Which laptop to buy in 2021

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The best models for various tasks: from working with documents to games and video editing.

Best budget laptops

These models will handle basic tasks successfully and won't burn a hole in your budget. Of course, you can find cheaper options, but if you want to work in comfort, we advise you to pay attention to these laptops.

1. Acer Swift 1 SF114‑33 ‑ P06A

• Display: 14 inches, IPS (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Pentium Quad Core N5030 (Gemini Lake R), 1.1 GHz.
• Video card: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 4 GB DDR4, 2,400 MHz; permanent - 128 GB SSD.
• Battery: 48 Wh, up to 16 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 32.3 × 21.2 × 1.5 cm; 1, 3 kg.
• Configuration number: SF114‑33 ‑ P06A NX. HYNER.001.

Stylish slim laptop in a plastic aluminum case works almost silently. The operating system and programs will boot quickly, because instead of a traditional hard drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD) is installed. The battery will last for a whole day. And with a high-resolution matte IPS screen, you can work or watch video comfortably both at home and on the street.

2. ASUS ASUSPRO P1440FA ‑ FA2025T

• Display: 14 inches, TN (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: dual-core Intel Core i3 10110U (Comet Lake), 2.1 GHz.
• Video card: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 4 GB DDR4, 2,400 MHz; constant - 1 TB HDD, 5,400 rpm.
• Battery: 44 Wh, up to 8 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 34 × 25 × 2, 3 cm; 1, 6 kg.
• Configuration number: P1440FA ‑ FA2025T 90NX0211 ‑ M30020.

A compact notebook of the ASUSPRO series - for those who are used to buying quality items. It will provide good performance: you will be comfortable browsing the Internet, working with documents, chatting on social networks, watching videos and playing simple games. And a 1TB hard drive will hold a solid collection of photos or music.

3. Lenovo IdeaPad 5-15 15IIL05

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS TN (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: dual-core Intel Core i3 1005G1 (Ice Lake), 1.2 GHz.
• Video card: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 8 GB DDR4, 3 200 MHz; permanent - 256 GB SSD.
• Battery: 4,880 mAh, up to 11 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35, 7 × 23, 3 × 1, 8 cm; 1.78 kg.
• Configuration number: 81YK001FRK.

A backlit keyboard model is a rarity among budget notebooks, so you can work comfortably with it even at night. The Ice Lake processor family copes with any task as efficiently as possible: at normal load it saves energy, at high load - Turbo Boost technology is connected, which automatically increases the operating frequency and increases power. The case with an aluminum alloy lid is not only stylish, but also reliable.

4. Acer Extensa 15 EX215‑51G ‑ 349T

• Display: 15.6 inches, TN (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: dual-core Intel Core i3 10110U (Comet Lake), 2.1 GHz.
• Video card: discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX230 with 2 GB of memory.
• Memory: operational - 8 GB DDR4, 2 133 MHz; built-in - 256 GB SSD.
• Battery: 36.7 Wh, up to 7 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 36, 3 × 24, 8 × 2 cm; 1.9 kg.
• Configuration number: EX215‑51G ‑ 349T NX. EG1ER.002.

A budget laptop with a discrete graphics card, a 10th generation processor and 8 GB of RAM on board will allow you to work, study, and run games - albeit not at maximum settings. Supports dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connectivity and minimal ping. And the fingerprint scanner will prevent strangers from gaining access to your data.

The best mid-range laptops

Models with a good margin of performance: they will not have to be changed in the next 3-4 years.

1. Lenovo IdeaPad 5-15 15ARE05

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4600U hexa-core (Zen 2), 2.1 GHz.
• Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 3 200 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 57 Wh, up to 14 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35, 7 × 23, 3 × 1, 8 cm; 1.78 kg.
• Configuration number: 81YQ004SRK.

