9 Best Chromebook With Backlit Keyboard Reviews in 2023 | Ideal for Dark Environment

Understandably, folks may balk at the price of the ASUS Chromebook C433TA-AS384T, but the device has a lot to offer. The ASUS Chromebook is sufficiently sturdy to withstand jostles and jolts and has a distinctive, velvety texture pleasing to the hands. Add a comfortable backlit keyboard, vivid display, touch screen, and a broad selection, and you'll have a device with an edge over numerous midrange Windows laptops.

Here are its stand-out features:

• An attractive, sturdy construction – The Asus Chromebook has a plastic casing, a basic yet attractive design that's sufficiently sturdy without exhibiting the "cheap" vibe I've seen with most counterparts. The lower section is silver with blue accents, giving it a nice touch. Moreover, it has a durable 360-degree hinge for flipping to stand, tent, or tablet mode.

• Remarkable display quality – This unit has a 14-inch touchscreen (Full HD display) with NanoEdge technology and ultra-slim bezels on each side. I always consider it a 14-incher installed in a 13-incher footprint.

• Remarkable processing power – The laptop has an integrated Intel Core m3-8100Y processor that can hit upwards of 3.4 GHz to deliver snappy, super-fast performance. I love to open multiple tables, and the processor delivered sufficient power to address all my multitasking needs.

• Impressive memory – ASUS Chromebook Flip C433 comes with 8GB of RAM, opening up big files, applications, and software way faster than most models in this list. It also has 64GB eMMC local storage to supplement its already efficient cloud capabilities.

• Vast connectivity options – I didn't encounter challenges regarding connectivity options. The unit offers sufficient flexibility with a standalone USB-A port alongside a pair of USB-C (first generation). It also has a microSD card reader, which came through whenever I needed additional storage. You'll also get Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth connectivity, and a not-so-impressive HD webcam for video and voice calls.

• Impressive battery power – The manufacturer promises up to 10 hours of power, which is remarkable. Of course, it took this with scientism, but my tests didn't fall far off as the laptop delivered 8 hours and 35 minutes worth of juice.

Most people deem ChromeOS machines as the laptop world's pack mules. They're not flashy, nor do they exhibit gaudy capabilities. Instead, the models prioritize top-notch security and rock-solid reliability at a minimal price range.

Chromebook 514, or Acer CB514-1H-C0FF, reflects the same attitude case in point, comprising a comfortable backlit keyboard as well as the following features:

• A simple yet impressive design – This 14-inch laptop gives me the impression of a modern clamshell unit. It sports an all-aluminum, silver chassis with a chrome accent along the OceanGlass touchpad. The machine's lid doesn't flip around like a 2-in-1 model, but opens wide enough for productive use.
• Get the best of chromeOS –  While this operating system is standard in every Chromebook, this unit takes it a step ahead with in-built virus protection, automatic updates, and more efficiency. In addition, I could seamlessly access all the apps I needed from Google Play.
• Remarkable display quality – The unit features a 14-inch Full HD screen with Acer's CineCrystal IPS technology and a multi-touch display compatible with the USI Stylus.
• On-par processing power – Chromebook 514 leverages an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 Processor, which can reach upwards of 3.3GHz. It also has Intel HD graphics, which enhanced my overall experience.
• Sufficient local hardware – With 4GB of onboard RAM, I never had issues opening huge files or multiple programs consecutively. Furthermore, it offers 128GB of local storage, sufficient to keep all your files for offline use.
• Connection flexibility – The manufacturer had today's user in mind when designing the unit's connectivity. This Acer Chromebook model models one USB-C, two USB 3.2 (first generation), and an HDMI port. It also sports Intel Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band) with MU-MIMO technology. As always, you also get a Bluetooth connection.
• Stereo Speakers – This premium sounding laptop has DTS Audio, comprising a pair of face-up stereo speakers, each with a designated amplifier. This unique hardware feature allows me to enjoy audio how I should hear it—via two audio channels.
• Reliable battery – While I didn't receive the manufacturer's promise of up to ten hours of battery life, 8 hours and 40 minutes was just enough juice to power my full-day research work.

Considering its cost, size, and performance, this Acer Chromebook offers excellent value. The 14-inch unit isn't a monster of a machine, but it delivers particularly within its confines.

