Best Laptop 2023: Top 15 Best Laptops You Can Buy
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| Best Laptop 2023 |
The best laptops of 2023 can come with various brands, prices, and features. Here, we've got the rest of the best laptops, Windows 10 business notebooks, gaming laptops, Chromebooks, laptops for school, and 2-in-1 convertibles.
Our current pick for the best laptops of 2023 is the MacBook Air. It's a tool that does almost everything right. While it's certainly not perfect, it doesn't have any significant flaws. It's a great pick for productivity, browsing, and even light gaming.
Buying a bad laptop is getting harder, but what separates the best laptops from good laptops is how they balance power, efficiency, portability, and comfort. Top laptops should have a great keyboard and trackpad – after all, those are the two biggest reasons you choose a computer over a smartphone or tablet. Its display should be easy on the eyes, bright and sharp enough that you won't be distracted by jagged edges and visible pixels. It should be powerful enough for almost anything short of intense video editing and advanced gaming. It should be easy to carry from place to place, and it should be able to last all day without being plugged in.
Top 15 Best Laptops 2023
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2)
2. MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch)
3. MacBook Air (M1)
4. HP Spectre x360 14
5. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
6. Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14
7. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
8. Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
9. LG Gram 17
10. Dell XPS 13
11. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano
12. Razer Book 13
13. Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
14. Lenovo Yoga 9i
15. Framework Laptop
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2)
The best laptop of 2023
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Apple MacBook Air M2
2022 Apple MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera. Works with iPhone and iPad; Midnight
Buy on AmazonThe latest MacBook Air, powered by Apple's M2 processor, is the best laptop for most people.
The base model, which includes 8GB of memory, 256GB of storage, 8-core CPU, and 8-core GPU, starts at $1,199. A model with 512GB of storage, which we recommend for most people and will let you use the laptop longer, costs $1,399.
The Air has lost the wedge-shaped design that was its calling card for years but retains many of the other excellent features of previous years, including MagSafe charging, Touch ID and scissor-switch keyboards, and a new 1080p web interface. The camera adds two more new color options.
The M2 processor inside isn't quite as fast or powerful as the M1 Pro or M1 Max you find in the larger (and more expensive) MacBook Pro models, but it's still pretty fast. In our testing, it was able to handle extreme office workloads with little or no heat or slowdown. Considering how thin and light this device is, it offers a combination of power and portability that you would be hard-pressed to find in many other machines.
The M2 Air didn't give us as much battery life as the 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook did in our rundown testing, but we'd still expect it to last most people a full day of continuous use.
Apple continues to sell the M1 MacBook Air, which was released in 2020. If the M2 MacBook Air is out of your price range, we recommend that you consider the M1 model, which is further listed below.
2. MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch)
The best Macbook for creators
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M1
2021 Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, Apple M1 Pro chip with 10‑core CPU and 16‑core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) - Space Gray
Buy on AmazonThe 16-inch MacBook Pro is Apple's most powerful laptop ever. If you're willing to pay the price (and that's a hefty price tag), you'll almost certainly be satisfied with what this machine can do.
In our benchmarks, which test a variety of creative tasks, including encoding, playback, and export times, the MacBook Pro 16 outperformed any laptop we've used—the only other machines to match this thing in some way. have come close to. Our benchmarks are high-end desktop PCs. Battery life is also breaking records. The 16-inch configuration with the M1 Pro processor lasted 16 hours in my testing - making it the longest-lasting laptop we've ever reviewed. (The M1 Max configuration doesn't last long, but it still got us through a work day.)
Elsewhere, we have no complaints about the latest MacBook Pro. It has a gorgeous display that can reach up to 1,000 nits while playing HDR content. It pairs well with the best speakers we've ever heard from a laptop. And these Pro models can output to multiple external displays, while the Air is limited to one.
If you are looking for a machine that can accommodate a demanding workload while still serving as an excellent multimedia device, then MacBook Pro 16 is the best device for you.
If you're a creative professional who doesn't want to pay the price of the MacBook Pro 16, or you're looking for something a little more compact, you're probably better suited for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. The device is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than its 16-inch counterpart, but it comes with the same monstrous processor options and similar stellar screen.
