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Home / Features / Best laptops in 2024 that we’ve reviewed

Best laptops in 2024 that we’ve reviewed

From MacBooks to Chromebooks, hybrids to gaming powerhouses, we've tested and scored the best laptops for every need

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Best laptop lead image

Whether you need a laptop for work, play, or something else entirely, having the best laptop for your needs can make all the difference in getting things done efficiently.

If you’re on the hunt for a new notebook, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve carefully tested and reviewed the top laptops for every task and budget, and we’re highlighting our favourites for you here.

From sleek MacBooks designed for creative professionals to budget-friendly Chromebooks for everyday use, and from versatile 2-in-1 hybrids to high-performance gaming laptops, our list covers a wide variety of options. Each model has been rigorously tested and scored to help you find the ideal laptop that meets your specific needs.

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Whether you’re looking for portability, power, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ve included detailed specifications for each entry so you can easily compare and find the best fit for you.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what’s the best laptop?

Best laptop overall

We think the Apple MacBook Air M3 (buy now) is the best laptop for most people. This streamlined machine comes with a revamped design and top-spec Apple silicon – setting a new bar for performance and delivering more than enough power for most users. Yes, it’s on the expensive side, but the build quality, power, and long battery life make it worth the high price, in our eyes.

Best Windows laptop

The Dell XPS 14 (buy now) offers superb performance, a stunning display and a streamlined design make this one of the best premium ultraportables for computing on the go.

Best cheap laptop

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (buy now) offers the appeal of Microsoft’s premium laptops at a more palatable price. It is a highly portable tool that’s perfect for students. Made from aluminium with a 12.4in PixelSense display, this is a great laptop for the price.

Best pro laptop

The Apple MacBook Pro M2 (buy now) is, essentially, a more powerful version of the MacBook Air above. With the M2 Pro or Max chip, it’s more capable, has more ports, and comes with a stunning display.

Best laptop for creatives

The Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED (buy now) certainly doesn’t skimp on power. It’s designed for creative types, with the Studio version of Nvidia’s 4000-series mobile graphics chips and some of the fastest Intel internals money can buy.

Best laptop for travel

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge (but now) is a beautifully premium (and impressively light) powerhouse, with a dazzling display, a large trackpad and keyboard for smashing through tasks, and all-day battery life for on-the-go productivity.

Best Macbook alternative

The MateBook X Pro (buy now) is Huawei’s skinniest laptop yet and delivers rapid performance and a stunning screen – but you’ll pay handsomely to take one home.

Best PC for power users

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (buy now) is part uncompromising gaming laptop, part portable creative powerhouse. It is a superb (and superbly expensive) machine that is up there with Apple MacBooks for slick construction.

Best all-round laptop

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (buy now) is a slim and speedy ultraportable almost keeps pace with the MacBook Air on battery life. Windows on ARM isn’t perfect yet, but it’s otherwise a great all-rounder.

Best 2-in-1 laptop

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (buy now) provides excellent performance throughout. You’ll be beguiled by the gorgeous screen and lightweight design. Though you should avoid the ARM-based model.

Best Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (buy now) is a welcome hardware step up for Chrome OS. If Chromebooks were a familiar sight at school, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 will make the ideal everyday upgrade.

The best laptops you can buy today:

Best laptop overall

Apple-MacBook-Air-M3-review-lead

1. Apple MacBook Air (M3)

Stuff Verdict

Yes, the best everyday ultraportable is now even better – the gauntlet has been laid down for Intel laptops again.

Pros

  • Beautifully designed
  • Super light
  • Superb keyboard

Cons

  • Upgrades can be very expensive
  • Very similar to the M2 Air
Apple MacBook Air (M3) specs
Screen13.6in 2560×1664 60Hz LED
ProcessorApple M3
RAM8GB/16GB/24GB
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB SSD
OSmacOS Sonoma
Connectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5mm headphone; 2×Thunderbolt 3 (USB 4); MagSafe
Dimensions30.41×21.5×1.13cm; 1.24kg

The MacBook Air M3 is the best laptop for most people due to its excellent performance and efficiency. The M3 chip offers significant speed and graphics improvements, capable of handling anything you throw at it. Its energy efficiency leads to impressive battery life, lasting up to 15-18 hours, making it ideal for extended use without frequent recharges.

We love the sleek, lightweight design that ensures portability, making it perfect for if you frequently travel with your laptop. The unibody aluminium build is durable and feels like the most premium laptop around.

