Shopping for a laptop can be daunting. Over a dozen major manufacturers release new models every year. While some companies are more reputable for producing higher-quality products, even the best laptop brands sometimes release models with design flaws or too many compromises. Also, there are often complaints of poor quality control, inadequate after-sales customer support, and other issues associated with a particular manufacturer. As you may have guessed, there isn't really a best laptop brand; it depends entirely on your needs and preferences. That said, quite a few, like Apple, ASUS, Dell, and Microsoft, stand out.
We've bought and tested over 185 laptops, including models from over a dozen brands, and below are our recommendations for the best laptop brands. The order in which these brands appear in the article doesn't represent any ranking; they're listed alphabetically. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best laptops, the best business laptops, and the best gaming laptops.
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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Acer
General ProductivityMultimediaGamingWorkstationForm Factor:Size:14"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:Refresh Rate:HzSee all our test resultsCapacity:GBAcer, a Taiwanese company, was founded in 1976 as Multitech and later renamed Acer in 1987. Despite its long-term reputation for making affordable, budget laptops, the company currently has one of the widest selections of models, with multiple laptop lineups such as the productivity-focused Aspire and Swift, the gaming Nitro and Predator lines, the creation-focused ConceptD lineup, and more. Acer is also one of the biggest Chromebook manufacturers, producing popular models like the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024) and even gaming Chromebooks like the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024).
The best Acer laptop we've tested is the Acer Swift Go 14 (2024), a 14-inch ultraportable. Featuring Intel's Meteor Lake CPUs, this compact model can easily handle general productivity tasks like text processing and spreadsheets, as well as more demanding workloads like programming and light video editing. There are two display options: an FHD+ IPS and a 2.8k OLED panel; both look sharp and get bright enough to combat glare in most indoor settings. The keyboard feels spacious, albeit slightly mushy, and the touchpad is large and responsive. You get Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, a 1080p webcam, and a wide selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 and an HDMI port.
For a gaming laptop that can double as a work machine, consider the Acer Nitro V 16S AI (2025). This 16-inch model is relatively portable for its class at around 4.5 lbs (2.1 kg). Our Ryzen AI 7 350 and RTX 5060 configuration has enough power for gaming and demanding tasks like video editing, while its 180Hz FHD+ IPS display also provides good color accuracy for photo work. It lasts around 11 hours of light web browsing, so you can get through a workday away from an outlet. The keyboard gets hot under load, but that isn't entirely unexpected from a gaming laptop.
See our recommendations for the best Acer laptops.
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Apple
GamingSchool & WorkMedia ConsumptionHeavy WorkloadBatteryBuild QualityGraphics PerformanceProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:16"Operating System:macOSTouch Screen:NoRefresh Rate:120 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:36 GBApple is one of the most recognizable electronics companies in the world. Its products have become synonymous with exceptional build quality, and the company is well-known for its excellent customer support. Since 2020, Apple has been producing its own chips instead of relying on Intel, making MacBooks among the most powerful and power-efficient laptops on the market. Another advantage of MacBooks is their integration with other products in Apple's ecosystem, enabling features such as Continuity Camera, AirDrop, and Handoff.
The best Apple laptop we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5, 2026). This premium model has enough processing power to tackle the most demanding tasks, with M5 Pro and M5 Max chip options. It also provides one of the best user experiences you can get on any laptop, thanks to its sturdy all-aluminum build, gorgeous 120Hz Mini LED display, tactile keyboard, large haptic touchpad, and full-sounding speakers. You get Thunderbolt 5 connectivity and Wi-Fi 7, too. Battery life is just as amazing as previous Apple-silicon MacBooks, with our M5 Max configuration lasting over 16 hours of light web browsing. Just bear in mind that it's bulky and heavy, and it gets hot and loud under demanding workloads.
