Best laptops 2022: There are so many. What laptop is right for you? What laptop is best for you? A Chromebook, a Chromebook, or a business notebook? This list was created because we know that there are so many options.
This handy guide will help you understand the details of your potential system before you decide to buy it. Here are some tips to help you choose the right screen size.
Cyber Monday Laptop Deals: Click Here for Quick Links
We searched the web to find the best Cyber Monday deals for all our top-ranked laptops.
- DellXPS 13: Was $1,049 Now $715 @ Dell
- M1 MacBook Pro Was $1,499, Now $1,299 at Amazon
- Acer Swift 3 (refurbished). Was $725, Now $679 @ Best buy
- M1 MacBook Air: Was $999 Now $899 at Amazon
- Acer Chromebook 713: Was $569, Now $539 @ Amazon
- Asus Zenbook 13. Was $899 Now $799 @ Newegg
- HPEnvy 13: was £1,049, now $879 @ Amazon
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio Was $1,799, Now $1,699 at Amazon
- Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga X1: Was $2,649 Now $1,049 @ Lenovo
- Asus ROG Zephyrus GH15: Was $2,364 Now $2,249 at Amazon
- Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 2, Was $849, Now $599 @ Best buy
- Dell XPS15: was $1,959 now @ Dell
- HP Spectre x360 Was $1,099 Now $849 @ HP
- Lenovo ThinkPadX12 Detachable Was $1,819 Now $1,036 @ Lenovo
- AlienwareX17: cost $2,318 and now costs $2,155 at Dell
- Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon: Was $2,459 Now $999 @ Lenovo using code THINKBFDEAL16
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Was $299 Now $229 @ Lenovo using code IDEATHANKSDB1
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 : $200 Off Select Models @ Microsoft
- Dell XPS 17. Was 2,099, now $1,861 @ Dell
We have reviewed over 150 laptops in a year. We can help you find the perfect match, whether you are looking for a powerful productivity tool, a great gaming system, or a multi-media machine to relax and watch a few movies, or both.
To make it onto our Best Laptop of 2021 List, the system must score at least 4 stars in our reviews and deliver the most important features to shoppers. We evaluate the design, comfort, keyboard and touchpad performance, value, and battery life.
Which laptops are the most popular right now?
Our top pick for the best laptop in 2021 is the Dell XPS13. The 1080p model of the laptop has an integrated Intel Iris Xe graphic and a 11th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU. It is perfect for light work and play, as well as content creation. The laptop’s vivid, bright display makes it great for watching videos. It’s extremely slim and lightweight, making it a great laptop for mobile professionals.
The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 convertible is a good choice for those looking for one. We recommend the Dell XPS 17 if 13 inches is too small. It has a powerful performance that makes this ideal for creative professionals, students, and mobile workers.
The MacBook Pro and MacBook Air M1 are our new must-haves for Apple enthusiasts. Apple’s new silicone is a significant step forward in Apple computing and the future of computers. The ARM-based chips offer an unparalleled amount of power, endurance, and performance that puts the Air, which is often underpowered to a level with other ultraportables.
If you are looking for a larger Chromebook, we recommend the Acer Chromebook 317. It is the first 17-inch ChromeOS laptop in the world.
Check out our top picks for the best laptops.
These are the best laptops available today
1. Dell XPS 13
- Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB M.2 SSD
- Display: 13.4-inch, 1200p
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
Pros:
- Design & Build: Premium aluminum chassis, compact, and lightweight, making it great for portability.
- Performance: The 11th Gen Intel Core i7 provides excellent multitasking and productivity capabilities. Intel Iris Xe Graphics is decent for integrated GPU, handling basic photo editing and casual gaming.
- Battery Life: The optimized power efficiency allows for all-day use.
- Display: The four-sided InfinityEdge bezels make it visually stunning, and the display provides sharp visuals, although it lacks brightness compared to OLED competitors.
Cons:
- Ports: Lacks legacy ports like HDMI and USB-A. Only USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, so dongles are necessary.
- Gaming: While Iris Xe Graphics are a step up, AAA gaming is only feasible on lower settings.
Use Case: Ideal for professionals who prioritize portability, productivity, and a premium build, but not heavy gaming.
2. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1)
- Specifications:
- CPU: Apple M1 SoC
- GPU: Integrated Apple M1 GPU
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 13.3-inch, 1600p
- Weight: 3 lbs
Pros:
- M1 Chip: Apple’s M1 SoC is groundbreaking in performance, excelling in both CPU and GPU tasks. It offers excellent performance across productivity, creative work, and light gaming.
- Battery Life: One of the longest-lasting laptops, easily exceeding 17 hours in general usage.
- Performance: Fast SSDs and Neural Engine provide excellent video rendering and machine learning workloads. The integration with macOS Big Sur ensures optimized performance.
- Software Ecosystem: Able to run iOS apps on macOS, providing a new level of versatility.
