The best 15-inch laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Size matters when shopping for a new laptop. A 14-inch laptop might be too small, while a 16-inch device may be too big for your needs. A 15-inch laptop offers a nice in-between option. What’s great is they’re present across a wide range of categories, from budget laptops to graphic design machines. Laptops like the MacBook Air M4 are a solid, lightweight option. If you want a laptop with a stunning screen, I highly recommend the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition.

For January 2026, I added a couple of new entries to the list including the Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10 as the best gaming laptop.

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What’s the best 15-inch laptop right now?

Over the past couple of years, I’ve tested dozens of 15-inch laptops. To narrow down the list, I considered multiple factors, including design, performance, display, and price.

It was a tough decision because there are many excellent options available. Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i has a fantastic display, and the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a great budget option. After much deliberation and serious consideration, the choice was obvious: The M4 MacBook Air takes the top spot. It’s sleek, performs well, and boasts great battery life, although it is somewhat expensive. Although I like the MacBook, it may not meet everyone’s needs. Fortunately, I have other options for you.

Also: The fastest laptops you can buy

Why we like it: Taking the top spot is the MacBook Air M4. It is a well-rounded device that I firmly believe most people will enjoy. For this device, Apple essentially improved what was already great from the previous generation. The machine now supports up to three external displays instead of two. The company increased the memory amount to 32GB to better support the M4 chip. It also maintains the same great all-day battery life.

Review: MacBook Air M4

Who it’s for: The MacBook Air M4 is ideal for college students, commuters, hybrid workers, and creative professionals seeking a lightweight yet powerful device. Its sharp 12MP camera ensures that you’ll look good on video conferences. Its chipset handles multitasking very well. The device serves its main purpose of being the center of an Apple-centric ecosystem impeccably.

Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn’t recommend upgrading to the M4 model if you already own a MacBook Air M3. While this laptop performs better, it may not be a significant enough upgrade to warrant a switch. Furthermore, it only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, both of which are located on the same side. This input array may feel too limiting to some. To rectify this, I recommend buying a laptop docking station.

Apple MacBook Air M4 tech specs: CPU: 10-core CPU with 16-core Neural Engine | GPU: 10-core | RAM: 16GB or 24GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or configured up to 2TB | Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina, 60Hz refresh rate, 500 nits max | Battery: Up to 18 hours | Weight: 3.3 lbs.

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Why we like it: If you’re going to be glued to a screen all day, it should at least be nice to look at. Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition delivers in this regard by housing a 2.8K touchscreen. It’s sharp and vibrant, running a 120Hz refresh rate for velvety-smooth visuals. The Yoga Slim 7i is fantastic for day-to-day usage.

There is a lot more to the laptop than just its screen. At its core is an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor that delivers solid performance. The chipset is also energy-efficient, allowing the device to last over 17 hours on a single charge. In his review, ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski appreciated key features such as Smart Share, which allows you to instantly transfer photos from a smartphone to your computer.

Review: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition

Who it’s for: I recommend the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition to anyone looking for a premium 15-inch Windows laptop. Users of all kinds will appreciate not only the display but also the battery life and performance. Its speakers provide clear, crisp sound, plus the keyboard is top-notch.

Who should look elsewhere: People who are particular about build quality should look elsewhere. In his review, Kyle Kucharski stated that his review unit had a loose backplate. This wasn’t an issue exclusive to his own, because other online reviewers discovered the same flaw. Additionally, the Yoga Slim 7i is loaded with bloatware. Notifications from Windows, McAfee Antivirus, and Lenovo Vantage make the laptop feel cluttered.

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Why We Like It: Lenovo’s LOQ 15AHP10 delivers exactly what a great 15-inch gaming laptop should: a strong, reliable performance at a price that won’t make your wallet cringe. I tested the device a few months ago and fell in love immediately. The AMD Ryzen processor and GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card strike that sweet spot, enabling the device to excel at both gaming and everyday office tasks.

I appreciate the restraint in the design. It’s a gaming laptop that doesn’t have all the flashy lights or a big, bulky body. Animations run smoothly on the 1080p screen thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate. Add in the excellent keyboard and fast charging, and it feels like a machine I could genuinely use all day.

Review: Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10

Who It’s For: The LOQ 15AHP10 is ideal for students and professionals who want a single machine that can handle work during the day and video games at night. At the time of this writing, the laptop is 20% off over at Lenovo’s website. I would also recommend this device to frequent travelers due to its portability.