On top of that, the high-resolution Retina display has excellent colour accuracy and enhanced speakers make it great for watching films and listening to music.

Add macOS Sonoma, the outstanding Magic Keyboard and responsive trackpad, and you’ve got yourself the complete package.


Best Windows laptop

Dell XPS 14 review homescreen

2. Dell XPS 14

Stuff Verdict

Dell’s streak of potent yet portable premium laptops continues – but the XPS 14 faces stronger Windows competition than previous efforts, and still can’t escape the MacBook Pro’s shadow.

Pros

  • Impeccable OLED display
  • Potent performance and a capable gamer with the right GPU
  • As slickly styled as the XPS has ever been

Cons

  • Battery life can’t match any MacBook Pro
  • Top-spec versions are mighty pricey
  • Touchbar more flash than functional
Dell XPS 13 (9310) specs
Screen14.5in, 3200×2000 OLED w/ 120Hz
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 7 155H / Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050
RAM32GB RAM
Storage1TB SSD
OSWindows 11
ConnectivityUSB-C x3, 3.5mm headphone port, microSD card slot
Dimensions320x216x18mm, 1.72kg

We’ve had the chance to explore the Dell XPS 14, and it’s clear that this premium laptop brings a lot to the table. Dell’s signature blend of elegance and performance is fully realized here, with the XPS 14 boasting a stunning 14-inch OLED display that delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s a fantastic screen for both creative work and entertainment, offering exceptional clarity for everything from photo editing to streaming.

Performance-wise, the XPS 14 impresses with its Intel Core Ultra processor and Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, which means it’s more than capable of handling demanding tasks. Whether you’re diving into 3D modelling, video editing, or gaming, this laptop doesn’t disappoint. We especially appreciated how Dell managed to pack this level of power into such a sleek, portable design.

The build quality is top-notch, with a premium aluminium and glass finish, and it’s packed with useful features like up-firing speakers for clearer sound and a quick, accurate fingerprint sensor. While it may face tough competition, particularly from MacBooks, the XPS 14 excels in delivering style, performance, and a fantastic display—perfect for those who want a premium, versatile machine.


Best pro laptop

Apple MacBook 14in (M1 Pro) review

3. Apple MacBook Pro 16in (M2 Pro)

Stuff Verdict

A MacBook Pro deserving of its moniker, this delivers supreme performance – at a price

Pros

  • Blazing fast performance from M2 Pro and Max
  • Truly outstanding display

Cons

  • Overkill for some
  • Seriously expensive
Apple MacBook Pro 16in (M2 Pro) specs
Screen16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR 3456×2234 with P3, True Tone and ProMotion
ProcessorApple M2 Pro or M2 Max
RAM16GB/32GB configurable to 64GB/96GB if you have M2 Max
Storage512GB/1TB SSD configurable up to 8TB
OSmacOS Ventura
Connectivity802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.3; 3.5mm headphone; 3x Thunderbolt 4; MagSafe 3; HDMI; SDXC
Dimensions35.6 x 24.8 x 1.7cm; 2.16kg

Heftier than its 13in predecessor, the redesigned MacBook Pro 16in means business. And thanks to Apple’s 2023 M2 Pro or Max chip, it has power in spades. This could be said of the 2021 M1 versions of either, too. The boosted multi-core performance and GPU grunt puts it leagues ahead of competitors. Its performance ceiling is higher than most people will ever need. But for those with serious tasks to churn through, the Pro has the chops to conquer the lot.

With menu bars spanning the notch at the top of the screen, you get a full 16:10 display area below. The mini-LED panel is simply gorgeous, with rich blacks, vivid colour and brightness that hits up to 1600 nits. And that’s all complemented by a punchy six-speaker system.

Yes, it’s overkill if you don’t need its power and ports. But if you work in a field that can take advantage of its skills you won’t be disappointed. Even if you simply want the best laptop in its class.


Best cheap laptop

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 lead

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3

Stuff Verdict

Microsoft hasn’t made big changes to the series in the Surface Laptop Go 3, and it doesn’t have an up-to-date CPU either. But it’s still a sound option for those who want something super-portable.

Pros

  • Attractive design
  • Quiet (but not always silent)
  • Good key feel

Cons

  • Significantly increased entry price
  • Uses last-gen processor
  • Basic plastic touchpad
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 specs
Screen12.4in, 1536×1024
Processor12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U
RAM8GB/16GB (tested)
Storage256GB
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe Graphics
OSWindows 11 Home
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 3.5mm
Dimensions278x206x15.7mm, 1.13kg

The Surface Laptop Go 3 remains a solid choice for those seeking a lightweight, portable laptop with a sleek design. While Microsoft hasn’t introduced major changes, and the last-gen Intel processor is a letdown, the laptop’s aesthetics still shine with its aluminum lid and choice of stylish colors. We appreciate its compact design, weighing just 1.12kg, making it perfect for everyday use.

