Choosing the right laptop can significantly impact your daily life, whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or casual user. The market is flooded with options, but not all brands are created equal. The best laptop brands distinguish themselves through innovation, reliability, and a deep understanding of their audience’s needs. This article delves into the top laptop brands available today, highlighting why each stands out in a crowded market.
In our modern world, where there’s a love for cutting-edge technology and high standards, performance, durability, and value for money are paramount. From budget-friendly options to high-end gaming machines, consumers demand products that can handle their diverse and often demanding lifestyles. The brands featured in this article have consistently delivered top-notch products that cater to these expectations, making them the best choices for tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re after a sleek ultrabook for on-the-go productivity, a powerful gaming laptop for immersive entertainment, or a versatile 2-in-1 device for work and play, this guide will help you find the perfect laptop to suit your needs. Let’s dive into the world of top-tier laptop brands and discover what makes them the best in the business.
6. Acer Laptops
Acer provides some of the most reliable PCs on the market and is a great brand for first-time computer buyers. The Taiwanese company has been making computers for decades, offering diverse products to be a top-five PC brand worldwide. Acer’s models offer unique features. For instance, the Acer Swift series specialises in thin and lightweight laptops, similar to the MacBook Air. The Acer Spin family is a 2-in-1 designed to compete with the best on the market.
Acer also manufactures gaming PCs under its Predator division. The Predator Triton laptops and Orion desktops offer plenty of power for serious gamers. The Triton’s sub-$2,000 price point may give it an edge over competitors like the Razer Blade.
While Acer’s PCs are competitively priced and reliable, they don’t particularly excel in any one feature compared to other heavyweights. However, the company’s competitive prices and reliability make it ideal for novice consumers.
- Value for Money: Acer offers competitively priced, reliable PCs ideal for first-time buyers, making it accessible for a wide range of consumers.
- Diverse Product Offerings: From the thin and lightweight Acer Swift series to the versatile 2-in-1 Acer Spin family, Acer provides options for different user preferences and needs.
- Strong Gaming Division: Acer’s Predator line, including Triton laptops and Orion desktops, delivers powerful gaming performance at competitive prices, appealing to serious gamers.
5. Asus Laptops
- Exceptional Build Quality: Asus PCs are known for their solid build and durability, providing consumers with reliable and long-lasting devices.
- Value-Packed Premium Offerings: Asus offers more bang for the buck in its premium products, such as the Zenbook with OLED options and high-performance gaming PCs from its Republic of Gamers (ROG) line.
- Comprehensive Product Line: From Chromebooks like the Flip C434 to high-end gaming desktops, Asus covers a broad spectrum of computing needs, catering to both casual users and gamers.
Asus, another Taiwanese brand, holds a slight edge over Acer thanks to the overall build quality of its PCs and its willingness to give consumers more value in premium offerings. Known for manufacturing other computing components such as routers, monitors, and graphics cards, Asus aims to balance cost, quality, and innovation. Asus Chromebooks are a point of emphasis, with the 2-in-1 Chromebook Flip C434 being a great option for those new to 2-in-1 laptops.
The Zenbook is another standout, featuring various models depending on user needs, including an OLED option for a high-quality display. Asus also caters to gamers through its Republic of Gamers (ROG) subsidiary, manufacturing aftermarket parts and gaming PCs. The ASUS ROG Gaming Desktop Intel Core i5, priced under $1,000, is an ideal setup for first-time gaming PC buyers.
Overall, Asus is a renowned brand for any PC needs.
4. Microsoft Laptops
Microsoft, a giant in the PC industry for nearly 50 years, is best known for developing the Windows operating system. However, the tech juggernaut expanded into tablet and laptop manufacturing in the 2010s and has become a reliable PC brand. Microsoft now offers computers for all budgets and is known for pushing innovation boundaries. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is one of the best 2-in-1 PCs on the market, combining features of a traditional laptop and tablet.
Microsoft’s reach extends beyond 2-in-1 computers. The Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 2 are traditional laptops offering a standard computing experience at favourable prices. Microsoft also makes a desktop computer, the Surface Studio 2+, which doubles as a Surface Pro device thanks to its touchscreen and retails for over $4,000. However, with a screen size of just 28 inches, it may leave some consumers wanting more from this premium-priced desktop.
- Innovative 2-in-1 Devices: The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is one of the best 2-in-1 PCs, combining the functionality of a laptop and tablet, making it a versatile choice for professionals and students.
