to 17 inches.

Built for working professionals

The Acer 14 Chromebook for Work is the perfect laptop for professionals and students.

It’s an excellent choice with its durable design and powerful spec sheet. And it’s also pretty affordable for all the features you get.

If you’re looking for more information, I wrote an article packed with details about the Acer 14.

Personally, I have an Acer 11.6 CB3-131. It’s like the smaller version of the Acer 14 without all the nifty features. When I tried the Acer 14, it was a world of difference. The keyboard. The trackpad. The screen quality. Everything was an upgrade. This Chromebook is the real deal. It’s one of the best values you can get.

It has the backlit keyboard you’re looking for…and everything else.

See the powerful Acer 14 for Work on Amazon here.

4. Toshiba Chromebook 2

Model numbers: CB35-C3300, CB350-C3350

Toshiba 2 Chromebook is a cheap and simple laptop.
The Toshiba 2 Chromebook is a simple laptop packed with performance for daily tasks.

The Toshiba Chromebook 2 is a very decent laptop with a cheap price point.

It’s pretty dated at this point since it was made in 2015, but that means you can get it for a pretty cheap price. You’re probably not going to find it anywhere new, but you could get it used for a steal.

A modest hardware setup

It’s one of the earliest Chromebooks to ever have a backlit keyboard.

And it also has a decent spec sheet. It’s powered by an Intel Celeron N2840 2.16GHz  processor with 4GB of RAM. It’s got your standard 16GB SSD like how I mentioned earlier throughout the other Chromebook reviews. It’s not that much storage space, but then again, Chromebooks are made to utilize cloud storage from services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

The CPU is pretty dated at this point, but it still does the job. It can handle light to moderate tasks like documents, productivity work, and light gaming. The 4GB of RAM is also enough to handle some heavy multitasking as well, but the CPU will probably bottleneck the system.

A lot of modern-day Chromebooks still use 4GB of RAM, so it’s not that far behind in RAM capacity compared to now. It’s just the processor that’s relatively weak when you can now get an Intel Core CPU, which is many times faster than an Intel Celeron N2840.

But even then, it should be enough power for students, casual users, and some professions.

13” IPS FHD display

With a 13.3’’ IPS display, it puts it right between the HP 13 G1 and Acer 14 Chromebooks.

The screen is FHD with 1920 x 1080 pixels. You can watch all your favorite shows and movies in full HD glory and also play HD games. Even though it’s an older model, it’s still equipped with Intel HD graphics.

It’s got a basic webcam and dual-array microphones so you can chat with friends over Skype or Google Hangouts. It also has all the basic ports you need- USB 3.0, HDMI output, SD Card, security lock, and audio jack. You get an 802.11 ac WiFi receiver just like the other laptops on this list, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

Nice battery runtime and a middle-of-the-road footprint

The battery is advertised to run a full 9 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a typical work or school day.

It’s good for students and kids. Some professionals can also use it as a beater laptop to lug around since you can get one used for cheap.

It weighs just about 3 pounds and the dimensions are 12.6 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches. It’s not that big nor heavy, so it’s a pretty portable Chromebook that’s good for school, work, business trips, or anything that requires travel.

With work-from-home becoming rampant, battery runtime is critical for those on the move. No more powering down in the middle of a Zoom meeting with your team lead.

Color choices

If you care about color, you can also find the Toshiba 2 Chromebook in Aqua, Charcoal, or Rose.

It comes in an array of 3 colors so you can somewhat personalize it. The lids and finishes on these are pretty sleek as well- they’re custom-built with soft matte materials to protect it while not blocking any of the laptop ports.

Comfortable to use

The trackpad is very good in my opinion and feels like it fits my hand perfectly.

On many other Chromebooks, I found myself constantly rubbing the palm of my hand accidentally against it and making the cursor jump across the screen. However, the Toshiba 2’s trackpad works pretty well and I didn’t really have that issue. It’s precise and accurate.

The Toshiba 2 also has a backlit keyboard and the keyboard is also very comfortable to type on. The keys have good travel and feedback and I felt like I could type on it all day. It’s very good for productivity work.

Awesome sound output

The best part about it is probably the sound output.

The speakers are fine-tuned by Skullcandy and have some seriously good quality sound. It’s crisp, clear, and fresh. The treble is sharp. The bass is rich. This is one of the best-sounding Chromebooks I’ve come across to date. And this was made in 2015. No other Chromebook has really rivaled the sound quality yet.

The sound is booming, but you can always enhance music, games, and videos with a pair of Chrome OS compatible external speakers.

Good for students and casual users

Overall, the Toshiba 2 Chromebook is an excellent laptop that’s well-suited for the student or casual user.

You can find one refurbished or used for cheap. If you’re just getting into Chrome OS, this is an excellent way to get started if you don’t need all the bells and whistles.

Check out the speedy Toshiba 2 on Amazon.

5. Dell Chromebook 13 7310

Model numbers: CRM7310-6022BLK, 34F2C, 82KK3, TRGY4, CRM7310-4039BLK

Dell 13 7310 Chromebook specs.
The HP 13 7310 Chromebook is a less popular laptop, but it’s worth considering due to its specs.

The Dell Chromebook 13 isn’t as popular as the other laptops on this list. For some reason, it didn’t make the cut and was never a good seller. Perhaps we can find out why?

Impressive spec sheet

For starters, it has an Intel Core i3 2.0GHz CPU, which is actually one of the more powerful processors.

It’s also equipped with 8GB of RAM, which again, is also quite impressive compared to today’s laptops. There is an upgraded model with an Intel Core i5 CPU as well, but it’ll cost you a higher price obviously.

It also has 32GB of SSD storage, making it one of the Chromebooks with more storage capacity compared to the average model.

I had the pleasure of demoing this laptop at a big-box retailer so I don’t actually own this Chromebook.

An okay screen

The screen is an IPS 13.3’’ LCD with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. That could be it.

