We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
How to buy the best laptop for every need and budget
Not sure where to start? Try our comprehensive buying guide
It’s not every day that you buy a new laptop, and we understand the importance of finding the best one for your needs.
But if you don’t know your pixels from your processors, it can be tricky to know where to start. That’s why our buying guide goes through the key specs to bear in mind and how to approach the enormous range of available options as well as whether you should consider refurbished laptops and which operating system will suit you.
Laptops we recommend
Shopping for a child or teenager? We have some separate guides for the best laptops for kids or the best budget laptops.
What to look for in a laptop
Now is a great time to buy a laptop, as many manufacturers have swapped over to using “ARM” chipsets rather than older processors. This is the same kind of tech you’ll find in phones or laptops. You don't need to worry about the jargon, but it's worth looking for any M-series chips from Apple or Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite for Windows.
And we suspect it won't be long before more manufacturers get on board with using the tech. Why? Because these chips are more efficient, which contributes to lighter and thinner designs. This also means they tend to have an all-day battery life, as well as lots of built-in artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, such as Apple Intelligence on MacBooks.
There may be some software compatibility issues to watch out for, but these days most Windows 10 and Windows 11 programs work with these PCs, and you shouldn't run into issues on Macs; Apple has been using its M-series since 2020, so everything runs smoothly.
Gamers should take note that these chips are more designed for productivity and portability than gaming, though, so you'll still want to look for a dedicated gaming machine.
How we chose the best laptops
We've included the top models across the key categories and a range of budgets at the time of writing.
These picks are based on our hands-on experiences and tests, which have taught us a lot about the different players in the market, as well as rigorous product research to find the best options for different needs and budgets.
Pros
- Lightweight and long-lasting
- Smooth performance from the M4 chip
Cons
- You might want more ports
Who it's for: If we had to pick just one laptop to use for the next few years, it would be the light, fast and easy-to-carry MacBook Air. It’s one of the best-looking laptops we’ve tested. Why buy an Air over the Pro? It’s thin, lightweight and portable – and it will handle photo or video editing thanks to the latest M4 chip, which increases speed and efficiency.
Why we like it: The MacBook Air M4 delivers smooth performance, class-leading battery life, a very comfortable and responsive keyboard and a vibrant 13-inch screen (or a 15-inch, if you pay a little more). It’s an ideal companion for work, travel and entertainment.
Take note: While it’s a great pick for everyday use, you might need to buy extra adapters to connect peripherals due to the limited selection of ports. It’s also quite similar to previous versions, so you can make a saving if you can find the MacBook Air M3 in stock, for example.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Apple M4 chip; 256GB or 512GB (configurable to up to 2TB) |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe charging |
| Screen size | 13-inch (or 15-inch) |
| Weight | 1.24kg (or 1.51kg for 15in) |
| Colours | Sky Blue, Starlight, Silver, Midnight |
Pros
- Bright and vivid high-resolution screen
- Extreme power and great port selection
Cons
- Quite heavy and very expensive
Who it's for: The premium MacBook lineup is designed for creative professionals and heavy multitaskers who need loads of processing power for editing and demanding applications. They’re powered by the latest impressive M4 chips, which offer a noticeable performance boost. And you can buy them in either 14-inch or 16-inch sizes.
Why we like it: The MacBook Pro M4 delivers seriously impressive performance and an enhanced display quality over the Air. The 14-inch one now starts with more RAM as standard and three USB-C ports, making it better value than before. It has a bright screen, the option of an anti-glare nano-texture display (for £150 extra), an upgraded webcam and the classic MacBook highlights: a smooth trackpad, great build quality, comfortable keyboard and 24-hour battery.
Take note: It's worth noting that these laptops are designed for professionals (hence the "Pro" in the name) and that most of us will get more than enough power out of the MacBook Air. They’re heavier and more expensive, and the power they deliver tends to be overkill for most of us, unless you need the extra ports for connectivity.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Apple M4 chip; 512GB or 1TB (configurable to up to 8TB) |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x3, HDMI x1, SD card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe charging |
| Screen size | 14-inch (or 16-inch) |
| Weight | 1.55kg (or 2.14kg for 16in) |
| Colours | Space Black, Silver |
Pros
- Stylish design with great battery life
- Fast performance
Cons
- It’s not for gamers
Who it's for: An ideal pick for most Windows users, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is an excellent machine for writing, browsing and everyday productivity. It’s also sleek and stylish, with a design that’s made to be just as appealing and portable as the MacBook Air.