The 3:2 touchscreen is functional, though we find its resolution lacking for this price range. It’s not the sharpest, especially compared to rivals like the MacBook Air. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, but the lack of a backlight feels like a missed opportunity.

Performance is decent for basic tasks, but the 12th-gen Intel Core i5 limits its power compared to newer competitors. We found it struggles with more intensive activities, though it’s great for everyday productivity. Battery life is acceptable but not remarkable, with about nine hours of light use.

Overall, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is still a strong contender for students or budget-conscious users who prioritize portability and style, but Microsoft needs to improve the screen resolution and add a few extra features to justify its price hike.


Best laptop for creatives

Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED verdict

5. Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED

Stuff Verdict

A superbly powerful (and pricey) portable built for creatives, but one that can game and entertain too.

Pros

  • Superb performance for a 14in machine
  • Gorgeous, high refresh rate OLED display

Cons

  • Speakers not the clearest
  • Demanding hardware gets hot and loud
Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED specs
Screen14.5in, 2880×1800 OLED w/ 120Hz, HDR
ProcessorIntel Core i9-13900H
RAM32GB
Storage2GB SSD
GraphicsNvidia GeForce RTX 4070
OSWindows 11
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E(802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; Thunderbolt 4; USB-C; USB 3.2 Type-A; SD card reader; HDMI; 3.5mm headphone port
Dimensions32.18×22.33×1.79 cm; 1.6kg

Unlike the rather niche Zenbook Pro Duo, this laptop is a lot more traditional – but doesn’t skimp on power. It’s designed for creative types (the Pro in the name being rather appropriate), with the Studio version of Nvidia’s 4000-series mobile graphics chips and some of the fastest Intel internals money can buy. It’ll play nicely with industry-standard software. And then happily play games at high settings once you clock off for the day.

It’s not especially quiet when you do so, and battery life will take a thrashing. But that’s what headphones and power brick are for. Otherwise, the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED is a wonderfully compact and transportable machine, with plenty of ports and a simply gorgeous 14.5in OLED panel. The 2880×1800 resolution is super sharp for both work and play, with a 120Hz refresh rate ensuring smooth scrolling.

There’s no denying it’s a pricey system, but Asus has managed to undercut the equivalent MacBook Pro – which isn’t as adept at gaming, and misses out on OLED display tech. If you’re all in on Windows over macOS, it’s a fantastic machine.


Best laptop for travel

Best-laptop-Samsung-Galaxy-Book4-Edge

6. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge

Stuff Verdict

A beautifully premium (and impressively light) powerhouse, with a dazzling display, a large trackpad and keyboard for smashing through tasks, and all-day battery life for on-the-go productivity

Pros

  • Gorgeous 16in AMOLED display
  • Impressively lightweight for its size
  • Powerful Snapdragon X Elite performance
  • Full-sized keyboard with numpad
  • Generous port selection

Cons

  • Battery life is good, but not class-leading
  • On the pricier side
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge specs
Screen16in 2880 x 1800 AMOLED touchscreen, 120Hz
ProcessorSnapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100
RAM16GB
Storage1TB SSD
OSWindows 11 Home
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 2x USB4, 1x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD, 3.5mm audio
Dimensions355.4 x 250.4 x 12.3mm; 1.55kg

Samsung’s 16in laptop is quite the looker, with a beautifully premium build that’s a joy to handle. It’s also impressively light for its 16in size — at just 1.55kg, we’ve slung it into bags and carried it around all day without any complaints, which is something that can’t be said for many other laptops in this size range. 

The star of the show though, is its objectively gorgeous 16in AMOLED display. With its 2880 x 1800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, everything from mundane spreadsheets to visually stunning movie binges, are positively mesmerizing. The deep blacks and punchy colours that OLED screens are renowned for will, quite honestly, ruin any other non-OLED laptop screen for you in future. A blessing, and a curse of sorts, but one that we’d be more than happy to live with when things look this good.

