Laptops

For most kids, a Chromebook such as the Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15 is the best laptop: it handles schoolwork, runs Roblox from the Google Play Store, and Google’s parental controls are built in. If your child wants Fortnite or more demanding PC games, get a Windows gaming laptop such as the Lenovo LOQ 15 with an RTX 5050. For older kids and teens who want a Mac, the MacBook Neo (Apple’s cheapest laptop) runs Roblox, but it falls below Minecraft: Java Edition’s new minimum, so for Minecraft on a Mac look at the MacBook Air (M5).

Check the Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on the official system requirements from Roblox, Mojang and Epic Games, manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list or launch prices at the time of writing. See how we choose products.

Best laptops for kids compared

What does a laptop need for Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite?

• Roblox asks for very little: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), macOS 10.13 or later, or a Chromebook with the Google Play Store, plus about 1GB of memory and a 1.6 GHz processor. Almost any current laptop runs it (Roblox).
• Minecraft on a Chromebook needs ChromeOS 114 or later and at least an Intel Celeron N4100 or Core i3-4150-class processor, with 8GB of memory recommended (Minecraft). Not every Chromebook is supported, so check that Minecraft can be installed from the Play Store on the exact model before buying it for that game. On Windows, the PC version includes both Java and Bedrock Editions. Bedrock needs only 4GB of memory, but on July 21, 2026, Mojang raised Java Edition’s requirements: at least 8GB of memory with a graphics card or 12GB with integrated graphics, a Vulkan 1.3 graphics chip, and an Apple M1 or newer on a Mac; 16GB and a 6GB graphics card are recommended (Minecraft).
• Fortnite is the demanding one. Epic’s minimum for Windows is 8GB of memory and Intel HD 4000 or AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics; the recommended spec is 16GB with a GTX 960-class graphics card (Epic Games). A laptop that only meets the minimum will run it at low settings.

Playing Roblox vs building in Roblox Studio

Playing Roblox needs almost nothing: Roblox says a laptop less than three years old with integrated graphics is enough for good performance. But many kids also want to make their own Roblox games, and that’s a different story. Roblox Studio, the free app used to build them, only runs on Windows and Mac. Its minimum is Windows 10 or macOS 10.14 with 3GB of memory, and Roblox recommends Windows 11 or macOS 14 or later, 8GB of memory and a screen of at least 1600×900 (Roblox Creator Hub). Chromebooks and tablets can play Roblox but can’t run Studio.

If your child is likely to start building, skip the Chromebooks and pick a Windows laptop or a Mac with at least 8GB of memory. Also check the screen: many of the cheapest Windows laptops still use 1366×768 panels, below the 1600×900 Roblox recommends for Studio, which makes its many panels cramped. A 1920×1080 screen or sharper is the safe choice.

The best laptops for kids in 2026

1. Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15: best laptop for most kids

The Chromebook Plus i 15 was announced at CES 2026 (Notebookcheck). Its Intel Core i3-N355 and 8GB of memory are well above what Roblox needs, the 15.3-inch 1920×1200 screen is big enough for schoolwork, and Lenovo rates the battery at up to 11 hours. It also has a 5MP webcam with a privacy shutter, a fingerprint reader and HDMI. Chromebooks update automatically, and Google Family Link lets you manage apps and screen time.

Good to know: Chromebooks can’t run Windows games, and there’s no Fortnite app for ChromeOS; it can only be streamed through a cloud gaming service such as GeForce NOW. If those matter, skip to the Windows picks.

Check the Chromebook Plus i 15 on Amazon →

2. Acer Chromebook 315: cheapest laptop for school

For Google Docs, Classroom and Roblox, the Chromebook 315 is a sensible low-cost pick: a 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen, an Intel N100, 8GB of memory and up to 12 hours of battery. Trusted Reviews names the 2026 model its best Chromebook for students.

Good to know: versions with only 64GB of storage fill up quickly once games are installed. Check the model year, memory and storage in the listing.

Check the Chromebook 315 on Amazon →

3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11: best for younger kids

For younger children, a tablet with a keyboard is easier to handle than a laptop (if you’d rather go with an iPad, see our best iPad to buy). The Duet 11 is a 10.95-inch 2K tablet with a detachable keyboard in the box and a MediaTek Kompanio 838 that Notebookcheck calls a “mobile energy-saving champion”. It launched with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, and runs Roblox from the Play Store.

Good to know: get the 8GB model; 9to5Google found 4GB isn’t enough. The small keyboard isn’t made for long typing sessions.

