Last update on 2024-04-08 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Chromebooks are among the latest innovations from Google to hit the market. These simple, but highly efficient machines run on online apps, meaning you do not have to install any application on the device.
The essence of this is that you can now complete tasks quickly and easily using your Chromebook without worrying about storage as long as you have a steady internet connection.
However, since Chromebooks use the Google Chrome OS that heavily relies on online applications, and does not natively support Windows programs, one may wonder – can you run Microsoft Excel on Chromebook?
Well, in this post we explain everything about running Excel on your Chromebook. We also list the top three best Chromebooks for Excel you should consider during your next purchase. Read on and find out more…
Is Chromebook good for Excel?
Yes. Chromebook is good for Excel and many other Windows programs. The fact that Chromebook runs on Chrome-OS from Google does not mean that the machine cannot support applications from other operating systems.
You will certainly be happy to know that you can use Microsoft Excel and other Windows programs on your Chromebook without much trouble.
Even though Chromebooks come preloaded with Google Sheets and other free software for creating spreadsheets, many people prefer to use the good old Microsoft Excel.
The good news is that you can use Excel on your Chromebook, and you don’t even have to connect to the web to use it once the app is already installed on your device.
Chromebooks are also good for video editing.
How to use Excel on Chromebook?
Here are a few hacks on how to use Excel on your Chromebook:
Download and install Excel from Google Play Store
Installing Excel on your Chromebook is not as difficult as most people think. All you have to do is to go to Google Play Store and search for the Microsoft Excel app.
Once the app appears in the search results, you only need to click on the install button.
After installation, use the Launcher to open the app on your Chrome machine. You will be required to sign in to your Microsoft Account to use the app on your Chromebook.
Download and install Office Online Extension
Alternatively, you can use Microsoft Excel on your Chromebook by downloading the Office Online Extension. This is particularly important if you have an older version of Chrome-OS.
Simply go to Chrome Web Store and search for Microsoft Office. From the search results, download and install the Office Online Extension on your device.
You can then create, share, and edit your spreadsheets on your Chromebook as usual. However, you must connect to the internet to use the Office Online Extension.
Is Excel free on Chromebook?
Yes. Excel is free on Chromebook, but only with online access. Previously, users had to pay a monthly/yearly subscription to access various Microsoft programs. However, things have changed and Microsoft only charges a subscription fee on selected programs.
For instance, the Microsoft Office 365 suite charges a monthly subscription of about $7. With this plan, you will get access to all Microsoft Office programs.
If you do not want the full Microsoft suite, you can access and use selected programs like Excel on your Chromebook without paying anything.
However, there’s a catch. You can only access Excel on your Chromebook for free, online.
Should you buy a laptop or Chromebook for Excel?
When deciding between a laptop and Chromebook for Excel, many buyers would opt for a laptop. The reason for this is that most people are unaware that Excel works very well on Chromebook just like on any other Windows OS machine.
Now that you know that Chromebook supports Excel and other Microsoft Office programs, you should not look any further.
Chromebooks are the best option, particularly for students and professionals who create and edit a lot of spreadsheets and would like to get things done quickly and easily.
Moreover, these mini machines are lightweight, compact, and very easy to use.
Compared to laptops, Chromebooks are far-much affordable. You can find an equally powerful Chromebook at nearly half the market price of a laptop with similar specifications.
As if that is not enough, Chromes are less susceptible to mechanical problems given that they do not have many moving components. Besides, they use cloud storage rather than physical hard disks.
Considering all these benefits, it is only logical that you buy a Chromebook for Excel rather than spend more money on a laptop.
3 Best Chromebooks for Excel
Google Pixelbook Go
Last update on 2024-04-08 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The Google Pixelbook Go M3 is simply the best Chromebook for Excel money can buy. Surprisingly, it is available at an amazingly affordable price. For slightly over $600, you will get an incredible machine that boasts of a 13.3-inch screen and 8GB of RAM.
The Chromebook is remarkably compact and lightweight, which makes it highly portable. This means you can complete all your tasks while on the go without much trouble.
Most importantly, it boasts of long battery life of up to 12 hours, so you do not have to charge the device every now and then.
