'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
The best Windows laptop models: Comparing Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, and more
If you're looking for the best laptop, Windows is likely to be your first choice of operating system simply because of its dominant market share, accounting for 75.1% of the laptop (and desktop) market as of November 2022.
Windows dominates the PC operating system market thanks to its long-time availability on a wide range of OEM (and more recently, Microsoft) hardware. This success has resulted in a huge variety of Windows-specific software. While that doesn't necessarily make it the "best" operating system, it does make the comprehensive ecosystem all the more enticing.
Also: The best Chromebook laptops
And, with Microsoft incorporating more artificial intelligence tools into its software such as its Edge browser, Microsoft 365, and even AI built into Windows 11, a Windows laptop brings productivity possibility to a new level.
So if you're convinced to go the Windows route, here's a list of the top Windows laptops on the market, with each one catering to a variety of use cases, budgets, and features.
- Elegant design and solid build quality
- Wide variety of configuration options
- Nvidia GeForce 30 series GPUs
- OLED display option
- High-end configurations can get expensive
- 720p webcam is subpar
Tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, RTX 3050 Ti | RAM: 8GB-64GB | Camera: 720p HD | Battery: 86Wh | Dimensions: 344.40mm x 230.10mm x 18.54mm | Weight: 4.22 lbs- 4.62lbs
When ZDNET reviewed Dell's XPS 15 in 2020, we described it as setting 'a new high bar' for 15.6-inch laptops," while the 2021 model was dubbed "the standard against which other laptops are measured." It carries a premium price tag, but you're getting a solid industrial design and flexible configuration options that can be tailored for a wide range of use cases.
The $1,449 entry-level configuration has a 12th-generation Core i5 processor with integrated Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD and an FHD+ (1920 x 1200) non-touch InFinity Edge display with 500 nits brightness. At the top end of the scale, $4,674 buys you a Core i9-12900HK processor, a discrete GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU with 4GB of dedicated video memory, 64GB of RAM, 8TB of SSD storage, and a UHD+ (3840 x 2400) touch display with 500 nits maximum brightness. There's also a 3.5K (3456 x 2160) OLED touch screen option with 400 nits brightness for the same price as the UHD+ display.
Covering everything from mainstream productivity to power user, creative, and some gaming workloads, the Dell XPS 15 is our choice for the best Windows laptop overall.
- OLED display (16-inch, 120Hz, 16:10) is visually stunning
- Slew of Galaxy syncing features
- Sleek design, even with its full number pad
- Wobbly, glossy display is not ideal for travelers
- Passable battery life requires aggressive cooling
- No full-size SD card slot
Tech Specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H or i9-13900H | GPU: Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050 or 4070| RAM: 16/32GB with 512GB/1TB | Camera: 1080p | Battery: 76Wh | Dimensions: 13.99 x 9.86 x 0.65 inches | Weight: 3.95lbs
With Galaxy ecosystem integration features, Samsung's new Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is looking to compete with Apple's MacBook Pro. Toting a stunning 16-inch OLED display, a dedicated GPU, and Galaxy Syncing features, it finally lets Samsung users integrate multiple devices.
Featuring what ZDNET laptop expert June Wan calls a "textbook design," the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra "gives you a lot for the money, including a dedicated graphics card, one of the best-looking laptop displays on the market, and an uncompromising keyboard experience."
While there could be some improvement with battery endurance, excessively loud cooling fans, and the inclusion of a dedicated SD slot, ZDNET's take is that it's a stand-up laptop for professionals, content creators, and most importantly, Samsung fans.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra: The laptop Samsung fans have been waiting for
- Compact, lightweight and durable
- Plenty of configuration options
- Excellent keyboard and speakers
- 1080p webcam with privacy shutter
- Small trackpad and wrist rest
- Below average battery life
- No SD/MicroSD card slot
Tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro), Windows 10 Pro, Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora) | CPU: Intel Core i5 (1235U, 1240P, 1250P), Core i7 (1260P, 1270P, 1280P) | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: up to 32GB | Camera: 1080p, 1080p + IR | Battery: 57Wh | Dimensions: 315.6mm x 222.5mm x 15.36mm | Weight: from 2.48lbs
Lenovo's 14-inch ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the standard-setter for business laptops and the latest Gen 10 model brings 12th-generation Intel Core processors, an OLED screen option, Wi-Fi 6E (with 6GHz support) and a 1080p webcam. Along with these features, you get a compact, lightweight and durable design, a good set of ports including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI, and optional LTE or 5G mobile broadband.
The keyboard is as good as you'd expect from a ThinkPad, while the Dolby Atmos quad-speaker system delivers excellent audio quality for a moderate-sized laptop. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 delivers perfectly good performance when running mainstream productivity apps and undemanding games, but its integrated GPU rules out more serious graphics-heavy workloads.
