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Authors: JordanWelcome to our list of the best laptops you can buy in 2018.
Here, you'll find the top laptops that have been carefully tested by the TechRadar editorial team.In our list of the best laptops you'll find a wide array of choices, from the best gaming laptops, top budget choices, as well as the best 2-in-1 laptops that are virtually everywhere in 2018.
That means you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for right here on this list.Because every single laptop in this guide has been used and reviewed by us, you can be confident that only the best laptops make it on this list.
Our very own price comparison tool will also make sure you get the very best deals for these top-rated laptops.We've also recently updated this list with the brilliant MSI GS65 Stealth, currently our pick for the best gaming laptop money can buy in 2018. The best laptops of 2018:Editor's Choice1.
Dell XPS 13The best laptop is now even betterCPU: 8th generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – 4k (3840 x 2160) | Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSDCentered IR webcamGorgeous new designBeautiful optional 4K displaySteeper starting priceWhite option is pricierRiding the top of our best laptops list for three years running, the 2018 revision of Dell’s flagship continues the trend of excellence.
The 2018 Dell XPS 13 is a slimmer, more powerful version of the award-winning laptop with a stunning 4K display and a gorgeous Rose Gold on Alpine White color option.
Packing an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, this Dell XPS 13 is more expensive, but its still worth every penny.
It’s no wonder the Dell XPS 13 continues to be the most popular Windows laptop in the world.
Better yet, there’s a wide range of customization options, so you can make the Dell XPS 13 the best laptop for you. Read the full review: Dell XPS 132.
Asus Zenbook UX310UAThe best all-rounder laptop that punches above its weightCPU: Intel Core i3 – i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch up to QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) | Storage: 256GB SSDWonderful aluminium bodyFast wake-up and useFantastic value for moneyAverage battery lifeBehold the Asus ZenBook UX310UA, a laptop that sidesteps the lofty price of the Dell XPS 13 without compromising on performance.
It doesn't quite look or feel as nice as the Dell above, and the battery life isn't as good, but you can still expect an all-aluminum frame and fantastic performance from a 7th-generation Kaby Lake processor – whether that’s of the i3 or i5 variety is entirely up to you.
Additionally, you can choose between a full HD, 1080p display or a brilliant 3,200 x 1,800-pixel, QHD+ screen with 30% more pixels compared with Apple’s 13-inch Retina screens.
No matter what model you go for, the Asus ZenBook UX310UA is one of the best laptops you can buy.Read the full review:Asus Zenbook UX310UA 3.
Lenovo Yoga BookA wonderfully versatile and cheap 2-in-1 laptopCPU: Intel Atom x5-Z8550 | Graphics: Intel Atom | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 10.1-inch full HD IPS touchscreen | Storage: 64GB SSD, up to 128GB microSDExtremely thin + lightExcellent displayIt's cheap!Intel Atom is underpoweredIf you're after a cheap laptop that offers something a bit special, look no further than the Lenovo Yoga Book 2017.
As with all Yoga devices, the screen folds flat so you can use it either as a tablet or a laptop.
To add more versatility, Lenovo has now added the option to buy it with either Windows 10 or Android 6.0 onboard - which one you choose will depend how you're more likely to use the device.
The screen on this thing defies the cheap asking price and the keyboard and capacitive touch-keyboard are both fantastic too.
This is a great option if you want something cheap for basic computing tasks, for creating art using the built-in Wacom digitizer or a train device for watching movies.
But for more heavy lifting you'd be better off choosing one of the options above as the Intel Atom CPU in this thing is great at saving power and making the battery last for ages but not so good at super speedy processing.Read the full review:Lenovo Yoga Book4.
Apple Macbook Pro with Touch BarThe best Macbook Pro ever, now with Touch BarCPU: Dual-core Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 – 650 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, (2,560 x 1,600) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSDThe best Macbook Pro everSuper fast performanceExpensiveDisappointing battery lifeIf you're after the latest and greatest laptop from Apple, we suggest you welcome the 13-inch Macbook Pro with Touch Bar.
