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

The best 15-inch laptops of 2026

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. 

• Portable and sleek
• Solid hardware and performance
• Great battery life and transfer speeds

• Typical lack of ports
• Expensive

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. 

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.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition tech specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | GPU: Intel Arc | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB - 1TB | Display: 3K, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits | Battery: Up to 17 hours | Weight: 3.2 lbs

• 2.8K display
• Loud speakers
• Marathon battery

• Possible design issues

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.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition tech specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | GPU: Intel Arc | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB - 1TB | Display: 3K, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits | Battery: Up to 17 hours | Weight: 3.2 lbs

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.

Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10 tech specs: CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 220 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Display: Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate, 300 nits | Battery: Over six hours of continuous use | Weight: 5.07 lbs

• Affordable
• Solid hardware
• Subtle design

• Short battery life
• 1080p screen

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.

Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10 tech specs: CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 220 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Display: Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate, 300 nits | Battery: Over six hours of continuous use | Weight: 5.07 lbs

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.

Acer Aspire Go 15 tech specs: CPU: Intel Core i5-1334U | GPU: Intel UHD Integrated | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: FHD, 60Hz refresh rate, 500 nits | Battery: Up to 12 hours | Weight: 3.75 lbs

• Excellent bang for your buck
• Full keyboard, wide display
• Well-optimized for everyday use

• 8GB of RAM
• On the bulky side
• Mediocre display

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.

Acer Aspire Go 15 tech specs: CPU: Intel Core i5-1334U | GPU: Intel UHD Integrated | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: FHD, 60Hz refresh rate, 500 nits | Battery: Up to 12 hours | Weight: 3.75 lbs

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.

Asus Vivobook S 15 tech specs: CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Display: 3K 120Hz OLED | Battery: Up to 10.5 hours | Weight: 3.13 lbs

• Brilliant OLED display
• Good battery
• Snappy hardware

• Potential software issues

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.

Asus Vivobook S 15 tech specs: CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Display: 3K 120Hz OLED | Battery: Up to 10.5 hours | Weight: 3.13 lbs

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.

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.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G tech specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 GPU: Intel Arc GPU | RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x | Storage: 1TB | Display: 2304 x 1536 touchscreen | Battery: Up to 20 hours | Weight: 3.6 lbs.

• Supports 5G network
• Sleek design
• Decent performance

• Expensive

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.

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.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G tech specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 GPU: Intel Arc GPU | RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x | Storage: 1TB | Display: 2304 x 1536 touchscreen | Battery: Up to 20 hours | Weight: 3.6 lbs.

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.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus tech specs: CPU: Intel Core 3 100U | GPU: Integrated Intel Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: FHD AMOLED | Battery: up to 13 hours | Weight: 2.58 lbs.

• Hi-res AMOLED display
• Lightweight body
• Useful AI features

• Glitchy OS
• Attracts fingerprints

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.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus tech specs: CPU: Intel Core 3 100U | GPU: Integrated Intel Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: FHD AMOLED | Battery: up to 13 hours | Weight: 2.58 lbs.

What is the best 15-inch laptop?

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.

*MSRP at the time of writing.

Which is the right 15-inch laptop for you?

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.

How we test laptops

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 m