Who Should Look Elsewhere: A 1080p display isn’t bad; however, its visual performance is nowhere near the same level as a 4K or even a 2K screen. If visual fidelity is important to you for gaming, movies, videos, or any other purpose, you should definitely look elsewhere. Additionally, its battery life isn’t super great, lasting six hours on a single charge.

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Why we like it: The 2025 Acer Aspire Go 15 is a solid, budget-friendly option that punches well above its weight class. It operates on an Intel Core i5-1334U processor, an integrated Intel graphics card, and 8GB of RAM. This is not a super-powerful configuration, but it is enough to handle internet browsing, movie streaming, and document writing without any serious hiccups.

The Full HD display offers excellent contrast, despite its relatively low resolution, as well as wide viewing angles. We don’t exactly know how long the Aspire Go 15 can last. But if it’s anything like previous generations, expect a battery life of over 10 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the full-size keyboard and decent port selection allow this laptop to do exactly what it needs to do — no more, no less.

Review: Acer Aspire Go 15

Why we like it: To reiterate its placement on this list, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly laptop or a reliable secondary device. It’s a highly practical device that won’t disappoint in class, at home, or in the office.

Who should look elsewhere: This will sound rather obvious, but don’t expect top-notch performance from Acer’s Aspire Go 15. The Intel Core i5-1334U processor buckles under heavy workloads, and its display is not very bright either. Additionally, the Aspire Go 15 is bogged down by bloatware. This laptop does not deliver a premium experience, but it gets the job done if your needs are simple.

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Why we like it: Laptops aimed at content creators tend to be expensive, but the Asus Vivobook S 15 stands out by being relatively affordable at around $1,000 and delivering an exceptional experience. Its 3K OLED display is stunning, outputting vibrant colors and deep blacks, all at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re editing photos, watching videos, or browsing the internet, everything looks crisp. Plus, the 89% screen-to-body ratio lends the screen a premium feel that rivals other laptops at a higher price point.

Thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite clip, performance feels snappy. The integrated NPU (neural processing unit) allows the Vivobook S 15 to better support local AI features without requiring access to cloud resources. At 3.13 pounds and 0.58 inches thick, it is a sleek device that is light enough to carry around all day. Don’t worry about fragility, as its aluminum chassis can handle the rigors of the road.

Review: Asus Vivobook S 15

Who it’s for: If you value a lightweight laptop that doesn’t sacrifice performance, the Vivobook S 15 is perfect for you. It hits that important sweet spot for many. Its AI-powered hardware allows the computer to juggle media work, streaming services, and productivity apps simultaneously. Even if you’re not a creative professional, I would recommend this Asus model to anyone who wants a MacBook-like experience but would like to stay on Windows.

Who should look elsewhere: The Vivovook S 15 was part of a then-new wave of Windows on ARM computers. Substantial effort has been made to make these devices compatible with a wide range of software, but there is still a lot of ground to cover. As a result, not every app works well on the laptop. You may encounter compatibility issues or inconsistent performance with certain programs.

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Why we like it: We really like the Microsoft Surface 5G because it delivers one of the most polished and reliable work-centric experiences available on a laptop. It boasts excellent build quality, featuring a sleek aluminum chassis, a comfortable keyboard, and one of the best haptic trackpads available. The device also features a unique six-antenna system, enabling 5G connectivity. So, you don’t even need a Wi-Fi network to connect to the internet. The cellular support allows you to work anywhere, at any time. This single feature gives professionals constantly on the go a huge advantage over others.

The Surface 5G’s battery is also quite strong, lasting a full workday, and then some. The 120Hz PixelSense display is sharp, smooth, and vibrant. Add in an Intel Core Ultra processor, a 1080 webcam, and a robust audio system, and you get a highly dependable laptop.

Review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G

Who it’s for: I recommend the Microsoft Surface 5G to all professionals, specifically those who frequently travel between the office, home, and the occasional coffee shop. Its lightweight design won’t hold you back. It performs well, lasts all day long, and runs quietly, so you won’t disturb people around you

Who should look elsewhere: This is a really expensive laptop. The Microsoft Surface 5G costs nearly $1,500 for the Intel model. A cheaper version is available, running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus. It costs $1,100. Cheaper, yes, but still quite pricey.

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Why we like it: Rounding out the list is Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus. It stands out amongst other Chromebooks by being one of the thinnest and lightest devices in its series. Yet contrary to its sleek design, the computer delivers a solid performance courtesy of its Intel Core i4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

Most Chromebooks opt for a dull display, but that isn’t the case with Samsung’s device, as it has a vibrant 15.6-inch AMOLED screen, perfect for streaming and casual gaming. Thanks to recent updates by Google, ChromeOS now features helpful AI tools like Help Me Read, which scans webpages and documents to provide a summary.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

Why it’s for: The Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a good choice for users who rely heavily on Google’s cloud services or need a lightweight device for work. Android users in particular will appreciate the seamless smartphone integration via Phone Hub. It’s worth noting that purchasing the Chromebook includes three free months of GeForce Now, allowing you to play the latest games without needing to download them.

