World’s Best Laptop Brands

You’ll find the best laptops for you, from ultraportables to powerful editing machines.

There are a variety of brands, features, and prices that will make up the best laptop of 2023. In this section, you’ll find the rest of the best laptops, including Windows 10 business notebooks, gaming laptops, Chromebooks, laptops for school, and 2-in-1 convertibles.

We recommend the MacBook Air as the best laptop of 2023. This device does just about everything right. It’s not perfect, but there are no major flaws. Whether you’re looking for productivity, browsing, or even gaming, this is a great choice.

In today’s market, buying a best laptop has become harder, but what sets them apart from good laptops is how well they combine power, efficiency, portability, and comfort. Top laptops should have a great keyboard and trackpad – that’s why you’d choose them over smartphones and tablets. There shouldn’t be jagged edges or visible pixels on its display, and its display should be bright and easy to see. In most cases, it should be able to handle anything short of intense video editing and advanced gaming. The device should be portable and should last all day without needing to be plugged in.

Our other top picks for laptops, Chromebooks, and 2-in-1s include the Asus ROG Zephyrus G15, the MacBook Pro 16, and the HP Spectre x360 14. Here are our picks for the best laptops, or if you want a powerful laptop that doesn’t compromise portability, check out our best gaming laptops picks.

Best Laptops 2023

1- Apple MacBook Air (M2)

The best laptop of 2023

Apple’s latest MacBook Air with its powerful M2 processor is the most popular laptop available today.

Base model features 8GB of memory, 256GB of storage, an 8-core CPU, and an 8-core GPU for $1,199. Our recommendation for most people is to get a model with 512GB of storage, which will allow you to keep using the laptop for longer.

There is no wedge-shaped design on the Air, but it retains many of its excellent features from years past, including MagSafe charging, Touch ID, and the scissor-switch keyboard. It also adds a 1080p webcam and two new colors.

M2 isn’t as fast or powerful as M1 Pro or M1 Max in larger (and more expensive) MacBook Pro models, but it’s still mighty fast. We tested it and found that it handled intense office workloads with little to no heat or slowdown. Despite its thin and light design, this device delivers a combination of power and portability that is hard to find in many other computers. 

During our rundown testing, the M2 Air’s battery life wasn’t quite as good as the 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook, but most people should be able to use it for a full day.

Apple continues to sell the M1 MacBook Air, which was released in 2020. Alternatively, you may want to consider the M1 model, which is listed below, if the M2 MacBook Air is beyond your budget.

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2- MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch)

The best Macbook for creators

Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro is its most powerful laptop to date. You’ll most likely be satisfied with this machine as long as you’re willing to pay what it costs (and it’s a steep price).

We tested the MacBook Pro 16 in our benchmark tests, which included encoding, playback, and export times — and it outperformed all other laptops in some of our tests. Only high-end desktop computers have come close to matching this thing in some of our tests. Battery life is also record-breaking. In my testing, the 16-inch version with the M1 Pro processor lasted 16 hours – the longest-lasting laptop we’ve ever reviewed. We got through a workday with the M1 Max configuration, which doesn’t last quite as long.

Other than that, we have no complaints about the new MacBook Pro. The display is beautiful and can reach 1,000 nits when playing HDR content. In addition, it has some of the best speakers we have ever heard from a laptop. Additionally, the Pro models can output to multiple external displays, while the Air can only output to one.

When you’re not at work, the MacBook Pro 16 makes an excellent multimedia device for watching movies, playing games, and watching TV.

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14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro (2021)

The new MacBook Pro 14-inch comes with either an M1 Pro or M1 Max CPU, as well as 64GB of unified memory.

If you’re a creative professional looking for something more compact or don’t have the budget for a MacBook Pro 16, the 14-inch MacBook Pro might be better for you. It’s smaller, lighter, and cheaper than its 16-inch counterpart, but it’s got the same blazing processor and stellar screen as its counterpart.

Benchmark results didn’t vary much between the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBooks with the same processor – the 14-incher actually outperformed the 16-inchers in some tests. Apart from their sizes, battery life is the most significant difference between these devices. A 16-inch chassis allows for a much bigger battery, and the 16-inch M1 Pro model in our testing lasted several hours longer than the 14-inch M1 Pro model.

3- MacBook Air (M1)

Best cheap laptop

MacBook Air has a stellar processor and is a competent, reliable device.

In the event you want a lightweight MacBook but you can’t afford the Air, Apple is continuing to sell 2020’s M1 MacBook Air for a much lower price. It starts at $999 for the base model, which includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. 

A 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 screen, Touch ID, 720p webcam, fingerprint sensor, and scissor-switch keyboard are all included with the older Air. 

Even though it is not quite as fast as the M2, the M1 is still very fast. Our testing found that it handled intense photo- and video-editing tasks better than almost any Intel-powered thin-and-light laptop we’ve been using this year. The integrated graphics card was also able to run Shadow of the Tomb Raider at close-to-playable frame rates.