There’s plenty of brawn brimming away beneath this beauty too. Under the hood, Qualcomm’s beastly, top-level Snapdragon X Elite processor flexes its powerful silicon muscles, handling everything from office tasks to more demanding creative work without remotely breaking a sweat. There’s enough grunt here to cater to gaming too — though with many games not optimised for Qualcomm’s ARM chips compared to the long-established Intel offerings, we’d recommend not opting for a Snapdragon X-powered machine specifically with plenty of gaming in mind. For now, at least.

The Book4 Edge’s full-sized keyboard (complete with a number pad!) is a joy to type on, making long work sessions feel less like a chore. And let’s not forget the generously sized trackpad – it’s so big you might mistake it for a small tablet, with plenty of room for your fingers to skim across the surface without ever running out of room.

While the Galaxy Book4 Edge’s AI features (courtesy of Windows’ Copilot) don’t exactly blow our minds, they’re a nice-to-have addition that might come in handy every now and then. This isn’t a dig at Samsung’s effort either — all Windows Copilot PCs serve up the same experience, which we hope will blossom into something more useful as time goes on.

As for battery life — it’s solid, easily lasting a full workday without you having to scramble for a charger, which ticks one of our main boxes. It might not set any records compared to some other rivals which can last a few hours more, but for most people, a full day on one charge should be more than sufficient. Connectivity-wise, Samsung’s got you covered with a smorgasbord of ports, including HDMI 2.1, and even a microSD slot. There’s also Wi-Fi 7 support, future-proofing your blazing-fast connectivity needs nicely.


Best Macbook alternative

Huawei MateBook X Pro 2024 hands-on review in hand front

7. Huawei Matebook X Pro

Stuff Verdict

Huawei’s skinniest laptop yet, the MateBook X Pro (2024) delivers rapid performance and a stunning screen – but you’ll pay handsomely to take one home.

Pros

  • Ridiculously light for such a powerful portable
  • Gorgeous OLED display
  • Rapid charging abilities

Cons

  • Does an ultraportable need all that CPU muscle?
  • Single SKU is very expensive
  • Snapdragon X Elite rivals last longer
Huawei Matebook X Pro specs
Screen14.2in, 3120×2080 OLED w/ 120Hz refresh rate, 1000 nits brightness
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM16/32GB RAM
Storage1TB/2TB SSD
GraphicsIntel Arc integrated
Operating systemWindows 11
ConnectivityThunderbolt 4 × 2, USB-C
Dimensions310 x 222 x 13.5 mm, 980 g

With the Huawei MateBook X Pro (2024), and it’s clear Huawei has taken portability to the next level. Weighing just 980g, this ultraportable laptop is one of the lightest we’ve ever used, making it ideal for travel. Despite its slim build, the performance is impressive, powered by Intel’s Ultra 9 CPU and paired with a stunning 14.2-inch OLED display. The screen’s sharpness, vibrant colors, and smooth 120Hz refresh rate made working on creative projects a breeze.

However, this power comes at a price – both in terms of cost and battery life. The MateBook X Pro is quite expensive, and while it delivers solid performance, it falls short of the MacBook Air M3 and Snapdragon X Elite laptops in terms of battery longevity. Connectivity is also limited, with just three USB-C ports and no headphone jack.

In the end, if you’re a Windows user seeking high performance in a lightweight, beautifully designed package, this could be worth considering. But for the price, other options may offer better value depending on your needs. Overall, it’s a top-notch laptop, but you’ll pay a premium for it.


Best all-round laptop

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x review lead

8. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

Stuff Verdict

This slim and speedy ultraportable almost keeps pace with the MacBook Air on battery life. Windows on ARM isn’t perfect yet, but the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is otherwise a great all-rounder

Pros

  • Svelte chassis and stunning OLED screen
  • Comfortably lasts all day
  • Strong performer in most desktop duties

Cons

  • Limited connectivity
  • Familiar ARM software stumbles
  • Not as all-in on AI as the marketing suggests
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x specs
Screen14.5in, 2944×1840, 90Hz OLED
ProcessorSnapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100
RAM16GB
Storage512GB/1TB
GraphicsAdreno integrated graphics
OSWindows 11
Connectivity3x USB 4
Dimensions325x225x12.9mm, 1.28kg

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is an excellent all-round ultraportable, and while not without flaws, it offers a strong alternative to the MacBook Air. We love the sleek, lightweight design and the stunning OLED display, which is perfect for work and entertainment. The laptop’s battery life is impressive, lasting nearly as long as the MacBook Air, making it great for all-day use without needing a charger. However, it does fall short in a few areas, like limited connectivity (only three USB-C ports) and some software compatibility issues due to its ARM architecture.