Why we like it: The elegant design, smooth display, excellent trackpad and long battery life make this a brilliant option as an everyday “daily driver”; plus, it has either the Snapdragon X Elite or Plus processors for fluidity and efficiency. Microsoft says it is 86% faster than the Laptop 5 and that it has the best battery of any Surface laptop.
Take note: The processor might limit some app compatibility, so it’s worth checking that your must-have apps will work as expected. You also might not make use of all the AI features, and it’s worth noting that the latest Snapdragon chips aren’t made for gaming.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite; 256GB, 512GB or 1TB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2, USB-A x1, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect charging port |
| Screen size | 13.8-inch (or 15-inch) |
| Weight | 1.34kg (or 1.6kg for 15in) |
| Colours | Platinum, Black, Dune, Sapphire |
Pros
- Sleek design
- Gorgeous OLED screen
Cons
- Limited port selection
Who it's for: This Dell laptop is perfect if you need something sleek and stylish with some terrific premium specs. It’s ideal for those after high-speed performance in a compact package, whether for work, creative tasks, or a bit of everything.
Why we like it: The gorgeous OLED touchscreen is an obvious benefit, and the design is clearly high-end, with its edge-to-edge keyboard, “invisible” trackpad, and minimalist aesthetics (like replacing the function keys with a “touch bar” instead). It doesn’t disappoint for processing power either, with an excellent Intel chip inside. With this, you’re getting fast processing speeds, an excellent display, and a premium build.
Take note: Its high-end features come at a premium cost, so it’s best if you know you really need that extra boost in performance. Some of the design quirks may feel a bit like “style over substance,” too, and this does lack connectivity options, with just two USB-C ports available.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Intel Core Ultra 7; 1TB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2 |
| Screen size | 13.4-inch |
| Weight | 1.22kg |
| Colours | Platinum |
Pros
- Slim and light
- Long battery life
Cons
- Not designed for gaming
Who it's for: We’d recommend this most for Samsung users who are within the brand’s ecosystem and want a laptop that will pair seamlessly with their Galaxy phone or tablet. This laptop comes with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and is designed for AI applications.
Why we like it: The Book4 Edge has a vibrant display, a sleek and lightweight design and a long battery life. Overall, it’s a great pick if you want something that’s going to deliver a smooth performance without overheating while you’re at work and on the go.
Take note: This model runs on an ARM processor, like several we’ve picked, so you’ll want to double-check that your key apps will still run and work well. Also, these Snapdragon-powered PCs aren’t made for gaming, so that’s worth keeping in mind, too.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite; 512GB or 1TB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2, USB-A x1, HDMI x1, microSD x1, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Screen size | 14-inch (or 16-inch) |
| Weight | 1.2kg (or 1.6kg for 16in) |
| Colours | Sapphire Blue |
Pros
- OLED touchscreen
- Convertible design
Cons
- High price
Who it's for: A 2-in-1 style laptop can be ideal if you want both a traditional computer and a tablet device in the same product. They’re perfect for creative professionals or students needing the freedom to switch between modes for sketching, note taking, and multitasking.
Why we like it: This has a vibrant, flexible and responsive OLED touchscreen, along with the convertible design that adds to its versatility. It has robust Intel processing power, so it should be a good option for both creative projects and work.
Take note: While the convertible features are great, we think it’s important to work out if you really need them before you buy. This one has a premium build and higher price, so make sure you need its functionality before choosing it.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Intel Core Ultra 7; 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2, USB-A x1, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Screen size | 14-inch |
| Weight | 1.4kg |
| Colours | Slate blue, Nightfall black |
Pros
- Great 2-in-1 at this price
- OLED touchscreen
Cons
- Rivals are better for battery life
Who it's for: This is ideal for more budget-conscious buyers who want a device that easily switches between laptop and tablet. It’s an affordable 2-in-1, with the Snapdragon X Plus processor, an OLED touchscreen and lots of storage.
Why we like it: It’s great value at this price and suitable for office work, productivity and versatility. It has a quality display, a fingerprint reader, solid performance and a good selection of ports.
Take note: The battery life isn’t going to beat the competition, and it’s worth noting that the speed isn't going to match options that cost more. While it offers good value, it unsurprisingly isn’t designed for gaming either.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus; 512GB or 1TB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2, USB-A x2, HDMI x1, microSD x1, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Screen size | 14-inch |
| Weight | 1.5kg |
| Colours | Grey |
Pros
- Great durability
- Loads of power
Cons
- Very expensive
Who it's for: Professionals who need a durable, reliable laptop with a comfortable keyboard and long-lasting battery life will find a lot to like in this Lenovo. It’s a business laptop that packs a lot of power into a slim and lightweight design.
Why we like it: This laptop has a robust durability rating, excellent performance, and enterprise-focused features. It has a crisp display, a quality keyboard, all-day battery life and it's portable enough to work well for hybrid workers.
Take note: It’s rather expensive and we'd also find it a little easier to recommend if it had even more battery life – it may give you up to 14 hours of use, but many rivals can manage a lot more.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Intel Core Ultra 7; 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2, USB-A x2, HDMI x1, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Screen size | 14-inch |
| Weight | 1.09kg |
| Colours | Eclipse Black |
Pros
- Bright screen
- Decent performance
Cons
- Lacks premium features
Who it's for: If you’re after an affordable laptop that can handle work, study and light multimedia tasks, this is a good pick. It boasts a bright screen, a decent keyboard, and good performance.
Why we like it: This model proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good laptop with a 14-inch screen, lightweight build, sleek design and big trackpad. It also has a decent selection of ports and a quality webcam. It’s portable and good value for what it offers.
Take note: It lacks some premium features found in more expensive models, and you can get much better performance if you spend more. The fans on this laptop may get a little loud if you push it to its limits, too.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | AMD Ryzen 7; 1TB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2, USB-A x2, HDMI x1, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Screen size | 14-inch |
| Weight | 1.3kg |
| Colours | Iron |
Pros
- Great for students
- Good selection of ports
Cons
- Some apps might not work
Who it's for: This is ideal for students or casual users who mainly need a device for web browsing, email and streaming. It’s a Chromebook, so it’s designed to be used with web applications, although you can use the offline mode to easily manage files when you’re not online.
Why we like it: It’s powerful enough for basic tasks and has a good webcam, keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard may not be backlit, but you might not notice if you mainly use it in good lighting. It’s very affordable and has a long battery life, a good selection of ports, and a reasonable display.
Take note: Remember that it runs on Chrome OS, so if you need some specific Windows or macOS applications for your work, you’re going to need to look elsewhere. This is a fairly basic model, but it's a good option for the price.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | AMD Ryzen 5, 128GB or 256GB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x2, USB-A x2, microSD x1, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Screen size | 14-inch |
| Weight | 1.43kg |
| Colours | Iron, Silver |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sleek and portable design
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty apps or games
Who it's for: This one is ideal for travellers. If you're always using your laptop while on the move but still want a full day of battery life, it’s a good pick. At only 0.98kg, it’s one of the lightest models on the market, and it supports built-in Copilot+ AI features, too.
Why we like it: It's lightweight (thanks to the “Ceraluminium” material), making it easier to take on trips, long flights, commutes or to the coffee shop, while the massive battery life should allow you to keep working all day (and all night). Asus says it should reach up to 32 hours of video playback on a single charge, making it ideal for binge-watchers.
Take note: While its capable processor is great for most computing tasks, it’s not built for heavy graphics work or gaming. It also doesn’t have a touchscreen and if you use it at higher brightness or for demanding jobs, the battery life isn’t going to be as long as quoted.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Qualcomm Snapdragon X or X Elite; 1TB |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-A x1, USB-C x2, HDMI x1, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Screen size | 14-inch |
| Weight | 0.98kg |
| Colours | Grey, Beige |
Pros
- Powerful performance and high refresh rate
- Plenty of ports
Cons
- Heavier and noisier than some alternatives
Who it's for: If you’re after a gaming laptop that offers good value for high-end specs, this one is worth considering. It has a lot of power at a good price, a great port selection, a full-sized keyboard and a display with a lot of brightness and a high refresh rate. These are all specs that gamers will value.
Why we like it: Essentially, this is a top pick if you’re after a capable laptop with a quality processor and screen, and you don’t mind its 2.7kg weight. It’s tailor-made for immersive gaming or creative apps, offering a responsive experience with excellent performance.
Take note: When playing demanding games, it gets quite hot and the fan noise is very audible. Gaming can also drain the battery life, so it's best to stay close to the mains. Because of these this, and the fact it’s a little heavier than others, it’s not the most portable option.
Key specifications
| Processor and storage | Intel Core i7; 512GB or 1TB (expandable to up to 4TB) |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-A x3, USB-C x2, HDMI x1, MicroSD x1, 3.5mm headphone jack, Ethernet |
| Screen size | 16-inch |
| Weight | 2.9kg |
| Colours | Black |
How to pick the right laptop and which specifications to consider
We know buying a new laptop can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the jargon and specs, but we're here to help. Here are the main factors to keep in mind.
Your specific needs
What will you use the laptop for? Or what will the person you’re buying it for need it to do, primarily? It’s worth having this in mind before you do any research. Don’t get a high-powered machine if you won’t use all the features.
On the other hand, don’t get a basic model if you may need more capabilities over time. At this stage, also think about if you like to travel light and don’t multitask much – if that’s the case, could a tablet like an iPad work instead of a laptop?
Operating system
This is the next thing to consider. You’ll notice that there are three operating systems on our list: macOS, ChromeOS and Windows. Here’s how they compare.
Windows (The majority of non-Apple laptops)
This is the operating system to pick for the traditional PC experience, and it may be what you need for flexibility or if you need specific programs for work or studying.
Windows laptops come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Whether you need something simple for browsing or a powerful machine for creative work or gaming, there’s a Windows laptop for you.
The main thing to note is that because there are so many Windows laptops out there, quality can vary a lot. Some cheap models may have shorter battery life or slower performance, so check out the reviews before you buy.
ChromeOS (Chromebooks)
This is a lightweight operating system that’s built around Google’s suite of apps – Gmail, YouTube, Sheets, Slides, Docs, Maps, Drive and, of course, the Chrome browser. It’s best for students, casual users, or anyone who mostly uses the web and wants something simple and affordable.
On ChromeOS, you download apps from the Google Play Store and save files to the cloud so you can access them from a single account (you’ll typically need an internet connection to use these laptops, too).
Chromebooks are fast, easy to use, and often cost less than Windows laptops or MacBooks. They also get automatic updates and have strong built-in security.
macOS (Apple MacBooks)
If you’ve used an iPhone or iPad, macOS will feel familiar. It’s clean, smooth, and simple to use. It works seamlessly with other Apple products – like iPhones, AirPods, and iPads – so you can take calls, share files, or copy and paste across devices with no fuss. MacBooks are known for their sleek designs, long battery life, and great performance.
However, the latest MacBooks can cost more than Windows or Chromebook options, and they don’t run every piece of software (especially some Windows-only tools).
Display
A bigger display is worth it if you want more room to view documents, photos and videos. A smaller screen, though, means a smaller laptop overall, which is easier to carry. Which one you pick will depend on your preferences.
We recommend looking for a good resolution (at least Full HD, or 1920 x 1080 pixels) that should be sharp and bright enough to see in daylight, and it should show colours clearly, especially if you watch a lot of shows or edit photos.
Battery life
Taking your laptop to the coffee shop or want to use it during a flight? If you’re often working away from a plug, you’ll want a laptop with a battery that lasts at least 8 to 10 hours.
Battery estimates from manufacturers can be optimistic, though, so they may not be accurate if you use the laptop intensively. To ensure you don't run out of juice, it’s a good idea to invest in one of the best power banks.
Storage
The amount of storage on your laptop (measured in gigabytes, or GB) is how you understand how many files, photos and apps you can save.
If you store a lot of big files (like videos or games), you’ll need more space. For most people, 256GB to 512GB is plenty.
Memory (RAM)
The amount of RAM is what helps your laptop to keep multiple things running at once. You need more if you want to have lots of tabs and apps open.
More RAM means smoother multitasking; 8GB should be reasonable for everyday tasks, but 16GB or more is much better if you want to work with big files or run demanding software.
Connectivity and ports
It’s worth taking a close look at how many ports are available on the laptop you’re considering. You’ll need these for plugging things in, like USB drives, headphones, or a second screen.
Some laptops only have a couple of USB-C ports, so you might need an adapter (or a hub) if you want to use older accessories.
Beyond USB ports, laptops may have extra ports like an HDMI to connect an additional monitor, or an SD card or microSD slot for popping in portable storage cards for extra storage or for offloading photo or video files.
All the models on this list have wireless connectivity to hook up Bluetooth devices. Making video calls for work or catching up with friends? There’s usually a webcam built into the device, but you can check our list of the best webcams if you want to improve the video quality.
Processor
The processor (or chip) is the laptop’s brain. Newer and more advanced processors are speedier at opening apps, handling several tasks, powering artificial intelligence (AI) features, and keeping things running smoothly.
You don’t need to know all the technical names; just try to check if the processor is one of the more recent ones from the past few years (such as Apple’s M-series or the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite).
While you may be able to get by with a basic option, it’s worth looking at those newer chips for a long-lasting and future-proof performance.
Weight/portability
If you want to use a laptop on the go, it’s essential to find one that’s light and easy to carry. Lighter laptops are better for travel or commuting, while heavier ones might offer more power but can be bulky. Aim for something under 1.5kg if you’re on the move a lot.
