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Any monitor can be used for PC gaming, but a display built for productivity will likely leave you underwhelmed. Limited contrast, blurry motion, and slow refresh rates still hold basic productivity monitors back in games. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent gaming monitors available at a wide range of price points—and the best of them embrace cutting-edge technology unavailable in any other PC display.  The following are the best gaming monitors we’ve tested throughout this year and last. If you want to learn more about what we look for in a good gaming monitor and how we test them, scroll further down the page. MSI MPG 341CQPX – Best gaming monitor Pros USB-C power with 98 watts of Power Delivery Great color performance Higher HDR peak brightness than some peers 240Hz refresh rate and outstanding motion clarity Cons Stand is too large Works with FreeSync and G-Sync, but lacks certification SDR brightness is mediocre Price When Reviewed: $899.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $799.99 View Deal $836.95 View Deal MSI $849.99 View Deal $899.99 View Deal $1009.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you’re in the market for the best gaming monitor, look no further than the MSI MPG 341CQPX. This 34-inch ultrawide with a Samsung QD-OLED panel stands out in a crowded field with features that put it ahead of its competition. Its 240Hz refresh rate and remarkable motion clarity make it an excellent choice for gamers seeking smooth, responsive gameplay. The MSI MPG 341CQPX also delivers good HDR performance with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. VESA Adaptive Sync is supported and provides compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. MSI pairs the monitor’s beautiful OLED panel with practical features. It has a USB-C port offering up to 98 watts of Power Delivery, which is ideal for those who want to connect and charge a laptop or tablet with a single cable. While the MSI MPG 341CQPX is excellent, it has a few downsides. The stand is bulky and takes up more space than needed. The monitor also lacks RGB-LED lights, which might disappoint gamers looking for added flair. However, these are minor inconveniences. Pricing is another advantage. The MPG 341CQPX typically retails for about $850. Though hardly inexpensive, the monitor’s price is fair for its performance, and it’s not much higher than older QD-OLED monitors with a lower refresh rate and lackluster USB-C connectivity. It’s easily worth the price. Read our full MSI MPG 341CQPX review Dell G2724D – Best gaming monitor under $300 Pros Handsome design with functional stand Attractive SDR image quality Good motion clarity at 165Hz Supports all Adaptive Sync standards Cons No USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out Lackluster HDR Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Dell Home $149.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $314 View Deal $329 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Dell G2724D is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget gaming monitor that doesn’t compromise on quality. With attractive design, strong motion clarity at 165Hz, and wide Adaptive Sync support, it provides an immersive gaming experience at an affordable price. It has a 27-inch IPS LCD panel with 1440p resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. The color gamut spans 100 percent of sRGB, 86 percent of DCI-P3, and 82 percent of Adobe RGB, delivering a bright and vibrant image that’s excellent in games and adequate for most content creation. The monitor’s Adaptive Sync support is a standout feature, with official support for VESA Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync. It also delivers a handsome design with a matte black and gray chassis and sporty rear vents that provide an aggressive yet unobtrusive look. The functional monitor stand offers a range of ergonomic adjustments and has a compact base that doesn’t consume excessive desk space. There are a few downsides: The monitor doesn’t offer USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out. HDR performance is lackluster, too, making it a so-so choice for HDR gaming. Yet it’s hard to beat the G2724D’s performance at $300 and, more importantly, it offers everything an average PC gamer is going to need for a smooth, responsive, and attractive gaming experience. It’s the kind of monitor that, despite its budget price, could have a place on your desk for several years. Read our full Dell G2724D review Pixio PX248 Wave – Best gaming monitor under $150 Pros Attractive design, especially in unique colorways Built-in speakers are surprisingly decent Solid color accuracy and respectable gamut Good motion clarity Cons Built-in stand only adjusts for tilt Just two video inputs Awkward menu controls Color temperature skews cool Price When Reviewed: $149.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $122.99 View Deal $122.99 View Deal Pixio $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pixio PX248 Wave stands apart from other budget gaming monitors with colorful, stylish design and solid motion performance, all available at an enticing price of $149.99. Pixio offers the PX248 Wave in four colorways: black, white, blue, and pink. The latter two are rather special, as only a handful of monitors — like the more expensive Samsung M8 Smart Monitor — offer similarly alluring colors. The stand matches the monitor’s colorway, and Pixio even offers an optional color-coordinated monitor arm for those who want to go all-in on a particular desktop vibe. The monitor’s 24-inch Fast IPS display boasts a 200Hz refresh rate that delivers fluid motion. Image quality is reasonable, too, as the PX248 Wave delivers respectable color accuracy and coverage, making it suitable for both gaming and casual content creation. It has built-in speakers, too. Despite its visual appeal, the PX248 Wave sticks to the basics with connectivity, which includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. USB connectivity isn’t available. The included stand is also basic, as it only adjusts for tilt, and the menu controls could be more user-friendly. Most competitors at this price point have a similar display panel wrapped in a more generic black, gray, or charcoal case. Pixio’s PX248 Wave manages to match them in image quality and beat them on looks, yet it stays on a budget. Read our full Pixio PX248 Wave review MSI MPG 272URX – Best 4K gaming monitor Pros 26.5-inch 4K OLED panel looks sharp Great contrast and color performance Strong motion clarity Respectable HDR performance Lots of connectivity including USB-C Cons Design is a bit bland Gamma, color temperature slightly off-target 4K OLED panel carries a premium price Price When Reviewed: $1,099.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999.99 View Deal $1029.99 View Deal MSI $1099.