The resolution on this Chromebook is the lowest so far on this list of backlit Chromebooks. It’s also got Intel HD Graphics just like all the other models to push out performance for videos, games, and images. But with the screen being capped at 1366 x 768, that’s not a real immersive experience. You also have the option to upgrade it to Corning Gorilla Glass for scratch-resistance.

So it’s got a lot of power under the hood, but it does have a less-than-par screen resolution. It doesn’t offer a full HD experience, with the maximum being 720p video. The isn’t nearly as crisp as 1080P, but it’s good enough for typing documents, spreadsheets, or other text-based work. Video or photo work should be avoided unless it’s just editing memes.

An impressive 12-hour runtime

The battery runtime is also quite impressive.

It can run a full 12 hours on a full charge, which is enough for a shift-and-a-half. If you’re putting in 12-hour workdays, the Dell 13 seems like a good work laptop. I could also see it being used in classrooms, college, and school, but it’s kind of overkill with its bulky design and price with a mediocre display.

There is a full 1080p display version available, but again, it’ll cost you. This battery will last you all day and the some.

For some reason, this particular Chromebook is rare and hard to find. You can easily buy the 720p version online, but the upgraded i5 with a 1080p display is slightly more difficult to find. And if you happen to find it, it’s not cheap.

(Want the longest-running laptop on a single charge? Check out this list of models with the best battery performance.)

Carbon fiber finish

It weighs about 3.23 pounds and measures 12.93 x 9.03 x 0.51’’ at the thinnest point. At the thickest point, it measures 0.84’’. The body is tapered and it looks pretty stylish.

The thing I like best about the Dell 13 is the lid. It’s carbon fiber for a sleek and stylish finish with a dark gray body frame. The trackpad is also glass, which offers precise and accurate cursor movements. If you’ve never tried a glass trackpad, you should do some research on the differences between glass and plastic trackpads etc. It’s a world of difference in terms of quality.

Decent backlit keyboard

The keyboard is backlit and offers decent travel and good feedback.

It seems okay to type on, but the keys don’t travel enough for my taste. I like keys that can actually be pressed and feel pressed. The lighting on the backlight for the keyboard on this Chromebook is also very bright. You could totally type in the dark with this and have no issue.

There’s also a touchscreen version available also, but I couldn’t really find much information about it that makes it drastically different than the base model. It does weigh a little more if compared to the non-touchscreen variant (3.56 pounds versus 3.23 pounds).

As for connectivity, it has USB 2.0, a Noble Lock Slot, HDMI out 1.4, USB 3.0, Micro SD, and audio jack. You also get your standard Bluetooth 4.2 and WiFi receiver.

This Chromebook was built for business users and professionals. And I don’t see why it didn’t sell well.

Lots of power demands a higher price point

It’s powerful, fast, and has a lot better specs than many other Chromebooks.

Although it’s difficult to find online, it’s still worth considering if you plan on buying a laptop for business use. If you’re going for casual use or you plan to use this in school, it may be overkill. You can get a similar laptop (albeit not as powerful) for much cheaper.

Be sure to do your research if you plan on buying this one. It probably didn’t sell because it wasn’t priced competitively enough or wasn’t well-advertised during launch. But if you can find one cheap, it’s worth it for the power you get. It’s one of the most powerful Chromebooks even though it’s dated.

See the noble Dell 13 on Amazon.

6. Google Chromebook Pixel (2013)

Aliases: Chromebook Pixel (WiFi), Chromebook Pixel (LTE), Chromebook Pixel (First Edition), Chromebook Pixel 1

2013 Chromebook Pixel has a backlit keyboard and is powerful.
The 2013 Chromebook Pixel still dwarfs other modern laptops in power and performance.

The original 2013 Chromebook Pixel was the definite flagship model for Chromebooks when it was first released. It drew a lot of attention from online publications as if was often compared to Windows and Mac due to its very expensive price point.

It was pretty negatively reviewed, particularly because of what you pay and what you get. Chrome OS wasn’t nearly as robust as it is now when it first rolled out. So critics complained that you’re paying a price similar to a MacBook or a high-end Windows device but you get a very limited OS.

It did get some favorable reviews, particularly noting that it’s Google’s first premier at their own line of laptops. The design of it was something spectacular, and that was probably the main selling point of it. It was the most powerful Chromebook you could get back then, and that’s why it became the flagship model to show off the prowess of what’s capable with Chromebooks and Chrome OS.

That’s probably the only reason you should pick one up today- because of the hardware and powerful specs.

Let’s go over them.

Two Pixel variants

There were two models released of the 2013 version- WiFi and LTE variants.

The WiFi is the cheaper model with the LTE version being a good chunk more expensive. At launch, the price difference was about $200 with the only difference being connectivity and storage capacity.

For starters, they both have Intel Core i5-4327U Ivy-Bridge CPUs clocked at 1.8GHz. These are Dual-Core processors and was one of the most powerful processors to ever be used in a Chromebook. With the i5 CPUs, you also get 4GB of RAM. These two components make the Pixel a device to be reckoned with. If you wanted a premium Chromebook experience, the 2013 Pixel was it.

  • The storage capacities differed between the WiFI and LTE models. The WiFi version had a 32GB drive, whereas the LTE had a 64GB SSD.
  • And the connectivity also differs between them- the WiFi obviously uses WiFi, whereas the LTE has a built-in LTE modem.

Besides that, there aren’t any other significant differences.

A gorgeous HD display

The best feature about the 2013 Pixel is the display.

It has a 12.85’’ screen with a stunning resolution of 2560 x 1700 pixels (239 pixels per inch) in a 3:2 aspect ratio. It was one of the best and sharpest screens you could get on a Chromebook. It also had touchscreen capability and had Corning Gorilla Glass for scratch-resistance.

The screen has a wide 178-degree viewing angle with a 400 nit brightness. It also features multi-touch for registering multiple fingers. This was some awesome technology back then.

There weren’t many touchscreen apps available back then, but if you happen to get a Pixel now, there are plenty. It also has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated GPU for games and movies.

Basic connectivity and battery

For connectivity, you got your basic USB 2.0, SD/MMC Card Reader, and Mini DisplayPort.