Check the Chromebook Duet 11 on Amazon →

4. Acer Aspire Go 15: best cheap Windows laptop for kids

If your child needs Windows, for school software, Roblox, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition or Fortnite at low settings, the Aspire Go 15 gives you an 8-core Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD and a 15.6-inch Full HD screen. That’s double Fortnite’s minimum memory, and plenty of storage for Roblox, Minecraft and schoolwork.

Good to know: its integrated Radeon graphics aren’t made for gaming, so Fortnite will run at low settings at best. Mojang’s new Java Edition minimum names Intel integrated graphics but not AMD’s, so for Java with mods, the LOQ 15 below is the safer choice. At about 1.8 kg (3.9 lb), it’s heavy for a school bag.

Check the Aspire Go 15 on Amazon →

5. Lenovo LOQ 15 (RTX 5050): best for Fortnite and PC gaming

For a kid who’s serious about Fortnite, Minecraft shaders or newer PC games, a real graphics card makes the difference. The RTX 5050 version of the LOQ 15 usually pairs it with an Intel Core i5-13450HX, a 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz screen, 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD. It’s often discounted, and Tom’s Guide says it’s good for playing the latest games at medium settings.

Good to know: gaming laptops are heavy and their batteries don’t last long away from a socket. Many Amazon listings are third-party bundles with “upgraded” memory at a markup, so compare with the standard 16GB / 512GB version. More options are in our cheapest gaming laptops guide.

Check the LOQ 15 on Amazon →

6. Apple MacBook Neo: best for older kids who want a Mac

For teens, the MacBook Neo is Apple’s cheapest laptop, with a further discount for students. It has an A18 Pro chip, 8GB of memory, 256GB of storage and a 13-inch, 500-nit display in a 2.7 lb body (MacRumors), and it lasted 13.5 hours in TechRadar‘s battery test. Roblox supports macOS. Minecraft: Java Edition runs on Macs, but Mojang’s July 2026 minimum asks for an Apple M1 or newer and 12GB of memory with integrated graphics, so the Neo’s A18 Pro and 8GB fall short on paper: Mojang says the game should still launch below the minimum, but performance isn’t guaranteed (Minecraft). For Minecraft, the MacBook Air (M5) clears the minimum. Screen Time gives parents control over apps and time.

Good to know: Epic’s Fortnite requirements are for Windows, and 8GB of memory can’t be upgraded. See our MacBook Air 13 (M5) guide for how it compares with the Air.

Check the MacBook Neo on Amazon →

Parental controls: set these up first

• Roblox: since June 2026, age-checked players aged 5 to 8 get Roblox Kids accounts with chat turned off by default, and 9 to 15-year-olds get Roblox Select accounts where chat unlocks gradually. Linked parents can change chat settings and allow or block specific games until 16, and set screen-time and spending limits until 13 (Roblox).
• The laptop: use Google Family Link on a Chromebook, Microsoft Family Safety on Windows, or Screen Time on a Mac to manage apps, purchases and time limits.
• Keep it in a shared space for younger kids, and set the account up as a child account rather than an adult one.

Black Friday tips for a kids’ laptop

Black Friday 2026 is November 27. The cheapest laptop listings often cut storage or memory, so check the specs, not just the price. Look for at least 8GB of memory (16GB on Windows), avoid 32GB or 64GB storage if your child will install games, and check the exact model name: a “LOQ 15” can have an RTX 5050 or RTX 5060, and an older Chromebook may not get Minecraft.

Waiting for a sale? See our best laptops to buy on Black Friday for the models most worth waiting for.

Our verdict

For most kids, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15 is the best laptop: it’s fast enough for Roblox and schoolwork, safe and easy to manage. The Acer Chromebook 315 is the cheapest school option, the Chromebook Duet 11 suits younger children, the Acer Aspire Go 15 covers Windows on a budget, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is the pick for Fortnite and PC gaming, and the MacBook Neo is the Mac for older kids.

Frequently asked questions

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The best laptop for most college students is the Apple MacBook Neo: Apple’s cheapest laptop, with full macOS and 13.5 hours of battery in TechRadar’s test. Choose the MacBook Air 13 (M5) if you edit photos or video. On Windows, the Dell XPS 13 (2026) is the lightweight pick, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x lasted over 16 hours for well under $500 on sale. For Google Docs and Classroom, get a Chromebook, and if you game, a Lenovo LOQ 15 with an RTX 5060.

Waiting for a sale? See our best laptops to buy on Black Friday for the models most worth waiting for.

Would an iPad do? The base iPad (A16) is the value pick for streaming, browsing and schoolwork, though it lacks Apple Intelligence (see our best iPad to buy).

