While ChromeOS on the whole was a fantastic idea, especially for those wanting a computer on a budget, it was hampered for quite some time. Then, Google decided to enhance the experience by bringing the Google Play Store to Chromebooks. Now, you have access to more apps than you know what to do with. While not every app from your phone is available on a Chromebook, we still found some of the best that you'll need beyond just the best Chromebook apps and Chrome extensions.
Keep in touch with everyone
Communication is key, especially with something like a Chromebook and the Play Store, which makes it so you don't have to rely on the browser. Some messaging apps are available in the browser, but you don't get all of the same benefits as the Play Store version. Whether you're trying to collaborate or catch up with family, these are the apps to keep in contact with everyone.
Stay on top of your tasks
Task management is an annoying necessity, even if it's for something as simple as a packing or grocery list. Thankfully, with these to-do apps, you'll be able to manage any project, big or small, easier than ever from your Chromebook.
Passwords protected
The internet is a wonderful place to be, but with all of the different accounts you need, it's impossible to remember all of your passwords. You never want to use the same password twice, and with these password managers you'll not only be able to create unique passwords and manage them, but you can also be notified if one's been involved in a data breach.
Keep it social
It's no fun having a slew of browser windows open when you're hopping between social media networks. With the Play Store, you can now download the accompanying app for your favorite network, then browse and share to your heart's content.
Relax with some movies or TV shows
There's nothing like sitting back with a good movie at the end of a long day. Thankfully there are quite a few streaming services for you to pick and choose from. Some make it possible to watch live TV, while others give you access to some classics you may have forgotten.
Edit those photos and videos
Regardless of if you are taking pictures with your smartphone, DSLR, or your Chromebook, you'll likely want to run them through a photo editor. Maybe you just need an app to manage and back all of them up. These are the best apps to manage and edit your photos and videos.
Try a different browser
If you're working from a Chromebook, it's unlikely that you would realize that there are other browser apps available. So no, you are not just "stuck" with Chrome and the Play Store opens the door for you to use many popular third-party browsers on your Chromebook.
Triage those emails
If you've had the same email for years, there's a pretty good chance that it's turned into a digital junk drawer. But you don't want to completely ignore all of your emails if something important arrives in your Inbox. These are our favorite email apps that you can download and use on your Chromebook, instead of being relegated to a browser window for every email address you have.
It's time to get some work done
For many, productivity is the name of the game and it's extremely important to have all of the right tools to get the job done. On every Chromebook, you already have access to Google's suite of tools, but the Play Store is home to so many others that you'll be able to turn your Chromebook into a digital Swiss Army knife to get stuff done.
Necessary Utilities
ChromeOS has evolved to include many features and utilities without the need to download something new. However, the beauty of the Play Store is that you can download something different if Google's option isn't great for you. Or maybe you need to turn your Chromebook into a second display — you can do that easily now.
Your own portable radio
Almost nobody likes to sit in silence throughout the day, and whether it's music or podcasts, you'll want to listen to something. These apps give you the ability to have your own portable radio and listen to whatever suits your mood at that time.
Android Apps on ChromeOS are amazing
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The importance of having the Play Store on your Chromebook has never been higher. This is especially true considering Google announced that the Chrome Web Store for Apps was going away beginning in 2020 and closed completely at the end of 2022. So now with the Play Store, you can download many of the same apps that are in the Web Store, along with some new ones that you have been using on your phone or tablet.
And while you might think that Android apps may not work properly on your Chromebook, you'd want to think again. Many of these apps work right out of the box and work the same way that they do on your phone. The reason for that is that they are the same apps!