Despite Microsoft’s claims that its Surface Book 2 is twice as powerful as Apple’s flagship MacBook Pro, it’s also more expensive at the starting level.
Of course, the headline feature is the Touch Bar – it's a thin OLED display at the top of the keyboard which can be used for any number of things, whether that be auto-suggesting words as you type or offering Touch ID so you can log in with just your fingerprint.
If you're a massive fan of the Macbook Pro 2017, you'll be happy with this model but there are some serious reasons why you should consider one of the Windows alternatives.
As we said before, it's not as powerful, the screen is lower-res versus the competition and isn't touchscreen friendly, plus the battery is a bit disappointing, too.
So, if you're open to switching to a PC, definitely consider the XPS 13 as a more modern, cheaper alternative.
But, if you're a steadfast Apple diehard, this is definitely the best laptop for you!Read the full review:Apple Macbook with Touch Bar (2017)5.
MSI GS65 StealthThe best gaming laptop of 2018CPU: Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB GDDR5X VRAM, Max-Q) | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) anti-glare, wide-view 144Hz panel | Storage: 512GB M.2 SSDBeautiful, subtle design Excellent performance Underside gets very hot The new MSI GS65 Stealth has knocked our previous choice of the best gaming laptop, Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, off this list, thanks to its excellent array of cutting edge components, which includes an 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU.
It's also more reasonably priced than the Zephyrus GX501, and its subtle design means that it can double as a work or study laptop without raising any eyebrows.
If you're looking for a more affordable gaming laptop, however, check out the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming below.Read the full review:MSI GS65 Stealth 6.
Dell Inspiron 15 7000 GamingNvidia MaxQ, without emptying your bank accountCPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ (quad core 3.5GHz) | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q + Intel HD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Screen: 15.6-inch, Full HD | Storage: 256GB SSDMinimalist designMaxQ for a budget priceLackluster trackpadIf you’re looking for a thin and light gaming laptop, but you gasp whenever you see the price of the Razer Blade, the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 might be for you.
Not only does this laptop pack a powerful CPU, it now includes a Nvidia GTX 1060 Max-Q – capable of running all of the latest games – in a laptop less than an inch thick.
You won’t find a Nvidia MaxQ equipped laptop cheaper than the Dell Inspiron 15 7000, and it looks good, to boot.Read the full review: Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming7.
Asus Chromebook FlipPremium Chromebook specs, economic Chromebook pricingCPU: Intel Pentium 4405Y – Intel Core m3-6Y30 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12.5-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED backlit anti-glare | Storage: 32GB – 64GB eMMCElegant tablet modeTactile keyboardNo out-of-box Android app supportMiddling speakersWhen it comes to the best Chromebook laptop, you have a choice between two stark alternatives.
There's the premium Chromebook Pixel, which we list further down this page, and then there's the excellent Asus Chromebook Flip C302, which combines premium features in a much more affordable package.
For many people, Chromebooks are excellent and affordable laptops that are perfect for students, and the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is easily one of the best Chromebooks, and one of the best laptops, money can buy.
It comes with an Intel Core processor, full 1080p display, touchscreen, backlit keyboard and USB-C port.Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip8.
Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)The most powerful 2-in-1 laptop in the worldCPU: Intel Core i5-7300U - Intel Core i7-8650U 1.9GHz | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620; Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB GDDR5 VRAM) | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 3,000 x 2,000 (267 ppi) PixelSense display, 3:2 aspect ratio | Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSDVery good battery lifePowerfulPriceyNo Surface Pen includedWith the Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch), Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world.
The Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle most day-to-day tasks, and even some light gaming and video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card.
Brilliant build quality and excellent battery life makes this a wonderful device for using as either a laptop, or as a powerful Windows 10 tablet.
It also comes in a 15-inch version, which is more powerful and with a larger screen.