We didn't notice much difference in benchmark scores between 14-inch and 16-inch MacBooks with the same processor—the 14-inch outperformed the 16-inch in some of our tests. Aside from the size of these devices the primary difference to consider is battery life. The 16-inch chassis allows for a significantly larger battery, and the 16-inch M1 Pro model lasted several hours longer than the 14-inch M1 Pro model we tested.
3. MacBook Air (M1)
Best cheap laptop
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Apple MacBook Air Laptop
2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad; Silver
Buy on AmazonIf you're interested in a lighter MacBook, but the Air is out of your price range, you're probably better suited for the 2020 M1 MacBook Air, which Apple continues to sell. The base model, which includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, starts at $999.
The older Air has a 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 screen, Touch ID, 720p webcam, fingerprint sensor, and scissor-switch keyboard.
The M1, while not as fast as the M2, is still fast. In our testing, it handled intense photo- and video-editing workloads better than almost any Intel-powered thin-and-light laptop we've tried this year. It was able to run Shadow of the Tomb Raider at near-playable frame rates, which is quite a feat for the integrated graphics.
Battery life isn't as good as the M2, but it's pretty close. We got eight to 10 hours of continuous work.
4. HP Spectre x360 14
The best Windows laptop
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HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-ef0797nr
Windows 11 Home | 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor | Intel® Iris® Xᵉ Graphics | 16 GB memory; 512 GB SSD storage | 13.5" diagonal 3K2K touch display
Buy On HPIt's hard to come up with a single complaint about the Specter x360 14. It is a drop-dead gorgeous machine with sturdy construction and a premium look and feel.
But the Specter x360 14 isn't just pretty to look at: it's also a pleasure to use as a daily work driver. Intel's latest 11th-generation processors and Iris XE integrated graphics deliver fast performance without the slowdowns or freezes we've seen. And we got an average of 10 hours of battery life out of the device - one of the best results we've seen.
On the outside, the Specter includes a massive 3:2 display, and there are OLED and 1,000-nit options available if FHD resolution doesn't strike your fancy. There's even a packaged stylus, which magnetically attaches to the side of the Specter — handy if you're using the device as a tablet. Every other aspect of this laptop, from its comfortable keyboard and smooth touchpad to its bass-heavy audio and practical port selection, exceeds rivals or even the best convertibles on the market.
Such an exceptional package of features doesn't come cheap, and many customers will find everything they need in a less expensive product. But the Specter x360 14 is the new gold standard of Windows convertibles. Overall, this is the best Windows laptop you can buy.
5. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
The best gaming laptop
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Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
[2021] HIDevolution ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 GA503QM 15.6" QHD 165Hz, 3.0 GHz AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS, RTX 3060, 16 GB 3200MHz RAM, 1 TB PCIe SSD, Eclipse Gray
Buy on AmazonAt just over four pounds, the Zephyrus G15 is one of the lightest 15-inch gaming laptops you can buy. But you're not compromising performance for that portability. The G15 is powered by the top mobile chips AMD and Nvidia have to offer, and pairs it with a speedy 165Hz QHD display. In our testing, the system was able to handle even the toughest AAA titles at QHD resolution.
Almost everything about the G15 is excellent: audio sounds good, the keyboard and touchpad are some of the best on the market, the port selection has everything you need, and the battery can last over eight-and-a-half hours on a charge. If you are looking for a high-powered gaming machine that also works great as a daily driver, then the Zephyrus G15 should be at the top of your list.
6. Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14
The best dual-screen laptop
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ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop, 15.6†OLED UHD Touch Display, Intel Core i9-11900H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, GeForce RTX 3060, ScreenPad™ Plus, Windows 11 Pro, Celestial Blue, UX582HM-XH96T
Buy on AmazonFinally, there's a dual-screen laptop that we can recommend buying. In the past, the dual-screen form factor has felt gimmicky, hard to see, and hard to use. But in the ZenBook Duo 14, Asus has angled the screen significantly more than before, made it a higher resolution, and given it an anti-glare etching that made it useful.
Using Asus' ScreenXpert software, ZenBook Pro Duo users essentially have a small, crisp secondary OLED monitor on their keyboard deck. This second screen can also be turned into a giant touchpad (which is helpful because the actual touchpad that comes with the device is much smaller. The device comes with high-performance chips from Intel and Nvidia and a massive 16:10 primary screen) While the keyboard-in-the-front layout won't be for everyone, this innovative device is the best option for buyers who want multiple screens in one.
7. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
The best laptop for gaming on the go
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Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
ASUS - ROG Zephyrus G14 14" Gaming Laptop - AMD Ryzen 9 - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 - 1TB SSD - Moonlight White
Buy on AmazonYou want to be careful with this as some models are just too expensive for what they offer. Make sure you're buying the $1,649.99 SKU with the 6700S GPU. We think this model, in particular, is the best 14-inch gaming laptop you can buy. It's a fully portable device at just 3.79 pounds and 0.77 inches thick, and it comes with a great keyboard, touchpad, port selection, and screen. Built-in frame rates were solid in our testing, and we didn't notice a huge difference in performance between the 6700S and 6800S models. And we got all-day battery life, which you don't see in everyday gaming laptops.
If you're interested in having an animated grid of colored lights on your computer, you can pay more for a model that has Asus's Anime Matrix. We don't think these models offer particularly good value for their price, but they do have some lovely benefits – you can customize them to display any words or images you like, and a virtual pet on it. There is an animal with which you can play.
8. Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
The best 15-inch Chromebook
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ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5
ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5, 14" Touchscreen FHD NanoEdge Display, Intel Core i3-1110G4 Processor, 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM, Stylus, Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 6, Chrome OS, Aluminum, AI Blue, CX5400FMA-DN388T-S
Buy on AmazonAsus surprised us with its Chromebook Flip CX5, a great $800 laptop that just happens to run Chrome OS. It's as sturdy and well-built as all other types of Windows laptops at higher price points and sports a distinctively smooth texture. It completely covers the specifications of the laptop including a 57Wh battery, which offers fast performance, long battery life, and quick charging.
You get all kinds of ports, including HDMI and microSD slots. The speakers sound great, and the keyboard is comfortable. Asus hasn't skimped on the CX5's chassis or its performance - this is the product to buy if you're looking for a Chromebook with a bigger screen.
9. LG Gram 17
The best laptop for big-screen fans
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LG Gram 17Z95P Laptop 17
LG Gram 17Z95P Laptop 17" Ultra-Lightweight, IPS, (2560 x 1600), Intel Evo 11th gen CORE i7 , 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, 80Wh Battery, Alexa Built-in, 2X USB-C, HDMI, USB-A – Black
Buy on AmazonEven if you've used a lightweight laptop before, it's hard to explain how light the LG Gram 17 is. It has a massive 17-inch display, but it's only three pounds somehow. Picking it up spoils your mind; You feel like you have nothing.
But the gram 17's weight isn't the only exceptional feature. It also has some of the best battery life you can get, lasting over 12 hours in our testing. Add a great keyboard, a solid port selection, quiet fans, and a fast processor, and there's little not to like about this device.
Not everyone needs a 17-inch display, and many people who do are looking for a heavy-duty workstation that probably doesn't move very often. But if you want a bigger screen for your daily office work and Netflixing, then you are the target demographic for this machine. This is a niche, but really impressive device without real competition in today's market.
10. Dell XPS 13
The best laptop for college
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Dell XPS 13
Dell XPS 13 (9310), 13.4- inch FHD+ Touch Laptop - Intel Core i7-1185G7, 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x RAM, 512GB SSD, Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 10 Pro - Platinum Silver with Black Palmrest
Buy on AmazonThe Dell XPS 13 is a compact and reliable laptop. Its beautiful chassis, excellent 16:10 display, and a great display make it an excellent choice for general-purpose users. My review unit (an i7 model) blew through the tasks it needed to operate without slowdown or heat. It performed well in both gaming and media work.
A fancier Dell XPS 13 Plus is also available for purchase, which will include all kinds of new features, including an OLED display option, a borderless haptic touchpad, and LED touch function keys not found in the XPS 13. We look forward to reviewing that model very soon.
11. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano
The best laptop for business travel
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Dell XPS 13
Dell XPS 13 (9310), 13.4- inch FHD+ Touch Laptop - Intel Core i7-1185G7, 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x RAM, 512GB SSD, Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 10 Pro - Platinum Silver with Black Palmrest
Buy on AmazonIn many ways, the ThinkPad X1 Nano is a run-of-the-mill ThinkPad. It has a solid sturdy chassis, discrete clicker, a physical privacy shutter, a red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard, and all kinds of business-specific security and management features.
