The Apple MacBook Air M3 has claimed the top position as the best laptop of 2024. If you’re looking for a versatile laptop that balances performance, portability, and battery life, the M3 MacBook Air is a great choice. It comes in both 13- and 15-inch models, allowing you to choose between more mobility or a larger workspace. Starting at $1,099, it can often be found for under $1,000 on Amazon. For those with a tighter budget, the MacBook Air M1 remains an excellent all-around option, priced at around $649.
Microsoft has introduced a strong competitor to the MacBook Air with its first Copilot Plus PC. Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite X CPU, the Surface Laptop 7 delivers impressive application and AI performance along with remarkable battery life. It’s also the first Windows laptop to offer a longer battery life than the MacBook Air. Dell’s Inspiron 14 Plus 7441, also equipped with Copilot Plus, surpasses both the Surface Laptop 7 and MacBook Air in terms of battery life.
Our team has extensive experience reviewing laptops of all types, from budget-friendly models for everyday use to high-performance machines for gaming and content creation. Each device undergoes thorough performance testing under controlled conditions and hands-on use, ensuring we identify the best laptops tailored to different needs and price points. With Prime Day deals currently in full swing, we’re also highlighting the best laptop deals available during the event.
Best Apple laptop
M3 MacBook Air (13 inch, 2024)
For those seeking the best laptop, Apple’s latest MacBook Air M3 offers a solid upgrade over its predecessor. While the changes from the M2 version are subtle, the shift to M3 silicon brings improved performance, particularly in graphics. Key upgrades include faster Wi-Fi 6E support and the ability to run dual external displays (though only with the lid closed). The M3 MacBook Air builds on the excellence of the M2 model, making it an even better option without compromising on its core strengths. If you’re still using an Intel-based or M1 MacBook Air, the M3 version is a worthwhile upgrade.
The M3 Air is priced starting at $1,099 from Apple, but you can often find it for less. Amazon, for instance, offers the black model for as low as $900 after discounts, while other colors are priced around $949, making it a fantastic deal for a top-tier laptop.
Best Windows Laptop from 500$ to 1000$
HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2023)
Choosing the best Windows laptop can be challenging with so many options on the market. The HP Pavilion Plus 14 stands out for its balance of affordability and performance, making it a great choice for many users. Available in both 14- and 16-inch sizes, the 14-inch model is compact enough for travel while offering a comfortable workspace. HP gives you the choice between AMD and Intel processors, with the option for entry-level discrete graphics. You can also select from several display options, including a stunning OLED screen, depending on your budget.
While the starting price is often discounted to $550, we recommend upgrading to the OLED display if possible. Our test model, featuring a Ryzen 7 7840U CPU and OLED screen, was priced at just $820 with HP’s current discount—a fantastic deal for an all-metal laptop with an OLED display. HP has also updated the series to include the latest AMD Ryzen 8000 processors, with models starting at $1,000.
Best portable laptop on windows
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 marks a significant improvement over previous Arm-on-Windows attempts, which often suffered from poor performance and compatibility issues with x86 applications. This time, the performance is much better, thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite processor, and compatibility has greatly improved as well.
In testing, the Surface Laptop 7 delivered impressive results, including a stunning battery life of nearly 20 hours — the longest we’ve ever seen in a 13- or 14-inch laptop, even surpassing the M3 MacBook Air. Not only does it rival the MacBook Air in performance and battery life, but it also boasts a sleek, durable design.
While we wish there were an OLED display option, and it’s important to check app compatibility due to its Arm-based system, the Surface Laptop 7 is a top contender if you’re after a well-built, stylish, and long-lasting Windows ultraportable. If you can navigate those minor challenges, this laptop is a great choice for those seeking portability without compromising on quality.
Best laptop for gaming
Alienware M16 R2
The Alienware m16 R2 stands out as a solid midrange option in the world of gaming laptops, priced at $1,700. Alienware redesigned the m16 to meet the needs of a broader audience by lowering the price point without compromising on essential features. It’s now more budget-friendly and compact, making it easier to carry in a backpack. While there are more powerful gaming laptops available, the m16 R2 strikes a balance between performance, portability, and affordability, earning it a top spot in the gaming laptop category.
Tech Specs Overview:
- Price: $1,700
- Display: 16-inch 2,560×1,600 with 120Hz/240Hz refresh rates
- Processor: 1.4GHz Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
- Battery Life: 602 minutes of runtime
Pros:
- Solid Performance: The Alienware m16 delivers decent gaming performance for its class, handling demanding games at medium to high settings without much of a drop in performance when running on battery compared to older models.
- Dual-Refresh Display: The dual-refresh display (120Hz/240Hz) provides smoother gameplay, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- Battery Efficiency: Compared to previous CPU generations, the battery life sees less performance drop, making it more reliable for on-the-go gaming.
Cons:
- Average Display Quality: While functional, the display’s image quality isn’t as sharp or vibrant as some of its competitors.
- Stiff Keyboard: The keyboard feels slightly rigid, which may take time to adjust to during long gaming sessions.
- Heat Management: The side vents can get noticeably hot during intense gaming, which could be uncomfortable over time.
- Heavier Build: At 5.8 pounds, it’s on the heavier side compared to other gaming laptops.
- Weak Wireless Signals: The m16 may struggle with maintaining strong wireless connections in areas with weaker signals.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a midrange gaming laptop priced at $1,700 that delivers a solid balance between price, performance, and portability, the Alienware m16 R2 is a great choice. While it may not be the most powerful gaming laptop on the market, its affordability and versatile features make it a top pick for gamers who want a reliable and portable machine without breaking the bank.
