Top-Notch Laptops Predicted for 2024
I've got to admit, I’ve got a soft spot for the power and panache of a turbocharged desktop PC, but there's simply nothing like taking that muscle on the move. That's why the laptop's still got life in it, flexible enough to cater to needs from gaming to 3D modeling to simply providing a handy all-in-one experience. Some modern laptops are robust enough to rival full-sized desktops. Other laptop-centric devices, like touchscreen-based 2-in-1s, push the boundaries of what the format is capable of, bringing in some tablet-like convenience.
In our book, the best laptop in the game is the Apple MacBook Pro with the M4. We were taken aback by how the MacBook Pro's performance transformed it into a portable powerhouse. It can even dabble in light gaming, although the options may be a bit limited. Plus, it's available in black.
Despite most manufacturers figuring out the laptop's dos and don'ts, designers are still pushing the envelope on how many ports they can cram in, pure screen quality, and just how slim they can make these PCs. Not all laptops are created equal, and price isn't necessarily a guarantee of quality. Navigating the entire laptop landscape can be a daunting task, so let's break it down to find the best fit for your needs.
Which laptop should I buy?
Your laptop purchasing decision should be influenced by what you plan to use the device for and your budget. If it's going to be your main computer, sit at a desk, and hardly move, you don't need to worry about size and weight. You'll need a faster processor if you plan to play video games. If you're a constant traveler, you want something compact, light, and resistant to breaking.
In our list below, we've highlighted several use cases and identified our top laptop pick for each. If money's no object, you don't have niche power user needs like financial modeling, and you don't care about the operating system, go for our best overall laptop. Anything else, carry on.
Always remember, one of the rules of consumer electronics is that as soon as you purchase a new gadget, a newer, faster, better model will come along. We can guarantee that chipmakers will continue to unveil powerful new processors in 2024, and laptop manufacturers will launch new products. Generally speaking, the first few months of the year are when we see the most new products announced and launched.
The Gizmodo editorial team independently tests and reviews each product in our Buyer's Guides. Gizmodo USA may earn a commission if you purchase something using our affiliate links. Affiliate linking does not impact our editorial content.
Best Overall Laptop — MacBook Pro 16 with M4 Pro
© Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo
If you're not an Apple fan, I get it. You may dislike their restrictive OS and lack of compatibility. You may dislike the magic keyboard or its bland, business-oriented design language. Nonetheless, the MacBook Pro 16 with M4 Pro is easily the most versatile laptop we've tested. The M4 Pro chip with the 20-core GPU variant outperforms most other laptop chips and even some desktop CPUs. It's a significant upgrade over the base M4, making the M4 Pro-equipped MacBook Pro 14 or the MacBook Pro 16 more appealing. However, you'll need to cough up the Apple premium to enjoy its benefits. The MacBook Pro 16 goes for $2,500, but a model with up to 48 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD can easily top $3,500.
The 16-inch MacBooks for 2024 also come with Thunderbolt 5, but you'll only get the most external displays if you opt for the M4 Max variant. Read More—Kyle Barr
Best Premium Laptop — Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 is close to having everything a gamer might want or need in a laptop, almost to the point of being overkill. There's probably not a lot of folks out there who need a numpad on a mobile device. Why include it? Why not? The only thing it's missing is an SD card slot. Given how much is crammed into this powerhouse of a laptop, I'm honestly surprised by its absence.
Typically, the more power you put into a laptop, the more concessions and compromises you'll start to see, but what's impressive about the Legion Pro 7i is that nothing feels too much to handle. It has a fantastic keyboard and a bright screen that can push 240 Hz refresh rates for all those titles that require maxing out framerates. From the back, it doesn't look too flashy, but inside, you'll still find a full RGB backlit keyboard with a host of fun preset or custom lighting effects. Read More—Kyle Barr
Best Work Laptop — Asus Zenbook S 14
Photo: Artem Golub / Gizmodo
Asus continually boasts about "ceraluminum," and I'm left puzzled, questioning its meaning. However, using the Asus Zenbook S 14 left me in awe. With its hybrid anodized-style chassis, this slim and robust laptop excels in various aspects. Its keyboard and trackpad are highly satisfactory, and the input/output is solid. The overall aesthetics of the device are classy, making it a fantastic choice. For better longevity, I recommend opting for a version featuring an Intel Core Ultra 258 V instead of the 256. For users with intensive tasks, 32 GB of RAM might be a worthwhile investment. Read More — Anonymous User
Alternatively, MacBook Pro 14 with M4
The MacBook Pro 14 is a sturdy and powerful laptop that is sure to leave an impact, even with its base specifications. In performance-based benchmarks, the M4 chip outperforms the majority of CPUs in 14-inch laptops. Despite the absence of a dedicated GPU, the MacBook Pro 14 performs well in graphics tests. It also comfortably runs a limited selection of games in the Mac ecosystem with only a few compromises. Read More — Anonymous User
Best (Expensive) Gaming Laptop — Razer Blade 16 (2024)
The Razer Blade 16 remains a top-notch option, offering a stunning design and performance. With the 2024 Blade 16 refresh, the laptop features a new OLED display, boasting a maximum refresh rate of 240 Hz. While some users might be concerned about the device's hardware capacity, the latest Blade 16 can easily support the high refresh rate, thanks to its powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 mobile GPU and 14th-generation Intel Core i9 14900Hx.