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming monitor, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED should be at the top of your list. This 26.5-inch display delivers stunning 4K resolution with an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate in a cutting-edge OLED panel, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want both visual clarity and fluid motion. With its 240Hz refresh rate, the MSI is built for fast-paced gaming yet maintains the deep contrast and vibrant colors OLED monitors are known for. It also supports adaptive sync for smooth frame pacing. But wait, there’s more! The QD-OLED panel offers excellent contrast and color accuracy, which makes it a solid pick for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys watching HDR movies. Connectivity is another plus, with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1a, and USB-C inputs, as well as 98 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging laptops or tablets. While the design is a bit plain, the stand is sturdy and fully adjustable. Priced at $1,099.99, the MSI MPG 272URX is more expensive than 1440p OLED alternatives, which can be found for under $800. But if 4K clarity and a fluid 240Hz refresh rate are what you’re after, this monitor is worth the investment. Read our full MSI MPG 272URX review Gigabyte GS34WQC- Best budget ultrawide gaming monitor Pros Plenty of connectivity and menu options Good contrast ratio Solid color performance Up to 144Hz refresh rate with good motion clarity Cons Stand setup uses screws instead of clip mechanism Modest maximum brightness HDR is supported but lackluster Price When Reviewed: $329.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $219.99 View Deal $408.35 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Gigabyte GS34WQC stands out as an impressive ultrawide gaming monitor available at a low price. It has a sharp 34-inch display with a resolution of 3440×1440. That’s paired with good motion clarity driven by a 120Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 135Hz) and support for AMD FreeSync, ensuring smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera movements are detailed, and fast-paced action is easily tracked. Beyond its motion clarity, the GS34WQC delivers great image quality that’s comparable to monitors twice its price. It has a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel instead of the more common In-Plane Switching (IPS). This provides improved contrast with deeper black levels and more convincing shadow detail in dark scenes. These qualities make it especially suitable for games with a dark, gritty presentation. The monitor boasts a dull but functional design. It has an ergonomic stand that provides height and tilt adjustment, but its assembly requires manual attachment of four screws, unlike competitors with tool-free clip-in stands. The GS34WQC compensates with an intuitive menu system that has extensive customization options, allowing gamers to tailor the visuals to their preferences. Value, however, is where the GS34WQC really beats the competition. It’s not the least expensive budget ultrawide monitor, but it delivers better image quality and motion clarity than many competitors while keeping the price in check. Indeed, the GS34WQC is so good it makes $400-to-$500-dollar ultrawide gaming monitors more difficult to recommend. The GS34WQC looks just as good at a lower price. Read our full Gigabyte GS34WQC review LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B – Best ultrawide gaming monitor Pros Class-leading 5K2K resolution Strong SDR image quality Solid HDR brightness Incredibly immersive 45-inch ultrawide panel Cons Design isn’t bad, but not up to the price tag Limited USB connectivity Curved display will be too extreme for some Price When Reviewed: $1,999.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price LG $1999.99 View Deal $1999.99 View Deal $1999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG – Best HDR gaming monitor Pros Compact ergonomic stand Superb contrast with deep, inky black levels Excellent HDR performance Inexpensive for an OLED monitor Cons HDMI ports don’t support 240Hz refresh rate No USB-C SDR performance is great, but slightly lags QD-OLED peers Price When Reviewed: $749 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $549.99 View Deal $691.75 View Deal $691.75 View Deal $749.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you’re searching for the best gaming monitor for HDR, look no further than the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. It has an LG WOLED panel that delivers stunning HDR without breaking the bank. The XG27AQDMG’s third-generation LG WOLED panel provides exceptional HDR brightness that outperforms QD-OLED competitors and closes gap the with Mini-LED monitors. It can hit a maximum sustained brightness of 724 nits in a 10 percent window, which is enough to deliver punchy HDR highlights and detail across luminant areas of a game or movie. This pairs well with OLED’s deep, inky blacks and wide color gamut, which covers 96 percent DCI-P3 coverage. Put simply: It looks exceptionally immersive and realistic. However, the XG27AQDMG lags in SDR. Its color performance, though strong, isn’t quite as good as QD-OLED alternatives. Sharpness is merely okay, too, and small fonts can look pixelated at times.  Gamers will appreciate the high refresh rate of up to 240Hz, which is paired with adaptive sync technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync for fluid, tear-free gaming. The refresh rate is lower than some QD-OLED competitors, which achieve up to 360Hz. On the other hand, though, the XG27AQDMG provides motion clarity far better than Mini-LED gaming monitors, such as the Red Magic 4K Gaming Monitor. Pricing is another upside. Sold at an MSRP of $749.99, and immediately available for just $699.99 at release, the XG27AQDMG undercuts the competition on price. Gamers who mostly stick to SDR may want to pay $50 to $100 more for a QD-OLED alternative, but the XG27AQDMG has the edge in HDR. Read our full Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG review LG Ultragear 27GN950 – Best 144Hz gaming monitor Pros Excellent gaming performance Incredible image quality Ergonomic adjustment options Special gaming configurations Cons High power consumption Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $675 View Deal LG $799.99 View Deal $799.