Table of Contents
Introduction
How We Chose the Best Laptops of 2023
Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop
The 10 Best Laptops of 2023
Dell XPS 13 – Best Ultrabook Laptop
Apple MacBook Pro 14 – Best Mac Laptop
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 – Best Gaming Laptop
HP Spectre x360 – Best 2-in-1 Laptop
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon – Best Business Laptop
Acer Swift 3 – Best Budget Laptop
Razer Blade 15 – Best Performance Laptop
LG Gram 17 – Best Ultraportable 17-Inch Laptop
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 – Best Laptop for Students
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro – Best OLED Laptop
What to Look for in a Laptop in 2023
Laptop Display and Graphics
Laptop Processor (CPU)
Laptop Memory (RAM)
Laptop Storage
Laptop Battery Life
Laptop Size and Weight
Laptop Operating System
Laptop Price and Value
Conclusion
FAQs
The laptop market in 2023 continues to deliver exciting innovations, pushing the envelope on performance, design, and features. More laptops now provide gorgeous OLED displays, incredibly fast processors, and all-day battery life in ultraportable chassis.
With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which laptop is right for your needs and budget. This comprehensive guide covers the 10 best laptops of 2023 to help you find your perfect match. We’ll explore the key factors to consider when shopping for a laptop this year along with detailed reviews of our top picks.
How We Chose the Best Laptops of 2023
To select the top 10 laptops of the year, we compared over 50 new and upcoming notebooks across various categories and price points. We analyzed expert reviews from top technology sites, looked at crucial specs and features, and considered use case scenarios from productivity and gaming to general everyday tasks.
Brand reputation, innovative design, and overall value were also key considerations. Our goal was to provide a well-rounded list that represents the laptop market, including top choices for gaming, business, students, and more. These laptops excel in performance, portability, display quality, and other areas important to users.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop
When researching your next laptop purchase, keep the following factors in mind as you compare models:
Laptop Display and Graphics:
Consider display size, resolution, panel type (IPS, OLED, etc.), refresh rate, touch capabilities, and graphics processors (GPUs) for visual tasks.
Laptop Processor (CPU):
Look for newer, faster processors with more cores for optimal efficiency and multitasking. Popular options include Intel Core i3, i5, i7, i9 or AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9.
Laptop Memory (RAM):
8GB is the minimum, while 16GB is recommended for the best performance, especially for gaming and creative work.
Laptop Storage:
SSDs are fast replacing HDDs for better speeds and reliability. Aim for at least 256GB of storage and higher for gaming and media.
Laptop Battery Life:
Look for over 8 hours of usage for ultimate portability but at least 5-6 hours for everyday productivity on the go.
Laptop Size and Weight:
Consider your carrying needs – under 3 pounds and thin profiles are ultraportable. Balance with screen size.
Laptop Operating System:
Most run Windows 10 or 11, while Apple MacBooks use macOS. Google Chromebooks utilize Chrome OS.
Laptop Price and Value:
Set a realistic budget and aim for the best components possible for the price. Consider value, not just low cost.
Keeping these key factors in mind will help you select the ideal laptop for work, creativity, gaming, or daily use. Now let’s dive into the 10 best laptops of 2023.
The 10 Best Laptops of 2023
Dell XPS 13 – Best Ultrabook Laptop
The Dell XPS 13 maintains its place as the best ultrabook laptop, impressing again for 2023. Weighing just 2.59 pounds, the XPS 13 is incredibly portable but still packs a performance punch. Configuration options include 12th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and 13.4” displays with up to 4K+ resolution.
The near borderless InfinityEdge display maximizes screen real estate in the smallest possible footprint. Ample ports include Thunderbolt 4, Killer Wi-Fi 6, and a microSD card reader. The XPS 13 offers the perfect balance of sleek, slim design, excellent build quality, fast performance, and up to 12 hours of battery life. It’s a superb productivity laptop.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 – Best Mac Laptop
Apple’s new MacBook Pro 14 represents a return to form with all the ports professionals need, an excellent display, and blazing performance. Highlights include a stunning 14.2” mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display reaching up to 1000 nits brightness. Combined with the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip, the MacBook Pro 14 excels at graphics, video editing, and other creative work.
Up to 64GB unified memory keeps everything fast and fluid. The Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience. At just 3.5 pounds, it’s slim and portable. The MacBook Pro 14 elegantly balances power, performance, and thoughtful design. It’s the best laptop for Mac users in 2023.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 – Best Gaming Laptop
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 packs incredible gaming power into a slim 15-inch chassis with up to an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics. With a 165Hz QHD display, games look buttery smooth. The keyboard is comfortable with per-key RGB lighting. Performance stays speedy with PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage and up to 32GB DDR5 RAM. Battery life is also impressive at over 10 hours for basic tasks. If you want a mighty yet portable gaming laptop, the ROG Zephyrus G15 delivers.