A Top Pick for Budget Gaming
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (2023)
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (2023) stands out as a budget-friendly gaming laptop under Acer’s Predator label, which typically caters to midrange and premium models. Despite being part of the Predator lineup, the Helios Neo 16 shares a lot in common with Acer’s more affordable Nitro series but with a few key improvements. It boasts better build quality and enhanced graphics performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want more without breaking the bank. However, its speakers fall short, producing flat sound with little to no bass.
Priced at $1,200, the Predator Helios Neo 16 may seem high for a budget gaming laptop, but sales often bring the price below $1,000, making it a great deal for gamers looking for power on a budget.
Key Features:
- Price: Currently $1,200 (often available for less than $1,000 during sales)
- Display: 16-inch, 1,920×1,200, 165Hz, LCD
- Processor: Intel Core i5-13500HX
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 (140 watts)
- Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Battery Life: 391 minutes of runtime
Pros:
- Top 3D Performance: Leading 3D performance in the budget gaming category.
- Sturdy Build: The plastic keyboard deck is solid, and the aluminum top cover adds extra durability.
- Spacious Display: The 16-inch, 16:10 display is roomy and bright, enhancing the gaming experience.
- High-Quality Webcam: The 1080p webcam provides crisp visuals, ideal for video calls or game streaming.
- Ample Ports: Includes plenty of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4.
Cons:
- Heavy and Bulky: At 5.7 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for budget gaming laptops.
- Design Resembles Nitro 16: The design is quite similar to the entry-level Nitro 16, offering little aesthetic distinction.
- Weak Audio: The speakers are underwhelming, with flat sound and no bass.
- Short Battery Life: The battery lasts only 391 minutes, which may be limiting for some users.
Conclusion:
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (2023) is an impressive budget gaming laptop with excellent 3D performance and solid build quality. While it may be bulky and have weak audio, the overall performance, bright display, and regular price drops below $1,000 make it a top contender for budget-conscious gamers. Keep an eye out for sales to snag this gaming powerhouse at a more affordable price.
Best Laptops for Artists and Designers
M3 Pro MacBook Pro (16-inch, late 2023)
Apple’s latest update to the 16-inch MacBook Pro introduces the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max processors, along with a sleek new space black color option. The display has also received an upgrade, now offering brightness levels of 600 nits compared to the previous 500 nits on the M2 version. While the overall design remains similar to its predecessor, the new M3 Pro chip delivers significant improvements in performance, particularly in multicore tasks and rendering capabilities. Battery life is impressive as well.
As with the previous models, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro processor starts at $2,499, while the M3 Max variant begins at $3,499. This laptop is our Editors’ Choice for graphics professionals and creators, thanks to its exceptional combination of design, performance, and battery life.
Pros:
- Extremely fast performance
- Outstanding display quality
- Excellent battery life for its category
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors
- Notch design resembles that of the iPhone
- Webcam quality could be improved
Battery life/runtime: 1,263 minutes
Weight: 4.8 pounds
Display size/type: 16-inch, 3,456 x 2,234, Liquid Retina XDR
Processor tested: Apple M3 Max with 16 cores (12 performance, 4 efficiency)
Graphics tested: Apple M3 Max with 20 cores
Top Windows Laptop for Creators
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) stands out as one of the best laptops for creators, even though it’s part of Asus’ gaming-oriented ROG lineup. Unlike other gaming laptops, the G14 leans toward creative professionals, making it an ideal choice for those needing power for design, video editing, or rendering projects. This compact 14-inch machine is categorized as an Nvidia Studio model, and it ships with Nvidia’s Studio drivers instead of the usual Game Ready drivers—though you can switch between them depending on your needs.
With its powerful performance and high-quality display, the G14 is well-suited for demanding creative tasks. The laptop boasts a color-accurate OLED display, a business-class 1080p webcam, and a variety of ports to support multiple connections. Although it comes with an AMD processor, its USB-C port is USB4, not Thunderbolt 4, which could be a consideration for some users.
Pros:
- Stunning, color-accurate OLED display
- Thoughtfully designed and compact
- Great for performance-heavy creative work
Cons:
- The bottom of the laptop gets hot when plugged in
- Lacks Adobe RGB profiling for specific color needs
Key Specs:
- Battery life: 557 minutes
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Display: 14-inch, 2,880×1,800, 120Hz OLED
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
Overall, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 blends portability, power, and design, making it one of the top choices for creators in 2024.
Top Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 stands out for its impressive performance, long battery life, and a bright matte display that reduces glare. It offers more storage than most Chromebooks at this price point, making it a great choice for school, work, or home use. Although the model we tested lacked a backlit keyboard, Acer does offer versions with this feature for a small price increase. With its solid mix of features and affordability, the Chromebook Plus 514 is an easy recommendation for users seeking reliability and performance.
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery
- Excellent webcam quality
- Bright matte touchscreen to minimize glare
- Durable design
- Large 512GB SSD
Cons:
- No keyboard backlight on some models
- Keyboard and touchpad have noticeable flex
- Slower 5Gbps USB-C ports
Key Specs:
- Battery life: 661 minutes
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- Display: 14-inch, 1920×1080 touch LCD
- Processor: Intel Core i3-N305
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
With its blend of durability, display quality, and performance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a great choice for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable Chromebook.