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you’re not a professional gamer or you just don’t require the obscenely fast 240Hz, then you can find a whole host of great options at 144Hz instead. Our pick for the best of the bunch is the LG Ultragear 27GN950. Not only is it still super fast, but it also has 4K resolution, all of the ports your heart desires, and impressively high color fidelity. It is a great option for those who will use it for multimedia other than just gaming and don’t mind sacrificing a little speed to gain a lot of pixel density. Admittedly, it’s a bit pricey for a 27-inch monitor and you will need a high-end GPU to take advantage of its full potential, but if you can afford it, then this just might end up being the pièce de résistance in your display setup. Read our full LG Ultragear 27GN950 review Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP – Best high refresh-rate gaming monitor Pros A new high mark for motion clarity Excellent image quality Easy-to-use menu with many options Broad official Adaptive Sync support Cons Stand is too large No USB-C Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Asus $999 View Deal $999.99 View Deal $1234.35 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP is an ideal monitor for competitive gamers, as it’s the world’s first monitor to deliver a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p resolution. This combination of motion clarity and resolution results in stunning motion performance that will give players an edge in esports and action-packed games. Gamers will also appreciate the monitor’s excellent image quality, which enhances immersion across all genres. The WOLED panel provides excellent contrast that adds atmosphere in RPGs and horror games, while its wide color gamut, which spans 96 percent of DCI-P3, delivers a vivid and saturated look. The monitor’s good HDR brightness ensures that explosions and special effects in HDR games are displayed with convincing brightness and contrast. The PG27AQDP is packed with gamer-centric features. It supports multiple adaptive sync technologies, including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology further enhances motion clarity (though, unfortunately, it is only available at a 120Hz or 240Hz refresh rate). Asus also provides aspect ratio modes to contrast the display’s viewable area to that of a 24.5-inch monitor for competitive gamers, or to a 4:3 aspect ratio for older games that lack widescreen support. It’s not perfect. The monitor lacks USB-C connectivity, which might affect some multi-device setups. Asus’ also ships the monitor with a chunky stand that won’t fit well on smaller desks. Those minor downsides aside, the PG27AQDP is an excellent monitor that will appeal to gamers who crave the best motion clarity possible. Read our full Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP review Other gaming monitor reviews Alienware AW2725Q: Yet another excellent 27-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitor, and less expensive than the competition. BenQ PD3226G: This is a monitor for creative professionals, but it’s not bad in PC games, either.   Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM: This 27-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor delivers gorgeous image quality and a long list of features, though it certainly isn’t cheap. MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED:  Yet another excellent 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor — but with the added perk of USB connectivity.   HP Omen Transcend 32: Great USB-C connectivity and top-tier SDR image quality make this 4K OLED monitor worth its high price. Lenovo Legion R27fc-30: At less than $200, this is a good budget gaming monitor with a focus on motion clarity.   Acer Predator X32 X3: The Acer Predator X32 X3 is a great 4K OLED monitor that separates itself from the competition on two key points: connectivity and price. Asus ProArt Display 5K: Sets the new bar that all 5K monitors must clear. It’s not the best high-resolution display on the market, but it delivers a gorgeous 5K image and long list of features at a reasonable price.  Gigabyte G34WQCP: This $350 ultrawide earns high marks in SDR brightness, contrast, and color performance. Sony Inzone M10S: This 480Hz display is focused on competitive PC gamers, who might be more inclined to pay the premium price. Acer Predator X34: It’s another in a spate of OLED monitors with a 240Hz refresh rate, but with the added distinction of boasting a curved screen for immersive gameplay. Of course, it also features USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of USB Power Delivery and a collection of USB-A and -C ports for connecting peripherals. Alienware AW2725QF: Dual-resolution mode offers 4K resolution at up to 180Hz, or 1080p at up to 360Hz. That makes the monitor more versatile, but mediocre image quality makes the monitor hard to recommend.. Samsung Odyssey OLED G8: An all-purpose display that offers 4K resolution, up to a 240Hz refresh rate, Adaptive Sync, HDR, and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to support its Smart TV functionality. It’s the perfect display for small spaces, fulfilling the roles of productivity, gaming, and entertainment in one screen. Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP: It’s an excellent 32-inch 4K OLED monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate, but also offers the unique feature of being able to run in 1080p mode with a 480Hz refresh rate, giving gamers an extra boost of motion clarity when desired. What to look for in a gaming monitor Gamers have unique needs that exceed an average user. Here’s what PC gamers should look for in a gaming monitor. Resolution Most widescreen gaming monitors have a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p), 2560×1440 (1440p), or 4K (3840×2160). A higher resolution improves sharpness and clarity, which helps games look more detailed and lifelike. Increasing resolution also increases demand on your video card, however. Gamers with less powerful hardware may want to avoid 4K.  Refresh rate A higher refresh leads to smoother motion by increasing the number of frames that can appear each second. It also reduces input lag, as each frame appears more quickly. A 144Hz refresh rate is a big improvement over the standard 60Hz, and 240Hz is better still. The improvement becomes more difficult to notice after 240Hz, but 360Hz monitors exist for those who want the lowest input lag possible. DIsplayPort and HDMI 2.1 DisplayPort is the best connection for PC gaming. Even DisplayPort 1.4, which is rather old, can support 4K at 144Hz. HDMI 2.1 can handle 4K at 120Hz and is an acceptable connection for PC gaming, though most gamers will use it for a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S game console. How we test gaming monitors We test all monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra calibration tool. This tool can report objective measurements for brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, color temperature, gamma, and other metrics.  Our results are recorded and compared to the results for past monitors. Though we rely on our eyes for initial impressions, comparing objective results lets us evaluate monitors against hundreds of older models from past reviews and testing.  