Battery life, according to ZDNET's 2022 review, is perhaps the "key disappointment" with this otherwise superb laptop, which means you may struggle to get an 8-hour day's work out of it away from a power outlet. It also lacks an SD or MicroSD card slot.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad x1 Carbon (Gen 10): The best business laptop?
- High-quality display
- Lightweight but solid build
- Thunderbolt 4 support
- All-day battery life
- No card reader
- 720p webcam
Tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64 | CPU: 11th & 12th-generation Intel Core i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 5 5625U, AMD Ryzen 7 5700U | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics, AMD Radeon Vega 8 | RAM: 8GB, 16GB | Camera: HD (720p) | Battery: 7-16h | Dimensions: 323 x 218 x 18mm | Weight: from 2.65lbs
Not everyone can afford their first choice laptop, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for a substandard device. The top-tier manufacturers all have "affordable" ranges, and there's any number of unashamedly budget brands, many of which offer excellent-value devices. Our choice, Acer's Intel- or AMD-powered Swift 3, is from a top-tier vendor and gets the nod thanks to its excellent combination of sub-$1,000 price and solid performance without making too many trade-offs on features, build quality or support options.
Most Swift 3 models come with 14-inch FHD (16:9) screens and either Intel or AMD processors, with current prices sitting comfortably between $600 and $800. There is one current Intel-based Swift 3 variant with a 13.5-inch 3:2 aspect ratio screen at 2256x1504 resolution, and one with a 14-inch 16:9 QHD (2560x1440) screen.
Not only are CPU, RAM and storage options well up to par, but wireless connectivity -- up to Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E on certain models -- is the latest available, which is in this budget bracket is especially impressive. With a solid build quality and extensive port selection (including the Thunderbolt 4 on some models), a backlit keyboard, and a full day's worth of battery, it's undoubtedly a great choice, especially for budget conscious students or small business owners. Plus, at only 2.65 it's easily portable.
Also: The best budget laptops
- Gorgeous 14-inch OLED display
- Large trackpad with an edge-to-edge keyboard
- Rotating Bowers & Wilkins soundbar
- Silent but mushy keyboard
- Battery life underdelivers
- Bloatware
Tech Specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64 | CPU: Intel Core i7-1240P, Core i7-1260P | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Camera: 1080p with IR | Battery: 75Wh | Dimensions: 318mm x 230mm x 15.2-16.5mm | Weight: 3.26lbs
Convertible 2-in-1 devices that can be used in conventional laptop mode or as a tablet, and can orient the 360-degree-hinged screen at points in between, can satisfy a variety of use cases depending on the specification. Leading the field, in ZDNET's, is Lenovo's "premium" 14-inch Yoga 9i.
The entry-level model has an FHD+ (16:10) IPS touch screen, but the Yoga 9i's true glory is its vibrant OLED screen, available in 2.8K or 4K resolution, is housed in a rounded and solidly built, 3.26 pound, Comfort Edge chassis. Inside, there's a 12th-generation P-series Intel Core processors, 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, for good variety-app performance.
The edge-to-edge keyboard is quiet, although with a somewhat 'mushy' feel, and the touchpad is undeniably huge. The Lenovo Yoga 9i 7th Gen is also equipped with a 1080p IR webcam, a fingerprint reader, and a decent set of connections including two Thunderbolt 4 ports. You also get a stylus pen with the Yoga 9i, but there's no on-device housing for it. Another highlight of the Yoga 9i is its speaker system, which comprises a pair of tweeters in a "rotating soundbar hinge" and a pair of subwoofers on the underside of the chassis.
Perhaps the only disappointment with the Yoga 9i Gen 7 is its battery life. In ZDNET's test, the 75Wh battery averaged eight hours under an everyday mix of workloads -- that's good, but not best of class.
Review: Lenovo Yoga 9i 7th Gen review: The best 2-in-1 laptop, if you can buy it
- Sleek, modern design
- 12th Gen Intel processors
- 5G support on Arm model
- Limited ports
- Accessories sold separately
- Pricey
Tech Specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU:12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ3 (based on Qualcomm)7 | GPU: Surface Pro 9: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
| RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | Cameras: front: 1080p full HD video • rear: 10MP autofocus camera with up to 4K video | Battery: Up to 15.5 hours | Dimensions: tablet: 287mm x 209mm x 9.3mm | Weight: tablet: 1.94 lbs
Detachable 2-in-1 devices can operate in laptop mode or separate the keyboard and screen sections to use the latter as a tablet. Microsoft's Surface Pro devices exemplify (and indeed began) the 'tablet-first' genre of detachable 2-in-1s, where the screen section is propped up by a kickstand when in laptop mode rather than using a traditional screen/keyboard hinge. And Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 kicks it up a notch further.
