Not too long ago, it seemed like tablets with detachable keyboards would take over from laptops as the go-to portable productivity device.
While 2-in-1 devices are more popular than ever, that’s never fully materialised. During the pandemic, people around the world rediscovered just how useful laptops can be, and they seem here to stay.
However, if you’ve decided to buy a new laptop, deciding what to go for can be very difficult. Even if you’ve decided on a screen size, rough design or brand, there are still so many devices that could be right for you.
This article aims to simplify that process, with 15 of the very best laptops you can buy, alongside detailed buying advice at the bottom of the page. They are ranked, but the options towards the top of the list might not be right for you – we can recommend them all.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Price
The very best laptops usually command a high price tag, but you don’t necessarily need to spend upwards of £1,000 for a great experience.
These days, you can get a capable budget laptop for £500 or even less, although it’ll probably only be suitable for everyday tasks such as web browsing, emails, word processing and the occasional video call.
But pay £700 or more and you should get great performance, plenty of RAM, loads of storage and a gorgeous display. You should also expect excellent build quality and premium materials. Many laptops these days are above £1,000, which is when you start getting the likes of 4K touchscreens and ultra-premium builds.
Display size
Laptop screens range from around 11-to 18-inch. A smaller screen might be harder to work on and offer fewer ports, but it will be more portable.
A big-screened laptop, on the other hand, is probably a desktop replacement and13in or 14in is the sweet spot between usability and portability.
