Best Laptops of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Laptops are portable computers that have become an essential tool for work, school, and entertainment. They come in various sizes, from lightweight and compact to larger models with high-performance specifications. Laptops offer features such as long battery life, high-resolution displays, and powerful processors that can handle demanding tasks. They also have various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports, making it easy to connect to other devices. Laptops are available in different brands, models, and price ranges, making it easy to find one that suits your needs and budget.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 Cover #TOP 1
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage Cover #TOP 2
HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Dell Inspiron 15.6 Ryzen 7 Laptop Cover #TOP 3
Dell Inspiron 15.6 Ryzen 7 Laptop
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Laptops

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4

MW123LL/A
Midnight
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 Cover
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

The Apple MacBook Air M4 is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. Powered by the fast M4 chip, it handles work, school, and creative tasks smoothly, helping you stay productive without lag. Thanks to Apple Intelligence, this laptop assists you in writing and creating while keeping your information private. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere, perfect for students and professionals on the move. Plus, with up to 18 hours of battery life, you can rely on it to last through your day without needing a recharge.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable design
Excellent battery life
Fast performance and multitasking
High-quality Retina display
Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
What We Don't Like
Limited number of ports
Display not 120Hz

HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage

HP
14-dq0040nr
Snowflake White
14-inch
HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage Cover
HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)

The HP 14 Laptop is a portable device with a 14-inch HD display and a 79% screen-to-body ratio. Its thin and light design, along with a micro-edge bezel, makes it easy to take anywhere while seeing and doing more of what you love. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Intel UHD Graphics 600, this laptop is perfect for streaming 4K content and playing next-gen games. It also has 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM to boost your performance. With up to 11.5 hours of battery life and HP Fast Charge technology, you can work, watch, and stay connected all day. Additionally, this laptop comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty and a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with added smart assistance features to up your creative game.

What We Like
Affordable price
Lightweight and portable
Good for basic tasks
Includes Microsoft 365
Sleek design
What We Don't Like
Limited storage space
Modest performance

Dell Inspiron 15.6 Ryzen 7 Laptop

i3535-A735BLK-PUS
Ryzen 7
16GB RAM|512GB SSD
Dell Inspiron 15.6 Ryzen 7 Laptop Cover
Dell Inspiron 15.6 Upgraded FHD Anti-Glare Touchscreen Laptop, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U(8-Core CPU), 16GB RAM|512GB SSD| Windows 11| Card Reader| for Business/Home/Office/Travel/Online Learning| RK Bundle

The Dell Inspiron Ryzen 7 offers a vibrant 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen that makes navigating your work or entertainment simple and enjoyable. Its 16GB RAM lets you easily switch between multiple apps and browser tabs without slowing down, perfect for busy days. The powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor combined with Radeon graphics ensures smooth performance whether you're handling daily tasks or light creative projects. Plus, its sleek design and long-lasting battery keep you productive and stylish on the move, so you don’t have to worry about finding a charger during your day.

What We Like
16GB RAM multitasking
Fast IPS touchscreen
Large storage capacity
Long battery life
Lightweight and portable

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M4

MW1L3LL/A
Midnight
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M4 Cover
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

The Apple MacBook Air M4 is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. Powered by the advanced M4 chip, it offers smooth multitasking and speedy performance, making your work, studies, or creative projects easier and faster. With Apple Intelligence, you get smart tools that help you write and create efficiently while keeping your privacy safe. Plus, the laptop boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, so you can stay productive all day without worrying about charging. This lightweight and portable device is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable, powerful laptop on the go.

What We Like
Exceptional battery life
Lightweight and highly portable
Powerful M4 chip performance
Stunning 15-inch display
Fanless silent operation
What We Don't Like
Minor trackpad feel preference
No USB-A ports
#TOP 5

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M5

MDE04LL/A
Space Black
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 Cover
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage; Space Black

The Apple MacBook Pro M5 is designed to boost your productivity with its powerful M5 chip, offering fast performance and advanced AI capabilities. You’ll enjoy smooth multitasking and quick processing, perfect for professional and creative work. Its long-lasting battery means you can work all day without searching for an outlet, giving you freedom and flexibility. Plus, the stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display delivers bright, sharp visuals, making your images and videos look amazing. This laptop is built to handle demanding tasks while keeping you connected and efficient throughout your day.

