The Best Laptops of 2024: Top Picks for Every Budget and Need
When choosing a laptop, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. Whether you’re a student looking for an affordable, lightweight device, a gamer seeking high performance, or a professional needing a reliable workhorse, finding the perfect laptop can be a challenge.
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The Best Laptops of 2024:Top Picks for Every Budget and Need
When choosing a laptop, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. Whether you’re a student looking for an affordable, lightweight device, a gamer seeking high performance, or a professional needing a reliable workhorse, finding the perfect laptop can be a challenge.
This guide is designed to simplify your search. We’ve carefully selected the best laptops of 2024 based on performance, price, and specific use cases. No matter your budget or needs, there’s something here for everyone.
Price Ranges and Use Cases
To help you navigate the options, we’ve organized laptops into categories:
Budget-Friendly ($300–$700): Ideal for students, casual users, or those on a tight budget.
Mid-Range ($700–$1500): Great for everyday use, light gaming, and creative tasks.
Premium ($1500 and above): Designed for professionals, gamers, and power users who need top-notch performance.
Whether you’re working on your next big project, gaming with friends, or just browsing the web, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Best Overall Laptops
Here’s a curated list of the best overall laptops in 2024 that deliver excellent performance, versatility, and value for money. Whether you need a laptop for work, study, or everyday use, these models stand out.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M3, 2024)
Why It Stands Out: Apple’s MacBook Air with the M3 chip strikes the perfect balance between portability and power. Ideal for students, professionals, and casual users.
Pros:
Exceptional battery life (up to 18 hours).
Lightweight and sleek design.
Retina display with vibrant colors.
M3 chip delivers outstanding performance for everyday tasks.
Cons:
Limited port options.
Higher price compared to Windows counterparts.
Price Range: ~$1,099
2. Dell XPS 13 (2024)
Why It Stands Out: The XPS 13 is a long-standing favorite, offering a premium build and excellent performance in a compact form factor.
Why It Stands Out: A premium 2-in-1 laptop with excellent performance and design for professionals and students.
Pros:
OLED display with 3:2 aspect ratio, ideal for productivity.
Versatile 2-in-1 functionality.
Long battery life (up to 15 hours).
High-quality keyboard and trackpad.
Cons:
Slightly bulky for a 2-in-1.
Expensive compared to non-convertible laptops.
Price Range: ~$1,489
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Comparison Table: Best Overall Laptops of 2024
Laptop
Display
Processor
Battery Life
Key Features
Price Range
Best For
Apple MacBook Air (M2)
13.6″ Retina (2560×1664)
Apple M2
Up to 18 hours
Lightweight, macOS ecosystem
~$1,099
Students, professionals
Dell XPS 13
13.4″ InfinityEdge (1920×1200)
Intel Core i7-13th Gen
Up to 12 hours
Ultra-portable, premium build
~$1,249
Business travelers, creatives
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8
14″ OLED Touch (3840×2400)
Intel Core i7-13th Gen
Up to 13 hours
2-in-1, versatile performance
~$1,499
Creatives, multitaskers
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
14″ QHD+ (2560×1600)
Ryzen 9 + RTX 4060
Up to 9 hours
Compact gaming laptop
~$1,899
Gamers, power users
HP Spectre x360 14
14″ OLED Touch (3000×2000)
Intel Core i7-13th Gen
Up to 15 hours
Convertible, stunning display
~$1,599
Professionals, students
Product Descriptions
Apple MacBook Air (M3)
The Apple MacBook Air (M3) combines ultra-portability with exceptional performance. Powered by the M2 chip, this laptop delivers lightning-fast speeds, stunning visuals on its Retina display, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or a casual user, the MacBook Air is built to handle your day with ease.
Meet the Dell XPS 13, a compact yet powerful laptop that sets the gold standard for premium ultrabooks. With its edge-to-edge 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display and Intel’s 13th Gen processors, the XPS 13 delivers a seamless experience for business travelers, multitaskers, and creatives.
Transform your productivity with the Lenovo Yoga 9i, a 2-in-1 powerhouse built for versatility. Featuring a 360° hinge, a vibrant OLED touchscreen, and Intel’s latest processors, this laptop is perfect for multitaskers and creatives who demand flexibility and performance.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a gaming laptop like no other. Compact yet mighty, it packs an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU for incredible gaming and productivity performance. Its innovative design and customizable LED panel make it the ultimate portable gaming machine.