We examine motion clarity by quickly moving the camera across the map in Civilization VI, playing a round of Rocket League, and panning the camera across the landscape in Final Fantasy XIV—among other games. Finally, we use the popular UFO Test for an apples-to-apples comparison between displays. In addition to gaming prowess, we consider a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and overall build quality—all important qualities irrespective of use case. FAQ 1. What resolution is best for a gaming monitor? Many competitive gamers prefer 1080p resolution because it allows for high frame rates and low input lag even on modest hardware. This also makes it ideal for budget shoppers. 1080p is not as crisp as higher resolutions but, if it allows for higher frame rates, can look good in motion. 1440p remains a great mid-range option. It looks much sharper than 1080p but doesn’t drastically increase load on your video card. A variety of 1440p monitors now support a refresh rate up to 240Hz.  4K is the last word in sharpness and clarity. Playing a modern game on a 4K monitor takes the experience to a new level. It’s very demanding on your video card, however, so you’ll need top-tier hardware for a smooth experience.  Ultrawide monitors differ in resolution because they have a wider screen. Most ultrawide monitors have a resolution of 3440×1440, which delivers sharpness similar to a 1440p ultrawide. Some larger monitors have more exotic resolutions: the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 Neo, for example, has 5120×1440 resolution. 2. Should I use AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync? AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync can synchronize the refresh rate of a compatible monitor with the output of an AMD or Nvidia video card. This ensures smooth motion and eliminates screen tearing, a distracting visual artifact. You might be surprised to learn that most AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync monitors rely on the VESA Adaptive Sync standard. This is why many gaming monitors now support both. The difference in performance is minimal. Our G-Sync vs. FreeSync comparison goes in-depth on their similarities and differences. 3. Should I buy an ultrawide gaming monitor? The short answer? Yes.  Our top choice, the Alienware AW3423DW, is an ultrawide gaming monitor. An ultrawide aspect ratio is more immersive in racing, simulation, and role-playing games. It also offers a large, more impressive perspective in many strategy games.  Not all games support an ultrawide aspect ratio, however. It’s wise to check that your favorite games support ultrawide monitors before making a purchase. Consoles rarely support ultrawide aspect ratios, so console gamers should stick with a widescreen display.

Who doesn’t like a free performance upgrade? And if you own a laptop or a handheld PC with an Intel Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake) chip inside, you’re getting one. Intel said Tuesday that the company’s latest graphics driver (32.0.101.6734) is offering a power-management update that has the effect of boosting GPU performance by about 10 percent in terms of higher frame rate. You’ll see it first in handhelds, specifically the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and MSI Claw 7 AI+, but it will be rolled out to other Lunar Lake / Core Ultra 200V systems soon, Intel said. Essentially, the driver allows higher performance at the default power level of 17W, Intel said. There are two improvements: the higher frame rate, and a 25 percent improvement on what’s known as the “99th percentile” frame rate. The latter term is also sometimes referred to as “the lows” or “1 percent lows,” and refers to rare moments when the frame rate drops suddenly. These rare moments still manifest themselves as a jitter or hitch, and can disrupt timing-driven games — and they just look bad. Essentially, this new graphics update will make games run faster, as well as smoother. And what games? Intel provided a sample, below: Intel Intel has invested heavily in software driver development to avoid the issues that plagued the first-gen Intel “Alchemist” GPUs,” Intel fellow Tom Petersen told PCWorld’s The Full Nerd podcast in December. And Intel’s second-gen Arc B580 “Battlemage” GPU was essentially a tariff-buster, before there were tariffs. Since the Lunar Lake chips include the Xe2 GPU that later ended up in Battlemage, it seems reasonable that Intel’s driver update could enable these gains. Will we see something similar inside the B580 cards, too?

How reliable is your internet connection? That depends a lot on how you measure “good” and in how many different ways. Conventional browser-based tests like the ever-popular Speedtest.net can give you a few metrics, but it’s missing a lot of deeper data. A new test from the founders of Ookla, SpeedTest’s parent company, hopes to give you a better, always-on option. Orb opens today as an app for all major desktop and mobile platforms. It’s designed to give you a deeper, more holistic look at your active internet connection, with real-time monitoring, more useful and active information, and a better look at your connection over time. It shows you zero-to-100 scores for responsiveness (based on latency, jitter, and packet loss), reliability (status over time and packet loss), and speed (download/upload). In addition to raw data and your overall scores, the system has a couple of other tricks. By logging in, you can actively monitor multiple devices at once, even on separate connections — I’m looking at my desktop connection on my home network and my phone on Verizon in the same window. And for those who really like to keep a tight watch on their network, the Orb app can be installed on a Raspberry Pi or similar device for round-the-clock monitoring of a LAN. I like the “keep awake” option for the Android app, allowing my phone to essentially become an always-on network monitor. Orb According to a PR representative, Orb is planning to release “recipes” that will allow you to test your connectivity for specific services, giving YouTube and Microsoft Teams as examples. I can think of a few others that some of the most network-obsessed users would also like to test, such as Valve, EA, and Microsoft’s online multiplayer servers. Orb is a free download for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. In the current version of the Windows and Android app I tested in pre-release, it can be used without an account, though you need to log in for some of the cool multi-device options.

