My laptop is the most crucial gadget I own, aside from my phone. I use it for a lot of things, including planning trips, watching movies, producing videos, and writing articles for NBC Select. This is why I find the idea of upgrading it stressful, particularly since it can be challenging to interpret laptop tech details.
Upgrading your laptop, however, can make any task faster, lighter, and more pleasurable. For this reason, we gathered the best and most favored selections from staff members after consulting with specialists on what to look for when purchasing a new laptop.
GO Ahead and Skip2024’s top laptops | How to choose a laptop | Why should I trust NBC Select?
Selected.
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Best overallApple MacBook Air 13″ (M1)
$undefined$649.00Walmart
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Best Windows laptopDell XPS 13
$1,259.99$1,459.99Dell
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Best gaming laptopAsus ROG Zephyrus G14
$1,599.99$1,599.99Best Buy
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Best laptop for creativesApple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)
$1,449.00$1,599.00Amazon
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How I picked the best laptops
To learn more about the most crucial features to consider while looking for a new laptop, I talked to electronics specialists. Additionally, I asked NBC Select employees whose laptops they preferred, and I selected models that met the following requirements:
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Operating system
: An operating system (OS) is the software at the root of your laptop it manages nearly all its other processes. Your OS is a deciding factor in what kinds of programs you can download and what kinds of devices you can connect your laptop to. I included laptops that use Mac and Windows OS. -
Performance
: Not everyone needs the most powerful laptop on the market. The amount of speed, memory and storage space you need depends on what you are using the laptop for, according to our experts. I included a range of options so that you only pay for what you need. -
Size
: Small laptops are great for anyone on the go, while larger laptops can be better for multitasking, video editing, gaming and performance, according to our experts. I included laptops ranging from 13 to 15 inches.Best laptops in 2024
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The best laptops in 2024
Our best choices are from well-known companies like Dell, Asus, and Apple. We include information about size, weight, ports, storage capacity, and other aspects you should be aware of when shopping beneath each suggestion.
Best overall:
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)
Apple MacBook Air 13″ (M3)
- Hi-res screen
- Great battery life
- MagSafe charger
- Extra storage is pricey
For years, NBC Select employees have been using various MacBook Air computers. Anyone, not just gamers and creative workers, can benefit from this most recent model. With its fast processor and high-resolution screen, I can handle video chats, peruse spreadsheets, and have a lot of tabs open without experiencing any lag. For even more performance, this M3 edition comes with 16GB of RAM by default and a faster processor than the previous one.
The MagSafe charger, a wire that magnetically snaps in and out of the charging socket, is my favorite feature of this laptop, aside from its compact size for portability. The charging cable will break off without dragging your laptop off your desk or lap if you (or someone else) unintentionally yank it.
Up to eighteen hours of battery life; Mac OS operating system; 16GB of RAM; 256GB SSD storage; dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches; weight: 2.7 lbs.; GPU: Apple M3 (8-core)| CPU: Apple M3 (8-core)
Best for Windows:
Dell XPS 13
Dell XPS 13
- Stellar battery life
- Sleek design
- Fewer ports than other models
Although it does become a little hot to the touch when gaming, I have been using a Dell XPS 15 laptop as my primary device for years. It can easily handle video calls, video editing, and more. However, this 13-inch device is more suitable if you mostly use Microsoft and Google products.
The majority of the parts are made of metal, which gives it a sleek and robust appearance. Like a MacBook Air, it is lightweight and compact, and it won’t add excessive weight to your backpack. Additionally, the brand claims that its battery lasts up to 24 hours. Some people might find the lack of ports to be a disadvantage, but if you need to connect in more devices, you can always get a USB hub.
Operating system: Windows 11; memory: 16GB; storage: 512GB SSD; dimensions: 11.62 x 7.84 x 0.6 inches; weight: 2.7 lbs; GPU: Intel Arc; CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Series 2; battery life: up to 24 hours
Best budget laptop:
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
- Low price
- Lots of ports
- So-so battery life
Compared to the majority of the laptops on our list, this one costs less than $500. This is due in part to the fact that it has less memory and battery life than some of our other choices. However, it is more appropriate for younger kids than working professionals if you are merely performing basic duties like online browsing. It boasts a large 15-inch HD display and numerous connections, so even at this price, you won’t need to carry an adaptor or USB hub to connect all of your devices.
Operating system: Windows 11; battery life: up to 11 hours; size: 14.15 x 9.25 x 0.7 inches; weight: 3.56 lbs.; GPU: AMD Radeon 610M; CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U; Memory: 8GB; Storage: 256GB SSD
Best budget MacBook:
Apple MacBook Air (M1)
Apple MacBook Air 13″ (M1)
- Lowest priced MacBook
- Hi-res screen
- Limited storage space
Manager of editorial projects for NBC SelectHaving owned this MacBook for two years, Rebecca Rodriguez uses it for spreadsheets, budgeting, emails, being organized, and watching television. At less than three pounds and less than 12 inches wide, it is more compact and lighter than many of the items on our list. It is more than sufficient for Rodriguez’s needs, even though it lacks some of our other top choices in terms of speed, storage capacity, and ports.
