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The best Windows laptop you can buy: Expert tested

Our team of reviewers tested the best Windows laptops in terms of battery life, performance, and other metrics, so you can find the right one for you.
Written by Cesar Cadenas, Contributing Writer

Why you can trust ZDNET

ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.

What to Consider

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Design

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Performance

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Storage and RAM

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Purpose

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Value

Dell XPS 15 | Best Windows laptop overall
Dell XPS 15 by the window
Dell XPS 15
Best Windows laptop overall
View now View at Dell
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra | Best Windows laptop for Samsung users
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra on a table.
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra
Best Windows laptop for Samsung users
View now View at Samsung
Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED | Best Windows 2-in-1 convertible laptop
asus-zenbook-14x-1
Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
Best Windows 2-in-1 convertible laptop
View now View at Best Buy
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 | Best Windows laptop for business
lenovo-thinkpad-x1-nano-gen3-main
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3
Best Windows laptop for business
View now View at Lenovo
Acer Aspire 3 | Best budget Windows laptop
An Acer Aspire 3 on a grey background
Acer Aspire 3
Best budget Windows laptop
View now View at Amazon
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | Best Windows 2-in-1 detachable
microsoft-surface-pro-9-blue-cover
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Best Windows 2-in-1 detachable
View now View at Amazon
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 | Best Windows laptop for creators
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best Windows laptop for creators
View now View at Amazon
Panasonic Toughbook 55 | Best rugged Windows laptop
toughbook-55-1
Panasonic Toughbook 55
Best rugged Windows laptop
View now View at B&H
Razer Blade 17 | Best Windows gaming laptop
razer-blade-17-1
Razer Blade 17
Best Windows gaming laptop
View now View at Best Buy
Show more (3 items)

If you're looking for the best laptop, a Windows machine is most likely going to be your first choice. The operating system completely dominates the PC and laptop market thanks to its long-time availability on a wide range of hardware, eclipsing the competition. This success has resulted in a huge variety of Windows-specific software and a rise in artificial intelligence. The tech giant has also installed AI features directly into Windows 11. In its current state, a Windows laptop can bring work productivity to a whole new level, with several signs showing this capability will grow even further soon.

Also: The best Chromebook laptops

What is the best Windows laptop right now?

Our staff at ZDNET has gone hands-on with many of the best Windows laptops available, including some of the latest models from Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft, and more. Our pick for the best Windows laptop overall is the Dell XPS 15 which can handle everything from mainstream productivity to creative workloads -- and even light gaming. Of course, there are plenty of other options out there. Read on to find a list of other top Windows laptops on the market and how each one caters to a variety of use cases and budgets. Our experts took the time to test each device here to ensure only the best options made the list.

The best Windows laptops of 2024

Dell XPS 15

Best Windows laptop overall

Dell XPS 15 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: 13th Generation Intel Core i9-13900H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Camera: 720p HD | Battery: 86Wh | Dimensions: 344.40mm x 230.10mm x 18.54mm | Weight: 4.22 lbs- 4.62lbs

The Dell XPS 15 is arguably the most well-rounded laptop, let alone Windows laptop, that you can buy right now. The company's flagship line of computing comes in three sizes, but the 15-inch model is the one most people are familiar with, coming in a slim-bezel design, brushed aluminum finishing, and an SD card slot on top of the three USB-C ports (two of which support Thunderbolt 4).

The feel and finish of the XPS 15 screams premium, and the best part is that no matter how you configure the laptop, you won't sacrifice on form factor. What sets the Dell apart from the competition is the 3.5K resolution AMOLED display, which delivers crisp and vibrant visuals that are optimal for photo and video-editing tasks. Prosumers will also get a kick out of the reliable battery life; ZDNET reviews editor June Wan quotes six to seven hours of usage before the 10% lower battery warning appears, although it could last a lot longer.

One Amazon buyer said in their review on the site that their XPS 15 unit was able to last a full 11 hours before needing a recharge. That's way more than a day's work. Naturally, that user said they were very happy with its performance. 

