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
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 marks a turning point for Windows-on-Arm computing. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors, this seventh-generation Surface Laptop delivers exceptional battery life exceeding 18 hours in real-world testing while maintaining productivity performance that rivals traditional x86 systems. The premium aluminium chassis features a 120Hz PixelSense touchscreen in either 13.8-inch or 15-inch configurations, rounded corners, and a new haptic touchpad. However, the ARM architecture introduces software compatibility challenges with certain applications and peripherals, contributing to higher-than-average return rates on retail platforms. For users whose workflows align with compatible software, the Surface Laptop 7 represents Microsoft's most compelling ultraportable to date, directly challenging Apple's MacBook Air dominance.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7][^8]
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024)
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro represents an iterative refinement of Apple's professional laptop formula, delivering significant performance gains through its 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU configuration. The standout addition is the optional nano-texture display, which dramatically reduces glare without compromising color accuracy - a game-changer for professionals working in varied lighting conditions. Battery life remains exceptional, with real-world testing showing over 24 hours of mixed use, allowing users to work through multiple days without charging. The machine maintains the same premium aluminum chassis as its predecessors, featuring an improved 12MP Center Stage webcam and upgraded Thunderbolt 5 ports that deliver up to 120 Gbps bandwidth. While the visual design remains unchanged from the 2023 model, the internal upgrades make this a compelling upgrade for professionals running intensive creative workflows, particularly video editors, 3D artists, and photographers who benefit from the significantly faster single-core performance that currently faces no competition in the laptop market.[^1][^2][^3][^4]
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 represents a refined iteration of Lenovo's popular detachable Chromebook series, offering a compelling blend of portability and functionality in an ultralight package. This 2-in-1 device pairs an 11-inch touchscreen tablet with a detachable folio keyboard and kickstand, weighing just over one pound as a tablet and two pounds fully assembled. The Gen 9 model features an all-metal aluminum chassis with Corning glass, a significant upgrade from earlier plastic-heavy iterations, while maintaining the affordability that made the Duet line popular. With a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and Chrome OS optimizations, it handles web browsing, document editing, and media consumption with competence, though it clearly targets users with modest computing needs rather than power users.[^1][^2]
Asus ProArt P16
The Asus ProArt P16 stands as one of the most compelling Windows alternatives to Apple's MacBook Pro for creative professionals. This 16-inch workstation laptop combines the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with up to Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics, delivering performance that crushes demanding creative workloads from 4K video editing to complex photo manipulation. The centerpiece is a breathtaking 4K OLED touchscreen with PANTONE validation and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, ensuring color-critical work meets professional standards. Asus has equipped the ProArt P16 with thoughtful creative tools including an innovative DialPad control surface integrated into the touchpad, allowing precise adjustments in Adobe Creative Suite applications. The all-metal chassis meets US military-grade MIL-STD 810H durability standards while maintaining a slim 1.85kg profile that makes it genuinely portable for field work. With comprehensive connectivity including USB4, HDMI 2.1, and SD Express 7.0 card reader, this laptop targets photographers, videographers, and designers who demand desktop performance without sacrificing mobility.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]
HP Envy x360 2-in-1 14
The HP Envy x360 14 represents HP's effort to deliver premium features at accessible price points, positioning itself as a versatile tool for professionals and creative users. This 14-inch convertible laptop features a stunning 2.8K OLED touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate, Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with dedicated NPU for AI tasks, and a 360-degree hinge that transforms it between laptop, tent, and tablet modes. Weighing just 3.08 pounds with impressive battery life approaching 13-15 hours, it excels at portability and all-day productivity. However, HP's default "Smart Sense" power mode prioritizes quiet operation and thermal management at the expense of performance, requiring manual adjustment to unlock the hardware's full capabilities. The device strikes a compelling balance for everyday users who value design, display quality, and battery life over raw computational power.[^3][^4][^2][^1]
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition represents Lenovo's latest refinement of its flagship business ultraportable, achieving remarkable weight reduction while maintaining the build quality and input excellence ThinkPad users expect. The 13th generation introduces Intel's Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 258V processor, delivering improved power efficiency and nearly 18 hours of battery life in streaming tests. The 14-inch 2.8K OLED display features anti-glare treatment that addresses typical OLED reflectivity concerns, achieving 100% DCI-P3 color coverage and DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification. However, the aggressive thermal design in such a thin chassis has generated mixed consumer feedback, with some users reporting fan noise and heat management issues during intensive multitasking. The keyboard retains the celebrated 1.5mm travel depth and scalloped key design, though the layout now includes a Copilot key replacing the right Control key.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7][^8]
ASUS TUF Gaming A14
The ASUS TUF Gaming A14 emerges as a standout in the compact gaming laptop category, combining serious gaming credentials with genuine portability. Built around AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and up to NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics in its 2024 iteration, the laptop weighs just 3.2 pounds while maintaining a durable, military-grade chassis. The 14-inch 2.5K display runs at 165Hz with full sRGB coverage, delivering smooth visuals for both gaming and productivity. Battery life reaches 8-10 hours in mixed use, placing it among the best in its class. While the soldered RAM limits future upgrades and the laptop runs warm under sustained loads, the TUF Gaming A14 successfully targets students, professionals, and travelers who need gaming performance without sacrificing mobility.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7]
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 represents a balanced approach to budget computing, prioritizing reliability and longevity over raw performance. This 14-inch Chrome OS device targets students, remote workers, and casual users who need a dependable machine for web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The laptop stands out with its exceptional battery life exceeding 11 hours, bright 1080p display options, and lightweight construction at 1.5kg. While the Intel N-series processors handle everyday tasks competently, users seeking heavy multitasking or demanding applications will encounter performance limitations. The device offers multiple configurations ranging from basic Intel N100 models to the more capable Core i3-N305 variant with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.[^1][^2][^3]
Apple MacBook Air
The Apple MacBook Air has evolved into a mature platform that balances power, portability, and value in ways few competitors can match. With the introduction of the M4 chip, Apple has maintained the fanless design while boosting CPU performance by over 20% compared to the M3 generation, all while reducing the entry price. The 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch models feature Liquid Retina displays, improved 12MP Center Stage cameras, and support for dual external monitors - a significant upgrade for productivity users. The MacBook Air continues to deliver 15 to 18 hours of real-world battery life in a chassis weighing just 1.24kg for the 13-inch model, making it one of the most portable full-featured laptops available. Whether used for everyday productivity, creative work, or light gaming, the MacBook Air strikes a compelling balance that has earned widespread praise from both professional reviewers and long-term owners.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7]