Check the Apple MacBook Neo on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews and lab tests (linked below), as well as facts already checked for our other laptop guides. It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list or launch prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best laptops for college students compared

What college students need in a laptop

• Battery for a full day: aim for 10+ hours of real use so you’re not hunting for outlets between classes. Most picks here clear that in testing or manufacturer ratings; gaming laptops don’t.
• Check your major’s software first: some engineering, architecture and science programs need Windows-only apps; Chromebooks can’t run desktop Windows software, and Arm-based Windows laptops like the IdeaPad Slim 3x may not run some older apps.
• Memory: 8GB is fine for notes, browsing and Office; 16GB is better for heavy multitasking, coding and creative work.
• Weight: you’ll carry it every day, so under about 3 pounds makes a difference.
• Use education pricing: Apple takes $100 off the MacBook Neo and MacBook Air for students, and other brands run student discounts too.

The best laptops for college students in 2026

1. Apple MacBook Neo: best laptop for most college students

Launched in March 2026, the MacBook Neo is Apple’s cheapest laptop ever and the first Mac to use an iPhone chip, the A18 Pro. It has a 13-inch 2408×1506 display at 500 nits, 8GB of memory, 256GB of storage, a 1080p webcam, Wi-Fi 6E, two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, in a 2.7-pound body. It’s Apple’s cheapest laptop, with a further discount for students (MacRumors). TechRadar names it the best student laptop overall: it lasted 13.5 hours in its battery test and handled tabs, Zoom and Word “without a hitch”, with full macOS app compatibility.

Good to know: 8GB is the only memory option, so it’s weaker for creative work and not built for gaming. One of the two USB-C ports runs at slow USB 2 speeds, and Touch ID is only on the pricier 512GB model. TechRadar also notes it’s thicker than the MacBook Air.

Need more ports? A small hub fixes that: the Lemorele TC90 adds three USB-A (5Gbps) ports, SD and microSD slots, HDMI and a 100-watt USB-C charging input. Its HDMI runs 4K at 30Hz, which suits a 1080p monitor or a projector. We found no independent lab tests of it, so this is based on the maker’s specs.

Check the Lemorele TC90 hub at Lemorele →

Check the MacBook Neo on Amazon →

2. Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5): best for creative majors

If you’ll edit photos, video or music, or keep a laptop all four years, the MacBook Air is the step up. The M5 model starts with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, Apple rates it for up to 18 hours of video playback, it weighs 2.7 pounds, and it drives up to two external displays. Students get education pricing, and TechRadar picks it as the best laptop for creative students. See our MacBook Air 13 (M5) guide for full specs and reviews.

Good to know: it has no fan, so it slows down during long heavy exports, and there’s no HDMI or SD card slot.

Check the MacBook Air 13 (M5) on Amazon →

3. Dell XPS 13 (2026): best lightweight Windows laptop

The 2026 XPS 13 weighs about 1 kg (2.2 pounds) and is half an inch thick, and it lasted 16 hours 17 minutes in TechRadar‘s video test, which picks it as the best lightweight student laptop. It goes up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 and 32GB of memory.

Good to know: the base model’s 8GB of memory slowed down with heavy multitasking in TechRadar’s tests, and there are few ports. If you can, step up to 16GB.

Check the Dell XPS 13 (2026) on Amazon →

4. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: best Windows laptop on a budget

Tom’s Guide ranks the IdeaPad Slim 3x as the best laptop under $500, and it lasted 16 hours 29 minutes in Tom’s Guide’s review. It runs Windows 11 on a Qualcomm Snapdragon X with 16GB of memory and a 15.3-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen, weighing 3.4 pounds. It often sells well below its list price. See our best Lenovo laptops under $500 for more.

Good to know: its Arm chip may not run some older Windows software or specialist course apps, so check your program’s requirements. Reviewers call the screen and speakers underwhelming, and it’s not for gaming. Get the 512GB version if you can.

Check the IdeaPad Slim 3x on Amazon →

5. Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: best 2-in-1 for taking notes

A 2-in-1 that folds into a tablet is handy for handwritten notes and studying with classmates. TechRadar picks the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 as the best Windows 2-in-1 for students, praising its solid everyday performance, light weight and 15+ hours of battery life. It goes up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V and 32GB of memory.

Good to know: TechRadar’s reviewer found the 14-inch 1200p touchscreen only “decent enough”, which matters more on a 2-in-1, and it’s not meant for gaming or video editing.

