There is no universal winner. Windows 11’s Phone Link is the stronger fit if you want to handle calls, messages, notifications and recent photos from your PC, with app use and file transfers available on some phone models. Chromebook Phone Hub is a natural fit for Google- and Chrome-focused workflows, with phone status and controls, Chrome tabs, recent photos and—on a short list of phones—app streaming. The deciding factor is often your exact phone model, not the length of either feature list.
What each system lets you do
Windows 11: Phone Link
Phone Link connects a Windows PC to an Android phone through Microsoft’s Phone Link app on the PC and Link to Windows on the phone. Microsoft documents text-message reading and replies, calls, notifications and recent photos. Some supported devices also offer mobile app access, cross-device copy and paste, and file drag-and-drop. These advanced experiences have separate device restrictions, so basic pairing does not guarantee app mirroring or file transfer. See Microsoft’s Phone Link requirements and setup and its transfer instructions.
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Chromebook: Phone Hub
Phone Hub brings selected phone functions to ChromeOS. Google documents phone signal and battery status, quick controls to enable a hotspot, silence or locate the phone, Chrome tabs opened on the phone, notification controls, and access to or downloads of recent photos and screenshots. App streaming is also available on certain combinations of phone and Chromebook. See Google’s Phone Hub feature guide.
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| What you want to do | Windows 11 with Phone Link | Chromebook with Phone Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Calls and text messages | Make and receive calls; read and reply to texts. | Not listed among the Phone Hub features documented by Google. |
| Phone notifications | Manage phone notifications on the PC. | Control phone notifications from the Chromebook. |
| Photos | View recent phone photos. | Access or download recent photos and screenshots. |
| Phone apps on computer | Available on selected phones; app experiences and multiple-app use have device and Android-version restrictions. | Stream apps on a limited list of phones; the devices must be nearby and on a compatible network. |
| Browser continuity | Not listed in the cited Phone Link feature documentation. | Browse Chrome tabs from the phone. |
| Phone controls and status | Notification management is documented; the cited sources do not list Phone Hub-style signal, battery and quick controls. | View signal and battery status; enable hotspot, silence or locate the phone. |
| Copy, paste and file movement | Cross-device copy and paste and file drag-and-drop are documented for compatible devices. | Not listed in the cited Phone Hub feature documentation. |
Requirements and setup
Phone Link requirements
Microsoft lists Windows 11 or Windows 10 with the October 2022 update or later, an Android phone running Android 10 or later, and a shared Wi-Fi network for the documented setup. Phone Link uses Microsoft-account sign-in and pairing by QR code or manual code. Android 13 notification permission is required for notification forwarding and related cross-device features. Microsoft’s supported-device list covers selected Android, Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS and vivo devices; availability of Phone screen, Apps and transfer functions varies by phone and market.
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- Open Phone Link on the Windows PC and Link to Windows on the Android phone.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account and pair the devices using the QR code or manual code shown during setup.
- Allow the requested phone permissions. On Android 13, grant notification access if you want notification forwarding.
- Check Microsoft’s supported-device information for the particular feature you intend to use, especially apps or file transfer.
Phone Hub requirements
Google requires the phone and Chromebook to use the same Google Account, ChromeOS 71 or later and Android 6 or later. A work- or school-managed Chromebook may have phone features disabled. Setup and available controls are described in Google’s connection instructions.
App streaming is the biggest compatibility distinction
Phone Link app access
Microsoft lists selected Samsung, HONOR, OPPO and ASUS devices for its Apps experience, with availability limited to select markets. Phone screen is supported on Android devices in select markets, and multiple-app eligibility depends on the Android version and device. The brand name alone is not enough to establish compatibility; verify the exact model and feature on Microsoft’s supported-device page.
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Phone Hub app streaming
Google lists Pixel 4A or later running Android 13 or later, Nothing Phone (1) and (2), and select Xiaomi models—the 12T, 12T Pro, 13 and 13 Pro—running Android 13 or later. The phone and Chromebook need to be close together and on the same Wi-Fi network, and Google warns that some networks may not work. Instant Tethering may help establish a local network when the current network does not support streaming. Some entertainment apps can behave unexpectedly because of their DRM policies.
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- Choose Phone Link for a Windows-centered workflow: its documented combination of calls, texts, notifications and recent photos is useful when you want phone tasks on the PC. Compatible phones add app and file workflows.
- Choose Phone Hub for a Chromebook- and Google-centered workflow: it provides handy phone status and controls, Chrome tab access and recent photos. App streaming is a bonus only if your phone is on Google’s supported list.
- Check device eligibility before relying on advanced features: a phone that can pair may still lack the app, transfer or streaming feature you want.
- Account for managed devices: Microsoft says Phone Link does not support multiple Android profiles or work/school accounts. Google says administrators may restrict Phone Hub features on managed Chromebooks.
If you already own the computer, check whether your exact phone supports the specific feature you care about. If you are choosing a computer from scratch, decide first based on the apps, software and work tasks you need; then confirm phone compatibility rather than buying around a headline integration feature.
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- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
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- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
What the comparison cannot establish
Microsoft’s and Google’s support pages document features and eligibility, not comparative speed, reliability or value. They do not establish that one system connects more consistently or performs faster. Phone-model lists, supported markets and requirements can also change, so consult the linked support pages for current eligibility before choosing based on a particular feature.
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