These Are the Best Expert-Reviewed Laptops You Can Buy Today
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Editor's Update, February 18, 2026: Earlier this month, Senior Tech Editor Stefan Vazharov updated our guide to laptops with his favorite notebooks from 2025 and early 2026. In our latest update, we added an additional pick, the Microsoft Surface Pro, as our favorite 2-in-1 notebook. We will update this guide again this Spring as we begin testing this year's most exciting new machines.
Whether you're in the mood for a movie night, keeping your social media game strong, embarking on an online grocery shopping trip, or settling in for a marathon gaming session, a laptop is your trusty sidekick.
Choosing one, though, is not a quick or simple decision. You’ll need to figure out the right machine to supercharge your productivity or drive your passion for gaming. But beware: Picking the wrong machine could get in the way of your passions, rather than enhancing them. Luckily, the laptop market is brimming with options to suit various needs and budgets, and I've handpicked some gems for you.
Before you whip out that credit card, you must first choose sides in the age-old Mac or Windows debate. Apple's MacBooks shine brightly with their top-tier build quality and reliable operating system. They're a dream come true for those who rely on something other than Windows-specific software. However, some folks think that Apple's ecosystem feels a bit like the Hotel California—you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. Separately, despite Apple's best efforts, the Mac ecosystem does come with some limitations for software, especially games.
Now, let's talk style. Do you want a traditional laptop or one that can transform into a superhero? If you desire a laptop that moonlights as a tablet, a 2-in-1 device is your new BFF. These nifty gadgets come equipped with a keyboard that can vanish when you don't need it, perfect for typing, streaming, or unleashing your inner artist on the touchscreen. But here's the catch: those touchscreens can sometimes leave you longing for the crystal-clear clarity of regular screens, especially when knee-deep in an epic writing session.
The Best Laptops
Best Overall: Apple MacBook Pro M5
Best PC Laptop: Acer Swift Edge 14 AI
Best Gaming Laptop: Asus ROG Strix G16
Best Value: Apple MacBook Air M4
Best Under $500: Acer Aspire Go 15
Best Chromebook: Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
How We Selected
We pored over the specs and reviews of dozens of the latest laptops to assemble this list of the best notebooks you can buy today. We looked for laptops that we would be happy to use ourselves, but also tried to find models that would fit a range of budgets and preferences. Our tech staff personally own and use several of these machines at home, including the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and can vouch for long-term quality and durability.
MacBook Pro M5 Laptop
The latest MacBook Pro, furnished with Apple's M5 processor, is a powerful laptop that I'd recommend to users who need lots of compute power for creative projects and serious productivity needs beyond everyday emailing and web browsing.
The elite MacBook offers an unbeatable mix of timelessly elegant design and craftsmanship, outstanding performance, and peerless battery life in a compact package. And, while expensive, a $1,500 configuration with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage feels as value-packed as it is futureproof.
On the performance front, the entry-level MacBook Pro excelled at any task—from simultaneously toggling between multiple apps to running blockbuster games like Cyberpunk 2077—we threw at it. Best of all, unlike PC rivals with similar hardware capabilities, the notebook can deliver a full day of mixed use on a single charge.
The M5 MacBook Pro is only available with a 14-inch display. More powerful variants with M4 Pro and M4 Max silicon are available in two screen sizes.
One final note: Rumor has it that Apple plans to release a new, more powerful versions of the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and Max processors very soon—possibly in March, 2026, according to Bloomberg. If those rumors prove accurate, power-hungry users may want to hold off on buying the MBP until these new versions hit stores. At the same time, we also hope to see these machines get slight price cut in the coming months.
Swift Edge 14 AI PC Laptop
The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI is a formidable PC alternative to our top pick from Apple, offering a head-turning design and top-tier components that delivers stellar performance at a similar price point. Weighing a tad over two pounds, the metal-clad notebook feels impossibly lightweight and slim, especially considering its hardware specs and all-around performance.
Hardware-wise, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI impresses with a sharp OLED touchscreen, powerful Intel processor and graphics, plenty of memory across the board, and a ton of connectivity features. The device’s performance is excellent, too, as is its battery life. Depending on your usage patterns, the slim laptop can get you through an entire workday on a single charge.
Despite its slim and lightweight build, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI is uncompromisingly tough. Its metal chassis and 180-degree display hinge comply with military-grade durability standards.