Check the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 on Amazon →

6. Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14: best Chromebook for college

If your classes run on Google Docs, Classroom and the web, a Chromebook is simple, secure and long-lasting. The Chromebook Plus 14 has a 14-inch OLED, a MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910, 12GB or 16GB of memory and an aluminium build, and Tom’s Guide calls it the best Chromebook you can buy. For less, there’s the Chromebook Plus i 15. See our best Chromebooks guide, which also covers Google’s new Googlebooks.

Good to know: Chromebooks can’t run Windows software such as full desktop Office or many specialist course apps, so check your program’s requirements first.

Check the Chromebook Plus 14 on Amazon →

7. Lenovo LOQ 15 Gen 10: best for students who game

If you game in your dorm, a gaming laptop doubles as your study machine. The LOQ 15 Gen 10 with an RTX 5060, Ryzen 7 250, 16GB of DDR5 and a 512GB SSD is the best-balanced pick in our best gaming laptops under $1,200 guide, with enough GPU for current games at 1080p.

Good to know: gaming laptops are heavier and have much shorter battery life than the other picks here, so expect to carry the charger. Check the GPU wattage in the listing, or look the model up in our laptop GPU power database. For cheaper options, see our cheapest gaming laptops.

Check the Lenovo LOQ 15 on Amazon →

Mac, Windows or Chromebook for college?

• Mac: the MacBook Neo has made macOS affordable, and Macs run the main apps most majors need (Office, Zoom, browsers, creative tools). Check first if your program requires Windows-only software.
• Windows: the safest choice for engineering, architecture and other programs with Windows-only software, and the only option for most PC games.
• Chromebook: the cheapest and simplest, ideal if your school runs on Google Workspace, but it can’t run desktop Windows or Mac apps.

Our verdict

The MacBook Neo is the best laptop for most college students: full macOS, a full day of battery and a $599 education price. Choose the MacBook Air 13 (M5) for creative work, the Dell XPS 13 (2026) for the lightest Windows laptop, the IdeaPad Slim 3x for a budget Windows laptop, the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 for note-taking, the Chromebook Plus 14 for Google-based classes, and the Lenovo LOQ 15 if you game.

Frequently asked questions

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The best Chromebook for most people is the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14: a 14-inch OLED screen, a fast and efficient MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip and an aluminium build, and Tom’s Guide calls it “the best Chromebook you can buy right now”. For a thinner laptop with a bigger OLED, look at the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus. On a budget, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15 and Acer Chromebook 315 cover school and web work. Google’s new Googlebooks went on sale in October 2026, and Chromebooks are still worth buying: Google will keep updating ChromeOS until mid-2034.

Heading to college? Our best laptops for college students weighs Chromebooks against the MacBook Neo.

Check the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications, Google’s support statements and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list or launch prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best Chromebooks compared

Chromebook or Googlebook?

Google launched Googlebooks in the US on October 4, 2026. They run Googlebook OS, a new Android-based operating system that combines ChromeOS and Android, and come from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo, starting near $900. Every launch model has at least 16GB of memory, a touchscreen and an AI chip, and Google says they’re built to work closely with Android phones (Android Authority). Our Googlebook buying guide compares all five launch models.

Chromebooks aren’t going away. Google says the Chromebooks you buy today will keep getting updates through their supported lifetime, and ChromeOS will get regular updates and security patches through mid-2034. It also says “many” of its newest Chromebooks, which a later note describes as newer commercial models, will be able to move to Googlebook OS, and that qualifying Chromebooks whose 10-year support runs past 2034 will get a transition path. It hasn’t yet published which models qualify (9to5Google).

• Buy a Chromebook if you want a capable laptop for the web, Google Docs and school for well under $900. Most Chromebooks cost far less than the cheapest Googlebook.
• Consider a Googlebook if you’re spending $900 or more, use an Android phone, and want the newest hardware and Google’s newest software.
• Don’t buy a Chromebook expecting Googlebook OS. Google has only said “many” of its newest models will be eligible, and a later note refers to newer commercial (business) Chromebooks. Until it publishes the list, judge a Chromebook on what it does today.

The best Chromebooks in 2026

1. Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14: best Chromebook

The Chromebook Plus 14 was the first Chromebook with a built-in AI chip (NPU), in its MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910. It pairs that with a 14-inch 1920×1200 OLED, 12GB or 16GB of memory, Wi-Fi 7 and a fanless aluminium body weighing 2.58 pounds. Tom’s Guide calls it “simply put, the best Chromebook you can buy right now”, praising the premium build, “mesmerizing” OLED, speakers and battery life, and PCWorld found it surprisingly strong for a fanless Chromebook.

