ASUS, also known as ASUSteK, is a Taiwanese computer hardware and consumer electronics manufacturer founded in 1989. It produces a wide range of products, including desktop computers, PC components, laptops, handheld gaming devices, smartphones, monitors, gaming peripherals, and more. Its laptop lineup ranges from affordable Chromebooks to high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations under well-known brands like ROG (Republic of Gamers), TUF, ProArt, Zenbook, and Vivobook. ASUS' high-end laptops typically have exceptional build quality, excellent performance, and unique designs, like a second capacitive display and customizable knob. Popular in the gaming world, the company is a regular sponsor of esports events and players.
We've tested over 185 laptops, and 25 of those are by ASUS. Below are our recommendations for the best ASUS laptops. Configurations vary by region, and the year in each pick's name identifies the version we tested; we also discuss newer versions to help you choose among the models on sale today.
Updates
- 09/23/2026ASUS Chromebook CX15 (2026) reviewed
- 12/05/2025ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) GZ302 reviewed
- 08/25/2025ASUS Zenbook DUO UX8406 14 (2025) reviewed
- 08/13/2025ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606 (2024) reviewed
- 06/09/2025ASUS Zenbook A14 UX3407 (2025) reviewed
Since 2021, we've tested dozens of laptops every year. We buy our laptops to avoid bias and, following a rigorous methodology, test nearly every part of the laptop so we can deliver results you can rely on. We use a wide range of equipment to perform our tests, including a colorimeter, a Mecmesin MultiTest-i System Test Stand, and various performance benchmarking suites.
Want to know more? Check out our How We Test Laptops article, where we give you a broader overview of our review process, from the moment we purchase the product to the final review.
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Best ASUS Laptop
SchoolGamingMultimediaWorkstationBusinessForm Factor:Size:16"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:Refresh Rate:HzSee all our test resultsCapacity:GBThe best ASUS laptop we've tested is the ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606 (2024). This premium 16-inch ultraportable is a great choice for general productivity, programming, and photo editing. Its thin, sturdy chassis, spacious keyboard, and large, responsive touchpad make it comfortable to use, though the keys feel a little mushy. The tested 2024 model is no longer widely available, so consider the newer 2026 UM5606GA model; it retains the slim metal design and similar keyboard and touchpad layout, so our review remains a useful guide to its ergonomics. It also keeps a sharp 2.8k 120Hz OLED display, with a higher advertised brightness, plus Wi-Fi 7, two USB4 ports, USB-A, HDMI, and an SD card reader.
For performance, the newer Ryzen AI 9 465 is a closely related 10-core refresh of the Ryzen AI 9 365 we tested, so we'd expect similarly strong productivity and CPU performance. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 offers more cores for heavier workloads, while the six-core Ryzen AI 7 445 is a lower-end option despite its newer name. This laptop only comes with integrated graphics, so this is a better choice for work than demanding gaming or 3D rendering. The 2026 model also has revised cooling and a larger 83Wh battery; our measured 10-hour light-use runtime applies to the tested 2024 unit. RAM remains soldered, so choose enough upfront. Look up the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) below if you're specifically looking for a gaming model, or at least one with more powerful GPU options.
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Best Upper Mid-Range ASUS Laptop
SchoolGamingMultimediaWorkstationBusinessForm Factor:Size:14"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:Refresh Rate:HzSee all our test resultsCapacity:GBOur best upper mid-range pick is the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024). This compact 14-inch ultraportable has a sturdy aluminum chassis, a spacious, tactile keyboard, a large touchpad, and a good 1080p webcam with facial recognition. The tested 2024 configuration is now hard to find, so look for the newer UX3405CA instead. They share chassis dimensions, basic input layout, and ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, making those findings useful when shopping current stock. Look for the 2.8k 120Hz OLED option for sharper text and smoother motion than the FHD+ 60Hz panel. Brightness, touch support, and the optional touchpad numpad vary by configuration.
The UX3405CA replaces the original Core Ultra 100H processors with Core Ultra 200H chips, up to the Core Ultra 9 285H, and adds Wi-Fi 7. Overall, expect ample performance for browsing, spreadsheets, programming, and lighter photo editing. Our older Core Ultra 5 unit already handles everyday work easily, but throttles during sustained workloads, so this thin design wouldn't be our first choice for long renders or demanding gaming.
