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Chromebooks are great computers for most people because they provide great performance and an easy-to-use operating system in an affordable package. Chromebooks can’t download as many apps as a Windows laptop, but they have access to something Windows laptops do not: the Google Play Store.
The Play Store allows the most impressive Chromebooks to access more Android apps than any other computer, which can enhance the user experience on Chromebooks. Here are our favorite Android apps that work well on any compatible Chromebook.
Default media players on computer operating systems are often poorly designed and not as useful as users would like. VLC Media Player, one of the most trusted video players for many years, is a great alternative. VLC is more than a video player, as it also plays music. This app is versatile since it supports most media codecs and other playback features, such as subtitles. You can also browse your files to make sure you find the file you are looking to play.
The app is free and open source, so it’s a great option for playing whatever media you want without ads. The layout of the app is basic, if not outdated, but it has some awesome built-in features like brightness adjustment, a sleep timer, and an equalizer. The app does have a mobile layout, so it isn’t fully optimized for a Chromebook, but it still works quite well.
2. Squid
Squid is unmatched when it comes to taking notes on a Chromebook, though Google Cursive is a solid web-based alternative. It works best with Chromebooks that are compatible with a pen or stylus, but it also works with a mouse or your finger. Google has worked with the developers to decrease latency, which makes using the app feel like you’re writing on real paper.
The Squid app allows you to write and draw diagrams on a virtual notepad. You can change the color and thickness of your input device as well as the background style of your note. These features, combined with gesture support, make navigation and usage simple and intuitive.
Squid allows you to export your notes in various file types, including a Squid note, so that other Squid users can access and edit them. It stores the notes in a vector format, which keeps the visual integrity of your notes at any zoom level. The premium version expands the input device and background options.
3. Netflix
Netflix emphasizes its ability to watch its content anywhere, and Chromebooks are no different. The streaming giant offers a large library of original series alongside a variety of television shows and films from around the globe.
The Android app allows you to download any shows or movies in the catalog to watch without an internet connection. This is a distinct advantage over the web app that is useful when you’re on the go. Still, the Android app limits streaming to 480p, so the web version may be the way to go for the best quality. Netflix requires a subscription but offers several affordable plans.
4. Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing is a commonly cited downside of owning a Chromebook, but the Adobe Lightroom app proves the critics wrong. Lightroom is intuitive and easy to use and includes standard editing features such as quick editing presets, masking tools, and AI recommendations. The interface includes sliders and filters to make editing quick and easy.
Lightroom is free, but you’ll need a paid subscription for cloud backup, multi-device access, and other premium features.
5. Bitwarden
Remembering all your passwords is a difficult yet important task, especially as hackers get more clever and capable. Password managers are the solution, and Bitwarden is one of the best available. The app stores passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information in a single encrypted location. The service can autofill or generate passwords for you and has two-factor authentication available to make it even more secure.
Taken from the listing on the Chrome Web Store
The premium membership adds 1GB of cloud storage, additional two-step verification methods, and security reports, among other features.
6. Google Meet
Video calling is a common and widely used way to communicate with people. However, Chromebooks don’t work well with many popular video calling platforms such as Zoom or Teams. The solution is Google Meet, which works well on Chromebooks and offers some great features its competitors lack.
When creating a meeting, Google Meet allows you to generate a link and corresponding code to share the meeting with other participants. Once everyone has joined, the app has typical features such as video and microphone toggles, screen sharing, and a list of participants. Google Meet includes some unique features, such as caption generation using the same technology as Live Caption on Pixel phones and the ability to use another device as a second screen through Companion Mode.
Google Meet is free without ads, but enterprise options are available for companies if desired.
7. Stack
Stack makes scanning and storing important documents easy. With Stack, you can scan, edit, and sort PDFs into various stacks. These files are stored in the cloud and can be saved to Google Drive as a backup.
If your Chromebook has a camera, you can use it to scan documents through the app. Otherwise, managing your files on a screen larger than your phone is useful, even if the app doesn’t scale perfectly. Using Stack to scan your documents is intuitive and a great way to organize your files.
8. Google One
Google One is a useful tool for managing device storage and backups across your account. This app backs up your device data and helps you manage the storage on your Google account to make sure you are within your limit. There are several plans with associated benefits, and you’ll get some awesome Google One perks depending on your chosen plan.
If you have a 2TB or larger plan, you can use the included VPN on your Chromebook through the Google One app. This VPN used to only be available on a phone, so if you have the VPN and a Chromebook, Google One is a must-install app.
Play with the best apps for Chromebooks
Chromebooks are great devices that can do most things well but have some limitations. Android Apps through the Google Play Store help fill in these gaps, and the apps on this list are great examples. Try some of our favorite Google Chrome extensions to do even more on your Chromebook.
