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Best laptops for 2026
Finding the right laptop doesn’t have to be a headache. That’s why we’ve handpicked the best models for 2026 to make choosing a doddle.
A portable computer you can pop in your bag that keeps you connected anywhere, anytime. There’s a lot to love about laptops, so we’ve put together a list of our top picks for any occasion. Whether you’re always on the move for work, or a pro gamer taking on tournaments, we’ve got you covered.
The best all-rounder
The ASUS Vivobook 16 is built to keep up. Thanks to its NPU processor, it’s ready for the latest AI-powered features, so it’ll stick around for longer than other models. And its AI engine keeps everything moving smoothly without slowing you down. That means smarter performance when you’ve got loads of tabs, apps, and tasks all running at once. No wonder we picked it as our best all-rounder!
Click below to bag our expert's top pick the ASUS Vivobook 16 Copilot+ PC 16" Laptop
Best Windows laptop
Need a laptop that'll get the job done without costing a fortune? Then look no further. When your day's non-stop, the ASUS Vivobook 15 will match your pace. That's because its Intel® Core™ i5 processor and 16GB of RAM have no trouble multitasking. And if you get chance to wind down with a bit of streaming, the 15.6-inch Full HD display makes everything easy on the eyes with a crisp picture.
Expert's pick: ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA-BQ2889W 15.6" Laptop
Best Macbook
If you need a model that balances power and portability, this MacBook Air is ready for work wherever you are. The M5 chip keeps everything running smoothly with top-tier performance and a host of smart features, while the 15.3-inch display looks stunning. Plus, with up to 18 hours of battery, it’s got enough juice to take you through an entire workday.
Expert's pick: Apple 15" MacBook Air, M5, 16GB RAM, 10 Core GPU, 512GB, 2026
Best laptop for students
This Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is perfect for busy student life. Its all-day battery is ready for everything from morning lectures to last-minute deadlines. And it’s tough enough for daily trips across campus, while the comfy keyboard makes essays easier to tackle. With an Intel® Core™ i5, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD under the hood, it breezes through multitasking, whether that’s research tabs, docs, or a quick streaming break.
Expert's pick: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRH10 15.3" Laptop
Best laptops for gaming
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is built for when the action ramps up and every frame counts. With an NVIDIA GeForce® RTX™ 4050 graphics card and a fluid 144Hz display, gameplay stays smooth and sharp, giving you the edge when it matters most. The AMD Ryzen™ 7 processor keeps everything running seamlessly when you're mid-battle. Plus, its speedy 512GB SSD cuts loading times, so you’re into the next match.
Expert's pick: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 FA607NUG-RL116W 16" Gaming Laptop
Best budget laptops
Need a laptop that just gets the job done? Save some pennies with this Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3. It keeps things simple with a reliable Intel® Celeron® processor backed by 4GB of RAM for everyday tasks, like browsing and emails. There’s also 128GB of storage on-board for saving all the essentials – handy if you fancy playing some tunes while you type.
Expert's pick: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" Laptop
Brand spotlight
More to love
ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA-BQ2889W 15.6" Laptop - Intel® Core™ 5, 512GB SSD, 16 GB RAM - Silver
HP OMEN 16-ap0301na 16" Gaming Laptop - NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070, AMD Ryzen™ 9, 1TB SSD - With HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Gaming Mouse and HyperX Cloud Jet Wireless Gaming Headset - Black
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" Laptop - Intel® Celeron® N-series, 128GB eUFS, 4 GB RAM - Grey
HP OMEN 16-ap0300na 16" Gaming Laptop - NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060, AMD Ryzen™ 9, 1TB SSD - With HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Gaming Mouse and HyperX Delta Backpack - Black
HP 14-ep0021na 14" Laptop - Intel® Core™ i7, 512GB SSD, 8 GB RAM - Natural Silver
ASUS V16 V3607VH 16" Gaming Laptop - NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5050, Intel® Core™ 5, 512GB SSD - Black
ASUS TUF Gaming A16 FA607NUG-RL116W 16" Gaming Laptop - NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050, AMD Ryzen™ 7, 512GB SSD - Black
HP 14" 14a-nf0002na Intel® Processor N-series, 4GB RAM, 128GB, eUFS, HD, Chromebook - Grey
ASUS Vivobook 16 M1607KA-MB148W 16" Copilot+ Laptop - AMD Ryzen™ AI 5, 512GB SSD, 16 GB RAM - Blue
Acer Aspire Lite AL15-61P 15.6" Laptop - AMD Ryzen™ 7, 512GB SSD, 16 GB RAM - Silver
Laptops Buying Guide
Still weighing up your options? Head over to our laptop buying guide. It’s packed with everything you need to find your perfect match.
- How long should a laptop last?
It all depends on how you use it. A good laptop should keep you going for around 4-6 years without any fuss. Splash out on a premium model like a MacBook or high-end Windows laptop, and you can expect closer to 5–7 years of solid performance. But with the right pick you won’t be shopping for a replacement any time soon.
- Should I get a Mac or Windows laptop?
MacBooks are super easy to use, last ages, and are known for their impressive battery life, so they’re perfect if you just want things to work straight out the box and connect seamlessly your other Apple devices. Windows laptops, on the other hand, give you loads more choice, often cost less, and are better suited for gaming or specific software. In a nutshell, choose a Mac for simplicity and a Windows model for flexibility.
- Is 8GB RAM still enough?
8GB of RAM is fine for basic tasks, like browsing or checking emails, but it can start to struggle once you’ve got a few apps or tabs open at once. For a smoother, more future-proof setup, 16GB is the one to go for. It’ll handle multitasking much better and keep things running nicely.
- Are “all-rounder” laptops good for gaming?
All-rounder laptops are great for everyday use, but they’re not built for serious gaming. They can handle lighter titles, like The Sims or Minecraft, they'll start to struggle with bigger AAA games, like Call of Duty or Warzone. If gaming’s a priority, you’ll want a laptop with dedicated an NVIDIA GeForce® RTX™ or AMD Radeon™ graphics card. That’s where you’ll really notice the difference in performance.
- What specs should I look for?
When it comes to a solid all-rounder, a few key features make all the difference. Look for an Intel® Core™ i5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 processor (or better), 16GB of RAM to keep everything running smoothly, and at least a 512GB SSD, so you have plenty of space and quick loading times. You’ll also want at least a Full HD display. Stick with these, and you’ll have a reliable laptop that’ll last a good 4-6 years.
- What should I look for when buying a laptop?
It all depends on what you need it for. Keep an eye on the processor (that’s what keeps everything running smoothly), 16GB of RAM or more for multitasking, and an SSD for faster load times. You’ll also want to think about screen size, battery life, and how easy it is to carry around. Get those bits right, and you’ll end up with a laptop that fits your routine perfectly. Check out our buying guide for more info on the all the different features and what they do.
