The 11 Best Laptops You Can Buy Right Now

There are countless laptops out there on the market, and on top of that, everyone has different workloads and productivity levels. Read our short guide below to determine what you should look for when purchasing a laptop.

Operating System (OS): There are three popular laptop operating systems on the market: macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS. If you’re constantly moving files between your phone and laptop, it helps to pick an OS that works well with your cell phone. For example, iPhone users will have the smoothest experience with macOS, thanks to AirDrop and Apple’s ecosystem. ChromeOS pairs best with Android phones, especially Pixel devices. Windows, meanwhile, offers broad compatibility with both Android and iOS through third-party apps and built-in tools like Phone Link. However, the experience remains a bit clunky, even for Android-to-Windows data transfers. For iPhones, macOS still reigns supreme.

Processor (CPU): If you prefer Windows and have demanding workloads, I highly recommend getting a laptop with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip. This processor has been heralded for its impressive balance of power and energy efficiency. In other words, you’re getting great performance and battery life.

If you’re seeking a Windows laptop that can handle modest gaming (on top of your typical daily workload), consider a laptop with one of Intel’s latest CPUs. Look for the “Intel Core Ultra X7” or “Intel Core Ultra X9” prefix while checking a laptop’s processor specs—these newer chips come with upgraded integrated graphics that are noticeably better for light gaming and creative tasks. For example, the Dell XPS 14 on this list is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H.

If you have your sights set on a MacBook, I recommend getting one equipped with an M4 chip or newer. If you require envelope-pushing performance, make sure it has the word “Pro” or “Max” in it (e.g., 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip or 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip).

Graphics (GPU): The GPU is responsible for graphics and rendering. If you want to play more hardcore video games on your laptop, I highly recommend getting one with a standalone GPU. In other words, your average laptop comes with integrated graphics that borrow power from the main processor and are fine for everyday tasks, but a dedicated GPU has its own memory and horsepower. This makes a huge difference when it comes to gaming, video editing, and graphics-intensive workloads.

Look for gaming laptops from the likes of Asus, Alienware, Razer, MSI, and more that come with a discrete Nvidia GPU.

Memory (RAM): This is your computer’s short-term memory; it temporarily holds the apps and files you’re actively using. If you’re a power user who frequently juggles multiple programs simultaneously, I highly recommend that you get at least 16GB of RAM.

Portability: If you travel often and frequently hop on planes, anything bigger than 15 inches will be a bit of a nuisance. It won’t fit on your tray table and may be a bit too heavy for your personal bag. In this case, I recommend getting a 14-inch laptop or smaller that weighs three pounds or less. If you’re looking for a daily driver for your home office, a 15-inch laptop or larger is best. (Weight doesn’t matter much here since it will be sitting on a desk anyway.)

Storage: If you’re a content creator, you’ll want to aim for at least 1TB of storage. Trust me; photos, videos, and project files add up quickly. If you mostly download files here and there, or keep a moderate media library, 512GB is a solid middle ground. And if you don’t store much locally at all and rely heavily on cloud storage, you can get away with 256GB—but you’ll likely feel the squeeze sooner rather than later.

Longevity: If you’re investing in a laptop, you’ll want one that can survive real life (e.g., being tossed into backpacks, hauled through airports, and more). That’s where build quality comes into play. Some laptops (especially business models like ThinkPads) are tested against something called “MIL-STD 810H standards,” which means they’ve been stress-tested for drops, vibrations, temperature changes, and more. Translation: They’re built tougher than your average laptop. Also, pay attention to materials like aluminum and magnesium alloy. They tend to hold up better over time than plastic.