TOP 15 BEST LAPTOPS IN 2021
Whether you're buying a laptop under $400, a super portable laptop for work and play, a 2-in-1 laptop, or a powerful gaming console, the number of great options can be overwhelming. We’ve selected the best laptop for 2020 in every significant category based on our extensive testing, research, and comparison to help you choose.
List of best laptops, the system needs to achieve at least 4 out of 5 stars in our review and provide the things that shoppers are most interested in. Our studies focus on design and comfort, display quality, keyboard and touchpad, performance, battery life, and especially value.
Were you looking for something a little more specific? We've got tutorials on the best gaming laptops, best college laptops, and best business laptops, as well as Chromebooks and 2 in 1s.
Here are the best laptops to buy right now based on our extensive reviews.
1. Dell XPS 13 9380 (2019)
The best overall laptop you can buy
CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U | GPU: Intel UHD 620 Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: PCIe 1TB SSD | Screen: 13 inches, 4K | Size: 11.9 x 7.8 x 0.3 ~ 0.5 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds
+ Slim, lightweight design
+ Strong performance
+ Stunning 4K display
+ InfinityEdge screen borders with properly placed webcams
- Below-average battery life
The best laptop is even better. Dell not only equips XPS 13 2019 with the new Intel Whiskey Lake processor but also corrects one of its predecessor's most annoying bugs. No longer has its webcam facing up your nose, as Dell engineers have figured out how to insert its webcam into a tiny top frame. While the 4K model we tested offers lower battery life than some might need, we expect more extended durability on models with 1080p screens.
See our full Dell XPS 13 9380 2019 review.
2. MacBook Pro (16 inches, 2021)
An excellent choice for power users
CPU: Intel Core i9 | GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Show: 16 inches, 1920p | Size: 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds
+ Radical improvement
+ Magic keyboard
+ Immersive 16-inch screen with thinner borders
+ Monster performance
+ Powerful 6-speaker audio
+ Battery life of nearly 11 hours
- Display not 4K
- No full size
– USB port or SD card slot
- Expensive
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is your favorite Macbook if you've been waiting for Apple to create a better keyboard. The Magic keyboard on this premium laptop ignores the Butterfly mechanism as an alternative to the scissor’s keys, and as a result, the typing experience is much more comfortable. You also get a bright and crisp 16-inch display with thinner borders, powerful performance from the existing Core i9 CPU, and powerful AMD Radeon 5300M or 5500M graphics. You also get up to 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage if you want to flaunt. The 11-hour battery life is another plus on this laptop, overwhelming the running time of its competitors. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is highly-priced, and Apple still doesn't include a full-size USB port, but overall this is a very formidable workstation for creative professionals.
See our full MacBook review (16 inches, 2021).
3. Acer Aspire 5 (Core i3, 2021)
Good performance at a stable price
CPU: Intel Core i3-8145U | GPU: Intel UHD 620 Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128 GB SSD | Screen: 15.6 inches, 1080p | Size: 14.3 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 3.8 pounds
+ Strong performance
+ Good battery
+ Bright screen, 1080p
+ Affordable
- Medium graphics
Questioned design quality
Aspire 5 is a great cheap laptop. It has excellent performance at a price, the screen is brighter than most cheap laptops, and it will last longer than your average workday. Despite costing less than $500, the computer still offers a premium aluminum frame, comfortable keyboard, and basic-level removable graphics chip for more intensive tasks. Despite the laptop’s budget price, the Aspire 5 outperforms the average in terms of screen brightness, performance, file transfer, and battery average – all in a thin, lightweight chassis.
See our full Acer Aspire 5 review.
4. Apple MacBook Pro 13 inches
Our favorite Apple laptops
CPU: Intel Core i5 | GPU: Intel Iris Plus 645 Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128 GB SSD | Display: 13 inches, 1600p | Size: 11.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 3 Pounds
+ Excellent battery life
+ High-speed performance
+ Bright and colorful screen
+ Powerful speakers
+ Touch ID convenient
- Keyboard with a shallow journey
- Only two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Thick screen borders
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro has a much faster 8th generation Intel Core CPU and Touch ID and Touch Bar. And while the keyboard isn't great, Apple has introduced small improvements that will (hopefully) make it more reliable. Add more battery life of more than 10 hours, and you have the best Apple laptop for most people – at least those who want a proven system in the future. You have a much faster processor, a brighter screen, and a significantly longer battery life for your money in terms of price.