Compared to the old 2021 model, the current XPS 15 has more powerful hardware and a slightly better display. It's not a big jump in quality. It's also smaller for easier carrying. Despite the overall size difference, you can still enjoy the lovely 15.6-inch screen. Covering everything from mainstream productivity to creative workloads, the Dell XPS 15 is our choice for the best Windows laptop overall.

Review: Dell XPS 15

Dell XPS 15 by the window
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Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra

Best Windows laptop for Samsung users

Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H or i9-13900H | GPU: Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050 or 4070| RAM: 16/32GB with 512GB/1TB | Camera: 1080p | Battery: 76Wh | Dimensions: 13.99 x 9.86 x 0.65 inches | Weight: 3.95lbs

With Galaxy ecosystem integration features, Samsung's new Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is looking to compete with Apple's MacBook Pro. Toting a stunning 16-inch OLED display, a dedicated GPU, and Galaxy Syncing features, it finally lets Samsung users integrate multiple devices. 

Featuring what ZDNET reviews editor June Wan calls a "textbook design," the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra "gives you a lot for the money, including a dedicated graphics card, one of the best-looking laptop displays on the market, and an uncompromising keyboard experience." These sentiments are shared by several user reviews on Best Buy, which reported they enjoy how beautiful video games and movies look on the OLED screen, and that the onboard sound system is "appropriately high quality."

Several improvements could be made. Its battery life is rather short, and it comes with loud cooling fans. It also would've been nice to have a dedicated SD slot. Regardless of these missteps, ZDNET's take is that it's a stand-up laptop for professionals, content creators, and most importantly, Samsung fans. 

Review: Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra on a table.
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Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED

Best Windows 2-in-1 convertible laptop

ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Camera: 1080p with IR | Battery: 75Wh | Dimensions: 311mm x 223mm x 16mm | Weight: 3.31lbs

Convertible 2-in-1 laptops are handy because they can satisfy a variety of use cases. In my opinion, the best 2-in-1 device on the market today is the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED. On specific aspects, you could argue that there are better options out there, but in terms of a complete package, you can't beat this, based on my testing.

The Zenbook 14 Flip OLED sports a stunning, vibrant 14-inch OLED screen outputting 2.8K resolution, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, which is notable because it allows the laptop to show off incredible detail. The image is so clear on the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED you can see the pixels on the screen, which is truly the best thing about it. All this is housed in a sturdy yet lightweight 3.31-pound aluminum frame. Under the hood, you'll find a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, an Iris Xe graphics card, and 16GB of memory -- excellent hardware for good all-around performance.

Also: The best 2-in-1 laptops: Top flexible, hybrid, and convertible notebooks

Other important features of the Zenbook 14 Flip include its 1080p IR webcam (perfect for video calls), a keyboard with a great typing feel, and a decent assortment of connections. While the laptop has a thin form factor, it still has a USB-C port, a headphone jack, and an HDMI input on top of the Thunderbolt 4. 

The one downside is it is a bit heavy. You see this criticism over on the Amazon reviews for the Zenbook 14 -- users said they enjoy how powerful it is, although they wish it were lighter. 

Also: Asus Zenbook 14 Flip hands-on review

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3

Best Windows laptop for business

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro 64 | CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5 (1340P), Core i7 (i7-1360P, i7-1370P vPro) | GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: up to 16GB | Camera: 1080p Full HD IR Hybrid with Privacy Shutter | Battery: 49.6Wh | Dimensions: from 14.8 x 293.3 x 208.1 mm (0.58 x 11.54 x 8.18-inches) | Weight: from 2.13lbs

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen is our pick for the best Windows business laptop since it offers a great combination of top-tier hardware and software features. The machine is super lightweight, clocking in a little over two pounds, and yet it packs a lot of muscle in that slim frame. Under the hood, it can host a 13th-gen Intel Core i7-1370P processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage.

