The best Windows laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Over the past year, we’ve seen no shortage of impressive new Windows laptops, from thin-and-light Copilot+ PCs like Microsoft’s Surface Laptop to powerful business devices like HP’s OmniBook X Flip 16. There are also models with fantastic battery lives, like Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition.

Also: The best laptops

We’ve gone hands-on with dozens of new Windows laptops, comparing portability, RAM, and storage, plus assessing the value of a laptop in relation to what it provides. We then took that data and experience to create a list highlighting our favorite Windows laptops in 2026.

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What is the best Windows laptop right now?

We’ve personally tested all of the best Windows laptops on this list, including the latest models from Lenovo, Asus, Dell, and HP. Our favorite Windows laptop overall is the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition This bold refresh of the ThinkPad lineup is versatile, portable, and a great all-around laptop for most users. There are plenty of other options, so we’ve included several use cases to round out the list. Our experts took the time to test each device included here to help you find the best of the best. Let’s take a look.

For the April 2026 update, we added the Galaxy Book6 Ultra to the main list as the best Windows laptop for content creators and the Dell XPS 14 as the Best OLED Windows laptop.

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The best Windows laptops of 2026

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition is a bold departure from the ThinkPad line. There’s no TrackPoint, a noticeable lack of I/O, and a minimalist trackpad that looks nothing like the X1 Carbon, its more expensive older sibling. Instead, the X9 tries something new, and it works. The result is a versatile laptop that’s a solid, dependable pick for most people. From the svelte physical form to the brilliant display and fantastic battery, the X9 is an evolution: keeping what we love about the iconic lineup while elaborating on a new vision.

Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition

Who it’s for: If you’ve used ThinkPads for years and are ready for some innovation on the concept, the X9 is a breath of fresh air. From the serrated underside to the tiny charger, this is a modern laptop for the user who commutes and wants an ultraportable but also needs reliable performance, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 and 32GB of RAM.

Its reliable combination of hardware and lightweight, sturdy form makes it practical for productivity, business, and professional workflows. It’s not stacked with the most powerful hardware, but that’s not the point. The ThinkPad X9 provides great value relative to cost.

Who should look elsewhere: Lenovo’s traditional ThinkPads haven’t gone anywhere. There are a handful of great options released in 2025 for a variety of price points, including the ThinkPad E14, for well under $1,000, and the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Aura Edition. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true ThinkPad, you’ve got lots of choices.

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Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

Why we like it: The Dell 14 Plus is what a modern work laptop should be. It’s lightweight, delivers strong everyday performance, and offers excellent battery life at a relatively reasonable price. I say “relatively” because its cost has risen since my review (likely due to recent economic turmoil), but it remains an easy recommendation for professionals.

Its Intel Core Ultra processor handled heavy multitasking with ease. During testing, I regularly ran dozens of tabs on Google Chrome, a browser known to be a resource hog, alongside resource-demanding productivity apps, and the system never slowed down. It is also quite sturdy, thanks to its aluminum frame, and the anti-fingerprint finish helps keep the device looking clean and professional throughout the day.

Review: Dell 14 Plus

Who it’s for: The Dell 14 Plus is an excellent choice for remote workers and students who need a reliable machine for everyday productivity. It strikes that hard-to-beat balance of good performance, design, and value. Even if you’re not a student, it’s a strong option for anyone looking for a dependable laptop without paying a super high price.

Who should look elsewhere: If display quality is a top priority, you’ll want to consider other options. While the 2.5K screen is sharp and perfectly usable, it lacks vibrancy and looks noticeably dull compared to competing models. I wouldn’t recommend it to creators or editors who rely on accurate color reproduction.

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Why we like it: Every PC in Samsung’s Galaxy Book6 series is a fantastic content-creation device, but the Ultra model is far-and-away the best. Thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 356H processor, 32GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, the Galaxy Book6 Ultra handles heavy tasks like high-resolution video editing and 3D rendering with ease. Its 16-inch AMOLED 3K touchscreen is nothing short of stunning, while the six-speaker audio system delivers clear, room-filling sound. Battery life is exceptional, lasting nearly 20 hours on a single charge.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra

Who it’s for: This laptop is ideal for content creators, video editors, digital artists, and other creative professionals who regularly work with resource-intensive software. The Galaxy Book6 Ultra delivers the performance and screen quality you need to finish your projects. Plus, the long battery life makes it a solid choice for people on the go.

Who should look elsewhere: If you’re on a budget, you should definitely consider one of the other laptops on this list. The Galaxy Book6 Ultra starts at $2,450, making it one of the more expensive options on this list.