Choosing a laptop doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Whether you’re diving into the latest games, tackling school assignments, or just casually browsing the web, the key is finding a laptop that fits in with your lifestyle and routine. We’ve reviewed the best laptops in every category, from lightweight Chromebooks to powerful gaming rigs and everything in between. Our goal is to make your decision ease, with clear recommendations based on what actually matters in life. Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (2024) – Best laptop overall Pros Strong performance Exceptional battery life Wonderful typing experience Cons CPU throttles under heavy loads No user upgrades Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999.99 View Deal $999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus? If you want a laptop that truly does it all and does it well, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is the one to beat. This laptop nails the essentials with style, speed, and stamina. It’s a top pick for anyone who needs dependable performance without being tethered to an outlet all day. The 14-inch form factor also hits the sweet spot between portability and screen space, making it perfect for either work or play. One of the biggest selling points is the seriously impressive 17-hour battery life. Whether it’s a long study session or a long workday, this laptop will power along with you. And with a price tag around $1,000, it delivers incredible value for the performance you’re getting. Beyond the long battery life, the 14-inch 2560×1600 display comes with an anti-glare coating and a peak brightness of 418 nits, making it comfortable to use in different lighting environments. Dell Inspiron 14 Plus: Further considerations The conservative design might not appeal to users looking for more pizzazz. While integrated graphics are fine for daily use, power users may want to look elsewhere for a laptop can handle heavier workloads. For most users though, this laptop ticks nearly every box. Read our full Dell Inspiron 14 Plus review Asus Zenbook 14 OLED – Best OLED laptop Pros Attractive OLED touchscreen Good CPU and integrated GPU performance Outstanding battery life Cons Blah design Keyboard isn’t memorable Mediocre connectivity options Price When Reviewed: $849.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $849.99 View Deal Asus $999.99 View Deal $1199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED? Anyone would be happy with the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED–it nails the vital aspects, especially in the display and battery departments. The 14-inch 1920×1200 OLED panel is deliciously vivid, delivering rich colors and deep contrast, which is great for creators and editors. It’s also fast (thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor) and lightweight (2.82 pounds), and the 75 watt-hour battery churned out 17 hours of charge. That’s not bad for the $850 price tag. It’s a fantastic notebook that would work great for anyone, especially if you want vivid visuals from an OLED panel. Asus Zenbook 14 OLED: Further considerations The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED would have been our top pick, but it fell short in a few areas. For instance, the port selection is more limited–no Ethernet and fewer USB-A’s. The reflective display also makes it harder to use outdoors or in bright rooms. Finally, the Dell Inspiron Plus 14 (our current top pick) has slightly better battery life and performance. Read our full Asus Zenbook 14 OLED review Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best budget laptop Pros Affordable Decent battery life Good display visibility Cons Big and bulky Cheap build Limited performance Price When Reviewed: $299 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $269.99 View Deal $299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Acer Aspire Go 15? The Acer Aspire Go 15 is the must-have laptop for budget-conscious buyers that just need the basics. The Intel Core i3-N305 processor handles everyday tasks like browsing and word processing with ease. Battery life is also close to 12 hours on a single charge. The appeal mostly lies in its value, though. While more expensive laptops nail the polish and the speed, the budget variety is strictly about what’s functional and that’s exactly what you’re getting here. It’s a good option for students or anyone seeking a reliable, no frills machine under $500. You’ll also find a surprisingly generous port selection on the Acer Aspire Go 15–USB-A on both sides, a USB-C, an HDMI, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock. That’s more than what some laptops get twice the price. Acer Aspire Go 15: Further considerations Like many budget-friendly laptops, the Aspire Go 15 comes with a few trade-offs. The plastic chassis helps keep the cost down, and while it weighs a bit over four pounds, it’s still manageable for day-to-day portability. The 1920×1080 display is also pretty dim (250 nits), so it’s better suited for indoor use due to its 250 nit brightness, but it still delivers sharp visuals for everyday tasks. That said, if you’re looking to get solid utility at a great price, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is the total package. Read our full Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024) review Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 – Best battery life Pros Remarkable battery life Sturdy, lightweight design High-visibility display Cons Variable performance trails competitors A bit pricier than the competition Price When Reviewed: $1,754 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Lenovo $1279.85 View Deal $1499.76 View Deal B&H $1699 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6? The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 is a great option for anyone who needs a reliable, long-lasting laptop. Weighing just 2.66 pounds and offering an incredible battery life of nearly 24 hours, it’s ideal for people who are always on the move. Plus, with a Snapdragon X Elite processor running the show, it offers the perfect blend of portability, endurance, and capable everyday performance. The build quality is also standout, with the chassis being notably sturdy, and the keyboard offers a delightfully tactile typing experience ThinkPads are known for. Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6: Further considerations The one area where this laptop falls a bit short is the display. While the 1920×1200 IPS screen is perfectly usable for productivity, it lacks the richness and contrast of an OLED panel. So if you’re doing color-sensitive creative work, you may want to look elsewhere. But if long battery life and portability matter more to you, then the ThinkPad T14s is the way to go. Read our full Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 review Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Best Chromebook Pros Zippy processor performance Nice keyboard A wide array of connectivity options Chic design Cons Battery life isn’t competitive The display’s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped Price When Reviewed: $499 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34? The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is great for everyday users looking for a reliable yet stylish device. It stands out as the best overall Chromebook because it offers a harmonious marriage of performance, design, and affordability. Inside you’ll find an Intel Core i5-1335U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage–in other words, it efficiently handles everyday tasks. The 14-inch 1080p display delivers sharp visuals, and the laptop includes a 1080p webcam for those web conferencing calls. The chic pearl colorway also adds a nice touch of elegance, making it suitable for personal or professional environments. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Further considerations While the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 offers smooth performance and a pretty design, there are minor trade-offs to be aware of like the non-competitive battery life (13 hours) and the lack of a touchscreen. Read our full Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review MacBook Air (M3) – Best MacBook Pros Excellent battery life 256GB SSD is now two NAND chips, maintaining performance Cons Expensive memory upgrades Dual external display support requires closed lid Price When Reviewed: $1,499 (was $1,699) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1249 View Deal $1,295 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1399 View Deal $1499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the MacBook Air (M3)? The MacBook Air (M3) is a stellar option for anyone who wants a premium macOS experience without paying MacBook Pro prices. Starting at $1,299, it delivers fast performance for everyday tasks, light creative work, and multitasking–all in a fanless design that runs silent even under load. The Apple M3 chip brings performance on par with the base MacBook Pro (M3) model and, in testing, the battery lasted up to 19 hours on a single charge. If you’re looking for a powerful yet quiet macOS laptop with plenty of endurance to spare, this one hits the sweet spot. The 15-inch Liquid Retina (2880×1864 resolution) display doesn’t quite match the brightness or contrast of the mini-LED panel found in the MacBook Pro, but it’s still sharp and vibrant. The Air is also impressively thin and lightweight (3.3 pounds!), so it’s pretty darn portable. MacBook Air (M3): Further considerations If you’re after high-end performance for professional level workloads like 3D rendering or heavy video editing, a MacBook Pro with active cooling might be a better fit. However, for most users, the MacBook Air (M3) delivers good performance, long battery life, and an elegant design. Read our full MacBook Air (M3) review Lenovo Legion 5i – Best gaming laptop Pros Great GeForce RTX 4060 performance Solid build quality Nice cooling and vent positioning Cons Display is a little dim Price When Reviewed: $1,399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price B&H $1149 View Deal Costco $1399.99 View Deal $1499 View Deal $1699 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Lenovo Legion 5i? The Lenovo Legion 5i is a solid mid-range pick for gamers who want strong gaming performance and a fast display. With an Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU and an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU under the hood, it delivers the power needed for smooth gameplay as well as lightning-fast load times. The spacious 16-inch (2560×1600 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate) is another highlight. It offers crisp visuals and fluid motion, which is perfect for immersive single-player games and competitive gaming. In addition to it being a fast display, it also produces vibrant colors. For the price ($1,399 as tested), it offers an impressive balance of performance and value. Lenovo Legion 5i: Further considerations The Lenovo Legion 5i doesn’t just bring blazing-fast performance to the table, it also includes thoughtful features like a 1080p webcam with an electronic shutter switch and a full-size keyboard with a number pad and four zones of LED lighting. The webcam is perfect for streaming and the number pad allows for quick access to numeric inputs. While this laptop hits the mark for most gamers, for those that want more graphics firepower and higher frame rates, we’d recommend springing for a laptop with RTX 4070 graphics or higher. Read our full Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 review Acer Nitro V 16 – Best budget gaming laptop Pros Solid performance Fast 165Hz display with good colors Cons Fully plastic build Mushy keyboard Price When Reviewed: $1,099.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $969.49 View Deal $1099.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16? The Acer Nitro V 16 is a fantastic pick for gamers who want good performance and a fast display without breaking the bank. With an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU, and a 16-inch 1920×1200 IPS display running at 165Hz, it can comfortably handle most modern games on High settings. Acer Nitro V 16: Further considerations The Nitro V 16 really embraces the gaming aesthetic, with its angular lines and backlit keyboard that glows like embers in a fireplace. If you’re into that bold style, you’ll love it, but if you prefer a more understated design, it might not be for you. Battery life is also limited to about four hours, which is typical for a laptop in this category, but it’s something to keep in mind. Bottom line? If your priority is strong gaming performance at an affordable price, the Nitro V 16 offers a lot of bang for your buck. Read our full Acer Nitro V 16 review Asus ProArt P16 – Best content creation laptop Pros Big touchpad with virtual scroll wheel Gorgeous 4K OLED display More connectivity than the competition Good battery life Cons Chassis is light, but doesn’t look remarkable CPU performance falls behind the best Can get hot under load Price When Reviewed: $2,299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $2269 View Deal $2299.99 View Deal HIDevolution $2649 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Asus ProArt P16? The Asus ProArt P16 is a top-tier choice for creative professionals and prosumers who prioritize display quality, connectivity, and performance. With its stunning 16-inch (3840×2400 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio), it’s definitely well suited to photo editing tasks and video production. It also boasts an Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, a powerhouse combination that delivers desktop-class performance. Battery life is another strong point, with the ProArt P16 lasting over nine hours on a single charge. It also includes USB 4.0 support via one of its USB-C ports, which enables speeds up to 40Gbps, making high-speed transfer possible. Asus ProArt P16: Further considerations Performance and display quality are the standout features, but there’s something compelling about the understated design. Some may find the all-black chassis too plain while others find it elegant. Under more demanding workloads, the chassis can also run a bit warm. Still, the ProArt P16 is an excellent fit for anyone that needs a serious workhorse. Read our full Asus ProArt P16 review Asus Zenbook S 14 – Best ultraportable Pros Transcendent battery life Large OLED screen Great audio Cons Keyboard needs more key travel Performance needs improvement Price When Reviewed: $1,499.