Windows on ARM still faces occasional stumbling blocks, with some apps not playing well with the system. We also find the AI features, while promising, don’t quite live up to the marketing hype. That said, performance in most desktop tasks is excellent, and the device handles office work, browsing, and light creative tasks smoothly.

For those of us prioritizing portability, battery life, and a vibrant screen, the Yoga Slim 7x is a fantastic choice. But for gaming or graphics-heavy tasks, you may want to look elsewhere. Overall, it’s a great all-purpose laptop if you can work within the ARM ecosystem’s limitations.


Best laptop for power users

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2024 review Far Cry 6

9. Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

Stuff Verdict

Part uncompromising gaming laptop, part portable creative powerhouse. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is a superb (and superbly expensive) machine that is up there with Apple MacBooks for slick construction

Pros

  • Top-tier gaming and desktop performance
  • Outstanding OLED display
  • Thin, light and with impeccable build quality

Cons

  • Monstrously expensive in top spec
  • Keyboard backlight hard to read on silver model
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 specs
Screen16, 2560×1600 OLED w/ 120Hz, G-Sync
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM16/32GB
Storage2TB SSD
GraphicsNvidia RTX 4090
OSWindows 11
ConnectivityHDMI 2.1, 2x USB3.2, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm audio port, SD card reader
Dimensions354x246x14.9~17.4mm, 1.95kg

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 blends gaming power with creative versatility, offering a fantastic OLED display and top-tier performance. Its design, reminiscent of Apple’s MacBook Pro, is sleek and sophisticated. At just 1.95kg and 17.4mm at its thickest, it’s impressively portable for a gaming laptop.

With Intel’s Meteor Lake CPU and Nvidia’s RTX 4090, the G16 delivers stunning desktop performance and gaming prowess. It handles everyday tasks effortlessly and offers smooth gameplay, thanks to G-Sync technology. The 2560×1600 OLED display, while not 4K, shines with rich colors and excellent contrast, making games and creative work look brilliant. However, the keyboard on the silver model suffers from hard-to-read backlighting, and the lack of an Ethernet port might bother some.

This laptop stands out not just for gaming but for creative use, with studio-certified drivers and AI smarts. While it’s monstrously expensive at top specs, the G16’s blend of power, portability, and premium build quality make it highly appealing. It competes with Razer’s Blade 16 but remains a top choice for gamers and creators who travel. We believe it’s the ultimate all-in-one machine for serious work and play.


Best 2-in-1 laptop

Surface Pro 9 review

10. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Stuff Verdict

Excellent performance throughout. You’ll be beguiled by the gorgeous screen and lightweight design. Though you should avoid the ARM-based model. And things can get quite expensive quite quickly.

Pros

  • Excellent on-the-go-performance
  • Lightweight, full-fat computing
  • Brilliant display

Cons

  • Can get expensive
  • Stylus and keyboard add to cost
  • ARM model needs better app support
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 specs
Screen13in PixelSense Flow Display, 2880 X 1920, 3:2, 120Hz
Processor12th generation Intel Core i5 or i7
RAMUp to 32GB
Storage128, 256, 512GB or 1TB
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe Graphics or Adreno 8CX Gen 3
OSWindows 11
Connectivity2 x USB-C, Surface Connect port
Dimensions287 mm x 209 mm x 9.3 mm, 879kg (tablet only)

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a top-notch 2-in-1 device, offering impressive performance in a sleek, portable package. For those of us who prioritize versatility and mobility, it’s an excellent choice, whether we’re working, gaming, or streaming. The lightweight build and sharp 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen make it easy to carry around and perfect for on-the-go use.

However, to get the best experience, we need to pick the right model. We should avoid the ARM-based version due to limited app support and opt for the Intel Core i5 or i7 models, which deliver enough power for multitasking, creative work, and even gaming. The display is fantastic, with vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for streaming or cloud gaming.

That said, the device can get pricey. Adding essentials like the keyboard cover and stylus, which aren’t included, can increase the cost significantly. While Microsoft claims 15 hours of battery life, in real-world use, especially for gaming or streaming, we’re more likely to get about five hours.

Overall, the Surface Pro 9 stands out for its excellent performance, brilliant display, and portability, but costs can quickly add up if we want the full experience.


Best Chromebook

Acer Chromebook Plus 515 review verdict

11. Acer Chromebook Plus 515

Stuff Verdict

A welcome hardware step up for Chrome OS. If Chromebooks were a familiar sight at school, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 will make the ideal everyday upgrade.

