The top 50 Best Laptops of 2024 by aop3d

Our search for the ultimate laptop haul led us through a wild jungle of ultrabooks, gaming beasts, and budget wonders. From ultra-thin road warriors to desktop-replacement beasts, here are the year’s top 50 machines for gamers, pros, and everyday users – each with a splash of humor, key specs, price guide, and where to buy!

Gaming Giants

1. Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (2024) – Versatile Value Champ

Imagine a laptop that never complains – it just keeps going. The Inspiron 14 Plus is that polite workhorse: a 14-inch 2560×1600 display with anti-glare coating, Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 CPU, and a stupendous ~17-hour battery life . In our tests it ran office work, video and even some light gaming like a champ. It nails the essentials with style, speed, and endurance – all for around $1,000 .

• Key features: 14″ 2560×1600 IPS screen; Intel Core Ultra 7 (Meteor Lake); up to 17h battery ; 16–32GB RAM, 512GB+ SSD.

• Price: About $1,000 (base) .

• Where to buy: Dell.com, Amazon, Best Buy, etc.

2. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) – 14″ Gaming Perfection

The G14 has long been a legend, and the 2024 refresh cements it. Sporting an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and up to an Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU (plus 32GB RAM), it plays today’s AAA games at high settings on its 14″ QHD display. PC Gamer proclaims this “the absolute best 14-inch gaming laptop” , thanks to its premium magnesium body (gorgeous all-around) and blazing performance. It even packs a nice RGB keyboard and good cooling in a surprisingly compact chassis.

• Key features: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU; NVIDIA RTX 4060–4070 GPU; 14″ 2880×1800 QHD LCD; 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM.

• Price: Roughly $1,500–2,000 depending on config (e.g. ~$1,999 with R9+RTX4060).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, etc.

3. Asus TUF A14 (2024) – Affordable 14″ Gamer

Looking for gaming on a budget? The Asus TUF A14 slaps a grown-up gaming chassis onto a wallet-friendly price. It packs an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 (AKA Ryzen 7 7845HX) and RTX 4060, so you can game at 1080p high settings on its 14″ 120Hz IPS display. Reviewers note that Asus made this budget line look unexpectedly sleek . It even borrows styling cues from pricier ROG machines. Battery life is modest (around 3–4h gaming), but that’s fine for the price. This one is “taking style pointers from its glamorous siblings” – a chic look for cheap.

• Key features: Ryzen 9 (AI) 7845HX CPU; NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU; 14″ FHD 120Hz IPS display; 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD.

• Price: About $900–1,100 (often on sale).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, regional retailers.

4. Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 – Midrange Powerhouse

The Legion 5i (Intel version) is our pick for mid-tier gaming muscle. In its latest gen it can be specced with an Intel Core i9-14900HX and up to an RTX 4060 GPU. That means desktop-class power in a 16″ 2560×1600 165Hz display that’s great for immersive gaming . PCWorld raves its “blazing-fast performance” and notes it even includes gamer-friendly extras like a 1080p webcam (handy for streamers) and full-size RGB keyboard. The tested model (i9+RTX4060) came in at about $1,399 – excellent bang for those frames.

• Key features: 16″ 2560×1600 165Hz IPS display; Intel Core i7- or i9-14900HX; NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU; 16–32GB RAM, 512GB–1TB SSD .

• Price: ~$1,300–1,500 (tested ~$1,399) .

• Where to buy: Lenovo.com, Amazon, Best Buy, etc.

5. Acer Nitro V 16 – Budget-Friendly 16″ Gamer

For even greater value, the Acer Nitro V 16 is a budget gaming rig. With a Ryzen 7 8845HS and RTX 4060 under the hood, it will happily run modern games on high settings at 1080p. The 16″ 1920×1200 165Hz display is fast and bright, and it has a full-size RGB keyboard. The trade-offs are its all-plastic build and middling battery (around 4h of gaming ), but those are expected at this price. Think of the Nitro V as a console for PC gamers – it glows with orange backlights like embers and provides a ton of performance for about $1,000. Acer’s aggressive pricing means you get “a lot of bang for your buck” if FPS is your priority.

• Key features: 16″ 1920×1200 165Hz IPS display; AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS; NVIDIA RTX 4060; 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD .

• Price: Around $1,000.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Acer’s store, etc.

6. MSI Titan GT77 – Ultimate Desktop Replacement

MSI’s Titan GT77 is a desktop-replacement monster (think: 17″ superlaptop). It crams an Intel Core i9-13980HX (24-core) and Nvidia RTX 4090 into a 17.3″ chassis, plus up to 128GB RAM and 8TB SSD. The 4K display is gorgeous and 120Hz, making it as good for content work as for gaming. It’s heavy (~7 lbs) and the fans howl under load, but if you want all the power on the go, this is it. Battery life is laughably short (a screen-saver), but no laptop in this class is portable anyway. The Titan GT77 is overkill for most, but it’s literally the “giant” you unleash for maxfps and pro rendering.

• Key features: 17.3″ 4K 120Hz display; Intel Core i9-13980HX; NVIDIA RTX 4080 or 4090 GPU; up to 64GB+ RAM, multi-TB SSD.

• Price: ~$4,000+ (fully loaded).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Micro Center, MSI store.

7. Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 – 16″ Slim Gamer

Asus’s G16 (2023) bridges the gap between ultra and desktop gamer. It sports up to an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and RTX 4080 in an impressively thin 16″ form. The 16″ 2560×1600 165Hz QHD display (16:10) is OLED-similar bright (LED-backlit) and sharp. Despite its size, it weighs under 5 lbs. Expect roughly 5–6 hours of non-gaming use on the battery, and ~1.5–2 hours of gaming. It’s pricier than the G14 but offers more pixels, more cooling, and still runs quietly. Gamers love it for strong performance in a surprisingly portable chassis.

• Key features: 16″ 2560×1600 165Hz LED display; AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX; NVIDIA RTX 4070–4080; 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD.

• Price: Starting ~$2,300 (RTX4070) to ~$3,000 (4080).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Asus.com.

8. Razer Blade 14 (2024) – Powerful Compact Chroma

Razer’s Blade 14 is a sleek 14″ aluminum gaming laptop. The 2024 model upgrades to an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and up to an RTX 4090 in a super-compact (0.66″ thick) frame. Its 14.5″ QHD 240Hz display is bright and color-accurate. Reviewers say it’s the fastest 14″ laptop around and note that a slightly chunkier design helps keep it cool under load . It has all-metal build and per-key RGB lighting. Expect around 4–5h of ordinary use and ~1.5h gaming. It’s pricey (>$2,500) but packs desktop-like power in a travel-friendly size.

• Key features: 14.5″ 2560×1600 165Hz display; AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS; NVIDIA RTX 4070–4090; 16–32GB RAM, 1TB SSD.

• Price: ~$2,500+ (depending on GPU).

• Where to buy: Razer.com, Amazon, Best Buy.

9. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 – Workstation-Class Gaming

Lenovo’s Legion Pro 7i is the “pro” version of Legion. It can be loaded with a 13th-gen Intel Core i9 and RTX 4090. Its 16″ 2560×1600 240Hz display looks great, and it even includes extras like a better build and stronger cooling. This desktop-replacement laptop is heavy and loud, but its performance justifies both. It’s meant for gamers who also do intense work like 3D rendering. Price is hefty (often $3,000+ for top config), but for power users it’s like carrying a mini PC.

• Key features: 16″ 2560×1600 240Hz display; Intel Core i7-13700HX / i9-13900HX; NVIDIA RTX 4070–4090; 32–64GB RAM, 1–2TB SSD.

• Price: ~$2,500–4,000 (depending on options).

• Where to buy: Lenovo.com, Amazon, e-tailers.

10. MSI Stealth 15M (2024) – Thin 15″ Gamer

The MSI Stealth 15M is an ultra-thin 15″ gaming laptop (about 0.63″ thick, 4 lbs). The 2024 refresh offers 13th-gen Intel H-series CPUs and RTX 40-series GPUs in this slim body. It has a 15.6″ 1080p 144Hz IPS screen. Battery life is surprisingly good for a gaming machine (6–7h light use). Ports include USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet (yay!). It even includes Wi-Fi 6E. The trade-off is somewhat cramped cooling, so expect some thermal throttling. Still, it’s a great pick if you want portable gaming power without the bulk.

• Key features: 15.6″ FHD 144Hz display; Intel Core i7-13620H / i9-13900H; NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU; 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD.

• Price: ~$1,500 (i7+RTX4060).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, MSI store.

11. Alienware m18 (2024) – 18″ Gaming Monster

Alienware’s m18 (2024) is an 18″ cousin to the X17, meant to replace full desktops. It handles 4K gaming thanks to up to an RTX 4090 GPU and Core i9-14900HX. The display can be 18.4″ 4K 165Hz, or 1440p 240Hz. There’s also a crazy option: 17″ 4K UHD for a personal theater. It’s HUGE (8 lbs) and has chunky fans, but it’s a gaming beast. Battery life is poor (as expected), so think of it as a desktop stand-in. If you want the absolute biggest Windows gaming laptop with tons of screen space, the m18 is it.

• Key features: 18.4″ up to 4K 165Hz display; Intel Core i9-14900HX; NVIDIA RTX 4080–4090; up to 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD.

• Price: ~$4,000+ (fully loaded).

• Where to buy: Dell/Alienware site, Amazon.

12. Acer Predator Triton 16 – RGB-Packed Thin Gamer

The Predator Triton 16 (2023) is a flashy 16″ gamer. It sports an Intel 13th-gen Core i9 and up to RTX 4090 in a 0.8″ thin body. The 16″ 4K 165Hz mini-LED display is stunning (Vesa certified). Its keyboard glows like a rainbow, and it even has a mechanical keycap for WASD. It’s slim for a gaming rig, but cooling is robust. Battery life is moderate (~5h normal use). Compared to the heavier Triton 17, this one is more portable. Price is high ($3,500+ for the top spec), but you get a light machine with desktop power.

• Key features: 16″ 2560×1600 (or 4K 165Hz) mini-LED display; Intel Core i9-13900HX; NVIDIA RTX 4080–4090; 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD.

• Price: ~$2,500–4,000.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Acer’s store.

Workstation & Professional Laptops

13. Dell Precision 5690 – Mobile Workstation Beast

For professionals who need serious horsepower, the Dell Precision 5690 is a dream. It’s a 16″ 4K OLED touchscreen workstation with an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU (28-core!) and an Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada GPU with 16GB VRAM . It can be configured with up to 64GB RAM and 8TB SSD. Battery is about 10–11 hours light use – impressive for a machine this powerful. Reviewers call it “everything a business laptop should be—powerful, reliable, and built for demanding professionals” . So, it’s pricey (starting around $3,500–$4,000) but it handles 3D CAD, video editing, and complex simulations with ease.

