ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.
If you're looking for the best laptop, Windows is likely to be your first choice of operating system simply because of its dominant market share.
Windows dominates the PC operating system market thanks to its long-time availability on a wide range of OEM (and, most recently, Microsoft) hardware. This success has resulted in a huge variety of Windows-specific software. And, with Microsoft incorporating more artificial intelligence tools into its software, such as its Edge browser, Microsoft 365, and even AI built into Windows 11, a Windows laptop brings productivity possibility to a new level.
Also: The best Chromebook laptops
So if you're convinced to go the Windows route, our top pick is the Dell XPS 15 which can handle everything from mainstream productivity to creative workloads. You can even play video games on it. Of course, there are plenty of other options out there. Read on to find a list of other top Windows laptops on the market and how each one caters to a variety of use cases, budgets, and features.
Dell XPS 15
Best Windows laptop overall
Dell XPS 15 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: 13th Generation Intel Core i9-13900H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Camera: 720p HD | Battery: 86Wh | Dimensions: 344.40mm x 230.10mm x 18.54mm | Weight: 4.22 lbs- 4.62lbs
The Dell XPS 15 is arguably the most well-rounded laptop, let alone a Windows laptop, that you can buy right now. The company's flagship line of computing comes in three sizes, but the 15-inch model is the one most people are familiar with, coming in a slim-bezel design, brushed aluminum finishing, and an SD card slot on top of the three USB-C ports (two of which support Thunderbolt 4).
The feel and finish of the XPS 15 screams premium, and the best part is that no matter how you configure the laptop, you won't sacrifice on form factor. What sets the Dell apart from the competition is the 3.5K resolution AMOLED display, which delivers crisp and vibrant visuals that are optimal for photo and video-editing tasks. Prosumers will also get a kick out of the reliable battery life; ZDNET's June Wan quotes six to seven hours of usage before the 10% lower battery warning appears.
Covering everything from mainstream productivity to power user, creative, and some gaming workloads, the Dell XPS 15 is our choice for the best Windows laptop overall.
Review: Dell XPS 15
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Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra
Best Windows laptop for Samsung users
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H or i9-13900H | GPU: Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050 or 4070| RAM: 16/32GB with 512GB/1TB | Camera: 1080p | Battery: 76Wh | Dimensions: 13.99 x 9.86 x 0.65 inches | Weight: 3.95lbs
With Galaxy ecosystem integration features, Samsung's new Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is looking to compete with Apple's MacBook Pro. Toting a stunning 16-inch OLED display, a dedicated GPU, and Galaxy Syncing features, it finally lets Samsung users integrate multiple devices.
Featuring what ZDNET laptop expert June Wan calls a "textbook design," the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra "gives you a lot for the money, including a dedicated graphics card, one of the best-looking laptop displays on the market, and an uncompromising keyboard experience."
While there could be some improvement regarding battery life, loud cooling fans, and the inclusion of a dedicated SD slot, ZDNET's take is that it's a stand-up laptop for professionals, content creators, and most importantly, Samsung fans.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra
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ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
Best Windows 2-in-1 convertible
ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Camera: 1080p with IR | Battery: 75Wh | Dimensions: 311mm x 223mm x 16mm | Weight: 3.31lbs
Convertible 2-in-1 laptops are handy because they can satisfy a variety of use cases -- depending on the specification. This brings us to what is, in our opinion, the 2-in-1 device on the market today: the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED. On specific aspects, you could argue that there are better options out there, but in terms of a complete package, you can't beat this.
It sports a stunning, vibrant 14-inch OLED screen outputting 2.8K resolution, covering 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, which is notable because it allows the laptop to show off incredible detail. The image is so clear on the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED you can see the pixels on the screen, which is truly the best thing about it. All this is housed in a sturdy yet lightweight 3.31-pound aluminum frame. Under the hood, you'll find a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, an Iris Xe graphics card, and 16GB of memory -- excellent hardware for good all-around performance.
Also: The best 2-in-1 laptops: Top flexible, hybrid, and convertible notebooks
Other important features of the Zenbook 14 Flip are its 1080p IR webcam (perfect for video calls), a keyboard with a great typing feel, and a decent assortment of connections. While the laptop has a thin form factor, it has a USB-C port, a headphone jack, and an HDMI input on top of the Thunderbolt 4.
However, keep in mind that there isn't a lot of storage space in this laptop. While 512GB, which is fine for a work laptop, 1TB would have been better.