Cons:
- Design: Some may find the design outdated, with thick bezels compared to other premium models.
- Ports: Still limited to two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, requiring additional dongles.
Use Case: Ideal for creative professionals who work with media-heavy tasks like video editing, graphic design, and even light coding or gaming. Not for users needing legacy ports or higher refresh displays.
3. Acer Swift 3 (Late 2021)
- Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch, 1080p
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
Pros:
- Value for Money: Packs a strong Intel Core i7 and 16GB RAM for under $1,000, making it one of the best budget options for power users.
- Portability: Lightweight and compact, good for students and professionals on the go.
- Performance: Great multitasking capabilities with the i7 processor and Iris Xe Graphics, sufficient for light to moderate productivity tasks.
- Battery Life: Impressive battery life exceeding 10 hours.
Cons:
- Display: Dim compared to competitors, affecting outdoor visibility and high-end media consumption.
- Design: The chassis, while durable, lacks the premium feel of its competitors like the XPS or MacBook.
Use Case: Ideal for students or professionals who need decent power and performance on a budget, but not recommended for those needing a high-quality display.
4. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
- Specifications:
- CPU: Apple M1 SoC
- GPU: Integrated Apple M1 GPU
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 13-inch, 1600p
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
Pros:
- Performance: The M1 chip transforms the Air into a performance powerhouse, capable of handling heavier tasks than before.
- Battery Life: Almost 15+ hours of usage is impressive for a laptop of its size.
- Design: Slim, unibody aluminum chassis, and fanless design make it sleek and quiet.
Cons:
- Ports: Like the MacBook Pro, it suffers from limited ports with only two Thunderbolt/USB 4.
- Design: While the performance got an upgrade, the design remains the same as previous iterations and lacks modern port options.
Use Case: Perfect for those looking for an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem with robust performance for everyday use. It’s great for light to moderate productivity, coding, and creative tasks but not intensive video editing or gaming.
5. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
- Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 13.4-inch, 1200p
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
Pros:
- Versatility: The 2-in-1 form factor offers flexibility with touch and pen support for creative users or those needing a tablet experience.
- Build Quality: Premium materials and an incredibly well-built design with compact form factor.
- Performance: The 11th Gen Intel processors provide good performance in productivity tasks, while the Iris Xe graphics handle creative workloads decently.
- Battery Life: Lasts a solid day under normal usage scenarios.
Cons:
- Display: While sharp, it could be brighter for outdoor use.
- Price: It’s on the higher end for a 2-in-1, especially given some of its limitations in brightness.
Use Case: Ideal for business professionals or creatives needing a 2-in-1 laptop with solid performance, though it may be overkill for simple productivity.
6. Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (2021)
- Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.5-inch, 1504p
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
Pros:
- Display: High-resolution screen with 3:2 aspect ratio, ideal for web browsing and document work.
- Performance: Strong performer for a Chromebook, capable of running Android and Linux apps.
- Battery Life: Over 10 hours, ensuring full-day use.
Cons:
- Speakers: Subpar audio quality, not ideal for media consumption.
- Price: On the expensive side for a Chromebook, though justified by its performance and features.
Use Case: Great for users seeking the simplicity and security of Chrome OS but with higher performance for multitasking and light productivity.
7. Asus Zenbook 13 (UX325) OLED
- Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 13.3-inch, OLED 1080p
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
Pros:
- Display: The OLED screen provides exceptional contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors, making it a great choice for media consumption.
- Battery Life: Over 13 hours of battery life even with an OLED display.
- Design: Compact, lightweight, with a premium feel. The NumberPad 2.0 is a useful feature for professionals.
Cons:
- No Headphone Jack: An inconvenience for users who rely on wired audio accessories.
Use Case: Ideal for media enthusiasts or professionals who need excellent display quality and long battery life in a portable package.
8. HP Envy 13 (2021)
- Updated Model: HP Envy 13 (2023).
- Key Specifications to Update:
- Intel Core i5 or i7 (latest generation).
- Updated RAM and SSD configurations.
- Design improvements, especially in portability and thermals.
- Research Points:
- Evaluate display quality (FHD vs. possible 4K options).
- Compare battery life with similarly priced laptops.
9. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
- Updated Model: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (2023).
- Key Specifications to Update:
- Processor updates (check Intel 12th or 13th Gen, and GPU options).
- Display features (120Hz refresh rate updates, improved color gamut).
- Weight, hinge improvements, or stylus updates.
- Research Points:
- Performance in creative tasks (Adobe Suite, Blender, etc.).
- Comparison with other creative laptops, especially for artists/designers.
10. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 6)
- Updated Model: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 7 or 2023 model).
- Key Specifications to Update:
- Newer Intel Core processors (12th Gen or newer).
- Updated features like stylus storage, security (fingerprint reader, IR camera).
- Display and port upgrades.
- Research Points:
- Focus on business use cases, battery life, and productivity performance.