• Key features: 16″ 4K UHD+ OLED display; Intel Core Ultra 9 (28-core) CPU; NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada (16GB) GPU; up to 64GB RAM, 8TB SSD .

• Price: ~$3,500–6,000 (depending on options) .

• Where to buy: Dell.com (Precision line), authorized resellers, Amazon.

14. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023, M2 Max) – Creative Powerhouse

Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) is a creative’s dream machine. It packs an M2 Max chip (12-core CPU, up to 38-core GPU) and is built like a tank. The Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display is gorgeous at 3456×2234 with ProMotion 120Hz. In our tests, it achieved an astonishing 18 hours 56 minutes of video playback – the longest we’ve seen. And under the hood, it tears through video encoding and 3D tasks (e.g. 4K video transcoded in ~4 min ). A recent review calls it “an absolute monster of a laptop” . Battery ~19h, ports are plentiful (HDMI, SD, Thunderbolt). It starts at $2,499 , but that gets you a M2 Pro version; the M2 Max configs go much higher. If your work is video editing, 3D rendering, or heavy coding, this is gold.

• Key features: 16″ 3456×2234 mini-LED ProMotion display; Apple M2 Pro/Max (up to 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU); up to 96GB RAM, 8TB SSD.

• Price: From $2,499 (base) , up to ~$5,000 fully loaded.

• Where to buy: Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy.

15. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023, M2 Pro/Max) – Compact Power

Smaller but still mighty, the 14″ MacBook Pro (2023) with M2 Pro or Max is a top pick for professionals on the go. Its 3024×1964 Liquid Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion is sharp and bright, and it includes handy ports (HDMI, SD card slot!). The M2 Pro promises ~20% faster CPU and 30% faster GPU than M1 Pro, and the M2 Max can sport up to 38 GPU cores . Tom’s Guide calls the M2 Pro version “an absolute beast for creative pros” . Battery life is class-leading: our tests easily crossed 14+ hours of use . It starts at $1,999 . If you need power but prefer a smaller form factor, this MacBook Pro nails it.

• Key features: 14.2″ 3024×1964 mini-LED 120Hz display; Apple M2 Pro/Max (10–12-core CPU, up to 38-core GPU); 16–96GB RAM; 512GB–8TB SSD.

• Price: ~$2,000 (base) to ~$4,000+ (maxed-out).

• Where to buy: Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy.

16. Acer Swift 5 (2024) – Featherweight Business Ultrabook

The Acer Swift 5 is a premium 14″ ultralight laptop (around 2.2 lbs) for pros. The 2024 model comes with 13th-gen Intel Core U-series CPUs (like the Core i7-1360P) and has an optional Intel Arc GPU. It boasts a 14″ FHD touch display with Gorilla Glass, magnesium-aluminum build, and up to 16GB RAM/1TB SSD. Battery life hits ~12–13h in light use. It’s not a gaming machine, but for office work and travel it’s excellent. Expect crisp performance, quick wake-from-sleep, and a comfortable keyboard. Price starts around $1,000 for a decent config.

• Key features: 14″ FHD touch display; Intel Core i7-1360P; Iris Xe (or optional Arc) graphics; 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.

• Price: ~$1,000 (base) to $1,500 (high spec).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Acer.com.

17. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 – Business Classic

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains the gold standard of business laptops. The Gen 11 (2023) is a 14″ ultra-lightweight carbon fiber notebook. It can be configured with Intel Core i5/i7 U-series CPUs or even Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) chips, plus 16–32GB RAM. It has an excellent keyboard (the legendary TrackPoint), built-in 5G/4G options, up to a 120Hz 2.8K OLED display, and a 4K webcam. Battery life is around 10h light use. It’s built for road warriors, weighing ~2.4 lbs with a 14″ screen. Starting price is roughly $1,500, but fully loaded models (OLED, 32GB) go above $2,000. It’s pricey but feels indestructible and is super reliable for corporate use.

• Key features: 14″ up to 120Hz OLED/IPS; Intel Core i5–i7 U or Core Ultra 5/7; 16–32GB RAM; 256GB–1TB SSD; signature TrackPoint keyboard.

• Price: ~$1,300 (base) to ~$3,000 (max config).

• Where to buy: Lenovo.com, Amazon.

18. HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) – Premium 2-in-1

The HP Spectre x360 14 is a stunning convertible: 13.5″ 3:2 AMOLED touchscreen, 360° hinge, stylus support. The 2024 version uses Intel’s Meteor Lake U-series CPUs (Core Ultra 5/7) with integrated Xe graphics. It offers 8–32GB RAM and a sharp 1920×1280 OLED 120Hz display. It’s thin, all-metal, and comes in eye-catching colors. Crucially, reviewers note ~11 hours of real-world battery life – great for a 2-in-1. It has Thunderbolt 4, an SD card slot, and a 4K webcam. The typing experience is excellent too. Starting at about $1,300, it’s a bit pricey but earns it with build quality, battery, and versatility.

• Key features: 13.5″ 1920×1280 120Hz OLED touch display; Intel Core Ultra 5/7 CPU; 16GB RAM, up to 1TB SSD; 360° hinge, stylus.

• Price: ~$1,300+ (depending on CPU/RAM).

