Top Chromebook Apps for 2021

These apps will make your Chromebook even better

by
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Writer

Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.

our editorial process
Scott Orgera
Updated on June 14, 2021

Chromebooks don't necessarily provide the array of software found on macOS or Windows; however, their features can be expanded with apps for Chromebooks. Here are some of the best Chromebook apps, along with what we like (and don't like) about each one.

01
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Remote PC Access: Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop Chromebook app

Chrome Remote Desktop
What We Like

  • Allows cross-platform, secure access.

  • Works without logging in to the host.

  • Frequent updates.

What We Don't Like

  • Stability is sometimes shaky.

  • Slow or dropped connection sometimes.

  • No remote print feature.

A long-running favorite in the Web Store, Chrome Remote Desktop lets you access another computer using the Google browser. You can also share your screen with others and vice versa.

The app comes in handy for providing support to a colleague, friend, or relative, no matter if they're around the corner or halfway around the world. It's also helpful when you need to access your files from a remote location.

02
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Sign Documents Online: DocuSign

DocuSign Chromebook app
What We Like

  • Simplifies signing documents.

  • User-friendly.

  • Integrates with common HR tools.

What We Don't Like

  • Limited number of documents allowed.

  • Occasional lagging.

  • Limited support.

Now that electronic signatures are legally binding in most scenarios, you can sign and submit documents in seconds from your Chromebook. Integrated with Google Drive and Gmail, the DocuSign app lets you sign PDF documents instantly from within your email interface.

When it comes to configuring your documents for others to sign, you can specify where the recipient should sign, and then email it to the recipient, who can then sign the doc with a few clicks and send it back to you. Also, in the DocuSign dashboard, you can check to see if and when your document was signed.

03
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Listen to Music and Podcasts: Spotify

Spotify Chromebook app
What We Like

  • Create and store playlists.

  • Access Spotify's enhanced search engine.

  • Stream a variety of music.

  • Listen to podcasts.

What We Don't Like

  • Limitations and in-app ads in the free version.

  • Occasional issues on slower connections.

  • Can be buggy.

Spotify provides access to a music library containing millions of titles. This library is searchable by song, album, artist name, and genre. The app transforms your Chromebook into a collection of beats that no deejay can match with physical albums. Sing along to your favorites while discovering tunes that you never heard of before, or listen to one of the many podcasts on Spotify.

04
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Use One App to Chat: All-in-One Messenger

All-in-One Messenger Chromebook app
What We Like

  • Seamless and fast user experience.

  • Pin to the desktop.

  • Consolidate messengers.

What We Don't Like

  • May cause slowdowns on earlier Chromebooks.

  • Browser-specific.

  • No status update feature.

One of the more frustrating aspects of modern-day messaging is that it sometimes feels like everyone uses a different communication method. These different methods make it hard to avoid the clutter of multiple programs when you want to stay in touch with those in your circle.

All-in-One Messenger lets you access over two dozen chat and messenger services from a central location, including popular options like WhatsApp and some lesser-known alternatives. Installing this app provides the ability to reach virtually anyone from your Chromebook, no matter which service they use.

05
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Upload Media to the Cloud: Dropbox

Dropbox app on Windows 10

Dropbox
What We Like

  • Suitable alternative to Google Drive.

  • Generous amount of free space.

  • User-friendly.

What We Don't Like

  • Not actually an app, just a redirect to the website.

  • No integrated UI.

  • Occasional connectivity issues.

The Dropbox app provides access to a cloud-based repository for your photos, videos, and other file types through an intuitive interface that fits in on your Chromebook. You can access or store anything using the app and your free Dropbox account; the free account provides a significant amount of storage space before you have to pay a fee.

The app is also useful for sharing large files, or groups of smaller files, with other people.

06
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Take Pics and Add Effects: Webcam Toy

Webcam Toy Chromebook app
What We Like

  • Keyboard shortcuts allow for quick and easy control.

  • Works with a large number of images.

  • Numerous effects.

What We Don't Like

  • No integration with Instagram.

  • No video option.

  • Can only edit photos taken with Webcam Toy.

While this app is fun like its moniker suggests, Webcam Toy is also a powerful addition to your Chromebook's built-in camera. Snap groups of photos in a flash and choose from almost a hundred effects to apply to photos. You can also share to Facebook or Twitter with one click.

07
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Record, Edit, and Convert Videos: Clipchamp

Clipchamp app
What We Like

  • Supports numerous formats.

  • Records and edits.

  • No watermark.

What We Don't Like

  • Larger files can process slowly.

  • Occasionally crashes.

  • Compresses all files.

Sticking with the webcam theme, Clipchamp helps you record and edit videos like a professional. It also converts and compresses on the fly for quick and secure uploads to Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube.

The app can serve as a stand-alone converter for videos created by someone other than yourself and provides several editing features. Clipchamp supports over a dozen video formats, including MOV, AVI, MP4, DIVX, WMV, MPEG, and M4V.

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