5. Asus Chromebook C434
Best Chromebooks overall
CPU: Intel Core m3-8100Y | GPU: Intel UHD 615 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Screen: 14 inches, 1080p | Size: 12.6 x 8 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds
+ Sleek, high-end
+ Thin screen borders
+ Vivid, 14-inch touchscreen
+ Good battery
- Sophisticated touchpad
- Expensive
With a larger screen, longer battery life, and more powerful performance, the new Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is one of the best Chromebooks we've ever tested. 2 in 1 has a beautiful aluminum frame and a panel that is both vivid and bright. Thanks to the Intel Core m3-8100Y processor, it is a reliable multi task tasking unit combined with ChromeOS. And with a battery life of more than 9 hours and 58 minutes, this laptop can switch from work to play smoothly.
See our full Asus Chromebook C434 review.
6. Hp Envy 13t
An excellent college laptop with long battery life
CPU: Intel Core i7-8550U | GPU: Intel UHD 620 Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 256GB PCIe m.2 SSD | Display: 13.3 inches, 1080p | Size: 12.9 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds
+ Classic aluminum frame
+ Excellent graphics performance
+ Keyboard with a drainage hole
+ Good battery
MacBook-like design
- The screen may be brighter
- Webcam noise
The new HP Envy 13 is not only one of the best laptops of its generation; it's also a great deal. Starting at $799, the new 2019 model helps you have a slim, attractive chassis, excellent performance, and powerful speakers. The latest Envy's latest point is the fingerprint sensor and webcam closure switch for those who value their privacy. The Envy 13's 1080p model also has a battery life of more than 11 hours, while both the FHD and 4K display options are bright and vivid. So unless you need Thunderbolt 3 port (see Spectre x360), envy 13 must be at the top of your purchase list.
7. Acer Swift 7 (2021)
Meet the world's thinnest 14-inch laptop
CPU: Intel Core i7-7Y75 | GPU: Intel UHD 615 Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Screen: 14 inches, 1080p | Size: 12.9 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds
+ Thin and light beyond imagination
+ Luxury design
+ Stunning 14-inch screen
+ Battery life is surprisingly thin and surprisingly light
- Unreasonable keyboard layout
- Practically can not use webcam
If you want a big screen in a super portable chassis, look no further than the Acer Swift 7. Only 0.4 inches thin, this 14-inch laptop can be tucked into a backpack or briefcase during daily journeys or on long trips. Combine that mobility with stunning screens and long batteries, and the Swift 7 earns a place as one of the best Ultrabooks in the same segment.
8. HP Spectre x360 (13 inches, Late 2021)
King of 2-in-1 laptops
CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 8GB | Storage: SSD 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 | Display: 13.3 inches, 1080p | Size: 12.2 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds
+ Stunning, ultra-portable design
+ Epic battery life,
+ Vivid screen with thinner borders
+ Fast overall performance
- A lot of unnecessary software
– Shrill speakers listen to small
- Run a little warm
The HP Spectre x360 13 is perfect. Updated with Intel's 10th generation processor and modernized chassis, the Spectre x360 takes everything we love about our predecessor and upgrades it. Start with the laptop's design, which is more beautiful than ever, thanks to thinner screen borders and a smaller stand.
Other highlights include the bright, vivid display and usage time of the Spectre x360, which lasts more than 13 hours. Factor in a comfortable keyboard, fast performance, and included stylus, and it's easy to see why the Spectre x360 is one of the best 2-in-1 laptops ever.
9. Alienware Area-51m
Gaming laptops can finally upgrade
CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 / Intel UHD 630 | RAM: 64GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe M.2 Dual SSD / 1TB Hybrid Hard Drive (+8GB SSHD) | Display: 17.3 inches, 1080p | Size: 16.1 x 15.9 x 1.2 ~ 1.7 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds
+ Beautiful space station design aesthetics
+ Excellent graphics and overall performance
+ Lightning fast SSD
+ All main components can be upgraded
- Expensive
The new look and first design allow Alienware upgrade graphics ready to become the king of semi-mobile games. Area-51m is unlike anything we've ever seen from this brand. Equipped with an Intel Core i9 desktop processor and one of Nvidia's super-powerful RTX GPUs, it destroyed every test we put before it with the graceful application. It's Alienware’s first real desktop replacement and the most powerful and upgradeable laptop we've reviewed so far.