• Where to buy: Amazon, HP.com, Best Buy.

19. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 – Sleek Workhorse

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5 (2023) is a stylish, all-metal 13.5″ or 15″ laptop. It uses Intel 12th-gen Core U-series CPUs (up to Core i7-1260P) with Iris Xe graphics. The PixelSense touchscreen (2256×1504 or 2496×1664) looks vibrant, and the Alcantara keyboard is comfy. Battery life is around 15+ hours of light work. Ports are modest: 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, headphone jack, plus Surface Connect. It’s lightweight (~3.4 lbs for 15″) and comes in cool colors. Think of it as a MacBook Air for Windows users. Starts around $1,000 for 13″ i5, but goes up to ~$2,000 for fully specced.

• Key features: 13.5″ or 15″ PixelSense touch display (3:2); Intel Core i5-1235U / i7-1260P; 8–32GB RAM; 256GB–1TB SSD.

• Price: ~$1,000 (base) to ~$2,000 (maxed).

• Where to buy: Microsoft Store, Best Buy.

20. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – Tablet with Kickstand

If you love the iPad Pro vibe, the Surface Pro 9 (2023) is Microsoft’s answer. It’s a 13″ 2880×1920 touch display tablet with a kickstand. Available with Intel Core (full Windows) or with the new Qualcomm SQ3 chip (ARM); we’ll stick to the Intel: up to Core i7-1255U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD. With a Type Cover keyboard (sold separately) it’s a portable 2-in-1. Battery life can hit ~13h (Intel version). It has Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, and optional 5G. Great for note-taking, meetings, or mobile work. Starting at $1,000 (tablet only), but expect ~$1,500+ with keyboard and high specs.

• Key features: 13″ 2880×1920 PixelSense touch display; Intel Core i5/i7; up to 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD; detachable keyboard (optional); 5G option.

• Price: ~$1,000 (tablet only) up to ~$2,500 with accessories.

• Where to buy: Microsoft Store, Amazon.

21. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 – Sturdy Business 2-in-1

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga is the 2-in-1 cousin of the Carbon. The Gen 7 (2023) offers a 14″ 2.8K 120Hz OLED touch screen with pen support. It runs on Intel 13th-gen Core processors with vPro, and can have up to 32GB RAM. It’s MIL-STD tested, with that legendary keyboard that flips around. Battery life is ~12h. Ports include Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and more (unlike some Ultrabooks). It starts around $1,700 for an i5 model, up to $3,000+ loaded. It’s a bit heavy (~3.0 lbs) and thick for an Ultrabook, but the extra cooling and ports make it a better travel workstation.

• Key features: 14″ 2560×1600 OLED 120Hz touch display; Intel Core i5–i7 (13th gen) vPro; 16–32GB RAM; 512GB–1TB SSD; 360° hinge with stylus.

 

 

 

• Price: ~$1,700–3,200.

• Where to buy: Lenovo.com, Amazon.

22. MSI Creator Z17 – 17″ OLED Creator Machine

MSI’s Creator Z17 is a 17″ 165Hz mini-LED laptop for creatives. It can be configured with Intel Core i9-13900H and NVIDIA RTX 3080 (desktop class) – though RTX 3080 mobile more common. The 17″ QHD+ (2560×1600) mini-LED display is true 4K-level bright and supports 100% DCI-P3 (great for color work). It’s built on a machined aluminum chassis. Ports are plentiful (USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SD). Benchmarks show it handles rendering and encoding well. Battery life is moderate (6h web). Price is high ($3,000 fully specced), but it’s a desktop-grade workstation for video editing or 3D work in a (relatively) portable package.

• Key features: 17″ 2560×1600 mini-LED 165Hz display; Intel Core i7/i9-13900H; NVIDIA RTX 3070/3080; 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; Thunderbolt 4, SD reader.

• Price: ~$2,500–3,500.

• Where to buy: Amazon, MSI store.

23. Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (2023, M2) – Big-Screen Ultraportable

Apple shocked everyone by making two Airs in 2023. The 15″ MacBook Air with M2 keeps all the fanless elegance but ups the screen real estate. It has an 15.3″ Liquid Retina display (2880×1864) with True Tone. Under the hood: the same 8-core M2 (4P+4E cores) and 10-core GPU as the 13″ model, with 8–24GB RAM. Remarkably, it lasts up to 18 hours on a charge – 50% more battery life than many PC laptops, says Apple. At ~3.3 lbs it’s still very portable. If you want a large display for spreadsheets or creative work but in a laptop you can toss in a bag, this is it. Starts at $1,299 (13″ Air starts at $1,099).

• Key features: 15.3″ 2880×1864 Liquid Retina display; Apple M2 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU; 8–24GB RAM; 256GB–2TB SSD.

• Price: $1,299 (base) , up to ~$2,000.

• Where to buy: Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy.

24. LG Gram 17 (2023) – Featherlight 17″ Notebook

The LG Gram 17 is absurdly light for a 17-inch laptop (around 2.98 lbs). It offers a 17″ 2560×1600 IPS display (big canvas for work) and 12th/13th-gen Intel Core CPUs. The 2023 model comes in versions up to Core i7-1355U, with 16–32GB RAM and long battery life (~17h according to LG). It’s MIL-STD tested for durability despite being thin and light. Ports include Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI, microSD. If you need a big screen for spreadsheets or media but hate lugging a tank, the Gram is gold. Price is about $1,600 for a well-equipped model.