You also got Bluetooth 3.0, which is pretty dated at this point.

The battery wasn’t that impressive though. It only lasted about 5 hours on a single charge. Since the 2013 Pixel is one of the oldest Chromebooks on the market, it’s expected. It doesn’t have the battery runtime of today’s laptops, but back then given the hardware setup, it was decent.

It weighs 3.4 pounds and the dimensions are 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches. It had a nice brushed aluminum finish to give it that touch of elegance to make the price point feel a little more worth it.

And yes, the Pixel does have a backlit keyboard. It was one of the first to have a keyboard that lights up.

It also had fancy, clickable etched-glass touchpad and a 720p integrated HD webcam. It also has 3 microphones with noise-canceling technology, stereo sound output, and a very nice finish on the chassis.

It was once the best

This was considered all top-of-the-line hardware back in 2013.

Nowadays, a lot of these features come standard on even moderately-priced Chromebooks in 2017. But it still has very nice components and a nice spec sheet. It’s still very fast and outperforms a lot of today’s laptops.

(Did you know that the Pixel also has an exclusive Easter egg? Yeah, it can do tricks.)

If you’re a looking for a collector’s item, the 2013 Pixel can now be had for a lot cheaper than MSRP. It’s still got decent power and a nice setup other than the battery runtime. And it’s got the backlit keyboard.

Check out the Chromebook Pixel on Amazon.

7. Google Chromebook Pixel (2015)

Aliases: Chromebook Pixel (LS), Chromebook Pixel 2, Chromebook Pixel (Second Edition)

2015 Chromebook Pixel is a powerful laptop with a backlit keyboard.
The 2015 Pixel is currently one of the most powerful Chromebooks you can buy.

And then came the other Pixel. The 2015 version.

The return of the Pixel

After the debut of the original Pixel, there were rumors that Google wasn’t going to continue production of its line of first-party laptops.

Then came the fans. Chrome OS fans and owners of the original Pixel were looking forward to the Pixel 2. Eventually, it rolled out in 2015.

The 2015 Chromebook Pixel had a very similar hardware setup to the original one. And a very similar pricing setup as well. It was still very expensive and considered to be the most expensive line of Chromebooks ever made. And the critics’ reviews seemed to better than the previous version.

Two variants (again)

Just like 2013 variants, the 2015 models also come in two different types.

The only differences this time were the processor, RAM capacity, and storage capacity.

  • The base one has an Intel Core i5-5200U clocked at 2.2GHz with 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 32GB SSD.
  • The LS version has an Intel Core i7-5500U clocked at 2.4GHz with 16GB of DDR3 RAM and a 64GB SSD.

So essentially, the LS has double the RAM and storage capacity of the base model and an upgraded processor as well. At launch, the price difference was $300.

The 2015 Pixel features Intel HD Graphics 5000 integrated GPU for video rendering and gaming. This is a nice upgrade over the 2013’s Intel HD Graphics 4000.

Lighter than the original

It weighs 3.3 pounds and the dimensions are 11.70 x 0.60 x 8.80 inches.

So it’s slightly lighter than the 2013 Pixel.

The display is exactly the same as the previous model. You’d expect an upgraded screen resolution or something, right? But it didn’t deliver.

A lot of other expensive Chromebooks have amazing screens with very high resolutions. Considering that the Pixel is supposed to be the Rolls Royce of Chromebooks, the screen was pretty disappointing.

Upgraded connectivity

As for connectivity, it’s also been upgraded over the previous generation.

It comes loaded with USB 3.1 (Type-C) ports, USB 3.0 (Type-A) ports, and an SD/MMC card reader. There’s no LTE connectivity this time around.

You only get an 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi connector. The Bluetooth has also been upgraded to 4.0 from 3.0. And of course, the standard headphone/microphone 3.5mm input jack.

A much better battery

And the battery has been much improved by almost double. The 2015 Chromebook Pixel has a battery runtime of 12 hours on a single charge.

With the powerful hardware, you’d expect similar performance as the previous generation.

But that’s not the case. The battery is a lot better. So even with a very powerful and fast Chromebook, you can still squeeze out a whole day’s worth of usage from a single charge. That’s pretty impressive.

And lastly, just like the 2013 Pixel, the 2015 version has a 720p HD webcam, a glass touchpad, Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen display with multi-touch, a wide 178-degree viewing angle, stereo output speakers, 3 built-in noise-canceling microphones, an elegant aluminum finish, and a backlit keyboard.

Backlit keyboards are a signature of the Pixel line

Both generations of Chromebook Pixels have backlit keyboards, so it doesn’t matter which one you get.

They’re both equipped with that LED shimmery glory to light up your keys.

This laptop is pretty difficult to find online even though it’s newer than the previous generation.

You can try doing a search on Amazon to see if it gets listed.

8. HP Chromebook 14 G5

HP 15 G5 review.
The HP 15 G5 offers a full lineup of powerful next-gen Chromebooks.

The HP Chromebook G5 is a beast of a machine.

It’s HP’s flagship model for 2018 and comes in five different models. I’ll be going over one of the premium models (3NU64UT) because the keyboard lighting is an upgradeable, optional feature. It’s not available on all models and you’ll have to shell out a bit more cash for it.

Lots of options

It’s packed with an Intel Celeron N3350 CPU clocked at 1.1GHz base speed with Intel Burst up to 2.4GHz. It has 8GB of RAM and a nice 32GB of eMMC storage. This is enough for the typical user and should be plenty considering you have tons of Google Drive space as well (included as a freebie upon purchase).

There are models with just 16GB or up to 64GB storage if you need more or less. As for RAM, you can get 4GB variants as well. All models have an Intel HD Graphics 500 GPU (12-cores at 200MHz).

Basic clamshell Chromebook

The thing I like best about this model is that it’s a basic clamshell design. There’s no convertible hinge, it’s just your basic 180-degree hinge that lies completely flat if you need it to (good for collaborative projects).

