Introduction
If you’re looking for a new laptop, be it for reading emails, playing video games or just to snoop on social media, then you’re in the right place. We’ve assembled a top ten list of the very best laptop options currently available.
Every laptop on this list has been reviewed by our team of experts, with both synthetic benchmarks and real-time use helping us to assess the performance.
We’re including as much variety as possible, with Windows 10 laptops, Chromebooks and MacBooks all making an appearance. And if you can’t find a laptop to your liking right now, keep this page bookmarked and check back soon for future updates.
And if you’re looking a laptop for a specific use case, you can also check out our Best Gaming Laptop, Best Student Laptop and Best Budget Laptop lists instead.
So without further ado, here are the best laptops you can buy in 2021.
How we test
Every laptop we review goes through a series of uniform checks designed to gauge key things including build quality, performance, screen quality and battery life.
These include formal synthetic benchmarks and scripted tests, plus a series of real world checks, such as how well it runs the most frequently used apps.
We also make sure to use every laptop we review as our primary device for at least a week to ensure our review is as accurate as possible.
The best overall Windows laptop
Pros
- Drop-dead gorgeous design
- Superb productivity performance
- Bright and colourful screen
- Good battery life
Cons
- More expensive than rivals
- Still stingy on ports
- Not as powerful as MacBook Air
The Dell XPS 13 (Intel 11th Gen) is our favourite all-round laptop that’s currently available, boasting one of the best performances we’ve seen in a Windows ultrabook while also flaunting unrivalled looks thanks to the gorgeous 16:10 InfintyEdge screen.
The introduction of the Intel 11th gen processors (aka Tiger Lake) has given this laptop a big performance boost compared to its Dell XPS 13 (2020) predecessor, although it is more expensive as a result. We reckon the extra cost is worth it if you want to make use of the integrated graphics and play games such as Apex Legends and Fortnite, but its cheaper predecessor is still plenty powerful enough for day-to-day tasks.
There are some minor issues here including the stingy number of ports, but that’s nothing an adaptor can’t fix. And if you want a larger and more powerful alternative, it’s worth considering the Dell XPS 15 2020 instead.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Dell XPS 13 (Intel 11th Gen) Review
The most powerful ultra-portable laptop
Pros
- It’s so fast thanks to M1
- Exceptional battery life
- Strong app support
- Great keyboard
Cons
- Poor webcam
- Same design as before
- Poorly positioned (and only two) USB ports
The MacBook Air has arguably been lagging behind the rest of the laptop pack over the past few years, but that changes with the introduction of Apple Silicon and the revolutionary Apple M1 chip.
The MacBook Air M1 offers better CPU speeds than the majority of laptops on this list, and by quite a distance. Its integrated GPU is even powerful enough for 4K video editing and animation, despite the laptop’s lightweight design.
We’re still disappointed that Apple hasn’t introduced a more cutting-edge design to compete with the Dell XPS, but this is still a decent-looking laptop. If you do care about the looks, you may want to wait it out for the rumoured MacBook Air 2021 that could arrive before the end of the year.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: MacBook Air M1 Review
Best budget Windows laptop
Pros
- Incredible value
- Small and classy design
- Excellent performance
- Comfortable keyboard
Cons
- Low-resolution display
- No keyboard backlight
- No fingerprint scanner on base configuration
The Surface Laptop Go is one of the smallest laptops on this list with a 12.4in display, and lags behind the rest when performance is concerned, but it’s also far more affordable than its rivals.
With a starting price of just £549, the Surface Laptop Go is almost half the price of competitors from the likes of Apple and Dell. And while it’s not the most powerful machine here, it can still breeze through day-to-day productivity tasks without a hitch. The keyboard is also very comfortable to type on, making it a good option for student and office workers.
