<bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>If you're looking for the best laptop out there, there are a ton of different choices.</strong></li><li><strong>We've tested and researched a wide range of laptops to narrow down our list of top picks.</strong></li><li><strong>Whether it's a top-of-the-line Windows laptop, a MacBook, or a more affordable Chromebook, we have a pick for you.</strong></li><li><strong>After testing, the </strong><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1611759689423avcztv2md-xid-fr1611759694291fjj/https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/new-13/spd/xps-13-7390-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><strong>Dell XPS 13</strong></a><strong> remains the best laptop we've ever used, expertly balancing performance and high-quality design.</strong></li><li><strong>Shopping on a budget' Check out our guide to the </strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cheap-laptop" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>best affordable laptops</strong></a>.</li></ul><bi-shortcode id="table-of-contents-sticky" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="h2">Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky</bi-shortcode><p>When it comes to studying, working, or even playing, having one of the best laptops is essential. That's because a laptop that doesn't work well is immediately noticeable, while one that's sufficient for your needs just works.</p><p>With all of the various makes, models, and product types out there, buying the best laptop that suits your needs has become an awfully involved process. After all, laptops are complex machines that come in different models even within the same product line. You can find more advice about <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-laptop#how-to-choose-a-laptop-11">how to shop for a laptop later on in this guide</a>.</p><p>Although the very best laptops will cost you $1,000 or more, we've tried to offer a variety of laptops in different price ranges in this guide. You can also check out the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-college-laptop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best college laptops</a> you can buy, the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-chromebook/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best Chromebooks</a> to date, and the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-cheap-laptop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best budget laptops</a> if money is tight. If you prefer Macs, we also have a guide on the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-macbook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best MacBooks</a>.</p><p>Although there are plenty of excellent laptops below, it's worth noting that several new laptops from companies like HP, Lenovo, LG and others were just announced in early January. Intel also just <a href="https://newsroom.intel.com/news-releases/ces-2021-intel-announces-four-new-processor-families/#gs.rbuyjr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unveiled new processor lines</a> for business and education-focused laptops that will likely be arriving on the market in the coming months. So depending on your needs, it's probably best to hold off on purchasing a new laptop if your current one is still in decent working condition. </p><p>We've spent about a decade covering technology, including laptops. We've tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops and tablets running Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and Google Chrome OS. This testing is both anecdotal and supported by benchmarks. </p><h2>Here are the best laptops:</h2><ul class="summary-list"><li>Best laptop overall: <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biipgf_080417_best-laptops/https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/new-13/spd/xps-13-7390-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow">Dell XPS 13</a></li><li>Best 13-inch laptop: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php'awinmid=7168&awinaffid=257137&clickref=biipgf_080417_best-laptops&p=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.hp.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fpdp%2Fhp-envy-laptop-13t-6vc06av-1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">HP Envy 13t</a></li><li>Best MacBook: <a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air'afid=p239%7C196318&cid=aos-us-aff-ir" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow nofollow nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Apple MacBook Air (M1 edition)</a></li><li>Best Chromebook: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YMGQYP6/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biipgf_080417_best-laptops-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07YMGQYP6&linkId=eb8a07b85b3cfc95acaa2dd83636a229" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow">Google Pixelbook Go</a></li><li>Best 15-inch laptop: <a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/g.ashx'foid=2.2568723&trid=1067927.158327&foc=17&fot=9999&fos=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lg.com%2Fus%2Flaptops%2Flg-17z90n-r.aas9u1-ultra-slim-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">LG Gram 17</a></li><li>Best budget laptop: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/196318/565706/9383'veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FLenovo-IdeaPad-Flex-5-Laptop-14-0-FHD-IPS-Touch-250-nits-Ryzen-5-4500U-AMD-Radeon-Graphics-8GB-256GB-SSD-Win-10-Home%2F898831376&subid2=1611759753227ag6ckhgme&subId3=xid:fr1611759756854dgh" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14</a></li><li>Best 2-in-1 laptop: <a href="https://shop-links.co/1730797922558737858" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Lenovo Yoga C940 (14-inch)</a></li><li>Best Microsoft laptop: <a href="https://shop-links.co/1730798302780285144" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-inch)</a></li><li>Best gaming laptop: <a href="https://razer.a9yw.net/c/196318/642901/10229'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.razer.com%2Fgaming-laptops%2FRazer-Blade-15%2FRZ09-0369AE22-R3U1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Razer Blade 15</a></li></ul><aside class="quick-tip headline-regular"><p><strong>Updated on 1/27/2021 by Lisa Eadicicco</strong>: Updated intro with new information about Intel's recently announced processors. Removed the Acer Chromebook 15 as our best budget laptop pick because it's difficult to find in new condition at most retailers. Updated the Dell XPS 13 with new testing notes based on our latest review. Updated the HP Envy 13t with specs for the latest model. Updated language for current picks to reflect new models that have been announced. Added newly announced laptops that we look forward to testing.