The display is a solid 14” 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution IPS FHD touchscreen. One thing to mention is that there are a few different screen panels. Some are IPS and others are TN panels, which don’t have the nice vivid colors that IPS panels do. This is cheaper to produce and is one thing that’s seriously disappointing about this line of HP Chromebooks. It also means poor viewing angles. You need to pay a premium to get the good stuff.

Nice island-style full-size keyboard

The keyboard is a full-size island-style keyboard with spill and pick-resistance. You can spill liquids on it and it should gutter it out away from internal components. It’s also advertised to mee MIL-STD-810G.

Modern USB ports and a good battery runtime

As for connectivity, it’s got pretty much everything you need- USB 3.0 (2), USB 3.1 Type-C (2), SD card reader, dual speakers, HD audio, and dual microphones. There’s also a basic 720p HD webcam so you can get your Skype on.

The battery is advertised to last up to 10 hours on a single charge. While this isn’t the best, it certainly is good enough for the average user to get through a whole day without needing to charge it.

Big and bulky

The footprint for this beast is also pretty big. It weighs 3.39 pounds and measures 18.35 x 8.93 x 0.72 inches. Some models have slightly different weights.

Good for the productive individual

Overall, the HP 14 Chromebook G5 is a nice addition to the family of backlit Chromebooks. It offers nice features for the working professional in a traditional clamshell design. It’s still new so it’s not available everywhere yet.

You can check it out at HP.

9. Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT-P39B)

Acer 15 is fully metal.
The Acer 15 CB515-1HT-P39B features a full 100% metal body.

This is the newest Acer Chromebook 15 model. It was suggested by a reader (in fact, this and the following two models were all suggested) since I missed them in the last update. (Thanks Jesse!)

Truly 100% metal

I quickly ordered it and it showed up in a few days. The first thing I noticed after unboxing it is the metal design. According to the to sales description, the Acer 15 is “100% metal” and I completely agree. Everything from the lid, bezels, keyboard frame and even input ports are all aligned with a slick and expensive-looking metal frame. It’s the first Chromebook I’ve ever got to mess around with that has a complete metal body. It’s seriously stunning.

Even though it’s fully encased in a metal body, it really doesn’t weigh all that much. If anything the material keeps it running cooler due to greater and more efficient heat dissipation. My only gripe is that it’s cold to the touch (if you’re wearing shorts, you probably don’t want to place this laptop on your lap). The symmetric, brushed aluminum makes it looks stylish and firm with rounded corners and hairline-brushed finish.

The keyboard is backlit and is definitely gorgeous and lovely to type on with its full-sized keys with plenty of travel. It’s bright enough to type on in the dark without it being distracting and gives it that sophisticated, expensive look.

Still lightweight with a 180-degree hinge

It weighs 3.97 pounds and measures 10.08 x 14.99 x 0.75” in dimensions.

It’s also a 180-degree hinge so you can lay the screen back flat. Though I personally never use this feature, it works well for students or professionals who need to share their screen with the group in collaborative projects. It makes it easy to see for everyone in the party.

Powerful CPU; Modest RAM and storage

Let’s go over the specs of the Acer 15.

For starters, it’s powered by the Intel Pentium N4200 CPU. This is an upgraded Quad-Core processor from the previous model with a 2.5GHz clock speed. It’s paired with 4GB of LPDDR4 SDRAM, which is kind of a disappointment, to be honest.

With a more powerful CPU, it’ be nice to have a 6GB or 8GB variant. But it’s locked at the standard 4GB which is pretty typical of any model nowadays in 2018 and early 2019.

Chromebooks have come a long way, but the hardware is definitely behind the software (Chrome OS). A lot of modern applications you can do on a Chromebook don’t have the proper hardware to support it, such as the Play Store apps and the power they require to run.

It’s also got your standard 32GB of onboard storage, which again, is standard. I believe Acer is the budget brand for Chromebooks but they do make quality products. They don’t offer more expensive variants to keep costs low for the consumer.

Giant display

The display is a 15.6” FHD 1920 x 1080 widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) LED-backlit multi-touch screen. It’s big enough for homework, gaming, or even just watching videos and browsing the web. The display makes it a huge relief on the eyes from a tiny 11” screen which is what I’m accustomed to. 15” Chromebooks are the biggest screens you can currently buy.

As for peripherals and inputs, it’s got dual speakers built into the keyboard’s housing that faces upward rather than the traditional speakers that are built into the bottom panel of the laptop.

I don’t really notice an improvement in sound quality, but the volume is definitely much louder since the speakers are now directly projecting into the air. There is a slight loss of bass as they don’t have a surface to reverberate against. But you can always use a Chrome extension to make your Chromebook louder.

Modern inputs

You also get your standard USB Type-C ports (3.1 gen 1) with up to 5Gbps and 2 USB 3.0 ports. This model comes equipped with enough ports to connect to anything- your hard drives, thumb drives, media players, and even charge your smartphone. It has Bluetooth 4.2 support and an HD webcam with a 1280 x 720p resolution with HDR support built-in.

WiFi is standard Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac with MIMO technology.

12-hour battery

The battery life is advertised to run up to 12 hours on a single charge. This is good enough for a whole day at school and then homework afterward without charging. Or the typical 9-5 workday with plenty of power for enjoyment later (or overtime). It’s powered by a 4-cell Li-Ion (3220 mAh) battery.

Excellent value for the cheap price

Overall, I’d recommend this for those who just need a Chromebook that’s affordable and just works and don’t play to do anything too crazy on it.

It has a powerful CPU with decent RAM and storage, so it’ll handle everyday tasks with ease. However, if you plan to do some extreme computing, you may want to get more a powerful model, as the RAM will bottleneck its performance. It’s an excellent model with plenty of power for the price. And it’s metal.

You can check it out on Amazon here.

10. Samsung Pro (XE510C25-K01US)

Samsung Pro with backlit keyboard.
The Samsung Pro is a slim, sleek, and modern Chromebook with a backlit keyboard.

This is basically the Samsung Pro with a backlit keyboard-equipped. Since I’ve written a review on the Pro already, I’m just going to write a brief summary about it here.