You'll also find the 2026 AMD UM3406GA with Ryzen AI 400-series processors, which should be equally comfortable with everyday productivity. It has a similarly compact chassis but different connectivity, including one USB4 port instead of two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and it typically comes with an FHD+ 60Hz OLED. Check the exact screen and processor before buying, and choose at least 16GB of soldered RAM. Our eight-hour light-use battery result applies to the tested Intel unit, rather than either refresh.
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Best Mid-Range ASUS Laptop
GamingSchool & WorkMedia ConsumptionHeavy WorkloadBatteryBuild QualityGraphics PerformanceProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:14"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:NoRefresh Rate:60 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:16 GBThe ASUS Zenbook A14 UX3407 (2025) is our best mid-range ASUS laptop pick, especially in discounted Snapdragon X or X Plus configurations. Its lightweight chassis, comfortable keyboard, large touchpad, and 1080p webcam with facial recognition make it appealing for travel. Since the tested 2025 configuration is no longer widely available, consider the newer 2026 UX3407NA model. It keeps the sub-1kg design, FHD+ 60Hz OLED display, and useful selection of USB4, USB-A, and HDMI ports, so our older model remains a good guide to its portability and general user experience. The OLED's deep blacks and rich colors are a strength, but its resolution and refresh rate are a step down from the sharper 120Hz options on the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED above.
Our eight-core Snapdragon X unit is already fast enough for browsing, documents, and video playback. The 2026 model's 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite should offer substantially more CPU headroom for heavy multitasking and native ARM applications, although we haven't benchmarked that lower variant. Both generations run Windows on ARM, so check compatibility with your apps and peripherals, particularly specialized software and games. Our tested configuration lasted around 19 hours of light use; that result doesn't establish the newer model's runtime. Choose at least 16GB of RAM, since it isn't upgradeable. The X2 Elite refresh generally costs more, so the 2025 models still offer better value for basic work, if you can find them.
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Best Budget ASUS Laptop
SchoolGamingMultimediaWorkstationBusinessForm Factor:Size:16"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:Refresh Rate:HzSee all our test resultsCapacity:GBIf you want to save money, consider the ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023), our best budget ASUS laptop pick. Its reasonably sturdy chassis, spacious keyboard with a numpad, and large, responsive touchpad make it comfortable for everyday work. With the tested M1605YA configuration now hard to find, look for the newer M1605NAQ configuration instead. Both models share the same basic design, so our keyboard, touchpad, and general display findings remain useful for newer models. The main compromise on these units is their basic FHD+ 60Hz screen: colors look washed out, and the panel we tested is too dim for bright rooms.
The newer model's Ryzen 5 150 and Ryzen 7 170 should easily handle browsing, spreadsheets, and video calls, much like the Ryzen 5 7530U we tested. Integrated graphics still limit performance for demanding gaming and 3D workloads, but it switches to DDR5 memory and two USB-C ports, so check its specifications rather than relying on our older unit's RAM layout and connectivity. Our eight-hour light-use battery result applies to the tested M1605YA.
The redesigned 2026 Vivobook 16 M1607GA is another option if the price is close. Its Ryzen AI 7 445 should be ample for everyday work, and it offers a larger touchpad, a 1080p IR webcam, full-function USB-C ports, and display options up to 144Hz. Its different chassis, panel, and optional battery sizes mean our detailed measurements don't transfer directly, though.
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Best Cheap ASUS Laptop
General ProductivityMultimediaGamingWorkstationForm Factor:Size:15.6"Operating System:Chrome OSTouch Screen:Refresh Rate:HzSee all our test resultsCapacity:GBOur best cheap ASUS laptop pick is the ASUS Chromebook CX15 (2026). This 15.6-inch model is a practical option for basic tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, and watching videos. It runs ChromeOS, so make sure you can do your work through web apps or compatible Android apps rather than relying on Windows or macOS software. The full-size keyboard feels comfortable and includes a numpad, and the laptop stays cool and quiet. Connectivity is useful for the price, with two USB-C ports that support charging and video output, plus a USB-A and an HDMI.
