Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)Best overall | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)Best for creators | ASUS Zenbook 14 OLEDBest Windows value | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12)Best business laptop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy | Consider |
| Best for | Students and most people | Video and photo editing | Windows on a budget | Business travellers |
| Key feature | All-day battery, silent design | Pro performance and XDR display | OLED screen, light build | Best-in-class keyboard |
| Typical price | $900–$1,200 | $1,800–$2,500 | $800–$1,100 | $1,500–$2,200 |
| Where to buy | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link |
9.2/10 research score
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
All-day battery, silent design. Our pick for students and most people.
- Buy it if
- You want a light, silent laptop with outstanding battery life.
- Skip it if
- You need Windows-only software or serious gaming.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Fanless and silent
- Light and well built
- Great speakers and screen
Cons
- Limited ports
- Upgrades are expensive at purchase
9.1/10 research score
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Pro performance and XDR display. Our pick for video and photo editing.
- Buy it if
- You edit video, code or render heavy projects and want top performance on battery.
- Skip it if
- You mostly browse and write; the Air is plenty.
Pros
- Very fast
- Superb mini-LED display
- Plenty of ports including HDMI and SD
Cons
- Heavy price
- Heavier than the Air
8.4/10 research score
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
OLED screen, light build. Our pick for windows on a budget.
- Buy it if
- You want a light Windows laptop with a gorgeous screen for the money.
- Skip it if
- You need a dedicated graphics card for gaming.
Pros
- Vivid OLED display
- Light and portable
- Good battery for Windows
Cons
- Glossy screen reflects
- Speakers are average
8.4/10 research score
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12)
Best-in-class keyboard. Our pick for business travellers.
- Buy it if
- You type all day and want a light, durable business laptop.
- Skip it if
- You want the best value; it is expensive for the specs.
Pros
- Superb keyboard
- Very light
- Business security features
Cons
- Expensive
- Integrated graphics only
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How we chose
The best laptops for students, professionals and creators, compared on performance, battery life, screen and build. We compared specifications, manufacturer documentation, warranty terms and typical prices, then gave every product a clear verdict with the people who should skip it.
What to look for in laptops
- Choose the operating system first: macOS, Windows or ChromeOS.
- 16 GB of memory is the sensible minimum for most people today; creators should look at 24 GB or more.
- Battery life and weight matter more than raw speed if you carry it every day.
Related guides and comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Mac or Windows?
Macs lead on battery life and build; Windows offers more choice, gaming and lower prices.
How much storage do I need?
512 GB suits most people. Pick 1 TB if you edit video or keep large photo libraries locally.
Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.