The AMD Ryzen-based model not only has a lot of power, but also overclocking capabilities. 16 GB of RAM is enough to simultaneously run several heavy applications, and the battery charge is enough for the whole day of study or work, and for an evening with movies and games. Via USB Type-C with DisplayPort support, you can stream 4K video and high-resolution audio from your laptop to your TV.

2. MSI GF63 9RCX ‑ 868XRU

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i5 9300H (Coffee Lake), 2.4 GHz.
• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti in MAX ‑ Q design, 4 GB.
• Memory: operational - 8 GB DDR4, 2 666 MHz; permanent - 1 TB HDD.
• Battery: 51 Wh, up to 7 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35, 9 × 25, 4 × 2, 2 cm; 1, 86 kg.
• Configuration number: 9S7-16R312-868.

A cool aluminum laptop is a good choice for those who want to master the basics of video editing or 3D modeling, and alternate everyday activities with gaming. A powerful processor and a discrete graphics card will provide decent performance, and a well-thought-out cooling system will ensure stability under high loads.

3. HP Omen 15-en0033ur

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 4600H (Zen 2), 3 GHz.
• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti, 4 GB.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 3 200 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 52.5 Wh, up to 4 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35.8 × 24 × 2.3 cm; 2, 38 kg.
• Configuration number: 15 ‑ en0033ur 22P25EA.

With a powerful processor, fresh mobile graphics card, 16 GB of RAM and a large solid state drive, this laptop is very fast and quiet enough. The backlit keyboard will help you work comfortably at any time of the day. Bang and Olufsen loudspeakers provide decent sound quality without the need for additional speakers.

4. MSI Prestige 15 A10SC ‑ 213RU

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i5 10210U (Comet Lake), 1.6 GHz.
• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 MAX-Q design, 4 GB.
• Memory: operational - 8 GB DDR4, 2 666 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 82 Wh, up to 16 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35, 7 × 23, 4 × 1, 6 cm; 1, 6 kg.
• Configuration number: 9S7-16S311-213.

A thin and light laptop with a capacious battery is convenient to always take with you: it has high performance, but does not need to be charged frequently. A camera with a resolution of 1 megapixel (versus 0.3 megapixel for many other models) will provide good image quality in video conferencing and streaming. And a fingerprint scanner will help protect your data.

Best Performance Laptops

Just monsters: with powerful processors, discrete graphics cards and a lot of RAM. They are suitable for the latest games and video editing.

1. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3-15 15IMH05

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS TN (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: 6-core Intel Core i7 10750H (Comet Lake), 2.6 GHz.
• Video card: discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 4 GB.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 2 933 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 45 Wh, up to 5 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35.9 × 25 × 2.5 cm; 2, 2 kg.
• Configuration number: 81Y4009ARK.

The representative of the gaming line is a laptop with a full-fledged (not in the Max-Q design with reduced frequencies) discrete video card. It will provide decent FPS (frames per second) and will allow you to launch new games at settings above average. The case design is moderately aggressive, and the keyboard backlight will make your evening gaming more comfortable. There is support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard.

2. HP Pavilion Gaming 15 ‑ ec1062ur

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD), frequency - 144 Hz.
• Processor: eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Zen 2), 2.9 GHz.
• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 4 GB.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 3 200 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 52.5 Wh, up to 6 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 36 × 25, 7 × 2, 4 cm; 2, 19 kg.
• Configuration number: 15 ‑ ec1062ur 22N72EA.

With a distinctive lid shape, hinge design and green LED backlit keyboard, this laptop looks like a true gaming monster. AMD Ryzen chipset based on Zen 2 microarchitecture and RAM have decent overclocking potential - and the existing cooling mechanism should cope with the increase in performance. The speaker system of the laptop was developed by the famous brand Bang and Olufsen.

3. MSI GP65 10SFK ‑ 254XRU

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD), frequency - 144 Hz.
• Processor: 6-core Intel Core i7 10750H (Comet Lake), 2.6 GHz.
• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, 8 GB.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 2 666 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 51 Wh, up to 3 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35, 7 × 24, 8 × 2, 8 cm; 2, 3 kg.
• Configuration number: 9S7-16U711-254.