Thus, its features maintain an outstanding balance between performance, design, usability, and long battery life for well-rounded computing, and they include the following:

• Comfortable Viewing – One of the first things you'll notice with this device is the narrow 6mm bezels that ensure the lowest footprint possible for the 14-inch laptop screen. And with the optional Full HD and wide-ranging viewing angles, I could indulge in the full majesty of TV shows, prank videos, and series anytime, anywhere.

• Futureproof Processing – This unit uses the advanced Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor that guarantees responsive software. The performance boost made my graphics-intensive coursework projects more seamless than ever, completing my tasks quickly and without missing a beat.

• Extensive battery power – The manufacturer promises upwards of 10 hours per day, which goes a long way. A single charge is enough for me to finish my entire day's work with some spare time for entertainment.

• Connectivity convenience – You don't have to wait forever to transfer files. This Chromebook with backlit keyboard features an efficient USB-C 3.2 port for ultra-fast video streaming, data transfer, and battery charging. The unit also has a reversible USB-C connector, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and one MicroSD slot for peripherals and added storage.

• Full connection – The monitor's 802.11ax antenna and Wi-Fi 6 feature deliver a consistent wireless signal, while the 2x2 MU-MIMO technology ensures fast wireless speeds.

• Great conferencing ability – The machine's dual microphones, DTS Audio technology, and upward-facing speakers make it perfect for hybrid workers and scholars.

• Top-level touchpad – I like the computer's OceanGlass™ touchpad, and every environmentally conscious user would. The manufacturer reused plastic waste adrift in the ocean to create a glass-like, sleek, tactile texture while scrolling across the touchpad.

ChromeOS machines have long promised high-end designs and seamless performance at a pocket-friendly price range, but only a few brands have actually accomplished the feat.

However, I can't say the same for Acer Chromebook 315. This 15.6-inch laptop is incredibly affordable, but it has the look and feel of something three times more expensive.

Here are its key highlights:

• A large laptop screen – The stand-out feature of this ChromeOS machine is the viewable screen size, a generous 15.6 inches wide. This width is substantial for a Chromebook and perfect for movies, TV shows, and video calls.

• Striking design and build – Besides the backlit keyboard, this unit has a plastic build that makes it affordable and light. I haven't seen many 381 by 256 by 20mm devices that weigh 3.15 lbs. The laptop's lid has a cross-hair pattern similar to brushed aluminum, giving it a clean aesthetic contrasting its affordable price.

• Quick setup – Typical of any ChromeOS unit, I easily set up the Acer Chromebook 315. A Google account and internet connection are enough, but you can skip most formalities and complete them later.

• Ample storage – ChromeOS laptops generally leverage cloud storage, but you may need some files in local storage for offline viewing. Therefore, 64GB in the Acer Chromebook 315 is more than welcome. 

• Multiple ports – This device's four USB ports comprise a pair of USB-A and two USB-C ports. The unit also has a MicroSD card slot, a headphone jack, and a Kensington security cable slot, although this isn't part of the package. One of the things I appreciate most is that I can power the device via USB-C ports on the right or left side.

• Above-average audio – The laptop has impressive speakers with excellent audio quality for entertainment, audio-based files, and Zoom calls.

• Impressive BATTERY power – Acer promises up to 12 hours and 30 minutes of battery life—way over the average ten-hour mark that most machines target. But upon testing, I never exceeded the 8-hour 30-minute mark. This is a huge difference, but sufficient for an entire workday. 

Two-in-one laptops, or hybrids, are gaining popularity among students and at-home professionals. But only a few top-performing ChromeOS units are in the budget price category. Too often, buyers are confused about whether to stick to their budgets and adapt to slow processes or stretch their pockets thin and optimize their workflow.

Fortunately, Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 serves as an exemplary middle ground. This premium 13.3-inch laptop has a backlit keyboard that can handle all your typing needs as well as the following features:

• Quality, clutter-free display – The unit's narrow bezels deliver a stylish, trendy look with sufficient real estate for its 13.3-inch Full HD screen with explicit, crisp videos. Besides its wide-angle viewing feature, the machine has touchscreen capabilities and works with the digital pen, although it isn't in the package.

• Breathtaking design – The Lenovo Chromebook will always look great from any angle. Whether you've set it to laptop, stand, or tent mode, its portable 360-degree convertible design will catch the eye.

• Simplified webcam privacy – Like me, you probably worry about webcam hacking. But this shouldn't concern you with this device, as it has a physical shutter – a simple solution that ensures complete privacy and security.