Discover the HP Spectre x360 14, a convertible laptop with premium features. Its stunning OLED display and powerful Intel Core i7 processor make it an excellent choice for professionals and students alike. Switch seamlessly between laptop and tablet modes to adapt to any task.
When it comes to choosing the best laptops for students, several factors come into play: portability, affordability, battery life, and durability. Students need a laptop that’s easy to carry around, has the power for everyday tasks, and can withstand the hustle and bustle of campus life. Here are our top recommendations for the best student laptops in 2024.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2024)
Why It’s Great for Students: The MacBook Air is a top choice for students looking for a combination of sleek design, exceptional performance, and outstanding battery life. Whether you’re writing papers, attending virtual lectures, or editing presentations, the M2 chip ensures smooth performance.
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and portable.
Up to 18 hours of battery life.
Retina display for sharp and vibrant visuals.
macOS ecosystem and integration with other Apple devices.
Cons:
Higher price for the base model.
Limited ports (USB-C only).
Price Range: ~$1,099
2. Dell Inspiron 14 5000
Why It’s Great for Students: The Dell Inspiron 14 offers great value for students on a budget. With its reliable Intel Core i5 processor and solid battery life, it’s perfect for day-to-day tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming.
Pros:
Affordable price with solid performance.
14-inch display with decent resolution.
Comfortable keyboard and good build quality.
Up to 10 hours of battery life.
Cons:
Plastic build, not as premium as other models.
Average display brightness.
Price Range: ~$599
3. ASUS VivoBook 15
Why It’s Great for Students: The ASUS VivoBook 15 is an affordable, lightweight laptop with a large 15.6-inch display, making it ideal for students who need a bigger screen for multitasking and media consumption. It’s a solid all-rounder with plenty of ports and a reliable processor.
Pros:
Great value for the price.
15.6-inch Full HD display, good for media and presentations.
Slim and lightweight design.
Fast charging feature.
Cons:
Battery life can be shorter than some competitors.
Plastic construction feels a bit cheap.
Price Range: ~$499
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Why It’s Great for Students: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is another budget-friendly option with solid performance for basic tasks like note-taking, web browsing, and word processing. It’s easy to carry around, durable, and built to handle everyday student needs without breaking the bank.
Pros:
Very affordable without compromising too much on performance.
Lightweight and durable design.
Decent battery life for a full day of class.
Cons:
4GB of RAM may be limiting for power users.
Not the best screen quality for multimedia.
Price Range: ~$349
5. HP Chromebook 14
Why It’s Great for Students: For students who mainly need a device for browsing the web, using Google Docs, and streaming content, the HP Chromebook 14 offers excellent value. With a solid design and up to 12 hours of battery life, it’s a low-cost, no-frills choice.
Pros:
Extremely affordable.
Excellent battery life (up to 12 hours).
Fast performance for light tasks.
Chrome OS is simple and student-friendly.
Cons:
Limited to web-based apps (not ideal for intensive software).
14-inch display isn’t as sharp as higher-end laptops.
Gaming laptops need to be powerhouses, offering high-performance graphics cards, high refresh rates, and superior cooling systems to provide smooth gameplay even for the most demanding titles. If you’re a gamer looking to upgrade your gear, here are the top gaming laptops of 2024 that excel in performance, graphics, and thermal efficiency.
1. Alienware X17 R2
Why It’s Great for Gaming: The Alienware X17 R2 is a premium choice for gamers who demand the best. With its powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, 17.3-inch 4K display, and advanced cooling system, it offers top-tier performance for both AAA games and competitive esports.
Pros:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti for stunning graphics.
17.3″ 4K display with a 120Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth visuals.
Excellent thermal management with Cryo-Tech cooling technology.
Sleek design and customizable RGB lighting.
Cons:
Expensive for the base model.
Bulky design makes it less portable.
Price Range: ~$2,099
2. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16
Why It’s Great for Gaming: The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 is built for gamers who need a high refresh rate and high-performance GPU. With its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 and 16-inch QHD display at 240Hz, it’s perfect for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts.
Pros:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 for high-quality graphics and ray tracing.
240Hz QHD display for fast-paced gaming.
Advanced ROG Intelligent Cooling system for keeping temps low during intense gaming.
Durable and customizable RGB lighting.
Cons:
Slightly heavy, not the most portable option.
Premium price tag.