Flagship Samsung Chromebook

For those who don’t know, Samsung recently came out with a pair of laptops called the Samsung Pro and Samsung Plus. They’re Samsung’s premium line of Chromebooks known for their ultra-high resolution, cutting-edge design, and powerful hardware.

The Pro is a 2-in-one touchscreen laptop which converts between laptop and tablet with a 360-degree hinge. It has an Intel Core m3 6Y30 CPU with 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage. The CPU is fast, fluid, low heat generation, and low power consumption. It allows the Pro to stay fanless and silent.

Super portable

It weights 11.1 x 8.7 x 5.5” and weighs just about 4 pounds. Switching it to vertical orientation changes the aspect ratio from 16:9 to 3:2.

The display is 12.3” LED touchscreen with a 2400 x 1600 FHD resolution at 400nit brightness. It features IPS technology with brilliance and razor-sharp images.

The battery is advertised to run for a full 10 hours depending on usage type. Connectivity includes microSD, audio jack, USB-C ports on both sides, 802.11ac WiFi, 2×2 wireless LAN, Bluetooth 4.2, and a 4K display out.

Compact, but backlit, keyboard

You’re probably here to learn about the keyboard. It’s considered slightly more cramped compared to other keyboards, but it was designed that way to be compact and portable. It has excellent key travel and tactile feedback while keeping a thin profile. The backlighting is a new feature to the Pro series and only this model has it (and probably future models). Better late than never.

Overall, it’s an excellent mid-level Chromebook with all the latest features. it has an adequate amount of memory, storage, and processing power for mainstream tasks. IT’s light, thin, sleek, and has one of the best displays on the market for any ultra-thin portable laptop currently available for purchase. If you’re looking for a powerful and stylish Chromebook and you’ve got some money to spare, look into the Samsung Pro.

See it on Amazon here.

11. Acer Chromebook Spin 15 Laptop (CP315-1H-P1K8)

Acer 15 Spin vs. Acer 15.
Acer 15 Spin has a few differences compared to the regular Acer 15.

The Acer 15 Spin is pretty much a clone of the Acer 15 posted two spots up in this list. It’s identical in every way other than the ability for it to convert between laptop and tablet with a fully-rotatable display. This makes it easier for students and professionals who work in environments that require portability- the laptop can be used on a desk while the tablet can be used on-the-go.

Hardware is identical

Other than that, it has nearly identical hardware components. It features an Intel N4200 clocked at 1.10GHz with a Turbo speed of 2.50GHz with 4 cores. It also has the standard 4GB LPDDR4 RAM. The screen is the same with a 15.6” display IPS LCD FHD display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. It’s also got HD Graphics 505 by Intel for video processing.

Differences between Acer 15 Spin vs. Acer 15

As for differences between the Acer 15 and Acer 15 Spin, there are a few notables:

The Spin has a 64GB storage compared to the 32GB on the standard Acer 15.

This model runs one hour longer than the standard Acer 15 with a 13-hour battery runtime with a 3-cell Li-Polymer battery at 4670 mAh at 45 watts.

The dimensions are 15.20 x 10.31 x 0.79” with a weight of 4.85 pounds.

Other than those simple differences, the two laptops are nearly identical. They both have backlit keyboards also.

If you’re looking for a cheap and affordable laptop and you want it to be convertible, check out the Acer 15 Spin.

12. Acer Chromebook Spin 13 Hybrid 2-in-1 Chromebook (CP713-1WN-53NF)

Acer Spin 13 review.
The aluminum design is immaculate.

This model is one of the newer ones on the market that was launched late last year. It was brought to my attention by a reader (check the comments).

At first glance, I had to check it out for myself just based on the specs alone. There was no practical solution to buy one, so I had my buddy help me to a store display demo.

The Acer Spin 13 is the smaller cousin of the Acer 15, but that should be said carefully because this variant is a beast in disguise. The aluminum chassis looks like cheap plastic from a distance, but once you come up and get personal with the device, it really makes you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.

Impressive spec sheet

It sports an Intel Core i5 8250U clocked at 3.4GHz with 4 CPUs (Quad Core) and 4GB of RAM. This is definitely one of the higher-performance Chromebooks compared to the median area of the market. The average model commonly comes equipped with a Dual Core Celeron CPU, so this is many times more powerful with double the cores.

In layman’s terms, every task should be faster and you can multitask at the same time.

The Acer Spin 13’s dimension are 9.7 x 12.2 x 0.7″ and it weighs 3.5 pounds. It’s slightly on the heavier side, but that’s to be expected given the size and beefy specs it has.

Plenty of storage space

It comes with a huge 128GB SSD, which is 8 times the capacity of a standard entry-level model. This is enough to last you quite some time without having to manage your media.

Pair that with Google Drive and you can save your pictures, videos, documents, spreadsheets, apps, games, or whatever else you keep saved locally. I can imagine that it’ll also be helpful for those looking to install Ubuntu or Steam.

Sleek aluminum finish

The sleekness and dull matte finish of the lid is just stunning. It’s cool to the touch, which helps with airflow compared to standard plastic. It’s also advertised to be more dent-resistant and less prone to warping or bending. The frame and finish is simply immaculate. You’ll be running your fingers across the lid- I can almost promise you that.

Gorgeous 3:2 HD glass display

The screen is a 13.5″ display with a 2256 x 1504 full high-def resolution. The screen is made with Corning Gorilla Glass, which adds that extra layer of protection so you can use your finger or stylus pen to write with confidence. I always worry about scratching or damaging high-end equipment, so the added scratch-resistance of the screen is always a huge plus in my books.

Note that the screen is glass, so it has a different feel to it compared to plastic displays.

One thing to note is that the display is a 3:2 aspect ratio, which means it’s taller than the standard 16:9 widescreen ratio. I had no trouble using this setup, but I can imagine that if you’re used to watching movies or playing games, there will be an adjustment period.

But it shouldn’t be that hard to overcome given all the other things you’ll enjoy from this device. I think this is useful given that it’s a convertible. When you change to tablet mode, taller is better.

