To assist you in making informed purchasing decisions, I've undertaken the challenging task of handpicking 5 exceptional devices for our 2023 Best Laptop list.
Whether you're in the market for a Chromebook, a gaming laptop, a versatile 2-in-1 convertible, an ultralight notebook, or a hybrid of these, I've curated a diverse selection of options for you.
Keep in mind that while these may not be the best laptops of all time, they are, in my opinion, the finest laptops currently available for purchase.
My top choice for the best laptop in 2023 is the MacBook Air. This device excels in almost every aspect, boasting a well-rounded performance. While it may not be flawless, there are no significant drawbacks to mention. It stands out as an excellent option for various tasks, including productivity, web browsing, and even light gaming.
In the current laptop market, it's becoming increasingly challenging to come across subpar devices. What truly distinguishes the best laptops from the merely good ones is their ability to strike a harmonious balance between power, efficiency, portability, and user comfort.
The ultimate laptop should feature an outstanding keyboard and trackpad, as these are the primary reasons for choosing a laptop over a smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, its display should offer a visually pleasing experience, with brightness and sharpness that eliminate distractions caused by jagged edges and visible pixels.
It should possess ample power to handle most tasks, stopping just short of demanding activities like intensive video editing and advanced gaming.
Portability should be a key feature, making it easy to transport from one location to another. Last but not least, it should have the endurance to last throughout the day without requiring constant recharging.
In addition to the MacBook Air, our lineup of top choices for the best laptops, Chromebooks, and 2-in-1s encompasses the MacBook Pro 16 and the HP Spectre x360 14.
For a comprehensive list of our best laptop recommendations, please refer to the complete selection below. If your priority is a potent machine that doesn't compromise on portability, you may also want to explore our dedicated guide on the best gaming laptops.
For those seeking a powerful yet portable solution, our guide on the best gaming laptops offers further insights and recommendations.
What to look for?
Our criteria for selecting the best laptops are as follows:
- Value: Price is a crucial factor in our evaluation process. We aim to identify laptops that offer outstanding value relative to their price category. The more expensive a laptop, the more exceptional it needs to be to make our list.
- Performance: Laptops should deliver the level of performance expected by their intended audience. Ultraportable laptops should handle standard office tasks without overheating or producing excessive fan noise, while gaming laptops should run contemporary games smoothly.
- Screen: We prioritize laptops with color-accurate and bright displays to enhance the visual experience for users.
- Design: We seek laptops with robust and durable builds capable of withstanding typical wear-and-tear, making them suitable for everyday use.
- Battery Life: While the importance of battery life varies by laptop category, we recognize its significance in offering users the flexibility to work away from power sources. Longer battery life enhances a laptop's reliability for travel and remote work.
- Port Selection: We favor laptops with a generous variety of ports, as this contributes to their versatility and usability.
- Currentness: We strive to keep our recommendations up-to-date, but in some cases, we may include an older laptop model if we believe the newer generation represents a significant downgrade. Generally, we refrain from recommending laptops that are more than two years old.
By adhering to these criteria, we aim to provide our readers with a curated selection of laptops that excel in key aspects and cater to diverse user preferences and needs.
Our Laptop picks
Apple MacBook Air (M2)
The revamped MacBook Air, featuring the cutting-edge M2 chip, represents a sleek and lightweight computing solution. This latest iteration also introduces notable improvements, such as a 1080p webcam and an enhanced display, while preserving key attributes like extended battery life and the convenience of MagSafe charging.
Specifications:
- CPU: Apple M2
- GPU: Apple M2
- RAM: Available in 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB configurations
- Storage: Options include 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB
- Display: 13.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664, 60Hz refresh rate, no touch functionality
- Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
The latest MacBook Air, equipped with the formidable Apple M2 processor, emerges as the top choice for a broad spectrum of users.
Starting at a base price of $1,199, the entry-level configuration comprises 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, an 8-core CPU, and an 8-core GPU. For most users, we recommend the model with 512GB of storage, ensuring a more enduring laptop experience, which is priced at $1,399.
