When it comes to choosing a laptop, it's essential to find the perfect balance between work and play. Whether you're a Windows enthusiast, a MacBook lover, or a Chromebook devotee, we've got you covered. In this article, we've compiled a list of our favorite laptops across different operating systems to suit your needs. Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission to support our journalism.
Featured Laptops:
2023 15-inch Apple MacBook Air - Best MacBook
Apple MacBook Air (13 and 15 Inch)
Price: $1,099 at Apple (13 inch)
Description: Apple's newest MacBook Air comes in two sizes: 13 inches and 15 inches. Both models feature the company's second-gen M2 processor, larger and brighter displays, a 1080p webcam, a sleek design, and the return of the MagSafe connector. The 15-inch variant offers ample screen real estate for enhanced productivity, and it boasts a slightly louder six-speaker sound system. Battery life is exceptional, and performance is smooth for most tasks. The MacBook Air is fanless, but it can run warm. The only downside is the limitation to connect to only one external monitor.
Specs to look for: Apple M2, 8-Core or 10-core GPU, 16 GB of Unified Memory, 256-GB SSD
2. Lenovo Ideapad Flex laptop - Best Windows Laptop
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
Price: $800 at Best Buy (16 inch, 7000 series)
Description: Lenovo's IdeaPad Flex 5 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that offers a tablet mode and a 360-degree hinge. Powered by an AMD Ryzen chip, it provides snappy performance for office apps and web-based work. The laptop features a range of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader. It also has a good battery life and a comfortable keyboard.
Specs to look for: AMD Ryzen 5 7000 series, 16 GB RAM, 512-GB SSD
3. System76 Pangolin laptop - Best Linux Laptop
System76 Pangolin Laptop
Price: $1,399 at Amazon
Description: System76's Pangolin is a powerful 15-inch Linux laptop featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a 250-GB SSD. It offers a wide range of ports, making it a sysadmin's dream machine. The battery life is impressive, the keyboard is excellent, and it's a solid choice for Linux enthusiasts.
Specs to look for: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U, 32 GB RAM, 250-GB SSD
4. Asus Zenbook 14 OLED - Best Budget Laptop
Asus Zenbook 14 (2023)
Price: $699 at Walmart
Description: The Asus Zenbook 14 is a budget-friendly Windows laptop that surprises with its performance, battery life, and OLED display. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7000 series processor, it offers a good combination of features for the price. The laptop is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It also provides a decent selection of ports, including USB-C, USB 3.2, HDMI, and a microSD card reader.
Specs to look for: AMD Ryzen 5 7000 series, 8 GB RAM, 256-GB SSD
Additional Laptops:
Framework Laptop 13 - Best Repairable, Upgradeable Laptop
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Price: $850 at Framework
Description: The Framework Laptop 13 is a unique laptop that prioritizes repairability and upgradability. It allows users to assemble the machine themselves, making it easy to replace components such as the SSD, RAM, and screen bezel. The 2023 Intel version offers improved battery life and a high-quality matte 3:2 screen. The laptop also features a hot-swappable, extensible port system, allowing for easy addition and removal of ports as needed. It's a great choice for those looking for a long-term, customizable laptop.
Specs to look for: Intel Core i5 or higher, 16 GB RAM, 512-GB SSD
2. Apple MacBook Pro (16-Inch, 2023) - Best MacBook Upgrade
Apple MacBook Pro (16-Inch, 2023)
Price: $1,950 at Amazon (14 inch)
Description: Apple's latest MacBook Pro models feature M2 chips, providing significant performance improvements for productivity and content creation tasks. The M2 Pro variant is suitable for users with demanding multitasking needs, while the M2 Max is ideal for power users engaged in complex video editing and 3D modeling. The MacBook Pro offers excellent battery life, a brilliant display, and a comfortable keyboard and trackpad. It also provides a selection of ports, reducing the need for dongles.
Specs to look for: 16-inch M2 Max, 64 GB of Unified Memory, 256-GB SSD
3. HP Spectre x360 14 - Best 2-in-1 Laptop
HP Spectre x360 14
Price: $1,400 at HP
Description: The HP Spectre x360 14 is a premium 2-in-1 Windows laptop with a sleek design and impressive performance. It features a 360-degree hinge, allowing it to be used in multiple modes, including tablet and tent modes. The laptop offers swift performance, a crisp and bright display, and a comfortable keyboard. The speakers deliver a rich sound experience, although the treble can be a bit harsh at high volumes.
Specs to look for: Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, 256-GB SSD
4. Acer Swift 3X - Windows for Budding Creators
Acer Swift 3X
Price: $1,000 at Amazon
Description: The Acer Swift 3X features Intel's XE Graphics technology, making it suitable for entry-level content creation tasks. This light and thin Windows laptop is particularly appealing for creative and design students. It offers a balance of performance and portability, and its 16 GB of RAM and Intel Core i7 processor ensure smooth multitasking. The laptop also features a bright 1080p display and a variety of ports for connectivity.
Specs to look for: Intel Core i7 with XE Graphics, 16 GB RAM, 1-TB SSD
5. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2023) - A Dual-Screen Dream Machine
Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2023)
Price: $2,000 at Best Buy
Description: The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i stands out with its innovative dual-screen design. It features two 13.3-inch OLED displays joined together with a hinge, offering a unique and versatile user experience. The Yoga Book 9i can be used as two separate tablets or as one large tablet, enabling different apps on each side. It comes with a Bluetooth keyboard that can be placed on the lower display for typing. The laptop offers strong performance, a premium build quality, and a stylus for note-taking and drawing.
Specs to look for: Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM, 1-TB SSD
Conclusion: Choosing the right laptop is a significant decision, considering you'll likely use it for several years. We've curated this list of the best laptops to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you're a Mac user, a Windows enthusiast, or a Linux aficionado, these laptops offer excellent performance, reliability, and features to enhance your work and play experience. Be sure to explore the various specifications and choose the one that best fits your needs.