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As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome 2024, now might be an opportune time to consider investing in a new laptop to kickstart the New Year on a fresh note. With the market flooded with an abundance of options and enticing deals, there's no shortage of choices to suit various budgets and preferences. To aid you in making a well-informed decision, we've diligently updated our list of top laptop recommendations.
It's worth noting that while our list reflects the latest offerings as of late 2023 to early 2024, the tech landscape is ever-evolving, with new models slated for release in the coming weeks and months, featuring Intel's innovative Meteor Lake CPUs and AI enhancements.
While the impact of first-gen models with NPUs on the average user remains to be seen (likely not for some time), consumers can anticipate even more enticing deals on current Windows laptop models. In fact, many retailers are already rolling out discounts to entice buyers.
In this latest update, we're pleased to introduce several new laptops to our roster, though many of the top performers from the past year continue to hold their ground as the best options available. As customary, our guide is segmented into categories, including the finest ultraportables, productivity-oriented models, and budget-friendly choices. Additionally, we've included the winners of our Best Gaming Laptops category for those seeking superior gaming performance.
Apple MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M1 | ||
Dell XPS 13 | HP Spectre x360 14 | Price on Amazon: XPS 13 - $899 USD Spectre - $1299 USD | |
Acer Swift 3 | Asus ZenBook 13 OLED | Price on Amazon: Swift 3 - $569 USD ZenBook 13 - $1199 USD | |
Apple Macbook Pro 16 M3 | Price on Amazon: M3 - $1333 USD | |
Asus Strix Scar 16 | Lenovo Legion Pro 7i | Price on Amazon: Scar 16 - $1049 USD Legion Pro - $2199 USD | |
Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook | Price on Amazon: C13 Yoga - $119 USD |
Best Ultraportables
Apple MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M1
At a Glance:
Price: $899 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 91
User Review: 9.6
Looking for the ultimate lightweight laptop? Look no further than the MacBook Air M2, which continues Apple's legacy of delivering top-tier performance in a sleek package. Since the transition to Apple's M-series SoCs, MacBooks have consistently ranked among the best choices for a wide range of users.
The MacBook Air M2 takes portability to new heights, with a 20% reduction in size compared to its already svelte predecessor, measuring just 0.44 inches thick and weighing a mere 2.7 pounds. Its 13.6-inch True Tone display dazzles with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 and a brightness of 500 nits. Other notable features include MagSafe 3 charging, Touch ID, high-fidelity speakers, and a full-height scissor-switch keyboard that provides a delightful typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a 1080p webcam integrated into the controversial screen notch.
Performance-wise, the MacBook Air M2 outshines competitors like the Dell XPS 13, thanks to its powerful Apple SoC. With its M2 chip featuring 8 CPU cores and a choice of 8 or 10 GPU cores, this laptop surpasses many Windows counterparts in the same price range. Furthermore, its energy efficiency translates into exceptional battery life.
For users with demanding workloads, the MacBook Air M2 offers upgrade options, including up to 24GB of RAM and storage capacities up to 2TB. While the base model starts at $899 (typically closer to $799 at retail), it delivers unparalleled display quality, build, and hardware, making it a worthwhile investment.
However, the MacBook Air M2 isn't flawless. Criticisms include its screen notch and the inclusion of only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. Nonetheless, it remains at the forefront of its category, with rumors circulating about an anticipated M3 version in the first half of 2024.
For budget-conscious buyers willing to sacrifice some performance, the MacBook Air M1 presents a compelling option, priced attractively at $629 on Amazon.
While macOS may not appeal to everyone, its robust operating system, frequent updates, and full OS upgrades at no extra cost make it a solid choice. For those dedicated to Windows, check out the ultra-lightweight options in the Windows laptop category below.
Best Windows Ultraportables
Dell XPS 13 | HP Spectre x360 14
Dell XPS 13:
Price: $899 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 77
User Review: 8.6
The Dell XPS 13 stands out as a top choice among Windows ultraportable laptops, boasting a sleek design and a host of impressive features. In its latest iteration, Dell introduces an aluminum keyboard deck and offers a new Umber color option, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Despite its slim and lightweight build, weighing just 2.59 pounds, the laptop maintains excellent build quality.
Noteworthy features of the Dell XPS 13 include its exceptional keyboard, long-lasting battery life from the 51Wh battery, and a 16:10 aspect ratio infinity-edge display. This display, available with optional touch functionality, delivers vibrant visuals with 500 nits of brightness and slim bezels. While the standard resolution is 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz, users have the option to upgrade to a higher resolution of 3840 x 2400 UHD+.
