The Best Laptop Brands of 2024 | Component Price
by Sana Sohail
With the myriad of laptop models released every year, it can be challenging to pick which brand is the best for you. Whether you need a laptop for gaming, work, creativity or everyday use, choosing the right one is crucial for meeting your needs. Keeping the rapidly evolving tech landscape in mind, we have created a comprehensive guide to the best laptop brands of 2024. Our guide delves deep into the intricacies of the different laptop brands available nowadays, exploring the innovations, performance benchmarks and standout features that define the top contenders in 2024..
Features and Factors That Make a Laptop Great
The best laptops have a way of balancing power, portability, efficiency, and comfort and are worth your investment. When opting for a laptop brand, the most important thing to check is how they manufacture their keyboards and trackpads. After all, these are the two options that make you opt for a laptop instead of a tablet or smartphone in the very first place. Let’s look at the factors qualifying the brand as the top contender, which you should consider when selecting a laptop brand for your purchase.
Performance
A laptop’s performance is the sum of its components. A powerful processor, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU ensure smooth multitasking, efficient application handling, and the ability to seamlessly run demanding tasks like gaming or content creation.
Display Quality
The display is your window to the digital world. A high-resolution screen with excellent colour accuracy, brightness, and features like HDR support can significantly enhance the visual experience, making it ideal for professional tasks or immersive entertainment.
Build Quality
A robust build is essential for long-term durability. Premium materials and thoughtful construction contribute to a device’s sturdiness and offer a sense of reliability and longevity.
Battery Life
For users on the go, a laptop’s battery life is critical. Longer battery endurance ensures you can work, stream, or engage in other activities without worrying about finding a power source.
Storage Type and Capacity
Solid State Drives (SSDs) provide faster data access and contribute to quicker boot times. Sufficient storage capacity, whether through large SSDs or additional hard drives, is crucial for storing files, applications, and multimedia content.
Portability
The weight, size, and design of a laptop determine its portability. Ultrabooks, characterized by their slim profiles and lightweight design, are ideal for users who prioritize on-the-go computing without sacrificing performance.
Operating System
Choose an operating system based on your familiarity and software requirements. Windows, macOS, and Linux each have strengths and cater to different user preferences.
Brand Reputation
Consider the brand’s track record for reliability, customer support, and overall customer satisfaction. A trusted brand often reflects consistent quality and support.
Price
While budget considerations are vital, finding the best laptop involves balancing features and cost. Look for a device that offers the best specifications within your budget.
Top Laptop Brands 2024
Below is a list of the laptop brands we ruled out to be the best of all. Let’s dive in!
Apple
Apple laptops, commonly known as MacBooks, are renowned for their luxurious and premium designs. Apple offers 24×7 customer support to all its customers, and the laptops are of supreme build, quality, design and display. Numerous other features make Apple MacBooks eclipse the rest. Their laptops are very appealing, with a sleek design and the backlit Apple logo that makes a statement. Apple’s operating system, iOS, is much more feasible and error-free than Windows.
Moreover, Apple has a history of maintaining its customers with top-notch customer service and highly reliable products. In case of any issue with the MacBook – which is highly unlikely – Apple offers customer support in physical stores and through 24/7 support over chat and calls, free for 90 days, online tech support, and live chat.
We have discussed the features and factors that make Apple the best brand for laptops, but there is a single MacBook that stands out from the lot. It is the Apple MacBook Air M2 2022, which remains the best laptop that you can invest in. Though it is more expensive, the price can be justified given its sleek design and 16-hour-long battery life, which is much better than the predecessors.
Pros and Cons of Buying an Apple MacBook
Pros
- MacBooks are of premium build quality.
- Comprise of seamless macOS ecosystem.
- Apple MacBooks are made up of Vibrant Retina displays.
- The MacBooks have optimized hardware and software.
- Latest MacBooks have a much longer battery life.
- Packed with robust security features.
- Offer comprehensive customer support.
- Curated Mac App Store for a more personalized experience.
Cons
- MacBooks come with a premium price.
- They offer limited customization.
- They have a closed ecosystem, which many might not prefer.
- Some MacBooks can have potential software compatibility issues.
- There are limited ports in some MacBook models.
- MacBooks are not built for gaming.
Top MacBook Recommendation: Apple MacBook Air M2 2022
Specifications
Display: 13.6 inches; 2560×1664
CPU: Apple M2
GPU: 8-core or 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB-24GB
Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Let’s have a look at the individual features of Apple MacBook Air M2 2022:
- Thin, light, and portable: The MacBook Air M2 2022 is one of the most delicate and portable laptops you can buy, thanks to its modern design. If you want a laptop you can carry more efficiently, this one’s definitely a winner.
- Battery life: The Apple MacBook Air M2 2022 offers an impressive 16-hour battery life, a 30-minute improvement over the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2 2022) and five hours longer than the MacBook Air (M1, 2020). Charging it once fully is enough to last you through your day. The most extended battery life in any MacBook is the new MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max), which lasts almost 24 hours on a single charge.