</p></aside><p><strong>SEE ALSO: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-cheap-laptop/" >The best budget laptops you can buy</a></strong></p><h3>The best laptop overall</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5e6a952fe4f9fe372a3c72e9-400-300/the-best-laptop-overall.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3>The <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biipgf_080417_best-laptops/https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/new-13/spd/xps-13-7390-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Dell XPS 13</a> strikes an incredible balance between the most powerful mobile hardware to date in an attractive, thin, and light chassis for a reasonable high-end price.</h3><p><strong>Pros:</strong> Attractive design, excellent screen, long battery life, latest hardware</p><p><strong>Cons:</strong> Webcam should be 1080p</p><p>Dell's flagship 13-incher has been the overall best laptop for years, and in 2021 that's no different. Why' It's because the Dell XPS continues to be the best cross between power, portability, and looks for general users, making it the best laptop for most people.</p><p>The current generation <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biipgf_080417_best-laptops/https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/new-13/spd/xps-13-7390-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Dell XPS 13</a> runs on Intel's latest 11th-generation processors (CPUs), bringing gains when it comes to performance, graphics, and battery life. Dell estimates that the non-4K model (with a 1920 x 1200 resolution display, which we'd recommend) can last for 14 hours and 11 minutes on a single charge, although in my testing I found that it lasted for about six hours in real-world usage. While that may not live up to Dell's claims, it's certainly enough to get through most of a work day without plugging in. </p><p>And, like other recent XPS 13 models, the newest iteration also has a webcam located at the top of the display. That's unlike earlier models in which Dell put the webcam at the bottom of the screen to make room for its nearly borderless screen. </p><p>Unfortunately, the webcam still only has a 720p resolution like that of most laptops, which in my testing resulted in photos that were a bit blurry and dim. Like other laptops that stand out for their sleek and portable design, the <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biipgf_080417_best-laptops/https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/new-13/spd/xps-13-7390-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Dell XPS 13</a> covers the basics when it comes to ports. It has two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot, which is more than some rivals like Apple offer for the price but may be limiting for some.</p><p>The base configuration <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biipgf_080417_best-laptops/https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/new-13/spd/xps-13-7390-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Dell XPS 13</a> starts with an Intel Core i3 CPU, a 13-inch, non-touch 1,920 x 1,200-pixel display, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD — starting at $979.99. It comes in platinum silver or frost white, the latter of which costs an extra $49, with a carbon fiber palm rest. The starting model also weighs just 2.64 pounds and measures merely 0.58 inches thin, making it one of the thinnest and lightest notebooks out there. The top-of-the-line model maxes out at an Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM, a 2TB hard drive, the frost white exterior design, and a 3,840 x 2,400 touchscreen display for $1,665.99 when you buy through Dell.</p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dell-xps-13-2020-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more in our full review of the Dell XPS 13</a></h3></p><br/><br/><h3>The best 13-inch laptop</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5dfa9dae7f36d0579a692de7-400-300/the-best-13-inch-laptop.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3>The <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php'awinmid=7168&awinaffid=257137&p=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.hp.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fpdp%2Fhp-envy-laptop-13t-6vc06av-1&clickref=1611759689423apispisel%7Cxid:fr1611759694291afb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">HP Envy 13t</a> brings flagship performance, look, feel, and features to a more affordable price point.</h3><p><strong>Pros:</strong> Lots of power for the price, nifty webcam privacy shutter, fast-charging battery</p><p><strong>Cons:</strong> Upgrades get pricey quickly</p><p><a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php'awinmid=7168&awinaffid=257137&p=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.hp.