Does ChromeOS Flex work without the internet?

Yes, for some prepared tasks—but ChromeOS Flex is at its best when connected. You can work with local files and make selected Google Drive documents available offline. Websites and many web applications still need the internet because, regrettably, “the web” remains rather attached to it.

What can work offline?

Files already stored in the Downloads folder or on compatible external storage.
Selected Google Docs, Sheets and Slides files prepared for offline use.
Basic viewing and editing of supported photographs, PDFs and media files.
Gmail messages prepared through Gmail’s offline feature.
Some browser applications specifically designed for offline use.

Changes to supported Google files and queued Gmail messages normally synchronise when the computer reconnects.

What usually will not work?

Normal websites, streaming, online banking, cloud files not made available offline and browser applications that depend on a live service will not function properly. Google notes that some services and file types—including Google Forms—are not available offline.

ChromeOS Flex also differs from a Chromebook: it does not provide the usual Google Play Android-app experience, so advice relying on downloading an Android application may not apply.

Preparation is the important word

While connected, open Google Drive settings and enable offline access, then mark the files or folders you need as available offline. Allow them time to synchronise. Finally, turn off Wi-Fi and test the actual documents before relying on them.

Do not assume that “recently opened” means safely stored offline. Look for the offline-availability indicator and test it. If local storage runs short, offline availability may also be affected.

What about Microsoft Office?

Microsoft 365 in the browser normally depends on an internet connection. If regular offline Office work is essential, ChromeOS Flex may be the wrong fit. Zorin OS with a compatible local office application—or supported Windows hardware—may be more practical.

Is it suitable with unreliable broadband?

For occasional outages, careful offline preparation may be enough. For a home with routinely poor connectivity, or a person who needs every document and application at all times, a web-first system can become frustrating. A simple computer should reduce fuss, not introduce a daily treasure hunt for whichever file happened to synchronise.

My practical answer

ChromeOS Flex is not useless offline, but I would not sell it as a fully offline computer. List the tasks that must work without internet, test each one and choose the operating system around that reality.

Google explains the available options in its offline-use guidance.