See our full Alienware Area-51m review.
10. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6
Best business laptops with killer keyboards
CPU: Intel i5-8265U | GPU: Intel UHD 620 Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Opal 2 SSD | Screen: 14 inches, 1080p | Size: 12.7 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds
+ Attractive, lightweight chassis
+ Best keyboard
+ Long battery life (on 1080p model)
+ Bright, vivid display options
11. Samsung Chromebook 3
A great laptop for kids
CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 | GPU: Intel UHD 620 Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB eMMC | Display: 11.6 inches, 768p | Size: 11.4 x 8 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds
+ Bright, accurate screen
+ Excellent battery life
+ Strong performance
+ Bright webcam
- Speakers don't sound good
- Fyn-type key layout
Warm running bottoms
The Samsung Chromebook 3 is an excellent small laptop for both school and entertainment, especially for young children and regular travelers. This 11.6-inch laptop not only boasts a great display and nearly 10 hours of battery life but also comes with 4GB of RAM so that you can expect stable performance. And since 32 GB of storage isn't taken over by Windows 10, you'll find plenty of onboard storage for your files.
Read our full Samsung Chromebook 3 review.
12. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Business (15 inches, Intel)
This is one of the laptops worth buying
CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7 | GPU: Intel UHD 620 Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256 GB SSD | Display: 15 inches, 1504p | Size: 13.4 x 9.6 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds
+ Thin, lightweight chassis
+ Attractive metal design
+ Fast performance
+ Comfortable keyboard
+ Good battery
- Little port selection
- Integrated graphics are still poor
Ignoring Microsoft's misleading "Business" designation, the Surface Laptop 3 is one of the best 15-inch laptops. It has excellent performance, long battery life, fast hard drive, and Windows 10 Pro pre-installed.
13. Apple MacBook Pro (15 inches, 2021)
A rugged laptop for editing photos and videos
CPU: Intel Core i9-9980HK | GPU: Radeon Pro Vega 20 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 4TB SSD | Display: 15.4 inches, 1880p | Size: 13.8 x 9.5 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 4 pounds
+ Superior speed
+ Sharp screen
+ Powerful sound
+ Large battery life
– High initial configuration price and then crazy-expensive
– Still using the 'Butterfly' keyboard
- No USB Type-A ports
Apple updated the 15-inch MacBook Pro with a faster 9th generation Intel processor, making it the quickest MacBook ever. Also, you get battery life all day, with loud, warm sound and a bright, colorful, and sharp screen. Use some high-speed SSDs, and you have a system waiting to help you create your next masterpiece. It's fast, and with the improved Butterfly key and more than 10 hours of battery life, it's also an excellent system to get things done.
Read our full Apple MacBook Pro (15 inches, 2019) review.
14. Dell XPS 15 7590 2021
The best 15-inch laptop money can buy
CPU: Intel Core i9-9980HK | GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 / Intel UHD 630 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: SSD 1TB m.2 NVMe PCIe | Screen: 15.6 inches, 4K | Outstanding 4K OLED display
+ Overall performance and excellent graphics
+ Webcam in the right place
+ Slim, attractive design
- Below-average battery life
This laptop's optional 4K display can reproduce 188% of the tremendous sRGB colors while registering a maximum brightness of 282 nits. Its 45-watt Intel H series processor offers a much more powerful performance than the U-series CPU in its smaller brother. At the same time, its Nvidia GTX 1050 graphics make it a powerhouse for content creators.
15. MSI WS65 9TM
MSI's best workstation ever
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H | GPU: Quadro RTX 5000 Max-Q GPU | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Screen: 15.6 inches, 4K | Size: 14.1 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds
+ Slim, lightweight design
+ Stunning 4K display
+ Strong performance and graphics
+ Durable and safe military standards
+ High battery life
- Expensive
A workstation does not need to be bulky and heavy. Let me introduce you to the MSI WS65, the 14-inch workstation that integrates the 9th Gen Core i7 processor and the Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000 Max-Q GPU in a smooth 0.7-inch body. The machine weighed only 4.3 pounds and still had a durable design tested by the military. Topped with steady battery life and ridiculously stunning 4K display, it blew up 251% of the sRGB color gamut. This machine is one of the best workstations we have tested.