While the MacBook Pro 16 is an amazing device, Apple's most popular model is the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5, 2026). Thinner and fanless, this ultraportable is better suited for lighter workloads, like web browsing, text processing, and video playback. Its M5 SoC can also handle programming and light content creation, though its limited port selection and 60Hz Retina display are a step down from the Pro. For a lower-cost option, the Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 2026) brings Apple's sturdy aluminum build and sharp display to budget buyers. It's great for browsing, documents, and streaming, but its 8GB of non-upgradeable RAM and less-powerful A18 Pro chip make it a better fit for basic use than for heavy multitasking or creative work.
See our recommendations for the best Apple laptops for more.
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ASUS
SchoolGamingMultimediaWorkstationBusinessForm Factor:Size:16"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:Refresh Rate:HzSee all our test resultsCapacity:GBFounded in 1989 by four former Acer employees, ASUS, also known as ASUSTek, is one of the world's largest laptop manufacturers. It's also one of the best gaming laptop brands and a regular sponsor of esports events and players. ASUS makes a wide range of laptops, including ultraportables, mobile workstations, gaming laptops, and Chromebooks. It often experiments with new form factors and features, like the ASUS Zenbook DUO UX8406 14 (2025) dual-screen laptop, touchpads with an integrated numpad, a customizable dial (like the ASUS ProArt P16 H7606 (2024)), and 2-in-1 gaming tablets like the ASUS ROG Flow Z13.
The best ASUS laptop we've tested is the ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606 (2024), a sleek 16-inch ultraportable. It has a gorgeous OLED display with touch and pen input support, a comfortable keyboard, a large touchpad, and an excellent selection of ports, including two USB-Cs and an HDMI port. Its Zen 5 AMD Ryzen CPU performs well, easily handling general productivity tasks and more demanding workloads like photo editing and programming. You may need to buy the stylus separately if you want to use pen input, as it doesn't always come with the device. The tested 2024 model is no longer widely available, so also consider the newer 2026 refresh.
For gaming, we recommend the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024). Available with an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 CPU paired with an NVIDIA discrete GPU (up to an RTX 4070), this 14-inch model provides smooth gameplay at 1080p or 1440p. It has a beautiful 120Hz 2.8k OLED display with a fast response time, delivering a clear image in fast-moving scenes. The overall user experience is great; just bear in mind that the OLED display's 120Hz flicker may bother those sensitive to PWM flickering. The tested RTX 4070 model is now hard to find; newer 2026 G14 models offer RTX 50-series graphics.
See our recommendations for the best ASUS laptops.
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Dell
GamingSchool & WorkMedia ConsumptionHeavy WorkloadBatteryBuild QualityGraphics PerformanceProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:14"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:YesRefresh Rate:120 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:32 GBDell is an American company founded in 1984 and is one of the largest laptop manufacturers. The company also makes desktops, monitors, and a wide range of computer peripherals. In 2006, Dell acquired Alienware, which is now considered one of the best gaming laptop brands on the market. High-end Dell laptops often have unique designs that stand out among the crowd and generally provide a great user experience. A common criticism of Dell is its use of proprietary parts, which make repairs and upgrades challenging for the average user.
Our top Dell laptop pick is the Dell XPS 14 (2026). This premium 14-inch model feels incredibly well-built. It's available with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs and integrated graphics, making it well-suited to general productivity and lighter creative work. You can choose between an FHD+ IPS or a sharper 2.8k OLED touchscreen, both with a 120Hz refresh rate. The overall user experience is good, with a comfortable keyboard, responsive touchpad, and excellent 4k webcam. Our OLED configuration lasts around 11 hours of light use, though ports are limited to three USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s and a headphone jack. If you want something smaller and more affordable, check out the Dell XPS 13 (2026) as well.
If you're looking for a gaming laptop, get the Dell Alienware 18 Area-51 (2025) instead. Available with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 HX CPUs and NVIDIA 50-series GPUs, this 18-inch beast delivers incredibly smooth gameplay in highly demanding games. You get a 300Hz QHD+ IPS display with a fast response time. The main downside of this laptop is its sheer size, which makes it impractical for on-the-go use. For a more affordable option, consider the Dell Alienware 15 (2026), which has a 165Hz FHD+ display and GPUs up to an RTX 5060. It's better suited to 1080p gaming, and its washed-out colors and loud fans are the main compromises.