There are compromises at this price. Our Intel N50 configuration with 4GB of RAM is limited when multitasking, and its battery may not last a full workday. The display looks washed out, the touchpad is small and occasionally misses movements near its edges, and the webcam produces a blurry image. Choose the 1080p IPS display over the TN option for wider viewing angles, and consider an 8GB configuration if you can find one at a reasonable price, since neither the RAM nor the eMMC storage is upgradeable.
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Best ASUS Gaming Laptop
General ProductivityMultimediaGamingWorkstationForm Factor:Size:14"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:Refresh Rate:HzSee all our test resultsCapacity:GBOur best ASUS gaming laptop pick is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024), thanks to its balance of performance and portability. Its sturdy aluminum chassis, comfortable keyboard, large touchpad, and sharp 2.8k 120Hz OLED display also make it a great everyday laptop. Since the tested RTX 4070 configuration is no longer widely available, consider a newer model. The 2025 GA403 refresh retains the basic design, while 2026 models keep the compact aluminum format and 120Hz OLED but add brighter panels. The Intel-based 2026 GU405 also changes the chassis and cooling, so our exact display, thermal, and battery measurements don't carry over.
Our 90W RTX 4070 unit delivers smooth 1080p and 1440p gaming. Newer options include the 2025 GA403 models up to an RTX 5080, the 2026 AMD GA403 with a Ryzen AI 9 465 and an RTX 5060, and the 2026 Intel GU405 with a Core Ultra 9 386H and an RTX 5070 Ti. RAM remains soldered. If shopping for the older 2024 model, the RTX 4070 appears to be out of stock at major retailers, making the RTX 4060 the more realistic option; it won't perform nearly as well as the 4070 (or the newer GPUs listed earlier), but it still outpaces integrated graphics quite handily.
For a larger, higher-power alternative, consider the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024); with the tested 2024 model now hard to find, consider the redesigned 2025 G615, which offers up to a 175W RTX 5080 and upgradeable RAM. The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) GZ302 is a portable tablet alternative with a 180Hz QHD+ touchscreen, though its detachable keyboard is less comfortable than the Zephyrus.
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Best Budget ASUS Gaming Laptop
SchoolGamingMultimediaWorkstationBusinessForm Factor:Size:16"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:Refresh Rate:HzSee all our test resultsCapacity:GBThe ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023) is our budget ASUS gaming pick when competitively priced, though this older FA617 model is becoming hard to find; consider the newer FA608 models instead. Our unit feels very sturdy and has a spacious, slightly mushy keyboard, a fast 165Hz FHD+ IPS display, and upgradeable RAM and storage. These are useful strengths to look for in the A16 line, but newer FA608 models have a different chassis, so we can't assume identical keyboard feel, screen quality, or cooling. The newer range still offers a 16-inch high-refresh display, HDMI, Ethernet, and room for two SSDs.
Our Ryzen 7 7735HS and Radeon RX 7600S configuration delivers smooth 1080p gaming, with higher resolutions depending on the game and settings. For a 2026 model, look at configurations with a Ryzen 7 260 or Ryzen 9 8940HX and NVIDIA RTX 50-series graphics, up to a 115W RTX 5070. The higher-end options should offer more performance headroom, particularly for ray tracing, while NVIDIA's DLSS upscaling can help in demanding games. Check the actual GPU and price, of course, as an expensive RTX 5070 configuration certainly won't be a budget buy. The 2026 models offer two RAM slots, but some earlier FA608 versions have soldered memory. Our nearly 13-hour light-use battery result applies specifically to the tested RX 7600S model; don't use it to predict the endurance of newer NVIDIA models.
Compared To Other Brands
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Wide product lineup.ASUS offers a wide range of product lineups, from ultraportables for general productivity to premium high-end gaming laptops.
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Good serviceability.
ASUS laptops generally offer good serviceability. Many models have user-replaceable storage, and some budget and gaming laptops also have upgradeable RAM. However, many ultraportables have soldered memory, so check the specific model before buying.
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Experiments with form factors and features.ASUS frequently experiments with new form factors and features like dual-screen laptops, touchpads with integrated numpads, and 2-in-1 gaming tablets.
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Inconsistent quality.
While high-end ASUS laptops tend to be well-built and of good value, the company's budget devices are typically more expensive or inferior to the competition from the likes of Acer and Lenovo.
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Warranty issues.