Good to know: Tom’s Guide notes it’s pricey for a Chromebook, especially the touchscreen version with 16GB and 256GB, and PCWorld found the function keys hard to read. There are no HDMI ports, just two USB-C and one USB-A.

Check the Chromebook Plus 14 on Amazon →

2. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: thinnest, with the biggest OLED

Samsung’s Chromebook looks more like a MacBook than any other here: 11.8 mm thin and 1.17 kg, with a 15.6-inch AMOLED screen. Trusted Reviews, which names it the best Chromebook overall, found its Intel Core 5 120U fast in everyday use and measured 15 hours 25 minutes of battery life, which it says is up to two days of real use.

Good to know: Trusted Reviews found the speakers a little thin. It’s one of the more expensive Chromebooks, so compare its price with the Chromebook Plus 14 before buying.

Check the Galaxy Chromebook Plus on Amazon →

3. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (2026): best premium 2-in-1

The 2026 Spin 514 uses the same Kompanio Ultra 910 chip as the Chromebook Plus 14, with 12GB of memory, and adds a 360-degree hinge so it folds into a tablet. Trusted Reviews praises its 14-inch 3K screen, keyboard and solid performance, and its battery lasted over 13 hours in testing.

Good to know: it’s expensive for a Chromebook, the screen is only 60Hz, and there’s no HDMI port, so you’ll need a USB-C adapter for an external monitor.

Check the Chromebook Plus Spin 514 on Amazon →

A plain USB-C to HDMI adapter is all you need: Lemorele’s L19B supports up to 4K at 60Hz and works with Chromebooks, according to Lemorele.

Check the Lemorele L19B adapter at Lemorele →

4. Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15: best big-screen Chromebook under $500

Announced at CES 2026, the Chromebook Plus i 15 starts under $500 (Notebookcheck). It pairs an Intel Core i3-N355 with 8GB of memory and a 15.3-inch 1920×1200 screen rated at 400 nits, with an optional 120Hz touchscreen. Lenovo rates its 65Wh battery at up to 11 hours, and you get a number pad, a fingerprint reader, a 5MP webcam with a privacy shutter, HDMI and a microSD slot.

Good to know: it’s the pick for Google Docs, Classroom and web apps on a big screen. If you need Windows software, see our best Lenovo laptops under $500, which compares it with Windows options.

Check the Chromebook Plus i 15 on Amazon →

5. Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1: best budget convertible, on sale

At list price this 2-in-1 is hard to recommend, but Chrome Unboxed reports it has dropped well under $500 several times. On sale it’s a well-made convertible with a rigid chassis, what the review calls a fantastic keyboard and trackpad, a responsive touch and pen screen, plenty of ports and a fingerprint reader.

Good to know: the Intel Core 3 N355 is “only fine”, it comes with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, it has a fan, and real-world battery life is about 7 hours.

Check the Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 on Amazon →

6. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 (2024): best Chromebook tablet

The Duet 11 is a 10.95-inch 2K tablet with a detachable keyboard in the box, powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 838. Notebookcheck calls it a “mobile energy-saving champion”. It launched with 4GB of memory, or 8GB and 128GB.

Good to know: get the 8GB model. 9to5Google’s review is titled “Ruined by RAM” because 4GB isn’t enough for a modern Chromebook. The small keyboard isn’t made for long typing sessions.

Check the Chromebook Duet 11 on Amazon →

7. Acer Chromebook 315: cheapest Chromebook for school

If most of the work happens in a browser, Google Docs or Classroom, the Chromebook 315 is a sensible low-cost pick: a 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen, an Intel N100, 8GB of memory and up to 12 hours of battery. Trusted Reviews names the 2026 Chromebook 315 its best Chromebook for students.

Buying for a child? Chromebooks have Google’s parental controls built in; our best laptops for kids compares them with gaming laptops for Fortnite.

Good to know: configurations with only 64GB of storage fill up quickly, and like every Chromebook it can’t run Windows apps or most PC games. Check the exact model year and memory in the listing.

Check the Acer Chromebook 315 on Amazon →

The 5 Googlebooks: which to buy

Googlebooks are the new laptops running Google’s Android-based Googlebook OS (see Chromebook or Googlebook? above). All five launch models, side by side:

Specs from Google, Android Authority and Tom’s Guide. Check the current price and configuration before you buy.

ASUS Googlebook 14: the standout

Tom’s Guide, which went hands-on with all five, picked the ASUS as the standout, saying it was “astonished by how light this 2.2-pound laptop feels”. It’s 0.43 inches thin, with a magnesium-aluminium chassis, a 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen with anti-glare treatment (ASUS quotes up to 1,000 nits peak HDR brightness), six speakers and a large haptic touchpad. The base model has an Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and ASUS claims up to 18 hours from its 70Wh battery.