While the MacBook Air has departed from its iconic wedge-shaped design, it retains several noteworthy features from its illustrious history. These include MagSafe charging, the convenience of Touch ID, and the reliability of a scissor-switch keyboard. Moreover, it now boasts an upgraded 1080p webcam and introduces two new color options to enhance its appeal.
Check for Macbook Air M2 Deals
While the M2 processor in the MacBook Air may not match the speed and power of the M1 Pro or M1 Max found in the larger and pricier MacBook Pro models, it still packs a considerable punch.
Our rigorous testing revealed its ability to effortlessly handle demanding office tasks without exhibiting significant heat buildup or performance slowdowns. Remarkably, this device manages to strike an impressive balance between power and portability, a characteristic not readily found in many other laptops on the market.
In terms of battery life, the M2-equipped MacBook Air, while not quite matching the endurance of the 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook, still provides ample usage time. It is poised to comfortably last a full day of continuous use for most users, enhancing its suitability for on-the-go productivity.
It's worth noting that Apple continues to offer the M1 MacBook Air, originally launched in 2020. For those working within a tighter budget, the M1 model remains a viable and commendable option to consider.
Macbook Air M1 (16 inch)
The new 16-inch MacBook Pro stands as a true powerhouse tailored for creative endeavors, boasting Apple's latest silicon. It offers the flexibility of configuration with either the M1 Pro or M1 Max chips. With its expansive 16-inch screen, this laptop can accommodate up to three external displays and a 4K TV simultaneously, thanks to its extensive range of ports.
Specifications:
- CPU: Available with M1 Pro or M1 Max processors
- GPU: Configurable with M1 Pro or M1 Max GPUs
- RAM: Offered in configurations of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and even 96GB
- Storage: Varied storage options including 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB
- Display: Available in 14.2-inch or 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, featuring resolutions of 3024 x 1964 and 3456 x 2234, respectively. Adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, with no touch functionality.
- Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches for the 14-inch model, 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches for the 16-inch model
- Weight: The 14-inch model weighs 3.5 pounds (M1 Pro) or 3.6 pounds (M1 Max), while the 16-inch model is 4.7 pounds (M1 Pro) or 4.8 pounds (M1 Max)
It may seem perplexing to find both the 2021 MacBook Pro models, featuring the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and the 2023 MacBook Pro models, with the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, on this list. The 2023 models undoubtedly offer superior performance, but due to their higher price, they cater primarily to professionals with demanding computing needs. For a broader audience, we view the 2021 models, now available at more affordable prices, as more favorable options. This is why they rank higher on our list.
In our comprehensive benchmarks, encompassing a range of creative tasks such as encoding, playback, and export times, the MacBook Pro 16 achieved unparalleled performance. It outperformed every laptop we've ever tested, with only high-end desktop PCs coming close in some of our assessments.
Moreover, the battery life is truly exceptional. The 16-inch configuration featuring the M1 Pro processor delivered an astounding 16 hours of endurance in testing, setting a new standard as the longest-lasting laptop we've ever reviewed. Even the M1 Max configuration, while slightly shorter in battery life, still provided ample power to last through a workday.
These MacBook Pro models are undoubtedly remarkable in terms of power and performance, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Check for Macbook Air M1 Deals
The 2021 MacBook Pro receives high praise with very few complaints. It boasts a stunning display capable of reaching 1,000 nits when playing HDR content. Moreover, it features the most impressive laptop speakers we've ever encountered. An additional advantage of the Pro models is their ability to connect to multiple external displays, a feature not available on the MacBook Air.
If you're in search of a versatile machine that can effortlessly handle demanding workloads while also excelling as a top-notch multimedia device during leisure hours, the M1 Pro and M1 Max-equipped MacBook Pro models are likely to meet your expectations.
For creative professionals who may be hesitant to invest in the MacBook Pro 16 due to its price or are seeking a more compact option, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is a compelling choice. It offers a smaller, lighter form factor and a more budget-friendly price point while retaining the powerful processor options and impressive display of its larger sibling.
When comparing benchmark scores between the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with identical processors, we found minimal differences, with the 14-inch model even outperforming the 16-inch variant in certain tests. The primary differentiator lies in battery life, as the 16-inch MacBook Pro accommodates a considerably larger battery, resulting in several additional hours of endurance compared to the 14-inch M1 Pro model in our testing.
