Work, play or something else entirely: having the best laptop for your needs makes it easier to get what needs to be done, done. And if it’s a new notebook you need, you’ve found the right round-up: we’ve tested the top laptops for every task and budget, and highlighted our favourites right here.
From MacBooks to Chromebooks, hybrids to gaming powerhouses, you’ll find a wide range of laptops in our list below. We’ve tested and scored each model to help you find your ideal option. And we’ve detailed the key specs for every entry, in case you’re keen to crunch some numbers yourself.
What is the best laptop?
We think the Apple MacBook Air M2 (buy now) is the best laptop for most people. This streamlined machine comes with a revamped design and top-spec Apple silicon – setting a new bar for performance and delivering more than enough power for most users. Yes, it’s on the expensive side, but the build quality, power, and long battery life make it worth the high price, in our eyes.
Other laptop recommendations
Before we dive into our detailed list, here’s a shortcut to our top three options:
The best laptops you can buy today:
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2)
Apple MacBook Air (M2) specsScreen13.6in Retina 2560×1664 with P3 and True ToneProcessorApple M2RAM8GB/16GB/24GBStorage256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB SSDOSmacOS MontereyConnectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5mm headphone; 2×Thunderbolt 3 (USB 4); MagSafeDimensions30.41×21.5×1.13cm; 1.24kg
With a top-tier processor inside, Apple’s M2-powered MacBook Air sets a new benchmark for portable performance. In a full redesign, it swaps the classic wedge shape in favour of a flat chassis. Slender bezels around the 13in screen giving it a neat look, while a notch increases display space by wrapping toolbars around the webcam – which remains disappointing for video calls. Brightness and audio quality have both been usefully boosted.
Its fanless design can throttle performance under sustained demand, but very few users will require more raw power than the Air can offer. For the vast majority of tasks, speed is superlative. That’s matched by impressive battery life – up to 18 hours – and the welcome return of MagSafe charging.
Its increased price puts the M2 Air firmly out of the mid-range bracket. But unless you’ve got very specific performance requirements, this is the best MacBook – and laptop – for most people.
2. Apple MacBook Pro 16in (M2 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 16in (M2 Pro) specsScreen16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR 3456×2234 with P3, True Tone and ProMotionProcessorApple M2 Pro or M2 MaxRAM16GB/32GB configurable to 64GB/96GB if you have M2 MaxStorage512GB/1TB SSD configurable up to 8TBOSmacOS VenturaConnectivity802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.3; 3.5mm headphone; 3x Thunderbolt 4; MagSafe 3; HDMI; SDXCDimensions35.6 x 24.8 x 1.7cm; 2.16kg
Heftier than its 13in predecessor, the redesigned MacBook Pro 16in means business. And thanks to Apple’s 2023 M2 Pro or Max chip, it has power in spades. This could be said of the 2021 M1 versions of either, too. The boosted multi-core performance and GPU grunt puts it leagues ahead of competitors. Its performance ceiling is higher than most people will ever need. But for those with serious tasks to churn through, the Pro has the chops to conquer the lot.
With menu bars spanning the notch at the top of the screen, you get a full 16:10 display area below. The mini-LED panel is simply gorgeous, with rich blacks, vivid colour and brightness that hits up to 1600 nits. And that’s all complemented by a punchy six-speaker system.
Yes, it’s overkill if you don’t need its power and ports. But if you work in a field that can take advantage of its skills you won’t be disappointed. Even if you simply want the best laptop in its class.
3. Dell XPS 13 (9310)
Dell XPS 13 (9310) specsScreen13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-GlareProcessor11th Generation Intel Core i7RAM16GBStorage512GB SSDOSWindows 11ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Thunderbolt 4 x2, 3.5mm Headphone; microSD card readerDimensions19.87 x 29.57 x 1.48 cm; 1.2kg
Want solid performance, a stunning display and a streamlined form factor perfect for travel? Looks no further. Dell’s XPS 13 is one of the best ultraportable laptop options. Slim at 1.48mm and light at 1.27kg, the whole package feels well-built and perfect for a backpack.
Spec it with an OLED screen and you’ll sacrifice some battery life. But your reward is immersive colour depth and impressive detail from the 13.4in panel. Slender bezels contribute to a premium look, even if the 720p webcam could be better. We wouldn’t mind a few extra inputs, either: the XPS 13 is equipped with just two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Still, there’s plenty in the XPS 13’s tank to tackle daily demands. Performance varies based on which boxes you tick, but 11th-gen Intel silicon means it’s speedy in pretty much any setup. You’ll only find signs of weakness if you throw taxing 3D visuals at its hardware.
4. Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED
Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED specsScreen14.5in, 2880×1800 OLED w/ 120Hz, HDRProcessorIntel Core i9-13900HRAM32GBStorage2GB SSDGraphicsNvidia GeForce RTX 4070OSWindows 11ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E(802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; Thunderbolt 4; USB-C; USB 3.2 Type-A; SD card reader; HDMI; 3.5mm headphone portDimensions32.18×22.33×1.79 cm; 1.6kg
Unlike the rather niche Zenbook Pro Duo, this laptop is a lot more traditional – but doesn’t skimp on power. It’s designed for creative types (the Pro in the name being rather appropriate), with the Studio version of Nvidia’s 4000-series mobile graphics chips and some of the fastest Intel internals money can buy. It’ll play nicely with industry-standard software. And then happily play games at high settings once you clock off for the day.
