Operating system
macOS suits creative work and long battery life; Windows offers the widest choice; ChromeOS suits simple, low-cost use.
Memory and storage
16 GB of memory is the sensible minimum. 512 GB of storage suits most people.
Screen
OLED and mini-LED screens look stunning; matte screens handle glare better.
Battery and weight
If you carry it daily, aim for under 1.5 kg and a full day of battery.
Our recommendations
Ready to choose? See our Best Laptops for Work, Study and Creators.
Recommended products
Laptops
BuyBest overall
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
All-day battery, silent design
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Fanless and silent
Cons
- Limited ports
- Upgrades are expensive at purchase
Read reviewCheck current price Paid link
Laptops
BuyBest for creators
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Pro performance and XDR display
Pros
- Very fast
- Superb mini-LED display
Cons
- Heavy price
- Heavier than the Air
Check current price Paid link
Laptops
BuyBest Windows value
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
OLED screen, light build
Pros
- Vivid OLED display
- Light and portable
Cons
- Glossy screen reflects
- Speakers are average
Check current price Paid link
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.