Who should look elsewhere: Like with the Acer Aspire Go 15, I do not recommend the Galaxy Chromebook Plus to those seeking a powerful machine. Chromebooks are not known for their performance, and this model is no exception. Additionally, you may run into the occasional user interface bug. It has been found that the cursor often gets stuck underneath a dialog window while in full-screen mode.

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The best 15-inch laptop in 2026 is the M4 Apple MacBook Air. Portable, powerful, and with a long-lasting battery, the MacBook Air M4 is a versatile workhorse you can throw in a bag and take anywhere you go. The M4’s 10-core CPU and GPU are armed to take on almost anything you throw at it, and the entire package weighs just 3.3 pounds.

That said, the M4 MacBook Air isn’t for everyone. Below is a list breaking down all of the most important aspects of the best 15-inch laptops.

Laptop	Starting cost	Processor/GPU	RAM/Storage	Weight (lbs)
Apple MacBook Air M4	$1,199	M4 10-core CPU with 16-core NPU	RAM: 16GB, 24GB Storage: 265GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB	3.3
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition	$1,370	Intel Core Ultra 7 256V	RAM: 16GB, Storage: 512GB, 1TB	3.2
Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10	$1,049	AMD Ruzen 7 250	RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB	5.07
Acer Aspire Go 15	$404	Intel Core i5-1334U	RAM: 8GB, Storage:256GB	3.7
Asus Vivobook S 15	$973	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H	RAM: 16GB, Storage: 1TB	3.13
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G	$1,488	Intel Core Ultra 7 268V	RAM: 16GB, Storage: 1TB	3.06
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus	$244	Intel Core 3 100U	RAM: 8GB, Storage: 256GB	2.58

*MSRP at the time of writing.

The best 15-inch laptop for you depends on what you want to get out of it. Options like the Acer Aspire Go 15 are solid budget options but lack any serious power. If you’re not looking for something specific, then a jack-of-all-trades laptop like Acer’s Aspire Go 15 might be the better fit.

Choose this 15-inch laptop…	If you want…
Apple MacBook Air M4	An all-around strong 15-inch lightweight laptop that handles the majority of use cases
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition	A 15-inch laptop with the best display. It boasts a stunning 2.8K screen and a long-lasting battery.
Lenovo LOQ 15AH10	The best 15-inch gaming laptop. Lenovo’s laptop boast the latest hardware from AMD and Nvidia to deliver the ultimate gaming experience.
Acer Aspire Go 15	A budget laptop that is capable enough for everyday tasks.
Asus Vivobook S 15	The best 15-inch laptop for content creators. In addition to its brilliant OLED display, this Asus model has snappy hardware and a solid battery.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G	The 15-inch laptop for work. It supports 5G connectivity, ensuring steady internet speeds wherever you go.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus	An easy-to-use Chromebook with access to Google AI features.

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 internally and compare them to the advertised numbers. We then spend about a week or two with the laptop, using it in 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 in-depth breakdown, refer to our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.

Benchmarking: First, we run a series of tests to thoroughly evaluate the computer’s hardware capabilities. Cinebench is one of the most commonly used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop’s rendering performance on single and multiple central processing unit (CPU) cores. PCMark 10 is another powerful program that covers a wide variety of tasks performed in the workplace, and there are many others that we use in tandem to gather as much data as we can. Some components we run tests on include:

Processor: The “brain” of the laptop, and one of the most important factors that determines performance. The four biggest manufacturers that make most of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple — in their own machines only. This is tested in benchmarking software.

The display: The size of the display — measured diagonally from corner to corner — also dictates the laptop’s overall size and plays a big role in the device’s 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 when it comes to 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, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether or not it has a display that 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 include their own battery testing components, but we will also let the laptop run for as long as possible under a medium load. We ensure that screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the display’s brightness and audio to 50%, load 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 integrate our personal experience with the device and explore the practical use cases that consumers truly care about.

Also: The best laptop docking stations you can buy: Expert tested

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 information on 15-inch laptops

Fifteen-inch laptops are a niche classification. Most laptops are either 14 or 16 inches. Bigger sizes are more often seen on gaming laptops to provide immersive experiences. Anything smaller than 14 inches would most likely be considered a tablet. Manufacturers tend to focus on those two sizes and seldom roll out 15-inch laptops.