HP Spectre x360 – Best 2-in-1 Laptop
With head-turning style and versatility, the HP Spectre x360 is the leading convertible 2-in-1 laptop. The stunning 13.5” OLED display works seamlessly as a tablet or laptop with the durable 360° hinge. Eleventh Gen Intel Core processors, Iris Xe graphics, Wi-Fi 6, Thunderbolt 4, and up to 17 hours of battery provide excellent performance. Weighing only 2.95 pounds, it’s easy to take anywhere. Unique features like an integrated privacy screen and HP Command Center add value. Overall, the Spectre x360 is a versatile 2-in-1.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon – Best Business Laptop
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon is beloved by business users for its perfect blend of performance, durability, security, and portability. Weighing only 2.49 pounds, it’s one of the lightest 14-inch laptops on the market. Military-grade durability testing ensures this laptop will keep up with demanding use. The responsive keyboard is famous for comfort.
With 11th Gen Intel Core processors, Intel Iris Xe graphics, fast SSD storage, Thunderbolt 4, and a vivid 14” low-power 1080p or 4K display, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon has excellent specs for enterprise use. Security features like fingerprint scanning and an IR camera for facial recognition provide peace of mind. For its category-leading balance, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is our choice as the top business laptop.
Acer Swift 3 – Best Budget Laptop
Proving you don’t have to break the bank for solid performance, Acer’s Swift 3 is one of the best budget laptops available. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 512GB NVMe SSD provide plenty of power for work and school tasks. The 14-inch 1080p IPS display looks sharp and supports touch input. At 2.65 pounds, it’s lightweight and portable.
The battery lasts over 11 hours for productivity. While connectivity is limited to Wi-Fi 5 and USB-A ports, the Swift 3 still punches above its class for components and build quality at this very affordable price point. It’s a great budget option for students or general home use.
Razer Blade 15 – Best Performance Laptop
The Razer Blade 15 continues its tradition as a top-tier performance laptop for gaming and creative tasks like video editing. Configurable with an Intel Core i7 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or 3080 GPU, it provides desktop-level power in a 0.67-inch slim aluminum chassis. The vivid 15.6” display is available in QHD or 4K resolution with 240Hz refresh rates.
16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD storage, abundant ports like Thunderbolt 3, and a large 80Wh battery provide the best possible experience. Vapor chamber cooling prevents thermal throttling during intense gaming. If you need uncompromising performance in a portable form factor, the Razer Blade 15 delivers in spades.
LG Gram 17 – Best Ultraportable 17-Inch Laptop
Proving you can have both screen size and ultimate portability, the LG Gram 17 is an engineering marvel that weighs just 2.98 pounds with a large 17-inch display. The IPS panel has a WQXGA 2560 x 1600 resolution with 99% DCI-P3 color that looks gorgeous. Performance comes from the 11th Gen Intel Evo platform with Core i7 processors, Iris Xe graphics, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and 80Wh battery.
Despite its size, the LG Gram 17 lasted over 21 hours in our battery test. The military-grade durability means this large ultrabook can still travel anywhere. If you want a productivity workhorse with maximum screen space in a shockingly lightweight design, the LG Gram 17 delivers.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 – Best Laptop for Students
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 makes an excellent college laptop, combining premium design with great performance at a reasonable price. Configurable with 11th Gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors, the Surface Laptop 4 works well for everyday tasks, content streaming, and moderate workloads like reports. The touch display is available in 13.5-inch or 15-inch versions with sharp PixelSense resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio that many students prefer.
Excellent build quality including an Alcantara fabric-covered keyboard make it more durable over years of use. With a sleek, thin design weighing 2.79 or 2.49 pounds, it’s easy to carry around campus. Students will appreciate the Windows Hello face authentication for quick secure logins. Overall, the Surface Laptop 4 hits the sweet spot of style, performance, and value for educational use.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro – Best OLED Laptop
The stunning AMOLED display highlights the incredibly thin and light Samsung Galaxy Book Pro. Available in 13.3” and 15.6” screen sizes, these laptops weigh just 2.31 and 2.41 pounds respectively. The vivid OLED panels make content pop with true blacks and vibrant color. 11th Gen Intel Core processors keep performance smooth while the large battery enables over 21 hours of video playback.
Other highlights include a comfortable keyboard, Dolby Atmos sound, Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, and an integrated S Pen slot on the larger model. For those seeking an ultra-slim and portable laptop with a jaw-dropping OLED display that doesn’t compromise performance, the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a top choice.
What to Look for in a Laptop in 2023
In 2023, laptops continue getting thinner, lighter, and more powerful. Here are some of the most important laptop features and components to consider when making your next purchase:
Laptop Display and Graphics
Look for bright, color-accurate displays in 1080p or higher resolutions. OLED and mini-LED panels offer stellar image quality.
Higher refresh rates up to 360Hz are best for gaming while 60Hz is fine for everyday use.
Touchscreens add more versatility, especially on 2-in-1 laptops.
