The best laptop brands for Fall 2024 offer a diverse range of options, catering to different needs and budgets. From powerful gaming machines to sleek ultraportables, these brands—Apple, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Razer, and more—are known for their performance, build quality, and innovative features. In this article, we’ll explore the top laptop brands to help you find the perfect device for your needs.
Overview of the Best Laptop Brands
Acer
Acer, a Taiwanese tech giant, originally started in 1976 under the name Multitech before rebranding to Acer in 1987. While the company has long been recognized for its budget-friendly laptops, it now boasts one of the most diverse ranges of models on the market. From the productivity-focused Aspire and Swift series to the gaming-centric Nitro and Predator lines, and even the creator-oriented Concept lineup, Acer offers something for everyone. Additionally, Acer is a leading manufacturer of Chromebooks, with popular models like the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (2020), and was among the first to launch gaming Chromebooks, such as the Acer Chromebook 516 GE (2022).
The standout Acer laptop we’ve reviewed is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024). This lightweight and slim device is perfect for users seeking a straightforward laptop for tasks like media streaming, word processing, and web browsing. Despite its affordable price point, the build quality is impressive. As a 2-in-1 convertible, the screen flips completely, allowing the device to be used as a tablet. The display is crisp and bright enough to handle glare in typical indoor environments, and it supports stylus input—though a stylus is not included, and there’s no built-in slot for storage. Above the screen is a fantastic 1440p webcam, equipped with a physical privacy shutter.
The keyboard is spacious and responsive, standing out as one of the best you’ll find on any Chromebook. Although the touchpad is slightly smaller than expected, it’s precise and responsive to gestures. In terms of ports, it offers a good selection with two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A, and an HDMI port. The laptop is available with a variety of Intel Core Ultra processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. However, as of now, the most readily available version is the Core Ultra 5 model, featuring 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with more powerful configurations set to be released soon. The battery life is strong, providing about 10 hours of light usage, and the device supports charging via USB-C.
Apple
Apple is one of the most renowned electronics companies globally, known for delivering top-tier build quality and exceptional customer service. Since 2020, Apple has transitioned to using its own ARM-based M-series processors in MacBooks, moving away from Intel chips. This shift has made MacBooks some of the most powerful and energy-efficient laptops available today. Another key benefit of MacBooks is their seamless integration with other Apple products, offering features like Continuity Camera, AirDrop, and Handoff. While gaming on MacBooks is not ideal due to limited game compatibility and slower display response times, Apple has recently introduced a tool to assist developers in creating macOS versions of their games.
The top-performing Apple laptop we’ve reviewed is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023). This high-end mobile workstation offers everything you could want in a laptop: durable build, sleek and lightweight design, impressive processing power, and long battery life. It boasts a sharp 120Hz Mini LED display, a comfortable keyboard, a responsive haptic touchpad, and an array of ports. The standout feature of this generation is the base M3 configuration, which provides a great option for those who don’t need the extra power of the Pro or Max chips but still want access to ‘Pro’ features like the superior display and up-firing speakers. For those seeking a larger screen, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, 2023) is also a solid option, though it comes at a higher price.
While the MacBook Pro 14 is an exceptional device, the most popular model in Apple’s lineup is the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024). This ultraportable laptop is ideal for users with lighter workloads such as web browsing, document editing, and video playback. Its base M3 chip can handle more demanding tasks like video editing, although rendering may take longer. The IPS display looks great, though it doesn’t quite match the Mini LED quality of the Pro model, and you’ll still enjoy the spacious keyboard and haptic touchpad. If you prefer a larger display and enhanced audio, the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2024) is another option, though it comes with a higher price tag.
ASUS
Founded in 1989 by four former Acer employees, ASUS, also known as ASUSTek, is one of the largest laptop manufacturers globally. It’s highly regarded as one of the top gaming laptop brands and frequently sponsors Esports events and players. ASUS offers a diverse range of laptops, including ultraportables, mobile workstations, gaming laptops, and Chromebooks. The company is known for innovation, experimenting with unique designs like dual-screen laptops, touchpads with built-in numpads, customizable dials (such as on the ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 OLED), and 2-in-1 gaming tablets like the ASUS ROG Flow Z13.
The top ASUS laptop we’ve tested is the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024), a 14-inch ultraportable featuring a stunning OLED display. It’s powered by Intel Meteor Lake processors, which can easily handle general productivity tasks and heavier workloads like photo editing and programming. These new chips also feature additional low-power cores for improved battery life and an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI-driven tasks, such as background blurring during video calls and enhanced photo editing functions. The laptop comes with an excellent keyboard, a spacious touchpad, and a variety of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI. The display supports touch and stylus input, though the stylus may need to be purchased separately.
For gaming, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is our top recommendation. Available with AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 processors and an NVIDIA GPU (up to an RTX 4070), this 14-inch laptop offers smooth gameplay at 1080p or 1440p. It boasts a stunning 120Hz 2.8k OLED display with fast response times and G-SYNC support, a responsive keyboard, and one of the best speaker systems on a Windows laptop. The device also includes Wi-Fi 6E, a facial recognition camera, and a wide range of ports, including two USB-A, two USB-C, and HDMI 2.1. While the overall user experience is excellent, some users may find the OLED display’s 120Hz flicker bothersome if they are sensitive to PWM flickering.