A laptop with a powerful processor and a professional graphics card for the next generation of mobile gaming. The increased refresh rate of the screen provides a smoother picture. An advanced cooling system maintains the stable operation of the gadget under high loads. And the original RGB lighting is customizable for a more comfortable gaming experience.

4. Apple MacBook Pro 2020

• Display: 16 inches, IPS (LED), Retina, True Tone, glossy, resolution - 3,072 × 1,920 pixels (WQXGA).
• Processor: 9th Gen Intel Core i9 Octa-Core 2.3GHz (Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz).
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB GDDR6 memory.
• Memory: operational - 32 GB DDR4, 2 666 MHz; permanent - 1 TB SSD.
• Battery: 100 W ∙ h, up to 11 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35, 79 × 24, 59 × 1, 62 cm; 2 kg.
• Configuration number: no.

On the official website, it is presented as a "dream machine", and it's hard to argue with that. The laptop, which is chosen by leading designers from various fields - from website creation to game development, has already become an attribute of a successful professional. Due to deep internal optimization of the software, this system really works very quickly and is energy efficient. And the latest-generation MacBook Pro screens display natural colors at all brightness levels.

Best Ultrabooks

Stylish thin laptops in metal cases are indispensable for business trips and presentations.

1. ASUS Zenbook Flip 13 UX363EA ‑ EM079T

• Display: 13.3 inches, IPS (LED), glossy, touchscreen, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i7 1165G7 (Tiger Lake), 2.8 GHz.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 4 266 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 67 Wh, up to 14 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 30.5 × 21.1 × 1.4 cm; 1, 3 kg.
• Configuration number: UX363EA ‑ EM079T 90NB0RZ1 ‑ M01050.

The compact laptop fits into any backpack - it's a worthy choice for those who travel a lot with only carry-on luggage. The latest 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor helps you work comfortably with multiple applications, including demanding business systems. Harman / Kardon speakers deliver clear and powerful sound. The set includes a stylus: it will be convenient for you to create notes or drawings on the touch screen.

2. Acer Swift 3 SF313‑52‑796K

• Display: 13.5 inches, IPS (LED), glossy, resolution - 2 256 × 1 504 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i7 1065G7 (Ice Lake), 1.3 GHz.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 2 666 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 56 Wh, up to 10.5 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 30, 3 × 23, 4 × 1, 6 cm; 1, 2 kg.
• Configuration number: SF313‑52‑796K NX. HQXER.001.

Thanks to the thin aluminum-magnesium alloy case, the laptop is lightweight and reliable. The glossy screen with a good margin of brightness will provide rich colors and emphasized lifelike images. The Intel Core i7 processor from the Ice Lake family is energy efficient for common tasks and delivers record-breaking performance under maximum loads. A built-in fingerprint reader helps protect your data, and a backlit keyboard helps you work comfortably at night or on an airplane, for example.

3. Dell XPS 13 7390 7390-8443

• Display: 13.4 inches, IPS (LED), glossy, touch, resolution - 3 840 × 2 160 pixels (4K Ultra HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i7 10510U (Comet Lake), 1.8 GHz.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR3, 2 133 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 6,500 mAh, up to 14 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 30, 2 × 19, 9 × 1, 2 cm; 1.23 kg.
• Configuration number: 7390-8443.

A beautiful laptop with a carbon fiber and aluminum alloy chassis - extremely durable. Two Thunderbolt 3 ports ensure data transfer at maximum speed, Waves MaxxAudio Pro speakers ensure powerful and clear sound, and a unique 4K display for lifelike graphics.

