Chromebooks are laptops that run on Google’s Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system that mainly relies on web-based applications and cloud storage. They are popular among students, educators, and casual users who need a cheap and easy way to access the internet and perform basic tasks.

But what about gaming? Can Chromebooks be used for gaming? The answer is not so simple. Chromebooks have some advantages and disadvantages when it comes to gaming, and depending on your preferences and expectations, they may or may not suit your needs. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that affect Chromebooks’ gaming performance and compatibility.

Pros of Using Chromebooks for Gaming

• Price: Chromebooks are generally cheaper than Windows or Mac laptops, which means you can save some money if you are on a tight budget. You can find decent Chromebooks for under $300, while most gaming laptops cost over $1000.
• Portability: Chromebooks are also lighter and thinner than most gaming laptops, which makes them easier to carry around and use anywhere. They also have long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of a game.
• Cloud Gaming: One of the best ways to play games on a Chromebook is to use cloud gaming services, such as XBox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now. These services allow you to stream games from powerful servers to your Chromebook via the internet, without requiring any installation or storage space. You can play high-end games that would otherwise be impossible to run on a Chromebook, as long as you have a stable and fast internet connection.
• Android Games: Another option for gaming on a Chromebook is to use the Google Play Store, which offers thousands of Android games that you can download and play on your device. Some of these games are optimized for Chrome OS, while others may require some tweaking or compatibility mode. You can also use a controller or a keyboard and mouse to enhance your gaming experience.

Cons of Using Chromebooks for Gaming

• Hardware Limitations: The biggest drawback of using Chromebooks for gaming is their hardware limitations. Most Chromebooks have low-end processors, graphics cards, RAM, and storage space, which means they cannot run demanding games smoothly or at all. Even if you use cloud gaming services, you may still encounter lag, stuttering, or low resolution due to your device’s specs.
• Software Restrictions: Another issue with using Chromebooks for gaming is their software restrictions. Chrome OS is not compatible with most PC games that are designed for Windows or Mac operating systems. You cannot install Steam, Epic Games Store, or other popular gaming platforms on your Chromebook. You may be able to use Linux apps or emulators to run some PC games, but this requires some technical skills and may result in poor performance or compatibility issues.
• Game Selection: Finally, using Chromebooks for gaming may limit your game selection. While there are many Android games available on the Google Play Store, they may not be as diverse or satisfying as PC games. You may also miss out on some exclusive titles that are only available on Windows or Mac platforms. Cloud gaming services offer more variety and quality, but they also depend on the availability and pricing of the games in their libraries.

FAQs

Can I upgrade my Chromebook’s hardware to improve its gaming performance?

No, most Chromebooks do not allow you to upgrade their hardware components, such as the processor, graphics card, RAM, or storage space. They are designed to be simple and affordable devices that do not require much maintenance or customization.

Can I use an external monitor or TV to play games on my Chromebook?

Yes, you can connect your Chromebook to an external monitor or TV using an HDMI cable or a USB-C adapter. This may improve your gaming experience by providing a larger screen size and resolution. However, it will not improve your device’s performance or compatibility with games.

Can I install Windows on a Chromebook?

Generally, no. While you might find some hacks online that allow you to install Windows on some Chromebook models, it typically requires opening up your Chromebook and disabling the system protections that keep ChromeOS secure. You would also need to purchase a Windows license and find the drivers (if they exist) for your Chromebook’s hardware.

What about Chromebooks specifically for gaming?

We recently reviewed the ASUS 15.6″ Chromebook for gaming. While it features some upper-end hardware, it is still intended mainly for cloud gaming. ChromeOS does not allow you to install things like Steam or Epic Games Store, but you can install some Android games.

ASUS – 15.6" Touchscreen Cloud Gaming Chromebook – Intel Core i5-1135G7 – 8GB Memory – 256GB SSD

★★★★☆

$699.00

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Summary

Chromebooks are not the best devices for gaming, but they are not completely useless either. They have some pros and cons that you should consider before buying or using one for gaming. If you are looking for a cheap and portable device that can run some Android games or stream some cloud games, then a Chromebook may be a good option for you. But if you are looking for a powerful and versatile device that can run most PC games natively or with high quality, then a Chromebook may not be the best choice for you. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and expectations.

Gray Chromebook photo by Kind and Curious on Unsplash

The post Can Chromebooks Be Used For Gaming? appeared first on Technically Well.