There are of course compromises here. The screen resolution falls below the standard 1920 x 1080 mark, and you don’t get a fingerprint scanner with the entry model, but these are small issues considering the incredible value on offer.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Surface Laptop Go Review
Best mid-range laptop
Pros
- Great value price
- Fantastic battery life
- Speedy performance
- Nice Full HD screen
Cons
- Basic design
- No Thunderbolt
- No fingerprint scanner on select models
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 isn’t quite as flashy as Dell XPS 13 and is a few hundred quid more expensive than the Surface Laptop Go, but we think it’s a fantastic middle-ground option that perfectly balances performance with price.
Packing a Ryzen 4000 chip, the Yoga Slim 7 doesn’t just have a solid productivity performance but also has a stellar battery life, lasting over 14 hours on a single charge during our benchmark tests. A lovely Full HD display also makes it a good laptop for video streaming.
However, its bland design may convince some to pay extra for an Apple or Dell machine, while the omission of Thunderbolt and a fingerprint scanner on select models can be irksome too. But if you’re not looking for a high-end laptop with all of the trimmings, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 has every right to be on your shortlist.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Review
Best lightweight 16-inch laptop
Pros
- Incredibly light design
- Big and detailed display
- Speedy productivity performance
- Generous port selection
Cons
- Questionable build quality
- Glossy screen
- Not as powerful as rivals
The LG Gram 16 (2021) standouts on this list as a large 16-inch laptop that only weighs a dainty 1199g, which is even lighter than most of the 13-inch laptops here.
This makes the Gram the best option for those who crave a giant display for either Netflix or productivity purposes, but also want a laptop that’s light enough to sling in a bag and work on the go.
There are a couple of compromises for having such a lightweight design, as there’s a bit of flex to the chassis when you press down hard. But such flaws are easy to forgive when you’re getting a 16-inch laptop that hardly weighs a thing.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: LG Gram 16 (2021) Review
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
Best high-end laptop for creative tasks
Pros
- Incredibly powerful
- Bigger display still looks stunning
- Scissor keyboard a huge improvement
- More stylish with smaller bezel
Cons
- Very expensive
- Stingy port offering
- Lack of Wi-Fi 6
The performance of the 16-inch MacBook Pro is as you’d expect, offering processing speeds and GPU grunt that far exceeds the other laptops on this list. To be fair, Apple’s laptop is far more expensive than the other portable PCs here – but that’s the price you have to pay to blast through media tasks.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 is available now, too, but since that lacks a dedicated GPU, the smaller Pro can’t realistically be seen as a genuine alternative to this powerhouse portable. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the best choice for animation and editing 4K video.
However, there’s a big issue with recommending Intel-powered Apple laptops right now, especially with the MacBook Pro 2021 launching this year. Apple has confirmed Intel MacBooks will still be supported via software updates for the foreseeable future, but the upcoming Apple-powered MacBook laptops are clearly the better option going forward.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: 16-inch MacBook Pro Review
HP Spectre x360 13 (2021)
Best 2-in-1 laptop
Pros
- Great keyboard
- Excellent build quality
- Bright, high-contrast screen
- Sturdy 360-degree hinge
Cons
- Max speaker volume is just OK
- Not as powerful as a MacBook Air
The HP Spectre x360 13 (2021) is the best convertible laptop we’ve reviewed, as it excels at the basics like no other. It hit 12 hours in our battery benchmark test, flaunts an incredibly comfortable keyboard and offers the option of jaw-dropping 4K OLED touchscreen which is perfect for artwork.
It admittedly lacks Galaxy Book Flex2 5G features such as 5G and a slot-in stylus, but that’s forgivable when HP nails the fundamentals so well. Build quality is top-notch, despite the 2-in-1 laptop weighing a dainty 1.22kg.
The biggest issue with the Spectre x360 13 is arguably its performance, as it’s not quite as powerful as more conventional clamshell laptops. But if you’ve craving a convertible a laptop that can double up as a tablet, then this is our top recommendation.