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: If you just need a laptop to cover the basics or a backup machine for travel, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a solid option. This laptop has a 15-inch screen and all the hardware you need for web browsing, email, productivity, and media playback, at a low price.

The Aspire Go 15 has an Intel Core i3-N305, a low-end processor, and just 8GB of RAM. This hardware combination caps what this machine can do. However, in my testing, the laptop mostly kept up with my internet browsing and work-related apps, though it stuttered when the CPU was pushed to its limits.

Review: Acer Aspire Go 15

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for an inexpensive laptop that can handle everyday workflows and is comfortable with the trade-offs. For example, the 15-inch screen isn’t the brightest on the market, but it’s big enough for comfortable web browsing. The keyboard and trackpad are also light, responsive, and quiet, with enough texture and springiness to deliver a comfortable experience.

The selection of ports here is also just enough. You get two USB-A ports, one USB-C, an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot. To sum it up, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a surprisingly well-optimized 15-inch laptop for a price that won’t break the bank.

Who should look elsewhere: If you’re in the market for a powerful flagship main driver, check out some of the other laptops on this list. The Intel Core i3 CPU and 8GB of RAM are simply not a powerful hardware configuration.

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Why we like it: HP’s OmniBook 7 Aero is an impressive little machine. Weighing just 2.2 pounds, it is one of the lightest Windows laptops I’ve ever used, yet it never once felt underpowered during testing. Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 processor and 16GB of memory, the device handles productivity tasks with ease. It even handles heavier workloads like photo and light video editing better than most ultraportables.

The OmniBook 7 Aero also boasts a sharp, colorful 2K display, a comfortable keyboard that won’t tire your hands even after hours of typing, and a powerful speaker system delivering loud, clear, punchy audio. Combined with its premium magnesium-aluminum finish, the laptop is my go-to machine for working on the road.

Who it’s for: Like the Dell 14 Plus, the HP OmniBook 7 Aero is a strong option for professionals who want an ultra-lightweight Windows laptop without skimping on performance. It’s especially well-suited for frequent travelers and commuters who regularly hop between meetings, classrooms, and coffee shops.

Review: HP OmniBook 7 Aero

Who should look elsewhere: While the OmniBook 7 Aero can last a full workday, its battery life isn’t world-class. While 10 hours is solid, it falls behind many ARM-based options in its category that can push 20 hours. The display also isn’t very bright, which can make it harder to use outdoors.

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Why we like it: Lenovo’s Legion 9i delivers the most uncompromising gaming performance that we’ve seen from a Windows laptop. This thing is an absolute monster, pairing top-tier hardware with a huge 18-inch 3.8K display. The Legion 9i outperformed every other gaming laptop I used last year, running maxed-out AAA titles without breaking a sweat.

Games look stunning. The screen’s 16:10 aspect ratio enables incredible immersion, and the 240Hz refresh rate gives everything a lifelike fluidity. Lenovo’s Coldfront Vapor cooling system also deserves praise, as it keeps temperatures in check even during extended gaming sessions. Add an excellent keyboard, powerful speakers, and a wide selection of ports, and the Legion 9i more than earns its place on this list.

Review: Lenovo Legion 9i

Who it’s for: The Lenovo Legion 9i is built for gamers and power users who want a true desktop replacement and are willing to pay a premium for performance. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to play modern games at the highest possible settings, as well as content creators who need serious horsepower for their projects.

Who should look elsewhere: This isn’t a laptop for casual users or frequent travelers. The Legion 9i is large and heavy, and it comes with a bulky power adapter that makes commuting with it difficult. Battery life is another major drawback, as it struggles to last even an hour of unplugged gaming.

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: Choosing a single laptop with the best OLED screen for a Windows PC was really difficult. So many models have amazing screens. In the end, the Dell XPS 14 stands above the rest. Its 2.8K OLED screen is vibrant and nearly bezel-free, which makes content look incredible. Intel’s Panther Lake processor delivers smooth performance and the ability to tackle just about anything you throw at it. Battery life is impressive too, lasting 16.5 hours on a single charge. Plus, it’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing laptops, if I do say so myself.

Review: Dell XPS 14

Who it’s for: Dell’s XPS 14 is perfect for anyone who wants a premium Windows laptop. If you value a high-quality OLED screen and solid multi-core performance nestled in a compact chassis, you can’t get any better than this laptop.

Who should look elsewhere: Starting at $1,600, the XPS 14 is a little pricey. And while its performance is great, the integrated graphics card does limit its usability. It won’t handle graphically intensive workloads as well as laptops with a discrete GPU. The keyboard takes some getting used to, and the minimal port selection may frustrate users who need multiple connections.