- Larger display: After sticking to its safe and sturdy design for years, Apple introduced a newer look in the MacBook Air M2 2022. By slimming down the bezels around the display, Apple has achieved a more prominent, brighter and more vibrant display, making it an incredible user experience.
- Performance: The Apple MacBook Air M2 2022 delivers incredible and smooth performance across the board, with the apps opening and running smoothly. Remember the redesigned and comfortable keyboard, which is a joy to whip up your documents on.
Regarding value for money, the MacBook Air M2 2022 has a big bump in price compared to the previous models. The improved display, better design and powerful M2 hardware make the price understandable but still need to be justifiable since the predecessor, the 2020 MacBook, has many of the same features. However, the launch of the newer models has reduced the price a bit, which is also a plus point.
Another thing to remember when purchasing the Apple MacBook Air M2 2022 is that it is not built for gaming. If that is your only purpose for purchasing, we recommend a different option.
HP
Also known as Hewlett-Packard, HP is one of the oldest electronic brands that produces reliable laptops that are used by many people worldwide. Regarding Windows laptops, HP is the go-to solution for PC gamers, students, and professionals.
HP had a soiled image regarding laptops; however, the latest HP laptops have raised the bar with their contemporary designs and seamless performance. Having an annual revenue of around $53 billion, HP has a wide variety of laptops that come in many shapes and sizes. HP offers convertibles, gaming devices for PC gaming, fanless laptops, detachable 2-in-1s, high-end workstations, essential notebooks, etc. High-end series such as Spectre, ZBook, and Omen have some of the best and most promising features and offer great value for your money. Other series include the Pavilion, EliteBook, ProBook, Chromebooks, and Essentials, to name a few.
HP offers one of the finest services for customer support and ranks in the top five of all manufacturers. They provide up to three years of warranty, which leaves you with satisfaction for the long haul.
Pros and Cons of Buying an HP Laptop:
Pros
- HP offers a diverse range of laptops for various needs.
- HP has laptops in all price ranges.
- HP manufactures laptops with innovative designs and aesthetics, offering solid build quality and durability.
- Comprehensive and competent customer support with a device warranty of up to 3 years.
- HP offers AMOLED screens on high-end gadgets and one of the slimmest convertibles.
Cons
- HP laptops have pre-installed bloatware.
- Varying battery life across different laptop models.
- Some models may have heating issues.
- Limited customization options.
Top HP Laptop Recommendation: HP Spectre x 360 14 (2023)
Specifications
Microprocessor: Intel® Core™ i7-1165G7 (up to 4.7 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 12 MB L3 cache, 4 cores)
Hard Drive: 1 TB Intel® PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
Display: 13.5″ diagonal, 3K2K (3000 x 2000), OLED, multitouch-enabled, UWVA, edge-to-edge glass, micro-edge, BrightView, anti-reflection Corning® Gorilla® Glass NBT™, 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3
Minimum Dimensions (WxDxH): 29.83 x 22.01 x 1.69 cm
Weight: 1.34 kg
Battery type: 4-cell, 66 Wh Li-ion polymer
Battery life mixed usage: Up to 11 hours and 15 minutes
Let’s have a look at the individual features of the HP Spectre x 360 14 (2023):
- 2-in-1 convertible: The HP Spectre x 360 14 2023 is best suited for productivity.
- Performance and user experience: The Intel 13th Gen CPU can handle multiple tasks such as web browsing, surfing, text processing, etc.
- Design: The laptop has a sharp screen with stylus support for more precise and controlled input.
- Keyboard and touchpad: The laptop offers a great keyboard and touchpad for smooth productivity.
- Port selection: There are wide port selections for connecting external devices.
- Battery life: This laptop offers an incredible battery life of around 13 hours of light use.
- Sensors: You get a fingerprint and facial recognition camera for quicker logins.
If you want to buy a laptop for gaming purposes, we recommend the HP OMEN 16 (2022). It is a 16-inch laptop with Intel 12th Gen CPUs and multiple NVIDIA GPUs, from an entry-level GTX 1650 to a robust RTX 3070 Ti. It also offers several display options, with a QHD panel with a 165 Hz refresh rate. You can type smoothly on the keyboard, and the laptop has multiple port options, including an ethernet port for a stable internet connection for a smooth online gaming experience. Battery life, however, is shorter, lasting for 7 hours with light use and over an hour of gaming, so you’ll have to keep your laptop plugged in when playing for longer durations.
Acer
Acer is a Taiwanese multitech company founded in 1976. It has a global clientele with a 5.7 global market share. It is a world-renowned company known best for its affordable laptops in multiple price ranges, flooding the laptop market with prices going as low as $150 for a Chromebook. It offers a wide range of selections with famous laptop lineups such as Aspire, Swift, Nitro, Predator, Concept, and more. Acer is also one of the biggest Chromebook manufacturers with popular models such as the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (2020) and gaming Chromebooks such as the Acer Chromebook 616 GE (2020), which is one of the first gaming Chromebooks manufactured by any laptop brand ever.
