This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
There’s much more to buying a new laptop than picking up a device that looks nice and shiny. A laptop is a lifestyle choice — an extension of your very self — which means you need one that suits your life and your style. Indeed, your work and leisure (like streaming Netflix and laptop gaming) will be vastly improved by the purchase of a slick, reliable, efficient laptop that’s built for your needs.
It’s not a decision you should make based on simply price or looks. Like everything in life, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Laptop beginners may want something user-friendly and straightforward, while frequent travellers will need something that’s light and long-lasting. Designers and gamers may seek top-notch 4K graphics and quick central processors. And everybody needs something that’s won’t break after a year.
If you’re stuck on a decision, we can help. We’re done the research and compiled a list of some of the best laptops available, along with some useful info.
What are the best laptop brands?
Apple reigns supreme as the most popular laptop manufacturer and its flagship models — such as the MacBook Pro and Air — regularly top lists of the very best laptops that money can buy. But it’s far from the only option. The Microsoft Surface has impressed us since its launch, peaking — in our opinion — with the Microsoft Surface 7.
Elsewhere, HP offers a range of laptops that span price options and capabilities. Dell is another trusty and versatile manufacturer, with a laptop range including 2-in-1 models and dedicated gaming options. Lenovo and Acer are also worth your attention.
What are the best gaming laptops?
If you’re a hardcore gamer, you need a laptop that’s built for gaming. Manufacturers such as Asus, Razer, and Acer produce laptops that are dedicated to gaming and handling the latest software, combining powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM specs for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. You’ll find an Asus option below.
What are the most important laptop features?
Not every laptop will suit everyone’s needs. But there are important inner components that every laptop has and it’s important to know what they are:
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CPU — Also known as the the processor, this is the brain of the laptop. It controls and communicates with everything else. For general web-surfing, emails, and essay-writing, you won’t need an all-singing, all-dancing CPU. But if you’re a serious gamer, video editor, or graphic designer — or do anything that requires you running big-time software — look for a machine with a solid, up-to-the-minute CPU processor.
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Display — If you’re a gamer or designer, a stunning, high-resolution display is absolutely essential. We recommend a HD 1080p resolution as a base level. Some laptops also have touchscreen capabilities, doubling up as laptop-tablet combos. This is one area where size does matter. Laptops built for gaming and creative work tend to have 15-inch displays but more portable laptops may be 13 or even 11 inches.
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GPU — The graphics processing unit, otherwise known as the graphics card. This is responsible for your laptop’s visuals. Once again, the GPU will depend on your laptop activity. You might not need eye-popping graphics for answering emails or writing coursework, but for design work or — perhaps most importantly — rendering visuals in the latest games, choose a machine with the latest, supremely powerful GPU.
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RAM — This stands for random-access memory. It’s for running various applications at the same time and using them as and when you need to access. (How many apps are open in your dock right now? That’s all thanks to RAM.) This basically controls the speed and dexterity of your laptop. 8GB of RAM is a good starting point if you’re a multitasker or do heavy-duty gaming and creative work.
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Storage — You’ll notice that laptops usually come with one of two types of storage space — hard-disc drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) storage. HDD is essentially a hunk of metal inside the machine that holds onto all your info. SSD stores the info on little flash-memory chips. A HDD typically holds more but it’s slower than SSD. Premium and higher-ticket laptops usually come with SSD as standard. There are also cloud and external storage options, depending on your storage needs.
How much does a laptop cost?
Just as there’s a laptop specification to suit everyone, there’s a price point too. You get what you pay for. The laptops included here range from £315 to £2,400. But remember: A laptop is an investment in not just your work but your life too. It’s worth spending a little extra to get a laptop that will perform harder, faster, and better.
What is the best laptop?
This can be overwhelming but this is exactly the kind of stuff that we enjoy researching. We’ve put together a definitive guide of the best laptops on the market right now. We have compared top brands that you probably have in mind already — the likes of Apple and Dell — as well as other manufacturers you may not have considered otherwise. Trust us: You’re in good hands here.
These are the best laptops in 2025.
