18 Best PWA Apps for Your Chromebook

For Google, Chromebook's most important apps are not Android apps, Linux apps, or even Chrome apps, it's PWAs (Progressive Web Apps). These are just websites but have app functionalities like dynamic webpages, animations, offline functionality, and push notifications. PWAs are easy to make, lightweight, and don't drain battery life. Developers love PWAs because they can create one app and upload it to multiple app stores without paying a cut to these stores.

Chromebooks and PWAs are a perfect duo, so here are the best PWA apps you need to install and take advantage of.

Media Players

1. Spotify

If you are an avid music listener and a Spotify subscriber, installing the Spotify PWA makes a lot of sense. The web version of Spotify is miles ahead of the Android app in terms of layout and loading speed.

Playing Spotify on PWA

Open Spotify.

2. YouTube Music

Just like Spotify, the YouTube Music Android app doesn't provide a great experience on Chromebook. The YouTube Music PWA, on the other hand, offers a more intuitive layout and supports additional keyboard functions like pausing with the spacebar.

Open YouTube Music.

3. Hulu

For video streaming services, websites are the best way to go on Chromebooks. While Netflix and Prime Video have their own apps, Hulu is the only service that provides a PWA version.

Open Hulu.

4. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming app, but it's only available in the US. The Android app lacks proper keyboard support, so the web version offers more flexibility. You can download the YouTube TV PWA directly from the Play Store.

Open YouTube TV.

Booking and E-commerce Apps

5. Uber

Booking apps like Uber have shifted to PWAs to save development costs and storage space. The Uber PWA is especially useful on your phone.

Open Uber.

6. Airbnb

If you prefer Airbnb over traditional hotels, you can book your accommodation right from the Airbnb PWA on your Chromebook.

Open Airbnb.

Social Media

7. Twitter

Twitter was one of the early adopters of PWA technology. You can download the Twitter PWA from the Play Store for a better user experience.

Open Twitter.

Twitter

8. Instagram

The Instagram PWA offers a better experience than the native Android app on Chromebook. It is lightweight, responsive, and opens faster.

Open Instagram.

9. Google Messages

Google Messages is one of the best messaging services, and it is available on the web. You can install the Google Messages PWA and chat with your friends from your Chromebook.

Open Google Messages.

10. Telegram

Telegram works on the desktop without your phone, and with its own PWA app, it becomes even more convenient.

Open Telegram.

Photo Editing & Drawing Apps

11. Photopea

Photopea is a web-based Photoshop replacement that looks and feels like Photoshop. You can install Photopea as your pro photo editing tool on your Chromebook.

Open Photopea.

Photopea

12. Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is the best drawing app available on Chromebooks. It supports PWA, so you can install it for all your drawing needs.

Open Gravit Designer.

Gravit Designer

13. PhotoStack

PhotoStack is an open-source app that helps you edit multiple photos at once. It may take some time to get used to the features, but once you do, it's a powerful tool.

Open PhotoStack.

PhotoStack

Productivity

14. Snapdrop

Snapdrop is a web-based file-sharing service that works across different devices and operating systems. You can easily share files between devices by opening Snapdrop on both devices.

Open Snapdrop.

Snapdrop

15. 5217

5217 is a Pomodoro technique timer app that helps you work for 52 minutes and take a break for 17 minutes. It's minimal and doesn't show running seconds to keep you focused.

Open 5217.

5217

16. The Weekr

The Weekr is a scheduling app that helps you create tasks and reminders. If you find Google Calendar overwhelming, give The Weekr a try. It's also available on Android and iOS.

Open The Weekr.

The Weekr

17. Google Maps

The Android app version of Google Maps is not as usable as the web version. By installing the Google Maps PWA, you can have a full-fledged app experience without the chrome bars.

Open Google Maps.

18. Redax Sounds

Redax Sounds is a PWA that allows you to play nature sounds for relaxation or concentration. It offers a wide range of sound options, from rain to piano.

Open Redax Sounds.

Redax Sounds

Chromebooks are designed to work seamlessly with websites, and Google is continuously improving their capabilities. PWAs, combined with Chromebooks, offer a versatile and efficient computing experience.