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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
Best Windows laptop for business
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro), Windows 10 Pro, Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora) | CPU: Intel Core i5 (1235U, 1240P, 1250P), Core i7 (1260P, 1270P, 1280P) | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: up to 32GB | Camera: 1080p, 1080p + IR | Battery: 57Wh | Dimensions: 315.6mm x 222.5mm x 15.36mm | Weight: from 2.48lbs
Lenovo's 14-inch ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the standard-setter for business laptops, and the latest Gen 10 model brings 12th-generation Intel Core processors, an OLED screen option, Wi-Fi 6E (with 6GHz support), and a 1080p webcam. Along with these features, you get a compact, lightweight, and durable design, a good set of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI, and optional LTE or 5G mobile broadband.
The keyboard is as good as you'd expect from a ThinkPad, while the Dolby Atmos quad-speaker system delivers excellent audio quality for a moderate-sized laptop. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 delivers perfectly good performance when running mainstream productivity apps and undemanding games, but its integrated GPU rules out more serious graphics-heavy workloads.
Battery life, according to ZDNET's 2022 review, is perhaps the "key disappointment" with this otherwise superb laptop, which means you may struggle to get an 8-hour day's work out of it away from a power outlet. It also lacks an SD or MicroSD card slot.
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Acer Swift 3
Best affordable Windows laptop
Acer Swift 3 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64 | CPU: 11th & 12th-generation Intel Core i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 5 5625U, AMD Ryzen 7 5700U | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics, AMD Radeon Vega 8 | RAM: 8GB, 16GB | Camera: HD (720p) | Battery: 7-16h | Dimensions: 323 x 218 x 18mm | Weight: from 2.65lbs
Not everyone can afford their first-choice laptop, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for a substandard device. The top-tier manufacturers have "affordable" options with various budget lines offering excellent-value devices. Our choice, Acer's Intel- or AMD-powered Swift 3, is from a top-tier vendor and gets the nod thanks to its excellent combination of sub-$1,000 price and solid performance without making too many trade-offs on features, build quality, or support options.
Also: The best cheap laptops, starting at $350
Most Swift 3 models come with 14-inch FHD (16:9) screens and either Intel or AMD processors, with current prices sitting comfortably between $600 and $800. Currently, there is one Intel-based Swift 3 model with a 13.5-inch 3:2 aspect ratio screen at 2256x1504 resolution and another with a 14-inch 16:9 QHD (2560x1440) screen.
Not only are CPU, RAM, and storage options well up to par, but wireless connectivity -- up to Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E on specific models -- is the latest available, which is in this budget bracket and is especially impressive. With a solid build quality and extensive port selection (including the Thunderbolt 4 on some models), a backlit keyboard, and a full day's worth of battery, it's undoubtedly a great choice, especially for budget-conscious students or small business owners.
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Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Best Windows 2-in-1 detachable
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU:12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ3 (based on Qualcomm)7 | GPU: Surface Pro 9: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
| RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | Cameras: front: 1080p full HD video • rear: 10MP autofocus camera with up to 4K video | Battery: Up to 15.5 hours | Dimensions: tablet: 287mm x 209mm x 9.3mm | Weight: tablet: 1.94 lbs
Detachable 2-in-1 devices can operate in laptop mode or separate the keyboard and screen sections to use the latter as a tablet. Microsoft's Surface Pro devices exemplify (and indeed began) the 'tablet-first' genre of detachable 2-in-1s, where the screen section is propped up by a kickstand when in laptop mode rather than using a traditional screen/keyboard hinge. And Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 kicks it up a notch further.
ZDNET's testing proved that the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 could satisfy graphic design needs and photo editing on Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, deliver excellent front camera performance without giving an "unnatural blush," and the Corei7 processor handled heavy workloads gracefully.
Regarding battery life, ZDNET laptop expert June Wan reported averaging "six hours of battery life per charge...with 120Hz permanently on and brightness set to about 65 percent". Taking that into account, he considers the Surface Pro 9 to be a "solid B-tier as far as endurance [goes]". It's good for the most part, but there's room for improvement on the next model.
Review: Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Impressive, but is it worth the price of an M2 MacBook Air?
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Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best Windows laptop for creators
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H | GPU: Intel Xe Graphics, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada Generation Laptop GPU, | RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | Cameras: 1080p | Battery: 58Wh | Dimensions: 323mm x 230mm x 21.8mm | Weight: Iris Xe: 4.18 lbs; Nvidia graphics: 4.36 lbs
Like the previous model, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 remains an unconventional, convertible laptop with much better hardware. Like before, the screen can be adjusted to multiple configurations. It can be stood upright in Laptop mode, pulled forward, covering the keyboard in Stage mode, and laid out flat in Tablet mode.