At the time of this writing, CES 2026 has recently concluded. Almost no 15-inch laptops were shown off at the event. Luckily, Lenovo did reveal several new models including the ThinkPad X9 15p Aura Edition, a powerful new laptop for professionals. The company also announced multiple gaming machines, such as the Lenovo LOQ 15AHP11.

All 15-inch laptops run the gamut from high-end gaming machines to budget devices, so it’s important to consider which of the most common factors you value most when picking out a new machine. First and foremost on the list, though, is to determine what exactly you want to get out of it.

Ideal use case: Consider what you actually envision doing with your new laptop. Are you a gamer? Is this a machine for work? Manufacturers go to great lengths to differentiate their products by highlighting a specific consumer demographic. Knowing how you plan to use the laptop will go a long way toward determining which device is the best one for you.
Display: Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition boasts an exceptional display, featuring a gorgeous 3K LCD screen. It’s the one I recommend the most, although you should also check out the Surface Laptop 5G for its HDR display.
Battery life: The best battery life on this list belongs to Apple’s M4 MacBook Air, although the Acer Aspire Go 15 also boasts impressive battery life due to its relatively modest hardware suite.
Portability: 15-inch laptops strike a good balance between smaller, ultra-portable 13- and 14-inch machines — which tend to be thicker — and larger 16- and 17-inch laptops — which tend to be thinner. When looking at weight, the M4 MacBook Air is both the thinnest and the lightest on this list.
Price: The Acer Aspire Go 15 is the most affordable laptop on this list, priced under $300. As I said earlier, it’s not a fancy machine, but it gets the job done. On the other hand, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5G is an expensive machine with prices starting at $1,000, but it is a premium device ideal for professionals.

Fifteen inches is a decent size for a laptop. It’s large enough to offer ample workspace, but not so big that traveling with it will prove difficult. There isn’t a specific correct size for laptops — it all comes down to what you want.

However, if you’re looking for a laptop, I would suggest starting with a 14-inch device. Many laptops, if not most, are either 14 inches or 16 inches. You can consider those to be the starting sizes for portable computers.

Larger laptops are generally more expensive than smaller devices. The larger options tend to have more hardware and parts, making them more expensive. There are some exceptions. Sometimes, the small laptops are more expensive, especially when they’re new. A new 14-inch MacBook Air will typically cost more than an old MacBook Pro from years ago.

One inch might not seem like a lot, but when you’re talking about motherboards, processors, and complex circuitry that are all fractions of a millimeter, it makes a big difference when it comes to the size and design of a laptop.

The reality is that larger laptops — 16 inches and above — tend to be thinner, as there’s more surface area for their internal parts to occupy. Smaller laptops — 14 inches and below — tend to be thicker, as their reduced size leaves less room for hardware. The happy medium in all this is the 15-inch laptop, which, when designed correctly, yields a thin and lightweight laptop.

Also: I tested the best Lenovo laptops, from affordable models to high-priced powerhouses

The M4 MacBook Air and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G are exemplary of thoughtful, expert designs that yield portable yet powerful computers.

While every computing platform has its loyal supporters, most people use a particular operating system because of key applications running on it, employer preferences, or budgetary constraints. Windows, which ranges from budget to premium, and Apple’s macOS, which is exclusive to premium devices, cover a broad spectrum. ChromeOS is primarily limited to midrange devices.

Also: The best Linux laptops you can buy: Expert tested and recommended

All Windows devices listed here meet the requirements for Windows 11. If you purchase a device with Windows 10 installed, you can upgrade to Windows 11. Please note that official support for Windows 10 ended. It will no longer receive security patches or feature updates moving forward.

Latest updates

January 2026 update: I tested and added the Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G to the main list. I have also updated some of the text in this guide, providing more information on the laptops that I personally tested.
August 2025 update: I added the 2025 Acer Aspire Go 5 after conducting research on the laptop.
June 2025 update: I tested and added the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, Asus Vivobook S 15, and Microsoft Surface Laptop to the list.

Other laptops we’ve tested

If you’re looking for a more traditional gaming laptop experience, MSI’s Katana 15 HX is a solid choice. It comes adorned with RGB lighting and houses the latest gaming GPU from Nvidia.

Review: MSI Katana 15 HX

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The Asus Chromebook CX15 is a low-cost alternative to Samsung’s Chromebook Plus model, boasting midrange hardware to deliver decent performance, a Full HD display, and a durable design.

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