What I found most interesting about this laptop during my testing is that it feels like Lenovo purposely built it to specialize in video calls, because there are so many features and components catering to that specific use case. It comes equipped with a 1080p webcam above the display ensuring you look good to your audience. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Voice are both supported as well. The former is a type of surround sound technology enveloping the listener in sound while the latter makes sure your voice comes through to the other side crystal clear.

Also: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 hands-on review

Speaking of being crystal clear, the ThinkPad X1 houses an awesome-looking 13.3-inch, 2K resolution display which is covered in an anti-glare coating. If you don't know what that is, it's a special layer OEMs install onto the display to reduce reflections and minimize glare from sunlight. This is great to have as it allows you to use the laptop outdoors while still being able to see the screen.

Over on Reddit, power users have talked about enjoying the display's aspect, performance, and resolution, but said they are disappointed by the short battery life. If you want a longer-lasting ThinkPad X1 Nano, one commenter recommends buying the first-generation model.

lenovo-thinkpad-x1-nano-gen3-main
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Acer Aspire 3

Best budget Windows laptop

Acer Aspire 3 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64 | CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 3 3250U, 3 7320U, 5 7520U, 7 5700U | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics, UHD Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics | Storage: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB | Camera: HD (720p) | Battery: 45W | Dimensions: from 19 x 363 x 457mm (0.74 x 14.3 x 9.4 inches) | Weight: from 3.75 lbs

Buying a laptop can be an expensive endeavor. Not everyone can afford their first choice, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for a substandard machine. All of the top-tier manufacturers have affordable in their laptop lineups, but out of everything that's out there, I have to give the crown to the Acer Aspire 3. It's a device that, in my opinion, manages to perfectly balance good hardware performance and affordability. All the models cost less than $1,000, and in a few cases, below $300.

The Acer Aspire 3 comes in three display sizes: 14-inches, 15.6-inches, and 17.3-inches. There are about 30 individual models to choose from so you have a wide selection at your fingertips. The reason there are so many of them is because each laptop has different hardware. Half of them house an Intel Core processor ranging from an i3-N305 to an i7-1165G7 CPU. The other half comes equipped with AMD hardware. The Intel options are arguably better performing, but the AMD machines tend to have more storage space. It's up to you whatever you prefer.

Also: The best cheap laptops, starting at $350  

Do keep in mind, that because this is the budget option, it won't be as powerful as other Aspire models. You may experience a significant slowdown in speed during high workloads nor is the display the greatest. It's possible you even experience the laptop restarting suddenly. A user review on Best Buy claims to have experienced their unit restarting without warning multiple times. If this is a concern of yours, then we recommend more recent evolutions like the Acer Aspire Go series.

An Acer Aspire 3 on a grey background
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Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Best Windows 2-in-1 detachable

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU:12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ3 (based on Qualcomm)7 | GPU: Surface Pro 9: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
| RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | Cameras: front: 1080p full HD video • rear: 10MP autofocus camera with up to 4K video | Battery: Up to 15.5 hours | Dimensions: tablet: 287mm x 209mm x 9.3mm | Weight: tablet: 1.94 lbs

Detachable 2-in-1 devices can operate in laptop mode or separate the keyboard and screen sections to use the latter as a tablet. Microsoft's Surface Pro devices exemplify the "tablet-first" genre of detachable 2-in-1s, where the screen section is propped up by a kickstand when in laptop mode rather than using a traditional screen/keyboard hinge. And Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 kicks it up a notch further. 

The laptop is similar in a lot of ways to the Surface Pro 8. They both feature the same brush metal appearance and a display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth playback. However, multiple differences can be seen in the hardware choices made by Microsoft.

ZDNET's testing found that the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 could satisfy graphic design needs, deliver excellent front camera performance without giving an "unnatural blush," and the Corei7 processor handled heavy workloads gracefully. laud the Surface Pro 9's performance, calling it snappy and powerful, and noting its brilliant screen.

Regarding battery life, ZDNET reviews editor June Wan reported averaging "six hours of battery life per charge...with 120Hz permanently on and brightness set to about 65 percent." Taking that into account, he said considers the Surface Pro 9 to be a "solid B-tier as far as endurance [goes]." It's good for the most part, but there's room for improvement on the next model.