However, keep in mind that you'll have to shell out a substantial amount of money for this luxury device. The laptop's base price starts at $3,000, which is $400 more expensive than the 2023 model. Despite several minor drawbacks, such as palm rejection issues on the trackpad and an uninteresting keyboard, the Blade 16 continues to be a highly desirable purchase. Read More — Anonymous User
Best 14-inch Laptop — Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
In the realm of 14-inch laptops, the emphasis is on maximizing power and performance while also maintaining portability. The MacBook Air models have traditionally been popular choices in this category. However, the 2024 version of the ROG Zephyrus G14 takes the crown with its balanced mix of gaming capabilities and sleek design.
Regardless of whether you're using it for gaming or watching streaming shows, the ROG Zephyrus G14 is a well-designed device. It boasts an impressive OLED display that offers excellent brightness and speed, and its keyboard is enjoyable to type on. Additionally, it weighs just 3.3 pounds, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability. However, despite its slim frame, the laptop has a powerful GPU mechanic (up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070), offering superior graphical horsepower. Read More — Anonymous User
Best Gaming Laptop for Everyday Use — Alienware m16 R2
When you desire a 16-inch laptop that can cater to both gaming and everyday tasks, the Alienware m16 R2 is a suitable choice. Granted, the term "Alienware" often implies a bulky and flashy gaming device. However, the Alienware m16 R2 strikes an ideal balance between performance and comfort, making it an appealing option for users who want to play games and browse the web at the same time.
The m16 R2 features a comfortable keyboard and palm rest, making typing an effortless task. In addition, the device offers a "Stealth Mode" by pressing the F2 key, which can turn off all the RGB lighting and switch to a more subdued appearance, ideal for work environments. The laptop's weight is a bit on the heavy side, and it lacks a dedicated SD card slot. Nevertheless, its solid overall performance, combined with its high price, makes the Alienware m16 R2 a compelling choice for casual gamers. Read More — Anonymous User
Best Ultrathin Laptop — Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x
We are currently witnessing the golden age of thin laptops due to powerful chips from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is among the best in its class, offering impressive performance levels for its slim frame. The laptop's keyboard feels more responsive than its size suggests. However, there are a few drawbacks, such as less-than-optimal battery life. Read More—Anonymous User
Best Chromebook — Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Regarding productivity, the Chromebook 516 GE is sufficient for everyday tasks. The keyboard is appropriate for extended typing sessions, and ChromeOS has evolved significantly since Google introduced various methods to integrate it with an Android smartphone. However, this isn't comparable to a gaming laptop in the Windows sphere. Interestingly, Chromebook manufacturers have managed to enhance the systems without hiking the price point, as Chromebooks are primarily viewed as secondary devices instead of primary ones. Explore More— Replica Ion
Outstanding 2-in-1 Laptop — HP Elite x360 1040 G11
Image credit: Artem Golub / Gizmodo
Few brands are as adept at business-focused laptops as HP, so if you're seeking a quintessential example of a 2-in-1 that crams an impressive amount of features, the HP Elite X360 1040 G11 is your ideal choice at $2,300. As its lengthy name suggests, this enterprise-oriented laptop comes loaded with numerous security features. A 2-in-1 should maintain stability around the hinges, and this chassis, with its subtly rounded edges, does so flawlessly. It also boasts a 12-hour battery life. Explore More — Sherri L. Smith
This list gets consistently updated with fresh recommendations and product predictions.
Looking for additional recommendations from Gizmodo in the realm of consumer electronics? Check out our guides for the best smartphones, best laptops, best TVs, and best headphones. If you're eager to learn about the forthcoming trends, explore our guide on everything we know about the iPhone 16.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, consumers often consider the future performance of their purchases. For instance, when looking at laptop reviews, it's crucial to consider the potential upgrades that might be available in the near future, such as the launch of powerful new processors in 2024.
Embracing this notion, discerning buyers like yourself should consider the future-proofing potential of their chosen laptop. A good example of this is the MacBook Pro 16 with M4, touted as the best overall laptop with its impressive M4 Pro chip and 20-core GPU variant. Its performance already outperforms most other laptop chips and even some desktop CPUs, setting a high bar for future models.