In essence, the 2021 MacBook Pro lineup presents a compelling array of options catering to a broad spectrum of users, whether you prioritize portability, performance, or a balance of both.
Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14
The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14 OLED offers a genuinely unique experience for those who are open to having their keyboard positioned at the front.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H
- GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 4050, RTX 4060
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options
- Display: A 14.5-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2880 x 1800, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, and a secondary 12.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2880 x 864. The secondary screen has a touch functionality.
- Dimensions: Measuring 12.74 x 8.85 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: Weighing in at 3.86 pounds
Check for Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14 Deals
The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14 stands out as a dual-screen laptop that we can genuinely recommend. In the past, the dual-screen form factor often felt gimmicky and challenging to use effectively. However, Asus has made substantial improvements with the Zenbook Duo 14. They have elevated the secondary screen significantly, increased its resolution, and added an anti-glare etching that enhances usability.
With the assistance of Asus's ScreenXpert software, Zenbook Pro Duo users gain access to a small yet crisp secondary OLED monitor situated on their keyboard deck. This second screen can also be transformed into a spacious touchpad, which proves beneficial, considering the device's compact touchpad size.
Additionally, the laptop boasts high-performance components from Intel and Nvidia, along with a roomy 16:10 primary display. While the unconventional keyboard-in-the-front layout may not appeal to everyone, this innovative device emerges as the top choice for shoppers seeking the convenience of multiple screens in a single package.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a gaming laptop that packs a remarkable punch in terms of power and performance. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and a GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, it delivers robust and smooth graphics performance for gaming on its QHD display, all while maintaining impressive efficiency for a variety of other tasks.
Specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700S
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 1TB
- Display: A 14-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and no touch functionality.
- Dimensions: Measuring 12.28 x 8.94 x 0.73 inches
- Weight: Weighing in at 3.64 pounds
It's essential to be cautious when selecting a model of the ROG Zephyrus G14, as some configurations can be more expensive than what they offer in terms of performance. It's advisable to opt for the $1,649.99 SKU with the 6700S GPU, which we consider the best choice among 14-inch gaming laptops.
Check for Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Deals
This model offers excellent portability, weighing just 3.79 pounds and measuring 0.77 inches in thickness. It also boasts a high-quality keyboard, touchpad, a well-rounded selection of ports, and an impressive screen.
In our testing, it delivered solid frame rates, and we observed only a marginal performance difference between the 6700S and 6800S models. Additionally, it surprised us with its all-day battery life, a rarity in gaming laptops.
For those interested in adding an animated grid of colored lights to their laptop, certain models come with Asus's AniMe Matrix feature. While these models may not offer the best value for their price, they do come with some entertaining perks, including the ability to customize the display with words or images of your choice and even a virtual pet for some interactive fun.
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
The Asus Chromebook CX5 offers an impressive package, although it comes at a somewhat higher price point.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Display: A 15.6-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, featuring a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Dimensions: Measuring 14.08 x 9.48 x 0.73 inches
- Weight: Weighing in at 4.3 pounds
Asus pleasantly surprised us with the Chromebook Flip CX5, an $800 laptop that runs on Chrome OS. This device exhibits the same level of sturdiness and build quality as many Windows laptops at higher price points, boasting a unique smooth texture.
It incorporates full-fledged laptop specifications, including a robust 57Wh battery, which translates to swift performance, extended battery life, and rapid charging.
Check for Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 Deals
In terms of connectivity, the CX5 doesn't disappoint, offering a variety of ports, including HDMI and a microSD slot. The laptop's speakers deliver impressive sound quality, and the keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience.
Asus has spared no expense when it comes to the CX5's build quality and performance, making it the ideal choice for individuals seeking a Chromebook with a generous screen size.
Conclusion
We've explored a diverse range of laptops that cater to various user needs and preferences. Each of these laptops offers a unique set of features and capabilities, making them stand out in their respective categories.
The right laptop for you depends on your specific requirements, whether it's lightweight portability, raw computing power, innovative design, or a balance of all these factors.
Carefully consider your needs and preferences to select the laptop that best aligns with your computing demands.