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fpdp%2Fhp-envy-laptop-13t-6vc06av-1&clickref=1611759689423aub7nx0yo%7Cxid:fr1611759694291hgh" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">HP's Envy 13t</a> is our pick for the best 13-inch laptop, bringing high-end hardware and decent looks to an approachable price point — and more so in some areas than our best overall pick, the Dell XPS 13. </p><p>For less than $800 at its current price, you're still getting a laptop that runs on Intel's latest 11th-generation Core i5 CPUs, which is a great value. But, where the <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php'awinmid=7168&awinaffid=257137&p=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.hp.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fpdp%2Fhp-envy-laptop-13t-6vc06av-1&clickref=1611759689423afww02p77%7Cxid:fr1611759694291ehb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">HP Envy 13t</a> truly shines is in its additional features that few other laptops in its price range offer and help set it apart.</p><p>Those features include a built-in webcam privacy shutter for when you're not using it as well as a touch screen. And, for the audio lovers out there, top-firing quad speakers beneath a geometric pattern speaker grill are tuned by Bang & Olufsen for premium sound. Oh, and its battery can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes.</p><p>The cheapest <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php'awinmid=7168&awinaffid=257137&p=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.hp.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fpdp%2Fhp-envy-laptop-13t-6vc06av-1&clickref=1611759689423apa8qglkj%7Cxid:fr1611759694291idf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">HP Envy 13t model</a> is surprisingly powerful and probably enough for most people. It packs an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics, a 13.3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $739.99. You can upgrade all the way up to an Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce MX450 graphics, a 4K touchscreen, and 1TB of storage for $1,429.99.</p></p><br/><br/><h3>The best MacBook</h3><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5fb2f11f402d49001924f434-400-300/the-best-macbook.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3>Apple's M1 chip brings major improvements to the <a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air'afid=p239%7C196318&cid=aos-us-aff-ir">MacBook Air's</a> performance, battery life, and camera quality for the same price, making it the best choice for Mac fans.</h3><p><strong>Pros:</strong> Fast performance, super-long battery life, much-improved camera</p><p><strong>Cons</strong>: Lacks some features of similarly priced Windows devices like facial recognition and a borderless screen, iPhone apps don't add much to the experience yet especially without touch screens</p><p>Apple is finally bringing its own chip to the Mac. Called the M1, Apple's homemade processor introduces serious benefits to <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-air">the latest MacBook Air</a> compared to its Intel-powered predecessor, such as longer battery life, faster performance, and a super-silent fanless design.</p><p>The new MacBook Air's battery life may be its biggest upgrade. I was able to get about 12 hours of use out of the M1-powered MacBook Air, a noticeable jump from the roughly seven hours of battery life I have experienced on the Intel version. In addition to speedier performance and longer battery life, the webcam in the M1-equipped MacBook Air takes advantage of Apple's image signal processor, resulting in clearer and sharper images.</p><p>Apple's M1 chip can also be found in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but the Air is a better deal since it's $300 cheaper and there are barely any differences between the two.</p><p>Entry-level models of both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro come with 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, Apple's 8-core M1 processor, and two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. The biggest discrepancies between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are that the latter has Apple's Touch Bar and slightly longer battery life.</p><p>But, there is one important change you should be aware of when considering an M1-powered MacBook laptop. Since the M1 chip is based on a different architecture than Intel's processors, desktop apps have to be optimized to work natively with the new processor.</p><p>Popular apps like Microsoft Word, Slack, Adobe Lightroom, and Cisco WebEx are working just fine, but some have <a href="https://mspoweruser.com/too-good-to-be-true-plenty-of-software-not-compatible-with-apple-m1-laptops/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported compatibility issues</a> with other Adobe programs and other services.</p><p>You'll also have to keep in mind that Apple laptops lack some features found on Windows devices, like touch screens, facial recognition for logging in, and flexible 2-in-1 designs. All of these omitted features would have been especially helpful on M1 Apple laptops like the MacBook Air since they're capable of running iPhone apps.</p><p>All told, Apple's M1 chip is a leap forward for the Mac when it comes to the areas that matter most. But, if there are niche programs you rely on for your daily workflow, you might want to make sure they're compatible with Apple's new chip before buying.</p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-macbook-air-m1-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read our full Apple MacBook Air 2020 (M1) review</a></h3></p><br/><br/><h3>The best Chromebook</h3><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5dee6f7ffd9db24ce5372502-400-300/the-best-chromebook.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YMGQYP6/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biipgf_080417_best-laptops-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07YMGQYP6&linkId=eb8a07b85b3cfc95acaa2dd83636a229" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow">Google Pixelbook Go</a> offers the ultimate Chromebook experience in its most affordable form to date, with an incredible keyboard and long battery life.