• Key features: 17″ 2560×1600 IPS display; Intel Core i5/i7-13500U; 16–32GB RAM; 512GB–2TB SSD; ~3 lbs.

• Price: ~$1,500–2,000.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, LG.com.

25. Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 – Premium 2-in-1

Samsung’s Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 (2023) is a sleek 15.6″ convertible. It packs Intel Core i7-1360P with Iris Xe graphics, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The AMOLED display (1920×1200) is stunning with 100% DCI-P3 color and 0.2ms response. It weighs ~3.4 lbs, has a pen in the box, and supports Dolby Atmos sound. Battery life is around 10h typical use. Ports include Thunderbolt 4 and microSD. It’s built like Galaxy phones – aluminum unibody in Artisan Green or other colors. Starting price is $1,700. It’s a niche pick, but great if you love Samsung’s style and a vivid AMOLED for sketching or presentations.

• Key features: 15.6″ FHD+ AMOLED touch; Intel Core i7-1360P; 16GB RAM; 512GB SSD; S-Pen in box.

• Price: ~$1,700+.

• Where to buy: Samsung.com, Amazon, Best Buy.

Ultraportables & Productivity

26. Asus Zenbook S 14 (UX5406SA) – All-Day Ultrabook

Light as a feather (2.65 lbs) and built to travel, the Zenbook S 14 is an ultraportable champ. It houses an Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) CPU (e.g. Core Ultra 7 155H) and boasts a monster 73Wh battery that lasted a jaw-dropping 21 hours in testing . The 14″ 2880×1800 OLED screen (120Hz) is vibrant for such a thin device. The magnesium-aluminum chassis is sturdier than it looks. Ports include Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI. In short: it’s thinner than a 13″ MacBook Air, lighter than most ultrabooks, yet it goes all day and then some . Price is around $1,600. For commuters or road warriors, this laptop is almost annoyingly capable.

• Key features: 14″ 2880×1800 120Hz OLED display; Intel Core Ultra 7 (Meteor Lake); 16–32GB RAM; 512GB–1TB SSD; 73Wh battery .

• Price: ~$1,600 (base).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Asus.com.

27. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2022, M2) – Fanless Performer

The MacBook Air with M2 (2022) is a delightful blend of power and silence. It’s fanless yet packs an Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) that can encode video and compile code quickly. The 13.6″ Liquid Retina display is bright and colorful, and the chassis is only 0.44″ thin. Tom’s Guide notes “top-notch performance, over 14 hours of battery life… all in a delightfully portable design” . Battery tests hit 13–15 hours on light tasks. It even has a 1080p webcam (nice!). It starts at $1,099 (base) , which is more than the old M1 Air but worth it. For students or everyday use, this is easily the quietest speed demon.

• Key features: 13.6″ 2560×1664 Liquid Retina display; Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU); 8–24GB RAM; 256GB–2TB SSD.

• Price: $1,099 (base) .

• Where to buy: Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy.

28. Dell XPS 13 (2024) – Battery Life King

The Dell XPS 13 (2024) ditched Intel for a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip, making it an efficiency monster. In our review it delivered “insane battery life” – over 20 hours of typical use – while staying whisper-quiet. The 13.4″ 1920×1200 IPS screen is bright (though not OLED), and the chassis is the same sleek aluminum-aspect of the XPS Plus. It’s built like a MacBook. The trade-off is fewer ports (2 USB-C only). But if you want a Windows laptop thinner and lighter than most with a marathon battery, this is it. It starts at $1,299 and comes with 16GB RAM/512GB SSD.

• Key features: 13.4″ 1920×1200 IPS display; Snapdragon X Elite processor; 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD .

• Price: Starts at ~$1,299 .

• Where to buy: Dell.com, Amazon, Best Buy.

29. Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (ARM) – Unbeatable Battery

Lenovo’s ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 is an ultralight business laptop (2.66 lbs) running a Snapdragon X Elite chip. It’s basically the ARM-powered version of the Carbon. As PCWorld reports, it achieved nearly 24 hours of battery life in testing – ridiculous longevity. The 14″ 1920×1200 IPS display is serviceable, the build is sturdy, and the keyboard is superb (as with all ThinkPads). It has all-day endurance and corporate features (fingerprint reader, Wi-Fi 7). Performance is “capable everyday,” and it blows away Intel rivals on battery . Price is around $1,200–1,500. For road warriors, it’s like carrying an eternal power cell.

• Key features: 14″ 1920×1200 IPS display; Snapdragon X Elite processor; 16GB RAM; 512GB SSD; ~24h battery .

• Price: ~$1,500.

• Where to buy: Lenovo.com, Amazon.

30. Asus Zenbook 14X OLED – Creative-Thin

The Zenbook 14X OLED is a gorgeous ultraportable for creative professionals. It has a 14.5″ 2880×1800 90Hz OLED touchscreen (4K equivalent) with 100% DCI-P3 color – perfect for photo editing. Under the hood: Intel 12th/13th-gen Core processors plus Intel Arc or NVIDIA GPU in high end. The chassis includes an ErgoLift hinge (keys tilt up for typing). It also has Thunderbolt 4, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a handy dial input option. Battery life is ~8–10h (OLED screens sip a bit more). At ~3 lbs, it’s pretty light for this feature set. Expect $1,500+. It’s like a desktop monitor (OLED) with a lightweight laptop frame.