4. Apple MacBook Air (Late 2020)

• Display: 13.3 inches, IPS (LED), Retina, glossy, resolution - 2,560 × 1,600 pixels (WQXGA).
• Processor: 8-core Apple M1 with 16-core Neural Engine.
• Video card: integrated, eight-core.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB; permanent - 1 TB SSD.
• Battery: 49.9 W ∙ h, up to 18 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 30, 41 × 21, 24 × 1, 61 cm; 1.29 kg.
• Configuration number: no.

First MacBook Air with revolutionary M1 chip: Apple has officially switched to in-house components. Laptops with these processors confidently outperformed their Intel predecessors in many tests. The modification with 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive is a "universal soldier", the characteristics of which will definitely be relevant in the next 3-4 years, or even longer. Significant performance gains, including in AI computing, will provide a whole new level of interaction.

The best convertible laptops

They can be used both as traditional laptops and as tablets: for watching movies, drawing or playing games on the touch screen.

1. ASUS VivoBook Flip TP412FA ‑ EC404T

• Display: 14 inches, IPS (LED), glossy, touch, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i3 10110U (Comet Lake), 2.1 GHz.
• Video card: integrated, Intel UHD Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 4 GB DDR4, 2,400 MHz; permanent - 256 GB SSD.
• Battery: 3,550 mAh, up to 9 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 32.7 × 22.5 × 1.8 cm; 1.5 kg.
• Configuration number: TP412FA ‑ EC404T.

One of the most budgetary modern transformers. The 10th Gen Intel Core i3-based model features a vibrant touchscreen and a thin yet sturdy aluminum and carbon fiber chassis. Includes a stylus for drawing and quick notes.

2. HP Envy x360 15 ‑ ed0018ur

• Display: 15.6 inches, IPS (LED), glossy, touch, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i5 1035G1 (Ice Lake), 1 GHz.
• Video card: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 3 200 MHz, permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 51 Wh, up to 12 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 35.8 × 23 × 1.9 cm; 1.92 kg.
• Configuration number: 15-ed0018ur 22N87EA.

The processor of the Ice Lake family, on the basis of which this transformer is created, normally operates at a frequency of 1 GHz. But when you need to deliver maximum power, Turbo Boost technology raises this figure to 3.6 GHz. Thus, decent performance is combined with good energy efficiency - the battery will last for the whole day. The laptop also has an unusual design: with a wooden insert on the aluminum case.

3. Dell XPS 13 2 ‑ in ‑ 1 9310

• Display: 13.4 inches, IPS (LED), glossy, touchscreen, resolution - 1,920 × 1,200 pixels (WUXGA).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i5 1135G7 (Tiger Lake), 2.4 GHz.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 8 GB DDR4, 4 267 MHz; permanent - 256 GB SSD.
• Battery: 51 Wh, up to 9 hours of operation.
• Dimensions, weight: 29, 7 × 20, 7 × 1, 4 cm; 1.32 kg.
• Configuration number: 9310-7047.

The powerful laptop in carbon fiber and aluminum alloy turns into a tablet in one move thanks to the original hinge design. An energy efficient processor and a large enough battery will provide a full day of work or an entire season of the series on a long flight. The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard is supported.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga L13

• Display: 13.3 inches, IPS (LED), matte, resolution - 1,920 × 1,080 pixels (Full HD).
• Processor: Quad-core Intel Core i5 10210U (Comet Lake), 1.6 GHz.
• Video card: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics.
• Memory: operational - 16 GB DDR4, 2 666 MHz; permanent - 512 GB SSD.
• Battery: 3 250 mAh, up to 12, 2 hours of work.
• Dimensions, weight: 31.2 × 21.9 × 1.8 cm; 1.43 kg.
• Configuration number: 20R5000ART.

The compact 13-inch laptop will last more than half a day without recharging. Via USB Type ‑ C with DisplayPort support, you can connect it to a 4K screen or projector for a spectacular presentation. The set includes the original ThinkPad Pen Pro stylus, which is similar to a pen and recognizes 4,096 degrees of pressure.

UPD. Text updated in December 2020.