Chromebooks have been gaining more attention as lightweight, affordable laptops. While many still see them as simple machines for browsing or writing, the truth is that they can do a lot more. One area where people are often unsure is entertainment.
But Chromebooks now support a wide mix of entertainment options to help users see the advantages of using them for these tasks.
Gaming on a Chromebook
Gaming is probably the first thing people assume Chromebooks can’t do well. Compared to full gaming laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, even a model like the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, which was made with gaming in mind, doesn’t match up on power. But for the price, Chromebooks still hold their own in some areas.
Cloud gaming plays a big role here. Services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate let you stream games without needing strong hardware.
There’s also support for Android games like Monument Valley and Shadowgun: Deadzone, which run smoothly through the Play Store. If the specs are right, you can even install Steam on some models.
This range of access doesn’t stop at mainstream titles. The same logic applies to other game categories too, such as casino gaming, which has lately picked up in speed and advancements.
Apps from companies such as casino 32Red are built to run on Android and work just as well on Chromebooks. That means users who are interested in those types of games can expect solid app performance, just like with other supported gaming formats.
Watching TV and Movies
Video streaming is an area where Chromebooks perform reliably. Once Android app support was added, major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Tubi became accessible without workarounds.
Tubi, in particular, stands out since it works well even on basic hardware. It offers a large content library and loads quickly, which is helpful when using lower-end models. Not everyone streams all the time, though. Some people prefer to watch saved files.
VLC media player has been a go-to app for this, and it works just as well on ChromeOS. It supports a wide list of file formats and doesn’t need a lot of system resources. Whether you’re watching through a streaming app or from local files, Chromebooks have enough to get the job done without frustration.
Using Apps for Music and Communication
Apps for music and chatting are easy to use on a Chromebook. Music platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music run well through the browser or as Android apps. You can listen, make playlists, and stream without much lag or delay.
Discord is another app that’s been tested often on ChromeOS. Though it started as a gaming chat tool, it now supports a wide range of uses, from voice calls and group chats to streaming and sharing media. Many users install it early on when setting up their Chromebook.
It handles multiple servers and voice channels without problems, even on entry-level models. Because it’s lightweight and stable, Discord has become a regular part of the setup for people who want to stay in touch while using their device for entertainment.
Live Streaming and Media Production
Chromebooks can also support people who want to stream content, not just watch it. While they aren’t built for high-end editing, they can handle browser-based streaming tools.
Apps like Talk Studio and Streamyard let users go live on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch with just a few steps. These tools don’t require extra downloads and don’t push the system too hard.
Talk Studio, for instance, is set up to run directly from the browser. It supports live guests, low CPU usage, and steady streaming, starting at $9 per month. Streamyard works in a similar way, with both free and paid options depending on the user’s needs.
Restream is another option that allows broadcasting to over 30 platforms. It works well but is priced higher than the others.
Tools that need GPU support, such as Twitch Studio, don’t run well on Chromebooks. But browser-based tools are a good fit.
YouTube Studio can work too, though it has fewer features compared to paid services. Overall, these tools make it possible to stream from a Chromebook as long as the platform is browser-friendly.