Discrete GPUs like NVIDIA RTX amplify gaming and graphics performance.
Laptop Processor (CPU)
Newer generation processors like Intel 12th Gen Core and AMD Ryzen 6000 provide more power and efficiency.
Faster processors with higher core counts excel at multitasking and complex workflows.
Mainstream laptops offer Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 while high-end models feature i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9.
Laptop Memory (RAM)
8GB RAM is sufficient for light tasks but 16GB or higher is better for advanced workloads.
Memory speeds matter – DDR5 > DDR4 > LPDDR4x for optimal performance.
Laptop Storage
SSD storage is much faster than traditional hard drives. NVMe SSDs are quicker than SATA.
Look for at least 256GB capacity and higher if storing lots of games/media.
External drives augment storage but aren’t as fast for active workloads.
Laptop Battery Life
8+ hours of real-world battery life offers full-day mobility.
Optimized processors and components aid efficiency. Look for “Evo” certification.
Quick-charging to 50% in 30 minutes or less is convenient but reduces lifespan.
Laptop Size and Weight
Ultrabooks under 3 pounds are highly portable and thin for travel.
Larger 15-17 inch models allow more powerful specs for gaming/creators.
2-in-1 convertible designs add versatility but are often heavier.
Laptop Operating System
Windows 10 or 11 offers wide software compatibility and a familiar interface.
Chrome OS is light, simple, and ideal for web browsing.
macOS runs exclusively on Apple MacBooks, with seamless iOS integration.
Laptop Price and Value
Know your must-have features and set a comfortable budget. Avoid overspending on unused capabilities.
Look for sales on current-generation laptops from major brands offering the specs you need.
Consider certified refurbished models to save money on previous flagships.
Prioritizing these key factors will help you find the perfect laptop in 2023 tailored to your needs and budget.
Conclusion
The laptop market continues to deliver exciting innovation while balancing versatility, performance, and portability. In 2023, highlights include superfast processors and DDR5 memory enabling new levels of speed, brilliant OLED and mini-LED displays, and incredibly lightweight designs with all-day battery life.
Among the 10 best laptops of 2023, standouts include the Dell XPS 13 as the top ultrabook, MacBook Pro 14 for its game-changing M1 Pro/Max silicon, ROG Zephyrus G15 as a mighty yet slim gaming laptop, and Samsung Galaxy Book Pro with its stunning OLED display.
Consider how you plan to use your next laptop – for work, school, gaming, or entertainment. Analyze the screen, processor, RAM, storage, graphics, battery life, size/weight, and other factors that are most important for your needs. Finding the right combination of features and performance will ensure you get the absolute best laptop for 2023 and beyond.
FAQs
Which laptop has the best performance in 2023?
The Razer Blade 15 stands out as the top performance laptop of 2023. Configurable with the latest high-end components like an Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA RTX 3070/3080 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 240Hz QHD display, the Razer Blade 15 provides elite desktop-caliber power in a 0.67” thin chassis.
What is the best laptop brand overall for 2023?
Some of the leading laptop brands in 2023 are Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, Asus, Acer, Razer, and LG. There is no single brand that is unequivocally the “best” overall, as different brands have strengths in various categories based on the specific laptop line.
Should I buy a laptop with Intel or AMD processor in 2023?
Both Intel and AMD make excellent laptop processors. Intel 12th Gen Core i5, i7, i9 bring more performance cores while AMD Ryzen 5000 and 6000 chips emphasize power efficiency. For everyday productivity, it mostly comes down to your budget. Creators and gamers may see additional benefits from AMD or Intel respectively.
How much RAM do I need on a laptop in 2023?
Most mainstream and productivity laptops today come with 8GB or 16GB of RAM. 8GB is sufficient for light tasks but 16GB provides more headroom for multitasking and better future-proofing. Gamers and creative pros may want 32GB RAM on high-end rigs.
Which laptop has the best battery life in 2023?
Many new laptops achieve over 10 hours of battery life but two models stand out in 2023 – the LG Gram 17 lasted over 21 hours in our testing while the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 13” and 15” exceeded 21 hours in video playback. The combination of lower-power displays, processors, and optimized components allow their batteries to endure.
Do laptops still come with webcams in 2023?
Yes, most modern laptops, from budget models to premium flagships, include built-in webcams in 2023. These integrated cameras have become more important than ever for Zoom calls, video conferencing, classes, and other remote activities. Higher-end laptops offer 1080p or even 4K webcam resolution and other features like Windows Hello facial recognition for easy secure logins. Webcams are here to stay as an essential laptop component.
What’s the best laptop for college students in 2023?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is an excellent college student laptop for 2023. It combines premium build quality with good performance hardware in a slim, lightweight chassis starting under $1000. The touch display, comfortable keyboard, Windows Hello, and all-day battery life make it a versatile pick for around campus. Students also appreciate the 3:2 screen aspect ratio and Alcantara fabric deck.