Under the hood, you have a 13th Gen Intel i7 processor paired up with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series or Iris Xe graphics card — your choice. You also have up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage supporting these components. You have a laptop capable of handling various workloads, from everyday productivity to demanding creative projects.
Also: The best laptops for graphic designers, according to experts who use them
The display has a 14.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen outputting a resolution of 2400 x 1600 pixels with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. That last number is significant because it enables smooth scrolling and performance. Moreover, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a contrast ratio of 1500:1, certified for VESA DisplayHDR 400. This means the screen can output bright, vivid imagery with an unparalleled amount of detail. It's even made out of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to resist damage. Depending on your configuration, the battery can last 19 hours of typical device usage.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is expensive, starting at $1,999 for the lowest configuration. However, you have to consider what you're getting: a stacked laptop that handles all sorts of use cases with aplomb.
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Panasonic Toughbook 40
Best rugged Windows laptop
Panasonic Toughbook 40 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 Pro (downgrade option) | CPU: Intel Core i5-1145G7 vPro, Core i7-1185G7 vPro | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics • AMD Radeon Pro W6300M | RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | Camera: 5MP + IR + privacy cover | Battery: 6500mAh (18h, 36h with 2nd battery) | Dimensions: 354mm x 301mm x 54.4mm | Weight: from 7.4lbs
If you need a laptop to brave the elements, from the baking heat to heavy rain or even a dust storm, we recommend the Panasonic's 14-inch Toughbook 40. It is a fully rugged modular device that can be configured for challenging use cases in sectors like the military, police, and utility companies. The Toughbook 40 has been through extensive tests, including being dropped from a height of 1.8 meters (6 feet), IL-STD 810H temperature, humidity, and vibration tests. It even has a resistance rating of IP66.
Review: Panasonic's Toughbook 40
There are multiple configuration options thanks to the Toughbook 40's modular design. Users can swap out the main battery, RAM, and SSD drives and can include an additional SSD and battery if they want more power. Users can also tweak the overall design by changing the left and right sides of the laptop as well as the rear and palm rest. Other options include an optical drive, a smart card reader, various combinations of ports, and a fingerprint reader. If that's not enough, you can choose to install a desktop replicator port plus an ecosystem of accessories like a vehicle mount and a four-bay battery charger.
Panasonic claims the Toughbook 40 lasts 18 hours on one battery and double that with two batteries installed. Military units can select to install a one-touch Concealed Mode function designed for military operations that can disable light and electronic transmissions.
Also: The 5 best rugged laptops of 2023
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Razer Blade 17
Best Windows gaming laptop
Razer Blade 17 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop (8GB) | RAM: 32GB | Camera: 1080p + IR | Battery: 61.6Wh | Dimensions: 395 x 260 x 19.9 mm | Weight: 5.2lbs
Not only is the Razer Blade 17 the best gaming laptop on the market, but it's also the best 17-inch laptop. The reason is its perfect blend of power and portability. To put it lightly, this machine is stacked. Starting models come with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H, although you can upgrade it to an Intel Core i9 for better performance.
Whatever you choose, it'll be paired up with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and a stunning Full HD 360Hz display for a world-class gaming experience. Of course, it has all the goodies you expect from a gaming laptop, like a Chrome RGB keyboard plus the Vapor Chamber Cooling system to keep the operating temperature low. To top it all off, the Blade 17 is great as an all-around laptop thanks to a wide array of ports. It's compatible with USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, and even SD cards.
Also: What is the best gaming laptop and is there a good one for under $1,000?
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The best Windows laptop overall is the Dell XPS 15, which has the most impressive combination of display, CPU, GPU, battery life, and other features. Here are others to compare of varying prices, CPU, and graphics.