Up to 18 hours of battery life; Mac OS operating system; 8GB of RAM; 256GB of SSD storage; dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches; weight: 2.8 lbs; GPU: Apple M1 (7-core)| CPU: Apple M1 (8-core)
Best gaming laptop:
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
- Powerful GPU
- Ample port options
- Lots of storage
- Hard to see white backlit keys
This laptop is among the finest for gaming because it strikes a balance between affordability, portability, and performance. It is capable of playing all the newest games because of its strong internal components and quick, high-resolution quad-HD display. In addition, it contains an HDMI port for connecting a second computer monitor and numerous USB ports for connecting gaming peripherals and accessories. It is only somewhat bigger than a MacBook Pro and is comparatively lightweight and compact in comparison to many other gaming laptops.
Although I don’t own the G14, my experience with gaming laptops in general suggests that this mid-range model is more affordable than other top-tier models, which sometimes offer declining returns for the money.
Up to 10 hours of battery life; Windows 11 operating system; 16GB of RAM; 1000GB of SSD storage; 12.26 x 8.66 x 0.63 inches; 3.31 lbs.; GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060; CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
Best budget gaming:
Acer Nitro V
Acer Nitro V
- Great value for performance
- Good port options
- Heavy
This laptop delivers excellent performance for less money than our other choices if you want to play games on it but don’t require the newest, most expensive components. It features a quick screen and numerous connectors for connecting various game equipment.
This laptop weighs 4.63 pounds, making it the heaviest on our list. Gamers who travel frequently might want to choose the lighter, more battery-efficient Acer Zephyrus G14 instead.
Operating system: Windows 11; battery life: unspecified; RAM: 16GB; storage: 512GB SSD; dimensions: 14.26 x 9.44 x 0.93 inches; weight: 4.63 lbs.; GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4050; CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS
Best for creatives:
Apple Macbook Pro (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)
Although I haven’t used the most recent M4 version, I work with a 14-inch MacBook Pro. I would suggest this great all-around laptop to any creative worker. I can edit lengthy video sequences in apps like Adobe Premiere Pro, open hundreds (read: way too many) of tabs, and participate in video conversations without the computer lagging or becoming too hot.
With the best resolution of any laptop on this list and brilliant colors, the screen is especially stunning. I wouldn’t classify it as a gaming laptop, but I have had no trouble playing less graphically demanding games like Hades.
Although it weighs a little more and is a little bigger than the MacBook Air, the performance boost outweighs the tiny size gain.
Up to 22 hours of battery life; Mac OS operating system; 24GB of RAM; 512GB of SSD storage; dimensions: 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches; weight: 3.53 lbs.; GPU: Apple M4 Pro (16-core); CPU: Apple M4 Pro (12-core)
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How to shop for a laptop
Shopping for a laptop might be intimidating, according to our experts. Before looking at various models, ask yourself a few questions to assist you reduce the number of potential candidates from dozens to a select few that are suitable for your requirements and way of life.
What is this laptop for?
Consider your intended use of your new laptop. Depending on your response, a machine with varying levels of power will be required:
According to Eric Ackerson, a senior product marketing and brand manager at Acerof America, one of the biggest computer manufacturers, video and photo editing software functions better on a more capable computer, namely one with a more powerful GPU and more memory. (Acer offers laptops, but we didn’t ask for particular product recommendations; instead, we talked with Ackerson about technical purchasing advice.) A larger screen gives you more room to spread out many windows or one large application, which makes editing videos much easier, in my experience.
According to Carl Prouty, a product specialist with more than 20 years of experience in consumer electronics sales at Abt, a national retailer of electronics and appliances based in Glenview, Illinois, games can run more smoothly on a laptop with a more potent GPU. (Because Abt sells computers, we didn’t ask Prouty for particular product suggestions; instead, we talked with him about technical shopping advice.) According to Ackerson, games may lag and stutter more frequently if you don’t have a powerful GPU.
Regarding documents, emails, and video calls: Our specialists believe that web browsing, streaming, and document editing are basic computer functions that don’t require the newest hardware or graphics processing units. In my experience, you can probably get a laptop for less than $1000 and still get good performance.
What other devices do you use?
Nowadays, the majority of phones and laptops can sync, enabling you to exchange texts, see images, and do other things from both devices. In my experience, Apple phones and Apple computers sync flawlessly, but Android phones typically function better with Windows laptops. The two devices can function better together if the operating systems on your phone and laptop are compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our specialists estimate that a laptop should last between three and six years on average. If you are using your laptop for simple tasks like web browsing and document editing, it will likely have a longer lifespan than if you are using it for intense gaming or video editing, says Ackerson. Even if your laptop is running smoothly, it may not be able to keep up with newer programs that require more advanced, modern components, says Prouty.
Yes, especially if you are looking to save money. Laptops that are a year or two old will cost less than new models, and should still perform well for less demanding workflows, according to our experts.
Longer-term, a one or two year old laptop may be cheaper up front, but a current laptop will have the latest technology, and may be useful for a longer period of time, says Ackerson.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Carl Prouty
is the Technologist at
Abt
, a national retailer of electronics and appliances based in Glenview, Illinois. He has over 20 years of experience in consumer electronics sales. (Since Abt sells laptops, we only spoke with him about technical shopping guidance, and did not ask for specific product recommendations.)
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Eric Ackerson
is a senior product marketing and brand manager forAcer
of America, one of the largest computer manufacturers. (Since Acer sells laptops, we only spoke with him about technical shopping guidance, and did not ask for specific product recommendations.)
Why trust NBC Select?
I am areporterat NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including guides tokeyboards,tabletsand more. I leveraged my personal experience and the experience of the NBC Select team using laptops in their daily lives. I also spoke with electronics experts to better understand the technical specifications of laptops, and did thorough research of top-rated models.
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