What We Like
Outstanding performance speed
Exceptional battery life
Excellent display quality
Premium build and design
Impressive speakers and sound
What We Don't Like
Slightly heavy
Minor charger color mismatch

Dell 15 DC15250 Laptop

LDC15250-3883BLK-PUS
Carbon Black
15.6-inches
Dell 15 DC15250 Laptop Cover
Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, Intel Core 3 Processor 100U Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Carbon Black

The Dell 15 Laptop offers a smooth computing experience powered by an Intel Core 3 processor, perfect for handling your daily tasks quickly and efficiently. Its long-lasting, energy-saving battery combined with Express Charge technology means you can stay productive longer without worrying about frequent recharging. The display is designed with your eye comfort in mind, featuring Dell ComfortView software that reduces harmful blue light, helping you avoid strain during extended use. Plus, the spacious keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad and calculator hotkey makes typing and number crunching easier and more comfortable, enhancing your overall productivity.

What We Like
Fast performance
High screen quality
Lightweight and portable
Affordable price
Reliable brand
What We Don't Like
Speaker quality could improve
Keyboard feels slightly cheap

HP Chromebook 14 Laptop

HP
14a-na0226nr
Mineral Silver
Standard
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Cover
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, 14" HD Display, Chrome OS, Thin Design, 4K Graphics, Long Battery Life, Ash Gray Keyboard (14a-na0226nr, 2022, Mineral Silver)

Get everything on your to-do list done with the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, equipped with an Intel processor, 14-inch HD display, long battery life, and 4K graphics. With 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, this Chromebook is perfect for work, school, or entertainment on the go. Plus, it's ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered for sustainability.

What We Like
Affordable price
Easy setup
Lightweight design
Good for basic tasks
Kid-friendly parental controls
What We Don't Like
Limited software compatibility
Few USB ports
#TOP 8

Apple MacBook Air M1 13.3" 8GB 128GB Renewed

MGND3LL/A
Space Gray
128GB
Apple MacBook Air M1 13.3" 8GB 128GB Renewed Cover
Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13.3 inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed)

The Apple MacBook Air M1 offers a sharp and vibrant 13.3-inch Retina display, making your photos, videos, and text look clear and bright. Powered by the Apple M1 chip with eight cores, it delivers smooth and efficient performance, whether you're working on documents or multitasking. With 8GB of memory, you can switch between apps without slowdowns. The 128GB solid-state drive provides quick access to your files and fast startup times. This laptop also features a backlit keyboard for easy typing in low light and a Touch ID sensor to unlock your device securely and quickly.

What We Like
Fast performance
Long battery life
Good value for price
Quick shipping
Minimal cosmetic wear
What We Don't Like
May lack original charger
Minor cosmetic imperfections

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go XE340XDA-KA2US

XE340XDA-KA2US
Silver
64GB Storage
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go XE340XDA-KA2US Cover
Samsung 14" Galaxy Chromebook Go Laptop PC Computer, Intel Celeron N4500 Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage, ChromeOS, XE340XDA-KA2US, Student Laptop, Silver

The Samsung Chromebook Go is designed for those who need a lightweight and slim laptop that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. Its sleek design makes it easy to carry around, whether you're heading to class or working on the go. Built to be durable, this Chromebook can handle the occasional bump or drop, giving you peace of mind. With a battery life that lasts up to 12 hours, you can power through your school day without constantly searching for an outlet. Plus, its Wi-Fi is three times faster than previous models, helping you stay connected and complete your tasks quickly and efficiently.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Long battery life
Easy to use
Fast performance for daily tasks
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Limited screen quality
No keyboard backlight
#TOP 10

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 Pro

MX2H3LL/A
Space Black
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 Pro Cover
Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage; Space Black

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is designed to deliver powerful performance with the new M4 Pro or M4 Max chips, making it ideal for handling heavy tasks like coding or 3D rendering smoothly. Its vibrant 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers bright and clear visuals, perfect for creative work or media viewing. You’ll appreciate the long-lasting battery that keeps you working all day without needing to recharge. Plus, the built-in Apple Intelligence system helps you work smarter with privacy features that keep your data secure. Whether you're working or relaxing, this laptop offers speed, clarity, and reliability.

What We Like
Exceptional battery life
Powerful performance
Premium build quality
Stunning display
Silent operation
What We Don't Like
Slightly heavy to carry
Best Laptops Feature Image

Buyer's Guide: Best Laptops

Laptops are a basic necessity for anyone looking to do some of the most basic tasks. Buying a laptop is never as straightforward as it might seem; there are lots of decision-making involved, such as Thinkpad Laptops, Touchscreen Laptops, Gaming Laptops, and so on. The process of navigating through myriads of laptops for just one unit is always complex.