Good to know: it’s one of the two most expensive Googlebooks, and 256GB of storage is modest at that price. Battery claims are ASUS’s own until lab reviews arrive.

Acer Googlebook 14: best value, and the only 2-in-1

The Acer is the cheapest Googlebook and the only convertible at launch, so it folds into a tablet. It has a 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen (500 nits), an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 (Panther Lake), 16GB of memory, at least 256GB of storage, an aluminium-and-magnesium chassis and a 71Wh battery (Android Authority). Tom’s Guide calls it the one to get for a premium laptop that doubles as a tablet for under $1,000.

Good to know: the base model’s 256GB of storage fills up faster than you’d think with offline video and Android apps. If you mostly need a laptop for the web and Google Docs, a Chromebook costs far less (see below).

Dell XPS Googlebook: the compact pick

The Dell is the smallest Googlebook, with a 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen (500 nits) in a machined aluminium body that weighs 2.2 pounds. It uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite with 16GB or 32GB of memory and starts with 512GB of storage, double the other base models. It adds face unlock and a haptic touchpad. Android Headlines went hands-on with all five and called Dell “the clear winner”.

Good to know: Launch coverage listed different prices, so check which configuration you’re getting. The Snapdragon X Elite launched in 2024, so it’s an older chip than the Intel Panther Lake in the Acer, ASUS and Lenovo, though Arm chips are usually efficient.

Lenovo Googlebook 15: the big-screen pick

The Lenovo has the largest screen at launch, a 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen, with Dolby Atmos audio, which suits video and side-by-side work. It has an Intel Core Ultra 5 (Panther Lake), 16GB of memory, 256GB of storage, a magnesium-alloy and carbon-fibre chassis, face unlock and a fingerprint reader. Tom’s Guide describes its boxier design as reminiscent of a MacBook Pro.

Good to know: at 2.8 pounds it’s the heaviest Googlebook, though still light for a 15-inch laptop.

HP Googlebook 14: Snapdragon with an OLED

HP pairs a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite with a 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen (500 nits), 16GB or 32GB of memory and 256GB of storage, in an all-aluminium body. It has both a fingerprint reader and face unlock, and Tom’s Guide liked its lattice-less keyboard, saying the keys have excellent travel.

Good to know: at 2.74 pounds, it costs as much as the lighter ASUS. Choose it if you prefer a Snapdragon chip with an OLED screen in a 14-inch size.

Are Chromebooks good for gaming?

Only through cloud gaming. Chromebooks can’t install PC games, and the one way they could, Google and Valve’s Steam for Chromebook beta, ended on January 1, 2026; games installed through it stopped working (Tom’s Hardware). What’s left works well, though:

• Cloud gaming (the best option): NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming run games on remote servers and stream them to the Chromebook, so the laptop’s own chip barely matters. GeForce NOW plays games you own on Steam and other stores; its Ultimate tier streams at up to 2560×1600 and 120 FPS on Chromebooks. NVIDIA asks for 35 Mbps for that, a 5 GHz Wi-Fi or wired connection, and under 80 ms of latency to its servers (NVIDIA). Xbox Cloud Gaming needs a Game Pass plan that includes cloud play.
• Android games: most Chromebooks run games from the Google Play Store, and the faster Chromebook Plus models above handle them easily. Some phone games don’t fit a laptop screen or keyboard well.
• What you can’t play: Windows PC games installed from Steam, Epic or other stores, unless the game is also available on a cloud service.

For cloud gaming, the screen and Wi-Fi matter more than the processor: a Chromebook Plus with a sharp screen and a recent Wi-Fi chip is a good fit. If you want to install and play PC games, buy a Windows gaming laptop instead; see our cheapest gaming laptops worth buying.

What to look for in a Chromebook

• Chromebook Plus: Google’s badge for Chromebooks that meet higher minimum specs and get Google’s AI features. Every pick here except the Duet 11 and Chromebook 315 is a Chromebook Plus.
• 8GB of memory or more: 4GB isn’t enough for modern ChromeOS, as 9to5Google found with the 4GB Duet 11.
• Update date: every Chromebook has an auto-update expiration date. Newer models get updates for longer, so avoid old stock sold cheaply.
• Know the limits: Chromebooks run web apps, Android apps and Linux apps, but not Windows software such as full desktop Office or most PC games.