Windows laptop | Price | CPU | Graphics |
Dell XPS 15 | Starting at $1,499 | 13th-gen Intel Core i7, i9 | Intel UHD Graphics, Iris Xe Graphics, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050/4060/4070 |
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra | Starting at $2,200 | Intel Core i7-13700H or i9-13900H | Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050 or 4070 |
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED | Starting at $1,000 | 13th-Gen Intel Core i5-1240P | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 | Starting at $1,309 | 12th-gen Intel Core i5/i7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Acer Swift 3 | Starting at $585 | 11th & 12th-gen Intel Core i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 5, 7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics, AMD Radeon Vega 8 |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | Starting at $994 | 13th-gen Intel Core i7 | Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3), Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Core i5, i7) |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 | Starting at $2000 | 11th-gen Intel Core i5, i7 | Intel Xe Graphics, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Laptop GPU |
Panasonic Toughbook 40 | Starting at $4,784 | 11th-gen Intel Core i5, i7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics • AMD Radeon Pro W6300M |
Razer Blade 17 | Starting at $2,849 | 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU |
The key in deciding which Windows laptop is best for you starts with asking and evaluating what you want or need it for.
For example, if you're a mobile knowledge worker, you'll want a combination of lightweight, flexible configuration, sturdy build, connectivity, security, battery life, and design credibility. But if you're a largely deskbound graphic designer or creator who occasionally needs to visit a client with a laptop in tow, your priorities will be different.
The table below provides a quick breakdown to help you further narrow your choices based on your needs.
Choose this Windows laptop... | If you want... |
Dell XPS 15 | A well-rounded 15-inch laptop for work and home use with incredible display, CPU, and power. It even has an OLED display option. |
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra | An integrated and comprehensive Samsung ecosystem with an OLED display. This laptop can also sync with other Galaxy devices. |
ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 OLED | A 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a gorgeous touchscreen display, 1080p webcam, and a long-lasting battery life. |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 | A well-specified 14-inch laptop for business users that's lightweight, compact, and delivers great audio. It also has a 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter. |
Acer Swift 3 | An affordable 14-inch laptop for students and home users. You can expect an all-day battery life and a high-quality display. |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | A capable 13-inch 2-in-1 detachable with optional 4G LTE. The laptop runs on the 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor. |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 | A great 14-inch creator laptop sporting a multi-mode touch screen, powerful hardware, and a 19-hour battery life. |
Panasonic Toughbook 40 | A modular and highly configurable 14-inch rugged laptop. This option can be configured for a wide range of challenging use cases. |
Razer Blade 17 | A powerful 17-inch gaming laptop with a stunning FullHD 360GHz display and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI GPU. |
We selected these laptops after conducting thorough research and real-world testing by ZDNET experts. Ultimately, in our evaluation, we weighed the following aspects:
- Design: As the name suggests, Design focuses primarily on how aesthetically pleasing a laptop looks. Does it come in a good color, and is the computer made of a good, sturdy material? Those are some of the questions we ask.
- Performance: Laptop hardware can vary wildly, so it's important to mention what's powering the machine. Some opt for processors you'd see in smartphones, while others go for top-of-the-line CPUs. Battery life is also taken into account.
- Display: Naturally, you'll want a laptop with the best possible display since you'll be staring at one for hours. But we also consider the screen size as it dictates the overall size and weight of the laptop.
- Features: Lastly, we consider the full suite of features a laptop has. Gaming laptops have RGB lights, whereas a work computer may skew to have a better webcam than others.
These days, a "computer" for most people is a laptop of some kind. The desktop form factor -- particularly in the shape of all-in-one (AIO) devices -- is by no means finished. Still, laptops span the range from thin, light, and ultraportable to bulky, powerful, and deskbound.
If screen real estate with smaller laptops is a problem, you can always attach an external monitor. There are also plenty of hybrid 2-in-1 devices that straddle the divide between laptops and tablets.
Every computing platform has its committed supporters, but most people end up using a particular operating system because key applications run on it, because it's chosen for them by their employer, or because of budgetary issues. Windows spans the range from budget to premium, Chrome OS is largely confined to the affordable end of the market, while Apple's macOS laptops are mostly premium devices.
All of the Windows devices listed here qualify for Windows 11, so if you buy one with Windows 10 installed, you'll be able to upgrade to version 11 in due course. If you don't, note that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, after which there will be no more security patches or feature updates.
Generally speaking, the leading PC vendors have the broadest range of offerings and the best-documented track records in terms of product development and customer relations. So in the absence of a specialized use case or budgetary constraint, you're usually looking at the likes of Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer -- which currently lead the PC market in terms of shipments -- plus a handful of other well-known brands.
We've covered just about every situation where you'd need a Windows laptop, including rugged models for field work, ultra-powerful workstations for developers and 3D modelers, and content creation. But if you're still looking to weigh your options, here are two more Windows laptops we consider great choices.
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