While Chromebooks are pretty powerful tools, they obviously can’t hold their own next to a specialized computer. They’re general work machines designed for the office worker or the casual gamer. Whether for work or play, Chromebooks need some help when it comes to connectivity or functionality.  

So, here are the 5 best accessories for your Chromebook in 2021.

1. Vava 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

At the top of the list of best 2021 Chromebook accessories is the Vava 8-in-1 USBC-C hub.

If you’re in a workplace without desktops, you will definitely need a USB hub. Without it, you’re pretty much reliant on wireless tech which isn’t always very reliable. Chromebooks have their share of ports, but the Vava 8-in-1 USB-C Hub is something you shouldn’t leave home without.

This bad boy connects everything to your Chromebook with a single USB-C cable. It even has an HDMI port which supports a 60 Hz refresh rate on 4K monitors. Most other hubs on the market max out at about 30 Hz.

 Let’s get to the other ports now. You get 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C port for data transfers, 1 USB-C port for power delivery, and an SD card slot. The USB-C ports can also be used for audio in/out and power delivery up to 92 Watts.

It’s the best value for money USB hub out there. It’s a perfect companion piece to your Chromebook.  

2. Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam

Chromebooks and laptops in general are known for having bad webcams. However, with the Logitech C920S HD Pro, you can get the best picture at decent frame rates. It has a pretty great image output with natural looking colors, and crisp detail.

You get 1080p video output, as well as speedy autofocus. The C920S also offers great white balance so your caller won’t be blinded if the sun peeks through the clouds.

At lower than $100, you also get a lens cover, so you’ll be able to prevent hackers from watching you.  

It’s also pretty easy to set up, and nigh invisible atop your Chromebook. Its unobtrusive design and great features make it one of the best accessories for your Chromebook in 2021.

3. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

Microsoft’s been hitting it out of the park lately with its PC accessories. The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is no different. it’s less than $100, and offers a clean looking accessory with maximum functionality. It even has a wrist rest!

This is a great companion to your Chromebook and works best for both office and remote work settings. Its partially split design and 10-degree tent angle make it a great function-comfort combination. It also comes with a 5-dgree slope so that your hands are naturally leaning down.

You get a separate number pad that is detached from the main keyboard. This is to ensure that your hands are spaced perfect apart and not squeezed together. Plus, it also helps to maintain a good line of sight with your computer screen.

Finally, it has a wireless connection via a USB dongle so you can pair it to any Chromebook.

4. Logitech M720 Triathlon

Logitech generally makes the best, most affordable wireless mice in the world. Hence, it’s not surprising that their M720 Triathlon wireless mouse is on this list of the best 2021 Chromebook accessories.

At under $50, this mouse is a technical marvel. it’s comfortable with a lot of different hand sizes and offers a great grip. It features 6 different programmable buttons which spells heaven for any gamer or workhorse.

The kicker though, is that you can use the mouse to pair with 3 devices at once via bluetooth. You can also connect it to any device you want via a USB dongle. So, like any great gadget or product, it gives you the power of choice. With this variety of choices, you can configure the mouse to run with several devices and for several different functions.

The scroll wheel can switch between both ratcheted and smooth scrolling so you’ll have no problem at work. The one downside may be that it’s configured for right-handed mouse users. While that is the majority, it’s a big let-down for lefties out there.

Finally, it has a great battery life. A single AA battery inserted into the mouse should last for about 2 years according to Logitech themselves.  

5. Samsung Evo Select (128 GB)

The final entry on our list is the Samsung Evo Select 128 GB microSD card. While it doesn’t match the speed and consistency of the SanDisk Nintendo Switch microSD card, it wins because of availability. The online market is filled with SanDisk microSD card counterfeits and fakes. Even multiple reviews on Amazon say they’ve received fakes.

Hence, the Samsung Evo Select is your best bet. It’s cheap, reliable, and a great gadget for regular use. Its random write speeds are slower than a lot of the competition, but it redeems with its high sequential speeds. However, it’s faster by comparison when it comes to random reads.  

The Samsung Evo Select 128 GB microSD card is a Class 10, U3-rated card. It has been one of the best microSD cards you can get for years now.

So, if you want to use it for media storage, recording, and normal storage needs, this is right up your alley.

General Tips to Remember for 2021 Chromebook Accessories

• Buy the accessories you need, not the ones that get the best reviews. There can be a massive gulf between what you actually need for your Chromebook and what you have searched for.
  Perhaps that wireless gaming mouse really is the best on the market, but do you need it? Asking this question will help stay the impulse purchase.
• Don’t buy an accessory for a single event or function. If you’re thinking of buying accessories for a single event or function which isn’t essential to your work; don’t. Try to borrow the accessory from a friend or from a colleague, or search up a free workaround.
• Buy accessories which have longevity as well as power. Don’t buy accessories which have a horrible shelf life. You want to get your money’s worth, no matter what the purchase. You’re not purchasing a perishable item after all.
  All electronics should be expected to last at least a year. Read reviews about battery life, shelf-life, and durability even if every source gives the item in question a glowing recommendation.  
• Check if the electronics you’re buying are compatible with your OS and your machine. At times, compatibility issues can arise between a purchase and your Chromebook and you’re none the wiser. This can render that purchase completely useless. So, do your research about compatibility before you buy any gadget.  
• Try to find an accessory that fits your general aesthetic. If you have a lot of electronics already, try to find something in a color or design which matches them.
  This will give your collection an understated, but classy look. Of course, this isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s just something that looks much nicer than mismatched colors.

Using these tips, you’ll be able to pimp out your Chromebook with accessories for any task, no matter how demanding.