Review: Microsoft Surface Pro 9: The MacBook competitor Windows users have been waiting for 

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Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Best Windows laptop for creators

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H | GPU: Intel Xe Graphics, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada Generation Laptop GPU, | RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | Cameras: 1080p | Battery: 58Wh | Dimensions: 323mm x 230mm x 21.8mm | Weight: Iris Xe: 4.18 lbs; Nvidia graphics: 4.36 lbs

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio 2 is unlike any other laptop on the market right now. It carries over many of the design flourishes from the first-generation model while upgrading the device's hardware to be more in line with contemporary user demands. The screen is held up by a tiltable hinge that lets it switch from laptop mode to stage mode (where the display is angled like a tablet in a stand) to studio mode (where the display is laid flat).

Under the hood, you have a 13th Gen Intel i7 processor paired up with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series or Iris Xe graphics card -- your choice. You also have up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage supporting these components. You have a laptop capable of handling various workloads, from everyday productivity to demanding creative projects.

Also: The best laptops for graphic designers, according to experts who use them

The display has a 14.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen outputting a resolution of 2400 x 1600 pixels with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. That last number is significant because it enables smooth scrolling and performance. Moreover, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a contrast ratio of 1500:1, certified for VESA DisplayHDR 400. This means the screen can output vivid imagery with an unparalleled amount of detail. It's even made out of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to resist damage. Depending on your configuration, the battery can last 19 hours of typical device usage.

It certainly has its fans online. Multiple user reviews praise the Laptop Studio 2 for its top-tier design. You even have people calling it the "best Windows laptop out there" right now. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is expensive, starting at $1,999 for the lowest configuration. That may be a lot but keep in mine what you're getting: a stacked laptop that handles all sorts of use cases with aplomb.

Also: I demoed Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio 2 and was left all kinds of jealous

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
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Panasonic Toughbook 55

Best rugged Windows laptop

Panasonic Toughbook 55 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU:13th Gen Intel Core i5-1345U vPro, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1370P vPro | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | Camera: 2MP + privacy cover | Battery: 6500mAh (10h, 20h with 2nd battery) | Dimensions: 272mm x 345mm x 33mm (10.7 x 13.6 x 1.3 inches) | Weight: 4.6 lbs (HD model), 4.9 lbs (touch model)

If you looking for a laptop to brave the outdoors and be okay with a few bumps, look no further than Panasonic's ToughBook 55. It follows up on the line's notable durable design while also upgrading the hardware. It's a tough machine able to withstand drops from up to three feet in the air and protect important components by surrounding them with thick bezels. It's made out of a magnesium alloy, a material that is tougher than the more common aluminum. Panasonic built this laptop to be able to withstand intense vibrations, dust, high altitudes, and extreme temperatures. The only thing it doesn't do well against is water -- don't submerge this device.

Also: Panasonic ToughBook 55 hands-on review

What's interesting about the ToughBook 55 is that it's modular, meaning you can swap out certain parts and replace them with something else. For example, you can buy a laptop that has two batteries and then replace one of them with a fingerprint reader for better security or another memory component. You have a variety of xPak extensions to choose from like an extra SSD drive to a Blu-Ray player. You also have the option to replace some of the rear ports with an array that better suits your needs. Do be aware that you can't change everything. The display, for example, will remain fixed.

In case you're curious, the ToughBook 55 can last up to 10 hours on one battery, but if you add in a second, you can double that amount. If the modularity wasn't enough, the laptop supports satellite connectivity so you don't even need Wi-Fi to hop on the internet. It's a super useful feature to have for when you are off camping and want to watch a movie far from home.