- Wide Product Range: Microsoft caters to all budgets with products like the Surface Book 2, Surface Laptop 2, and the premium Surface Studio 2+, offering options for various computing needs.
- Trusted Brand: With nearly 50 years in the PC industry, Microsoft’s longstanding reputation for quality and innovation makes it a reliable choice for consumers.
3. Lenovo Laptops
Lenovo is one of the top PC brands in the world, reflected by its sales figures, leading the pack with nearly 25 percent of PC purchases in 2022. The Chinese-based manufacturer’s success is due to its diverse product range and the popularity of its ThinkPad laptops, common in schools across the US. The ThinkPad, with its trademark red dot trackpad, is a simple, efficient PC for users of all experience levels. ThinkPad computers are reasonably priced, usually under $1,000.
Top Lenovo products include 2-in-1 offerings like the Lenovo Chromebook C330, a truly convertible laptop with exceptional battery life. Lenovo’s high-performance computers, like the ThinkStation desktop, can retail for over $4,000. However, the amount of bloatware on Lenovo products can detract from its otherwise strong reputation, though this shouldn’t deter buyers looking for a well-designed PC at a reasonable price.
- Market Leader: Lenovo’s dominant market share, accounting for nearly 25% of PC purchases in 2022, underscores its popularity and trust among consumers
- .Versatile Product Range: Lenovo offers a wide variety of products, from budget-friendly ThinkPad laptops to high-performance ThinkStation desktops, accommodating different user needs and budgets.
- Renowned Reliability: Lenovo’s ThinkPad series, known for its efficient design and reasonable pricing, has become a staple in educational and professional environments worldwide.
2. Dell Laptops
- High-Performance Laptops: The Dell XPS series is renowned for its business and general use, offering OLED displays, long battery life, and sleek designs, making it a top choice for professionals.
- Wide Range of Products: Dell’s Inspiron series provides affordable options for budget-conscious consumers, while the Alienware division caters to gamers with powerful and visually unique PCs.
- Reputable Brand: As one of the most prominent PC brands globally, Dell’s strong market presence and diverse offerings make it a reliable choice for various computing needs.
As a prominent PC brand, Dell makes computers for all types of consumers. The Texas-based company is popular in high school computer labs, but the Dell XPS Series is its calling card for business PCs. The XPS series laptops come in 13, 15, and 17-inch variants, featuring OLED technology and long battery life, making them some of the best do-it-all laptops. They are aesthetically pleasing and come in 2-for-1 variants.
Dell’s Inspiron series fills out its profile of budget and mid-range PCs, available in desktop, laptop, and Chromebook forms, meeting basic consumer needs. Dell also sells well-known gaming PCs through its Alienware division. Alienware PCs, both workstations and laptops, are top-tier gaming devices with a unique look, although they are often seen as overpriced.
The differences between the top PC brands often come down to personal preference, but Dell is indisputably among the giants of the PC market and a great choice for anyone looking for a new laptop or desktop.
1. HP Laptops
HP laptops might not offer the same bargains as Lenovo, but anyone opting for an HP device can rest assured they’re getting a quality product. HP’s strength is evident in its sales, holding nearly 20 percent of the PC market share in 2022, just behind Lenovo.
The company’s Spectre series is preferred for those prioritising quality over price, with select models featuring Nvidia graphics cards and Intel core processors for a seamless computing experience. One of the cheapest HP laptops is a 2-in-1 Chromebook that competes well with most competitors and is available for under $400. Meanwhile, HP’s Omen gaming division is a force to be reckoned with. The HP Omen desktop is a preferred pre-built option among major brands, known for its clean look, ample power, and easy upgradeability.
HP sits atop the PC market for offering value in multiple ways. With diverse products and fewer weaknesses than other brands, HP provides premium PCs at fair prices.
- Premium Quality: HP’s Spectre series, equipped with Nvidia graphics cards and Intel core processors, ensures a seamless and high-quality computing experience, appealing to those prioritizing performance.
- Diverse Product Line: HP offers a wide range of products, from affordable 2-in-1 Chromebooks to powerful Omen gaming desktops, catering to different budgets and preferences.
- Strong Market Presence: Holding nearly 20% of the PC market share in 2022, HP’s solid reputation and consistent quality make it a top choice for consumers seeking value and reliability.