Dell briefly replaced names like XPS and Precision in its 2025 rebranding, but XPS returned in 2026, and Precision is returning under Dell Pro. You can see more information in our best Dell laptops article.
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HP
GamingSchool & WorkMedia ConsumptionHeavy WorkloadBatteryBuild QualityGraphics PerformanceProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:14"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:YesRefresh Rate:120 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:32 GBHP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American company founded in 1939. As one of the world's oldest tech companies, HP has produced a wide range of products, including calculators, digital cameras, personal digital assistants, scanners, printers, desktop computers, and laptops. It's currently among the top three laptop manufacturers by market share, releasing a multitude of productivity, content creation, and gaming laptops every year. In families like the HP OmniBook 3 14 (2025) and HP OmniBook 5 16 (2026), HP pairs similar chassis designs with a wide choice of Intel, AMD, or Snapdragon CPUs and memory capacities. That lets the same line span cheap machines for basic tasks and much pricier configurations for heavier multitasking.
Our top HP laptop pick is the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (2026), a premium clamshell ultraportable designed for general productivity. It has a nice OLED touchscreen, a comfortable keyboard, and a great 1440p webcam with facial recognition. You can choose between Snapdragon X2 and Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors; we recommend Intel for broader Windows software and peripheral compatibility. Our tested Snapdragon X2 Elite configuration with the 3k 120Hz OLED display lasts around 16 hours of light web browsing. Ports are limited to three USB-Cs and a headphone jack, with Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models.
We recommend the HP OMEN MAX 16 (2025) if you want an HP gaming laptop. This 16-inch model is available with powerful components, including Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPUs and NVIDIA 50-Series GPUs. You can choose among three displays; the top-end panel is a 240Hz QHD+ OLED, which is ideal for late-night gaming sessions in the dark. Aside from its deafening fans, its lattice-less keyboard might not be to everyone's taste, as the proximity of the keys might lead to more typos.
HP has replaced consumer laptop names like Pavilion, Envy, and Spectre with OmniBook, while keeping separate business, workstation, and Chromebook lines. Newer gaming laptops may carry the HyperX OMEN name. For more information, see our best HP laptops article.
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Lenovo
GamingSchool & WorkMedia ConsumptionHeavy WorkloadBatteryBuild QualityGraphics PerformanceProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:15.3"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:YesRefresh Rate:120 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:32 GBLenovo is a Chinese company and one of the largest laptop manufacturers in the world. Lenovo's current laptop lineup is vast and includes popular brands like IdeaPad, Legion, Yoga, and ThinkBook. The company is often at the forefront of new technology and experiments with unique form factors and features, such as laptops with an e-ink display on the lid, dual-screen laptops, and ultrawide laptops with a 21:9 display. Lenovo laptops are often among the best value models you can get, whether you're looking for a cheap Chromebook or a premium mobile workstation. A source of frustration with Lenovo is its tendency to give the same product multiple names, confusing the average consumer.
The best Lenovo laptop we've tested is the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition (2025). Available in 14- and 15-inch sizes, this ultraportable provides an amazing user experience so you can work comfortably. It has a stunning OLED display, a comfortable, tactile keyboard, and a large haptic touchpad. Our tested 15-inch model lasts around 15 hours in light use, allowing you to get through a typical workday with plenty of charge to spare. Its Intel Lunar Lake SoC can easily handle general productivity tasks. If you prefer a lighter design with a TrackPoint, consider the newer Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026); our IPS configuration lasted nearly 18 hours of web browsing.
If you need more CPU or GPU processing power for intensive workloads, such as 3D rendering or CAD, get the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (2024) instead, as it's configurable with faster Intel Meteor Lake CPUs and NVIDIA discrete GPUs. Even with so much processing power under the hood, this 16-inch model is relatively portable, and its battery lasts easily through a typical workday of light use. Fans of Lenovo's TrackPoint will be happy, as the iconic red nub is still there!
For more about the brand's laptops, check out our recommendations for the best Lenovo laptops.