Price Range: ~$1,799
3. MSI GE76 Raider
Why It’s Great for Gaming: The MSI GE76 Raider offers unbeatable performance for serious gamers, featuring a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 and a 360Hz 17.3-inch Full HD display for crystal-clear visuals and lag-free gaming experiences. It’s also equipped with a robust cooling system to prevent overheating during long gaming sessions.
Pros:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 delivers excellent graphics for 4K gaming.
360Hz refresh rate for ultra-fast gameplay.
Comprehensive Cooler Boost technology for optimal cooling.
Large 17.3-inch display for immersive gaming.
Cons:
Heavier than most gaming laptops.
Expensive, especially with higher specs.
Price Range: ~$1,999
4. Razer Blade 15 (2024)
Why It’s Great for Gaming: The Razer Blade 15 is an all-around performer with a sleek design, powerful hardware, and long-lasting battery. With its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 and a 15.6-inch QHD display at 240Hz, this laptop is designed to handle the latest games with ease.
QHD 240Hz display for smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals.
Advanced vapor chamber cooling system keeps temps in check.
Thin and lightweight design for portability.
Cons:
High price, especially for top-end configurations.
Battery life may be shorter with intensive gaming.
Price Range: ~$1,599
5. Acer Predator Helios 300
Why It’s Great for Gaming: The Acer Predator Helios 300 is an affordable yet powerful option for gamers who want a balance between price and performance. Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 and a 15.6-inch 144Hz Full HD display, it delivers a smooth experience for mid-to-high-tier games without breaking the bank.
For professionals, a laptop needs to offer strong performance, long battery life, and reliable portability. Whether you’re working on high-demand tasks, managing projects, or attending virtual meetings, these laptops deliver the power, endurance, and features necessary for a productive workday.
1. Apple MacBook Pro 16″ (2024)
Why It’s Great for Professionals: The Apple MacBook Pro 16″ is the gold standard for professionals looking for a high-performance laptop with unmatched battery life. Powered by the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip, it excels at everything from data-heavy work to video editing, coding, and multitasking.
Pros:
M2 Pro or M2 Max chip for ultra-fast processing.
Incredible 20 hours of battery life for a full day’s work.
Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with True Tone.
16GB RAM and up to 8TB SSD for top-tier storage and speed.
Cons:
Expensive, especially for higher configurations.
Heavy for long periods of portability.
Price Range: ~$2,499
2. Dell XPS 15 (2024)
Why It’s Great for Professionals: The Dell XPS 15 combines powerful specs with a sleek design. Featuring Intel Core i7 or i9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, it’s perfect for professionals who require both performance and visual quality. Its high-resolution 15.6-inch OLED display makes it ideal for creative work, presentations, and multitasking.
Pros:
Intel Core i7 or i9 processors for high productivity.
15.6″ OLED 3.5K display for vibrant colors and sharp details.
Up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for smooth multitasking and fast data access.
Excellent battery life (up to 14 hours).
Cons:
Higher-end configurations are pricey.
Built-in speakers can be underwhelming.
Price Range: ~$1,799
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11
Why It’s Great for Professionals: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is one of the best business laptops, offering a lightweight build, long battery life, and excellent keyboard. With Intel Core i7 processors and a 14-inch 4K display, it’s a fantastic choice for professionals who need to balance work efficiency with a portable design.
Pros:
Intel Core i7 for fast, reliable performance.
14-inch 4K display (optional) for sharp, vivid visuals.
Up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for superior multitasking.
Lightweight and slim design, ideal for frequent travelers.
Up to 20 hours of battery life.
Cons:
4K display may drain battery faster.
More expensive than other similar models.
Price Range: ~$1,749
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
Why It’s Great for Professionals: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 offers a sleek design, exceptional battery life, and excellent integration with Windows 11. With an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, it’s great for professionals looking for a fast, responsive laptop that can handle everyday tasks and office applications seamlessly.
Pros:
Intel Core i5 or i7 for solid processing power.
13.5-inch PixelSense display with vibrant color and clarity.
Up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for smooth multitasking.
Lightweight and highly portable design.
Up to 17 hours of battery life.
Cons:
Limited ports (only USB-C and USB-A).
Relatively high price for the base model.
Price Range: ~$1,299
5. HP Spectre x360 14
Why It’s Great for Professionals: The HP Spectre x360 14 is a versatile laptop with a 360-degree hinge, allowing it to convert into a tablet. Ideal for professionals who work in creative fields or need the flexibility to switch between laptop and tablet modes. With its Intel Core i7 processor and 13.5-inch OLED display, it’s perfect for both productivity and media consumption.
