**How to Select the Ideal Laptop for Your Needs**
Choosing the appropriate laptop is a profoundly individual choice that hinges on your unique requirements, favored operating system, and, naturally, your [budget](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-cheap-laptops). In essence, there isn’t a universal “best” [laptop](https://mashable.com/category/laptops) that suits everyone.
This situation can be disappointing for both consumers and those of us who offer laptop recommendations. While we can’t provide tailored advice for every person, we can lead you towards exceptional models that have undergone rigorous testing and received accolades from the Mashable team.
—
### **Our Top Recommendations**
As of December 2024, Mashable’s overall leading laptop is the [Microsoft Surface Laptop 7](https://mashable.com/review/microsoft-surface-laptop-7). This elegant [Windows PC](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-windows-laptops) offers outstanding performance, an unparalleled battery life of nearly 23 hours, and some exciting AI features for tech enthusiasts.
For fans of Apple, the [15-inch M3 MacBook Air](https://mashable.com/review/m3-macbook-air-15-inch) is our choice for the [best MacBook](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-macbooks) for most individuals. It’s a stylish, responsive laptop that boasts a fantastic keyboard and can support two external displays even with the lid closed. For creative professionals, the [16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro](https://mashable.com/review/m4-pro-macbook-pro-16-inch) stands out as our top recommendation for [photo](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-laptops-for-photo-editing) and (https://mashable.com/roundup/best-laptops-for-video-editing). It is exceptionally fast, beautifully crafted, long-lasting, and can be configured with a stunning nano-texture display.
—
### **Laptops for Every Budget**
If you’re on a tight budget, the [Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3](https://mashable.com/review/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-3) is our top choice for [affordable laptops](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-cheap-laptops). It has a premium, ultra-portable design and an excellent keyboard. For shoppers aiming to stay under $500, the [HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch](https://mashable.com/review/hp-chromebook-plus-15-6-inch) is an excellent option. With its spacious, vibrant display, reliable everyday performance, and handy AI features, it’s the [best Chromebook](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-chromebooks) we’ve evaluated.
—
### **Top Gaming Laptops**
For gaming enthusiasts, the [Alienware m16 R2](https://mashable.com/review/alienware-m16-r2) is our leading choice. This mid-range gaming laptop is exceptionally fast and versatile, making it capable of managing everyday tasks when you’re not engrossed in games like *Cyberpunk 2077*.
—
### **Best 2-in-1 and Hybrid Laptops**
If you’re searching for a versatile device, the [Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9)](https://mashable.com/review/lenovo-yoga-9i-2-in-1-gen-9) is our favorite 2-in-1 laptop. It offers outstanding performance, a breathtaking 2.8K OLED screen, and a rotating soundbar for an immersive audio experience. Creative professionals might gravitate towards the [Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2](https://mashable.com/review/microsoft-surface-laptop-studio-2-review), which has a pull-forward design that allows it to convert into an easel. For those who multitask, the [Asus Zenbook Duo](https://mashable.com/review/asus-zenbook-duo) is an excellent choice, providing dual OLED displays, substantial performance, and free accessories such as a stylus and detachable keyboard.
—
### **Why These Laptops Were Selected**
After extensive hours of [evaluating and testing](https://mashable.com/category/reviews) laptops from leading brands, we’ve handpicked these models for their sturdy construction, performance tailored to their intended uses, and competitive pricing (or frequent discounts). Even if these specific models don’t align with your needs, they set great standards for what to seek in a laptop.
—
### **What’s on the Horizon**
We are actively testing numerous exciting new laptops, including the [Dell XPS 13](https://zdcs.link/9YdA4R?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&