It’s not especially quiet when you do so, and battery life will take a thrashing. But that’s what headphones and power brick are for. Otherwise, the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED is a wonderfully compact and transportable machine, with plenty of ports and a simply gorgeous 14.5in OLED panel. The 2880×1800 resolution is super sharp for both work and play, with a 120Hz refresh rate ensuring smooth scrolling.
There’s no denying it’s a pricey system, but Asus has managed to undercut the equivalent MacBook Pro – which isn’t as adept at gaming, and misses out on OLED display tech. If you’re all in on Windows over macOS, it’s a fantastic machine.
5. LG Gram 16
LG Gram 16 specsScreen16in, 2560 x 1600 IPSProcessorIntel Core i7-1165G7 quad-core, 2.8GHzRAM16GBStorage1TBGraphicsIntel Iris XeOSWindows 11Connectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5mm headphone; 2 x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C; 2 x USB-A; 1 x microSDDimensions356 x 243 x 17mm; 1.19kg
Remarkably light at 1.19kg, LG’s Gram 16 combines a sizeable screen with a streamlined chassis to deliver a fantastic laptop for everyday duties. Its big, bold 16:10 display is ideal for documents and website, as is the sterling battery life: at up to 21 hours, this is a notebook that goes and goes.
You don’t get heaps of bells and whistles, but the important features are all present and correct. That includes a responsive set of keys, reasonable speakers, a fingerprint sensor, and comprehensive connectivity options, including a 3.5mm headphone port and HDMI out. Quality is middling from the 720p webcam, mind.
Outright performance won’t win any benchmarking battles, and intensive tasks will be better handled by beefier rivals. But for a long day of getting things done, the Gram 16 can deliver without a stutter. Speeds are reigned in for thermal efficiency, which helps it run cool and quiet.
6. Huawei Matebook X Pro
LG Gram 16 specsScreen14.2in, 3120×2080 LCD w/ 3:2 aspect ratio, 90Hz refresh rateProcessorIntel Core i7-1260p 12-coreRAM16GB RAMStorage512GB NVMe SSDGraphicsIntel Iris Xe integratedOperating systemWindows 11Connectivity2x Thunderbolt 4; 2x USB-C; 3.5mm headphone portDimensions310x221x15.5mm; 1.26kg
From its aluminium finish to its solid performance, Huawei’s MacBook alternative gives a convincing impression of its Apple rival. Yet where some laptops might only fit a 13in screen, slim bezels mean the Matebook X Pro can fit a 14.2in number with a webcam. Which is even more impressive when you consider that it’s just 15.5mm thin and 1.38kg light.
It might not match an OLED for outright punch, but the Matebook X Pro’s LCD is no cut-price panel: viewing angles are excellent, brightness decent and resolution detailed. Colour accuracy is also stellar, which makes it a win for watching and creating.
Thanks to a 12-core CPU, the Matebook X Pro can blast through tasks. It doesn’t have a dedicated GPU for demanding graphics, and battery life remains a sore spot. But if you want a productivity workhorse, it flies high – especially with a tap-happy keyboard and large, frictionless touchpad.
7. Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i Gen 7
Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i Gen 7 specsScreen14in, 2880×1800 OLEDProcessorIntel Core i7-1280pRAM16GBStorage512GB/1TBGraphicsIntel Iris XeOSWindows 11Connectivity3x USB 4/Thunderbolt; 3.5mm headphone portDimensions315x214x15mm; 1.39kg
Lenovo’s known for business laptops, but this attractive ultraportable takes styling cues from the smartphone world: it’s all rounded edges, skinny bezels and polished aluminium. Its dimensions match many 13in machines, including the 1.4kg weight, while giving an extra inch of display real estate.
And what a screen it is. Image quality is epic, with perfect blacks, exceptional contrast and vibrant colours from the 14in OLED. 4K is an option, but the 2K version has higher 90Hz refresh rates for stutter-free scrolling. Whichever you spec, the lid can fold all the way back to flat.
With a 12th-gen Intel i7 CPU paired with 16GB of RAM, the Yoga Slim 9i doesn’t want for performance. If anything, it could drop down a peg and extend battery life beyond the six hours we averaged. That said, its extra cores deal snappily with demanding apps, even if the fans have to fire up.
8. Alienware X14
Alienware X14 specsScreen14in, 1920×1080 IPS LCDProcessorIntel Core i7-12700H hexa-coreRAM16GBStorage1TBGraphicsNvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6GBOSWindows 11Connectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm headphone, 2 x Thunderbolt/USB-C/power delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x microSDDimensions322x263x14.5mm, 1.79kg
Alienware is associated with beefy gaming rigs, but the brand’s first compact notebook is the polar opposite. It’s the slimmest 14in gaming laptop you can buy at 14.5mm, and among the lightest at 1.79kg. Yet it still delivers solid mainstream performance, courtesy of Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics and 12th-gen Intel silicon.