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Asus $1499.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Asus Zenbook S 14? The Asus Zenbook S 14 is a standout ultraportable for those who want a lightweight design, all-day battery life, and premium display quality. Weighing just 2.65 pounds–lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Air–it’s a great pick for regular travelers and commuters. Despite its slim build, this laptop delivers surprising endurance. Its 73 watt-hour battery lasted an impressive 21 hours in testing and it comes paired with a vibrant 14-inch (2880×1800 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate) OLED display. Asus Zenbook S 14: Further considerations The Asus Zenbook S 14 offers more than just its slender build and extended battery life. The built-in audio is a pleasant surprise, as it delivers rich, clear sound, making it a solid option for media consumption. While it’s not exactly a powerhouse for resource intensive creative work, the Zenbook S 14 really excels in portability and endurance. Read our full Asus Zenbook S 14 (UX5406SA) review HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 – Best 2-in-1 laptop Pros OLED touchscreen looks great Nice solid build Long battery life Cons Few ports in odd spots Expensive  Price When Reviewed: $1,599.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1599.99 View Deal $1599.99 View Deal $1609.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14? If you’re in the market for a premium 2-in-1, the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is one of the best options available today. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the flexibility of a convertible form factor and the reliability of a long-lasting machine. The 360-degree hinge feels both sturdy and smooth, and the 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED touchscreen is vibrant and bright enough (500 nits!) for indoor use. The battery life is exceptional as well–lasting up to 17.5 hours on a single charge. Typing on the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is a real pleasure thanks to its responsive keyboard and clearly labeled keys. Not only do they have satisfying travel, but the bold letting improves visibility. These minute details really enhance day-to-day usability. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Further considerations The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is a premium product, there’s no doubt about that. The design is an interesting blend of sustainability and durability–the chassis is made of 85 percent PIR metal and five percent of PCR (post-consumer recycled) material is in the top cover and keyboard deck. That said, we’ve got one minor nitpick. The port placement is bit unconventional, with both USB-C ports located at the rear corners of the machine. It’s just something to be aware of, as the port placement may not suit every setup. Read our full HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 review Framework Laptop 13 – Best laptop for upgrading Pros Customizable, repairable, and upgradeable Detailed repair documentation Cons On the expensive side for the specs Not the best battery life Price When Reviewed: $1,643 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Framework $1643 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Framework Laptop 13? The Framework Laptop 13 is an awesome choice for tech-savvy users who value reparability and long-term sustainability. If you want a laptop you can upgrade over time rather than replace, this is one of the most compelling options you can find right now. Nearly every component of the Framework Laptop 143 is modular and user-replaceable. Each part is labeled with a QR code linking directly to guides and replacement listings on Framework’s website. You can even configure the port layout using swappable Expansion Cards, which are small rectangular modules that slide into the chassis like Lego pieces, allowing you to mix USB-C, HDMI, and so on. The Framework Laptop 13 is also surprisingly lightweight (2.87 pounds) for a laptop with this level of flexibility. It also handles general productivity tasks with ease thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor. Framework Laptop 13: Further considerations Performance is more mid-range than high-end and the pricing can feel steep when compared to traditional laptops with similar specs. The value here lies in its longevity–you’re buying a laptop that can evolve and change over time rather than a device with a set expiration date. Read our full Framework Laptop 13 review Other products tested While these laptops didn’t make PCWorld’s top picks list, they’re still noteworthy options that may appeal to certain folks. The Asus Zenbook A14 impressed us with its vibrant OLED touchscreen, robust build quality, and amazing battery life. For environmentally conscious buyers, the Acer Aspire Vero 16 stands out with a chassis made from PCR and other bio-based materials. Finally, if you’re someone that’s always on the go, the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro offers a 16-inch 2880×1800 AMOLED 120Hz touchscreen and an impressive 23 hours of battery life. How we test laptops The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests. For a much deeper look at our review methodology, check out how PCWorld tests laptops. Why you should trust PCWorld for laptop reviews and buying advice It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget. Who curated this article? This article was curated by Ashley Biancuzzo, who oversees all of PCWorld’s laptop and Chromebook review coverage. Ashley has been immersed in the ever-changing world of consumer technology and brings a keen editorial eye to every review. She specializes in evaluating laptops across a wide range of categories–from budget-friendly models to high-end powerhouses. How to choose the best laptop What form factor is best for a laptop? Traditional clamshells are great for general use while 2-in-1 convertibles offer flexible designs with displays that rotate 360 degrees. Chromebooks, on the other hand, are a budget-friendly option that are