Dell
Dell, an American company founded by Michael Dell in 1984, is known for producing a wide range of desktops, laptops, workstations, monitors, and computer peripherals. As one of the largest laptop manufacturers, Dell is behind popular product lines like XPS, Precision, Latitude, and Inspiron. In 2006, Dell acquired Alienware, now regarded as one of the top gaming laptop brands. Dell’s high-end models, including the XPS, Precision, and Alienware series, often feature distinctive designs and deliver an excellent user experience. However, a common complaint about Dell is the use of proprietary components, which can make repairs and upgrades more difficult for typical users.
Our top recommendation for a Dell laptop is the Dell XPS 16 (2024). This premium 16-inch model offers a high-quality build and is available with Intel Meteor Lake processors (up to a Core Ultra 9) paired with either integrated graphics or an NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPU (up to the RTX 4070). This combination provides ample power for even the most demanding tasks. Display options include an FHD+ IPS panel or a 4k+ OLED display, and we recommend the latter for color-sensitive work due to its full DCI-P3 color coverage. While the overall user experience is impressive, getting accustomed to features like the invisible touchpad, capacitive function row, and edge-to-edge keyboard might take some time.
For gaming, the Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2024) is our top pick. This 18-inch powerhouse is equipped with high-performance Intel 14th Gen CPUs and NVIDIA discrete GPUs, delivering smooth gameplay in the most demanding titles. Display options include a 480Hz FHD+ or a 165Hz QHD+ display, both supporting G-SYNC for enhanced gaming performance. Like its predecessor, the Alienware m18 (2023), this model can be configured with a mechanical keyboard featuring ultra low-profile CherryMX switches. The laptop also offers user-replaceable RAM and storage, allowing for future upgrades. However, it’s bulky and heavy, with a gaming battery life of about an hour, and the fans can get quite loud during intense sessions.
HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American tech company founded in 1939. As one of the oldest technology firms, HP has produced a wide array of products over the years, including calculators, digital cameras, personal digital assistants, scanners, printers, desktops, and laptops. Today, it ranks among the top three laptop manufacturers by market share. HP’s laptop lineup features popular brands like ENVY, Spectre, Pavilion, EliteBook, ZBook, Victus, and OMEN. The company also offers a variety of Chromebooks, ranging from budget options like the HP Chromebook 14 (2021) to premium models like the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook.
The best HP laptop we’ve tested is the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024), a high-end 2-in-1 convertible designed for general productivity. It boasts a stunning OLED display with stylus support, a top-tier keyboard and touchpad, and an excellent 4K webcam. Powered by Intel Meteor Lake CPUs, this laptop easily handles tasks like web browsing, document editing, spreadsheets, and even more intensive work like programming and photo editing. Despite its slim and compact build, it experiences minimal thermal throttling and stays cool and quiet. Additional features include a fingerprint sensor and facial recognition for fast logins.
For gaming, we recommend the HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2024). This 14-inch model is a versatile laptop that excels in both gaming and content creation. It’s powered by Intel Meteor Lake processors and comes with a range of NVIDIA GPUs, from the RTX 4050 to an 80W (TGP) RTX 4070. Its bright and vibrant 120Hz 2.8K OLED display enhances the visual experience, although the response time is average, and there’s no VRR support to prevent screen tearing. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and it offers a variety of ports, including an HDMI 2.1 port capable of outputting a 4K 120Hz signal. The downside is its short battery life, which lasts just over an hour during gaming, requiring the laptop to remain plugged in for extended play sessions.
Lenovo
Lenovo, a Chinese company, is one of the largest laptop manufacturers globally. Its expansive laptop lineup includes well-known brands like IdeaPad, Legion, Yoga, and ThinkBook. Lenovo often leads in technological innovation, experimenting with unique designs and features such as laptops with an e-ink display on the lid, dual-screen models, and ultrawide laptops with a 21:9 display. Lenovo laptops are often praised for their value, whether you’re looking for an affordable Chromebook or a high-end mobile workstation. However, one common frustration with Lenovo is its habit of giving the same product multiple names, which can confuse consumers.
The best Lenovo laptop we’ve tested is the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (2024), a 16-inch mobile workstation. It comes with configurable Intel Meteor Lake CPUs, up to a Core Ultra 9 185H, and a choice of NVIDIA GeForce or professional Ada Generation Laptop GPUs, offering the processing power needed for demanding tasks. Display options include a 60Hz FHD+ IPS, a 165Hz QHD+ IPS, and a 60Hz 4K+ OLED panel, with the OLED option covering the full DCI P3 color space, making it ideal for color-critical work. Additional highlights include a comfortable keyboard, a large haptic touchpad, a high-quality 1440p webcam, and a wide range of ports. The laptop can be pre-installed with Windows, or you can opt for Ubuntu, Fedora, or Red Hat for Linux-based systems.