• Quality stereo sound – The unit has front-facing stereo speakers that enhanced my audio experience. Podcasts, movies, and music sounded more alive than ever.

• Faster collaboration with G Suite – Leverage Google's powerful collaboration and productivity tools to accomplish your workday. Create, edit, and work with associates in real-time from anywhere while accessing a rich Google Play app library.

• Safety first, always – The device updates its software every six weeks, ensuring top-level efficiency and maximum protection from cybersecurity threats. Furthermore, it undergoes a verified boot process during startup, but reverts automatically to the secure version upon detecting inconsistencies or malicious changes.

• Connection flexibility – I like the device's port flexibility. It has one USB-A (first generation) and two USB-C 3.2 ports for faster data transfer, battery charging, and multimedia streaming. The unit also has a mic/headphone combo, a MicroSD card reader, and a Kensington security lock slot.

• Long battery life – The manufacturer promises up to 14 hours of battery life for this unit. I achieved a decent 12 hours and 30 minutes with this Lenovo Chromebook, which is impressive.    

Don't have sufficient cash yet need the best Chromebook with a backlit keyboard? You're probably not looking for the robust computing experience of Lenovo Flex 5 – maybe something for basic tasks like web browsing, document creation and editing, and streaming. If your situation matches this scenario, this HP Chromebook will serve you well.

Here are its stand-out capabilities:

• A simple, unique design – I don't think of it as a high-end piece of equipment, but it's a well-designed, slick machine. Its chassis' thickest point measures just 0.7 inches, and it weighs 3.24 pounds. While it's not as light as most ASUS Chromebook models, the extra weight offers more ports.

• Excellent display quality – This HP Chromebook features a 14-inch micro-edge display (1366 x 768), typical of gaming laptops. I could stream 4K content smoothly and play my favorite games thanks to its Intel UHD Graphics 600.

• Sufficient storage – There's nothing much to marvel about with the unit's local storage. However, 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage are sufficient for this cloud-centered machine.

• Multi-purpose design – The laptop's backlit keyboard, Intel processors, B&O stereo speakers, and extended battery life make it suitable for school, work, or home use. I could quickly shift between binge-watching my favorite shows and knocking out my online course projects.   

• Impressive all-day performance – This machine has an Intel Celeron N4020 processor that is perfect for value, power consumption, and performance. Thus, you can rely on it to tackle your busiest days.

• Great battery life – HP promises up to 14 hours, but the furthest I went with this unit is 11 hours and 45 minutes. This is just sufficient juice to clear everything off my to-do list. Moreover, the monitor uses the HP Fast-Charge technology that takes only 45 minutes to fill the battery from 0 to 50%.

• Solid connectivity – The laptop's Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 (2x2) combo delivers robust connectivity for modern games, remote work, or streaming.

• Multi-touch touchpad – One of the most innovative features in a ChromeOS machine, the unit's multi-touch touchpad supports four-finger gestures. I could zoom, navigate and scroll through the HP Chromebook with a simple touch.

Like its CB315-3HT counterpart, the Acer’s Chromebook CB315-3HT-C29 is among the few ChromeOS units with a high-end design, seamless performance, and an affordable price range.

The backlit keyboard is only part of the additions; this portable laptop also boasts a sleek design and a host of impressive features such as:

• Impressive display quality – This 15.6 inch Chromebook has a high-definition ComfyView display. Besides the 1366 x 768 resolution, the screen also delivers notable image clarity and vivid colors. I also like the energy-efficient screen’s vast brightness adjustment options and the anti-glare feature that makes it easy on my eyes.

• Robust processor – The biggest difference between this unit and the CB315-3HT lies in the processing power. While the latter leverages an N4020 dual-core processor, the CB315-3HT-C29 has an Intel Celeron N4000 with upwards of 2.40GHz of frequency for high-efficiency power.

• Local hardware you can count on – This laptop has 4GB of DDR4 RAM that enabled me to run multiple programs and light games with ease. It also comes with 32GB eMMC of local storage, an ultra-compact system that streamlines data management, offers sufficient flash storage, and ensures the shortest boot-up times. 

• Get the best of ChromeOS – The laptop’s simple and speedy operating system updates every six weeks. While this is a standard in most of its peers, the laptop’s unique combination of operation efficiency, display quality, and processing power help you get the most out of the operating system.  