Reviewer: Andrew Williams
Full review: HP Spectre x360 13 (2021) Review
Honor MagicBook 14 (2020)
Best budget 14-inch laptop
Pros
- Student-friendly premium style
- Superb value
- Pleasant typing experience
- More than capable productivity performance
Cons
- Webcam positioned on keyboard
- Below average display
Most decent Windows laptops cost upwards of a grand these days, which is a serious lump of cash if you only want a system for web browsing and streaming video. The Honor MagicBook 14 is a fantastic exception to the rule, since its all-round performance is astonishingly good considering its bargain price.
Being half the price of some of other laptops inevitably means there are compromises; the MagicBook 14’s matte display is below average and the webcam is bizarrely located underneath the screen. However, we think the MagicBook more than makes up for its adequate screen with decent productivity performance, ultraportable design and fantastic battery life.
If you’re a student, or someone on a tight budget, then we reckon the Honor MagicBook 14 is one of the best laptops for you. Better quality can be had by spending more, but few other laptops offer better value.
Reviewer: Adam Speight
Full review: Honor MagicBook 14 Review
Best lightweight 14-inch laptop
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Superb battery life
- Competitive performance
- Plenty of ports onboard
Cons
- Concerning build quality
- Reflective screen could be an issue outdoors
- Lack of Caps Lock indicator
The Acer Swift 5 (2020) aims to challenge the Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Air with one fairly unique skill: it’s incredibly light, weighing just 1kg. This makes this laptop a worthy option for those who like to travel around, as it’s barely noticeable when tucked away in a rucksack.
A competitive performance (thanks to 11th Gen Intel Core) and a stellar battery life also ensure this laptop can stream roll through day-to-day tasks when out of reach of a power supply. The option of a Nvidia MX350 also makes it possible to dabble with entry-level gaming and content creation, providing this portable with oodles of versatility.
So why can’t it knock the Dell off its perch? Well, aside from the lovely Mist Green and Safari Gold colour options, it has a rather bland aesthetic. And build quality is questionable, so it may not survive a couple of heavy knocks on your travels. Still, if you prioritize portability over build quality, then the Acer Swift 5 is an outstanding laptop option.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Acer Swift 5 (2020) Review
Best gaming laptop
Pros
- Incredible CPU performance
- Great for Full HD gaming
- Ultraportable design
- Impressive battery life
Cons
- Lack of RGB lighting
- No integrated webcam
- Underwhelming SSD speeds
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 feels like the odd one out in this list of laptops, since it prioritises gaming performance above all else. But unlike previous gaming laptops, the Zephyrus G14 is an ultraportable machine that can double up as a productivity powerhouse thanks to its insane CPU speeds, comparatively dinky 1.69kg weight and superb battery life.
The Zephyrus G14 is currently our top recommended gaming laptop and, with a reasonable starting price, it’s a genuinely worthwhile alternative to the likes of a Dell XPS and Surface Laptop. You’ll need to be into gaming to make the most of it, but if you fancy playing a bit of Fortnite, Civilization or Sims on your lunch break, then there is no better choice.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Review
We also considered…
FAQs
The SSD (solid state drive) is essentially the component that determines how much storage your laptop has. A 512GB SSD is the norm these days, with anything less making storage space feel cramped if you download a lot of music, photos and videos.
A 2 in 1 laptop is a device that has a flexible hinge, allowing it to be folded up into a tablet form. These laptops often have stylus support too, making them good options for doodlers and creatives.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is computer memory that helps the processor offer a smooth performance. 8GB seems to be the default for laptops these days, with anything less potentially seeing noticeable slowdowns for your computer.
Thunderbolt is a port technology that is typically found through USB-C connections. Thunderbolt is signalled with a small lightning bolt icon, and can allow for multi-purpose functions such as power delivery, display output and data transfer for an all-in-one solution. 
Specs compared
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Trusted Reviews test data
PCMark 10
Geekbench 5 single core
Geekbench 5 multi core
3DMark Time Spy
CrystalDiskMark Read speed
CrystalMarkDisk Write Speed
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