From Apple’s latest MacBook Air to powerful gaming machines and versatile Windows laptops, these are the standout computers worth considering this year.

Choosing the right laptop can be challenging, particularly with manufacturers releasing new models across different price ranges and categories. Whether you need a dependable computer for everyday work, a lightweight travel companion, a creative workstation or a high-performance gaming machine, there are plenty of options to consider.

TechRadar’s latest laptop rankings bring together recommendations based on extensive product testing and expert reviews. The publication says its team has reviewed more than 1,800 laptops, Chromebooks and MacBooks, accumulated 18 years of testing experience and spent over 200,000 hours evaluating technology.

This year’s list reflects some notable changes. Apple’s new MacBook Neo has entered the rankings as the leading budget option, while the M5-powered MacBook Air has taken the top overall position from its M4 predecessor. Dell has also revived its XPS range after previously discontinuing the iconic series.

Here are the leading laptops highlighted in the updated guide.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

1. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) – Best Overall

Price: From $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,099

The latest 13-inch MacBook Air takes the top spot thanks to its combination of performance, portability, battery life and premium construction.

Powered by Apple’s M5 chip, the laptop offers a noticeable performance improvement over the previous M4 generation. It also doubles the starting storage, adds Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth Low Energy 6 support, and delivers a modest improvement in battery performance.

Its 13.6-inch display and lightweight 1.24kg body make it particularly suitable for travelling, while the processor provides enough power for everyday productivity as well as more demanding activities such as video editing, music production and digital illustration.

TechRadar recorded 15 hours and 30 minutes of battery life during testing, making it capable of lasting through a full working day without needing a charger.

The laptop retains Apple’s familiar design, although the limited selection of ports remains a drawback. Users get just two Thunderbolt connections, so anyone with several external devices may need a USB-C hub or adapter.

The starting price has also increased following higher memory costs. Nevertheless, the improved specifications and strong overall performance make it a compelling option.

Key specifications

• Processor: Apple M5
• Display: 13.6 inches
• Memory: 16GB–32GB
• Storage: 512GB–4TB
• Tested battery life: 15 hours, 30 minutes
• Weight: 1.24kg

Best for: Everyday productivity, travelling, creative work and users who want a versatile premium laptop.

(Image credit: Future)

2. Apple MacBook Neo – Best Budget Laptop

Price: From $699 / £699 / AU$1,049

Apple’s entry into the more affordable laptop market has made a strong impression. The MacBook Neo replaces a Windows laptop in TechRadar’s budget recommendation, offering a full macOS experience without the price tag traditionally associated with the company’s computers.

The Neo uses Apple’s A18 Pro processor, originally developed for the iPhone Pro range. Despite being based on a mobile chip, it handles everyday activities such as web browsing, email, document editing and entertainment comfortably.

Its all-metal construction, attractive colour options and high-quality display give it a more premium appearance than many competing laptops at this price.

Apple has kept costs down by removing certain features, including a backlit keyboard, and using a less powerful memory configuration. The machine comes with 8GB of unified memory, which may become restrictive for people who regularly multitask or use demanding creative software.

Its USB-C 2.0 port is another notable compromise, particularly in a market where faster connectivity is increasingly expected.

Battery testing delivered approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes, compared with Apple’s advertised maximum of 16 hours. That’s still enough for a full day of typical use.

Although the price has risen from its original $599 starting point, the MacBook Neo remains an attractive choice for buyers who want an affordable entry into Apple’s ecosystem.

Key specifications

• Processor: Apple A18 Pro
• Display: 13 inches
• Memory: 8GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB–512GB SSD
• Tested battery life: 13 hours, 30 minutes
• Weight: 1.23kg

Best for: Students, everyday computing, browsing, email and budget-conscious Mac buyers.

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

3. Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (7441) – Best Value

The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is recognised for delivering strong everyday performance, impressive battery life and a relatively portable design without demanding flagship-level spending.

Its Snapdragon X Plus processor and 16GB of memory provide responsive performance for common Windows 11 applications. It is particularly suitable for office work, web browsing, documents and general productivity.

One of its strongest features is endurance. TechRadar recorded 18 hours and 20 minutes in its battery test, making it one of the longest-lasting machines in the selection.

The laptop also offers a slim, lightweight design that makes it a practical alternative for people who like the MacBook Air concept but prefer Windows.

There are compromises. Its keyboard and touchpad are functional rather than exceptional, and the overall design is relatively conservative. It is also not the best choice for intensive video editing, demanding gaming or other complex workloads.

Still, its balance of performance, portability and battery life makes it a strong value proposition.

Key specifications

• Processor: Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100
• Display: 14 inches
• Memory: 16GB
• Storage: 256GB–1TB
• Tested battery life: 18 hours, 20 minutes
• Weight: 1.40kg

Best for: Windows users seeking dependable everyday performance and excellent battery life.

