Update: What it lacks in screen and sound quality, it's sure to make up for in versatility and ports – the Asus ZenBook Flip has been added at number 14, thereby ousting the dated HP Spectre x2.
It was only a few years back that we were all prematurely declaring the death of the PC, thanks to the swarm of tablet computers that flooded market following the lead of the iPad in 2010. While a handful of these slates saw success, many did not, inspiring renewed interest in laptops and hybrid devices.
Laptops in particular have found a fresh sense of purpose as new device categories, such as 2-in-1s and Ultrabooks, have penetrated the market. In turn, even if battery issues curb your interest in the new MacBook Pro, there's bound to be an alternative that works to your benefit.
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Someone drawn to the lengthy battery life and fanless design of an Ultrabook, for instance, might be drawn to the HP Spectre. Contrarily, those in pursuit of portability sans compromise will find their curiosity piqued by the touch-worthy Samsung Notebook 7 Spin.
Notwithstanding, more conventional laptops still remain. Video creators and gamers are more concerned with the efficiency produced by an alleged Dell XPS 15, graced with discrete graphics than svelte designs and seamless portability – half-day battery lives be damned.
Suffice to say, despite the barrage of choices, finding the best laptop to suit your needs doesn't need to be a chore. To help you on your quest, we've compiled a definitive list of the 15 best laptops money can buy.
The Dell XPS 13 is, bar none, the best laptop you can buy today. It features a revolutionary design that's astonishingly thin and light. Fitting a 13.3-inch screen into an 11-inch frame is no small feat; however, Dell has managed to pull off a miracle with its nearly borderless Infinity display. It's a powerful and long-lasting machine even by today's Ultrabook standards. The XPS 13 comes outfitted with Intel's latest Skylake processors plus lighting, quick storage and memory, all while coming in at a very affordable starting price. It should comes as no surprise, then, that we've ranked it as the best Ultrabook, the best Windows laptop and the best laptop overall.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 13
If you're looking for a Windows alternative to Apple's latest rose-tinted MacBook, the Asus ZenBook UX305 might be more your speed. Though it looks like a Cupertino design from every angle, it's actually superior to Apple's creations in almost every way. From its purple-tinged aluminum design to its sharp display and hearty helping of built-in storage space, the UX305 puts Windows back in style, fanless design, long battery life and all. And, while the low-cost is enticing, if you're shopping for something with a bit more horsepower (not to mention an even more compact design), look no further than the Asus ZenBook 3.
Read the full review: Asus ZenBook UX305
Though it's a little on the pricey side when you opt for a faster processor or a higher screen resolution, the HP Chromebook 13 is one of the more stylish notebooks money can buy. You won't look out of place in a coffee shop full of MacBooks, and your wallet will thank you for choosing the HP Chromebook 13 instead. What's more, the it's even comfortable to use. The keyboard feels sturdy but compact. At the same time, the option of a QHD+ display provides users with the space and clarity required to pull off just about anything without the unnecessary eyestrain induced by more economical alternatives.
Read the full review: HP Chromebook 13
The Razer Blade Stealth is an exceptional Ultrabook hindered only by its efforts in trying to be a gaming laptop. Price-wise, it has the upperhand against key competitors, but don't be fooled – with an Intel Kaby Lake Core i7 processor, the latest Blade Stealth is more powerful and power-efficient than ever. Better yet, this laptop can change the lighting of each key on its keyboard, with more than 16.8 million colors to choose from. Plus, if you mind the integrated graphics from Intel, you can attach a (albeit rather pricey) Razer Core external GPU enclosure for boosted performance when stationary.
Read the full review: Razer Blade Stealth
The Samsung Notebook 9 may not be the flashiest title on the list, but at $949 it does offer more bang for the buck than you'll see in most laptops. That's because unlike much of the competition now, it's an Ultrabook with a full-fledged Core i5 Skylake processor. That alone makes it effectively more powerful than a MacBook Air with a better screen resolution and price point to boot. On the downside, it's the battery life that takes a hit as a result.
Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9
If you're looking for a more traditional notebook, Microsoft knocked it out of the park with its first laptop ever, the Surface Book. Though it has a peculiar 3:2 aspect ratio and 13.5-inch screen that's outside of the norm for most Ultrabooks, it's one of the best designed convertible laptops ever created. As a standalone tablet, otherwise known as the Clipboard, it's the most powerful and thinnest Windows 10 computers in the world. Then docking the screen into the keyboard base affords it even more performance by way of a discrete GPU.
Read the full review: Surface Book
One glance at the HP Spectre, and you'd think it belongs in a mansion. What you may be surprised to discover is that not only does it boast a premium appearance, but the HP Spectre is actually more powerful than the latest MacBook and for a lower price at that. From the beautifully designed gold hinge to the optional Intel Core i7 configuration to the trio of USB-C ports, you'll not only look like you have one of the most capable (not to mention future-proof) laptops around, but you actually will. Although it only boasts a 1080p screen , that criticism is trumped by a work of supreme industrial design.