A typical laptop unit is packed with so many features that anyone could get lost in the details. This guide provides you with enough ammunition on your way to getting a new laptop unit.

Different Types of Laptop

When it comes to laptops, there are a variety of different types available on the market today. Some of the most popular options include 2 in 1 laptops, Chromebooks, and ultrabooks.

2 in 1 laptops are versatile devices that can be used as both traditional laptops and tablets. These devices combine the functionality of a laptop with the convenience and portability of a tablet, making them a great option for those who need to be productive on-the-go.

Chromebooks are another popular type of laptop, especially among users who do most of their work in the cloud or online. These lightweight machines are built to handle web-based applications and programs, and they typically run on Google's operating system called Chrome OS. Although they may not be ideal for all tasks, Chromebooks offer an affordable and streamlined solution for those who use their laptop primarily for browsing the web.

Then, ultrabooks are slim and sleek laptops that offer powerful performance in a portable design. These premium machines typically feature advanced processors and long battery life, making them ideal for professionals who need to be productive while traveling or on-the-go. 

And finally, gaming laptops are designed specifically with the needs of gamers in mind; they feature powerful processors and fast graphics cards to ensure smooth performance even during intensive gaming sessions. Whether you're looking for a simple browsing device or a high-performance machine, there is sure to be a laptop type that fits your needs perfectly.

Factors to Consider before Buying a Laptop

Laptop operating system: The operating system of a laptop accounts for a considerable percentage of the laptop's setup. You might have to choose your preferred operating system based on the types of software you'll be using on the laptop. Some of the most popular operating systems are: Windows operating system, such as Windows XP, and Windows 10; Apple's macOS, and Linux.

Laptop size: This is one of those factors you must prioritize before buying a new laptop. The size of a laptop effectively determines the portability of the laptop. If you're looking to take the laptop with you everywhere, you might opt for smaller laptops.

Storage space: This is the part of the laptop that stores all of your files and data, personal or work-related. The storage space must simply be big enough to take in all of those files and data. There are two storage options, hard disc drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). Even though Hard disk drives (HDD) are more popular, solid states drives (SSD) offer more efficiency.

Memory: The RAM of the laptop is an essential part of the laptop's unit. The memory is physically integrated into the system, and it temporarily houses information while the laptop is in use. Often, more memory results in more speed for the computer; the memory allows you to access data in real-time. For memory-intensive tasks like video editing, ample memory space isn't negotiable if you plan to use the laptop.

Battery capacity: The capacity of a laptop battery determines the duration that the battery can hold a full charge. You can use the laptop for hours if the battery capacity is good enough. If you plan to use the laptop to carry out tasks that will take time, you must consider the battery capacity. While some laptop brands are known for quality battery life, checking the laptop battery capacity before purchase is always better.

Cost: There's a chance that you want your laptop to have all of those top-notch features, but the cost will be a determinant. Laptops come in a variety of costs that are usually determined by the number of features present. For example, laptops will SSD memory are usually more expensive than their HDD counterparts.

How much Should I Pay for a Laptop

A $2000 laptop offers the best blend of features, performance, and price for most users. You'll get a fast processor, plenty of storage, and a beautiful display.

Laptops under $1500 are a good choice for students or budget-minded shoppers. They'll offer slower processors and smaller displays, but they're still capable machines.

Laptops less than $1200 are suitable for basic use, such as browsing the web and checking email.

And if you want an even more budget-friendly option, you can find plenty of models in the under $1000 and under $500 range that still offer impressive performance and strong functionality. If you rarely use a laptop, a model that costs less than $400 may be enough for your daily needs.  

So no matter what your needs or budget may be, there's sure to be a laptop that fits the bill.

Different Uses of Laptop

Laptops have many different uses, ranging from professional to recreational. For example, many college students use laptops for taking notes in class and for doing online research for assignments. Similarly, working professionals frequently rely on laptops for staying connected with their clients and co-workers remotely or handling sensitive information.

From streaming movies on the go to using the advanced AutoCAD software for design work, laptops can help you get things done in any situation. Additionally, laptops are commonly used by teachers in the classroom to share educational materials or stream educational videos from websites.

Another common use of laptops is for creative activities like crafting and design work. In particular, the Cricut Maker is a popular laptop tool used by crafters and artists to create beautiful custom projects. Whether you need to cut vinyl stickers or create intricate paper craft projects, the versatility and precision of the Cricut Maker make it an essential tool in any creative workflow.

