Laptops
Best Picks
Best Student Laptops of 2026
The Ultimate Student Laptops Built for Long Days, Real Workloads, and Budget Realities
Best Chromebooks of 2026
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Reliable Chromebook
Best 2-in-1 Laptops of 2026
Convertible Laptops That Balance Versatility with Performance
Best Budget Laptops of 2026
Affordable Performance: Balance Power, Portability, and Everyday Durability
Best Video Editing Laptops of 2026
Professional-Grade Portability Meets Studio-Level Performance
Best Battery Life Laptop of 2026
Laptops That Actually Last All Day
Best Gaming Laptops of 2026
The Definitive Gaming Laptops That Deliver Console-Crushing Performance on the Move
Reviews
Acer Chromebook Plus 515
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 represents one of the most affordable entries in Google's Chromebook Plus initiative, bringing 12th or 13th Gen Intel Core processors to a large-screen Chrome OS device at a competitive price point. Equipped with an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch Full HD display, this laptop targets students, remote workers, and everyday users who need reliable web-based productivity without the premium price tag. While it excels at multitasking and offers a spacious typing experience with a responsive touchpad, it makes concessions in display brightness and battery endurance that position it as a practical rather than premium choice.[^1][^2][^3][^4]
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 represents a significant upgrade to an already award-winning line, delivering a premium ChromeOS experience powered by Intel's Core Ultra 5 115U processor. This 2-in-1 convertible features a 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen, 360-degree hinge design, and integration with Google's Gemini AI features. Reviewers consistently praise its exceptional keyboard, impressive battery life exceeding 15 hours, and solid build quality. The device targets students and professionals who need reliable web-based productivity with the flexibility of tablet mode. While it delivers strong performance for everyday tasks and stands as one of the best Chromebooks available, the tinny speakers and higher-than-average price point represent notable compromises.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6]
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 has established itself as the benchmark for compact gaming laptops, offering a rare combination of serious gaming performance and true portability. Built around AMD's latest Ryzen processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, this 14-inch machine punches well above its weight class while maintaining a premium CNC-milled aluminum construction that weighs as little as 1.5kg. The 120Hz OLED display delivers vibrant colors and smooth gameplay, while battery life exceeds expectations for a gaming-focused device. However, this compact form factor brings trade-offs, including thermal challenges under sustained load, non-upgradeable RAM, and fan noise during intensive gaming sessions.[^3][^4][^5][^6][^1]
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus represents a significant evolution in ChromeOS hardware, combining ultraportable design with premium materials and display technology. At just 11.8mm thick and weighing 2.45 pounds, this 15.6-inch Chromebook claims the title of thinnest and lightest in its category. Samsung equips the device with a stunning AMOLED display, Intel Core 3 processor, and dedicated Google AI integration through a new Quick Insert key. Professional reviewers consistently praise its build quality and performance, with PCMag awarding it an Editors' Choice recognition for premium clamshell Chromebooks. The device targets users seeking Windows ultrabook-level construction without leaving the ChromeOS ecosystem, though its premium positioning places it well above typical Chromebook pricing.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7]
Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition
The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition represents an ambitious fusion of repairability philosophy and ChromeOS simplicity. Powered by a 12th-gen Intel Core i5-1240P processor with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, this modular Chromebook delivers strong performance alongside a distinctive 3:2 aspect ratio QHD display at 400+ nits brightness. The laptop's defining feature is its complete modularity: expansion cards slot into four Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing users to customize which ports appear and where, while internal components like RAM and storage can be upgraded to 64GB and 1TB respectively. Framework constructed the chassis from 50 percent post-consumer recycled aluminum with recyclable packaging and carbon-offset shipping. Build quality exceeds typical Chromebook standards, with reviewers consistently praising the aluminum construction, excellent keyboard, and precision trackpad. However, the device carries a premium price point for a Chromebook and omits features common at this tier, including touchscreen support and a fingerprint sensor. Battery life tests reveal 6.5 to 10 hours depending on usage, falling short of many competing Chromebooks that regularly deliver 10 to 13 hours. ChromeOS updates are guaranteed through June 2030, providing seven years of software support from its late 2022 launch.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7][^8][^9]