</h3><p><strong>Pros</strong>: Incredible keyboard, long battery life, 1080p webcam, decent display</p><p><strong>Cons</strong>: No biometric login option, pricey upgrade options</p><p>Google's follow-up to its original 2-in-1 Chromebook, the Pixelbook, is frankly the most comfortable and premium laptop of its kind that we've ever used. It's known simply as the <a href="http://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/196318/614286/10014'subId1=biipgf_080417_best-laptops&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fgoogle-pixelbook-go-13-3-touch-screen-chromebook-intel-core-m3-8gb-memory-64gb-solid-state-drive-just-black%2F6382912.p%3FskuId%3D6382912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Pixelbook Go</a>, and it's a more affordable distillation of Google's previous flagship.</p><p>While the <a href="http://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/196318/614286/10014'subId1=biipgf_080417_best-laptops&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fgoogle-pixelbook-go-13-3-touch-screen-chromebook-intel-core-m3-8gb-memory-64gb-solid-state-drive-just-black%2F6382912.p%3FskuId%3D6382912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Pixelbook Go</a> loses the 2-in-1 functionality of the straight Pixelbook that preceded it, the clamshell laptop maintains a 13.3-inch, 1080p touchscreen. However, what's even easier to appreciate is the improvement here on Google's "Hush" keyboard, being one of the quietest and most comfortable laptop keyboards to date. You might also appreciate the 1080p webcam here, a feature largely unheard of in a laptop of this price — Chromebook or otherwise.</p><p>Couple all of that with a battery life rated for up to 12 hours, like that of the newest MacBook Air (not to mention a battery that can charge two hours of use in 20 minutes), and you have a strong mobile companion. It also helps that the <a href="http://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/196318/614286/10014'subId1=biipgf_080417_best-laptops&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fgoogle-pixelbook-go-13-3-touch-screen-chromebook-intel-core-m3-8gb-memory-64gb-solid-state-drive-just-black%2F6382912.p%3FskuId%3D6382912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Pixelbook Go's</a> magnesium build weighs just 2 pounds and measures 0.5 inches thin, featuring two USB-C ports.</p><p>Google starts the <a href="http://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/196318/614286/10014'subId1=biipgf_080417_best-laptops&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fgoogle-pixelbook-go-13-3-touch-screen-chromebook-intel-core-m3-8gb-memory-64gb-solid-state-drive-just-black%2F6382912.p%3FskuId%3D6382912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Pixelbook Go</a> asking price at $649.00, which includes a fanless, dual-core 8th-generation Intel Core m3 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 64GB SSD in either "Just Black" or "Not Pink" colors. That's plenty to run Google's lightweight Chrome OS, but can be configured with fanless Intel Core CPUs up to the i7, twice as much RAM, up to 256GB of SSD space, and even a 2160p display — all maxing out at $1,399.00, which we don't recommend splurging for unless you're a mega fan.</p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-pixelbook-go-review-chromebook-2019-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read our full Google Pixelbook Go review</a></h3></p><br/><br/><h3>The best 15-inch laptop</h3><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5dfaa4b6855cc200a30fa7dd-400-300/the-best-15-inch-laptop.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3><strong>Simply put, the </strong><a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/g.ashx'foid=2.2568723&trid=1067927.158327&foc=17&fot=9999&fos=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lg.com%2Fus%2Flaptops%2Flg-17z90n-r.aas9u1-ultra-slim-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><strong>LG Gram 17</strong></a><strong> fits a 17-inch display into a 15-inch laptop with some of the smallest display bezels in the industry. It's also incredibly thin and light without sacrificing power.</strong></h3><p><strong>Pros:</strong> 17-inch display in 15-inch body, built-in fingerprint reader, long battery life</p><p><strong>Cons:</strong> No top-firing speakers, small trackpad</p><p>You might be wondering why a laptop with a 17-inch display is our favorite pick for 15-inch laptops. That's because the <a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/g.ashx'foid=2.2568723&trid=1067927.158327&foc=17&fot=9999&fos=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lg.com%2Fus%2Flaptops%2Flg-17z90n-r.aas9u1-ultra-slim-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">LG Gram 17</a> crams that large of a display into a chassis that's just 15 inches wide, making it a 15-inch laptop with a 17-inch display — just wild.</p><p>The laptop's silver-colored, nano carbon magnesium body also weighs far less than most 15-inch laptops at just 2.95 pounds to start, and it measures a mere 0.7 inches thin. This discrepancy between screen size and frame size is due to incredibly thin display bezels, particularly on its sides.