What to Look for in a Laptop
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to know what features matter the most based on your needs:
- Processor (CPU): Intel’s 13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors are the latest options, offering strong performance for multitasking and heavy applications.
- Graphics (GPU): If you’re into gaming or video editing, you’ll need a dedicated GPU like NVIDIA’s RTX 40 series or AMD Radeon.
- RAM: 8GB is enough for basic tasks, but 16GB or 32GB is ideal for gaming, editing, and multitasking.
- Storage: SSDs offer faster load times and performance, with most premium laptops coming with at least 512GB SSD storage.
- Display: Higher resolution (1080p, 2K, or 4K), brightness, and color accuracy matter for content creators and gamers.
The Best Laptops of 2024
1. Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max)
Best for: Creative professionals and power users
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 with the latest M3 Max chip is easily one of the best laptops for professionals in 2024. Built for power users, this laptop excels in video editing, 3D rendering, and music production. It combines incredible processing power with energy efficiency, thanks to the M3 Max chip. The Liquid Retina XDR display provides stunning color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for creative work. Battery life is another highlight, with up to 20 hours of usage on a single charge.
- Processor: Apple M3 Max
- Graphics: Integrated 38-core GPU
- RAM: 32GB unified memory
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Price: Starts at $3,499
2. Dell XPS 15 (2024)
Best for: Productivity and multitasking
The Dell XPS 15 continues to be one of the best laptops for productivity in 2024. With a sleek design, powerful internals, and a stunning OLED display, it’s perfect for professionals who need a high-performing, portable machine. Equipped with Intel’s latest 13th Gen Core i9 processors and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, it can handle tasks like photo editing, light gaming, and intensive multitasking with ease.
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch 3.5K OLED
- Price: Starts at $2,199
3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G16
Best for: Gaming and performance
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is one of the top gaming laptops of 2024, designed for gamers who crave portability without compromising on power. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor and NVIDIA’s latest RTX 4080 GPU, this machine handles AAA gaming titles in 4K smoothly. The laptop also boasts a high-refresh-rate display (up to 240Hz), ensuring buttery-smooth gameplay. Its robust cooling system ensures that it stays cool even during the most intense gaming sessions.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch QHD+ 240Hz
- Price: Starts at $2,499
4. HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)
Best for: Portability and 2-in-1 flexibility
The HP Spectre x360 14 is an ultra-portable 2-in-1 laptop that’s perfect for students and professionals who need versatility. With a lightweight, convertible design and stunning 3K OLED touchscreen, it’s great for note-taking, drawing, or simply enjoying multimedia content. Powered by Intel’s 13th Gen processors, this laptop is ideal for everyday tasks and light creative work, making it one of the best ultraportable options in 2024.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1365G7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR4x
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 13.5-inch 3K OLED touchscreen
- Price: Starts at $1,499
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Best for: Business professionals
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains the gold standard for business laptops in 2024. This ultra-lightweight machine is built for professionals who need performance, security, and reliability on the go. It features Intel’s latest 13th Gen processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and a bright 2K display. Its legendary keyboard, excellent build quality, and robust security features like a fingerprint reader and TPM make it a top choice for business users.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1385G7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 32GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 14-inch 2K IPS
- Price: Starts at $1,999
6. Acer Swift Edge 16
Best for: Budget-friendly ultrabooks
The Acer Swift Edge 16 offers great value for those seeking a budget-friendly ultrabook in 2024. With a slim and lightweight design, it’s perfect for students or professionals who need a laptop for on-the-go productivity. Despite its affordable price, it comes with AMD’s Ryzen 7 7840U processor, a 16-inch OLED display, and decent battery life, making it a strong contender for anyone needing a balance of performance and portability without spending too much.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U
- Graphics: AMD Radeon integrated
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 16-inch OLED
- Price: Starts at $1,099
7. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best for: Creatives and design work
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a top pick for digital artists, designers, and content creators in 2024. Its unique adjustable hinge allows you to use the laptop in different modes—laptop, studio, and tablet—making it extremely versatile. The device is powered by Intel’s 13th Gen processors and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, offering the power needed for 3D rendering, video editing, and graphic design. The Surface Pen compatibility and the PixelSense Flow display make this a dream machine for creative professionals.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow 120Hz
- Price: Starts at $2,799
8. Razer Blade 18
Best for: High-end gaming and content creation
The Razer Blade 18 is one of the largest and most powerful gaming laptops of 2024. With a massive 18-inch QHD+ display, Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, and an NVIDIA RTX 4090, this laptop offers desktop-level performance in a portable form factor. The 240Hz refresh rate makes it ideal for competitive gamers, while the large screen and high-performance hardware also appeal to content creators who need a large canvas for video editing and design work.
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- RAM: 64GB DDR5
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Display: 18-inch QHD+ 240Hz
- Price: Starts at $3,999
How to Choose the Best Laptop for You
- Identify Your Use Case: Are you a gamer, student, content creator, or business professional? The type of work or play you do will dictate the kind of specs you need.
- Set a Budget: High-end laptops offer more features, but budget-friendly options can still deliver excellent performance for basic tasks.
- Check for Portability: If you travel a lot, consider lightweight and thin laptops like ultr