Our verdict

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is the best Chromebook for most people, with an OLED screen, strong performance and long battery life. Choose the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus for the thinnest design and biggest OLED, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 for a premium 2-in-1, the Chromebook Plus i 15 for a big screen under $500, the Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 on sale, the Duet 11 as a tablet, and the Acer Chromebook 315 for the lowest price. If you’d rather have the newest platform, the ASUS Googlebook 14 is the standout Googlebook and the Acer Googlebook 14 the best value.

Frequently asked questions

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• Best iPad to buy
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For most professionals, the best business laptop (and the best laptop for work overall) is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14: 2.15 pounds, a 2.8K OLED option, the best keyboard in its class and a chassis that’s unusually easy to repair. If battery life matters most, the Dell Pro 7 14 lasted over 26 hours in StorageReview’s lab. For a small business on a budget, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 with an Intel Core Ultra 5 (today’s equivalent of a Core i5) is the pick. If you work on a Mac, get the MacBook Air 13 (M5).

Check the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published lab tests and reviews (linked below), especially StorageReview’s business laptop leaderboard. It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Business laptops come in many configurations, so prices vary widely. See how we choose products.

Best business laptops compared

Battery figures are StorageReview’s PCMark 10 Modern Office results unless noted. Prices are as reviewed or launch prices; business laptops are often cheaper when configured directly with the manufacturer.

What makes a laptop a business laptop?

Makers also call them commercial or corporate laptops: the ThinkPad, EliteBook, Dell Pro and Latitude lines are sold to companies, but anyone can buy them on Amazon or from the maker’s store. Compared with a consumer laptop, a business laptop adds:

• Manageability: Intel vPro or AMD PRO processors let an IT team manage, update and lock laptops remotely. Small businesses without IT staff can usually skip it.
• Security: fingerprint and IR face login, TPM chips, privacy shutters and firmware protection such as HP Wolf Security or Dell SafeBIOS.
• Durability and repair: MIL-STD 810H testing, spill-resistant keyboards, and parts you can replace, such as the X1 Carbon Gen 14’s battery and USB-C ports.
• Keyboards and ports: ThinkPads and EliteBooks keep better keyboards, more ports and options like 5G (WWAN) that consumer laptops drop.
• “Best i5 laptop for business”? Intel has renamed its chips. The modern equivalent of a Core i5 is a Core Ultra 5 (or Core 5). It’s plenty for email, Office, browsing and video calls. Choose a Core Ultra 7 for heavy spreadsheets, coding or photo work.

The best business laptops in 2026

1. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14: best business laptop

The 2026 X1 Carbon is a redesign. Its new “Space Frame” construction let Lenovo double-side the motherboard and fit a 70 percent larger fan, so the 2.15-pound laptop can run its Intel Panther Lake chip at up to 30 W. The top panel comes off without screws, the USB-C ports and keyboard are replaceable, and iFixit scored it 9 out of 10 for repairability. The Gadgeteer, which gave it an Editor’s Choice award, calls its keyboard “the best typing experience in a business laptop right now”, and Lenovo restored the right Ctrl key. The optional 14-inch 2.8K OLED runs at 120Hz with an anti-glare finish. The 58Wh battery is customer-replaceable too: The Gadgeteer’s video test ran 24 hours, though it saw 5 to 7 hours in mixed real-world use with the OLED bright.

Good to know: it’s expensive, especially in the Core Ultra 7 355 / 32GB / OLED configuration The Gadgeteer reviewed (Notebookcheck). The OLED is hard to read in direct sun, and the haptic touchpad is an extra-cost option. The previous Gen 13 is still sold and usually cheaper.

Check the ThinkPad X1 Carbon on Amazon →

2. HP EliteBook X G2i: fastest thin-and-light

In StorageReview’s lab, the EliteBook X G2i posted the highest PCMark 10 productivity score on its business leaderboard (9,209), lasted 17 hours 13 minutes on battery and weighed just 2.4 pounds. It pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 366H with a 14-inch 3K 120Hz OLED, and HP’s Wolf Security covers the business side. StorageReview names it the best executive thin-and-light.

Good to know: the bright 500-nit OLED costs battery life. HP’s own figures suggest about 31 hours of video playback with the 300-nit OLED against about 23 hours with the 500-nit panel StorageReview tested.

Check the EliteBook X G2i on Amazon →

3. Dell Pro 7 14 (Intel): longest battery life

StorageReview’s overall pick lasted 26 hours 18 minutes in its battery test, enough for two or three workdays between charges, and posted a PCMark 10 score of 8,438 in Dell’s thinnest Pro chassis (2.80 pounds). It has Intel vPro, Dell SafeBIOS and durability testing beyond MIL-STD requirements (StorageReview).