(Image credit: Future)

4. Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra – Best Windows Laptop

Samsung’s Galaxy Book6 Ultra is positioned as a premium Windows alternative to Apple’s MacBook Pro.

It combines a 16-inch AMOLED display with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and Nvidia RTX 5000-series graphics. The result is a powerful machine capable of handling demanding productivity, academic and creative workloads.

Its display is one of its biggest attractions, offering rich colours and an impressive viewing experience. The laptop also features a refined design and strong build quality, while its graphics hardware provides considerable capability for activities such as 3D rendering and complex modelling.

Battery performance is another strength. TechRadar recorded 13 hours and 39 minutes in testing, with more than 15 hours possible during web browsing.

The biggest obstacle is the price. The Galaxy Book6 Ultra starts at approximately $2,449.99 / £2,999, with the cost rising depending on configuration. It is also available only with a 16-inch screen.

Although it can handle games, Samsung has not designed it specifically as a gaming laptop. Extended gaming sessions may cause the machine to become noticeably warm.

For people who want premium Windows performance, particularly those already using Samsung devices, it is one of the strongest choices available.

Key specifications

• Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3
• Display: 16-inch AMOLED
• Memory: Up to 64GB
• Storage: 1TB
• Tested battery life: 13 hours, 39 minutes
• Weight: 1.89kg

Best for: Professionals, power users and people who need a high-performance Windows laptop.

(Image credit: Future)

5. HP OmniBook 7 Aero – Best Thin and Light Laptop

Weighing just 0.9kg, the HP OmniBook 7 Aero is designed for people who value portability without wanting to sacrifice too much performance.

Its compact design houses AMD Ryzen AI processors, with configurations reaching the Ryzen AI 7 350. The laptop handles everyday productivity tasks comfortably and can even manage some gaming and lighter artificial intelligence workloads.

The Ceramic White finish gives it a clean, understated appearance, while its selection of physical connections is better than what many similarly sized ultraportables offer. It also includes an HDMI output and a webcam with a physical privacy shutter.

The main weakness is battery life. TechRadar recorded eight hours and 51 minutes during testing, which is respectable but falls behind several competitors.

The keyboard also has relatively shallow key travel, and the USB-C port placement could be improved. Under demanding workloads, the fans can become loud and the chassis may heat up.

Starting at $949.99, the OmniBook 7 Aero offers a strong combination of compact design and productivity performance.

Key specifications

• Processor: Up to AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
• Display: 13.3 inches
• Memory: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 1TB
• Tested battery life: 8 hours, 51 minutes
• Weight: 0.9kg

Best for: Frequent travellers, mobile professionals and users who want an especially lightweight Windows laptop.

(Image credit: Future)

6. HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch – Best Chromebook

The HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch offers a combination of attractive design, responsive ChromeOS performance and a large display at a relatively accessible price.

Powered by an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday applications such as Google Docs, browsing and streaming smoothly.

Its 15.6-inch Full HD screen is a particular highlight, featuring a 144Hz refresh rate that gives it an advantage over many budget laptops and Chromebooks.

During testing, the laptop also performed well with mobile gaming through Google’s Play Store when paired with a Bluetooth controller.

Battery life reached 10 hours and 41 minutes, while charging from 30% to full took approximately 90 minutes.

The design feels more premium than its price might suggest, although the keyboard can feel cramped and the lid does not open as widely as some competing models. It is also not a convertible device, meaning it cannot be used as a tablet.

Another consideration is ChromeOS itself. Users who depend on particular Windows or macOS applications may find the platform limiting.

With a listed price of $549.99 / £449.99 / AU$749, it remains a strong choice for people who mainly need a laptop for everyday tasks.

Key specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i3-N305
• Display: 15.6 inches
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 128GB UFS
• Tested battery life: 10 hours, 41 minutes
• Weight: 1.73kg

Best for: Students, browsing, streaming, online productivity and everyday ChromeOS use.

7. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro/M4 Max) – Best for Creative Professionals

For demanding creative work, the 16-inch MacBook Pro remains a powerful option.

Available with Apple’s M4 Pro or M4 Max processors, it is designed for workloads such as professional video editing, music production and other resource-intensive creative applications.

Its large display, strong audio, extensive connectivity and exceptional processing power make it particularly appealing to professionals who need a workstation they can take on the road.

Battery performance is another standout feature. TechRadar recorded 21 hours and 32 minutes during testing, allowing users to work for multiple days without necessarily needing to recharge.

The machine also supports Thunderbolt 5, includes an improved webcam and offers an optional nano-texture screen coating.

Its design has not changed significantly, however, and the high price makes it difficult to recommend to casual users. Following price increases, the starting cost has reached $2,999 / £2,999 / AU$4,799.

For people who already own a recent M-series MacBook Pro, an upgrade may not be necessary. But creative professionals who need powerful hardware and a large screen will find plenty to appreciate.

