Best overall
Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026)
~$1,000–$1,100 at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter and PCMag top Mac pick
- 16GB RAM, 512GB base storage
- Fanless, all-day battery
Keep in mind
- Fewer ports
Best premium
Apple MacBook Pro 14" (M5)
~$1,599+ at time of writing
What we like
- Pro speed for video and photo work
- Mini-LED display
Keep in mind
- Expensive
Best Windows ultrabook
Dell XPS 14 (2026)
~$1,300–$1,700 at time of writing
What we like
- PCMag pick: premium build and display
Keep in mind
- Pricey
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Best for Windows fans
Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition
~$900–$1,300 at time of writing
What we like
- Long battery, touchscreen, 3:2 display
Keep in mind
- Some apps run in emulation (Arm)
Best budget
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
~$400–$500 at time of writing
What we like
- Longest battery of budget rivals in CNN's tests
Keep in mind
- ChromeOS isn't for all apps
Best value Windows
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
~$800–$1,100 at time of writing
What we like
- OLED screen, light
Keep in mind
- Glossy screen reflects
Best 2-in-1
HP Spectre x360 14
~$1,300–$1,600 at time of writing
What we like
- Folds into a tablet; pen support
Keep in mind
- Pricey
Best for business
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
~$1,400–$1,900 at time of writing
What we like
- Great keyboard, very light
Keep in mind
- Expensive
Best gaming laptop
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
~$1,500–$2,000 at time of writing
What we like
- Powerful in a 14" body, OLED screen
Keep in mind
- Runs hot under load
Best cheap Windows
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
~$450–$600 at time of writing
What we like
- Solid basics at a low price
Keep in mind
- Dim screen, plastic build
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) | Best overall | ~$1,000–$1,100 | — |
| 2 | Apple MacBook Pro 14" (M5) | Best premium | ~$1,599+ | — |
| 3 | Dell XPS 14 (2026) | Best Windows ultrabook | ~$1,300–$1,700 | — |
| 4 | Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition | Best for Windows fans | ~$900–$1,300 | — |
| 5 | Acer Chromebook Plus 514 | Best budget | ~$400–$500 | — |
| 6 | ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED | Best value Windows | ~$800–$1,100 | — |
| 7 | HP Spectre x360 14 | Best 2-in-1 | ~$1,300–$1,600 | — |
| 8 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | Best for business | ~$1,400–$1,900 | — |
| 9 | ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 | Best gaming laptop | ~$1,500–$2,000 | — |
| 10 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 | Best cheap Windows | ~$450–$600 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: PCMag best laptops (Aug 2026), Wirecutter best laptops (2026) and CNN Underscored laptop testing, plus manufacturer specs. Prices are approximate and change often; see today's price on Amazon. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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Laptops: frequently asked questions
What is the best laptop in 2026?
Our #1 pick is the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) (best overall), at ~$1,000–$1,100 at time of writing. Wirecutter and PCMag top Mac pick.
What is the best budget laptop?
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is our best budget pick at ~$400–$500 at time of writing. It ranks #5 of 10.
What is the best premium laptop?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14" (M5) is our premium pick at ~$1,599+ at time of writing. It ranks #2 of 10.
How did Rank the Rest rank these laptops?
We compared published expert testing, public review data and manufacturer specs. We did not hands-on test these products, we never invent ratings, and affiliate commissions never change the order.
Are the prices current?
Prices are approximate as of October 14, 2026 and change often, especially during sales. Use the price buttons to see today's price at the retailer.