Read the full review: HP Spectre
If you've ever wanted a MacBook Pro without selling a kidney to afford it, the Samsung Notebook 7 Spin not only delivers the style and glitz of Apple's professional-level laptops, but it even adds a touchscreen to the mix for an approachable starting price. For a hefty 2-in-1 with a Core i7 CPU, 12GB of RAM and even a discrete Nvidia GPU, the Samsung Notebook 7 provides top of the line specs considering its value. But why stop there?
Samsung even went as far as to include an HDR display despite offering only a 1080p resolution. Though not many services actually support the technology (yet), some argue that it's more essential than a higher resolution anyway. Deeper blacks, more vibrant color – the works.
Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 7 Spin
HP nailed its 2016 revision to the Spectre x360, and thanks in part to Kaby Lake, it brings an assortment of new goodies to the table that were previously absent. The battery life, for instance, now exceeds the 8-hour mark, while multi-core processing and low to mid-level graphics have seen dramatic improvements as well. Not only has the battery improved, but so too has the time required to charge the device: USB-C quick charging can see the HP Spectre x360 go from zero to 90 in just 90 minutes. That said, don't expect more than a single standard USB port on the x360, as we're faced with yet another effort towards USB-C, this time with a 2-to-1 ratio techies will love despite the inconvenience for most other folks.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360
Apple has updated its most attractive laptop yet with an Intel Skylake Core M processor. Still clocking in at 1.1GHz to start, the 2016 MacBook aims at those who don't need power as much as portability and pizazz. The stylish, aluminum unibody design and the Retina display are all back, too. Aside from a 3.5mm headphone jack, the only connector port remains USB-C, though the reversible interface has gained traction since last year's debut. If you're willing to lug cable adapters and take a performance hit in the name of stellar design, the brand new, appetizing Rose Gold finish might be just for you.
Read the full review: MacBook
The Lenovo Yoga Pro 3 had a winning design and underwhelming performance, but the Yoga 900 is the full package. By integrating more powerful Intel Core i-series processors and a larger battery, Lenovo's latest flagship convertible can stand toe-to-toe with most Ultrabooks and even Microsoft's latest Surface Book. All this extra power has only made the Yoga 900 slightly thicker and heavier, however it still largely retains a very thin and flexible frame for folding back into tablet mode. For those looking for the thinnest and lightest convertible machine, Lenovo has made an even more compact Yoga 900S.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 900
With a 14-inch screen, this HP Chromebook isn't the smallest or lightest Chrome OS device out there. However, it strikes a good balance between ample screen space and portability. A top-notch keyboard and trackpad, coupled with a great screen, makes the Chromebook 14 a joy to write and browse the web on for very little money at all. On the other hand, if you're willing to shell out a bit more for an aluminum design and upgraded performance, the smaller HP Chromebook 13 might be more your style.
Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14
For media production, the 15-inch MacBook Pro has been the go-to for many years now. Slight design changes have annually accompanied CPU upgrades, making every new MacBook Pro that comes out a subtle rewrite of its predecessor. This year, however, Apple has made changes – for better or worse – that will dramatically change how the MacBook Pro is used altogether. To Apple outsiders, the decision to omit all the standard USB ports and SD slots in favor of four USB-C connections is baffling. For the fans, however, it's a strategic means of future-proofing. Regardless of how you feel about the concessions, the MacBook Pro's most alluring invention is the Touch Bar, which replaces the function keys and, in turn, introduces a layer of functionality only possible with the latest MacBook Pro.
Read the full review: Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2016)
When it comes to crafting an affordable Windows laptop with a premium feel, Asus takes the cake. The Asus ZenBook Flip UX360 in particular combines a mid-range price tag with a convertible form factor, a full-size trackpad and keyboard and an extensive arrangement of ports. These include USB-C, micro HDMI, micro SDXC and, yes, standard USB ports and even a 3.5mm headphone jack. In the pre-2015 MacBook era, these features would be expected, but nowadays, they're an anomaly given the minimalistic efforts of newer laptops. Don't go in expecting the ZenBook Flip UX360 to be old-fashioned, however, because as the naming suggests, this is a notebook that prides itself on its ability to shapeshift 360 degrees.
Read the full review: Asus ZenBook Flip UX360
Historically, Lenovo has made itself known for its premium class of business-grade laptops. That continues to be the case with the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, the high-performing 2-in-1 complete with a 2,560 x 1,440 (OLED optional) display that's admittedly difficult to look away from. Though the absence of USB-C is questionable, as is the inclusion of Windows 10 Home in favor of Pro, its 14-inch screen is uncommon enough to keep professionals enticed. Unfortunately, the battery life, a mere 3 hours and 29 minutes according to our PCMark 8 test, is the most concerning factor here. If you've got a power outlet nearby though that concern is easily mollified.
Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article
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