If you're after a more affordable 2-in-1 device, then the Acer Switch 3, below, is well worth checking out.Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)9.
Acer Switch 3A great Surface Book 2 competitor at half the priceCPU: 1.10GHz Intel Pentium Quad Core N4200 - Intel Core i3 7100U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12.2-inch, 1920 x 1200 IPS LCD touchscreen | Storage: 64GB - 128GB eMMCExcellent build qualitySuperb valueTricky hinged standNo good for gamesIf you want the Microsoft Surface Book 2 but you want to spend a lot less, the Acer Switch 3 2017 is definitely the your best option.
It's designed around essentially the same concept as the Surface Book 2 and it's a less capable thanks to slightly lower power innards, but for most tasks it's a brilliant little machine.
What's more, to add further value this 2-in-1 laptop/tablet comes with the keyboard upgrade which means no little extras to pay for.
As usual it comes in several different versions, with USB Type-C, 8GB RAM, an IPS display and Intel Core i3 7100U CPU coming with the more expensive option.Read the full review:Acer Switch 3 10.
Apple MacBook 12-inch (2017)This year's MacBook is another winnerCPU: Intel Core M3 1.2GHz - Intel Core i7 1.4GHz | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch, (2,304 x 1,440) IPS 16:10 | Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSDUpdated processorLong battery lifeStill only one USB-C portExpensiveThis year's iteration of the MacBook is another win for Apple, and it's once again won us over with a gorgeous design, excellent performance and best-in-class battery life.
Apple has updated the processors with Intel's 7th-generation Kaby Lake range, which means you get improved performance and longer battery life without sacrificing the thin and light design that the MacBook is famous for.
While the MacBook 2017 is not designed as a pure productivity machine, like the more powerful and versatile MacBook Pro above, or as a gaming machine like the Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, it's still one of the best laptops in the world right now thanks to being a super slim and light MacBook that you can take anywhere without even noticing the weight, and being a powerful showcase for macOS High Sierra.
If you're after a MacBook, this year's model is easily one of the best.Read the full review:Apple MacBook11.
Google PixelbookA premium Chromebook well worth its lofty priceCPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12.3-inch QHD (2,400 x 1,600) LCD touchscreen | Storage: 128GB – 512GB SSDSublime designFull Android app supportPen sold separatelyNo biometric loginDesigned for users hoping to avert the complicated nature of a Windows PC or Mac, Chromebooks have been a raging success in recent years as a result of their accessibility.
The Google Pixelbook is no exception.
Although it’s double the price of the average Chrome OS device and doesn’t come with a stylus as you might expect, the Pixelbook is built to withstand the future.
It has a pair of Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports for accessories and super fast file transfers, a hinge that flips inside out for watching movies on planes and – perhaps best of all – Android app support.
Now, there are still some kinks to work out, but you can access the entire Google Play store on the Pixelbook, from playing Sonic the Hedgehog to watching videos in VLC.
And, with a battery life of 7 hours and 40 minutes in our own testing, you can do so for a while without recharging.
If you're after a cheaper Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Flip (which is higher up this page) is an excellent choice.Read the full review:Google Pixelbook12.
Lenovo Yoga 920Another remarkable 2-in-1 laptopCPU: Intel Core i7-855OU | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.9-inch 1920 x 1080 - 13.9-inch 3840 x 2160 | Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: 720p front-facingLovely designThinDecent powerLacks graphical powerKeyboard still annoys in tablet formFans can be loud when they kick inSome of the very best laptops in 2017 have been 2-in-1 devices, and Lenovo has added to that list with the excellent Lenovo Yoga 920.
It features a wonderfully slim design, and its build quality is exceptional.
The 360 degree hinge allows you to convert the laptop into a tablet-like device, making it flexible in all senses of the word.
It's cheaper than the Surface Book 2, and while it doesn't offer quite the same quality when in tablet mode, it's an excellent device with plenty of power and bags of battery life.
It's definitely a worthy alternative, and it's easily one of the best laptops we've seen this year.Read the full review:Lenovo Yoga 92013.
Acer Swift 3 A budget Ultrabook that performs better than it looksCPU: Dual-core Intel Core i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 | RAM: 4GB – 8GB DDR4 | Screen: 14-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) ComfyView IPS | Storage: 128GB – 256GB SSDPowerful for the priceStellar battery lifeBoring looksDown-firing speakersWhile you may have been convinced that ‘budget Ultrabook’ was an oxymoron up until this point, the Acer has turned this common misconception on its head with the Swift 3.
That’s because the company has taken the all-aluminum chassis of the Acer Swift 7 and stuffed some more affordable components inside for everyone to enjoy.
It doesn’t run macOS, but the Acer Swift 3 does put the age-old MacBook Air to shame in about every other regard, including the nigh-unbeatable price tag.
Of course, in the process of demolishing the competition, Acer did have to cut a few corners in order to keep the price so impressively low.
So although you can’t expect much in the way of an Ultra HD display or quality onboard sound, the performance benchmarks alone give even the Surface Laptop a run for its money.We've also had a glance of the upcoming 2018 edition of the Swift 7 at CES 2018, which comes with boosted graphics and processing specs.
It could be a shoe-in for a place on this list when it launches later this year.Read the full review: Acer Swift 314.
Samsung Notebook 9A beautiful MacBook Pro alternativeCPU: Intel i7-8550U | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce MX150 | RAM: 8GB-16GB | Screen: 15-inch 1,920 x 1,080 LED | Storage: 256-512GB SSDExcellent performanceInsane battery lifeSquishy KeyboardWhile it may not have the best keyboard in the world, the Samsung Notebook 9 is still one of the best laptops you can buy in 2018.
Packed with more horsepower than the MacBook Pro, but at a much lower price, Samsung has crafted a laptop that has just as much substance as it does style.
Plus, on top of its killer specs, it’s lightweight and thin, making this one of the most portable 15-inch laptops you can buy today.Read the full review:Samsung Notebook 9 15.
Dell XPS 15The best 15-inch laptop available this yearCPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - i7-7700HQ | Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 1050 with 4GB GDDR5 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB DDR4 | Screen: Up to 15.6-inch Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge touchscreen | Storage: 1TB HDD - 512GB SSDAmazing powerSublime screenSlim designPoor webcam positionIf you love the look of the XPS 13 at the top of this list but need something a little bigger with more graphics power, the Dell XPS 15 2018 could be the best laptop for you.
Packing the same InfinityEdge technology, the screen extends right to the edge of the machine which means it's as small as it's possible to make a 15-inch laptop in 2017.
It's quite pricey though, depending on which version you get.
The very top end version has a 4K colour-accurate display which makes it perfect for graphic design, and gaming performance is decent as long as you play at either a lower resolution or on medium settings.Read the full review:Dell XPS 15Which type of laptop is best for youGeneral laptops: Where the best cheap laptops are found, devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power.
That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than $600 or £400.Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p.
Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – $700 or £500 to $2,000 or £1,800.2-in-1 laptops: Where notebooks that double as tablets are located.
The Surface Book 2 might be a ways off, but many of the best 2-in-1 laptops are available right now.
Outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) on a touchscreen.Chromebooks: Where you’ll find the best Chromebooks running Chrome OS.
These do much of what Windows and macOS can in the browser, focused on cloud storage over local, while recently getting Android app support for touchscreen models.
They generally cost less than $300 or £200 and some can even withstand a slight tussle.Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops.
These machines generally cost from $800 or £600 to upwards of $3,000 or £2,800 and they’ll likely be the ones to take advantage of AMD’s laptop-grade Ryzen processors first.Laptop-tablet hybrids: Designed from the tablet-first approach to laptop-tablet hybrids, the best Windows tablets pack beyond-HD touchscreens, sometimes with kickstands in their frames or provided via keyboard covers.
These generally shine with a stylus, and range from the budget to the premium price ranges.
