Best laptops 2024 tested — April top picks
One list of the top laptops we recommend, based on testing dozens of models from Apple, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft and more.
- Quick list
- Best overall
- Best value
- Best for Windows
- Best Chromebook
- Most repairable
- Best for gaming
- Best battery life
- Best MacBook Air alternative
- Best 2-in-1
- Best MacBook Pro alternative
- Best powerful MacBook
- Best dual screen laptop
- Battery life results
- How to choose
- Frequently asked questions
- How we test
1. The list in brief
2. Best overall laptop
3. Best value
4. Best Windows laptop
5. Best Chromebook
6. Best upgradability/repairability
7. Best gaming laptop
8. Best battery life
9. Best MacBook Air alternative
10. Best 2-in-1 laptop
11. Best MacBook Pro alternative
12. Best powerful MacBook
13. Best dual screen laptop
14. Battery life chart
15. How to choose
16. Frequently asked questions
17. How we test
The best laptops are powerful enough to handle your day-to-day work and play, comfy enough to carry all day and efficient enough to ensure you won't run out of juice when you're in the lurch.
Not a lot to ask, right? Luckily lots of great laptops are on the market these days, but that abundance also makes finding the best laptop for you awful tricky. You can get a Chromebook or a compact, speedy Windows 11 laptop for not a lot of money, and those who can afford to spend a bit more have access to a slew of the best laptops from the likes of Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo and more.
That's why we test and review dozens of laptops from top manufacturers every year, then gather the very best together here in one easy-to-read list to help you make a more informed purchase.
You can count on the fact that every laptop on this list has been tested and reviewed by myself or one of my colleagues, so you know a real person has used it in real life and really likes it. Whether you're shopping for a sleek new ultraportable, a cheap Chromebook, a new gaming laptop or the best MacBook for your needs, you'll find at least one great option here!
Alex Wawro is a lifelong journalist who's spent over a decade covering tech, games and entertainment. He oversees the computing department at Tom's Guide, which includes managing laptop coverage and reviewing many himself every year.
The quick list
In a hurry? Here's a brief overview of the laptops on this list, along with quick links that let you jump down the page directly to a review of whichever laptop catches your eye.
Best overall
The best laptop for most people
The MacBook Air 13-inch M3 is the laptop we recommend first to most people because it delivers unbeatable value. You get great performance from Apple's M3 chip, a bright display and more than 15 hours of battery life (according to our testing) in an ultraportable package.
Best value
The best value
The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED is a bit dated at this point, but if you can find one it delivers unbeatable value thanks to its speedy AMD CPU, killer 15-hour battery life (based on our testing) and beautiful 1080p OLED display.
Best Windows
The best Windows laptop for most
The Dell XPS 15 is our current pick for best Windows laptop overall. It's svelte and powerful enough for day-to-day work, with thin bezels that help the display shine. It's even better if you shell out extra for the OLED upgrade.