</p><p>LG also just announced a new version of its Gram laptop that runs on Intel's newer 11th-generation processor and comes with some design enhancements, like a bezel that's even thinner on all four sides and a larger keyboard and touchpad. We'd recommend waiting to hear more details about the pricing and configuration options for the 2021 version, but in the meantime there are plenty of reasons why the older model is one of our favorites. </p><p><a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/g.ashx'foid=2.2568723&trid=1067927.158327&foc=17&fot=9999&fos=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lg.com%2Fus%2Flaptops%2Flg-17z90n-r.aas9u1-ultra-slim-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">LG's Gram 17</a> also features a fingerprint reader built into its power button, making login super fast through Windows Hello. Finally, the <a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/g.ashx'foid=2.2568723&trid=1067927.158327&foc=17&fot=9999&fos=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lg.com%2Fus%2Flaptops%2Flg-17z90n-r.aas9u1-ultra-slim-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">LG Gram 17</a>'s light weight doesn't necessarily mean it's light on power: it offers up a WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) display driven by a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, and the laptop is equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI, three USB 3.0 ports, and a microSD card reader.</p><p>LG only offers one configuration for the <a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/g.ashx'foid=2.2568723&trid=1067927.158327&foc=17&fot=9999&fos=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lg.com%2Fus%2Flaptops%2Flg-17z90n-r.aas9u1-ultra-slim-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">LG Gram 17</a>, and it's a doozy: $1,849.99, which is a lot for even this marvel of engineering. In addition to that CPU, the laptop includes 16GB of RAM, a 1TB of storage, and a battery inside that can last up to 17 hours by LG's measure. Altogether, this makes the <a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/g.ashx'foid=2.2568723&trid=1067927.158327&foc=17&fot=9999&fos=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lg.com%2Fus%2Flaptops%2Flg-17z90n-r.aas9u1-ultra-slim-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">LG Gram 17</a> a 15-inch laptop that's tough to beat.</p></p><br/><br/><h3>The best budget laptop</h3><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/600718d1e3d62500185fd249-400-300/the-best-budget-laptop.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3>The <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/196318/565706/9383'veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FLenovo-IdeaPad-Flex-5-Laptop-14-0-FHD-IPS-Touch-250-nits-Ryzen-5-4500U-AMD-Radeon-Graphics-8GB-256GB-SSD-Win-10-Home%2F898831376&subid2=1611759753227aws37ww5y&subId3=xid:fr1611759756854dfj" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow noopener sponsored sponsored">Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5</a> offers solid specifications and a flexible design that allows it to double as a laptop and a tablet at a price that's hundreds of dollars below the $1,000 mark.</h3><p><strong>Pros:</strong> Great value, good performance, durable and attractive design</p><p><strong>Cons:</strong> Dim and lackluster display</p><p>With a convertible design, recent six-core processors from AMD, and a 14-inch 1,920 x 1,080 touch screen, the <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/196318/565706/9383'veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FLenovo-IdeaPad-Flex-5-Laptop-14-0-FHD-IPS-Touch-250-nits-Ryzen-5-4500U-AMD-Radeon-Graphics-8GB-256GB-SSD-Win-10-Home%2F898831376&subid2=1611759753227ag6ckhgme&subId3=xid:fr1611759756854dgh" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow noopener sponsored sponsored">Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14</a> is a solid choice for anyone in need of a general purpose laptop. </p><p>It received high marks in reviews from <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/lenovo-ideapad-flex-5-14" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PCMag</a>, <a href="https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lenovo-flex-5-14-inch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LaptopMag</a>, and <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/laptop-reviews/lenovo-ideapad-flex-5-14-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital Trends</a> for its solid performance, excellent value, and high build quality for a laptop of its price. Lenovo's IdeaPad Flex 5 also comes with a few extra features that are less common on notebooks in this price range, such as a fingerprint reader and webcam privacy shutter. </p><p>For $554.99, you get an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor, which just launched <a href="https://www.amd.com/en/products/apu/amd-ryzen-5-4500u" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">about one year ago</a> so it's still fairly new, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. While it's a great value for the price, that doesn't mean it's perfect. The biggest common complaint among reviewers is that the display is too dim and lackluster.</p></p><br/><br/><h3>The best 2-in-1 laptop</h3><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5dfaa820855cc2044837c8c8-400-300/the-best-2-in-1-laptop.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3>The <a href="https://shop-links.co/1730797922558737858" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Lenovo Yoga C940</a> is a fantastic iteration on its long-running series of flagship 2-in-1 laptops, making it a multimedia monster in every sense.</h3><p><strong>Pros</strong>: Latest Intel processors, improved audio hardware, stowaway stylus</p><p><strong>Cons</strong>: Fingerprint reader placement is dated</p><p><a href="https://shop-links.co/1730797922558737858" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Lenovo's Yoga C940 2-in-1 laptop</a> is the company's latest iteration on the foldable laptop trend that it helped kickstart in earnest so many years ago. This model improves the innovative speaker hinge of the previous generation, allowing for bigger sound from larger audio drivers, while moving onto 10nm Intel Core processing.</p><p>Better yet, this model will be a bit easier for users to open, thanks to a small lip added to its lid just above the webcam. The keyboard luckily remains unchanged, carrying on the IBM ThinkPad legacy that Lenovo acquired years ago in stylish fashion. Speaking of style, the <a href="https://shop-links.co/1730797922558737858" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Yoga C940</a> comes in the same slick "Iron Gray" and "Mica" colors as last year.