I bought my Chromebook for its affordability, portability, and ease of use. However, after using it for a while, I began to run into some unexpected limitations. Had I known these drawbacks beforehand, I would have reconsidered my decision and bought a different laptop.
1
Restricted Offline Use
ChromeOS is built around cloud computing and storage, meaning you need an internet connection to access some apps, files, and features. However, that doesn’t mean Chromebooks are entirely useless without the internet. You can use Google Workspace apps offline, and changes will sync once you’re back online. You can also compose emails in Gmail and use apps without an internet connection, and many apps from Google Play have offline functionality (you just need to check before you go offline!).
2
Shorter Operating System Support
Every Chromebook has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, after which it no longer receives security patches or new features, and some apps may stop working. This date is typically about ten years from the device’s release—not from when you purchase it. So, you should check the update support period on the Google Help Center before buying.
While macOS also drops support for older devices and Windows plans to end updates for Windows 10 after October 2025, Chromebooks generally have a much shorter update lifespan.
3
Minimal Onboard Storage Space
Since Chromebooks are designed for cloud-based use, they have limited internal storage, ranging from 32GB to 256GB—much less than most Windows or macOS devices. This can make it difficult to store local files, install numerous apps, or download large media files. While you can expand storage with a microSD card, the limited space is still a drawback.
While some Chromebooks offer more storage, they are often more expensive. If storage is a priority, other options may be worth looking into.
4
Software Compatibility Issues
According to StatCounter, ChromeOS holds just 1.8% of the global market share. That’s why most software developers and companies prioritize creating apps for Windows and macOS users. So, many apps on other operating systems may not be compatible or run well on Chrome OS.
If you plan to use a Chromebook as your primary device, you’ll need to rely on web-based and Android alternatives, which may not offer the same features of its desktop counterpart.
5
Not Ideal for Gaming
While Chromebooks have improved gaming with support for Android and Linux games and cloud services like NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, they’re still not ideal for serious gamers. Their hardware is typically low-end, and if you use advanced peripherals, compatibility may be an issue.
If you’re a casual gamer, these limitations might not be a big deal. But if you’re into hardcore gaming, it may not be the best option.
6
Not Ideal for Power Users
Chromebooks are best suited for light, everyday tasks. If you need to run resource-intensive applications like graphic design software, heavy rendering tools, or virtual machines, a Chromebook won’t cut it. My Chromebook used to work well for basic browsing, document editing, and streaming, but I had to switch to a Windows laptop as my workload increased.
While there are high-end Chromebooks that might handle more demanding tasks, they come at a steep price. Even then, multitasking may not be as smooth as on a traditional Windows or macOS laptop.
7
Limited External Hardware Support
Some specialized accessories, such as gaming keyboards, external GPUs, and specific printers, are designed to work seamlessly with Windows and macOS but may not be fully compatible with ChromeOS. Due to limited third-party driver support, ChromeOS may not support devices like audio interfaces, professional scanners, and some drawing tablets.
For this reason, if you rely on such peripherals for your work or school, a Chromebook might not be the most suitable option.