Pros and Cons of Buying An Acer Laptop
Pros
- Acer laptops offer competitive prices, making it the go-to choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Acer provides a diverse range of laptops catering to multiple needs of the users, be it primary, gaming or professional use.
- Acer has a dedicated high-end series for professional gaming.
- Some Acer models deliver strong performance, especially in the mid-range and high-end categories.
- Acer introduces innovative and unique designs occasionally, which are beyond the traditional laptop styles.
- Acer laptops, depending on the model, provide a good battery life.
- Acer laptops provide a good value for money.
Cons
- Durability is an issue in some of the budget models.
- Acer laptops may come with pre-installed bloatware, affecting their performance and requiring user removal.
- Customers have reported mixed experiences with Acer’s customer support, with occasional delays or challenges.
- Gamers have reported heating issues during extended gaming sessions in some gaming models.
Top Acer Laptop Recommendation: Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022)
Specifications
Model Name: Chromebook Spin
Screen Size: 14 Inches
Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
CPU Model: Intel Core i5
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Chrome OS
Special Feature: Backlit Keyboard
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Graphics Coprocessor: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Display: 14.0-inch, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:9, IPS-level Panel, Touchscreen CineCrystal.
Let’s have a look at what the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 2022 has to offer:
- 2-in-1 convertible: The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 2022 is a 2-in-1 convertible best suited for primary and professional tasks.
- Display: This Chromebook offers a bright, sharp 14-inch screen, a spacious keyboard, and a 1080p webcam.
- Stylus: It comes with a stylus that can dock into the side of the laptop for more accessible transport.
- Performance: You can expect excellent performance with this Chromebook, which easily handles all your day-to-day tasks.
- Battery life: It has a fantastic battery life of 13 hours with light use.
All these features confirm that it is an excellent laptop for you. However, its biggest drawback is its availability. You can find the Core i5 model with 8Gb RAM, but the other configurations still need to be found.
A newer 2023 upgraded version includes a faster Intel 13th Gen CPU and a webcam with a higher resolution of 1440p.
ASUS
Also known as ASUSTeK, ASUS was founded in 1989 and is now one of the largest laptop manufacturers in the world. ASUS is among the best gaming laptop brands and frequently sponsors esports events and players. ASUS laptops are mostly known for being affordable due to their in-house manufacturing of motherboards. ASUS produces many laptops, including mobile workstations, ultraportables, gaming laptops, and Chromebooks.
Pros and Cons of Buying an ASUS Laptop
Pros
- ASUS offers a diverse lineup of laptops, from budget-friendly options to high-end gaming and professional models.
- ASUS is known for introducing innovative designs, especially in their gaming and premium laptop series.
- Many ASUS laptops, especially those designed for gaming and content creation, provide powerful performance with high-end components.
- ASUS is a prominent brand in the gaming laptop market, producing powerful devices with advanced graphics and cooling systems.
- ASUS laptops often feature solid build quality, and premium models may use high-quality materials.
- Some ASUS laptops offer customization options, allowing users to upgrade components like RAM and storage.
- Gaming laptops from ASUS often come with high refresh rate displays, enhancing the gaming experience.
- ASUS offers Complementary accident protection plans with select devices.
Cons
- Some ASUS laptops may come with pre-installed bloatware, which can affect system performance.
- Gaming and high-performance laptops from ASUS may be bulkier and heavier compared to ultrabooks or more portable options.
Top ASUS Laptop Recommendation: ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023)
Specifications
Screen Size: 14 Inches
Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
CPU Model: Core i5
Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Special Feature: Dolby
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Display: 14.0-inch, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:9, IPS-level Panel, Touchscreen CineCrystal; Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
Let’s have a look at the individual features of the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023).
- Ultraportable: A 2-in-1 super lightweight, portable device with a beautiful and sharp OLED display.
- Performance: Intergrated with Intel 13th Gen P-series CPUs, which handle productivity tasks and more demanding workloads such as photo editing and programming.
- Keyboard and touchpad: It has a great keyboard and a large touchpad for easier input.
- Ports: Numerous ports are available with the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023), including two Thunderbolt 4s and an HDMI.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity and a facial recognition IR camera for quicker logins.
ASUS also offers powerful gaming laptops in their ASUS ROG series, which gamers are now preferring more over MSI and Alienware machines. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) is a 14-inch gaming laptop with a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and AMD Radeon discrete GPU, providing smooth gameplay at 1440p. The 120Hz IPS display offers a fast response time, delivers smooth and clear images, and supports FreeSync variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing. Though it gets heated under load, it is still a great device. However, this model is a bit hard to find now, but ASUS has announced a new 2024 model with an AMD Ryzen 9 8940H CPU and NVIDIA 40-series GPUs (up to an RTX 4070).
The Bottom Line
There are countless laptop brands out there, all offering a variety of laptops in diverse series, which can make it challenging to select the right brand according to your needs. With this article, you can see what the top contenders of 2024 for the best laptop brands are and what makes them unique. From gaming to professional to basic needs, a perfect laptop fits your needs; we have just saved you the hassle of looking into the vast sea of laptop brands to figure out which brand you should opt for.