In the ever-evolving world of technology, finding the best laptop can feel like navigating a maze. With countless options flooding the market, it’s essential to zero in on the devices that truly stand out. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a gaming enthusiast, 2024 has some fantastic options to offer. Let’s dive into the crème de la crème of laptops available this year.
Best Overall: Dell XPS 15
Price: £999
Dell’s flagship laptop, the XPS 15, combines a sleek design with top-end specifications. From the crisp and bright OLED display to the 13th-generation Intel CPU – backed up with a generous 16GB of memory in the base model – it’s one of the best Windows ultrabooks you’ll find for productivity.
In our full review of the Dell XPS 15, our tester was impressed by the upgraded display and performance, calling it “a high-performance and productivity-focused Windows machine with a spectacular OLED display and a better battery life than ever”.
Build quality is solid, and Dell has even found room to add some touches of character to the chassis, such as the textured carbon fiber palm rest to prevent sweaty palms while working.
At just shy of 2kg, the Dell XPS 15 isn’t the lightest laptop we’ve tested, but it feels nicely balanced to hold. Port selection is generous, with a pair of Thunderbolt USB-C ports alongside a DisplayPort connection for external monitors.
The base model doesn’t use an OLED display – you’ll have to fork out extra to get that impressive screen – but Dell gives you plenty of options to choose between when configuring the Dell XPS 15 to your budget.
Best for Battery Life: Dell XPS 13
Price: £999
The newest Dell XPS 13 is the best this series of Windows laptops has ever been. The switch to a Snapdragon X Elite chip gives it a huge boost to battery life and efficiency, the starting configuration of 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a 1920 x 1200 display is excellent value, and our benchmarking tests place it among the top performers in this category.
Like other next-generation laptops running on a Snapdragon chip, the usual caveat applies: while things are fast-improving there are still some lingering compatibility issues with software designed for the more widely used Intel and AMD chips. These are quickly being fixed by app designers and most users won’t notice any problems, but specialist users like developers and gamers might find that their software won’t run or their games take a performance hit on the new architecture.
Those techy foibles aside, the Dell XPS 13 is a brilliant little laptop. It’s thin, portable, and lightweight at 1.2kg. The new chip delivers truly impressive battery life and performance. The minimalist flat keyboard, haptic function row, and invisible trackpad might split opinion, but we think it’s a striking piece of design. In either case, it’s practical and comfortable to use all day. Less practical is the minimalist port selection: you get just two USB-C ports, enough to plug in an external monitor while charging, and nothing else.
Best Windows Ultrabook: Asus ZenBook Pro 14 OLED
Price: £1,599
The Asus ZenBook Pro 14 OLED packs impressive performance into a slim and lightweight 14-inch ultrabook package. It’s configurable up to a whopping Intel Core i9 processor and a dedicated RTX 4070 GPU, but even the mid-spec models come with a 4000 series GPU, making them capable enough for serious creative work, such as 4K video-rendering and browsing giant Adobe Bridge libraries.
The display is similarly impressive: a 2.8K OLED screen running at 120Hz with a decent 550 nits of brightness. Images and video look great on this display, the OLED tech delivering perfect blacks and rich contrast, while the 100 per cent DCI-P3 gamut makes it suitable for color work.
Despite its thin profile, the ZenBook Pro 14 OLED feels reassuringly sturdy. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with ample key travel. Unique to this laptop – and because Asus loves being weird sometimes – there’s an iPod-style rotary dial on the trackpad that can be customised to control the application you’re using.
The ZenBook Pro 14 OLED is as good as a 14-inch ultrabook gets. During testing, the standard shortcomings of any super-thin laptop came to light: battery life is eaten up by that glorious OLED screen and GPU, and, while the dynamic fan controls work perfectly, performance gets dialled down to prevent overheating when running several demanding processes at once. That’s to be expected in such a compact device, but we rate the ZenBook Pro 14 OLED as a top performer in this category all the same.
Best Laptop and Notebook
When it comes to finding the best laptop and notebook, 2024 has some fantastic options. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end powerhouse, there’s a laptop out there to meet your needs.
Best Notebook Laptop Computer
If you’re in the market for the best notebook laptop computer, consider the Dell XPS 15. With its sleek design, powerful specifications, and impressive OLED display, it’s a top choice for productivity and creativity.
Best Notebooks and Laptops
From the Apple MacBook Pro M3 to the Asus ZenBook Pro 14 OLED, the best notebooks and laptops of 2024 offer a blend of performance, portability, and features to suit every need.
Buy Laptop
Ready to buy a laptop? Check out our top picks for the best laptops of 2024. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a gamer, there’s a perfect laptop out there for you.
In conclusion, 2024 offers a plethora of options for those in the market for a new laptop. From budget-friendly options to high-end powerhouses, there’s a laptop out there to meet every need. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a gamer, these top picks are sure to impress. So go ahead, find your perfect match, and elevate your computing experience to new heights!
FAQs About the Best Laptops of 2024
What are the key factors to consider when buying a laptop in 2024?
When purchasing a laptop in 2024, consider factors such as processing power, RAM, storage capacity, battery life, display quality, portability, and additional features like AI capabilities and connectivity options. These factors will help you find a laptop that best suits your needs and preferences.
Which laptop has the best battery life?
The Dell XPS 13 stands out for its exceptional battery life, thanks to its efficient Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and optimized power management. It can easily last through a full day of use, making it perfect for those on the go.