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Why we like it: The OmniBook X Flip 16 impresses with a 120Hz, 3K OLED touchscreen, making it ideal for both content creation and entertainment. Not only will it display video projects accurately, but the large space also lets you run multiple apps on screen for a smooth workflow. Your productivity will increase substantially thanks to the free Active Rechargeable Tilt Pen included with the laptop.

Inside the OmniBook X Flip is an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, a high-performance chipset that beats the Dell 14 Plus in sheer computing power. Battery life is decent at 10 hours on a single charge. Fortunately, it recharges very quickly. An hour’s charge delivers about 70% of the battery’s capacity.

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a big-screen 2-in-1, with extra points if you enjoy using a stylus for sketching. The delivers near-pixel-perfect precision with almost no lag, and we deeply enjoyed its responsiveness while in tablet mode. In laptop mode, it’s a solid device for graphic design or video editing, with a strong hardware stack: an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of local storage.

Review: HP OmniBook X Flip 16

Who should look elsewhere: If you don’t think you’ll make use of the device’s 2-in-1 form factor, there are better options for content creators, like Samsung’s Galaxy Book6 Ultra. Additionally, it’s not a very powerful laptop. It’s a midrange device.

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The best Windows laptop overall is the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition, due to its elegant design, decent performance, and stunning OLED screen. That said, it’s not perfect for everyone. Below is a list comparing every laptop on this list, highlighting key specifications.

Windows laptop	Price	CPU	Graphics
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition	$1,061	Intel Core Ultra 7 258V	Intel Arc Xe2 GPU
Dell 14 Plus	$750	Intel Core Ultra 7 256V	Intel Arc
Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra	$2,450	Intel Core Ultra 7 356H	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060
Acer Aspire Go 15	$280	Intel Core i3	Intel UHD Graphics
HP OmniBook 7 Aero	$1,500	AMD Ryzen AI 7 350	AMD Radeon 860M
Lenovo Legion 9i	$3,636	Intel Ultra 9 275HX	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080
Dell XPS 14	$1,600	Intel Core Ultra 5 325	Integrated Intel Graphics
HP OmniBook X Flip 16	$1,320	Intel Core Ultra 7	Intel Arc

*MSRP at the time of writing

The key to deciding which Windows laptop is best for you starts with evaluating what you’ll be using it for.

For example, if you’re a hybrid or remote worker, you’ll want a lightweight, flexible configuration, a sturdy build, and good battery life. But if you’re a largely deskbound graphic designer or creator who occasionally needs to visit a client with a laptop in tow, you’re more likely to exchange some portability for power.

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…
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition	A well-rounded 14-inch laptop with a sleek build, impressive performance, and fantastic battery life.
Dell 14 Plus	The best Windows laptop for work. Its Intel Core Ultra processor handles heavy workloads with ease.
Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra	A serious laptop for creators, packed with high-end hardware and a stunning 3K touchscreen.
Acer Aspire Go 15	An affordable laptop for students, kids, everyday use, or as a secondary machine.
HP OmniBook 7 Aero	A lightweight laptop with a stunning 2K display and a powerful speaker system.
Lenovo Legion 9i	A powerful gaming laptop that pulls out all the stops for top-tier performance.
Dell XPS 14	A sleek, premium laptop with a near bezel-less OLED screen. It’s sure to turn heads.
OmniBook X Flip 16	A big-screen laptop with a convertible form factor.

We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a system’s metrics under the hood and compare those to advertised numbers. Then, we spend an extended period of time with the laptop (usually a week or two) using it the same way a normal consumer would, to analyze its portability, form factor, and how well the battery actually holds up, among other things. For an extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.

Benchmarking: We run a series of tests that put the computer’s hardware through its paces to see what it’s capable of. Cinebench is one of the most commonly used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop’s rendering performance on single and multiple CPU cores. PCMark 10 is another powerful program that covers a wide range of tasks performed in the workplace, and we use many others in tandem to gather as much data as possible. Some components we test include the following.

Processor: The brain of the laptop, and one of the most important factors that determines performance. The four largest manufacturers of the CPUs found in today’s laptops are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple (in its own machines only). This is tested in benchmarking software.

The display: The display’s size (measured diagonally from corner to corner) also dictates the laptop’s overall size and plays a big role in its cost. Brightness is measured in “nits,” and color spectrums are tested in benchmarking software.
The graphics processor (GPU): Whether it’s integrated into the CPU or a dedicated graphics card, how well the machine handles graphics is a key factor for demanding visual tasks like video editing, rendering, and gaming. We test the GPU with a combination of benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback.
Physical form factor: Finally, the laptop’s overall appearance and physical form factor encompass its weight and thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether the display can be folded back to form a tablet. We carry the laptop around for at least a week and note how well it commutes.
Battery testing: We test a unit’s battery in a few ways. A handful of benchmarking programs have their own battery testing components, but we will also just let the laptop run for as long as it can under a medium load. We ensure screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the display’s brightness and audio at 50%, load up a livestream on YouTube in Chrome, and wait until the end.
The human element: As we mentioned earlier, metrics and system data are important, but numbers alone don’t give you the full picture. This is where we weave in our personal experience with the device and tap into the practical use cases that consumers actually care about.

Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of each and every laptop we test into digestible terms that real people can find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when it comes to navigating the laptop and computer consumer market, so we hope to bring an intuitive element to the whole process by leveraging our team’s decades of experience.

Latest news on Windows laptops

Microsoft has announced that it is forcing all eligible PCs running Windows 11 24H2 to receive the 25H2 update. According to the report, the tech giant wants all computers to run the same patch to receive the latest updates.
In March, Microsoft promised to make “sweeping changes to a slew of features” in Windows, from less AI integration to more taskbar customization.
There’s also a new “out-of-band Windows 11 update” that addresses installation errors from March. It replaces a previously preview update.

These days, for most people, a “computer” is a laptop. However, the desktop form factor — particularly in the form of all-in-one (AIO) devices — is by no means obsolete, especially for gaming machines. Still, laptops are more diverse than ever, ranging from thin, light, and ultraportable to bulky, powerful, and deskbound.

If working on small screens is not ideal for you, you can always attach an external monitor (or two or three). There are also plenty of hybrid 2-in-1 devices that straddle the divide between laptops and tablets and can act as either, depending on the circumstances.

Every operating system has its committed supporters, but most people end up using a particular one either because key applications run on it, it was chosen for them by their employer, or they are familiar with it. Windows spans the budget to premium range, while Chrome OS is largely confined to the affordable end of the market.

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 the newer version. If you don’t, note that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, after which there will be no more free security patches or feature updates.

Everything listed in this guide comes from top Windows laptop brands. If you’re looking for a specific brand that rises above the rest, it just comes down to personal preference. Laptops from the major manufacturers have their pros and cons, and brands achieve different levels of success with their product lines.

One of the biggest factors we look at here at ZDNET is bang for your buck. We love to see laptops with surprisingly good hardware or features that don’t command a premium price. With that in mind, most of the laptops on this list are firmly in the midrange: enough hardware for solid performance but nothing that will break the bank.

That’s a tough question to answer because it ultimately comes down to what you, the buyer, are looking for. But we can give you an idea. Budget devices, by and large, cost less than $800. Hardware below that range can deliver solid overall performance and, most importantly, a long battery life. $1,500 and above is where you begin to see the elite laptops, the cream of the crop. You’re looking at gaming laptops, business computers, and specialty machines such as the Panasonic Toughbook 55.

Between $800 and $1,500, you will find the midrange options. These are your average, everyday laptops that perform well without completely destroying your wallet. Most options fall in this range.

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 certain use cases or budgets, you’re usually looking at Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer, all of which currently lead the PC market, plus a handful of other well-known brands.

Latest updates

April 2026: We added the Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra as the new Best Windows laptop for creators and the Dell XPS 14 as the new Best OLED Windows laptop.
February 2026: We replaced the Legion Pro 9i and added the Lenovo Legion 9i as the new best gaming Windows laptop for its stupendous performance. HP’s OmniBook 7 Aero made it on the list as the best lightweight Windows model. Finally, we added CES news on Windows laptops.
January 2026: We added the Dell 14 Plus, HP OmniBook 7 Aero, and the Lenovo Legion 9i to the main list.
August 2025: We overhauled our lineup by adding the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition, HP EliteBook X G1a, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, Razer Blade 14, and OmniBook X Flip 16.
September 2025: We added the latest news on Windows 11 support.

Are there other products worth consideration?

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 content creation. But if you’re still weighing your options, here are two more Windows laptops we consider great choices.

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is a well-rounded, affordable 2-in-1 that combines a vibrant OLED with smooth, reliable performance courtesy of its AMD processor.

Review: HP OmniBook X Flip 14

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If money is no issue, consider getting Lenovo’s eighth-generation ThinkPad P1. As ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski put it in his review, the laptop is a “complete package powerhouse”, boasting high-end hardware, a brilliant OLED screen, and upgradable RAM.

Review: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 (Gen 8)

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We’re big fans of Windows PCs here at ZDNET and have covered everything from product reviews to the latest Microsoft updates. For more on how to get the most out of your Windows PC, check out these time-saving Windows keyboard shortcuts that supercharged my daily routine and the 5 free essential apps on every Windows PC.

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