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 represents the pinnacle of dual-screen laptop engineering, pairing a stunning Mini LED main display with a 14-inch secondary touchscreen. Powered by AMD Ryzen 9 processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics, this machine delivers exceptional performance for both gaming and content creation. The unique design elevates the secondary screen when opened, improving airflow and creating a distinctive multitasking experience. While the unconventional keyboard placement requires adaptation and battery life remains limited, the Duo 16 excels as a portable workstation for professionals who demand maximum screen real estate. Its bright displays, robust build quality, and surprisingly excellent speakers make it a compelling choice for users who can justify its premium positioning.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7][^8]
Acer Swift 16 AI
The Acer Swift 16 AI defies initial expectations as a generic business laptop, delivering a surprisingly compelling package centered around exceptional endurance and visual quality. At just 1.46kg, this 16-inch laptop achieves remarkable portability while housing a vibrant 3K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and a 70Wh battery that delivers genuinely impressive runtime. Powered by Intel's efficient Core Ultra 2 processors (Ultra 5 226V, Ultra 7 256V, or Ultra 9 options), the Swift 16 AI targets users seeking a balanced mainstream machine for entertainment, productivity, and light creative work. However, the experience is undercut by surprisingly poor speakers, a reflective glossy display coating, and limited 16GB RAM on base configurations that restricts demanding workflows. The Copilot+ AI features remain largely superficial, adding little practical value beyond marketing appeal. Despite these compromises, aggressive value positioning and genuine strengths in display quality, battery endurance, and keyboard comfort make the Swift 16 AI a noteworthy contender in the midrange 16-inch segment.[^1][^2][^3][^4]
Acer Nitro V 15
The Acer Nitro V 15 positions itself as an accessible entry point into modern gaming, pairing Intel Core i5 or i7 processors with Nvidia RTX 30 and 40 series graphics cards at competitive price points. Professional reviewers consistently praise its 1080p gaming capabilities, comfortable keyboard, and excellent upgradeability with dual SSD slots and accessible RAM expansion. However, the laptop suffers from significant compromises including excessively loud cooling fans that remain audible across rooms, a washed-out IPS display with poor color coverage below 65% sRGB, and Acer's NitroSense software that restricts gaming on battery power below 40% charge. Consumer feedback reveals mixed experiences, with budget-conscious users appreciating the performance-per-dollar value while others report frustration with thermal management, battery restrictions, and build quality inconsistencies. The 144Hz refresh rate display and comprehensive port selection stand out as genuine highlights, but the laptop requires closed headphones during gaming sessions and works best as a semi-stationary setup rather than a truly portable gaming solution.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7]
Razer Blade 16
The Razer Blade 16 represents the pinnacle of portable gaming performance, packing Nvidia's RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor into a chassis thinner than any previous Blade generation. PC Gamer declared it "the best gaming laptop I've ever used," praising its ability to deliver desktop-grade performance while maintaining usability on battery power. The 16-inch OLED display offers 240Hz refresh rates with G-Sync support and vibrant color reproduction across 100% sRGB and DCI-P3 gamuts. TechRadar noted the laptop "delivers power and style in spades, offering best-in-class performance" that excels in both gaming and creative workloads. However, widespread trackpad issues have plagued multiple generations, with users reporting unresponsive cursors, lag, and erratic behavior that Razer has struggled to resolve through firmware updates. The all-aluminum construction provides premium rigidity but conducts heat directly to palm rests during intensive sessions, with temperatures reaching 90°C under moderate gaming loads. NotebookCheck confirmed the 2025 model impresses "despite its slim case" with exceptional system performance, though Advanced Optimus graphics switching introduces minor delays.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7][^8]