Summary
The finest laptops for Windows are lightweight enough to be carried about for the whole day, powerful enough to handle the workload you have each day with ease, and power-efficient enough that you won’t have to worry about unplugging it in order to get work done while you’re on the go.
It is true that we also have a comprehensive list of the best laptops in general, which includes Chromebooks and MacBooks, but this list is intended for Windows enthusiasts who are looking for a new laptop that runs Windows 11. This is the list for you if you are a die-hard fan of Microsoft’s platform operating system.
The best Windows laptops you can buy right now
Furthermore, you may have faith in our suggestions since, here at Tom’s Guide, we evaluate dozens of laptops from the most reputable manufacturers on an annual basis and only recommend the absolute finest units. This is something that we are aware of since we put every system through its paces in both our testing lab and in the real world. We put it through benchmark tests, display tests, and battery life tests, and we also use it in our day-to-day work and play.
The following are the best Windows laptops that you can purchase, according to our testing, and you can read our comprehensive assessment of each machine to assist you in making a choice about which one to purchase.
Would you want to know whether a Windows laptop is the best option for you? It is highly recommended that you check out our article on the best Chromebooks as well as our list of the top MacBooks for further suggestions.
THE WINDOWS LAPTOP THAT IS THE BEST IN ITS CLASS
1. Dell XPS 15 OLED
The Dell XPS 15 OLED laptop is neither a revolutionary nor an original piece of technology. Aside from the fact that its internal components have been changed, the 2023 model is almost exactly the same as its predecessor. However, despite the fact that this device is not very revolutionary, it is still among the very finest laptops that money can buy.
The updated Dell XPS 15 has the most recent 13th generation Intel Core central processing units (CPUs) and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series laptop graphics processing units (GPUs). Additionally, you have the option of purchasing one that is prepared with an Intel Arc graphics card, and all of the models come pre-installed with Windows 11. The 3.5K OLED touchscreen that Dell delivers on this 15-inch laptop, just as it did on prior generations, gives the impression of a quality product.
In addition to being an excellent laptop for day-to-day usage, this device is also a capable gaming machine when equipped with high-end internals. However, this configuration comes at a great cost, and the XPS 15 OLED that we evaluated only lasted for a dismal nine hours on our battery life test.
Even if it does not revolutionize the world of computing with capabilities that have never been seen before, the XPS 15 continues to be a reliable computer that provides a variety of options in terms of both design and functionality at a variety of price points.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Gorgeous 3.5K OLED display
- Impressive performance
- Sleek, elegant design
- Comfortable keyboard
REASONS TO AVOID
- Sub-par 720p camera
- Poor battery life
THE BEST VALUE
2. Acer Aspire Go 15
Even if the Acer Aspire Go 15 is not an exceptional laptop, it does not have to be when the price tag is $300. With a price tag like that, you may accept the fact that the Go 15’s low-powered central processing unit (CPU) and pitiful complement of 8 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM) and 128 gigabytes of storage space are not suitable for much more but surfing the web, writing and editing, and perhaps some very light gaming.
Nevertheless, this is not a problem for those who just want a low-cost laptop in order to surf the web or compose emails. When it comes to functionality, the Acer Aspire Go 15 more than makes up for its lack of features or appeal. It has a battery life that has been proven to last for ten hours, and it has a keyboard that is surprisingly comfortable to write on. In addition, despite the fact that its 15.6-inch 1080p screen is rather washed out and does not include colors that stand out, it is more than enough for working with documents or browsing the web.
With a price tag of $299, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is the best Windows laptop for individuals who are on a budget and searching for exceptional value. Although it does not look, feel, or sound as nice as the other laptops on our list, it is a workhorse that can be used for a variety of purposes.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Comfortable keyboard
- Useful port array
- Good battery life (10 hours tested)
REASONS TO AVOID
- Crappy 720p webca
- Poor performance
THE BEST 2-IN-1
3. Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
When it comes to power economy, the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED falls below the top MacBooks due to a few critical shortcomings. These shortcomings include a camera that is only capable of 720p resolution, which is disappointing, and a battery life that is less than ten hours. However, if you are able to tolerate such shortcomings, you will find that this Windows 11 2-in-1 offers a lot of wonderful features.
