In the modern age, having a high-performing laptop is essential. For work and hobbies, a computer that can handle programs like Photoshop, video editing, and has enough memory that frequent uploading and downloading are a breeze can make all the difference. The best laptop brands have all of these factors as well as the ones listed below. In this article, we’ll cover the top laptops on the market and dissect why each one is at the top of the pack.
What to Look For In The Best Laptop Brands
These days, memory is a given with new laptops and buying external drives and USB drives is so easy that there are other focus points when looking for a laptop.
- Thickness – Your computer should be thin enough to fit into seat back pockets, travel bags, and other storage areas easily.
- Weight – The computer shouldn’t weigh more than four pounds. For frequent travel, an even lighter option is preferable, closer to 2-3 pounds.
- Screen size – The screen should be sizeable enough that watching videos and completing work isn’t a strain on the eyes. Somewhere between 12 and 14 inches is ideal for most situations. Larger than that and size becomes a factor.
- Battery Life – The battery should last for at least 8 hours of use without a charge.
Top 5 Best Laptop Brands
Apple
Apple’s operating system sets it apart from everyone else in the game. If you own an iPhone or Apple tablet, the device can be easily synced with the MacBook laptop line. Apple keeps a large distance from other best laptop brands because they do not bring in influence from other companies.
Their products are unique, run on their own system, and once learned are the easiest to use and have the least problems with viruses and bugs. Their laptops are thin – the newest MacBook is only .5” thick and weighs only 2 pounds. A 12” screen size and nine-hour battery life make Apple’s MacBook perfect for traveling and working (Mabook Air Retina).
The additional benefit of Apple laptops is their long life. A good upfront investment really pays off with Apple, as their products will easily last for several years with proper care.
Dell
Dell has two laptop options that put it in the best laptop brands category, the XPS and the Inspiron. Both currently have a 13.3” screen, but the Inspiron is thicker and heavier at .75” and 3.6 pounds (compared to .6” and 2.7 pounds). The Inspiron gives nine hours of battery life and is better for those who use a laptop in the office or at home.
The XPS is basically Dell’s answer to the MacBook, perfect for traveling or working remotely and easy to learn. The processor is quick and the battery life is astonishing- 18 hours. Dell’s laptops are well built and with proper care will last for 3-5 years of regular use.
Microsoft Surface Pro
As one of the best laptop brands, Microsoft has released multiple models of the Surface Pro. These things are incredibly slick and thin .3”. They are also super light, and the heavier Surface Pro 4 only weighs 1.7 pounds.
A 12” screen and nine-hour battery life make them even more effective, all in all making Microsoft’s line here the best laptop brand for working. These laptops can handle light video editing, Photoshop, and other basic multimedia work without any problems. They double as a tablet and have a flip cover and ‘Surface Pen,’ making them even more portable.
HP
Going back 20 years, everyone knew HP for their printers. But they’ve developed a firm place in the category of best laptop brands with the Envy and Pavilion lines. The Envy is the better option for traveling and remote working, as it is powerful enough for multimedia work and offers a 13.3” screen and 7.5 hours of battery life. It is .5” thick, super thin, and weighs 2.8 pounds.
The Pavilion is more basic, not powerful enough for multimedia work but just fine for emailing and basic functions. The battery lasts ten hours and the computer weighs between 2.4 and 3.77 pounds, depending on the model, and is thicker than the Envy.
Asus
Asus brings a variety of products to the table that makes it one of the best laptop brands. The most popular and effective of these is the Zenbook, the most recent model has a 12.5” screen and is just under .5” thick.
A downside to this product is that the keyboard isn’t backlit – Asus is the only best laptop brand not to backlight the keyboards on the most recent model. It does, however, work well with multimedia and is a great option for students because it is so basic. Asus is a brand that is gaining much more recognition in the United States, and that is large because their products are consistent and dependable.
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Head to head comparison and conclusion
The best laptop brands all work well for remote workers and frequent travel. However, there are two brands that stand apart from the rest. Microsoft and Apple bring the best options to the table here, with a strong mix of size and functionality.
The Surface Pro is the best option for those who do not wish to learn Apple’s operating system but want to be as close as possible to the high-quality software and ease of use. Asus, HP, and Dell have yet to put out a product that is as easy to use and highly effective as what Microsoft and Apple have brought to the table.
Apple’s MacBook is in a league of its own- no other brand has been able to make a laptop that is as smooth to operate across all types of use as Apple. It is the most consistent laptop available for anyone who works on a computer for multiple hours per day. For those already familiar with using an Apple product, or willing to put in the time to learn and master, the MacBook is the best laptop brand on the market.