- Compare portability and ruggedness for business travelers.
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
Gaming laptops with longest battery life
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Display: 15.6 inches, 2560×1440, 165Hz
- Size: 14.0 x 9.6 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Killer AMD/Nvidia performance
- Amazing battery life
- Elegant Moonlight White design
Avoidable Reasons
- Display could be brighter
- No webcam
Overview:
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 excels in gaming performance with its AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, making it a powerhouse in its category. It also stands out for its long battery life, clicky keyboard, and premium Moonlight White design. However, the lack of a webcam and a slightly dim display might be drawbacks for some users. Despite this, the Zephyrus G15 is a top-tier choice for gaming enthusiasts.
- Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 15
A beautiful, versatile 2-in-1 laptop
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce MX250
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch, 1080p QLED
- Size: 14 x 9 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- QLED display
- Epic battery life
- Good performance
Avoidable Reasons
- Quiet speakers
- Oddly placed fingerprint scanner
Overview:
The Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 15 combines a stunning royal blue aluminum design with a versatile 360-degree hinge and an S-Pen for note-taking. Its standout QLED display offers bright, vivid visuals, while the Intel Core i7 processor provides solid performance. The laptop excels in battery life, lasting over 15 hours, though its quiet speakers and fingerprint placement could be better.
- Dell XPS 15 OLED (2021)
Best 15-inch laptop for professionals
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3050 Ti
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch, 3.5K OLED
- Size: 13.6 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 4.3 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Stunning 3.5K OLED display
- Supercharged performance
- Premium slim chassis
Avoidable Reasons
- Below-average battery life
- Heavier than competitors
Overview:
The Dell XPS 15 OLED is a premium laptop designed for professionals like graphic designers, videographers, and photographers. It offers a breathtaking 3.5K OLED display, supercharged performance with the Intel i7 and GTX 3050 Ti, and a sleek, high-end design. Though the battery life and weight could be better, its powerful specs and display make it a top choice.
- HP Spectre x360 14
Stunning 2-in-1 laptop
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- GPU: Intel Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 13.5-inch, 2000p OLED or FHD
- Size: 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Luxurious design
- Gorgeous OLED display
- Long battery life
Avoidable Reasons
- Pricey
- Unwieldy as a tablet
Overview:
The HP Spectre x360 14 shines with its luxurious design and high-performance specs, including an Intel i7 processor and an OLED or FHD display. It’s perfect for users seeking versatility, elegance, and a premium 2-in-1 experience. Despite its higher price point and somewhat bulky tablet mode, its overall performance, design, and battery life make it worth the investment.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
Tablet to productivity powerhouse
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1130G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 12.3-inch, 1280p
- Size: 11.2 x 8 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 1.7 lbs (2.4 lbs with keyboard)
Reasons to Buy
- Solid performance
- Long battery life
- Excellent keyboard
Avoidable Reasons
- Terrible speakers
- No USB Type-A
Overview:
The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable is Lenovo’s answer to the Microsoft Surface Pro, designed for business users who prioritize portability. Featuring a vivid display, excellent keyboard, and stylus support, it performs solidly for business tasks. Although it lacks USB Type-A ports and has underwhelming speakers, it’s a top choice for business professionals.
- Alienware x17
Gaming powerhouse with a slim design
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: Dual 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs
- Display: 17.3-inch, 4K
- Size: 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Slim, elegant design
- Excellent gaming performance
- Long battery life
Avoidable Reasons
- Expensive
- Runs warm
Overview:
The Alienware x17 is a gaming beast, combining top-tier performance with a sleek, slim design. It boasts a 4K 17.3-inch display, powerful speakers, and a customizable Cherry MX keyboard. With a high-end GPU and dual SSDs, it delivers gaming excellence. However, its price and tendency to run warm are notable drawbacks.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (8th Gen)
Top business laptop with excellent keyboard
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10310U vPro
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch, 1080p/4K
- Size: 12.7 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight and slim design
- Bright and vivid display options
- Fast performance
Avoidable Reasons
- Fingerprint magnet
- Weak graphics
Overview:
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains a standout in the business laptop market, offering fast performance, a sleek design, and excellent battery life. With multiple display options and ThinkPad’s signature keyboard, it’s ideal for professionals. However, its limited graphics power and tendency to collect fingerprints may detract from its appeal.
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Best 2-in-1 Chromebook
Specifications
- CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T
- GPU: ARM MP3
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 10.1-inch, 1200p
- Size: 9.6 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Long battery life
- Colorful display
- Extremely affordable
Avoidable Reasons
- Cramped keyboard
- No headphone jack
Overview:
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is an excellent budget-friendly 2-in-1 laptop that’s perfect for light productivity tasks, web browsing, and multimedia consumption. It features a vivid display and excellent battery life. While its keyboard can feel cramped and it lacks a headphone jack, it’s a great option for Chromebook enthusiasts on a budget