It has a slightly shorter battery life than the M2, but it’s very close. Eight to ten hours of sustained work were completed. 

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4- HP Spectre x360 14

The best Windows laptop

The HP Spectre x360 14 is the best 2-in-1 laptop of 2023. I can’t think of a single complaint about the Spectre x360 14. The machine looks and feels premium, with a sturdy build. 

It’s not just pretty to look at: it’s also pleasant to use each day as a work laptop. We observed no slowdown or freezes with Intel’s latest 11th Gen processors and Iris Xe integrated graphics. In addition, we were able to get 10 hours of battery life from the device – one of the best results we’ve ever seen. 

If FHD resolution isn’t your thing, there’s an OLED option and a 1,000-nit option available as well. There is even a stylus included, which attaches magnetically to the side of the Spectre – handy if you use the device as a tablet. This laptop rivals or exceeds the best convertibles in almost every aspect, from its comfortable keyboard to its bass-heavy audio to its practical port selection. 

A product with such an exceptional set of features doesn’t come cheap, and many customers will be able to find everything they need in a less expensive product instead. However, the Spectre x360 14 is the new gold standard of Windows convertibles. There is no doubt that it is the best Windows laptop available.

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5- Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

The best gaming laptop

Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is one of the best gaming laptops available today. You can’t beat the performance for the price.

Zephyrus G15 is one of the lightest 15-inch gaming laptops on the market, weighing just over four pounds. You don’t have to sacrifice performance for portability. G15 comes equipped with Nvidia and AMD’s top mobile chips and a fast 165Hz QHD display. It was able to handle even the most demanding AAA titles at QHD resolution during our testing. 

The rest of the G15 is pretty good too: the audio is great, the keyboard and touchpad are good, the port selection is good, and the battery lasts for more than eight hours. The Zephyrus G15 should be on your list if you’re looking for a powerful gaming machine that’s also an excellent daily driver.

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6- Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14

The best dual-screen laptop

The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14 OLED offers a truly unique experience for folks who are willing to have their keyboard in the front.

Finally, we can actually recommend buying a laptop with dual screens. It has always felt gimmicky, hard to see, and difficult to use dual-screen devices. The Zenbook Duo 14 has a higher angled screen, a higher resolution, and anti-glare etching that makes it useful. 

Zenbook Pro Duo users can turn their keyboard deck into a small, crisp OLED monitor with Asus’s ScreenXpert software. This second screen can also be turned into a giant touchpad (which is useful since the actual touchpad on the device is really tiny). Additionally, it comes with high-performance Intel and Nvidia chips, along with a 16:10 primary screen. The keyboard-in-the-front layout isn’t for everyone, but shoppers who want multiple screens in one should consider this innovative device. 

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7- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

The best laptop for gaming on the go

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is one of the most powerful gaming laptops available. With its QHD display and AMD Ryzen 9 processor, this PC can provide powerful, smooth graphics performance in games, while being surprisingly efficient for other tasks.

It’s important to be careful with this one, since some of the models are overpriced. Make sure you buy the $1,649.99 SKU with the 6700S GPU. It is our opinion that this model is the best 14-inch gaming laptop available. In addition to the great keyboard, touchpad, port selection, and screen, it weighs just 3.79 pounds and is just 0.77 inches thick. In our testing, it produced solid frame rates, and the 6700S and 6800S model didn’t differ greatly in performance. In addition, we got all-day battery life, which you don’t see very often with gaming laptops.

You can also pay more for a model that has Asus’s AniMe Matrix if you’d like your computer to have an animated grid of colored lights. Although these models don’t offer particularly good value for their price, they do have some cute features – you can customize them with words or images of your choice, and they come with a virtual pet you can play with.

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8- Asus Chromebook Flip CX5

The best 15-inch Chromebook

Asus Chromebook CX5 provides great value for a steep price.

The Chromebook Flip CX5 is Asus’ gorgeous $800 laptop that runs Chrome OS. It’s as well-built and sturdy as Windows laptops at higher price points, and it has a smooth texture. Full laptop specs are included, including a 57Wh battery that provides long battery life, fast charging, and speedy performance. 

The device has a variety of ports, including an HDMI and a microSD slot. It is comfortable to type on the keyboard, and the speakers sound great. If you’re looking for a Chromebook with a big screen, the Asus CX5 is absolutely the product to buy.

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9- LG Gram 17

The best laptop for big-screen fans

LG Gram 15 is the smaller version of one of our top picks for the best lightweight laptops in 2023. Even though it has a lower resolution display, it is still easy to carry around and comes with a backlit keyboard.

If you’ve ever used a lightweight laptop before, you’ll find it hard to explain how light the LG Gram 17 is. Despite its massive 17-inch display, it weighs only three pounds. When you pick it up, you feel as if you aren’t holding anything at all. 

It’s not just the Gram 17’s weight that makes it stand out. In our tests, the battery lasted over 12 hours, making it one of the best options out there. This device has a great keyboard, a solid port selection, quiet fans, and a fast processor. 