ZDNET's testing proved that the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 could satisfy graphic design needs and photo editing on Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, deliver excellent front camera performance without giving an "unnatural blush," and the Corei7 processor handled heavy workloads with grace.
Regarding battery life, ZDNET laptop expert June Wan reported averaging " six hours of battery life per charge...with 120Hz permanently on and brightness set to about 65%....a solid B-tier as far as endurance numbers go."
Review: Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Impressive but is it worth the price of an M2 MacBook Air?
- Innovative convertible screen
- Convenient storage and charging for pen
- Comfortable keyboard and typing position
- Too few ports for mobile working
- Function keys too small
- Can be hard to hold as a tablet
Tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home, Pro (for Business model) | CPU: Intel Core i5-11300H, Core i7-11370H | GPU: Intel Xe Graphics (Core i5), 4GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU (Core i7) | RAM: 16GB, 32GB | Cameras: 1080p + IR | Battery: 58Wh | Dimensions: 323.28mm x 228.32mm x 18.94mm | Weight: Core i5: 3.83lbs; Core i7: 1, 4lbs
The Surface Studio is an unconventional convertible laptop, with a 14.4-inch screen that can operate in laptop mode, be pulled forward to cover the keyboard in 'stage' mode, or lain almost flat over the keyboard in tablet (or 'studio') mode. Based on 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors with integrated (Core i5) or discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics (Core i7), up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of removable SSD storage, this is a laptop that can be configured to handle a range of workloads, from mainstream productivity to even demanding creative applications.
The PixelSense screen has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes for smooth scrolling, the keyboard is a comfortable typing platform, the touchpad is a good size and its compatible with Microsoft's Surface Slim Pen 2.
If you go for the Core i7 model, you get a portable discrete-GPU laptop that handles most creator and developer tasks with ease. It's not cheap (Core i7/dGPU models start at $1,700), but it can handle workloads from machine learning to gaming, and features one of Microsoft's best screens, which quickly converts from 'studio' to stage to laptop.
Review: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio: A true convertible, with designer appeal
- Fully rugged
- Many modular options
- Dual, swappable batteries
- 5MP IR webcam
- Bulky and heavy
- Expensive
Tech Specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 Pro (downgrade option) | CPU: Intel Core i5-1145G7 vPro, Core i7-1185G7 vPro | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics • AMD Radeon Pro W6300M | RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | Camera: 5MP + IR + privacy cover | Battery: 6500mAh (18h, 36h with 2nd battery) | Dimensions: 354mm x 301mm x 54.4mm | Weight: from 7.4lbs
If you need a laptop to brave all elements, including baking heat, heavy rain, or even a dust storm, our choice is Panasonic's 14-inch Toughbook 40, a fully rugged modular device that can be configured for a wide range of challenging use cases in sectors like the military, police and utility companies. As well as undergoing MIL-STD 810H temperature, humidity, and vibration tests, and carrying an IP66 rating, the Toughbook 40 has been extensively drop-tested from a height of 1.8 meters (6 feet).
Also: The 5 best rugged laptops of 2023
There are multiple configuration options thanks to the Toughbook 40's modular design. As well as the ability to swap out the main battery, RAM and SSD drives, there are four areas – left and right sides, rear and palm-rest – that can accept a variety of options. These include a second SSD and a second battery, an optical drive, a smart card reader, various combinations of ports, and a fingerprint reader. If that's not enough, there's a fully featured desktop port replicator available too, along with an ecosystem of accessories including a vehicle mount and a four-bay battery charger.
Panasonic claims the Toughbook 40 lasts 18 hours on one battery and double that with two batteries installed. There's even a one-touch Concealed Mode function designed for military operations that disables light and electronic transmissions.
Review: Rugged laptops: Panasonic's modular Toughbook 40 is built for the toughest use cases
- Good build quality
- 165GHz display
- Good performance
- Good battery life
- Expensive
OS: Windows 11 Home | CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop (8GB) | RAM: 16GB | Camera: 1080p + IR | Battery: 61.6Wh | Dimensions: 220mm x 319.7mm x 16.8mm | Weight: 3.92lbs
The Razer Blade 14 delivers a 'perfect balance of power and portability', according to ZDNET's roundup of the best gaming laptops. With a powerful AMD processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics, along with a 165Hz QHD (2560 x 1440) screen, it packs a lot into a 1.78kg chassis.
Also: What is the best gaming laptop and is there a good one for under $1,000?
What is the best Windows laptop?
The best Windows laptop overall is the Dell XPS 15, which has the most impressive combination of display, CPU, GPU, battery life, and other features. Here are others to compare of varying prices, CPU, and graphics.