Garmin Vivoactive 4

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Garmin Vivoactive 4

$329.99 $279.99 -15%

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Garmin Vivoactive 4, GPS Smartwatch, Features Music, Body Energy Monitoring,…

$279.99 $329.99

October 2, 2023 12:40 pm

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One of the best alternatives to FitBit in 2023 is the Garmin Vivoactive 4. This smartwatch has a sleek design and a colorful touchscreen display that lets you customize your watch face and widgets. It also has a long battery life of up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours in GPS mode. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 can track your activities, such as running, cycling, swimming, golfing, yoga, and more. It can also measure your heart rate, blood oxygen level, stress level, body battery energy, and sleep quality. Plus, it has built-in music storage and streaming services, such as Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also receive notifications from your smartphone and use Garmin Pay for contactless payments.

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and costs around $329.99.

Pros:

• Stylish design and customizable display
• Long battery life
• Multiple activity tracking modes
• Advanced health and wellness features
• Music storage and streaming
• Smart notifications and Garmin Pay

Cons:

• Expensive
• GPS accuracy may vary
• No ECG feature

Apple Watch Series 8

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Apple Watch Series 8

$399.00 $319.00 -20%

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Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS) 41mm Aluminum Case with Midnight…

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Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum…

$398.00 $399.00

October 6, 2023 12:26 am

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Another alternative to FitBit in 2023 is the Apple Watch Series 8. This smartwatch has a premium design and a larger and brighter display than its predecessors. It also has a fast charging feature that can give you up to 8 hours of battery life in 8 minutes. The Apple Watch Series 8 can track your activities, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga, and more. It can also measure your heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen level, fall detection, and sleep quality. Furthermore, it has built-in music storage and streaming services, such as Apple Music and Podcasts. You can also receive notifications from your iPhone and use Apple Pay for contactless payments.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is compatible with iOS devices only and costs around $399.

Pros:

• Premium design and larger display
• Fast charging feature
• Multiple activity tracking modes
• Advanced health features
• Music storage and streaming
• Smart notifications and Apple Pay

Cons:

• Expensive
• Short battery life
• iOS exclusive

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

$249.99 $47.97 -81%

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$47.97 $249.99

October 11, 2023 9:00 am

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Another great alternative to FitBit in 2023 is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. This smartwatch has a minimalist design and a round AMOLED display that is bright and responsive. It also has a digital rotating bezel that lets you navigate the watch easily. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 can track your activities, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, elliptical, rowing, and more. It can also measure your heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, stress level, and sleep quality. Additionally, it has built-in music storage and streaming services, such as Spotify and YouTube Music. You can also receive notifications from your smartphone and use Samsung Pay for contactless payments.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and costs around $249.99.

Pros:

• Minimalist design and round display
• Digital rotating bezel
• Multiple activity tracking modes
• Advanced health features
• Music storage and streaming
• Smart notifications and Samsung Pay

Cons:

• Short battery life
• Blood pressure and ECG features require calibration
• No offline voice assistant

Xiaomi Mi Band 6

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Xiaomi Mi Band 6

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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to FitBit in 2023, you might want to consider the Xiaomi Mi Band 6. This fitness tracker has a simple design and a large AMOLED display that shows your stats and notifications. It also has a long battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge. The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 can track your activities, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, treadmill, jump rope, yoga, and more. It can also measure your heart rate, blood oxygen level, stress level, menstrual cycle, and sleep quality. Moreover, it has music control and camera remote features that let you control your smartphone from your wrist.

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and costs $49.99.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Large display
• Long battery life
• Multiple activity tracking modes
• Basic health features
• Music control and camera remote

Cons:

• Basic design
• No built-in GPS
• No NFC or voice assistant

FAQs about FitBit Alternatives

Q: What are the benefits of using a fitness tracker?

A: A fitness tracker can help you monitor your physical activity, health status, and wellness goals. It can also motivate you to stay active and healthy by providing feedback and reminders.

Q: How do I choose the best alternative to FitBit in 2023?

A: You should consider your budget, preferences, and needs when choosing the best alternative to FitBit in 2023. Some factors to consider are:

• Design and display: Do you want a stylish and customizable watch or a simple and functional band? Do you prefer a touchscreen or a button? Do you want a round or a square display?
• Battery life: How often do you want to charge your device? Do you need a fast charging feature?
• Activity tracking: What kinds of activities do you want to track? Do you need a built-in GPS or a heart rate monitor?
• Health features: What kinds of health metrics do you want to measure? Do you need an ECG, blood pressure, or blood oxygen level monitor?
• Music and smart features: Do you want to store and stream music from your device? Do you want to receive notifications and make payments from your wrist?
• Compatibility: Do you have an Android or an iOS device? Do you want to sync your data with other apps or devices?