Also: The 5 best rugged laptops of 2024

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Razer Blade 17

Best Windows gaming laptop

Razer Blade 17 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop (8GB) | RAM: 32GB |  Camera: 1080p + IR | Battery: 61.6Wh | Dimensions: 395 x 260 x 19.9 mm | Weight: 5.2lbs

Not only is the Razer Blade 17 the best gaming laptop on the market, but it's also our pick for the best 17-inch laptop. The reason is its perfect blend of power and portability. To put it lightly, this machine is stacked. Starting models come with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H, although you can upgrade it to an Intel Core i9 for better performance. 

The model listed here is from 2022, and it saw multiple improvements from the 2021 version. For starters, it can do 4K resolution gameplay better than before. The Razer Blade 17 had difficulties outputting high-resolution content so people had to lower the game settings so it ran more smoothly. Also, the cooling fans were way louder back then.

Whatever you choose, it'll be paired up with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and a stunning Full HD 360Hz display for a world-class gaming experience. Of course, it has all the goodies you expect from a gaming laptop, like a Chrome RGB keyboard plus the Vapor Chamber Cooling system to keep the operating temperature low. To top it all off, the Blade 17 is great as an all-around laptop thanks to a wide array of ports. It's compatible with USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, and even SD cards.

Gamers, unsurprisingly, say they love the Razer Blade 17. Many online point to the "perfect" combination of the 12th-gen Intel Core processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics card, and full terabyte of storage as the reason they bought the laptop. talks about how the machine still runs like new even after owning it for a year.

Also: The best gaming laptops of 2024

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What is the best Windows laptop?

The best Windows laptop overall is the Dell XPS 15, due to an impressive combination of display, CPU, GPU, battery life, and other features. Below is a table where we compare every thing according to their prices, CPU, and graphics. 

Windows laptop

Price

CPU

Graphics

Dell XPS 15

Starting at $1,499

13th-gen Intel Core i7, i9

Intel UHD Graphics, Iris Xe Graphics, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050/4060/4070

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra 

Starting at $2,200

Intel Core i7-13700H or i9-13900H

Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050 or 4070

ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED

Starting at $1,000

13th-Gen Intel Core i5-1240P

Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3

Starting at $1,181

13th-gen Intel Core i5/i7

Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Acer Aspire 3

Starting at $307

12th-gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7

Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Starting at $994

13th-gen Intel Core i7

Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3), Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Core i5, i7)

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Starting at $2000

11th-gen Intel Core i5, i7

Intel Xe Graphics, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Laptop GPU

Panasonic Toughbook 55

Starting at $4784

13th-gen Intel Core i5, i7

Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics

Razer Blade 17

Starting at $2,849

12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU

Which Windows laptop is right for you?

The key to deciding which Windows laptop is best for you starts with asking and evaluating what you want or need it for. 

For example, if you're a mobile knowledge worker, you'll want a combination of lightweight, flexible configuration, sturdy build, connectivity, security, battery life, and design credibility. But if you're a largely deskbound graphic designer or creator who occasionally needs to visit a client with a laptop in tow, your priorities will be different.

The table below provides a quick breakdown to help you further narrow your choices based on your needs. 

Choose this Windows laptop...

If you want...

Dell XPS 15

A well-rounded 15-inch laptop for work and home use with incredible display, CPU, and power. It even has an OLED display option.

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra

An integrated and comprehensive Samsung ecosystem with an OLED display. This laptop can also sync with other Galaxy devices. 

ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 OLED

A 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a gorgeous touchscreen display, 1080p webcam, and a long-lasting battery life. 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3

A great performing 13-inch laptop for business users that's lightweight and houses a 2K display. It also has a powerful audio system for immersive audio. 

Acer Aspire 3

An affordable laptop for students and at-home users. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes and hardware configurations to meet people's needs.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

A capable 13-inch 2-in-1 detachable with optional 4G LTE. The laptop runs on the 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor. 

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

A great 14-inch creator laptop sporting a multi-mode touch screen, powerful hardware, and a 19-hour battery life.

Panasonic Toughbook 55

A modular and highly configurable rugged laptop. This machine can be customized for a wide array of challenging use cases.

Razer Blade 17

A powerful 17-inch gaming laptop with a stunning FullHD 360GHz display and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI GPU.