Pros

  • Powerful and long-lasting
  • Sharp, colourful display
  • Right amount of connections

Cons

  • Styling could be snappier
  • No touchscreen
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 specs
Screen15.6in, 1920×1080 IPS LCD
ProcessorIntel Core i5-1235U 10-core
Memory8GB RAM
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe
Storage256GB SSD
Operating systemChrome OS
Connectivity2x USB-C, 1x USB, HDMI, 3.5mm headset port
Dimensions361x238x19.9mm, 1.68kg

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 offers a significant hardware upgrade for Chrome OS users, making it a great everyday option for those familiar with Chromebooks from school. We appreciate its powerful Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD, which deliver excellent performance for multitasking and even light gaming. The Full HD 15.6-inch display is sharp and colorful, though not as bright as we’d like in sunny environments.

We love that it’s lightweight and portable, despite its larger screen, and the sturdy build quality is reassuring for everyday use. Connectivity options are plentiful, with USB-C ports, HDMI, and more, though it’s a shame there’s no card reader. The keyboard and touchpad are spacious and comfortable, making long typing sessions easy.

Battery life is solid, lasting around 8-9 hours of video playback, which should get us through a full day of work or study. However, the lack of a touchscreen and somewhat plain design may be drawbacks for some.

Overall, if we’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that’s powerful and long-lasting, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is an excellent choice—especially for those who don’t need Windows software. It’s an affordable step up for Chrome OS users.


What to look for when buying the best laptop

Buying the best laptop can be a daunting task, but fear not – Stuff’s laptop experts are here to help you make the right decision. Rather than spending hours comparing specs and features, the best way to choose a new machine is to ask yourself two questions.

The first is: “What do I want to do with it?” And the second, just as important, is: “What might I want to do with it a year from now?”

If you’re only going to use a laptop for general web browsing, online shopping and staying up-to-date on social media, you don’t need a state-of-the-art ultra-portable piece of precision engineering. And conversely, if you fancy having a go at video editing then a really cheap option isn’t going to do the job.

Thinking long-term is a good idea because laptops are not designed to be opened and upgraded – so opting for a cheap laptop with very small storage means you might have to shell out for an external drive or external monitor when you need an upgrade.

It’s always worth remembering if the perfect laptop is just a little bit too expensive, you can pick up older models for considerably less money. Many manufacturers’ refurbished laptops are available on eBay in near-perfect condition for very low prices.

If you’re specifically in the market for something that strikes a good balance between price and performance, check out our dedicated list of the best mid-range laptops. Or if it’s a notebook bargain you’re after, be sure to peruse our pick of the best cheap laptops for every user and budget. Finally, if you’re looking for the most powerful, high-end laptops, find them in our guide to the best premium laptops.

When it comes to laptop ecosystems you’ve essentially got three options:

  • Apple MacBooks work seamlessly with other Apple devices, plus services such as Apple Music, iCloud Drive and Apple TV+. Because Apple creates the hardware, the software (macOS) and the processors, these machines deliver excellent refinement and integration.
  • Windows 11 laptops are perfect for business users and gamers too: with a huge variety of options, from cheap and cheerful PCs to powerful workstations.
  • Finally, you have Chromebooks that run Chrome OS. This is Google’s lean and speedy operating system based on the web browser. These are designed to be used with cloud-based apps such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, YouTube, etc.

Of course, it’s also worth considering a tablet. Many of the best tablets, such as Apple’s iPads and Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, can become very laptop-like with the addition of the right keyboard. For more help making this decision you can read Stuff’s Laptop or tablet: which is best for you?

How we test the best laptops

We’ve reviewed countless laptops over the years, so you can trust our recommendations. We have a thorough review process, which includes running benchmark tests, as well as using the laptop just like a regular consumer would.

We’ll start a review by assessing the laptop’s physical design, taking into account build quality, weight, screen size, and quality of the keyboard and trackpad. This is important as laptops need to be robust and lightweight, especially if they’re being carried around in a backpack every day.

We’ll then run some benchmark tests to see how the laptop performs.

Perhaps more importantly, we’ll see what it’s like to live with the laptop, using it every day just like a consumer would. This test could include using it for work, running multiple apps, watching films and listening to music.

Of course, it also allows us to test every little detail of the laptop that could get missed, such as how long it takes to charge, how clear the webcam is, whether the display is bright enough in direct sunlight, and if there are enough ports. Basically, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to reviewing laptops.

For more information on Stuff’s rating and review process, read our page on how we test products.

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About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.