Under the hood, the XPS 13 offers a choice of Intel Core i5-1230U or Core i7-1250U processors, both equipped with 10 cores and 12 threads. It can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, providing ample power and storage capacity for various tasks. Additional features include a fingerprint reader, a 720p IR camera, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. While lacking a 3.5mm port, it includes a USB-C to 3.5mm headset adapter.
Starting at around $899, the Dell XPS 13 offers an attractive blend of style, performance, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for work or study.
A Premium Alternative
HP Spectre x360 14:
Price: $1299 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 91
User Review: 9.2
The HP Spectre x360 14 presents another compelling option for users seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device with a premium design. Crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, the Spectre x360 features a sleek and durable build, distinguished by its uniquely designed corners that accommodate multiple ports.
Equipped with a 13.5-inch OLED display boasting a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio, the Spectre x360 delivers stunning visuals and versatility with its 360-degree hinge. The included rechargeable stylus attaches magnetically to the side, enhancing its tablet functionality.
In terms of connectivity, the Spectre x360 offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Bang & Olufsen speakers, and a high-resolution webcam. Additionally, a USB-C hub provides extra USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and USB-C for pass-through charging.
Internally, the Spectre x360 houses an Intel Core i7 CPU (up to 13th-gen), 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 66 WHr battery, ensuring all-day productivity. Starting at around $1,299, the Spectre x360 excels in performance and versatility, though it lacks a dedicated graphics card and commands a higher price compared to its competitors.
Best Budget Laptops
Acer Swift 3 | Asus ZenBook 13 OLED
Acer Swift 3:
Price: $569 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 81
User Review: 8.4
Choosing a budget-friendly laptop often means compromising on quality, but the Acer Swift 3 defies this norm. Available with a range of specifications, including 11th or 12th-gen Intel i5 or i7 processors, as well as options for Ryzen 5 5625U or Ryzen 7 5700U, the Swift 3 impresses with its affordability. Starting at around $550 for the model equipped with a Core i7-1165G7, it delivers exceptional value for its price.
Featuring a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display, with upgrades available to 2560 x 1440 or a 13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, the Swift 3 offers vibrant visuals and ample brightness. Its sleek aluminum body adds to its appeal, making it an ideal choice for students seeking portability, all-day battery life, and reliable performance.
In terms of connectivity, the Swift 3 includes a USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, a fingerprint reader, USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, USB 2.0 port, and HDMI input. Select models also feature Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E. While it may lack some premium features like a distinctive design or top-of-the-line keyboard, speakers, or webcam, the Swift 3 remains unmatched in its price range, making it a top pick for budget-conscious buyers.
OLED Alternative, on a Budget
Asus ZenBook 13 OLED:
Price: $1199 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 83
User Review: 8.8
For those seeking an OLED screen within a similar budget, the Asus ZenBook 13 OLED offers an excellent alternative. Priced as low as $749 on Amazon, this thin (0.5 inches) and lightweight (2.5 pounds) laptop packs impressive features. Powered by an 8-core Ryzen 7 5700U CPU, it includes HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.2 Type-C, and USB 3.2 Type-A ports, though it lacks Thunderbolt support found in the Acer.
The ZenBook 13 OLED boasts a built-in IR camera, a durable build, the ergonomic ErgoLift hinge, backlit keyboard with a number pad, and extended battery life. However, its standout feature is undoubtedly the OLED screen, offering 100% DCI-P3 and 133% sRGB color gamut coverage, along with the hallmark OLED feature of perfect blacks.
Best Productivity Laptop
Apple Macbook Pro 16 M3
At a Glance:
Price: $1,333 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 89
User Review: 9.0
For users whose workloads extend beyond the confines of Windows or those open to leveraging Apple products, the latest MacBook Pro 16 equipped with the formidable Apple M3 Pro or M3 Max SoC stands unmatched. Apple's transition to its own silicon marked a pivotal moment in the laptop industry, and with each iteration of the SoC, including the M3 series, Apple continues to push the boundaries of power and efficiency.
Performance is the standout feature of the MacBook Pro 16. Whether opting for the 6 P-cores/6 E-cores M3 Pro or the M3 Max with up to 12 P-cores/4 E-cores, this laptop excels in video and photo editing tasks and other demanding creative endeavors. With configurations available with up to 48GB of unified memory and 8TB of storage, it caters to the most demanding workflows.
In addition to productivity tasks, Apple emphasizes gaming enhancements with features like hardware-accelerated mesh shading and dynamic caching, coupled with an up to 40-core GPU, enhancing the gaming experience on MacBooks.