You can make whatever you do on the screen appear lovely thanks to the stunning 2.8K OLED display, and the keyboard is comfortable and pleasant to use. When you consider the sleek and attractive chassis that has a multitude of ports, in addition to the performance that is quite quick, it is a marvel that you can have all of this for the price of $1,199.
It is highly recommended that you get this laptop if you are looking for a trustworthy 2-in-1 device that has a sleek design and an OLED display that is attractive to the eye.
THE ULTIMATE DUAL-SCREEN 2-IN-1 COMPUTER
4. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a one-of-a-kind laptop that combines two stunning OLED screens of 13.3 inches in size into a single device. This allows you to create a wide range of configurations that are tailored to your specific requirements based on your preferences. This portable computer may function as a conventional Windows 11 laptop or tablet, and it also has the capability to transform into tent mode for use in presentations.
After you get the hang of using this two-screen machine, you could find that you enjoy how adaptable and handy it is, despite the fact that the design itself might give the impression of being a bit fragile and less than solid. You’ll begin to appreciate how this laptop begins to feel like a Swiss Army knife when you start typing on one display or using the separate Bluetooth keyboard to hammer out emails on your lap while watching movies on the other screen. Both of these options are available to you.
our unusual laptop has sufficient distinct value to be featured on our list, despite the fact that it is costly at $1,999.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Dual OLED displays enable multiple modes
- Responsive touchscreens
- Bundled with Bluetooth mouse and attachable keyboard
REASONS TO AVOID
- Priced higher than other 2-in-1 laptops
- Minimal ports
DO-IT-YOURSELF WORKERS’ IDEAL LAPTOP
5. Framework Laptop
The Framework Laptop is the anti-MacBook, a modular laptop that claims to allow you to personalize, repair, and update it to an unparalleled degree, all while staying economical and ultraportable. It is the anti-MacBook. Every single Framework laptop comes with a screwdriver already installed, which means that you can open the casing (I swear it’s simple) and change components on your own. Everything from the RAM to the screen bezel to the mainboard is user-replaceable.
This is the ideal laptop for you if you are the do-it-yourself kind and if you like the concept of being able to play about with the internal components of your laptop. The Framework laptop is currently only available for purchase through the Framework website, and the price tag begins at $1,099; however, if you are willing to assemble your laptop yourself and provide your own memory, storage, operating system, and Wi-Fi card, you can pay as little as $849 for the Deluxe Edition of the Framework laptop.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Unparalleled ability to upgrade/repair
- Useful Expansion Card port system
- Great keyboard
- Speedy performance
REASONS TO AVOID
- Loud fans under loa
- Webcam not great
THE DEFINITIVE GAMING COMPUTER
6. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Creating a gaming laptop that is not only compact and lightweight enough to be easily carried and used on your lap, but also packs in sufficient power and cooling to provide proper gaming performance is one of the most difficult difficulties that producers of gaming laptops must confront. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 particularly excels in this regard; it achieves a fantastic mix between power and mobility by using the AMD Ryzen 9-4900HS processor, which is a new laptop-grade central processing unit that comes with AMD’s most recent technology to effectively supply power. If you include the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q graphics processing unit (GPU), you will have an extremely powerful laptop with a 14-inch screen.