Pros:
Intel Core i7 for fast, efficient performance.
13.5-inch OLED display for stunning color and contrast.
360-degree hinge for versatile usage.
Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD for high-speed performance.
Up to 12 hours of battery life.
Cons:
Battery life is shorter compared to other laptops in this range.
Some users might find the keyboard slightly cramped.
When it comes to creative professionals, the ideal laptop should offer vibrant displays, color accuracy, powerful performance, and ample RAM to handle demanding applications like Adobe Creative Suite, 3D rendering, and video editing. These laptops not only look sleek but also deliver excellent visuals and multitasking abilities—perfect for creators in fields like graphic design, photography, video editing, and animation.
1. Apple MacBook Pro 16″ (M2 Max, 2024)
Why It’s Great for Creatives: The Apple MacBook Pro 16″ is the ultimate creative tool, offering unmatched performance for professionals working with demanding design and multimedia software. The Liquid Retina XDR display is calibrated for precise color accuracy, while the M2 Max chip handles the most resource-intensive tasks like 3D modeling and high-resolution video editing effortlessly.
Pros:
M2 Max chip delivers extreme power for editing 4K/8K video, 3D rendering, and more.
16″ Liquid Retina XDR display with a wide color gamut (P3) and True Tone for perfect color accuracy.
Up to 64GB RAM and 8TB SSD for high-speed performance and storage.
Impressive 20-hour battery life for long editing sessions on the go.
Cons:
High price, especially for top configurations.
Relatively heavy, which can make portability more challenging.
Price Range: ~$2,499 – $6,099
2. Dell XPS 17 (2024)
Why It’s Great for Creatives: The Dell XPS 17 is a high-performance laptop that features a stunning 17-inch 4K UHD+ display, perfect for designers who require precise color and ample screen space. It’s powered by Intel Core i9 and paired with a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, making it great for multimedia projects that demand both graphics power and processing speed.
Pros:
17-inch 4K UHD+ display with 100% AdobeRGB and Dolby Vision for brilliant color reproduction.
Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU for powerful performance in design and editing applications.
Up to 64GB RAM and 2TB SSD for smooth multitasking and ample storage.
Sleek, durable aluminum design that’s still portable.
Cons:
Expensive, especially with high-end specs.
17″ screen makes it less portable compared to smaller models.
Price Range: ~$2,099 – $3,999
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Why It’s Great for Creatives: The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a dynamic device for creatives who need versatility. With its detachable touchscreen and pen support, it’s perfect for digital artists, illustrators, and graphic designers who prefer hands-on interaction with their designs. The PixelSense Flow display is color-accurate and offers smooth 120Hz refresh rates.
Pros:
14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display with 120Hz refresh rate and high color accuracy.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti for smooth graphics performance in creative apps.
Up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for quick editing and large file storage.
Convertible design with stylus support for digital drawing and designing.
Cons:
Limited port options, which may require adapters for some peripherals.
High price for the specs.
Price Range: ~$1,999 – $2,499
4. ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16
Why It’s Great for Creatives: The ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 is a dedicated creative laptop designed specifically for content creators. With a 4K OLED display and 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, this laptop ensures that the visuals are vibrant and true to life. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU make it ideal for 3D rendering and video editing.
Pros:
16-inch 4K OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage for incredible visual precision.
AMD Ryzen 9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 3070 for optimal performance in design software.
Up to 64GB RAM and 2TB SSD for excellent multitasking capabilities.
Professional-grade performance in design, video editing, and 3D applications.
Cons:
Bulky compared to ultra-portable options.
Higher-end models are quite expensive.
Price Range: ~$1,999 – $3,500
5. Razer Blade 17
Why It’s Great for Creatives: While the Razer Blade 17 is technically marketed as a gaming laptop, its powerful performance and high-end GPU make it a fantastic option for creative professionals working with video editing, graphic design, or even 3D modeling. The 17-inch 4K display offers excellent color accuracy, making it perfect for creative tasks that require visual precision.
Pros:
17-inch 4K display with 100% AdobeRGB and HDR support.
Intel Core i7 or i9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti for powerful performance.
32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for speedy performance and large file storage.
Slim, stylish design that’s surprisingly portable for a 17-inch laptop.