• Reliable battery – The manufacturer promises up to 12 hours and 50 minutes. But the units I sampled hit a maximum of 10 hours and 55 minutes. Thus, the three-cell lithium-ion battery can handle a full workday.

• All the necessary ports – Connectivity isn’t an issue with this unit as it comes with two USB-C ports, two USB-A, a memory card reader and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The laptop also includes Wireless AC, Marxsol Cable Accessories, and Bluetooth.

ASUS has committed itself to ChromeOS for years, and with its Asus Chromebook C433TA-M364 model, the manufacturer has condensed all that knowledge into a remarkable unit. This laptop has a stylish and solid build quality and offers sufficient power for seamless operations no matter how many apps or tabs you open.

This i7 laptop isn't just a pretty face in my review. It offers the following features:

• Design – This laptop initially gave me the impression of the brand's pricier ZenBook. Its lightweight matte-silver aluminum body gives the C433 a timeless look and enhances its durability. It also features a durable 360-degree hinge for flipping your touchscreen display to tent, stand, or tablet mode.  

• Multiple ports – The machine includes two USB-C ports, a USB 3.1-A, a headphone jack, and a MicroSD card slot. The two USB-C slots support charging, allowing you to plug in from either side.

• Remarkable display – This laptop's 14-inch Full HD screen delivers vivid and bright visuals covering the sRGB color gamut of 93%. This makes it more vibrant than its forerunner, the Chromebook 302CA, which covers 76%.

•  Stellar performance – The unit has a snappy Intel Core m3-8100Y processor and 8GB of memory. This is sufficient muscle for comfortable web browsing and multiple simple tasks. For example, I could seamlessly load 19 Google Chrome tabs with this Asus Chromebook.  

• Sufficient local storage – Internal storage of 64GB eMMC is generous enough for a ChromeOS machine that's primarily cloud-based.

• Quality keyboard and touchpad – This machine's backlit keyboard provides only 1.3 mm of key travel, but its typing performance is solid. Moreover, it features a swift response 4.1 by 2.4-inch touchpad, which never encountered any issues.

• Enhanced battery life – This unit's battery life beats its forerunner's already respectable juice span of 8 hours and 54 minutes, promising up to 10 hours. The highest I got with my tests was 9 hours and 4 minutes, enough for everyday tasks.

ASUS' stunning new Flip 434 takes convertible ChromeOS technology to the next level. The laptop's thin design, contemporary looks, and full specs get most of my stuff done with no fuss. In addition, it offers a larger display, solid performance, and a more robust battery, so you can rely on it every day.

The unit is a considerable improvement over its laudable predecessor, the Flip C302CA, thanks to the following capabilities:

• Noteworthy craftsmanship – You'd agree with me that this ASUS Chromebook aims for perfection. The machine has a precision-crafted, all-metal chassis with an anodized, diamond-cut finish at the edges. These refined looks stand out for anyone seeking on-the-go versatility on a peerlessly designed machine.

• Outstandingly portable – The lightweight (3.2lb) and slim (15.7mm) laptop has a NanoEdge design for an ultra-compact footprint. Thus, you get all the benefits of a 14" 1080p display on a chassis befitting most 13-inches in the market.

• Unbounded display – Providing the highest screen space in such minimal physical space delivers a breathtaking display with more immersive visuals. The laptop also has a high-resolution, clear, and crisp screen for a beautiful creative workspace.

• Precision-engineered hinges – Most Chromebooks with backlit keyboards don't pay much attention to the hinges. Still, this one stood out for me with the 360° ErgoLift hinge that secures the display at any angle while enabling silky-smooth action. In addition, setting it on tent mode creates extra space below the machine, which enhances audio.

•  Reliable performance – The laptop features potent Intel Core processors that deliver impressive app performance with the highest power efficiency. Combining these with G Suite's full power and the numerous productivity tools on Google Play, the Flip C434 allowed me to breeze through everyday tasks.

• Connection flexibility – I like how the laptop's two full-function USB-C ports simplified charging and external display connections. The ASUS Chromebook also has a standard USB-A port, a MicroSD slot, and an audio jack. Moreover, you'll like its advanced Wi-Fi 5 connectivity.

• Powerfully clear audio – Despite its lightweight and thin design, this unit doesn't compromise audio quality. It has powerful stereo speakers and sufficiently large resonant chambers that deliver high-fidelity audio with surround-sound effects.