9 Best Windows Laptops (2026): WIRED-Tested Laptops to Buy

Microsoft ends Windows 10 support

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, requiring users on older hardware to upgrade to Windows 11-compatible laptops to continue receiving security updates. This shift makes 2026 a critical year for hardware refreshes as the industry moves toward Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Snapdragon X2 processors.

Current Windows 11 laptops offer significantly better battery life and performance than machines from just three years ago. The transition to ARM-based chips and high-efficiency Intel silicon has finally closed the gap with Apple’s MacBook lineup.

The best overall Windows laptop

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition is the best choice for most people because it finally delivers MacBook-level battery life on Windows. It uses a Qualcomm-powered ARM processor that handles daily tasks without the heat or fan noise common in older models.

The 13.8-inch display features a 3:2 aspect ratio and stylish rounded corners that maximize vertical workspace. While the 15-inch model is available for power users, the smaller version hits the sweet spot for portability and price.

Microsoft plans to update this line with Snapdragon X2 Elite chips later this year, but the current 7th Edition remains a high-performance bargain. It is one of the few laptops that can legitimately compete with the MacBook Air on both build quality and endurance.

• Pros: Excellent 3:2 display, haptic trackpad, and class-leading battery life.
• Cons: Often more expensive than equivalent MacBook Air configurations.
• Key Spec: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor.

Dell fixes the XPS 14

The 2026 Dell XPS 14 corrects the design mistakes of previous years while introducing Intel Core Ultra Series 3 silicon. Dell removed the controversial capacitive touch buttons that replaced the function row, returning to a more practical layout for professional users.

This model is one of the first to hit the market with Intel’s Panther Lake architecture, which focuses on massive integrated graphics improvements. The Core Ultra X7 chip performs on par with a discrete RTX 4050 GPU without the heavy battery drain.

Testing shows the XPS 14 can reach 20 hours of battery life during local video playback. While the $1,700 starting price is steep, the build quality and 4K webcam make it the premier Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro.

Great laptops under one thousand

The Dell 14 Plus is the best value in the Windows ecosystem, frequently retailing for $700. It offers 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD at a price point where competitors usually offer half the memory.

The display features a 90Hz refresh rate and high resolution, though the matte finish is heavier than some users might prefer. It lacks Windows Hello facial recognition, but the port selection and keyboard comfort exceed expectations for a sub-$1,000 machine.

For students or frequent travelers, the Asus Zenbook A14 offers a more portable alternative. It weighs half a pound less than the MacBook Air and utilizes the Snapdragon X Plus chip for all-day battery. The OLED display provides better contrast and color accuracy than the IPS panels found on most budget Dells.

Power for creators and gamers

Content creators should look at the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16, which pairs a Core Ultra 285H with Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics. This machine handles 4K video editing and 3D rendering with ease, though the battery life suffers under heavy loads.

The Razer Blade 16 remains the top choice for high-end gaming. It features an RTX 5090 GPU and a fast OLED panel that supports high refresh rates for competitive play. Razer continues to lead the market in thinness, though these laptops generate significant heat during extended gaming sessions.

• Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i: Best for designers and editors needing a 16-inch workspace.
• Razer Blade 16: Best for enthusiasts who want maximum frame rates in a premium chassis.
• Asus Zenbook S 16: Best for users who prioritize aesthetics and "Ceraluminum" materials.

Repairability and niche designs

The Framework Laptop 13 is the only choice for users who want to fight planned obsolescence. It features a fully modular design that allows you to swap ports, upgrade the mainboard, and replace the screen with a single screwdriver.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro continues to dominate the detachable market. The current model uses Snapdragon X chips to solve the battery life issues that plagued earlier tablets. You must buy the Type Cover keyboard separately, which adds roughly $150 to the total cost.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i serves as the best 2-in-1 for those who need a 360-degree hinge. Its OLED panel and included stylus make it ideal for digital artists or students who take handwritten notes.

What to buy right now

The laptop market is currently facing a global memory shortage that will likely drive prices up by late 2026. Manufacturers have signaled that 16GB of RAM will remain the baseline, but configurations with 32GB or more will become significantly more expensive.

If you find a laptop with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for under $800, you should buy it immediately. These specs are now the minimum requirement for the Copilot+ designation and smooth Windows 11 performance.

When shopping for a new machine, prioritize these specifications:

• Processor: Look for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 or 3 or Snapdragon X Elite for the best battery life.
• RAM: Do not buy a Windows 11 laptop with less than 16GB of memory.
• Storage: Aim for 512GB as a minimum, as Windows 11 and its recovery partitions occupy significant space.
• Display: Prioritize OLED panels for creative work and 90Hz+ refresh rates for general smoothness.

While Intel Core Ultra Series 3 laptops are beginning to ship, they often carry a "new release" premium. Value seekers should look for Snapdragon X or Intel Lunar Lake (Series 2) models on clearance. These chips still offer 15+ hours of battery life and are more than capable of running Windows 11 for the next five years.