But the Nano is special because it is Lenovo's lightest ThinkPad ever. This is one of the lightest laptops you can buy for just £1.99. You're not sacrificing performance to get that adorable weight: The Nano sustained our heavy test workloads without any fan noise or noticeable heat. If you're looking for a reliable business laptop that won't cost anything in your briefcase, this is the one for you.
12. Razer Book 13
A stylish, powerful productivity laptop
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Razer Book 13 Laptop
Razer Book 13 Laptop: Intel Core i7-1165G7 4 Core, Intel Iris Xe, 13.4" FHD+ Touch (1920 x1200), 16GB RAM, 256GB PCIe M.2, CNC Aluminum, Chroma RGB, Thunderbolt 4, Intel Evo Certified, Mercury White
Buy on AmazonRazer is best known for its gaming laptops, but the company is making a big splash in business and productivity with its new Razer Book 13. At 0.6 inches thick and 3.09 pounds, the Book 13 is a portable workstation with a gorgeous and sturdy feel. aluminum construction. It has a decent port selection, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI 2.0, and a MicroSD slot, and is one of the few non-gaming laptops with a per-key RGB keyboard.
From the inside, this laptop is even more impressive. Its powerful chip performed better than any other Windows laptop of its size on our Premiere Pro media export test. And while the Book 13 isn't a gaming laptop, it offers some of the best gaming performance I've ever seen from integrated graphics—it can even run Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 30fps. While the Razer Book 13's high price means it won't be ideal for everyone, it's still an excellent laptop, combining a high-quality chassis with powerful productivity performance.
13. Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
The best OLED laptop
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ASUS ZenBook Flip S13 OLED Slim Laptop
ASUS ZenBook Flip S13 OLED Slim Laptop, 13.3” 4K OLED Touch, Intel Evo Platform Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Thunderbolt 4, TPM, Windows 11 Pro, AI Noise-Cancellation, Jade Black UX371EA-XH76T
Buy on AmazonYou don't need to spend thousands of dollars to get a lightweight laptop with an excellent screen. The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED, powered by the new Ryzen 6000 series processor, is a powerful and lightweight device that's a lot of fun to use.
In addition to its solid build quality and excellent, fast processor, the ZenBook S13 is only 2.43 pounds and just over half an inch thick. Its touchpad has a handy LED number pad built in. (You can still navigate with the touchpad if the Numpad is pulled up, which always impresses me.) And the OLED touch display is bright and spacious and looks quite nice.
The Ryzen 7 processor in my $1,299 test model did an excellent job with my multitasking workload, producing only the occasional heat on the bottom of the device. It can also play quite well, delivering some of the best results we've seen from integrated graphics in a 13-inch device.
14. Lenovo Yoga 9i
The best multimedia laptop
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Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 2-in-1
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 2-in-1 14" FHD Touch-Screen -11th Gen Intel Evo Platform i7-1185G7-16GB DDR4 - 512GB SSD - Active Pen - Alexa Built-in - Fingerprint Reader - USB-C 4.0/Thunderbolt 4 - Win 10 - Mica
Buy on AmazonMost thin and light laptops share one key weakness -- thin, thin audio. Not so with the Lenovo Yoga 9i. This 14-inch convertible has a revolving soundbar, which means that no matter how it's positioned, the speakers are on the outside. Whether you're using the 9i in tablet, tent, or clamshell mode, you can expect a clear, loud sound.
There's so much more to like. You get an excellent 1080p touch display and a built-in stylus for easy artwork and note-taking. The 11th-generation processors offer satisfactory performance and all-day battery life. The audio quality, screen, and convertible form factor all add up to an unbeatable machine for multimedia entertainment.
15. Framework Laptop
The best laptop for DIYers
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Framework Laptop
Framework Laptop: A thin, light, high-performance notebook that's upgradeable, repairable, and 100% yours. Order today with the latest configuration
Buy on AmazonThe Framework Laptop is a great upgradeable laptop for any DIYer. You can order it as a prebuilt system or as a DIY kit that you assemble yourself. Even if you choose the prebuilt option, you can still upgrade and replace every part of the device, from the RAM and storage to the bezels and keycaps. You can also select your ports, which is very easy.
In testing, this laptop is good to use with decent performance. It has a bright, high-resolution screen and a capable processor, and is fairly portable at just £2.87. The keyboard and touchpad are comfortable to use. But the real reason to buy it is to be able to tinker with parts - and it's the only laptop on the market that will allow you to do so to such an extent.
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