The MacBook Pro 16 features a stunning 3456 x 2234 XDR display with a peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits and refresh rates up to 120Hz. Encased in a sleek aluminum alloy chassis, it offers three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, an HDMI input, an SDXC reader, MagSafe charge port, and a headphone jack.
With battery life surpassing high-end Windows laptops, the MacBook Pro 16 sets the standard for productivity. However, with a starting price of $2,249 for the M3 Pro model and $3,799 for the M3 Max (brand new, not refurbished), buyers should carefully consider their needs, especially if they already own an M1 or M2 MacBook Pro.
Rumors of a forthcoming MacBook Air M3 model in the next year add another dimension for potential buyers to consider.
Best Gaming Laptops
Asus Strix Scar 16 | Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Asus Strix Scar 16:
Price: $1,049 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 84
User Reviews: 8.8
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 represents a significant leap forward in high-performance gaming laptops. Particularly noteworthy is the 2023 model, especially in its Core i9 and RTX 4080 variant, boasting blistering performance, competitive pricing, and a captivating mini LED display.
The highlight of the Strix Scar 16 is its 16-inch, 16:10 miniLED panel dubbed the "ROG Nebula HDR" display. With a 240Hz refresh rate on the 2560x1600 screen, rapid response times, 100% sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and 1,024 dimming zones, it delivers outstanding HDR performance. The vivid colors and brightness make it perfect for gaming and media consumption alike.
Featuring a refreshed semi-transparent design, the Scar 16 exudes solidity and sturdiness, albeit slightly heavier than previous models. The chassis boasts user-friendly blunted edges and corners, along with RGB lighting accents. Available in two versions with the Nebula display, it packs monstrous performance with options like the RTX 4090 or RTX 4080, coupled with a 13th-Gen Core i9-13980HX and up to 64GB of RAM.
Connectivity options abound, including Thunderbolt 4 support, though the ports are positioned only on the sides due to rear cooling considerations. Other highlights include a Dolby Atmos quad-speaker system, a virtual numeric keypad on the trackpad, commendable battery life for a gaming laptop, and a built-in array microphone.
While the Strix Scar 16 may run warm during extended use and lacks biometric features, its breathtaking screen, exceptional performance, and robust build quality make it an outstanding choice for gaming enthusiasts.
A Solid Joint Winner
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 8):
Price: $2199 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 86
User Reviews: 8.3
For gamers seeking a similarly configured 16-inch laptop with a more understated design and without the miniLED screen, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 8) is a worthy contender. Equipped with up to an RTX 4090 and an Intel Core i9-13900HX processor, it offers comparable performance to the Strix.
Distinguishing features of the Legion Pro 7i include its 2560x1600 resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate, though it falls short of the Strix's miniLED display. With a reduced price of $2,199 for the RTX 4080 model (originally $2,849), it delivers good value for its performance capabilities.
Other notable attributes include the Coldfront 5.0 thermal technology, Lenovo's acclaimed keyboard, and impressive performance that rivals some RTX 4090-powered laptops in terms of frame rates. While battery life may be a concern, the Legion Pro 7i's power and competitive pricing make it a worthy joint winner in the gaming laptop arena.
Best Budget Chromebook
Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook
At a Glance:
Price: $119 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 79
User Reviews: 8.4
For users in search of a feature-packed Chromebook without straining their budget, the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga emerges as an outstanding choice. While the range of configurations directly from Lenovo's website may be somewhat limited, the availability of previous-year models, including those equipped with Ryzen 3000 APUs and Vega graphics, at various retail outlets often results in discounted prices for the Yoga C13.
While the specifications of the base models may seem modest (dual-core Athlon, 4GB RAM, 32 or 64GB of eMMC storage), the overall package more than makes up for it. Sporting a bright and vibrant 13.3-inch 1080p screen, the C13 Yoga offers full rotation capability, allowing it to lie flat against the keyboard. Some models even boast 4K displays, albeit at a higher price point.
Classic ThinkPad features, such as the iconic red TrackPoint nub in the center of the keyboard, further enhance the user experience. Optional extras include a match-on-chip fingerprint reader and a touchscreen stylus.
Irrespective of the chosen configuration, the device provides a plethora of connectivity options, including four USB 3.2 ports (2x Type-C and 2x Type-A), an HDMI 2.0 socket, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader.
While fully loading the device with optional feature may increase its price, potential drawbacks such as battery life are worth considering. Nevertheless, for users in need of a durable and capable Chromebook for on-the-go use, the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook proves to be an excellent match. With its array of features and solid build quality, it presents a compelling value proposition.
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