All-day battery

The battery is advertised to run a full 10 hours, which is enough for a standard school or work day. Although it’s definitely not the longest-lasting battery in a Chromebook, it’s to be expected provided the beast of a CPU this laptop has.

I was able to noticeably see a significant different in speed at the store. Snappy pages. Quick app launching. I could launch Chrome in a flash, download apps like nothing, and even the boot time was noticeably shorter compared to standard budget Acer Chromebooks.

Versatile connectivity features

Another thing to note is that it comes with a USB 3.1 Type-C reversible port. This lets you charge your phone, stream, and transfer data much faster than USB 2.0. It’s quickly becoming the new standard, if not already. And it sports two of them. Nifty.

It has all your basic connectivity features like Bluetooth 4.2, a 1280 x 720 HD webcam, HDR support, 1 USB 3.0 port, and an included Wacom Pen for notes, drawing, or writing.

Full-size keyboard with adjustable brightness levels

The keyboard is backlit and supports adjustable brightness levels. It’s a shame that during my testing, I was under bright retail lights. Even with the lights, I could still easily see the glow around each key from the LED lights.

You could say that quality build “shines” through (no pun intended).

The craftsmanship is spot-on. Every key glows evenly with no faint or bright areas. The keys feel responsive with minimal key float. And the touchpad is generously large with enough space to easily do all the finger macros on Chrome OS.

Overall, this is not for everyone. It packs a lot more power and features than the standard model. If you’re a poweruser or Chromebook enthusiast, or you’re just looking for a high-end model, you’ll definitely want to check it out. You’re in for a spin.

See the reviews for the Acer Spin 13 over on Amazon here.

Best Chromebooks with backlit keyboards

And that’s it.

That’s my complete list of Chromebooks that have backlit keyboards. Again, if you found any that I missed or listed incorrectly, please leave a comment and let me know.

Now, the question is which one is actually the best Chromebook?

I can only answer with my personal opinion and some reviews I’ve read online.

But I had to pick, it would be the following four laptops.

1. Asus Chromebook Flip 2

Asus Flip 2 is a convertible backlit keyboard Chromebook.
The Asus Flip 2 is a powerful convertible Chromebook with a backlit keyboard.

This would be my first choice.

Given that the original Flip was a huge success, the Flip 2 has yet to match it. But then again, it’s relatively new.

It’s got all the power you’d need in a Chromebook with a speedy Intel Core m3 CPU and the 4GB of RAM. Plus it’s got plenty of SSD storage space to save your stuff.

I’m going to spare your boredom and not go over specs again since I already did in the previous section, but if you skipped over it, just know that this laptop packs a punch.

Probably the best display of the bunch

What I like about it is the display.

Being a convertible makes it somewhat future-proof for any updates that may roll out. In case you didn’t know, Chromebooks are making a push towards convertible design and integration with Play Store apps. These apps were originally designed for smartphones with touchscreens, so in order to port them over to a laptop, the laptop needs to have the necessary hardware for input.

In other words, Chromebooks need to have touchscreens in order to integrate with Android apps properly.

Given that this particular laptop has full touchscreen support and is completely convertible into a tablet, I think it’s safe to say that this one will last you a while and through the updates.

If you think about older Chromebooks like the original Acer 11.6 series, you’ll notice that it’s not well-suited for today’s world. It doesn’t have a touchscreen so that immediately makes it pretty much useless for a lot of Android apps.

Furthermore, it also doesn’t convert, so it won’t play nicely with apps even if it did have a touchscreen. It’s also dated in terms of power and hardware.

Play Store ready

You see where I’m going with this?

The traditional clamshell design of Chromebooks is going to become outdated. The new thing is convertible with a touchscreen since Google is big on bringing Play Store apps over to Chrome OS.

That’s why I say the Flip 2 is one of the best Chromebooks with a backlit keyboard.

It’s powerful. It’s future-proof. And it’s got a backlit (and that’s probably why you’re here). It’s also pretty new and not dated yet like many of the other laptops on this list.

Update: In 2020, the majority of devices have access to the Play Store. If you buy a newer model, you should have the Android app store built-in by default. Older devices are largely still pending the update.

Go ahead and flip on over to Amazon and see the reviews about the awesome Asus Flip 2.

2. Acer 14 Chromebook for Work

Acer 14 Chromebook is one of the best laptops for professionals and students.
The Acer 14 is a popular laptop packed with features for a decent price point.

This is an alternative the Flip 2 for those who don’t want a convertible laptop and don’t need any of the fancy technology.

If you just want a backlit laptop that’s fast and decent, the Acer 14 will do.

Good for multitasking

With an Intel Core i3-6100U CPU and 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, it’ll handle plenty of multitasking.

You’ll be able to run all your stuff at the same time and it’ll still be blazing fast.

As I already talked about this particular laptop previously in this post, I’ll cut out the specs dive right into why this is one of the best Chromebooks for your hard-earned cash.

Bigger screen for productivity

I think this is an excellent choice for students and professionals because of three reasons:

It has a larger screen than most laptops.

With a 14’’ screen, the extra screen space comes in handy for productivity. You can split-screen your windows and multitask a lot more efficiently.

If you’ve been using a laptop your whole life, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Having a bigger screen means you can see more on the screen. This means less scrolling, bigger text, easier image editing etc, easier having two windows at the same time, and easier multitasking. It boosts productivity plenty. And it’s good for entertainment (movies and films) and gaming too.

There’s plenty of power under the hood.

You have a lot of RAM and a very fast processor (which can be upgraded to an Intel i5-6200 if you please). You also get 32GB of storage. These are all the basic necessities you need for a blazing-fast experience with Chrome OS.

It has a clamshell design.

If you’re not into convertibles or two-in-ones, this is your standard traditional laptop setup with a basic lid that you pop open when you need to use it. No need for any folding screen or tablet mode. This saves you money since convertibles usually come with a higher price.

So there you have it.

The Acer 14 is one of the best backlit keyboard Chromebooks you can possibly get. It’s perfect for students, professionals, and even casual users can benefit from it. It has your basic laptop design and plenty of processing power for a speedy experience.