</p><p>Lenovo has truly leaned into crafting its flagship Yoga laptop into a multimedia powerhouse, adding bottom-firing speakers into the laptop's base for even more sound channels. Likewise, the stowaway stylus that charges when stored returns this year.</p><p>All of this comes at a $1,169.99 list price, which includes inside a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, 12GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, a 1080p touchscreen, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3.1 ports, a fingerprint reader, and a webcam privacy shutter — with several upgrade options available. Even though it runs on a previous generation Intel processor, that chip is still plenty fast enough to handle heavy workloads. Powering all of this is a battery that's rated to last for up to 15 hours, according to Lenovo. With that, Lenovo retains its lead in 2-in-1 laptops.</p></p><br/><br/><h3>The best Microsoft laptop</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5dfaa909855cc2054260afd4-400-300/the-best-microsoft-laptop.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3><a href="https://shop-links.co/1730798302780285144" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Microsoft's 15-inch Surface Laptop 3</a> marks a long-overdue debut for AMD CPUs in flagship laptops, allowing for one of the strongest showings in integrated graphics to date.</h3><p><strong>Pros</strong>: New AMD CPU inside, long battery life, excellent keyboard</p><p><strong>Cons</strong>: Too few ports, no top-firing speakers, on the pricey side</p><p>Microsoft has iterated on its Surface Laptop three times now, and the most recent third crack brings with it a new model: a 15-inch variant that runs on an AMD CPU rather than Intel. It's one of Microsoft's longest-lasting laptops to date in terms of battery life — longer even than Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro.</p><p>This new take on the <a href="https://shop-links.co/1730798302780285144" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Surface Laptop 3</a> also brings with it an absolutely welcome new look and feel, opting for an entirely aluminum frame that comes in black or platinum colors. As for the feel, the keyboard performs excellently, being both quiet and forceful in its feedback.</p><p>The display on this new model maintains the expected 3:2 aspect ratio that's all but exclusive to Microsoft laptops, with a 2,496 x 1,664 pixel resolution and multi-touch control. The unique aspect ratio allows for more vertical space, which displays more text content than traditional 16:9 displays — allowing for a larger workable space.</p><p>Microsoft starts the 15-inch <a href="https://shop-links.co/1730798302780285144" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Surface Laptop 3</a> at $1,199.00, which features an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU specially designed by Microsoft with a custom integrated Vega 9 graphics processor that can even handle mild PC gaming. In addition, the laptop contains 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, along with one USB-C port and one USB 3.0 port. All of this is driven by a battery rated to last for up to 11 hours and 30 minutes on a charge.</p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-surface-pro-3-15-inch-laptop-review-2019-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read our full Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 review</a></h3></p><br/><br/><h3>The best gaming laptop</h3><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5dfaac93855cc2088b0e0b6e-400-300/the-best-gaming-laptop.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3>The <a href="https://razer.a9yw.net/c/196318/642901/10229'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.razer.com%2Fgaming-laptops%2FRazer-Blade-15%2FRZ09-0369AE22-R3U1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Razer Blade 15</a> strikes the ultimate balance between gaming and general performance as well as look, feel, and design — this is the best gaming laptop for gamers that still want a laptop for everything else.</h3><p><strong>Pros</strong>: Excellent display, lots of power and storage, fantastic keyboard</p><p><strong>Cons</strong>: Definitely pricey, not the best battery life</p><p>Razer has long been the leader in gaming laptop design, and that hasn't changed yet. Offering power on the level of entry-grade gaming PCs from a design that rivals even Apple's MacBook Pro line, the <a href="https://razer.a9yw.net/c/196318/642901/10229'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.razer.com%2Fgaming-laptops%2FRazer-Blade-15%2FRZ09-0369AE22-R3U1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow noopener sponsored sponsored">Razer Blade 15</a> certainly charges a premium but backs it up with quality hardware.</p><p>Razer just launched a new version of the Razer Blade 15 and 15 Advanced with Nvidia's latest GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs that we'd recommend considering before purchasing this older model. The new 2021 Advanced version is available in three display options for the first time: full HD at 360 Hz, quad HD at 240Hz with Nvidia G-Sync, and ultra HD OLED at 60Hz. </p><p>We loved the older <a href="https://razer.a9yw.net/c/196318/642901/10229'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.razer.com%2Fgaming-laptops%2FRazer-Blade-15%2FRZ09-0369AE22-R3U1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Razer Blade 15</a> for its excellent 1080p display that can be configured up to a 144Hz refresh rate to support frame rates of up to 144 frames per second and its alluring Chroma lighting beneath its keyboard. All told, the Blade 15 treats you well for the steep cost. The keyboard in use is also just as effective for typing as it is for gaming, helping the Blade 15 serve as a truly catch-all device for users that would like to be able to work and learn on the same laptop on which they play games in their free time. Plus, if even more graphical power is needed, the Thunderbolt 3 port can connect to an external graphics processor box for full desktop performance (at an additional cost).