Key specifications

• Processor: Apple M4 Pro or M4 Max
• Display: 16 inches
• Memory: 24GB–128GB
• Storage: 512GB–8TB
• Tested battery life: 21 hours, 32 minutes
• Weight: 2.2kg

Best for: Video editors, designers, music producers and other creative professionals.

8. Razer Blade 16 – Best Gaming Laptop

The Razer Blade 16 is built for gamers who want high-end performance in a relatively slim and stylish machine.

With AMD Ryzen AI 9 processors and Nvidia RTX 5000-series graphics, including the RTX 5090 option, it delivers the kind of power required to run demanding modern games at high settings.

Its QHD+ OLED display is another major attraction, providing rich visuals and a premium gaming experience. The laptop also features excellent construction and an improved keyboard design.

Although gaming laptops are not usually known for long battery life, the Blade 16 performed relatively well outside gaming. TechRadar recorded seven hours and 36 minutes during testing, although gaming reduces that figure considerably.

The biggest disadvantage is its price. Starting at $2,999.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$4,899.95, the laptop is firmly positioned in the enthusiast market. Upgrading its specifications can push the cost even higher.

It is also not the lightest option for travelling, particularly when carrying its substantial power adapter.

For serious PC gamers who want powerful hardware without the bulk of a traditional desktop replacement, the Blade 16 is an impressive choice.

Key specifications

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9
• Display: 16-inch OLED QHD+
• Memory: 32GB–64GB
• Storage: 1TB–4TB
• Tested battery life: 7 hours, 36 minutes
• Weight: 2.14kg

Best for: Enthusiast gamers, demanding PC games and users who also need creative performance.

9. Dell XPS 16 (2026) – Best OLED Laptop

After a brief departure, Dell’s XPS range has returned with the 2026 XPS 16, which takes the OLED category recommendation.

Its 16-inch, near-borderless 3K OLED display is the centrepiece, delivering excellent image quality for entertainment, professional work and creative projects.

The laptop is powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor and Intel Arc B390 graphics. This combination gives it the ability to handle a broad range of professional and everyday workloads, including local AI tasks.

Battery life is particularly impressive for an Intel-powered machine. TechRadar recorded 17 hours and 16 minutes in its testing.

Its biggest limitation is connectivity. The laptop provides three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, with no built-in HDMI or SD card reader. Users who rely on those connections will need an adapter or docking station.

The premium specifications and OLED display also come at a high price.

Nevertheless, the XPS 16 is a strong choice for anyone seeking a powerful Windows laptop with an excellent screen.

Key specifications

• Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra X7 358H
• Display: 16-inch 3K OLED
• Memory: Up to 32GB
• Storage: 1TB
• Tested battery life: 17 hours, 16 minutes
• Weight: 1.65kg

Best for: OLED enthusiasts, professionals, entertainment and productivity.

What to Consider Before Buying a Laptop

The best laptop depends on how you intend to use it and how much you are prepared to spend.

For everyday work, browsing and communication, an affordable machine such as the MacBook Neo or HP Chromebook Plus may be sufficient. Users who need Windows compatibility and longer battery life could consider the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus.

Creative professionals should prioritise processing power, memory, storage and display quality. The MacBook Pro 16-inch is a particularly strong option for demanding workloads, while Samsung’s Galaxy Book6 Ultra offers a powerful Windows alternative.

Portability is another important consideration. The HP OmniBook 7 Aero weighs less than a kilogram, making it especially convenient for frequent travel. Those who need a larger screen may prefer the 16-inch options from Samsung, Apple or Dell.

Gaming requires a different set of priorities. A dedicated graphics processor is essential for demanding titles, and the Razer Blade 16 is the premium choice highlighted in this guide.

Battery life, available ports, operating system compatibility and upgrade requirements should also influence your decision.

How TechRadar Tests Laptops

TechRadar says its recommendations are based on hands-on testing and reviews conducted by its specialist computing team. Its evaluations cover areas including design, performance, battery life and value for money.

The publication also considers how well each laptop performs in real-world situations, rather than relying exclusively on manufacturer specifications.

Its rankings are updated as new products are reviewed and market conditions change, helping readers compare the latest models with established alternatives.

Final Thoughts

The laptop market in 2026 offers more choice than ever, from Apple’s newly affordable MacBook Neo to premium creative workstations and powerful gaming machines.

The MacBook Air M5 leads the overall rankings with its strong combination of performance, portability and battery endurance. Meanwhile, the MacBook Neo gives budget-conscious buyers a new way into Apple’s ecosystem, and the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus stands out for value.

For specialist needs, Samsung’s Galaxy Book6 Ultra, Apple’s MacBook Pro, the Razer Blade 16 and Dell XPS 16 each offer compelling advantages.

Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your budget, preferred operating system and the work you expect your laptop to handle.