Lenovo also has a strong presence in the gaming laptop market, with models like the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 16 (2023) being a top pick. This 16-inch gaming laptop is equipped with powerful AMD CPUs and NVIDIA GPUs, up to an RTX 4070 running at 140W TGP, ensuring excellent performance for gaming. It offers display options with a 165Hz or 240Hz QHD+ panel, both featuring fast response times and VRR support to reduce screen tearing during gameplay. On the downside, the laptop is somewhat bulky, and its battery life lasts only about an hour during gaming sessions.
Microsoft
Microsoft is widely known for creating the Windows operating system. While it has been producing computer peripherals since the 1980s, its Surface line of personal computers is relatively new, with the first device debuting in 2012. Microsoft has popularized the 2-in-1 tablet form factor with its Surface Pro series and often includes distinctive features in its devices, like the Alcantara-covered keyboard deck in the Surface Laptop and the detachable display on the Surface Book. Microsoft’s laptop lineup is relatively small, focusing primarily on productivity and media consumption. These laptops are generally well-built and provide a high-quality user experience, though they tend to be more expensive than similar devices from other brands.
The best Microsoft laptop we’ve tested is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition 15 (2024). After six generations, Microsoft has introduced several much-needed improvements to this model, such as a more compact design with thinner bezels, a brighter 120Hz display with full DCI P3 color coverage, a haptic touchpad, more ports, and a higher-resolution webcam. Unlike its predecessors, this version features an ARM-based SoC, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, which offers great performance and exceptional power efficiency, resulting in an impressive 17-hour battery life under light use. However, some programs may not run properly on this new platform, so it’s important to verify compatibility with the apps you use.
Another noteworthy device is the Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition (2024). This model includes significant updates over previous Surface Pros, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite SoCs, an OLED display option, a 1440p webcam, Wi-Fi 7 support, and a new type cover with a haptic touchpad. The updated type cover is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing it to be used even when detached from the device. However, the keyboard and stylus are still sold separately and can be quite expensive, making the overall cost of the device high when fully equipped.
Razer
Razer is a well-known brand in the gaming industry, recognized for producing high-performance laptops tailored specifically for gamers. Founded in 2005, Razer has earned a reputation for its sleek designs, customizable RGB lighting, and powerful hardware. Their laptops, such as the Razer Blade series, are celebrated for combining gaming capabilities with a premium aesthetic, making them appealing not only for gaming but also for professional use.
The best Razer laptop we’ve tested is the Razer Blade 16 (2024). This 16-inch powerhouse offers an impressive combination of Intel’s latest CPUs and NVIDIA’s RTX 40-series GPUs, ensuring outstanding performance for demanding games and applications. The Blade 16 features a stunning 240Hz QHD+ display, providing vivid colors and smooth motion for an immersive gaming experience. Its build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy aluminum chassis and a comfortable keyboard equipped with customizable RGB backlighting.
For gamers seeking a slightly more affordable option, the Razer Blade 14 (2024) is a solid choice. This 14-inch model offers similar high-end specs but in a more compact form factor, making it highly portable. It features AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, delivering excellent performance for gaming and multitasking. The Blade 14’s 165Hz display ensures a responsive gaming experience, while its sleek design makes it an attractive option for both gamers and professionals alike.
Overall, Razer laptops stand out for their performance, design, and features, making them a top choice for gamers looking for a premium experience.
FAQs
1. What should I consider when buying a laptop?
When purchasing a laptop, consider factors such as your primary use (gaming, productivity, design), performance specifications (CPU, RAM, GPU), display quality (resolution, size, refresh rate), battery life, and build quality. Your budget also plays a significant role in narrowing down options.
2. Are gaming laptops suitable for everyday use?
Yes, gaming laptops can be used for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. They often have powerful components that handle demanding applications, but they may be heavier and more expensive than regular laptops.
3. How important is battery life for a laptop?
Battery life is crucial, especially if you plan to use your laptop on the go. Look for models with long battery life if you frequently travel or work in places without easy access to power outlets.
4. Can I upgrade my laptop later?
It depends on the laptop model. Some brands, like Dell and Lenovo, offer laptops with easily replaceable RAM and storage, while others, like Apple and Microsoft, have more integrated designs that are difficult to upgrade. Always check the specifications and design before purchasing.
5. Which laptop brand is the best for students?
Brands like HP, Dell, and ASUS offer a range of affordable laptops suitable for students. Look for lightweight, portable options with decent battery life and good performance for productivity tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right laptop brand depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Brands like Apple, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Razer each offer unique strengths, whether you seek a powerful gaming machine, a sleek ultraportable, or a versatile 2-in-1 device.
As technology continues to evolve, these brands remain at the forefront of innovation, providing laptops that meet the demands of modern users. By considering the features that matter most to you—such as performance, design, and battery life—you can confidently choose a laptop that fits your lifestyle and enhances your productivity or gaming experience.