</p><p>The cheapest base model of the new <a href="https://razer.a9yw.net/c/196318/642901/10229'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.razer.com%2Fgaming-laptops%2FRazer-Blade-15%2FRZ09-0369AE22-R3U1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Razer Blade 15</a> with Nvidia's newest GPU ships on March 3 and starts at $1,699.99 and comes with a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, a full HD screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, and a 512GB SSD. Those willing to splurge on the Advanced model will have to shell out at least $2,499.99 for a configuration that includes a QHD screen with a 240Hz refresh rate, an eight-core 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics, and 1TB of storage.</p><p> If it's the absolute best gaming laptop you want, one that well serves as both a straight laptop and one that can play with the best, this should be your first stop.</p></p><br/><br/><h3>What else we considered</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5e1dd825b2e66a60943cbcf3-400-300/what-else-we-considered.jpg" alt="" /><p><p>Having covered consumer technology for more than a decade now, I've tested countless laptops in every major category and with every major operating system. With that, here are the laptops that were considered for this guide, but didn't make the cut. You may want to consider one of these for a specific need:</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com'id=35871X943606&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">MacBook Pro (13-or-15-inch)</a> ($1,299.00 or $2,399.00 to start):</strong> We've used probably a dozen different MacBooks over the years, and at times the MacBook Pro was the one to beat. But, today, the latest MacBook Air model is the best version of the MacBook for most people. Also, the 2019 MacBook Pro was superseded late last year by the 16-inch model when it comes to Pro devices specifically.</li><li> </li><li><strong><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/'id=35871X943606&xcust=biipgf_080417_best-laptops&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.microsoft.com%2Fen-us%2Fp%2Fsurface-pro-7%2F8n17j0m5zzqs%3Factivetab%3Doverview" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Microsoft Surface Pro 7</a> ($749.99 to start):</strong> The Surface Pro line of 2-in-1 Windows tablets has always been a leader in design for the category. Unfortunately, Microsoft appears to have begun resting on its laurels, with several products eclipsing the Surface Pro 7 of 2019 in terms of hardware and features.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.dell.com/en-us/member/shop/dell-laptops/new-xps-15-laptop/spd/xps-15-9500-laptop/xn9500cto200s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Dell XPS 15</a> ($1,077.99 to start):</strong> Dell's 15-inch powerhouse could have been a shoo-in for our best 15-inch laptop, but this is another case of growing stale amid numerous developments in the 15-inch scene in terms of design. We're going to need to see a deeper design revision before we reconsider this one for a top pick.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/cty/pdp/spd/alienware-m15-r4-laptop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored">Alienware m15</a> ($2,106.99 to start):</strong> While we love Dell's latest flagship 15-inch gaming laptop for its design and power profile, it's just not the best gaming laptop for most people. Regardless of its new style, it still screams "gamer" in look and feel, which isn't something that most people who play PC games want.</li></ul></p><br/><br/><h3>Other new laptops we look forward to testing</h3><p><p>Business laptops are all the rage in 2021 now that many people have been working from home. HP, Lenovo, and many others announced new notebooks at the CES 2021 trade show in January that come with improved video conferencing capabilities and other features. Here are some of the newly unveiled laptops we look forward to testing.</p><p><strong>HP Elite Dragonfly Max:</strong> The business-focused laptop has features that are optimized for dialing into video conferences, like four wide-range microphones that use artificial intelligence to optimize audio, and a 5-megapixel camera, which is significant since most laptops typically offer 720p cameras. Those are the biggest features that separate the Elite Dragonfly Max from the Elite Dragonfly G2, which the company also announced at CES. Otherwise, both laptops run on 11th-generation Intel processors, will be available in 4G/5G options, and feature 13.3-inch screens. In yet another sign that the Max is built with remote work in mind, it also has EyeSafe technology to reduce eye strain after prolonged use. HP says both Dragonfly laptops should be launching in January but has not revealed the price.</p><p><strong>Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga ($1,899.99 to start):</strong> The 13.5-inch ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga, one of the many new laptops Lenovo announced at CES, is less than half an inch thick at 0.45 inches, making it thinner than even the 2020 MacBook Air at its thickest point. As its name implies, it comes in a sturdy-looking titanium finish and also runs on Intel's 11th-generation processors. Like other laptops announced at the show, Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga was also designed with remote work capabilities in mind, considering it has four far-field microphones for video calls and human presence detection to automatically lock your device when you move away. There's also an option to buy this notebook with 4G LTE/5G support.