What's the best laptop for you? We know the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming, which is why we made this list.
In the market for a cheap laptop or maybe a high-powered gaming notebook? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Our best laptops list includes every major category, from ultraportables and cheap laptops to 2-in-1s and gaming laptops.
- The best gaming laptops you can buy now
- Best 2-in-1 laptops
- All about value: The best laptops under $500
Every laptop goes through our rigorous reviews process, which includes extensive testing, research and comparisons against top competitors.
In order to make our best laptops list, the system needs to score at least 4 out of 5 stars on our reviews and deliver on the things shoppers care about most. In our evaluations, we focus on design and comfort, display quality, the keyboard and touchpad, performance, battery life and especially value.
The best laptops of 2020 you can buy today
- Dell XPS 13 (2019)
- Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- Acer Aspire 5 (Core i3, 2019)
- Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch)
- Asus Chromebook C434
- HP Envy 13t
- Acer Swift 7 (2019)
- HP Spectre x360 (13-inch, Late 2019)
- Alienware Area-51m
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
- Samsung Chromebook 3
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 for Business (Intel, 15-inch)
- Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
- Dell XPS 15
- Lenovo Yoga C940
1. Dell XPS 13
The best overall laptop you can buy
CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD | Display: 13-inch, 4K | Size: 11.9 x 7.8 x 0.3~0.5 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds
The best laptop just got even better. Not only did Dell outfit the 2019 XPS 13 with a new Intel Whiskey Lake processor, but it also fixed one of the most annoying flaws of its predecessor. No longer does its webcam point up your nose, as Dell's engineers found a way to fit its webcam in a still-small top bezel. While the 4K model we tested offered lower battery life than some may need, we expect longer endurance on the model with a 1080p display.
See our full Dell XPS 13 review.
2. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
An excellent choice for power users
CPU: Intel Core i9 | GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 16-inch, 1920p | Size: 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is just your type if you’ve been waiting for Apple to make a better keyboard. The Magic Keyboard on this premium laptop ditches the Butterfly mechanism in favor of scissor switches, and the result is a much more comfortable typing experience. You also get a bright and sharp 16-inch display with slimmer bezels, powerful performance from an available Core i9 CPU and robust AMD Radeon 5300M or 5500M graphics.
You can also configure the system with up to 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage if you really want to splurge. The 11 hours of battery life is another plus on this laptop, dwarfing the runtimes of its competitors. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is pricey, and Apple still doesn’t include full-size USB ports, but overall this is the best laptop for creative pros.
See our full MacBook (16-inch, 2019) review.
3. Acer Aspire 5 (Core i3, 2019)
Good performance at a solid price
CPU: Intel Core i3-8145U | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128GB SSD | Display: 15.6-inch, 1080p | Size: 14.3 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 3.8 pounds
The Aspire 5 is an excellent budget laptop. It features great performance for the price, a display that's brighter than most cheap laptops, and it'll survive longer than your average workday. Despite its sub-$500 price, the laptop still delivers a premium aluminum chassis, a comfortable keyboard and an entry-level discrete graphics chip for more intensive tasks. Despite the laptop's budget price, the Aspire 5 outperformed the category average in display brightness, performance, file transfer and battery average -- all in a slim, lightweight chassis.
See our full Acer Aspire 5 review.
4. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch
Our favorite Apple laptop
CPU: Intel Core i5 | GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB SSD | Display: 13-inch, 1600p | Size: 11.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 3 pounds
The new MacBook Pro 13-inch packs a much faster 8th Gen Intel Core CPU and both Touch ID and the Touch Bar. And while the keyboard still isn't great, Apple has introduced minor enhancements that will (hopefully) make it more reliable. Add in more than 10 hours of battery life and you have the best Apple laptop for most people -- at least those who want a future-proof system. For the price, you get a much faster processor, brighter display and considerably longer battery life for your money.
See our full 13-inch MacBook Pro review.
5. Asus Chromebook C434
The best Chromebook overall
CPU: Intel Core m3-8100Y | GPU: Intel UHD 615 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Display: 14-inch, 1080p | Size: 12.6 x 8 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds
With a larger display, longer battery life and stronger performance, the new Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is one of the best Chromebooks we've ever tested. The 2-in-1 has a sleek, aluminum chassis and a panel that is both vivid and bright. Thanks to its Intel Core m3-8100Y processor, it's a reliable multitasker when combined with ChromeOS. And with over 9 hours and 58 minutes of battery life, this laptop can transition from work to play with ease.
See our full Asus Chromebook C434 review.
6. HP Envy 13t
A great college laptop with long battery life
CPU: Intel Core i7-8550U | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 256GB PCIe m.2 SSD | Display: 13.3-inch, 1080p | Size: 12.9 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds
The new HP Envy 13 isn't just one of the best laptops around; it's also a great deal. Starting at $799, the new 2019 model gets you an attractive, slim chassis, great performance and powerful speakers. New to the latest Envy are a fingerprint sensor and a webcam kill switch for those who value their privacy. The 1080p model of the Envy 13 also gets 11+ hours of battery life while both the FHD and 4K display options are bright and vivid. So unless you need a Thunderbolt 3 port (see Spectre x360), the Envy 13 should be at the top of your buying list. It's the best laptop
See our full HP Envy 13 (2019) review
7. Acer Swift 7
Meet the world's thinnest 14-inch laptop
CPU: Intel Core i7-7Y75 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Display: 14-inch, 1080p | Size: 12.9 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds
If you want a large display in a super-portable chassis, look no further than the Acer Swift 7. At just 0.4 inches thin, this 14-inch laptop can slip into a backpack or briefcase during your daily commute or on long trips. Combine that portability with a gorgeous display and long battery and the Swift 7 earns a place as one of the best Ultrabooks around. It's the best laptop for on-the go professionals looking for an ultra lightweight laptop for frequent business trips.
See our full Acer Swift 7 review.