best for everyday web-based tasks. How much processing power do you need? It depends on your workload. For everyday use, an Intel i5 (11th gen or later) or AMD Ryzen 5 (4000 series or later) is solid. If you’re into creative tasks like video editing, go for an Intel i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9. For 4K video editing or heavy multitasking, a Ryzen 9 is ideal. Discrete graphics vs. integrated graphics? If you’re into gaming or video editing, you’ll want discrete graphics (like Nvidia or AMD cards) for better performance. For basic tasks like browsing or streaming, integrated graphics will do just fine. How much RAM? 8GB of RAM is zippy enough for general use. If you’ve got a gaming laptop, 16GB of RAM is the way to go, with 32GB being a future-proof configuration. Content creators will want as much as possible. What’s the right display size? If you’re a video editor or someone who does a lot of multimedia work, you’ll want a display that’s anywhere from 15- to 17-inches. The sweet spot is anywhere from 13- to 14-inches, though. The bigger the display, the heavier your laptop is going to be. A 13- or 14-inch display is the best in terms of portability and value. Battery-life expectations If you plan on taking your laptop anywhere with you, aim for something that can last 10 to 12 hours on a single charge. That’s more than a full workday, so it should theoretically get you through long flights or a day of classes. That said, many of the newest Snapdragon-powered Windows laptop are pushing well past that number, with one of them offering up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge–this is due to the chip’s ultra-efficient Arm-based architecture. Just know that the bigger the battery, the heavier the laptop. Read our roundup of the best laptop chargers. Laptop pricing guide Many good laptops cost around $500 to $750, but the price really depends on your budget. If you’re strapped for cash (been there, trust me), go for a Chromebook or an entry-level business laptop. You can find solid options for under $500. Spending $750 to $1,000 can get you better displays, additional performance, more storage, and nicer designs. If you splurge for a laptop that costs over $1,000, you’re usually paying up for premium build quality, great extras, and top-shelf performance. Gaming laptops are different. You can sometimes find gaming laptops with entry-level discrete graphics on sale for around $850, but you’ll usually need to spend at least $1,000 for a system with decent 1080p gaming chops. You can pay more — often much more — for better graphics firepower and nicer displays, but the costs can rise rapidly depending on your hardware of choice. Some fully loaded gaming laptops can go for multiple thousands of dollars but you’re getting the equivalent of a desktop replacement in return. Spending $1,200 to $2,000 usually gets you a very good gaming laptop. Don’t forget the ports A wide array of ports is always a plus in my book, as it eliminates the need for an adapter. I’d recommend a laptop that has both USB-C and USB-A. An HDMI port is good, too. This is especially useful when you want to hook up to an external monitor. FAQ 1. What is the best laptop? The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (2024) stands out as the best overall choice for most people. Priced at around $1,000, it delivers reliable performance, exceptional battery life (17 hours on a single charge!), and a vibrant 14-inch 1400p display. 2. What is the best cheap laptop? The Acer Aspire Go 15 is PCWorld’s top budget pick because of its reliable performance and low price point. It features an Intel Core i3-N305 processor, a sharp 1080p display, and surprisingly good battery life. 3. What is the best gaming laptop? The Lenovo Legion 5i exhibits a fantastic balance of performance and value. Powered by an Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU and an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, it delivers top-tier gaming performance, easily crushing demanding titles like Metro Exodus with an average of 41 frames-per-second. The 16-inch IPS display boasts a 2560×1600 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, meaning you can expect smooth gameplay. While the display isn’t as vibrant as an OLED panel, it still offers a great picture at a competitive price. 4. When is the best time to buy a laptop?  The best time to buy a laptop usually falls during major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Back-to-school season (late summer to early fall) is also a great time to buy a laptop, as many retailers target students. 5. What is a 2-in-1 laptop? A 2-in-1 laptop (also known as a convertible) is a device that combines the functionality of a traditional laptop (also known as a clamshell laptop) with the versatility of a tablet. These laptops feature a touchscreen display that can fold back, rotate, or detach. It’s ideal for those who need a full keyboard for productivity and a tablet for browsing the web or doodling. They’re pretty popular among students and creatives who want the best of both worlds. 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Microsoft’s Surface is the gold standard for Windows-powered laptops, so of course it was one of the first to get access to Qualcomm’s super-efficient Snapdragon processors for its latest generation. Normally priced at $1,000, today you can get a refurb version of the 13-inch base model for $599 on eBay. It’s a deep, rare discount. $600 for an all-aluminum, sleek laptop like this is a dang good price, though I should point out that the core specs aren’t as good as some of the competition. 16GB of RAM is nice (it’s the minimum I would suggest for Windows 11 these days), but 256GB of storage is going to feel a little tight if you work with large files. The 10-core Snapdragon X Plus processor will make the battery last for a crazy amount of time, but it also means that this laptop won’t be able to handle many modern games. The IPS touchscreen is great, but some other laptops around in this price range can offer an OLED, at least when they’re on sale. For more details, be sure to check out Matt Smith’s full review of this model — though note that the 4-star score was awarded to a higher-specced version, with a slightly faster processor and much more RAM and storage. Like a lot of the deals on eBay lately, this is an “eBay Refurbished” laptop, which means that it’s in “like new” condition and comes with a two-year Allstate warranty. Considering that you’re saving $400 off the retail price, I’d say that’s a pretty good trade, though Microsoft is offering this model as a refurb for $720 (with a one-year warranty) if you’d prefer a more official source. If you’re looking for even more affordable laptops, check out PCWorld’s picks for the best. Get a Surface Laptop with Snapdragon processor for $599View Deal