Asus ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop
The latest iteration of the Asus ROG Strix G16 is our go-to for gamers looking for an upgrade. Like its predecessors, the Strix G16 walks a fine line, trying to maintain the most portable profile possible while delivering the hardware profile you need to run modern games at high specs.
Gaming laptops generally run heavier than performance machines, so while six pounds may sound heavy compared to the Acer Swift Edge, it's actually not that bad when you factor in how much power you've got under the hood.
The configuration we tested, which features Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, and 32 GB of RAM, will have no trouble running new games on high or ultra. They'll look great, too, on a 2.5K G-Sync display that maxes out at a 240Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth, lifelike gameplay.
Depending on your budget, you scale this laptop's hardware up or down to meet your needs. If you can live with slightly less performance, there's more budget-friendly sub-$1,500 version with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU. Going the other way, the monstrously powerful config with an Nvidia RTX 5080 will set you back nearly $3,000, but your games will look absolutely incredible.
MacBook Air M4
Starting below $1,000 before additional (and frequent) deals and discounts, the 13-inch MacBook Air offers an amalgam of timeless beauty and craftsmanship, excellent hardware and performance, superb battery life, and rock-solid brand cachet. The metal-clad notebook is the one to get if you are looking for a great laptop on a three-digit upgrade budget.
Because it lacks cooling fans, the MacBook Air is super lightweight and incredibly slim, including when closed. The MacBook Air is a step behind the MacBook Pro — our top pick from Apple — in power and display quality, but its lighter build and lower price sufficiently make up for these shortcomings.
You can order the MacBook Air in two screen sizes, like its Pro sibling. The model with a 15-inch screen costs $200 more than the 13-inch version, but you can still find it on sale for around $1,000.
Aspire Go 15
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is the best option I've found for folks on a very tight budget. Spending a little over $300 will get you a compact laptop with a large Full HD (1080p) screen and solid specs, including a capable AMD chip.
AMD’s Ryzen 3 processor and Radeon graphics that power the Aspire Go 15 are surprisingly capable for a low-cost PC laptop. It can reliably handle the standard workload of the casual PC owner, running a web browser with many open tabs, an email client, and a music streaming app at the same time.
Like most affordable PC notebooks, the Aspire Go 15 runs Windows 11 in S mode, meaning you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store. Thankfully, you can upgrade to the full version of Windows 11 for free. It is also fully compatible with Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant.
The specs on the Aspire Go 15 are lightweight, to say the least. (Surprisingly, we struggled most with having only 128GB of SSD storage.) Still, at this price point, you are getting a surprisingly capable system.
Chromebook Plus 14
Chromebooks are generally known for being cheap and lightweight, but Lenovo’s Chromebook Plus 14 packs a surprisingly versatile punch, one that's comparable to a high-performance laptop. At $750, it's a bit pricey for a ChromeOS-based machine, but feels like a steal compared to a new MacBook Air or Windows-based ultrabook.
The MediaTek chip that powers the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, amped up with 16 GB of RAM, delivers instant app interactions, seamless Google Gemini AI experiences, and seamless multitasking. It gets up to 17 hours of battery life in a single charge, as well, which pretty much guarantees that the Chromebook Plus 14 can last through a workday of mixed use on a single charge.
It also has many of the hallmark features of an elite laptop, including a sharp OLED touchscreen, high-resolution webcam with a physical shutter, and an abundant array of connectivity features. The same goes for the product’s quartet of Dolby Atmos-capable speakers.
If you are looking for a lightweight machine that looks and feels like its ready for deep work, but you don't need a ton of power, this is a very reasonable option that can save you a few hundred bucks.
Surface Pro (13-Inch)
The Microsoft Surface Pro has set the gold standard for 2-in-1 PCs since its debut more than a decade ago, and the latest revision ensures that the line retains the title in 2026. The Windows-powered slate is sleek, capable, and supremely versatile. Depending on your needs, it can transform from a tablet to a full-blown touchscreen laptop.
Getting the laptop option mentioned above requires spending more on a Surface Pro keyboard and Slim Pen 2 bundle, but the investment is well worth it. The essential accessories, in tandem with the Pro’s adjustable viewing stand, are instrumental in giving it such a commendable versatility.
Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series silicon, the Microsoft Surface Pro offers a nice balance between abundant power, stellar multitasking capabilities, and long battery life. The higher-end version with a 12-core Snapdragon Elite chip is the one we prefer, as it features a stunning OLED display. Lower-priced iterations have an IPS panel.
What to Look for in a Laptop
You'll want a laptop that cuts through every task you throw at it while also lasting as long as you do. The selections below are packed with the latest processing and graphics technology to rise to the occasion.
If you travel frequently or commute with your computer, look for thin, light designs like the MacBook Air—the 13-inch model weighs in at just 2.7 pounds and the 15-inch at 3.3 pounds.
Gamers or content creators will want higher-end processors and graphics cards as well as bright, detailed screens. Students, and those who will spend most of their time logging into classes and watching the occasional movie or surfing the web, might want to consider a convertible laptop that also functions as a tablet.
More to Consider: MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro • Best Laptop Docking Stations • Best Wireless Mouse • Best Gaming Keyboards
Battery
With the latest laptops, battery life keeps improving. The reason newer laptops last longer on the same size battery is because modern processors are getting more energy efficient. Today’s laptops will run between 8 and 20 hours on a single charge. Look for a battery that lasts at least 10 hours.
Ports
There are more than a dozen types of ports, including HDMI for video out and USB-C, which can be for almost anything with the right adaptor, such as charging, but most users will only need a USB-C port. That’s because it’s possible to connect almost any type of peripheral to USB-C by itself or using an adaptor.
If you don’t want to pack an adapter, consider a laptop with HDMI ports that can output video and audio from your laptop to a TV, monitor, or projector. They can support high-definition resolutions up to 4K and surround sound formats. Another handy option is ethernet ports that can connect your laptop to a wired network for faster and more reliable internet access.
Speed
The fastest processors on the market now offer blistering speeds and are great for gaming or video editing. But quicker speeds can sometimes make for a pricier laptop that has less battery life.
In laptop chips, Intel’s most popular lineup is its Core series, while Apple’s is its proprietary M-series processors (starting with the base M1). The middle ground in the Core and Ryzen lineups offers the best mix of performance and value. The most expensive laptops offer Intel Core i9 H-Series processors while mid-range models tend to have Core i5 processors that offer a good balance between price and performance.
Screen
Screen quality is also crucial to a satisfying experience. Buy the best screen you can afford; your eyes will thank you later. Higher-resolution screens allow for greater image detail, though fonts on high-resolution displays can be small and difficult to read.
The most suitable screen size for most people ranges from 13- to 15-inches—the sweet spot between portability and enough real estate to get things done. The most common resolutions on laptops and 2-in-1 PCs currently hover just above 1920 x 1080 (also known as 1080p or Full HD). This keeps panel prices relatively low and fonts still large enough to view comfortably.
Keyboard
Pick a keyboard with a broad enough design and widely spaced keys if you’ll be doing a lot of typing. Also consider key travel (how far a key needs to be depressed until the keystroke is recognized), which can vary widely between models. Larger laptops tend to have better keyboards since the dimensions don't have be downsized for smaller frames.
Expert Sascha Brodsky Gives the Lowdown on Laptops: Life Expectancy, Keyboard Basics, and Top Features.
How many years can I expect to get out of my laptop?
The more money you spend on your laptop, the longer you can expect it to last. In general, Macs have a reputation for lasting longer than Windows laptops. I have an eight-year-old MacBook Air that’s still going strong.
One factor to consider is that operating system updates that are released regularly tend to take up hard drive space, so if you buy a model with a larger drive, your laptop may last longer. To make the most of your laptop’s lifespan, keep the laptop clean, cool, updated, and backed up.
If I'm on a budget, what is the most important factor to consider?
The weak spots of inexpensive laptops tend to be the keyboard, trackpad, and display. Manufacturers may skimp on these items hoping that potential buyers will focus more on processor speed. For starters, even if your funds are limited, look for a screen with at least Full HD (1920-by-1080) resolution.
What do I look for in the keyboard?
It pays to be fussy when it comes to a laptop keyboard as that’s the component you’ll be interacting with the most. Buying a laptop with keyboard backlighting can help you see the keys better and avoid typing mistakes.
Some keyboards have adjustable brightness and color options for backlighting. Another important feature is a laptop keyboard with a full-size layout instead of a compact or tenkeyless layout without a numeric keypad.
You Might Also Like