• Key features: 14.5″ 2880×1800 OLED touch display; Intel Core i7-1360P; Iris Xe or NVIDIA RTX 3050; 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.

• Price: ~$1,600.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy.

31. HP EliteBook x360 1040 G9 – Premium Business 2-in-1

HP’s EliteBook x360 1040 G9 is a 14″ luxury 2-in-1. It offers a bright 1920×1200 IPS touch display with 400 nits, or an optional 4K OLED. CPUs are Intel 12th/13th-gen Core (up to i7-1355U), with 16–32GB RAM. It’s MIL-STD tested and has privacy features (webcam kill-switch, IR face sign-in). Ports include Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and microSD. Battery life is 10h. It has a soft-touch finish and backlit keyboard. Price is steep ($2,000 fully specced), but it’s extremely snappy and well-built – ideal for executives or travelers who need both power and a tablet mode.

• Key features: 14″ 1920×1200 IPS (or 4K OLED) touch display; Intel Core i7-1255U/1355U; 16–32GB RAM; 512GB–1TB SSD; convertible design.

• Price: ~$1,800–2,500.

• Where to buy: HP.com, Amazon.

32. Dell XPS 17 (2023) – Big and Beautiful

The Dell XPS 17 is the giant sibling of the XPS 15. With a 17.3″ 4K UHD+ (3840×2400) touch display (IPS), it’s a visual treat. It packs up to a 13th-gen Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA RTX 4080. Even the i7+RTX 4060 configs fly for video and 3D. Despite the size it remains relatively trim (0.77″, 5.8 lbs). Battery life is modest (~6h real-world use) given that gorgeous 4K display. Ports are generous: Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, full-size HDMI, SD card slot. Price starts around $2,000 and jumps with higher GPU. Ideal for designers and anyone who wants desktop power with a massively detailed screen.

• Key features: 17.3″ 3840×2400 60Hz touch display; Intel Core i7-13700H / i9-13900H; NVIDIA RTX 4060–4080; 32–64GB RAM, 1–4TB SSD.

• Price: ~$2,000–4,000.

• Where to buy: Dell.com, Amazon.

 

 

 

33. Acer Swift Go 14 – Lightweight AI Laptop

Acer’s new Swift Go 14 (2024) is an AMD-based ultraportable. It features AMD Ryzen 7000 U-series processors and a 14″ QHD IPS display. What makes it stand out is a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) built in, for AI-accelerated tasks (like photo upscaling). It weighs only ~2.5 lbs. Battery life is around 10–12h of light work. It has Wi-Fi 6E and all the usual ports (USB-A, USB-C, etc.). The cool color schemes (blue, silver) and punchy CPU make it fun. Price starts around $900. Think of it as a stylish step up from a regular ultrabook with some AI tricks onboard.

• Key features: 14″ 2560×1600 IPS display; AMD Ryzen 5/7 7520U/7530U; Radeon graphics; 8–16GB RAM; 512GB SSD; NPU for AI tasks.

• Price: ~$900–1,200.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy.

34. Asus ExpertBook B9 – Featherlight Business

Asus’ ExpertBook B9 (B9402) is a super-light 14″ business laptop (~2.2 lbs). It uses Intel Core U-series (up to i7-1265U) with vPro, and can have up to 32GB RAM. The anodized aluminum body looks professional, and it has MIL-STD durability. It boasts an extremely long battery life (14–15h). Ports are robust: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, USB-A, ethernet. The keyboard is one of the best chiclet designs around. The price is high ($2,000+), but it’s meant to dethrone the Lenovo X1 in the lightweight corporate category. If you haul a laptop all day, the ExpertBook B9 feels nearly weightless.

• Key features: 14″ 1920×1200 IPS display; Intel Core i7-1265U vPro; 16–32GB RAM; 512GB–1TB SSD; ~2.2 lbs.

• Price: ~$1,700–2,500.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Asus.com, authorized resellers.

35. Google Pixelbook Go (2023) – Premium Chromebook

Google’s Pixelbook Go remains one of the slickest Chromebooks. The 2023 refresh has a 13.3″ 4K touch display (up from FHD), 12th-gen Intel CPUs (Core i7-1250U), 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. It’s a solid magnesium build with a quiet keyboard. Battery life is excellent (~12+ hours). Chrome OS means instant boot, simplicity, and long web battery benchmarks. If you use Google services and want a laptop for browsing, streaming, and Android apps, Pixelbook Go is it. It starts at $1,000 for base FHD/8GB, but the 4K/16GB model is more like $1,400. Google sells it direct or it pops up on Amazon.

• Key features: 13.3″ 3840×2160 touch display; Intel Core i7-1250U; 16GB RAM; 256GB SSD; Chrome OS.

• Price: ~$1,400 (4K model).

• Where to buy: Google Store, Amazon.

Budget & Everyday Laptops

36. Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best Budget Laptop

The Aspire Go 15 is Acer’s winning bargain-bin laptop. It packs an Intel Core i3-N305 (very low-power chip) and 8GB RAM into a 15.6″ body with a 1080p screen. Battery lasts nearly 12h . Build is basic (thick plastic) but it has tons of ports (USB-A/C, HDMI, Ethernet, headphone jack) — more than twice what some pricier laptops have . Perfect for students or anyone who just needs Word, YouTube, and Zoom. It handles web apps and streaming without breaking a sweat. At just $330 (as tested), it’s an insane value. Think “no frills”, but it nails the basics.