Not only does it perform well while you’re playing games, but it also has a battery life of more than ten hours when you’re not playing games, which can be considered a respectable workhorse computer. Depending on the specifications that you choose, the ROG Zephyrus G14 can be purchased for a price that runs from $1,049 all the way up to $1,999. This makes it a reasonably priced monitor. In spite of the fact that it is completely equipped, it is nevertheless more affordable than a great deal of other gaming laptops.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Solid gaming performance
- Elegant, portable design
- 11-hour battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
- No webcam
- Keyboard has backlighting issues
THE BEST WINDOWS LAPTOP WITH A 13-INCH DISPLAY
7. Dell XPS 13 Plus
A first glance at the name of the product would lead you to believe that the Dell XPS 13 Plus is an expanded version of the company’s most famous laptop. However, the reality is precisely the reverse of that. Up to this point, we have not seen a laptop from Dell that is more streamlined and compact than this one.
The number of ports is just two. The headphone jack is not present. A capacitive row was even used by Dell in place of the traditional physical function keys. The whole space underneath the keyboard is made up of a single smooth piece of glass; there are no lines to indicate where the touchpad is located.
Although it has a compact form, Dell was able to incorporate a powerful Intel central processing unit (CPU) inside this 2.7-pound laptop. The end result is a machine that is capable of giving the top MacBooks a run for their money, despite the fact that it does not take first place every time. And although the battery life and capacitive keys may give you pause, those who are able to get over these disappointments will be rewarded with a lightning-fast tiny Windows computer that does not cost an excessive amount of money.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Gorgeous desig
- Bright and vibrant OLED displa
- Very comfortable keyboar
- Strong performanc
- Powerful audio
REASONS TO AVOID
- Relatively short battery life
- Touchpad can be oversensitive
- Bottom runs warm
- Capacitive function row lacks feedback
THE ULTIMATE WINDOWS LAPTOP WITH A 14-INCH
8. Acer Swift 5 (2022)
An impressively quick 1 terabyte solid-state drive (SSD) is built into the Acer Swift 5 (2022), which also has a magnificent 14-inch display, a snappy Intel central processing unit (CPU), and a charming and modern design with gold accents. Despite the fact that it has a few shortcomings, such as poor speakers and software that is tedious to use, the Acer Swift 5 continues to be a good option.
This is an excellent Windows laptop that provides enough power for a wide range of activities, with the exception of intense gaming. The stunning 16:10 1600p display and the power of Intel’s Core i7 CPU make this an excellent (and great-looking) Windows laptop for getting things done while you’re on the road. However, the speakers and the pre-installed bloatware are areas that might need some work.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Dazzling design
- Gorgeous displa
- Plenty of powe
- Super speedy SSD
REASONS TO AVOID
- Lots of bloatwar
- Speakers just OK.
THE ULTIMATE WINDOWS LAPTOP WITH A 16-INCH
9. Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra
A powerful laptop with a gorgeous OLED display that measures 16 inches in size, the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is a flagship product from Samsung. With this display, reading information and playing games is a delightful experience that brings the user pleasure. As a result of the fact that it is outfitted with components that are powerful enough to compete with some gaming laptops, it is able to handle practically any task that you throw at it, which is one of the reasons why it is a great Windows laptop.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch is the most visible rival; yet, despite the fact that Apple’s large-screen Pro is amazing, Samsung’s laptop is more lightweight and comes equipped with an OLED display, which is something that no MacBook can match. In addition, the Book 3 Ultra is a good choice for playing games on a personal computer since it utilizes a graphics card that is specifically designed for use in Nvidia laptops.
The Book 3 Ultra is an exceptional Windows laptop with a 16-inch screen, and it ought to be accorded the Ultra classification despite the fact that it is not capable of competing with Apple’s laptops in terms of battery life.
AN EXCELLENT WINDOWS LAPTOP SIZED 17 INCHES
10. LG Gram 17 Pro (2023)
It is a low-key beast of a laptop, which is what you expect to get from LG’s choice to pack a 13th Gen Intel CPU and Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics card inside the slim black chassis of the 17-inch Gram. The LG Gram 17 Pro, which starts at $1,999, is a beast of a laptop. To put it another way, no other laptop is capable of packing this much power into such a lightweight computer (weighing just 3.2 pounds, it is lighter than the Dell XPS 15, which is a smaller laptop).