There have been many complaints online from users having difficulty getting their devices repaired under warranty. ASUS acknowledged problems with its repair and customer service processes in 2024 and has since announced service improvements in North America.
ASUS vs Dell
ASUS and Dell make a wide range of laptops at nearly every price point. ASUS' Zenbook and ROG laptop brands compete with Dell's premium lines like XPS and Alienware. While ASUS laptops tend to offer better value, Dell frequently offers large sales directly on their website. Both manufacturers provide similar build quality and user experiences, so the better choice depends on your needs and preferences. See our recommendations for the best Dell laptop.
ASUS vs HP
Despite some overlap in their product stacks, ASUS and HP are known for different kinds of laptops. ASUS offers a wider range of gaming laptops. However, they also make excellent productivity laptops from their Zenbook brand, while HP primarily offers a wide range of productivity-focused laptops with a small gaming lineup. See our recommendations for the best HP laptops.
ASUS vs Lenovo
ASUS and Lenovo offer similar products, ranging from affordable Chromebooks to premium laptops. While Lenovo is often recognized for the value of its budget and mid-range offerings, ASUS is better known for its high-end ROG and Zenbook lines. See our recommendations for the best Lenovo laptops.
ASUS vs Apple
ASUS and Apple are very different in what they offer. ASUS makes a wide range of laptops, including productivity and gaming models at various price points, whereas Apple only makes productivity laptops. Apple MacBooks are sturdier and more premium build-wise, and they usually provide a better user experience, with many aspects like the speakers and touchpad being the gold standard in the laptop industry. ASUS tends to experiment with new form factors and designs, but many of its new features feel incomplete, while Apple's designs and features tend to be more well-thought-out. See our recommendations for the best Apple laptops.
ASUS vs Acer
There's a fair amount of overlap between ASUS and Acer, as both companies produce Windows and ChromeOS laptops at various price points. However, ASUS generally has a wider range of offerings than Acer, and they're more well-known for their premium models like their Zenbook and ROG (Republic of Gamers) lines. ASUS also experiments more with newer form factors and features, like dual-screen laptops and gaming tablets. Acer's mid-range and budget models are usually of better value, providing a better user experience at the same price or less. See our recommendations for the best Acer laptops.
Like Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, ASUS makes a wide range of laptops. ASUS has a particularly broad gaming lineup and is more willing to experiment with new form factors or features. However, its business laptop lineup is smaller than those of Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
Lineup
ASUS has many laptop brands, including:
- Chromebook: cheap devices to meet general productivity and everyday needs.
- Vivobook: budget to mid-range thin and light laptops for productivity and media consumption.
- Zenbook: mid-range to high-end productivity laptops.
- BR series: rugged Windows laptop series designed for education contexts with basic hardware configurations.
- ExpertBook: business-oriented laptops with a wide range of formats and hardware configurations.
- ProArt: creator laptops and workstations aimed at color-critical work.
- TUF Gaming: cheap and budget gaming laptops.
- ROG: mid-range to premium gaming laptops.
Recent Updates
Nov 03, 2026:
We rewrote all our picks to provide more up-to-date buying guidance, with additional information on newer ASUS models and how they compare to the laptops we've tested.
Mar 25, 2025:
Minor text changes for clarity. Picks remain the same, as they're still valid and available.
Mar 03, 2025:
We've verified our recommendations are available and represent the best options.
Feb 07, 2025:
No change in recommendations, as all picks are still valid and available.
Jan 15, 2025:
All picks are still valid and available. No change in recommendations.
Conclusion
While ASUS' bread and butter are powerful gaming laptops, this manufacturer also makes everything from budget devices for everyday tasks like word processing and web browsing to premium ultraportables designed for intensive productivity tasks. Its high-end laptops from the Zenbook and ROG lineups tend to be feature-rich, offer exceptional performance, and have sleek designs. Many ASUS laptops have user-replaceable storage, and some budget and gaming models also have upgradeable RAM, although many ultraportables have soldered memory.
Unfortunately, its cheap Chromebooks aren't as solid, with battery life and build quality lagging behind the competition. Additionally, ASUS faced criticism over warranty claims in 2024 and has since announced changes to its repair and customer service processes. Despite this, ASUS laptops consistently offer great features and performance, making them a strong recommendation whether you need a budget device for general productivity or a high-end gaming laptop with the latest hardware.