Finally, laptops also have a significant role in the world of home entertainment. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu allow people to watch their favorite movies and TV shows right on their laptop screens, making it easy to enjoy high-quality content no matter where you are.

Combined with powerful speakers and headphones, laptops provide an excellent viewing experience that can complement your other home entertainment devices like TVs and gaming consoles. Overall, laptops have endless uses and are an indispensable part of our lives. Whether you're an entrepreneur working from home or an ambitious college student always on the move, don't forget the power of your trusty laptop!

What Are the Best Laptop Brands

Although there are many laptop brands on the market, some are better than others in terms of features, performance, and value.

Apple Macbooks are known for their sleek designs and user-friendly interface, while Acer laptops offer competitive prices and a wide range of features.

HP models are a good choice for business users due to their robust build quality and reliable performance.

As for both business and personal use, Lenovo have a wide variety of models to choose from.

ASUS laptops offer a great balance of price and performance, while Dell laptops are ideal for gaming and multimedia use.

Panasonic is known for their durability and long battery life, while LG notebooks offer impressive features and sleek designs.

TOSHIBA laptops are a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers, while Gigabyte laptops offer high-end features and gaming-grade hardware.

Finally, Sony laptops are a good choice for those who want a combination of style and substance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What's the best laptop screen size?

The average laptop screen sizes in the market are 11 inch, 13.3 inch, and 15 inch.

Your needs and preferences determine the ideal laptop screen size for you. A big screen with a quality display would make it easy to view content on the laptop. On the flip side, a small screen size makes the laptop very portable.

Do I go for HDD or SSD?

The two memory types have their merits and demerits. While the HDD is relatively cheaper than the SSD, it doesn't offer the same efficiency level.

Conclusion

The purchase of a new laptop is a process feared by many people due to the complexities involved. This buying guide simplifies the whole process for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cheap laptops any good?

Yes, cheap laptops have improved significantly in quality over time. While premium laptops have become more expensive, budget options now offer a satisfying user experience. You can find great devices at affordable prices, such as Chromebooks under $300 or budget gaming laptops with dedicated GPUs up to $1,200.

2. How much should a good quality laptop cost?

To ensure good specs and storage that will last at least four years, you should expect to pay at least $1,000 for a good quality laptop.

3. How much should you spend on a good laptop?

For a great Windows ultrabook that will last you at least four years, you should be prepared to spend between $900 and $1,300. While these models may cost more than cheaper alternatives, they provide a better experience and longer lifespan.

Editor's Notes

During our laptop research, we found 24 laptop products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 73,129 customer reviews through our big data system to write the laptops list. We found that most customers choose laptops with an average price of $406.60.

The laptops are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of laptops, including Apple, HP, Dell, Samsung. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Laptops Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Apple HP Dell Apple Apple Dell HP Apple Samsung Apple
Model Name MacBook Air 14-dq0040nr Dell Inspiron MacBook Air MacBook Pro Dell 15 DC15250 Laptop Chromebook 14a-na0226nr MacBook Air XE340XDA-KA2US MacBook Pro
Screen Size 13.6 Inches 14 Inches 15.6 Inches 15.3 Inches 14.2 Inches 15.6 Inches 14 Inches 13.3 Inches 14 Inches 14.2 Inches
Color Midnight Snowflake White Ryzen 7 Midnight Space Black Carbon Black Mineral Silver Space Gray Silver Space Black
Hard Disk Size 256 GB 4 GB 512 GB 256 GB 512 GB 512 GB 64 GB 128 GB 64 GB 512 GB
CPU Model Apple M4 Celeron N4020 Ryzen 7 Apple M4 Unknown Intel Core 3 Celeron Apple M1 Celeron N Apple M4
Ram Memory Installed Size 16 GB 4 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 8 GB 4 GB 8 GB 4 GB 24 GB
Operating System Mac OS Windows 11 S Windows 11 Mac OS Mac OS Windows 11 Home Chrome OS Mac OS Chrome OS Mac OS
Special Feature Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader, Lightweight Micro-edge Bezel HD Audio Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader, Lightweight Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader Anti Glare Coating, Memory Card Slot Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, anti-glare, Operating system: Chrome OS, Processor: Intel Celeron N4120, nternal storage: 64 GB eMMC Retina display with True Tone technology Lightweight Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader
Graphics Card Description Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy