Best Laptops for April 2024

Are you in the market for a new laptop but don’t know where to start? With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for your needs. But don’t worry. Our ultimate buying guide will break down the key factors to consider when finding the best laptop for you, including what you’ll use it for, which brand to choose, and more.

What makes a laptop the ‘Best Laptop’ for you?

When looking to buy the best laptop, there are a few key things to consider:

What you will be using the laptop for:
Different laptops are designed for different tasks. If you are using the laptop for gaming, you will need a powerful graphics card and a high-speed processor. If you are using it for work, you may want a laptop with a larger screen and a comfortable keyboard.
Which brand to choose:
Some popular laptop brands include Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to research and compare them before making a decision.
When to buy:
Laptops go on sale at different times throughout the year, so waiting for a sale or clearance event to get the best deal can be beneficial.
Where to buy:
Laptops can be purchased from various retailers, including electronics stores, big-box stores, and online marketplaces. Be sure to compare prices and read customer reviews before making a purchase.
Who will be using the laptop:
If multiple people use the laptop, it may be beneficial to choose a laptop with multiple user accounts or a guest account option.
How much to spend:
Laptops can range in price from under $500 to over $2,000, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Remember that more expensive laptops may offer better performance and features, but they may not be necessary for your needs.

In short, when buying a laptop, consider what you will use it for, the brand, when to buy, where to buy it, who will be using it, and how much to spend. You can find the best laptop for your needs by considering these factors.

When looking for the best laptop, it’s important to consider what you will be using it for, as different laptops are designed for different tasks. Here is a guide to help you find the best laptop for your specific needs:

Best Laptops for Gaming:

Alienware m15 R4: This laptop boasts a powerful Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, making it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15: This laptop has an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, and it’s an excellent option for those looking for a portable gaming laptop.
MSI GS66: This laptop is equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, and it is a great option for gaming and video editing.

Best Laptops for Work:

Dell XPS 13: This laptop has a sleek design, a long battery life and a comfortable keyboard, making it a great option for work and productivity.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: This laptop is built for business and offers a long battery life, a durable design, and a comfortable keyboard.
MacBook Pro: This laptop has a beautiful Retina display and a comfortable keyboard, it’s perfect for graphic design, video editing, and other creative tasks.

Best Laptops for Students:

Google Pixelbook Go: This laptop is lightweight, has a long battery life, and has a comfortable keyboard, making it a great option for students on the go.
HP Stream 14: This laptop is affordable, lightweight, and has a long battery life, making it a great option for students on a budget.
Apple MacBook Air: This laptop is lightweight and has a long battery life, making it perfect for students who need a reliable laptop for schoolwork and studying.

Best Laptops for Online classes:

Acer Chromebook Spin 311: This laptop is budget-friendly and has a long battery life, making it a great option for online classes.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: This laptop has a budget-friendly price and a powerful AMD A9 processor, making it a great option for online classes.
HP Stream 11: This laptop is budget-friendly and has a long battery life, making it a great option for online classes.

Best Laptops for Graphic Design and Video Editing:

Apple MacBook Pro: This laptop has a powerful processor, a Retina display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for graphic design and video editing tasks.
Dell Precision 5540: This laptop has a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, making it a top choice for professionals in the creative field.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it a great option for graphic design and video editing tasks.

Best Laptops for Content Creation:

Microsoft Surface Book 3: This laptop has a detachable touchscreen display and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for content creators who need a versatile device for writing, drawing, and editing.
Dell XPS 15: This laptop has a high-resolution display and a powerful processor, it’s great for photo and video editing.
MacBook Pro 16-inch: This laptop has a large display and a powerful processor, it’s perfect for video editing and music production.

Best Laptops for Travel:

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga: This laptop is lightweight, has a durable design, and a long battery life, making it a great option for travelers.
HP Spectre x360: This laptop is lightweight, has a long battery life, and a touch screen display, it’s perfect for travelers who want a versatile device.
Dell Latitude 7300: This laptop is lightweight and has a long battery life, making it an excellent option for travelers who need a reliable device for work and entertainment.

Best Laptops for Business:

Lenovo ThinkPad T14: This laptop is built for business, it’s lightweight, has a long battery life, and a comfortable keyboard.
Dell Latitude 7410: This laptop is built for business, it has a long battery life, a durable design, and a comfortable keyboard.
HP EliteBook x360: This laptop is built for business, it’s lightweight, has a long battery life, and a touchscreen display, making it a great option for professionals on the go.

Best Laptops for Budget-Conscious Buyers:

Acer Aspire 5: This laptop is an excellent budget-friendly option, it’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor and a full HD display.
HP Pavilion x360: This laptop is a budget-friendly option that offers a long battery life and a touch screen display.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: This laptop is an affordable option that offers a long battery life and a comfortable keyboard.

Best Laptops for Coding:

Dell XPS 15: This laptop has a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card, making it a great option for coding tasks.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: This laptop has a durable design, a comfortable keyboard, and a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, making it a great option for coding.
HP Spectre x360: This laptop has a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and a touchscreen display, making it a great option for coding.

Best Laptops for Web Development:

Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition: This laptop has a powerful processor, a high-resolution display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for web developers.
Lenovo ThinkPad P53: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it perfect for web development and coding tasks.
Apple MacBook Pro: This laptop has a powerful processor, a Retina display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for web developers.

Best Laptops for Streaming:

ASUS ROG Strix GA15: This laptop has a powerful processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, and a high-resolution display, making it a great option for streaming and gaming.
Lenovo Legion 7: This laptop has a powerful processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, and a high-resolution display, making it a great option for streaming and gaming.
Dell G5 15 SE: This laptop has a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, making it a great option for streaming and gaming.

Best Laptops for Online Learning:

HP Stream 14: This laptop is lightweight, has a long battery life, and a comfortable keyboard, making it perfect for online learning.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: This laptop is lightweight, has a long battery life, and a comfortable keyboard, making it perfect for online learning.
Acer Aspire 5: This laptop is lightweight, has a long battery life, and a comfortable keyboard, making it perfect for online learning.

Best Laptops for Business Professionals:

Dell Latitude 7410: This laptop is built for business, it has a long battery life, a durable design, and a comfortable keyboard.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14: This laptop is built for business, it’s lightweight, has a long battery life, and a comfortable keyboard.
HP EliteBook x360: This laptop is built for business, it’s lightweight, has a long battery life, and a touch screen display, making it a great option for professionals on the go.

Best Laptops for Graphic Designers:

Apple MacBook Pro: This laptop has a powerful processor, a Retina display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for graphic designers.
Dell Precision 5540: This laptop has a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, making it a top choice for graphic designers.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it a great option for graphic design tasks.

Best Laptops for photographers:

MacBook Pro: This laptop has a powerful processor, a Retina display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for photographers.
Dell XPS 15: This laptop has a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card, making it a great option for photo editing tasks.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it a great option for photo editing tasks.

Best Laptops for Video Editing:

Apple MacBook Pro: This laptop has a powerful processor, a Retina display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for video editing.
Dell Precision 5540: This laptop has a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, making it a top choice for video editing.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it a great option for video editing tasks.

Best Laptops for Photo Editing:

Apple MacBook Pro: This laptop has a powerful processor, a Retina display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for photo editing.
Dell Precision 5540: This laptop has a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, making it a top choice for photo editing.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it a great option for photo editing tasks.

Best Laptops for Music Production:

MacBook Pro: This laptop has a powerful processor, a Retina display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for music production.
Dell Precision 5540: This laptop has a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, making it a top choice for music production.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it a great option for music production tasks.

Best Laptops for 3D Modeling:

Dell Precision 5540: This laptop has a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, making it a top choice for 3D modeling.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it a great option for 3D modeling tasks.
Apple MacBook Pro: This laptop has a powerful processor, a Retina display, and a comfortable keyboard, making it an excellent option for 3D modeling.

Best Laptops for Architecture:

Dell Precision 5530: This laptop has a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA Quadro P2000 graphics card, making it an excellent option for architectural design and rendering tasks.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and an NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics card, making it a great option for architectural design and rendering tasks.
HP ZBook Studio x360: This laptop has a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA Quadro P1000 graphics card, making it a great option for architectural design and rendering tasks.

Summary

When buying a laptop, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. By taking into account the type of tasks you will be using the laptop for, you can narrow down your options and find the best laptop for you. It’s also important to consider factors such as portability, battery life, and security features when making your decision. Keep in mind that laptops within the same category may have different prices, so it’s best to compare prices and features before making a purchase.

Best Laptops FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about buying the best laptops:

Q: What should I consider when buying a laptop? A: When buying a laptop, consider the following factors:

Processor: Choose a laptop with a powerful processor that can handle your computing needs. Intel Core i5 or i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 are popular options.
Memory: Look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most tasks. If you plan to do heavy multitasking or gaming, consider 16GB of RAM or more.
Storage: Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard drive (HDD). An SSD will offer your applications faster boot times and load times.
Display: Consider the size and resolution of the laptop’s display. Laptops with high-resolution displays will offer sharper and more detailed images.
Graphics: If you plan to play games or do graphic design work, look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as an NVIDIA or AMD GPU.
Battery life: Check the battery life of the laptop, which is measured in hours. A laptop with a long battery life will allow you to work or play for longer without having to plug in.

Q: What are the best brands of laptops? A: Some of the best laptop brands include:

Apple (MacBooks)
Dell
HP
Lenovo
Acer
ASUS

Q: What is the average price range for a laptop?

A: Laptops can range in price from under $300 to over $3,000. The average price for a laptop is around $700. The price you pay will depend on the specs and features you want in your laptop.

Q: What is the best laptop for gaming? A: Some of the best laptops for gaming include:

ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17
Alienware m15 R6
Razer Blade 15

Q: What is the best laptop for graphic design? A: Some of the best laptops for graphic design include:

MacBook Pro
Dell XPS 15
Lenovo ThinkPad P1

Q: What is the best laptop for coding? A: Some of the best laptops for coding include:

Dell XPS 15
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
HP Spectre x360

Q: What is the best laptop for business? A: Some of the best laptops for business include:

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
HP Elite Dragonfly
Dell Latitude 7410.

Keep in mind that these are just some general examples, and the best laptop for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Q: What is the difference between a laptop and a notebook?

Laptops and notebooks are often used interchangeably, but in general, a laptop is a larger and more powerful device, while a notebook is smaller and more portable. Laptops typically have larger screens, more storage, and more powerful processors and graphics cards than notebooks.

Q: Can I use a laptop for photo and video editing?

Yes, you can use a laptop for photo and video editing. However, it would be best if you looked for a laptop with a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, and a high-resolution display for the best results.

Q: Can I use a laptop for virtual reality?

Yes, you can use a laptop for virtual reality, but you will need a laptop with a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, and enough memory to run VR applications smoothly.

Q: Can I upgrade the components in my laptop?

The upgrade options for a laptop will depend on the specific model. Some laptops allow you to upgrade the memory, storage, and graphics card, while others are more limited. Be sure to check the upgrade options before purchasing a laptop to ensure that you can make any necessary upgrades in the future.

Q: What is the best laptop for students?

The best laptop for students will depend on their specific needs and budget. A laptop with a good balance of performance, portability, and affordability is typically a good choice for students. Examples of such laptops include the Lenovo Ideapad 5, the HP Pavilion x360, and the Acer Chromebook Spin 311.

Q: What is the best laptop for video conferencing?

The best laptop for video conferencing will have a good-quality webcam, a fast processor, and a clear display. Examples of laptops suitable for video conferencing include the MacBook Pro, the HP Elite Dragonfly, and the Dell XPS 13.

Q: What is the difference between an SSD and a HDD in a laptop?

An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a type of storage that uses flash memory to store data, while a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) uses spinning disks to store data. SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs, but they are also more expensive.

Q: How much RAM do I need in a laptop?

The amount of RAM you need in a laptop will depend on your specific needs. If you plan on using your laptop for basic tasks such as web browsing and word processing, 4 GB of RAM should be enough. If you plan on using your laptop for more demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming, you may need 8 GB or more.

Q: What is the best laptop brand?

The best laptop brand will depend on your specific needs and budget. Popular laptop brands include Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus. Each of these brands has a range of laptop models with different features, so it’s important to do your research and choose the brand and model that best fits your needs.

Q: How long does a laptop battery last?

The battery life of a laptop will vary depending on the specific model and how it is used. On average, you can expect a laptop battery to last between 4 and 8 hours, although some high-end models can last for up to 10 hours or more.

Q: Can I use a laptop for gaming?

Yes, you can use a laptop for gaming. However, you should look for a laptop with a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, and enough memory to run games smoothly. Laptops designed specifically for gaming, such as the Razer Blade, the MSI GS75 Stealth, and the Alienware m15 R5, are good options for serious gamers.

Q: What is the best laptop for business use?

The best laptop for business use will depend on the specific needs of the business. A laptop with a fast processor, enough storage and memory, and good battery life is typically a good choice for business use. Examples of laptops suitable for business use include the Dell Latitude, the Lenovo ThinkPad, and the HP Elitebook.

Q: What is a 2-in-1 laptop?

A 2-in-1 laptop is a device that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. These laptops have a detachable screen that can be removed from the keyboard to use as a tablet, or can be flipped into different modes such as a tent or stand modes.

Q: What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a type of laptop that runs on Google’s Chrome OS operating system. Chromebooks are designed for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing, and they are typically more affordable than traditional laptops.

Q: What is a gaming laptop?

A gaming laptop is a laptop designed specifically for playing video games. These laptops typically have powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and high-resolution displays, making them suitable for running demanding games.

Q: What should I look for in a laptop for college?

When looking for a laptop for college, you should look for a device with a fast processor, enough storage and memory, and a good battery life. You should also consider the weight and portability of the laptop, as you may need to carry it with you to classes.

Q: What is a laptop with a backlit keyboard?

A laptop with a backlit keyboard is a laptop that has a keyboard with illumination behind the keys. This makes it easier to type in low-light conditions, such as on a plane or in a dark room.

Q: Can I use a laptop for graphic design?

Yes, you can use a laptop for graphic design. However, it would help if you looked for a laptop with a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, and a high-resolution display to ensure that you can run graphic design software smoothly. Examples of laptops suitable for graphic design include the MacBook Pro, the Dell XPS 15, and the HP ZBook.

Q: How much should I spend on a laptop?

The amount you should spend on a laptop depends on your needs and budget. If you only need a laptop for basic tasks such as email, web browsing, and document editing, you can get a laptop for as little as $300 to $400. If you need a more powerful laptop for gaming, graphic design, or video editing, you should expect to spend $800 to $1500 or more.

Q: How long does a laptop battery last?

The battery life of a laptop varies depending on the model and usage. On average, a laptop battery lasts between 4 to 8 hours, but this can be affected by factors such as screen brightness, the number of programs running, and the amount of time spent performing CPU-intensive tasks.

Q: How do I choose a laptop based on its processor?

The processor is an important factor to consider when choosing a laptop. A laptop with a fast processor will be able to handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and graphic design more smoothly. The most common laptop processors are made by Intel and AMD. Intel Core i5 and i7 processors are suitable for most users, while Core i9 and AMD Ryzen processors are designed for demanding users such as gamers and creative professionals.

Q: What is a laptop with a dedicated graphics card?

A laptop with a dedicated graphics card has a separate graphics processor (GPU) that is dedicated to handling graphics-intensive tasks. This allows the laptop to handle demanding tasks such as gaming and graphic design more smoothly.

Q: Is it better to buy a laptop with a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD)?

A solid state drive (SSD) is generally faster and more reliable than a hard disk drive (HDD). An SSD can load programs and files more quickly, and it also consumes less power, making it more energy efficient. However, SSDs are typically more expensive than HDDs, so you may need to pay more for a laptop with an SSD. If you are looking for a laptop for basic tasks and you are on a tight budget, an HDD may be a suitable option. If you are looking for a laptop for demanding tasks or you want a laptop that is fast and reliable, an SSD is the better choice.

Q: What is the difference between a laptop and a notebook?

The terms “laptop” and “notebook” are often used interchangeably to refer to portable computers. However, there is no formal definition of what makes a laptop different from a notebook. In general, laptops are larger and heavier than notebooks, and they have more features such as a built-in optical drive, a full-sized keyboard, and more ports. Notebooks are smaller and lighter, and they are designed to be more portable and convenient to use on the go.

Q: Can I upgrade a laptop?

The ability to upgrade a laptop depends on the model and its design. Some laptops have user-upgradable components such as RAM and storage, while others are more difficult to upgrade. Before you buy a laptop, you should research its upgradability and determine whether it is possible to upgrade the components you are interested in.

Q: How do I know if a laptop is compatible with my current equipment?

When you are choosing a laptop, you should consider its compatibilities with your existing equipment, such as your printer, monitor, and external hard drives. Check the specifications of the laptop you are interested in and make sure it has the ports and connections you need to connect to your existing equipment.

Q: What should I do if my laptop gets damaged or needs repair?

If your laptop gets damaged or needs repair, you should contact the manufacturer or a certified repair center for assistance. Depending on the type of damage and the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be able to get your laptop repaired for free or at a reduced cost. You should also consider purchasing an extended warranty or insurance for your laptop to protect it from damage and to cover the cost of repairs.

Q: How do I choose a laptop based on its screen size?

The screen size of a laptop is an important factor to consider when choosing a laptop. A larger screen is more suitable for tasks such as watching movies, working with multiple applications, or playing games. A smaller screen is more portable and convenient to use on the go. The most common screen sizes for laptops are 11 to 14 inches, 15 to 16 inches, and 17 to 18 inches. Choose a screen size that is appropriate for your needs and budget, and remember that larger screens are typically more expensive.

Q: What is a laptop’s battery life?

The battery life of a laptop refers to the amount of time it can operate on a single charge. Battery life can vary greatly between different laptops and can be influenced by factors such as the screen brightness, the processor, and the number of applications running at the same time. Most laptops have a battery life of around 4 to 8 hours, but some models can last up to 12 hours or more. When choosing a laptop, consider your usage habits and choose a laptop with a battery life that meets your needs.

Q: Is a laptop with a dedicated graphics card better for gaming?

A laptop with a dedicated graphics card is typically better for gaming than an integrated one. A dedicated graphics card is a separate component that is designed specifically for gaming and is more powerful than an integrated graphics card. If you are interested in playing high-end games, you should choose a laptop with a dedicated graphics card to ensure the best gaming experience.

Q: How much storage do I need for a laptop?

The amount of storage you need for a laptop depends on your usage habits and what you plan to store on your laptop. If you plan to store a large number of files, such as music, movies, and documents, you should choose a laptop with a large amount of storage. Most laptops have storage options ranging from 128GB to 2TB or more. If you need more storage, you can also consider purchasing an external hard drive.

Q: What is the difference between a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD)?

The main difference between a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD) is the way they store data. An SSD stores data on flash memory chips, which provides fast data access and improves overall performance. An HDD stores data on spinning disks, which are slower and can make your laptop slower when reading and writing large files. An SSD is generally more expensive than an HDD but provides better performance and durability. When choosing a laptop, you should consider whether you want an SSD or an HDD, or a combination of both, and choose the one that meets your needs and budget.

Q: Is it better to choose a laptop with a high-resolution screen?

A high-resolution screen can provide a clearer and more detailed image, but it also requires more processing power to operate, which can impact battery life. If you plan to use your laptop for tasks that require a high-resolution screen, such as a photo or video editing or gaming, then a high-resolution screen is a good choice. If you plan to use your laptop for basic tasks, such as browsing the web or using office applications, a lower-resolution screen may be sufficient.

Remember that these are just some general examples, and the best laptop for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.