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Microsoft
GamingSchool & WorkMedia ConsumptionHeavy WorkloadBatteryBuild QualityGraphics PerformanceProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:13.8"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:YesRefresh Rate:120 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:16 GBMicrosoft is well-known as the creator of the Windows operating system. Although it has made computer peripherals since the 1980s, its Surface line of personal computers is relatively young, with the first device released back in 2012. Microsoft has popularized the 2-in-1 tablet form factor with its Surface Pros, and it has also experimented with unique features such as the Surface Laptop's Alcantara-covered keyboard deck and the Surface Book's detachable display. Microsoft has a fairly small lineup, focusing almost solely on productivity and media consumption devices. Its laptops are usually well-built and provide a great user experience, but they're more expensive than similar models from other brands.
The best Microsoft laptop we've tested is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 8th Edition (2026). Available in 13.8- and 15-inch sizes, it has a sturdy aluminum chassis, a bright 120Hz IPS touchscreen, a comfortable keyboard, and a large haptic touchpad. You also get a 1080p webcam with facial recognition, Wi-Fi 7, and a useful selection of ports, including USB-A and two USB4 ports. Its ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus or X2 Elite chip handles general productivity well. Our tested 13.8-inch X2 Plus configuration lasts over 12 hours of light web browsing. That said, not all programs or peripherals will work properly on Windows on ARM, so check that the apps and accessories you use are compatible first.
Another Microsoft device worth mentioning is the Microsoft Surface Pro 13 12th Edition (2026). This tablet PC has a built-in kickstand and detachable keyboard, making it more versatile than a conventional laptop. It uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus or X2 Elite chips and offers 120Hz LCD or OLED displays. Our tested OLED X2 Elite configuration lasts over 11 hours of light web browsing. Unfortunately, the keyboard and stylus are still separate purchases, and they aren't exactly cheap, which makes this tablet PC very expensive overall.
Recent Updates
Nov 09, 2026:
We revamped this article with newer picks where appropriate. We also refreshed the text throughout for accuracy.
Nov 19, 2025:
We replaced the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) with the ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606 (2024) because the Zenbook 14 is hard to find. We replaced the Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2024) with the Dell Alienware 18 Area-51 (2025) because the Area-51 has newer and faster NVIDIA 50-Series GPUs. We also replaced the HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2024) with the HP OMEN Max 16 (2025) because the Max 16 has newer NVIDIA 50-Series GPUs. We removed the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 16 (2023) because it's no longer available.
May 13, 2025:
We've replaced the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (2024) with the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (2025) because the X9 is better suited for most people. Minor text changes to add information about the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4, 2025).
Mar 25, 2025:
Verified our recommendations are available and represent the best choices, and made small edits throughout the text for clarity.
Feb 05, 2025:
Replaced the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) with the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (2024) because the OmniBook is a newer model and easier to find.
Notable Mentions
- Framework: Framework is a relatively new laptop company. They make modular laptops that are easy to service and upgrade to reduce environmental waste. Their laptops also have a modular port system that lets you swap out the ports on the fly for whatever you want. In addition to ultraportables, the company makes modular gaming laptops and small form factor desktop PCs.
- LG: Although LG has been making electronics and appliances for some time, they only started making laptops in 2009. The most popular LG laptop lineup is the LG gram, which includes models well-known for their lightweight design.
- MSI: Like Acer, ASUS, Dell, and HP, MSI makes a wide range of laptops, including ultraportables, creator laptops, and gaming laptops. MSI laptops are often tuned to provide the best performance possible, even at the cost of high thermals and loud fans.
- Razer: Razer is an American-Singaporean company well-known for its PC gaming peripherals. They make productivity and gaming laptops, but their lineup is fairly small and only includes premium models.
- Samsung: Samsung is one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world. They mainly make productivity Windows laptops and Chromebooks. Like Apple, Samsung has built an ecosystem that allows various Samsung devices to work together.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best laptop brands and the best laptops available to buy for most people, in various price ranges, from the seven brands featured here.
If you prefer to make your own decision, here's the list of all of our laptop reviews, sorted by price from low to high. Most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it's best to see the full review for information about other variants.