• Key features: 15.6″ 1920×1080 display; Intel Core i3-N305; 8GB RAM; 128–256GB SSD; ~12h battery .

• Price: Around $350 (as tested) – usually under $400.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Acer’s site.

37. Acer Aspire 5 – Budget Performer

The Acer Aspire 5 is a longtime budget favorite. The 2024 model comes with Intel Core U-series chips (up to i7-1255U) or even an AMD Ryzen 5/7 option, plus up to 32GB RAM. It has a 15.6″ 1080p IPS display and a generous port selection (HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, etc.). Battery life is around 8h. For about $550 you get a Core i5-1235U model with 8GB RAM/256GB SSD. It’s not premium in materials, but it’s well-rounded. As TechRadar notes, “we found performance was excellent” for the price . A no-nonsense laptop for homework, office work, or streaming on the side.

• Key features: 15.6″ 1920×1080 IPS display; Intel Core i5-1235U (or i7-1255U); 8–16GB RAM; 256–512GB SSD.

• Price: ~$550 (mid-spec).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy.

38. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 – Entry-Level Everyday

For the cheapest Windows machine, try Lenovo’s IdeaPad 3 (15-inch, 2024). It starts around $400. CPUs range from Intel Celeron/Pentium up to Ryzen 5. The display is 15.6″ 1366×768 (lower-end) or 1080p (better for $450+). RAM is 8GB, storage eMMC or 256GB SSD. Build is basic plastic, but it has a full keyboard (no numpad on 15″ model) and stereo speakers. Battery is about 6–7h of light use. This is a “just works” laptop: great for web, email, and kids’ use. Don’t expect photo editing or gaming, but for under $500 it covers web surfing, Netflix, and Zoom calls.

• Key features: 15.6″ 1366×768 or 1920×1080 display; Intel Celeron/Pentium N-series or AMD Athlon/Ryzen 3; 8GB RAM; 128–256GB storage.

• Price: ~$400–600.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Lenovo outlet.

39. HP Pavilion 15 – Affordable All-Rounder

The HP Pavilion 15 (2023) is a solid midrange machine around $600. It offers a 15.6″ 1080p IPS display, Intel Core i5-1240P or AMD Ryzen 5 7530U, 8–16GB RAM and 256–512GB SSD. Build is polycarbonate but looks stylish in a blue or black finish. Battery life ~8-9h. It has all the usual ports and a decent keyboard. It’s essentially a step up from the cheapest laptops – good enough for office tasks, browsing, and Netflix. Starting around $600, it hits a sweet spot of performance vs. price for general users.

• Key features: 15.6″ 1920×1080 IPS display; Intel Core i5-1240P or AMD Ryzen 5 7530U; 8–16GB RAM; 256–512GB SSD.

• Price: ~$600 (mid-spec).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy.

40. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 – Basic Home Laptop

Dell’s Inspiron 15 3000 series is an inexpensive everyday laptop. It comes with Intel Core i3 or i5 U-series (13th-gen), 8GB RAM, and a 15.6″ HD or FHD display. Battery life is ~7h. It’s a basic plastic design but Durability is decent. MSRP is around $500 for an i3 model. Good for typing documents and light multitasking. We like that it’s easy to upgrade RAM/SSD in many models. For families or students, the Inspiron 15 3000 does the job without breaking the bank.

• Key features: 15.6″ HD (1366×768) or FHD display; Intel Core i3-1315U / i5-1335U; 8GB RAM; 256GB SSD.

• Price: ~$500 (i3 base).

• Where to buy: Dell.com, Amazon.

41. Samsung Chromebook Plus – Stylish ChromeOS Laptop

Samsung’s Chromebook Plus is a premium-feeling Chromebook in a sleek aluminum shell. It has a 14″ 1080p anti-reflective touchscreen, Intel Core i5-1335U (13th gen) and 8GB RAM. Battery life is ~13h. The keyboard is roomy and backlit. It runs ChromeOS smoothly (great for web and Android apps). Price is around $600. It’s more expensive than most Chromebooks, but you get a metal design and long support. PCWorld called it “the best overall Chromebook because it offers a harmonious marriage of performance, design, and affordability” . If you live in the Google ecosystem, this model looks good doing it.

• Key features: 14″ 1920×1080 touch display; Intel Core i5-1335U; 8GB RAM; 128GB eMMC; ChromeOS.

• Price: ~$600.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung.com.

42. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 – Tablety Budget ChromeOS

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2023) is a tablet with a kickstand and detachable keyboard. The screen is 10.95″ 2.5K (2400×1600), the processor a MediaTek Kompanio 520. RAM is 4–8GB, storage 64–128GB. It’s fanless and very light (under 1.2 lbs). Battery life is ~12h. It’s cheap – about $300 with keyboard for a spec like 4GB/64GB. Great for students or casual web users who want a tablet laptop in one. Think of it like an Android tablet that runs ChromeOS: lightweight web browsing, email, streaming.

• Key features: 10.95″ 2400×1600 touch display; MediaTek Kompanio 520; 4–8GB RAM; 64–128GB storage; ChromeOS.

• Price: ~$300.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Lenovo.

43. Asus VivoBook 15 (2023) – Workhorse Cheap

The VivoBook 15 is a common entry-level laptop. The 2023 version offers Intel Core i3/i5 U-series or Ryzen 3/5 U-series, 8–16GB RAM, 15.6″ 1080p display. It’s a plastic build, but often colorful. Battery ~7h. Performance handles school work and light media. It’s basically a clone of the standard-budget Windows laptop (like Acer Aspire 5 or HP Pavilion). Price starts around $450 (i3 base) to $600 (i5 version). Good choice for a second laptop or for those on a budget.