Its size does come with some compromises. The Razer Blade 14 betters it on everyday battery life, and the speakers are disappointing. Some will also balk at its 1080p resolution. But 144Hz refresh rates guarantee smooth playback, while brightness and contrast are high enough for good visibility and a punchy picture.
You can play every big-name game without major limitations, plus its i7 chip is speedy for desktop tasks. Its keyboard is fast and crisp, too. While pricier rivals offer more outright power and battery life, the X14 delivers where it matters – and does so in properly portable form.
9. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 specsScreen12.4in 1536×1024 touchscreenProcessor11th-gen Intel Core i5RAM4/8GBStorage128/256GB SSDOSWindows 11ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 3.5mm, USB-A, USB-C, Surface ConnectDimensions278x206x15.7mm, 1.13kg
Offering the appeal of Microsoft’s premium laptops at a more palatable price, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a highly portable tool that’s perfect for students. Aluminium replaces the magnesium seen on other Surface models, but the feel and finish here is still satisfying. And the whole package weighs just 1.13kg.
Its 12.4in PixelSense display uses a 3:2 aspect ratio that’s ideal for working on documents. Brightness is decent at 400 nits, even if colour and contrast are slightly below average, while the glass touchscreen eclipses alternatives in the mid-range price bracket.
All versions ship with 11th-gen i5 silicon. Paired with 8GB of RAM, you’ll face no hitches in everyday performance, with little to set the Go 2 apart from more expensive models. We averaged seven hours of battery life in testing, although enabling Battery Saver boosted turned this up to 11. All that’s really missing is a keyboard backlight.
10. Dell XPS 13 Plus
Dell XPS 13 Plus specsScreen13.4in, 3840×2400 touchscreenProcessorIntel Core i7-1260p 12-coreRAM32GBStorage1TB NVMe SSDGraphicsIntel Iris XeOSWindows 11Connectivity2x Thunderbolt/USB-3, Wi-Fi, BluetoothDimensions295x199x15.3mm, 1.23kg
Dell’s XPS 13 (above) was already our favourite Windows laptop. The Plus builds on everything we love about the standard edition, packing a beefier CPU, invisible touchpad, flush keyboard and capacitive shortcuts. Like the XPS 13, its aluminium shell is svelte and light. Open it up and Dell’s minimalist turn is immediately obvious, with a look bordering on sci-fi.
A 3.5K OLED tops the spec sheet, but the 2K LCD touchscreen option still delivers glorious detail and decent contrast, even if 60Hz refresh rates aren’t the fastest around. What is speedy is the 12-core Intel i7 chip inside: paired with a generous 32GB of RAM, it delivers excellent day-to-day performance.
There’s no dedicated GPU and battery life averages around five hours away from the mains. Connectivity is also more limited than we’d like. But if you’ve always fancied the XPS 13 with pared-back flair, the Plus is worth a look.
What to look for when buying the best laptop
Buying the best laptop can be a daunting task, but fear not – Stuff’s laptop experts are here to help you make the right decision. Rather than spending hours comparing specs and features, the best way to choose a new machine is to ask yourself two questions.
The first is: “What do I want to do with it?” And the second, just as important, is: “What might I want to do with it a year from now?”
If you’re only going to use a laptop for general web browsing, online shopping and staying up-to-date on social media, you don’t need a state-of-the-art ultra-portable piece of precision engineering. And conversely, if you fancy having a go at video editing then a really cheap option isn’t going to do the job.
Thinking long-term is a good idea because laptops are not designed to be opened and upgraded – so opting for a cheap laptop with very small storage means you might have to shell out for an external drive or external monitor when you need an upgrade.
It’s always worth remembering if the perfect laptop is just a little bit too expensive, you can pick up older models for considerably less money. Many manufacturers’ refurbished laptops are available on eBay in near-perfect condition for very low prices.
If you’re specifically in the market for something that strikes a good balance between price and performance, check out our dedicated list of the best mid-range laptops. Or if it’s a notebook bargain you’re after, be sure to peruse our pick of the best cheap laptops for every user and budget. Finally, if you’re looking for the most powerful, high-end laptops, find them in our guide to the best premium laptops.
When it comes to laptop ecosystems you’ve essentially got three options:
Apple MacBooks work seamlessly with other Apple devices, plus services such as Apple Music, iCloud Drive and Apple TV+. Because Apple creates the hardware, the software (macOS) and the processors, these machines deliver excellent refinement and integration.
Windows 11 laptops are perfect for business users and gamers too: with a huge variety of options, from cheap and cheerful PCs to powerful workstations.
Finally, you have Chromebooks that run Chrome OS. This is Google’s lean and speedy operating system based on the web browser. These are designed to be used with cloud-based apps such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, YouTube, etc.
Of course, it’s also worth considering a tablet. Many of the best tablets, such as Apple’s iPads and Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, can become very laptop-like with the addition of the right keyboard. For more help making this decision you can read Stuff’s Laptop or tablet: which is best for you?
