For running Android apps, a Chromebook that supports Google Play is the clearer choice. That does not mean every Chromebook supports Play Store or every Android app works on one. Microsoft’s former Amazon Appstore and Windows Subsystem for Android offering stopped being available in Microsoft Store on March 5, 2025, so it is no longer a current built-in Windows option.
How Chromebook and Windows support differ
| What to compare | Chromebook | Windows laptop |
|---|---|---|
| Documented app route | Google Play is available on some Chromebook models. Check the exact model and app before buying. Google Chromebook Help | Microsoft’s Amazon Appstore and Windows Subsystem for Android stopped being available in Microsoft Store on March 5, 2025. Microsoft Support |
| App compatibility | Varies by app and device. Developers can exclude Chromebooks, and a device may lack hardware the app requires. | The discontinued Microsoft Store offering is not a current built-in route. This does not establish that every third-party Android app method for Windows is unavailable. |
| Best fit | Someone whose essential apps are confirmed to work through Play Store on the chosen Chromebook. | Someone who wants a Windows laptop first and does not depend on Microsoft’s discontinued Android-app offering. |
Does this Chromebook support Google Play?
Google says Play Store is available only on some Chromebooks. On the device, update ChromeOS, then open Settings → Apps → Manage Google Play preferences. If that setting is missing, Google says the Chromebook does not support Android apps.
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Google also notes that the Play Store and installed apps may be restricted to the first account signed in. Apps do not automatically transfer from a phone or tablet; download them again on the Chromebook. Google Chromebook Help explains that users can change app size “to make Android apps appear on your Chromebook as they do on your tablet or Android phone.” Read Google’s setup instructions.
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Play Store support on the laptop is not a guarantee for every app. Google identifies two common reasons: the developer may have stopped the app from running on Chromebooks, or the particular Chromebook may lack a feature the app needs. Google’s example is a GPS-dependent app on a Chromebook without GPS. Google Play Help explains app availability on Chromebooks.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
- Search for the app in Play Store on the specific Chromebook, not just on a phone.
- Check whether the app depends on hardware such as GPS.
- Consider input and display needs: some apps may work best with touch, a stylus, auto-rotate, or a particular screen resolution.
- Check storage and connectivity. Android apps install locally, take up device space, and some may need a constant internet connection. App size and resource needs vary. Google’s deployment guidance for schools discusses these factors.
What if the Chromebook is managed by work or school?
An administrator can block Play Store access or restrict app installation on a managed Chromebook. If the setting is missing or installation is blocked on a work or school device, ask the administrator whether Android apps and the specific app are permitted. Google’s managed-device guidance also advises organizations to test apps on a small number of managed devices and account for local files and deployment policies.
Is the Amazon Appstore still available on Windows?
Not through Microsoft Store: Microsoft says the Amazon Appstore and Windows Subsystem for Android were no longer available there beginning March 5, 2025. Microsoft’s availability notice is the key distinction for a current comparison.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Microsoft’s former setup documentation described Windows 11, x64 or ARM64 architecture, Virtual Machine Platform, an Amazon account, and a region-limited offering. It recommended 16 GB RAM and SSD storage for that former setup. These are historical details of a discontinued Microsoft Store offering, not requirements for a currently obtainable Microsoft Store installation. Former Windows setup details.
What to check before buying
- List your must-have apps. Confirm each is available in Play Store on the exact Chromebook model and allowed to run there.
- Verify required hardware and controls. Check for functions such as GPS and decide whether the app needs a touchscreen, stylus, or particular display orientation.
- Check storage and memory against your workload. Apps install locally and their sizes and resource needs differ. Google’s advice of at least 4 GB RAM and 32 GB storage is for school deployment planning, not a universal consumer minimum or performance guarantee. Google Chrome Enterprise and Education Help.
- Ask about management restrictions. On school or work devices, confirm the administrator allows Play Store and app installation.
- Choose Windows for Windows needs, not the old built-in Android route. Microsoft’s former Amazon Appstore/WSA offering ended in Microsoft Store in March 2025; the available evidence does not establish that all other Android-app methods for Windows are impossible.
There is no direct official Chromebook-versus-Windows benchmark for Android app execution in these support materials, so they do not establish which runs apps faster. The practical decision is compatibility: verify your apps and device requirements before choosing a Chromebook, or choose Windows for its other capabilities without assuming the discontinued Microsoft Store route is still built in.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
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