What are some factors to consider when choosing a Windows laptop?

We selected these Windows laptops after conducting thorough research and real-world testing by ZDNET experts. In our evaluation, we weighed the following aspects:

  • Design: As the name suggests, design focuses primarily on how aesthetically pleasing a laptop looks. Does it come in a good color and is the computer made of a good, sturdy material? Those are some of the questions we try to answer.
  • Performance: Laptop hardware can vary wildly, so it's important to mention what's powering the machine. Some opt for processors you'd see in smartphones, while others go for top-of-the-line CPUs. Battery life is also taken into account.
  • Display: Naturally, you'll want a laptop with the best possible display since you'll be staring at one for hours. But we also consider the screen size as it dictates the overall size and weight of the laptop.
  • Features: Lastly, we consider the full suite of features a laptop has. Gaming laptops have RGB lights, whereas a work computer may skew to have a better webcam than others. 

How we test Windows laptops

ZDNET frequently receives a lot of laptops to review. So to pick out the best of the best, we followed the criteria mentioned in the previous question: Which models have the best design, performance, battery life, display, and features. We do this by testing each device and using them like the everyday person. We surf the internet, download apps, watch videos, enter voice calls, and work just to name a few use cases. Companies can highlight and boast certain aspects of a laptop, but we find it much more conducive to take laptops out for a spin. 

And if anything particularly impressive is found, we gush about them in our reviews. The Panasonic Toughbook 55, for example, has an interesting modular design that allows users to replace parts on the fly. Because of this flexiblility and its exceptionally durable design, it made the list.

Why should you buy a laptop and not a desktop or a tablet?

These days, a "computer" for most people is a laptop of some kind. The desktop form factor — particularly in the shape of all-in-one (AIO) devices — is by no means finished. Still, laptops span the range from thin, light, and ultraportable to bulky, powerful, and deskbound. 

If small screens are a problem, you can always attach an external monitor. There are also plenty of hybrid 2-in-1 devices that straddle the divide between laptops and tablets.

Which operating system should you choose: Windows, Chrome OS, or Linux?

Every operating system has its committed supporters, but most people end up using a particular one either because of key applications run on it, it was chosen for them by their employer, or their familiarity with the OS. Windows spans the range from budget to premium, while Chrome OS is largely confined to the affordable end of the market.

All of the Windows devices listed here qualify for Windows 11. So if you buy one with Windows 10 installed, you'll be able to upgrade to the newer version. If you don't, note that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, after which there will be no more security patches or feature updates.

Is there a top brand for Windows laptops?

Everything listed in this guide are all the top brands for Windows laptops. If you're looking for a specific one that rises above the rest, there isn't one. Laptops by each of the major manufacturers have their pros and cons. All of them do something unique that some might like while others don't. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

What should a good quality laptop cost?

That's a tough question to answer because it ultimately comes down to what you, the buyer, are looking for. But we can give you an idea. Budget devices, by and large, cost less than $800. Hardware below that range can deliver solid overall performance, and most importantly, a long battery life. $1,500 and above is where you begin to see the elite laptops; the cream of the crop. You're looking at gaming laptops, business computers like the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, and specialty machines such as the Panasonic Toughbook 55.

Between $800 and $1,500 is where you will the mid-range options. Everyday laptops that can perform well while also not completely destroying your wallet. Most options fall in this range with plenty to choose from.

Should you stick to the usual laptop vendors or seek out lesser-known brands?

Generally speaking, the leading PC vendors have the broadest range of offerings and the best-documented track records in terms of product development and customer relations. So in the absence of certain use cases or budgets, you're usually looking at the likes of Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer; all of which currently lead the PC market plus a handful of other well-known brands.

Are there other products that you have tested?

We've covered just about every situation where you'd need a Windows laptop, including rugged models for field work, ultra-powerful workstations for developers, and content creation. But if you're still looking to weigh your options, here are two more Windows laptops we consider great choices.

View at RazerView at MicrosoftView at Amazon

Former ZDNET editor Christina Darby contributed to this story.

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