There are some people who don’t need a 17-inch display, and many others who do look for a heavier-duty workstation that won’t be moved very often. But if you just want a big screen for working and watching Netflix, then this machine is for you. In today’s market, it’s a niche device without much real competition.

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10- Dell XPS 13

The best laptop for college

Dell’s XPS 13 exemplifies the thin-and-light clamshell laptop design to its fullest ability. It has an excellent keyboard and trackpad, a sleek design, and a great keyboard.

Dell XPS 13 laptops are compact and reliable. General-purpose users will find its beautiful chassis, 16:10 display, and great performance attractive. As for my review unit (an i7 model), it managed to handle all of the tasks I asked it to without any slowdown or heat. The device performed well both in gaming and in media work.

There is also a fancier Dell XPS 13 Plus available for purchase, which includes an OLED screen option, borderless haptic touchpad, and LED touch function keys that the XPS 13 does not have. It will be our pleasure to review that model in the near future.

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11- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano

The best laptop for business travel

For mobile professionals, the ThinkPad X1 Nano laptop is a sturdy, premium device.

It is true that the ThinkPad X1 Nano is a run-of-the-mill ThinkPad in many ways. It comes with a solid chassis, discrete clickers, a physical privacy shutter, a red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard, and business-specific security and management features. 

The Nano is special because it is Lenovo’s lightest ThinkPad. The laptop weighs just 1.99 pounds, making it one of the lightest you can buy. Even with our heavy testing workloads, we didn’t notice any fan noise or noticeable heat from the Nano. This laptop will feel like nothing in your briefcase if you’re looking for a reliable business laptop.

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12- Razer Book 13

A stylish, powerful productivity laptop

In terms of performance and chassis, the Razer Book 13 delivers outstanding results.

Razer is best known for its gaming laptops, but its new Razer Book 13 is breaking into the business and productivity market. The Book 13 is a portable workstation with 0.6 inches of thickness and 3.09 pounds of weight. The laptop has a good selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI 2.0, and a microSD slot, and it comes with a per-key RGB keyboard, which is unusual for non-gaming laptops. 

This laptop is even more impressive on the inside. In our Premiere Pro media export test, it outperformed any Windows laptop of its size thanks to its powerful processor. Though the Book 13 isn’t a gaming laptop, it delivers some of the best gaming performance I’ve seen from integrated graphics – it can even play Shadow of the Tomb Raider at over 30 frames per second. Although the Razer Book 13’s price makes it not ideal for all users, it’s still an outstanding laptop with a high-quality chassis and powerful productivity performance.

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13- Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED

The best OLED laptop

In terms of OLED laptops, the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is the best.

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a lightweight laptop with a great screen. The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is a powerful and lightweight device powered by the new Ryzen 6000 series processors.

Aside from its solid build quality and speedy processor, the Zenbook S 13 weighs only 2.43 pounds and is just over half an inch thick. A handy LED number pad is built into the touchpad. Even if the numeric keypad is up, you can still navigate with the touchpad. The OLED display is bright and roomy, and looks nice.

Despite the heavy workload on my $1,299 Ryzen 7 test model, the device never got warm on the bottom despite heavy multitasking. It could also game well enough, delivering some of the best results we’ve ever seen in a 13-inch tablet with integrated graphics.

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14- Lenovo Yoga 9i

The best multimedia laptop

The Lenovo Yoga 9i is a portable, convertible laptop with a stylus that can be stored in the garage. A 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM are included in this model.

There is one significant weakness common to most thin and light laptops – thin, tinny audio. It’s not the case with the Lenovo Yoga 9i. Its hinge has a rotating soundbar, so the speakers are always facing outward no matter where it is positioned. With the 9i, you can enjoy clear, booming sound regardless of whether you use it as a tablet, a tent, or a clamshell.

In addition, there are a lot of other things to like. The tablet comes with an excellent 1080p touch screen and a stylus that makes note-taking and artwork easy. 11th-generation processors consistently deliver satisfactory performance and long battery life. This multimedia entertainment machine boasts an unbeatable audio quality, screen, and convertible design. 

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15- Framework Laptop

The best laptop for DIYers

Framework Laptops allow users to upgrade and replace every part of them to a much greater degree than ever before. Alternatively, you can build your own system. You can customize everything from the bezels to the keycaps.

A great upgradeable laptop for DIYers, the Framework Laptop is a great option. As a prebuilt system or as a DIY kit, you can assemble it yourself. If you choose the prebuilt option, you can still upgrade every part of the device, from the RAM and storage to the bezels and keycaps. It even lets you choose which ports you want, which is very useful.

According to my testing, this laptop is easy to use and performs well. At just 2.87 pounds, it has a bright, high-resolution screen and a powerful processor. Touchpad and keyboard are comfortable to use. The real reason to buy it is to be able to tinker with the parts – and this is the only laptop on the market that allows you to do this.

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