Check out the shiny, speedy, and value-packed Acer 14 on Amazon.

3. Google Pixel Chromebook (2013)

2013 Pixel Chromebook review- it's an exceptional laptop made by Google.
The 2013 Pixel has a fast processor, a gorgeous display, and is an iconic Chromebook.

After the slightly negative review, I gave about the 2013 Pixel Chromebook, you may be wondering why I’m still listing it as one of the best.

Well, it’s because of the price and what you get for it. Since this laptop is pretty dated now, the MSRP is no longer an issue. You can’t really buy this anywhere new since it’s hard to find (and you’ll probably be paying more than MSRP), but you can find it used pretty much anywhere.

You can get it super cheap now

The specs don’t change.

But the price does. You’re getting a lot of power for a very good price. Remember, the Pixel was a flagship Chromebook back when it was released. It debuted at around $1300 for the basic WiFi version. And about $1500 for the LTE version. That’s a crazy amount of money for a Chromebook.

Now that it’s an older model, you can easily find it online for a much cheaper price. If you’re going to buy one, it makes sense to get the WiFi version since the LTE version doesn’t really offer that much more. But if you can find the LTE version for a reasonable price, you can get double the storage (64GB vs. 32GB).

The base model comes equipped with an Intel i5 CPU 1.8GHz with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. This is already a lot of power years after its debut. It’s more than enough to handle all your daily tasks and then some. It’s enough for light-to-moderate multitasking and you have plenty of local storage before you need to use any external storage or cloud service. If you want to get the full specs, read my Pixel review above.

(Need more storage space? Check out the best external storage you can get for your Chromebook.)

It’s still packed with power when compared to today’s 2017 entry-level laptops. Some middle-tier and top-tier Chromebooks do have more power than the Pixel, but you’ll be paying more. It’s all about the performance:cost ratio.

An amazing screen

And you get the gorgeous 3:2 display with 2560 x 1700 resolution.

This still beats out a lot of top-end Chromebooks today. They can’t match this resolution.

The image is super sharp and crisp and offers a full HD experience. Pair that with Intel HD Graphics 4000 and you have a very well-built entertainment, productivity, and gaming Chromebook. And it’s the only laptop I know of with 3 noise-reducing microphone and dual speakers for stereo output.

Plus, it’s a Pixel. It’s an iconic Chromebook that only the most dedicated and hardcore Chrome OS fans could buy. And it’s Google’s first attempt at their own line of laptops. It has a special frame, tons of power, a secret easter egg, a glass touchpad, and a backlit keyboard.

You can easily get all this for a super cheap price now just because it’s dated. That makes it worth it in my opinion. And that’s why I listed it as one of the best Chromebooks with a light-up keyboard.

Check out the Pixel on Amazon in all its glory here.

4. Google Pixelbook (GA00122-US/GA00123-US/GA-00124-US)

Pixelbook specs.
The Pixelbook is the newest Chromebook made by Google. It sports performance (and price).

The Pixelbook is the Pixel’s successor and was recently released in October 2017.

This thing is a work of art. Although it didn’t get much attention as I thought it would, it was still pretty positively received by the critics.

Google Assistant included

It’s the new king and takes the crown for the current most expensive Chromebook.

It’s also the first Chromebook to ever be built with Google Assistant included.

If you don’t know what it is, it’s basically Google Home on your Chromebook.

You can ask it anything and it’ll throw an answer back at you. You can ask for stock quotes, weather, traffic, reminders, set temperatures, set lighting, set alarms, and pretty much everything you can do on an Android smartphone’s voice command list. It takes the power of Google and makes it “speakable.” Check this article out for more information.

Pixelbook specs

It’s powered by an Intel Core i5 CPU with 8GB of RAM and your choice of 128GB or 256GB SSD.

Now, 256GB is pretty much overkill. It’s the most storage space I’ve ever seen in a Chromebook recently and it’s on-par with Windows laptops. If you really have that much stuff to download from the ‘net and save to your local disk, you’ll be glad to have all this generous storage.

However, for the majority of people, 128GB should do just fine. You’ll have to pay a hefty premium to upgrade your storage. That’s the only difference between the two models. Everything else is the same.

You’re better off just using that extra cash and buying external storage instead. You’ll get a lot more space than upgrading to a mere extra 128GB.

But then again, if you’re buying a Pixelbook, it’s not exactly being economical in the first place.

Update: The GA00124-US version just rolled out in January 2018. It features up to 512GB NVMe storage, 16GB of RAM, and an Intel i7 processor. This is some serious power and makes it the most powerful Chromebook so far.

FHD display, backlit keyboard, and convertible frame

The display is a 12.6” 2400 x 1600 pixel screen with a 360-degree hinge.

This is an FHD experience and can render your favorite videos, games, and other apps in full HD glory.

It’s coated with Corning Gorilla Glass to protect from scratches and damage.

And yes, it’s a convertible. It converts to four different modes (laptop, tablet, immersive, and tent) and it has a touchscreen. This is pretty much expected out of any Chromebook coming out in 2017 and beyond for better integration with Play Store apps.

The keyboard is a full-size keyboard and it’s backlit just like the original Pixel. It also has an oversized trackpad.

Pixelbook Pen and a fast-charging battery

It also comes with the option of upgrading to a Pixelbook Pen if you don’t want to use your fingers.

The pen lets you circle stuff on the screen to get help from Google Assistant.

But you could probably get a cheaper generic stylus instead (assuming it works). But then again, if you’re going to pay that much for a Chromebook, you might as well go all out, right?

The battery is advertised to run ten hours on a single charge with fast-charging technology built in. It charges two hours worth of runtime in just fifteen minutes. That’s pretty cool.

Super lightweight and thin

It features a sleek aluminum finish with a super thin body.

This thing is comparable to a MacBook Air (well, at least the price is). It weighs just about 2.4 pounds and has dimensions of 11.43 x 8.69 x 0.44 inches.

That’s just 0.44” in profile. You could literally bring this with you anywhere since it’s extremely light and fits into any Chromebook case.