Good to know: StorageReview notes it trades sustained CPU performance for portability, so heavy compiling or rendering belongs on a bigger machine. Its 64GB test unit was expensive, so configure only what you need. The Dell Pro 5 14 (Intel) lasted even longer, 26 hours 48 minutes, and has replaceable memory.

Check the Dell Pro 7 14 on Amazon →

4. HP EliteBook X G1i and X Flip G1i: best 2-in-1

The EliteBook X Flip G1i is the longest-lasting convertible StorageReview has tested, at 24 hours 34 minutes, and the clamshell X G1i is close behind at 23 hours 31 minutes. Their Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake) chips are quick for everyday work at very low power and qualify for Copilot+ features, and HP includes a three-year Wolf Pro Security license (StorageReview).

Good to know: the Flip was one of the more affordable premium picks here at review time. Lunar Lake’s memory is built into the chip, so choose enough RAM when you buy.

Check the EliteBook X Flip G1i on Amazon →

5. Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 (Intel): best budget business laptop

The ThinkPad E14 is Lenovo’s affordable office laptop, with the ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint, good maintenance access and modern Intel chips. Notebookcheck says the Intel versions are the ones to buy: the cheapest Core Ultra 5 210H model can be upgraded to a 400-nit, 120Hz screen for about €60, for around €750 in total (Notebookcheck). A Core Ultra 5 is the modern equivalent of the Core i5 many small businesses ask for.

Good to know: avoid the AMD versions. Notebookcheck found they use older Zen 4 chips and only offer a dim 300-nit 1080p screen with low color gamut. US prices vary by configuration, so compare Lenovo’s site with Amazon listings.

Check the ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 on Amazon →

6. Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5): best for Mac users

If your business runs on a Mac, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 is the easy choice. It weighs 2.7 pounds, Apple rates it for up to 18 hours of video streaming, and it now starts with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage. It’s silent because it has no fan, and it drives up to two external displays. See our MacBook Air 13 (M5) guide for the specs and reviews.

Good to know: with no fan, it slows down under long heavy workloads, and there’s no HDMI or SD card slot. It doesn’t have the IT management features of vPro laptops, though Apple Business Manager covers device management for Mac fleets.

Check the MacBook Air 13 (M5) on Amazon →

Also worth a look

• Apple MacBook Neo: the cheapest Mac, with an A18 Pro chip, 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage. Fine for email, documents and video calls, but the memory can’t be upgraded, so the MacBook Air is the better long-term business laptop.
• Dell Pro 14 Premium (2026): a magnesium flagship with a tandem OLED, 2.55 pounds and 16 hours 30 minutes in StorageReview’s test.
• HP EliteBook 6 G1q: the Snapdragon (Arm) option, with 19 hours 35 minutes of battery at 3.17 pounds. Check that your apps run on Arm Windows first.
• Dell Pro 5 16 (AMD): a 16-inch desk-first laptop with a number pad and the strongest sustained CPU performance on StorageReview’s board.

All three are on StorageReview’s business laptop leaderboard.

On a tight budget: refurbished business laptops

Business laptops come off company leases in large numbers, so refurbished ones are a cheap way to get a Latitude, EliteBook or ThinkPad build and keyboard. Discount Electronics, a US refurbisher, sells models such as the Dell Latitude 5540 (Core i5-1350P, 16GB DDR5) and the HP EliteBook 840 G8 (Core i5-1145G7, 16GB) after a 41-point inspection, with a one-year warranty. They’re a generation or more behind the picks above, so check the processor generation, battery health and cosmetic grade before you buy.

See refurbished business laptops at Discount Electronics →

Buying tip: compare Amazon with the manufacturer

Business laptops come in dozens of configurations, and many Amazon listings for them are from third-party sellers. Before you buy, compare the exact processor, memory, screen and warranty with the same model on Lenovo’s, HP’s or Dell’s own site, where business models are often cheaper and can be configured exactly. Previous-generation models, such as the X1 Carbon Gen 13, are usually the best deals, especially around Black Friday (November 27, 2026).

Waiting for a sale? See our best laptops to buy on Black Friday for the models most worth waiting for.

Our verdict

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 is the best business laptop for most professionals: extremely light, easy to repair, with a superb keyboard and OLED option. Choose the HP EliteBook X G2i for the fastest thin-and-light, the Dell Pro 7 14 if battery life matters most, the EliteBook X Flip G1i for a 2-in-1, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 on a small-business budget, and the MacBook Air 13 (M5) if you work on a Mac.

Frequently asked questions

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