The addition of that type of graphics horsepower offers the Gram a little more strength, which enables you to get more demanding work done and play many of the finest PC games. However, if you want to attain the high framerates that this laptop’s 144Hz display is capable of delivering, you will need to turn down the settings.
The LG Gram 17 Pro is lighter and won’t appear as out of place in a coffee shop or conference room as other gaming laptops may, despite the fact that it still cannot compete with the greatest gaming laptops in terms of power. The combination of the complete keyboard and the huge display makes working and surfing the web a very pleasant experience. When it is time to relax, the display and speakers make watching movies and television a delightful experience. Additionally, the battery life that was tested to last for 12 hours is nothing to sneeze at!.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Thin and portable (for a 17-incher)
- Great performance
- Big and beautiful display
- Wide, spacious keyboard
REASONS TO AVOID
- Short power cord
- Finish picks up fingerprints
How can we determine which laptops running Windows are the best?
Our lab tests, in which we put every machine through a rigorous set of benchmarks and real-world testing to see how it will perform in regular usage, are where we find the finest Windows laptops. These laptops come out on top.
Using our in-house light meter and colorimeter, for instance, we take rigorous measurements of the average brightness and color quality of the display on each and every laptop. When we want to assess the overall performance of our computers, we put them through a series of tests that include Geekbench 5 (which measures the speed of the CPU) and a variety of 3DMark tests, which measure the capabilities of the graphics. In addition, we conduct a file transfer test to determine how quickly a computer’s hard drive can download files, as well as a customized battery test in which the machine is required to surf the internet via Wi-Fi until it runs out of power.
The gaming performance of each laptop is measured by benchmarking it with Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm during the testing process. We also conduct benchmarks for a number of other popular titles, such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Red Dead Redemption 2, in order to evaluate the performance of specialized gaming computers.
With the help of our hands-on review procedure, which includes putting each laptop through its paces while working, watching movies, listening to music, and playing games, all of these lab tests are supplemented by our hands-on review process.
How do you decide which Windows laptop is the best option for you?
In the event that you do not place a high priority on speed, for example because you just want a laptop for web surfing, you may save a significant amount of money by selecting a low-cost Windows laptop that is equipped with an Intel Core i3 CPU and 4 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM). It is not possible to purchase the majority of the laptops that we have recommended here with a processor that is lower than a Core i5. Therefore, if performance is not your primary concern, we advise that you look into our guide to the best laptops that cost less than $500. However, if speed and performance are crucial to you, you should choose a laptop that has basic specifications such as a Core i5 processor, 8 to 16 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), and a solid-state drive (SSD) that is at least 256 gigabytes to 512 gigabytes in size.
Dimensions: Take into consideration how portable you want your Windows computer to be. Notebook computers such as the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano are very lightweight and small. On the other hand, gaming-oriented laptops such as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and the Alienware m15 R4 have a significant amount of weight to them, but also provide a significant amount of power in exchange.
The 2-in-1 category of Windows laptops is a relatively new yet intriguing market of devices with hinges that are capable of rotating all the way around to lay the screen flat on the back of the laptop, therefore transforming it into a Windows tablet. This range of devices is characterized by their flexibility. In the event that the concept of possessing a laptop that can also function as a tablet is appealing to you, Windows laptops such as the Lenovo Yoga 9i or the HP Elite Dragonfly are excellent options to consider.
Graphics and gaming: The majority of Windows laptops have integrated graphics as part of the central processing unit (CPU). This means that they are able to run older or less demanding games such as Minecraft or World of Warcraft, but they are not going to be very good at running the most recent games or any graphics-intensive applications (for example, photo and video editing). In order to do this, you will want a laptop that is equipped with a discrete graphics card, such as the RTX 30-series from Nvidia or the Radeon RX 5000 series from AMD.
Regardless of the system that you decide to go with, it is always a good idea to supplement it by purchasing the mouse that is most suitable for the specific work environment that you are in.