Q: What are the pros and cons of FitBit?

A: FitBit is a popular brand of fitness trackers that has many pros and cons. Some of the pros are:

• Wide range of models and prices
• User-friendly app and interface
• Social and community features
• FitBit Premium subscription service

Some of the cons are:

• Limited battery life
• Limited music and smart features
• Limited compatibility with other apps and devices
• The future of FitBit is uncertain

Summary

FitBit is a popular brand of fitness trackers, but it’s not the only one. In this article, we’ve explored some of the best alternatives to FitBit in 2023 that offer different features, designs, and prices. Whether you want a smartwatch that can do it all, or a simple device that can track your basics, there’s an option for you. The Garmin Vivoactive 4, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, and the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 are some of the best alternatives to FitBit in 2023 that you can choose from. They all have their pros and cons, so you’ll have to decide which one suits your needs and preferences best. Whichever one you pick, you’ll be able to track your fitness and health with ease and style.

The post Best Alternatives to FitBit in 2023 appeared first on Technically Well.

Best Overall Soundcore Earbuds

If you want the best mix of sound quality and features, check out the new Soundcore Liberty 4. With awesome sound quality, effective and adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, Spatial Audio with head tracking, and heart rate monitoring, these earbuds give you a lot of feature in a even smaller design.

soundcore by Anker Liberty 4, Noise Cancelling Earbuds, True Wireless Earbuds with ACAA 3.0, Dual Dynamic Drivers for Hi-Res Premium Sound, Spatial Audio with Dual Modes, All-New Heart Rate Sensor

★★★★☆

$129.99

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If you’re looking to save some cash, check the price and availability on last year’s Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro earbuds. They’re missing a few features (such as the heart rate monitor and Spatial Audio head tracking), but have awesome sound quality as well and adaptive Active Noise Cancellation.

Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro ANC Headphones Review

9.5/10 Read review

Amazon.com

$99.99 10 used from $55.00

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Price history

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Price history for Soundcore by Anker Liberty 3 Pro Noise Cancelling Earbuds, True Wireless Earbuds with ACAA 2.0, HearID ANC, Fusion Comfort, Hi-Res Audio Wireless, 6 Mics for Calls, 32H Playtime (Midnight Black)
Latest updates: $99.99 – September 27, 2023 $104.99 – September 16, 2023 $109.99 – September 15, 2023 $99.99 – September 13, 2023 $109.99 – September 7, 2023 $105.00 – August 30, 2023 $104.94 – August 23, 2023 $84.99 – August 16, 2023 Since: April 18, 2023	Highest Price: $109.99 – April 28, 2023 Lowest Price: $84.99 – April 18, 2023

Last Amazon price update was: October 6, 2023 1:20 pm

× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Best Soundcore Earbuds on a Budget

The Soundcore Life P3 give you a lot of features, including Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode at a reduced price tag. The sound quality might not be as good as Soundcore’s more expensive buds, but they still sound great and are fine for every day listening. These are typically the earbuds I grab when I mow the lawn.

Soundcore Life P3 Review

9.4/10 Read review

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$69.99

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Price history

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Price history for Soundcore by Anker Life P3 Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Thumping Bass, 6 Mics for Clear Calls, Multi Mode Noise Cancelling, 35H Playtime, Wireless Charging, Soundcore App, Customized Sound, Gaming Mode
Latest updates: $69.99 – September 20, 2023 $59.49 – September 13, 2023 $69.99 – August 24, 2023 $59.49 – August 16, 2023 $69.99 – June 28, 2023 $59.49 – June 20, 2023 $69.99 – May 30, 2023 $59.49 – May 24, 2023 Since: May 24, 2023	Highest Price: $69.99 – May 30, 2023 Lowest Price: $59.49 – May 24, 2023

Last Amazon price update was: October 10, 2023 7:01 am

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Best Soundcore Earbuds for Working Out

Whether you’re hitting the gym or going for a run, the soft ear hooks on the Soundcore Sport X10 earbuds keep them securely in place. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about them popping out in the middle of the street. The Sport X10 earbuds have Active Noise Cancellation if you need to tune out the sound of others at the gym.

Soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds Review

9.1/10 Read review

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$69.99 1 used from $67.31

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Price history

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Price history for Soundcore by Anker, Soundcore Sport X10 True Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 Workout Headphones, Rotatable Ear Hooks, Deep Bass, IPX7 Waterproof, Sweatproof, 32H Play, Fast Charge, Sport Earbuds, Gym, Running
Latest updates: $69.99 – October 6, 2023 $67.99 – October 4, 2023 $69.99 – September 20, 2023 $55.99 – September 14, 2023 $69.99 – August 24, 2023 $55.99 – August 16, 2023 $69.99 – June 15, 2023 $55.99 – June 9, 2023 Since: April 29, 2023	Highest Price: $69.99 – May 2, 2023 Lowest Price: $55.99 – April 29, 2023

Last Amazon price update was: October 6, 2023 3:27 am

× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The post Best Soundcore Earbuds for 2023 appeared first on Technically Well.

However, the Soundcore Liberty 4 cost about $100 less MSRP than the Apple AirPods Pro, so you can save some cash if you don’t need those features. See the comparison chart below for details.

The post Soundcore Liberty 4 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2 appeared first on Technically Well.

Mainly, the Liberty 4 adds head tracking to the spatial audio, as well as a heart rate sensor. Sound quality is slightly better, as well.

What’s different between the Liberty 4 vs Liberty Air 2 Pro?

The Liberty 4 adds Spatial Audio (with head tracking), multi-point connections, and a heart rate sensor. Sound quality also gets a boost from the Liberty Air 2 Pro.

Comparison Chart

The post Soundcore Liberty 4 vs Liberty 3 Pro vs Liberty Air 2 Pro appeared first on Technically Well.

For more information about the Space Q45, be sure to check out our full review of the Soundcore Space Q45 headphones.

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Soundcore Space Q45

$149.99

See our full review at: https://technicallywell.com/soundcore-space-q45/

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Headphones
Battery Life (hours) 50 Bluetooth Version 5.3 Charging Port USB-C Headphone Style Over the Ear Ideal for Noise Cancellation, Travel/Flying LDAC Support Yes Noise Cancellation Active Transparency Mode Yes Volume Controls On Cup
Specification
Model A3040011 Part Number A3040011 Warranty 18-month warranty Color Black Release Date 2022-08-25T00:00:01Z

soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones, Reduce…

$149.99

October 11, 2023 5:21 pm

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Liberty 3 Pro vs AirPods Pro Comparison Chart

Liberty 3 Pro vs AirPods Pro Pricing

Is the Liberty 3 Pro cheaper than the AirPods Pro? Which store has the best deal on the Liberty 3 Pro or AirPods Pro? Check out the chart below for the latest pricing.

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2 years ago

Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro

$169.99 $99.99 -41%

True wireless technology – no wires connecting the earpiecesBluetooth wireless connectionBuilt-in microphoneEarbuds

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Best deal at: Amazon.com

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2 years ago

Apple AirPods Pro

$249.00 $189.83 -24%

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Best deal at: Amazon.com

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Liberty 3 Pro vs Liberty 2 Pro Comparison Chart

Liberty 3 Pro vs Liberty 2 Pro Pricing

Is the Liberty 2 Pro cheaper than the Liberty 3 Pro? Check out the chart below for the latest pricing.

Soundcore by Anker Liberty 3 Pro Noise Cancelling Earbuds, True...

$99.99 $169.99 7 used from $55.00 7 new from $99.00

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Soundcore by Anker Liberty 2 Pro Upgraded Version True Wireless...

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TL/DR: The Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro have the best sound quality, but the Soundcore Life P3 have 3 new features: Gaming Mode, Find Earbud feature, and Superior Sleep (white noise generator). However, the Life P3 lack auto-pause (when removed) and Hear ID. The Life A2 NC do not have any of these features, but still feature long battery life and great Active Noise Cancellation

The post Soundcore Life P3 vs Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro vs Soundlife Life A2 NC appeared first on Technically Well.

While the Soundcore Life Q30 and Q35 are very similar, the Soundcore Life Q35 have the following new features:

• Auto-pause when the headphones are removed
• Sony LDAC technology for CD-like quality sound when used with a compatible phone

The post Soundcore Life Q35 vs Q30 vs Q20 appeared first on Technically Well.