Not everyone needs a high-end laptop, and plenty of excellent options are available for users on a budget. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday tasks, we’ve curated the best budget-friendly laptops under $500 and $1000. These laptops offer great value for your money without compromising too much on performance, durability, or design.
Under $500: Affordable Laptops for Everyday Use
For less than $500, you can find laptops that are perfect for students, light work tasks, web browsing, and entertainment. While they might not have the power of higher-end models, they offer essential features and great value for everyday use.
1. Acer Chromebook 15
Why It’s Great for Budget Users: The Acer Chromebook 15 is an excellent option for users who want a budget-friendly laptop that can handle basic tasks like browsing, word processing, and streaming media. Powered by a Celeron N4000 processor and 4GB RAM, this Chromebook offers a large 15.6-inch screen and long battery life.
Pros:
Affordable price, making it ideal for students and casual users.
15.6-inch HD display with wide viewing angles.
Great battery life, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Chrome OS is fast, lightweight, and simple to use.
Cons:
Limited performance for heavy tasks like gaming or video editing.
Only 4GB RAM, so multitasking may be slower.
Price Range: ~$259 – $349
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (15.6″)
Why It’s Great for Budget Users: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid budget laptop that comes with a full-sized keyboard, a 15.6-inch screen, and a decent AMD Ryzen 3 processor. It’s great for web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
Pros:
15.6-inch Full HD display for clear visuals.
AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor for solid everyday performance.
8GB RAM and 256GB SSD for smooth multitasking and quick load times.
Affordable price tag for those who need a reliable laptop on a budget.
Cons:
The display could be brighter for outdoor use.
Battery life is not as long as higher-end laptops.
Price Range: ~$399 – $499
3. HP 14 Laptop (Intel Core i3)
Why It’s Great for Budget Users: The HP 14 is a compact, affordable laptop with a 14-inch HD display that’s perfect for those who need a laptop for everyday productivity tasks. It’s powered by an Intel Core i3 processor and offers 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD for efficient performance.
14-inch screen offers portability without sacrificing too much screen real estate.
8GB RAM and 256GB SSD provide a good balance of speed and storage.
Affordable pricing for budget-conscious buyers.
Cons:
Performance can lag with too many applications open.
Only 720p resolution on the display.
Price Range: ~$399 – $479
Under $1000: Powerful Yet Affordable Laptops
For users looking to spend a bit more but still want to keep things budget-friendly, here are laptops under $1000. These models offer more powerful processors, better displays, and enhanced build quality, making them suitable for students, professionals, and gamers alike.
4. ASUS VivoBook 15
Why It’s Great for Budget Users: The ASUS VivoBook 15 offers great value for a budget laptop under $1000. It comes with an Intel Core i5processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, making it powerful enough to handle multitasking, light gaming, and productivity tasks.
Pros:
15.6-inch Full HD display with an 85% screen-to-body ratio for a better viewing experience.
Intel Core i5 and 8GB RAM for solid everyday performance.
512GB SSD for fast boot times and ample storage.
Good battery life for a full day of work or school.
Cons:
The plastic build might feel less premium compared to metal counterparts.
The keyboard may feel a little cramped for users with larger hands.
Price Range: ~$549 – $799
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Why It’s Great for Budget Users: The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a lightweight and portable option for those looking for a premium experience without the hefty price tag. Its sleek design, Intel Core i5 processor, and 128GB SSD make it an excellent choice for students or professionals on the go.
Pros:
12.4-inch PixelSense display with vibrant colors.
Intel Core i5 for smooth performance in daily tasks.
8GB RAM and 128GB SSD offer solid multitasking and storage capabilities.
Compact and light, ideal for portability.
Cons:
Limited storage with 128GB SSD.
Small screen size may not appeal to those who prefer larger displays.
Price Range: ~$629 – $799
6. Acer Swift 3
Why It’s Great for Budget Users: The Acer Swift 3 is a lightweight yet powerful laptop perfect for students and professionals alike. With an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, it offers excellent value for the price.
Pros:
14-inch Full HD display with slim bezels for a modern look.
Intel Core i7 processor for fast performance on multitasking and productivity apps.
8GB RAM and 512GB SSD for smooth operation and quick file access.
Great battery life, lasting up to 11 hours.
Cons:
Speakers can be quiet for media-heavy tasks.
Integrated graphics may not be suitable for gaming or graphic-intensive tasks.