</p><p><strong>Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 ($549.99 to start):</strong> Samsung's <a href="https://shop-links.co/1729325506895731414" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Galaxy Chromebook 2 is</a> a revamped version of its Google-powered laptop that comes at a cheaper starting price of $549.99 compared to the previous model's $999.99 price tag.To make the price more reasonable, Samsung gave its new Chromebook a QLED touch screen compared to the 2020 version's 4K AMOLED display and axed the S Pen.Otherwise, it features a 13.3-inch screen and a convertible design with a premium build available in the same vibrant red color as the original. It's available with an Intel Celeron or Intel Core i3 processor with either 4GB or 8GB of memory (RAM) and 64GB or 128GB of storage.</p></p><br/><br/><h3>How to choose a laptop</h3><p><p>Here are the three key aspects to consider when buying that best laptop:</p><h3>Operating system</h3><p>A laptop's operating system (OS) is the interface through which you access everything in the computer, from work apps to games and more. The most popular OS worldwide is Windows 10, found in hundreds of different laptops from Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and more. It's a widely adaptable OS and most supported by third-party app makers. Apple's macOS is exclusive to MacBooks, and is the most compatible with Apple's other products, like iPhones, but it is a popular and full-featured OS in itself. Finally, all Chromebooks run Chrome OS — the newest of the three — Google's Chrome browser-focused OS that works mainly off the cloud (online), particularly through Google's own suite of apps and services, like Google Drive and Gmail.</p><h3>Specs</h3><p>The internal hardware that powers a laptop is considered the "specs," and will dictate how effective your laptop is at various tasks. The processor (CPU) and memory (RAM) impact the laptop's raw power or speed and multitasking capacity, respectively. The storage (hard disk drive or HDD, or solid-state drive or SSD) will determine how much space for files the laptop has. The graphics processor (GPU) dictates how effective the laptop is at rendering video and 3D visuals for games; many laptops, particularly in the low-to-midrange, utilize what's called internal graphics, which shares RAM with the CPU rather than a dedicated GPU. The laptop's display sharpness is determined by pixel density, with 1080p (or Full HD) being the generally desirable target.<br /><br />Finally, all of these factors contribute to the laptop's battery life, with eight hours generally being the minimum acceptable number — unless it's a gaming laptop.</p><h3>Size</h3><p>Another thing you'll want to think about is how big the laptop is. A smaller laptop will ultimately be more portable, but a larger one will have a larger display, which is better for watching movies, photo editing, video production, and playing games. Common sizes for laptops are 13 inches and 15 inches, though 11 inches and 17 inches also appear every now and then.</p><p>In addition to the specs, you'll want to think about the price.</p></p><br/><br/><h3>Working from home' Check out our other home office guides</h3><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5e6a942c54f25c230d5753d6-400-300/working-from-home-check-out-our-other-home-office-guides.jpg" alt="" /><p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-standing-desk">The best standing desks</a></h3><p>So many jobs involve sitting at a desk for hours each day, and it can be hard to break away to incorporate more standing without sacrificing productivity. If you have a standing desk, you can convert your space to a much more active one, improving your health and energy levels. These are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-standing-desk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the best standing desks</a>.</p><hr /><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-active-seating" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The best active seating for your office</a></h3><p>Active seating promotes movement, improves posture, and activates your core while sitting, and some models can work in tandem with a standing desk, so you can find the perfect combination of sitting and standing throughout the day. These are our top picks for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-active-seating" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the best active seating</a>.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GF6D5T0/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biipgf_112017_best-active-seating-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01GF6D5T0&linkId=abefed314da21ca653e234837c95d31f" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-amzn-asin="B01GF6D5T0"></a></p><hr /><h3><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-office-chair" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The best office chairs</a></h3><p>If you spend the majority of your day parked in your office chair, you owe it to your body to choose a chair that gets an A+ for ergonomics. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-office-chair" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our top picks</a> will help improve your posture and may even help relieve back pain.</p><hr /><h3><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-desk-lamp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The best desk lamps for your office</a></h3><p>If you have a home office, it's important to have good lighting so you don't strain your eyes while typing away on your computer or going over documents. There are dozens of different desk lamps to choose from in all kinds of styles. These are <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-desk-lamp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the best desk lamps</a> you can buy to light up your workspace in style.</p></p><br/><br/>
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