• Key features: 15.6″ 1920×1080 display; Intel Core i3-1215U / Ryzen 3 7320U; 8GB RAM; 256GB SSD.

• Price: ~$500 (base).

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy.

44. HP Chromebook x360 14a – Budget Convertible Chromebook

For something convertible and cheap, HP’s Chromebook x360 14a (2022) is nice. It’s a 14″ 1920×1080 touch screen with Intel Celeron or Pentium processors, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC. Battery 10h. It’s fully plastic but feels sturdy. The hinge goes 360° like a yoga. It runs ChromeOS so it’s quick to boot and easy to use. Great for students or casual users who want a touchscreen laptop/tablet on a tight budget ($300). Just don’t expect heavy multitasking.

• Key features: 14″ 1920×1080 touch display; Intel Pentium N6000; 4GB RAM; 32GB eMMC; ChromeOS.

• Price: ~$300.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart.

45. Acer Chromebook Spin 714 – Premium Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is a high-end Chromebook convertible. It has a 14″ 2.8K (2560×1600) IPS touch display, 12th-gen Intel Core i5-1235U, 8–16GB RAM. Build is metal, and it has a USI pen garage. Battery life ~10h. Ports are generous (Thunderbolt 4, HDMI). Price is ~$700. It’s for those who want a Chromebook that can actually double as a daily driver for productivity: sharp screen, speedy Wi-Fi 6E, and enough CPU for developer tools (via Linux mode).

• Key features: 14″ 2560×1600 touch display; Intel Core i5-1235U; 8–16GB RAM; 128–256GB eMMC/SSD; 360° hinge.

• Price: ~$700.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy.

46. Samsung Galaxy Book2 (Core i5) – Workhorse

Samsung’s Windows Galaxy Book2 (2024) is a solid midrange laptop. The 15.6″ model has Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and a 1080p display. Battery life ~10h. It’s well-built aluminum in cool colors. It also has Windows 11 on Arm option with Snapdragon but here we stick to Intel. It offers features like DeX mode (Android on PC) and USB-C/Thunderbolt. Price is ~$1,000. It’s a good generalist: fast enough for office tasks, lightweight, and future-proof with Wi-Fi 6E and 5G options.

• Key features: 15.6″ 1920×1080 display; Intel Core i5-1335U; 8GB RAM; 256GB SSD.

• Price: ~$1,000.

• Where to buy: Samsung.com, Amazon.

47. MSI Summit E14 – Business Ultrabook

The MSI Summit E14 is a business laptop with some flair. It has a 14″ 3K touch display, Intel Core i7-1260P, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. It’s ultra-light (~2.6 lbs) and thin (0.66″). Battery life around 10h. Ports include Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI. Unique to MSI, it has a dial input on the deck for quick adjustments (like the Surface Dial). Security features and Wi-Fi 6E are included. Price ~$1,600. If you want an alternative to the Dell XPS 13 or ThinkPad X1 Carbon, but with a built-in dial, the Summit E14 is a top pick.

• Key features: 14″ 2880×1620 touch display; Intel Core i7-1260P; 16GB RAM; 1TB SSD; MSI dial control.

• Price: ~$1,600.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Newegg, MSI store.

48. HP Chromebook 14 – Affordable ChromeOS

The HP Chromebook 14 is a standard 14″ Chromebook. It usually comes with an Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC. Battery life ~11h. The chassis is plastic, and the display 1366×768 (not great), but upgrades exist with Core i3 and 1080p screen around $500. It’s quiet and light. Great for kids or as a spare laptop for web/email. Sometimes HP sells it for as low as $250 during sales. You’ll get Chrome browser, Android apps, and Google Assistant in a cheap package.

• Key features: 14″ 1366×768 display; Intel Celeron N4020; 4GB RAM; 32GB eMMC; ChromeOS.

• Price: ~$250–350.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart.

49. Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G4 – Value Business Ultrabook

Lenovo’s ThinkBook 14 G4 is a more affordable business laptop. It has a 14″ 1920×1080 display, 12th-gen Intel Core i5-1240P, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. Battery ~10h. It looks businesslike (silver aluminum top) and has numeric keypad in the keyboard. Ports: USB-C, HDMI, etc. Price starts around $800. It’s like a budget ThinkPad: decent performance, solid build, and cheaper. A fine choice for startups or freelancers needing a polished laptop without ThinkPad pricing.

• Key features: 14″ 1920×1080 IPS display; Intel Core i5-1240P; 16GB RAM; 512GB SSD.

• Price: ~$800.

• Where to buy: Lenovo.com, Amazon.

50. Acer Chromebook 514 – Ruggedized ChromeOS

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514‑3H) is a durable Chromebook with a magnesium-aluminum chassis. It has a 14″ 1080p display, Intel Pentium N6000 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD. Military-standard tested. Battery life ~13h. It has a spill-resistant keyboard and a rubberized bottom. Starting price is around $400, it’s great for classroom use or kids: cheaper than a Pixelbook but built tougher.

• Key features: 14″ 1920×1080 display; Intel Pentium Silver N6000; 4GB RAM; 64GB SSD; ChromeOS.

• Price: ~$400.

• Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy.