- Balance work and family
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- You can count on Windows 10
- Get things done
- All-encompassing security included
- New games for family night
- Windows 10 for each of us
- Unlock the best Microsoft 365 has to offer! Now with added benefits from Microsoft partners.
- Bring your ideas to life
- Organize your time
- Sharing made simple
- Protect what’s important
- Thousands of apps
- Compare Windows 10 Home vs. Pro
- The best Windows ever keeps getting better
- Windows 10 Pro works for you
- Make the switch to a Windows 10 PC
- Find the computer that’s best for you
- Need help choosing a computer?
- Best Windows Laptop 2021: Top Windows 10 Laptops Available
- Best Windows Laptop in 2021
- What is the best Windows laptop for most people?
- Best Windows Laptops 2021
- 1. HP Spectre x360 14
- Best Windows Laptop For Most People
- HP Spectre x360 14 Touch-Screen Laptop
- 2. Razer Book 13
- Runner-Up
- Razer Book 13 Laptop
- 3. Dell XPS 13 (9310)
- Runner-Up
- Dell XPS 13 (9310) Touch Laptop
- 4. Surface Laptop 3 13
- Runner-Up
- Surface Laptop 3 13
- 5. Surface Pro 7
- Best 2-in-1
- Surface Pro 7 Touch Screen
Balance work and family
See how multitasking parents use Windows 10 to get it all done.
Stay connected
See how professionals work effectively in a remote world.
Create. Teach. Learn.
See how you can share your craft in a remote world.
Home & family resources
Discover free Microsoft tools, tips, and resources that can help you connect, work, learn, and play at home.
You can count on Windows 10
People all over the world depend on Windows 10 for many different reasons. Here are a handful of things we’re proud to keep on delivering.
Get things done
Windows 10 has innovations from touch screen 2 support to features that help you focus and create.
All-encompassing security included
Windows 10 comes with a comprehensive suite of antivirus, firewall, ransomware protection, and Internet features, built-in with no extra cost to you. 1
New games for family night
There’s a wide variety of games available on Windows 10—the most popular PC gaming platform on the planet. 3
Windows 10 for each of us
Whether you have a disability, a personal preference, or a unique work style, Windows 10 adapts to you.
Need a larger screen? A brighter screen? A narrator to read text? Find out about accessibility tools and features for people who are blind, color blind, or have low vision.
For those who are hard of hearing, have hearing loss, or have deafness, our specialized features can provide solutions including closed captioning, mono sound, and live call transcription.
Innovative tools such as dictation and Windows Hello sign-in can make the digital world more accessible for those who live with dyslexia, seizures, autism, or other cognitive differences.
Our applications for people living with learning disabilities can help increase focus, concentration, and understanding—and include tools to improve reading and writing skills.
Our suite of products helps people living with arthritis, quadriplegia, spinal cord injuries, and other mobility issues to navigate the digital world in non-traditional ways.
Unlock the best Microsoft 365 has to offer! Now with added benefits from Microsoft partners.
As a benefit of your subscription, access over $500 in unique offers available from our partners.
Bring your ideas to life
Choose from thousands of curated stock images, icons, and fonts to add your own flair quickly and beautifully.
Organize your time
Manage multiple calendars in one view, sort through emails quickly with Focused Inbox, and use Suggested Replies to instantly hit send and move on.
Sharing made simple
Share OneDrive documents from your PC or mobile device and let friends, classmates, or family view, make suggestions, edit, or collaborate in real time.
Protect what’s important
Get 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage. That’s 300,000 photos, plus all your documents, 4 that you can access, edit, and share across all your devices—all while knowing your files are backed up and protected.
Thousands of apps
Work, play, create, stream, meet, share, and more with thousands of trusted apps from the Microsoft Store. All of them have been scanned for malware, so you can download anything worry-free. 5
Compare Windows 10 Home vs. Pro
Find the right fit for your needs. Whether it’s Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, see which version is better for you.
The best Windows ever keeps getting better
Windows 10 is fundamentally fast and familiar, safe and secure, and has features that allow you to be more creative and productive.
Windows 10 Pro works for you
If you run a small business and want enhanced functionality, Windows 10 Pro is designed for how you work.
Make the switch to a Windows 10 PC
Powerful productivity. Great battery life. Long lasting. And a beautiful touch screen to boot. 2
Find the computer that’s best for you
Now more than ever PCs are more powerful and innovative—just like Windows 10. And no matter your budget or need, there are plenty to choose from.
Need help choosing a computer?
We’re here to help! Answer a few questions and find the right Windows 10 computers for you.
Best Windows Laptop 2021: Top Windows 10 Laptops Available
Choosing the best Windows laptop for most people involves many different factors. A reasonable price, ample performance, suitable display, and comfortable keyboard are just some of the features considered. Manufacturers continuously update their product lineups with new hardware and design, but HP’s Spectre x360 14 is currently our pick for the best Windows laptop. It has a gorgeous gem-cut design, a touch display with a slim bezel and 3:2 aspect ratio, and powerful performance from 11th Gen Intel Core processors (CPU). It’s also priced very competitively, pushing it above many other close seconds that might take the top spot. Not quite what you need? There are many other great picks for the best Windows laptop, which we’ve rounded up here.
Best Windows Laptop in 2021
- HP Spectre x360 14 — Best Overall: Premium convertible design, 3:2 display, modern hardware
- Razer Book 13 — Runner-Up: Top-tier performance, design, display, and features
- Dell XPS 13 (9310) — Runner-Up: Non-convertible Ultrabook perfect in almost every way
- Surface Laptop 3 13 — Runner-Up: Premium quality Ultrabook with knockout touch display
- Surface Pro 7 — Best 2-in-1: Detachable keyboard, deployable stand, beautiful design, and display
- Razer Blade 15 — Best Gaming: Loads of gaming power, sleek design
There are many great devices out there that we’ve been trying out and testing, and this is just a glance at the 18 total best Windows laptop options we’ve rounded up here.
What is the best Windows laptop for most people?
It’s a great time to be a fan of Windows laptops, and when shopping around, you might be overwhelmed by all the best Windows laptop choices coming from myriad manufacturers. For most people, the HP Spectre x360 14 brings a mix of performance, build quality, features, and price that is hard to resist. It’s a great laptop for just about anything less than gaming or specialized design and development work. If you’d rather invest in one of our picks for the best Windows laptop that isn’t also of the best 2-in-1 laptops — meaning the lid doesn’t rotate around 360 degrees for tent, stand, and tablet modes — you’ll no doubt want to check out the Razer Book 13, the Dell XPS 13 9310, or the 13-inch Surface Laptop 3.
These top four options are just the appetizer before we get into the real meat of the best Windows laptop picks, ranging from high-end gaming and design laptops down to budget devices that go a long way for less money.
Best Windows Laptops 2021
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
1. HP Spectre x360 14
Best Windows Laptop For Most People
Bottom line: The HP Spectre x360 14 takes the premium quality laptop we love in the 13-inch version and gives it a 3:2 aspect ratio display and cutting edge hardware. If you need a convertible with high-end specs and display, this is it. Just don’t expect performance for gaming or development work.
Processor: Up to Core i7-1165G7 | RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4 | Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe integrated | Display size: 13.5 inches | Display resolution: Up to 3000×2000 | Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, microSD card reader, 3.5mm audio
Performance | Hardware | Vendor |
---|---|---|
Varies | Many configurations | From $1,350 at HP |
High-end | Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 3K2K | $2,399 at Amazon |
High-end | Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | From $1,700 at Best Buy |
High-end | Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | $2,388 at Newegg |
- 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs
- Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- 3K2K display with 3:2 aspect ratio
- Big 66Wh battery
- Quad-speakers for great audio
- No LTE connectivity
- Slight touchpad looseness
The new 13.5-inch HP Spectre x360 (what HP is calling the Spectre x360 14) is not replacing the standard 13.3-inch option, but it will undoubtedly drag a lot of the attention away from the other model. Unless you need LTE connectivity in your 13-inch laptop, which is only available in the Spectre x360 13, the x360 14 is our new top Windows laptop for most people.
Powered by Intel 11th Gen processors, all-day battery life, and an option for a stellar OLED display, this laptop is nearly flawless.
The biggest attraction here is no doubt the 13.5-inch touch OLED display with boxy 3:2 aspect ratio, 3000×2000 (3K2K) resolution, anti-reflection coating, 400 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction. This display is stacked, and thanks to the slim bezel, it has a truly modern look. Because the screen is so much taller, there’s also a lot more room below the keyboard deck. HP took advantage, blowing up the touchpad by 16.6% for easier productivity. There’s also room for top-firing speakers that pump out quality audio.
It makes the cut for Intel’s EVO platform certification thanks to the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU. Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, instant-on, and «intelligence» that smartly manages power, battery, and more. The sizable 66Wh is rated at about 17 hours of life from a charge, though that differs in real-life testing. We saw about 7 hours with the OLED model, which translates to about 10 hours with the FHD+ model.
The display has tilt pen support for natural inking, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity gives you fast, reliable wireless internet, and Bluetooth 5 for your accessories. The front-facing camera has a privacy shutter, and there’s an IR camera for Windows Hello. The keyboard also includes a fingerprint reader for further security, and you can even add HP’s Sure View technology to the display to block unwanted eyes.
Have a look at our HP Spectre x360 14 review for a far deeper dive into what makes this convertible laptop great.
HP Spectre x360 14 Touch-Screen Laptop
The HP Spectre x360 14 is an evolution of the 13.3-inch model, bringing a 3:2 aspect ratio touch display and the latest 11th Gen hardware from Intel.
Buying the best Windows laptop for your needs should involve some careful shopping. You want to be sure that it’s perfect for your needs, and you want to be sure that you aren’t paying too much. You also want something worth your money that will last for years to come. Setting a price and sticking to it is a good idea when shopping for a laptop. If you can get a device that meets your needs, and you pay what you wanted to pay, you’ll be much happier in the long run.
Many premium devices in this list will run into the multiple thousands of dollars range, but you can also get many of them starting around the $1,000 mark. These laptops are suitable for plenty of tasks, and the more you pay for upgrades, the better performance you’ll see. Mid-range devices usually come in somewhere between $600 and $1,000, and while you can find something built well, the hardware inside may not be able to keep up with intensive tasks, and they likely won’t have as many features. Sometimes, though, you get something like the HP ENVY x360 13 that blows us away with its price and features.
There are a few general uses for which most people buy a laptop: gaming, multitasking, and productivity, multimedia editing, or business. Ask yourself what you’ll mostly be using the laptop for, and you’ll have a much easier time deciding on what type of device you need.
- Heavy usage: Gaming, design, and editing require powerful hardware. You should aim for a high-end CPU and a dedicated GPU. Our best graphics card roundup has some top options you can compare. Pair with a high-resolution display if you have the budget.
- Standard usage: Heavy web browsing, occasional gaming, and productivity require average hardware. A high-end CPU will undoubtedly come in handy, though a dedicated GPU is optional. If working with media, extra RAM is never a bad thing.
- Light usage: Light web browsing, email, and occasional video streaming don’t require much power. A low- or mid-range CPU will handle this type of work, allowing you to save a lot of money.
There are more considerations to make, including display type, form factor (notebook, convertible, 2-in-1), storage and RAM, battery life, keyboard and touchpad, and ports, which certainly can make it tough to choose one single best Windows laptop. That’s why we’ve laid everything out here to help you make an informed decision.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
2. Razer Book 13
Runner-Up
Bottom line: Razer’s first crack at a productivity laptop, the Book 13, is a smash hit. Its design, display, keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and performance hardware all come together to form one of the best 13-inch Ultrabooks on the market.
Processor: Up to Core i7-1165G7 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: Up to 512GB SSD | Graphics: Up to Intel Iris Xe | Display size: 13.4 inches | Display resolution: Up to UHD+ | Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.1, HDMI 2.0, microSD card reader, 3.5mm audio
Performance | Hardware | Vendor |
---|---|---|
Varies | Many configurations | From $1,200 at Razer |
Varies | Many configurations | From $1,600 at Amazon |
Mid-range | Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, FHD+ | $1,600 at Best Buy |
Mid-range | Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256G SSD, FHD+ | $1,600 at Walmart |
- Gorgeous, pristine design
- 11th Gen Intel and EVO certified
- Brilliant IGZO display
- Excellent keyboard, touchpad, RGB lighting
- Fantastic THX Spatial Audio
In our Razer Book 13 review, Executive Editor Daniel Rubino weighs in on whether or not Razer’s laptop trumps the mighty XPS 13 9310. It’s ultimately a toss-up with both laptops excelling in different areas, but know the Book 13 brings better port selection (with HDMI 2.0, two Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.2, microSD card reader, and 3.5mm audio), better sound with top-firing THX speakers, and a better keyboard with RGB backlighting for extra fun.
The overall aluminum design of the Book 13 is impeccable. It’s well-balanced, it’s relatively thin and light, and it has that premium feel you only get from laptops in this price range. The keyboard is comfortable for long days of typing, the Precision touchpad makes good use of available space, and battery life goes all day with about 10 hours before needing a charge.
Razer went to Sharp to source its IGZO displays, which paid off greatly. The 13.4-inch displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio are available with FHD+ or UHD+ resolutions, and there are touch and non-touch options. All have an anti-reflective coating to cut down on glare, and all have excellent color reproduction in the sRGB gamut. Brightness gets up to about 550 nits.
Get up to an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR4x-4267MHz RAM, and a 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD for performance hardware, and stay safe with an IR camera for Windows Hello. This laptop is expensive and doesn’t offer LTE, but it is pretty much perfect in every other way.
Razer Book 13 Laptop
Featuring a 16:10 display, fantastic speakers, a great keyboard and trackpad, and a premium all-aluminum chassis, this laptop does everything right, especially when it comes to performance.
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
3. Dell XPS 13 (9310)
Runner-Up
Bottom line: If you’d rather stick with a traditional form factor that doesn’t convert to a tablet, the XPS 13 9310 is nearly a perfect Ultrabook with relatively high-end specs for productivity and photo editing.
Processor: Up to Core i7-1165G7 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB | Graphics: Up to Intel Iris Xe | Display size: 13.4 inches | Display resolution: Up to UHD+ | Ports: Two Thunderbolt 3, microSD card reader, 3.5mm audio
Performance | Hardware | Vendor |
---|---|---|
Varies | Many configurations | From $971 at Dell |
High-end | Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $1,643 at Amazon |
High-end | Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, UHD+ | $2,895 at Walmart |
- 16:10 aspect ratio and thin bezel
- Stunning look and design
- Excellent keyboard and touchpad
- Strong performance from 11th Gen Intel CPUs
- Beautiful display options
- Webcam could be better
- Costs more than our top pick for similar specs
The latest refresh of the XPS 13 — check out our Dell XPS 13 (9310) review for full details — is a nice hardware refresh over the mighty 9300. It’s easily the best Dell laptop available today. We also think it’s the single best laptop between $1,000 and $1,500. Its display now has a 16:10 aspect ratio, which removes the chin that most laptops have below the screen. There is a screen everywhere you look, thanks to a 91.5% screen-to-body ratio.
A non-touch 1920×1200 (FHD+) screen is the cheapest way to go, bringing an anti-glare finish and up to 500 nits brightness. A middle FHD+ option adds touch, edge-to-edge glass, and an anti-reflective layer to help reduce glare. It also manages 500 nits of brightness. Finally, the most expensive option is a 3840×2400 (UHD+) touch option with edge-to-edge glass, 500 nits brightness, and an anti-reflective layer.
Intel’s 11th Gen CPUs are included in the refresh, bringing Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics. It’s all accompanied by up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 2TB of M.2 PCIe SSD storage. RAM is soldered, but the SSD can be upgraded after purchase if you’d like to save some money at checkout. The XPS 13 9310 offers the performance to easily cut through a standard day’s work — word processing, heavy web browsing, photo editing — yet it keeps its cool and weighs just 2.65 pounds (1.2kg). It’s also unbelievably thin and feels very sturdy, thanks to the aluminum chassis.
Ports include two Thunderbolt 3, a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. As for productivity, the backlit keyboard and Precision touchpad should not stand in your way at all. Both are comfortable and easy to use.
Dell XPS 13 (9310) Touch Laptop
The XPS 13 9310 has everything we love about an Ultrabook. It looks great, it performs well, and it’s a joy to use.
Source: Windows Central
4. Surface Laptop 3 13
Runner-Up
Bottom line: The Surface Laptop 3 13 is all about premium design, a high-res touch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, and modern performance hardware inside.
Processor: Up to Core i7-1065G7 | RAM: Up to 16GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | Display size: 13.5 inches | Display resolution: 2256×1504 | Ports: USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio, Surface Connect
Performance | Hardware | Vendor |
---|---|---|
Varies | Many configurations | From $770 at Microsoft |
Varies | Many configurations | From $879 at Amazon |
Varies | Many configurations | From $800 at Best Buy |
Low-end | Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD | From $899 at Walmart |
- Gorgeous design and craftsmanship
- Now, with USB-C
- Superb keyboard and touchpad
- Intel 10th Gen hardware
- Some parts can be upgraded
- No Thunderbolt 3
- No Dolby Vision or anti-glare display
The Surface Laptop 2 was a fine Ultrabook, and Microsoft has made numerous small changes that we cover in our Surface Laptop 3 13.5 review. It’s now available with 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs and up to 16GB DDR4x RAM and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a faster solid-state drive (SSD) up to 1TB that can be replaced. It’s also now rocking a USB-C port, as well as USB-A, Surface Connect, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The keyboard and touchpad are both quieter than the Laptop 2, and typing is about as good as it gets. The touchpad is about 20% larger, and it’s using Precision drivers for the best experience possible.
The overall design is as good as ever, with hidden antenna lines for a more streamlined look. If Alcantara — the fabric finish that we saw on the palm rest of the Laptop 2 — isn’t your thing, the Laptop 3 can be had with a standard aluminum finish throughout. An IR camera sits above the display for extra security through Windows Hello. It’s also our number one pick among best USB-C laptops.
The 13.5-inch touch display is a knockout. It has a boxy 3:2 aspect ratio with 2256×1504 resolution, and it’s compatible with the Surface Pen for a stellar inking experience. It would be nice to see Dolby Vision or some anti-glare properties, but at least it hits nearly 400 nits brightness to help combat bright lights. Expect battery life to run somewhere between seven and eight hours on a charge. All of this more than earns the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 a place in our best Windows laptops roundup.
See how it compares in our best Microsoft Surface PCs roundup.
Surface Laptop 3 13
With the addition of USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, and Intel 10th Gen CPUs, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 delivers a solid follow-up to the Laptop 2.
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
5. Surface Pro 7
Best 2-in-1
Bottom line: For those who need a device that can detach from the keyboard and touchpad to become a tablet — and have the power to rival standard laptops — there is the Surface Pro 7.
Processor: Up to Core i7-1065G7 | RAM: Up to 16GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | Graphics: Up to Intel Iris Plus | Display size: 12.3 inches | Display resolution: 2736×1824 | Ports: USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio, Surface Connect, microSD card reader
Performance | Hardware | Vendor |
---|---|---|
Varies | Surface Pro 7 | From $750 at Microsoft |
Varies | Surface Pro 7+ | From $850 at Microsoft |
Mid-range | Type Cover included | From $798 at Amazon $800 at Walmart |
Varies | Many configurations | From $750 at Best Buy |
- Excellent performance from 10th Gen Intel hardware
- Now, with a USB-C port
- Eight hours of battery life
- Instant On and resume
- Premium build quality
- No Thunderbolt 3 or 4
- LTE only on Pro 7+ models
- Bezels are a bit thick
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 is back and better than ever. Instead of a Mini DisplayPort, it now has a USB-C 3.1 port capable of handling dual 4K displays, rounded out by USB-A, a microSD card reader, Surface Connect, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity is available for blazing wireless speeds, and Bluetooth 5.0 is also included. The Pro 7 now has Instant On, meaning it’s ready to go as soon as you need it.
10th Gen Intel Core CPU options boost performance and add Intel Iris Plus integrated graphics, and models can be configured with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and a 1TB SSD. The display hasn’t changed, but that doesn’t mean it’s not gorgeous. The 12.3-inch touch screen still has a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2736×1824 resolution, complete with Surface Pen compatibility for a quality inking experience.
The Pro 7 keeps cool under load, and you can expect about eight hours of battery life from a model with a Core i5 CPU. For some extra security, an IR camera is included for Windows Hello. Check out our Surface Pro 7 review for more information.
There’s also a Surface Pro 7 Plus for Business that can be purchased from the Microsoft Store. It costs a bit more than the standard Pro 7, but it brings several improvements, including LTE connectivity, up to 32GB of RAM, 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs, and a removable SSD. If you need to stay connected at all times and don’t mind shopping at Microsoft, it might just be the better choice.
For a deeper look, check out our Surface Pro 7 Plus vs. Surface Pro 7 comparison.
Surface Pro 7 Touch Screen
Microsoft has finally added a loaded-out USB Type-C port to the Surface Pro 7, as well as 10th Gen Intel hardware.