Google has packed this mini-laptop with plenty of free apps for work, play, and entertainment. Besides, it is compatible with a wide range of other Windows programs like Microsoft Excel, making it the perfect companion for creating, editing, storing, and sharing all your spreadsheets.
The smooth, ultra-quiet hush keys ensure you can type in your data without distracting your workmates or neighbors.
The Pixelbook Go is also highly secure thanks to the built-in antivirus program and Titan C security chip integrated into the machine.
These advanced security features ensure that all your data and passwords remain safe and secure.
Pros
- Supports Microsoft programs like Excel
- Integrated with advanced security features
- Lightweight and compact design for increased portability
- Available at an amazingly affordable price
- Ultra-quiet keys for enhanced comfort and noise-free operation
Cons
- Build quality needs improvements
What do the reviews say?
We checked out the reviews on Amazon and we didn’t have to look any further to know that the Google Pixelbook Go is the ultimate choice for many Chromebook lovers. This machine has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from over 1,000 buyers. The only complaints came from a few customers who had reservations about the build quality.
Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus
Last update on 2024-04-08 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
If you are searching for a powerful Chromebook for Excel and you are on a tight budget, then consider the Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus.
This Chromebook by Samsung might be one of the most inexpensive options on this list, but it does not at all feel or appear cheap.
In fact, it comes loaded with dozens of auxiliary features that will certainly excite you!
The Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus has an expansive 15.6-inch display for beautiful, undistracted views.
Despite the large display, the frame is compact while the machine remains lightweight at only 3.75 pounds. This makes it very easy to carry along with you on your short and long commutes.
One of the most outstanding features of this Chromebook is its sturdy construction. The machine is tailored to withstand all types of bumps and drops thanks to its military-grade frame and chassis.
Moreover, it has beautiful bezels around the screen that give it a Mac-book-like aesthetic and a durable feel.
In terms of software compatibility, this Chromebook can work with nearly all types of Windows-supported programs including Excel. You can also download and install other Microsoft Office programs without much fuss.
The only slight concern about this machine is that the screen is rather dim and the colors seem a bit saturated, but it makes up for this with its incredibly affordable price tag.
Pros
- Very large display at 15.6 inches
- Military-grade construction for maximum durability
- Supports most Microsoft Office programs
- Ultra-fast Wi-Fi connectivity
- Available at a very affordable price
Cons
- The screen is rather dim
What do the reviews say?
The Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus has a global rating of 70% from over 3,000 buyers on Amazon. Most customers were very happy with the fact that the Chromebook is very affordable yet it comes with premium features only available in high-end machines!
Lenovo Chromebook C330
Last update on 2024-04-08 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Lenovo is a very popular brand in the computer world so it is not surprising that the Lenovo Chromebook C330 is another great choice worth checking out. It is convertible, meaning you can use it as a laptop or a tablet by a simple 360-degree turn.
The Lenovo C330 is only 19.6mm thin and it weighs 2.64 pounds only. This makes it one of the most portable Chromebooks on this list. It has an 11.6-inch display with a maximum resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
The RAM size is only 4GB but it makes up for this by delivering fast boot-up times and incredible memory performance. The storage is 64 GB, which is sufficient to accommodate all your needs.
Another impressive feature of this mini laptop is the built-in antivirus software. This advanced security feature ensures that your data and passwords remain secure even when connected to public Wi-Fi.
Like most Chromebooks, the Lenovo C330 comes loaded with plenty of free software and the best part is that it supports other Windows OS programs like Microsoft Excel.
Pros
- Sleek convertible, 2-in-1 Chromebook
- Equipped with advanced security features
- Loaded with plenty of free apps
- Supports Microsoft Office and other Windows programs
- Available at an affordable price
- Plenty of USB ports
Cons
- The RAM is only 4GB
What do the reviews say?
We checked the reviews on Amazon and found out that the Lenovo C330 Chromebook has over 7,300 reviews with a 4.5/5 star rating. This means this mini-laptop will certainly exceed your expectations.
Final thoughts and best pick
The Google Pixelbook Go is our best Chromebook for Excel. It comes with all the features that you need to create your spreadsheets from scratch.
The fact that it supports other Windows programs makes it a top pick for anyone who wants an incredible machine at an amazing price.