Windows laptop | Price | CPU | Graphics |
Dell XPS 15 | Starting at $1,099 | 12th-gen Intel Core i5, i7, i9 | Intel UHD Graphics, Iris Xe Graphics, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050/3050 Ti |
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra | Starting at $2,399.99 | Intel Core i7-13700H or i9-13900H | Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050 or 4070 |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 | Starting at $1,304 | 12th-gen Intel Core i5/i7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Acer Swift 3 | Starting at $522 | 11th & 12th-gen Intel Core i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 5, 7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics, AMD Radeon Vega 8 |
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7 | Starting at $1,453 | 12th-gen Intel Core i7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | Starting at $999.99 | 11th-gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7 | Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3), Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Core i5, i7) |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | Starting at $1,399.99 | 11th-gen Intel Core i5, i7 | Intel Xe Graphics (Core i5), 4GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU (Core i7) |
Panasonic Toughbook 40 | Starting at $4,784 | 11th-gen Intel Core i5, i7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics • AMD Radeon Pro W6300M |
Razer Blade 14 | Starting at $1999.99 | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU |
Which Windows laptop is right for you?
The key in deciding which Windows laptop is best for you starts with asking and evaluating what you want or need it for.
For example, if you're a mobile knowledge worker, you'll want a combination of lightweight, flexible configuration, sturdy build, connectivity, security, battery life and design credibility. But if you're a largely deskbound graphic designer or creator who occasionally needs to visit a client with a laptop in tow, your priorities will be different.
The table below provides a quick breakdown to help you further narrow down your choice based on your needs.
Choose this Windows laptop... | If you want... |
Dell XPS 15 | A well-rounded 15-inch laptop for work and home use with incredible display, CPU, and power. It even has an OLED display option. |
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra | An integrated and comprehensive Samsung ecosystem with an OLED display. This laptop can also sync with other Galaxy devices. |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 | A well-specified 14-inch laptop for business users that's lightweight, compact, and delivers great audio. It also has a 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter. |
Acer Swift 3 | An affordable 14-inch laptop for students and home users. You can expect an all-day battery life and a high-quality display. |
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7 | An elegant 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible with a great speaker system. It has a large trackpad as well as an edge-to-edge keyboard. |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | A capable 13-inch 2-in-1 detachable with optional 4G LTE. The laptop runs on the 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor. |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | A capable 14-inch creator laptop with a multi-mode touch screen. It even has convenient storage and charging for a stylus pen. |
Panasonic Toughbook 40 | A modular and highly configurable 14-inch rugged laptop. This option can be configured for a wide range of challenging use cases. |
Razer Blade 14 | A powerful and portable 14-inch gaming laptop. It has a 165GHz display and a good battery life. |
How did we choose these Windows laptops?
ZDNET's longtime computer expert, Charles McLellan, has been writing, commissioning, and editing reviews of laptops (and many other types of tech products) since the 1990s. The selection process for this list is based on a combination of personal usage and experience, involvement in the ZDNET reviews process, and analysis of other reviews and roundups.
Why should you buy a laptop and not a desktop or a tablet?
These days, a "computer" for most people is a laptop of some kind. The desktop form factor -- particularly in the shape of all-in-one (AIO) devices -- is by no means finished, but laptops span the range from thin, light and ultraportable to bulky, powerful and deskbound, and cover a lot of use cases (as seen above).
If screen real estate with smaller laptops is a problem, you can always attach an external monitor, and there are plenty of hybrid 2-in-1 devices that straddle the divide between laptop and tablet.
Which operating system should you choose: Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux?
Every computing platform has its committed supporters, but most people end up using a particular operating system because key applications run on it, or because it's chosen for them by their employer, or because of budgetary issues -- Windows spans the range from budget to premium, but Chrome OS is largely confined to the affordable end of the market, while Apple's macOS laptops are mostly premium devices.
All of the Windows devices listed here qualify for Windows 11, so if you buy one with Windows 10 installed you'll be able to upgrade to version 11 in due course if you wish. If you don't, note that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, after which there will be no more security patches or feature updates.
Should you stick to the usual laptop vendors or seek out lesser-known brands?
Generally speaking, the leading PC vendors have the broadest range of offerings and the best-documented track records in terms of product development and customer relations. So in the absence of a specialized use case or budgetary constraint, you're usually looking at the likes of Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer -- which currently lead the PC market in terms of shipments -- plus a handful of other well-known brands.
Are there alternative Windows laptops to consider?
We've covered just about every situation where you'd need a Windows laptop including rugged models for field work, ultra-powerful workstations for developers and 3D modelers, and content creation. But if you're still looking to weigh your options, here are two more Windows laptops we consider great choices.
Best powerhouse mobile desktop alternative
Razer Blade 17
Equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H and Nvidia Geforce RTX 30 series graphics the Razer Blade 17 is great for avid gamers and video-editors alike.
Best rugged alternative for creatives
MSI Creator 15
With an 11th gen Intel Corei7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics, and nine-hour battery life, this rugged computer is ready for professional and creative endeavors alike.