Laptop buying mistakes to avoid
It’s easy to end up puzzled by all the options when buying a laptop or swept up in the hype around the latest products. These are the common pitfalls to avoid.
- Don’t overpay for power you don’t need: Unless you need to edit 4K videos or play demanding games, it’s unlikely you’ll need to get the most expensive processors and top-tier specs. Most of us will get on best with mid-range models.
- Don’t forget about battery life: You’re not always going to be near a wall outlet, so remember how frustrating it’ll be if the laptop is always on its last legs after only a few hours of use.
- Think about the ports you need: As appealing as the slimmest and sleekest laptop might be, don’t forget that if it lacks ports, you’re going to need dongles and adapters to plug anything into it.
- Focus on the keyboard and screen: There are a lot of important laptop features, but you’ll constantly use the keyboard and view the display, so these need to suit you. The keyboard needs to be big and comfortable enough for typing, while the screen needs to be clear and bright for use on the go.
- Avoid impulse buying: At Good Housekeeping, we swear by this mantra when it comes to sales: “You’re only saving money if you were already planning to buy the product – if you weren't planning to buy it, it's not a saving.” Remember to always do your research and check the price history before you buy, too.
How long should a laptop last?
We think laptops should last a long time when treated well. Remember to store yours safely and handle it with care.
Your laptop should, on average, last anywhere from four to six years – or more! If you’re buying a good laptop for a student heading off to uni, we’d say that it should be with them for more than the duration of their course.
With proper care, it could last longer. A cheaper laptop that has poorer build quality and an ageing processor might not be expected to last quite as long, though.
What about buying a refurbished laptop?
Buying refurbished is a great way to save some money on a laptop, but make sure you’re buying from a trusted source.
Refurbished laptops often aren’t the same as “second hand” and should be products that have been returned or not eligible for sale “as new” but they will have been cleaned, tested and repaired to work as new.
They’ll be “graded” by the condition they’re available in, too, with “Excellent” or “Like New” being the best you can get. Try to stick to certified refurbished programs and aim for at least a year-long warranty.
We’ve got a roundup of the best refurbished MacBook deals, which may help you to pick if you’re going with Apple’s laptops.
Essential laptop accessories you might need
Depending on how you use your laptop, there are a few extras we’d recommend getting to make your life easier.
- A USB-C hub or docking station: This is helpful if your laptop doesn’t have many ports and you want to plug in things like a mouse, keyboard or an external monitor.
- A laptop stand: This is essential if you’re working a lot on the go and want to have improved posture and comfort. We recommend the Nexstand K2, an affordable and reliable stand that we’ve used for years.
- A mouse or keyboard: If you are working at a desk with a monitor and want a traditional setup, get one of the best wireless keyboards and a top wireless mouse. You may also want to invest in a pair of the best computer speakers.
- An external hard drive: This is handy if you need a physical backup of big files or you need to store larger video or photo projects.
- A protective sleeve or case: Your laptop will last a long time if stored well, and if you’re unsure whether your laptop backpack is well-padded enough, we’d suggest getting a laptop sleeve to keep it safe while travelling. For our MacBook Air, we’re fans of this premium option from Woolnut.
Simon Cocks is Good Housekeeping UK’s Technology Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy for the title. He previously also worked across other titles including Esquire UK, Digital Spy, Men’s Health UK and Women’s Health UK.
Simon specialises in testing the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment gear, headphones, speakers, portable chargers, radios, e-book readers and smartphones. He's reviewed top tech products from brands including Google, Apple, Amazon, JBL and Bose.
A magazine journalism graduate from Kingston University in 2014, Simon also worked on the Discovery and Silkroad inflight magazines. He then gained experience writing about entertainment at SFX and Total Film. He also contributed reviews and interviews to TwitchFilm (later ScreenAnarchy), CultBox and Frame Rated.
He joined Good Housekeeping UK as the Editorial Assistant for Special Projects and was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team between 2014 and 2019. In this role, he conducted price comparison research, wrote detailed household and money-saving advice guides and edited thousands of in-depth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
He has focused on technology and gadgets since 2020, where he started by testing out power banks and instant cameras. He writes reviews, roundups, news articles and deals updates, and also covers top tech deals during sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.
You can follow Simon on Instagram, on Bluesky, on LinkedIn and on Threads.
Best luggage trackers and key finders
The best cheap phones to shop in 2025
Best open earbuds to shop in 2025
The best phone stands and tripods