But would you really want to given the price you paid for it? A single bump and it’s ruined.

It’s only for the Chrome OS enthusiast

Though this laptop is out of the majority’s budget, you can still check it out on Amazon.

I just thought I’d include it here for completeness’ sake.

If you want to read more about it, I wrote a detailed review about the Pixelbook you can check out.

Did you find the perfect laptop?

Well, that’s about it.

I hope this buyer’s guide has seriously helped you out on your quest to find the perfect backlit keyboard Chromebook.

If you’ve been a reader, you know I don’t really like backlighting. I’m not a fan of it since it just drains power, makes the keyboard hotter to type on, and I never work in the dark. So I don’t really look for a lit keyboard as a feature to consider when buying a laptop.

Recently, Chrome OS rolled out an update that Chromebooks will be getting adjustable backlight settings.

This means if you own a Chromebook with a backlit keyboard, you’ll be able to adjust it using a slider on-screen instead of guessing how many ticks until your light shuts off.

Although I don’t use a backlight on my laptop, I can see the utility of this and I’m happy for those who do use such a machine.

If you have any questions or if you find any mistakes (or if you a laptop to suggest), just leave a comment and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Or if this buyer’s guide has helped you on your journey, please leave a  comment and let me know as well =].

Thanks for reading.

About Andy Z.

Andy is a casual-hardcore Chrome OS fan and contributes to the site regularly. He likes computers, tech, sports cars, videogames, and of course, Chromebooks. Thinker. Introvert. Geek. You can find him on Twitter (@platytech), or send him an email (check the "Contact Us" page).

24 thoughts on “List of Chromebooks with Backlit Keyboards (Buy the Best) – 2023”

  1. One more for the list. Acer Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF
    13.5″ 2k touchscreen display, 3.5 lbs, 8GB RAM, i5-8250U 3.4GHz quad-core, going for $600 new.

    Thanks for sharing all your research and creating this wonderful article!
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    ~Andrew

    Reply
  2. Thanks for compiling this list. I’m in the market and this has been a great starting point. How do you think the Acer Chromebook 15 – CB315-1HT-C9UA – compares to the CB515-1HT-P39B you review above? It looks to be a little less expensive, so I’m wondering what I’m giving up in exchange for that price point?

    Reply
  3. This is a really useful list. Good job. I’d like to make a suggestion for enhancement – perhaps you could add the support end date in the review? https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en
    I have been researching chromebooks and have found a wide spectrum of prices, but I have started working out the £/year of usage which is helping. I was very tempted by the Acer Chromebook R13 but it’s 2 years away from end of support, whereas a Lenovo 500e was about the same price but with 6 years to go.

    Reply
    • Hey mariom,

      Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll see if I can get around to updating the list. I can definitely see how that’s helpful for prospective buyers.

      Thanks again for your feedback!

      Reply
  4. Hey Andy,

    Thanks for the list! I have a few for you to add. The newest versions of the Acer Chromebook 15 (both the Spin version and the non-convertible) offer backlit keyboards. Also, Samsung recently released a version of the Samsung Chromebook Pro that has a backlit keyboard. Here are the links:

    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/NX.GPTAA.002

    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/series/acerchromebookspin15cp315

    https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/chromebooks/12-14/samsung-chromebook-pro-xe510c25-k01us/

    Reply
    • Hey Jesse,

      Thanks for the heads up! I’ll look them over and see if I can get my hands on a few so I can do a quick little review for each one. Then I’ll update the guide with the new information- with credits to you, of course!

      It’s been a while since I’ve updated this list so it’s no surprise some awesome new Chromebooks have rolled out. Thanks again for the reminder =].

      Reply
  5. Thanks for writing this. I was so excited to find this article. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the cheaper Chromebooks offer backlit keyboards. My husband has trouble seeing the keyboard without that feature, but we’re on a tight budget.

    Reply
    • Hey skriddles,

      Yes, you’re exactly right. Backlit keyboards are often found in “work” laptops or luxury ones since it’s considered to be a luxury feature for the most part- and thus, it comes with a higher price point.

      However, you may be able to score a hot deal on one if you just look around a bit. I see Chromebook deals on a weekly basis. Or perhaps buy one used off eBay or Craigslist if you’re okay with secondhand gear.

      Thanks for the kind words though. As the newer models are rolling out, you may find the older ones drop in price just a bit. So if you’re not in a rush, patience pays off (literally).

      Let me know if you have any questions.

      Thanks.

      Reply
  6. Been using a Dell Chromebook 13 (with a backlit keyboard) for quite a while and was really looking forward to upgrading to the Dell 5190 which has some really great looking specs and a good price tag. Alas, the idiots at Dell decided to take a step backwards and remove the backlit keyboard from their newest chromebook addition. Beside myself and shopping for a different brand. Probably go with the Asus Flip. Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Very nice round-up, thank you for your time spent. Is there any Chromebook model that has both an 11.6″ screen and a backlit keyboard? Doesn’t appear to exist…

    Reply
    • Hey Jake,

      Hmmm…not that I’ve seen so far. You’d think people would appreciate a nice compact size of an 11.6 Chromebook with the convenient of a backlit keyboard- but apparently not! I’ll keep this list updated as newer models roll out with backlighting.

      If you’re interested, you can check out the newest Chromebooks that have been just released. There are some 11.6″ models planned for 2018, but the keyboard lighting is still unconfirmed.

      Thanks for the kind words =]. And thanks for your comment.

      Reply
    • Hey Liz,

      Hmm…which model are you referring to? There are a few different Acer 14 Chromebooks, and there’s also an Acer 14 “Chromebook for Work” as well- even more confusingly.

      I believe the “For Work” models have backlit keyboards, but not the standard Acer 14”.

      And there are also multiple versions of each series as well- I think the Acer Chromebook for Work line has at least 3 different specific model numbers as well!

      Let me know and I’ll check it out.

      Thanks.

      Reply
    • Hey there,

      No problem. Glad you found it useful!

      Let me know if you have any other questions =].

      Thanks.

      Reply

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