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Why isn’t Nintendo letting us use variable refresh rate?
While docking theNintendo Switch 2does unlock better picture quality, including 4K resolution and up to 120fps refresh rates, there is one feature still locked off. Even if your TV supports variable refresh rate (VRR), it seems Nintendo won’t let you take advantage of it with the new console.
Weirdly, it turns out that this isn’t an issue with the Switch 2 dock itself. They tested this over atThe Verge,plugging various other handheld gaming systems in using the Switch 2’s dock.
Evidently theSteam Deck,Lenovo Legion Go SandAsus ROG Ally Xall supported VRR through the Nintendo dock. And that was tested with actual VRR testing tools, rather than just taking the handheld’s promise that it was at face value. Plus, this confirmed VRR worked at up to 120fps.
The Verge did note that connecting a handheld to the Switch 2 dock did require an extra USB-C cable, naturally. Unfortunately the Switch 2 dock is spring-loaded, and kept pushing the cable out — which means it’s a less than ideal way to connect your handheld to the TV.
The Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode, so if you’re playing on the built-in screen you should see dynamic refresh rates as you play.
But since the console and the Dock both support VRR, why the heck can’t you get VRR working on a compatible TV or monitor? Well, we just don’t know.
We do know Nintendo originally advertised that the Switch 2 did support VRR in TV mode, but thenremoved those references from its website and support pages. Nintendo didapologize for the errorand confirmed the feature was only available in handheld mode. But the company hasn’t actually explained why things are the way they are.
Digital Foundrydid find that VRR suffered “clear problems” on the Switch 2 in handheld mode — including “juddering” in various games likeCyberpunk 2077.
Though it was noted thatWelcome Tour, the $10 Switch 2 demo, did have proper VRR support. So it’s not like Nintendo is secretly saving us from crappy performance because VRR doesn’t actually work properly.
Sadly Digital Foundry’s Richard Leadbetter told The Verge he has no idea why VRR support hasn’t been included in TV mode. Only that he doubts Nintendo removed the feature last minute, and that the company’s previous promises were likely a mistake.
So this is down for Nintendo to explain, and so far the company has been staying quiet. It’s a pretty weird situation all round, though.
Back when computers were harder to come by, and regularly banished to the ubiquitous computer room if they were in the home at all, they had a few features that can seem a little tricky to place the usefulness of. This includes the turbo button: a toggle on the front of computer towers, often near the disc drive. To make something go turbo is to supercharge it, giving it more power. Usually, turbocharging is something you would do to an engine or turbine, making it a little unclear what exactly the button would do in the context of a PC.
The reality of exactly what the button did is even more confusing. In the case of the Eagle PC Turbo, which according to How-to-Geek is probably the first computer to include an explicit turbo button, the toggle would switch clock speeds between 8 and 4.77 Megahertz (MHz). This means that pressing the turbo button actually slowed down PC clock speeds, rather than overclocking the PC. The reason behind this is that higher clock speeds could make computers seem like they were running much slower, as they weren’t compatible with a lot of pre-existing games and software.
When computers were operating at 8 MHz, it could cause programs to become unstable or crash, and games to operate at entirely the wrong speed, rendering them practically unplayable. Other home computers started following suit, tacking turbo buttons that would speed user experiences up by slowing operations down. Eventually, technology moved on from the 1980s and 1990s, leaving turbo buttons behind. Software started being designed in ways that would work in tandem with clock speed changes without requiring users to manually hit a switch.
The turbo button charts back to the IBM Personal Computer
Back in 1981, technology company International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) launched its Personal Computer, an open-architecture system designed predominantly for home use. It wasn’t the first time consumers could buy a home PC, but it was IBM’s first time selling their computers to non-business entities. The machine rang in at around $1,500 at the time, or roughly $5,300 when accounting for inflation, and offered a Central Processing Unit (CPU) that ran at 4.77 MHz. Because of this, software was generally written to work optimally at that clock speed.
Naturally, other computing companies followed by offering not only their own riffs on the Personal Computer, but also by trying to improve on what IBM had to offer. This included offering faster clock speeds, running right the way up to the previously mentioned 8 MHz. This caused software written for the IBM Personal Computer to frequently struggle on faster machines. Because of this, some devices started offering toggles to switch between higher and lower clock speeds, although they weren’t labelled with turbo until Eagle Computers likely started the trend.
After the arrival of the Eagle PC Turbo, the turbo button became an omnipresent aspect of 1990s computing. Other machines also started adopting similar mechanisms, until technology advanced enough that they were no longer necessary or novel. So, if you come across an old desktop PC, look out for a turbo button, or its predecessor in the form of an accelerator card. But don’t expect it to speed things up.
8GB VRAM in 2025? Only if you’re speedrunning regret
The summer has been dominated by mid-range and entry level GPU launches, fromNvidia’s RTX 5060and 5050 toAMD’s Radeon RX 9060 XT. And many of these are rocking 8GB of video memory — the critical element of a card that allows for rendered graphics to be stored and used on-demand.
This is a capacity that has been around since 2016, and if you listen to people in high places, this is enough for all-round 1080p gaming. But games likeIndiana Jones and the Great Circle(12GB of VRAM recommended) and Cyberpunk 2077 would beg to differ. Especially more so if you’re considering making the jump to 1440p gaming.
As I said in myRTX 5060 Ti review, go for 16GB as a safe bet to protect yourself from the ever-increasing demands of AAA games. And as sales data shows, you’ve all understood the assignment.
This insight comes from German retailer Mindfactory, which shows how many of each listing it sells. As spotted byWCCF Tech, the sales differential between Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti in 16 and 8GB variations, and the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT in these flavors is stark.
For the RTX 5060 Ti, the 16GB model has seen 16x more unit sales than its 8GB counterpart.
For the RX 9060 XT, that number goes up to 30x more for 16GB.
One thing is evident, regardless of what you hear from companies telling you 8GB is enough, PC players aren’t buying it (literally and figuratively), and neither am I.
If you cast your mind back, we got some hands-on testing time with the RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM. Of course, this was a test within certain conditions Nvidia set out to us — to show what was possible at 1080p with well-optimized titles packing DLSS 4.
And like I said, the end result is pretty good. But of course, as I said, you have to play within a very specific playground here. Because if you branch out and look at the raw rendering performance of this card, that 8GB is an albatross around the neck of this GPU.
Looking at the portable side of things, intesting RTX 5060 laptopsout atComputex 2025, if your game library already comes packed with DLSS 4 tech, there’s weight to a reason why first-time gaming laptop owners would find value in an RTX 5060 system.
But for desktop, it’s a different story.
Game
Frames per second at 1080p (Rasterized)
Frames per second at 1080p (DLSS with frame gen)
Cyberpunk 2077
45.42
n/a
Black Myth Wukong (Cinematic)
35
55
Some of this will come down to the number of CUDA cores in here for rendering, but a big chunk will be the barrier of that video memory. And that leads to one inevitable problem.
Demand is far outstripping this hardware
At best, these 8GB cards are made by committee — looking at Steam user data and pinpointing a particularly large area of 1080p gamers without noticing the growing trend in 1440p.
At worst, they’re here purely to say a lower price like “from $299.” And if you’re a desktop PC gamer looking for a new GPU or a pre-built tower, if you see the number 8 next to that graphics card name, avoid it.
There are some strengths to these cards right now, but the weaknesses felt in that stuttering on particularly intensive titles right now is only going to get worse into the future. Give yourself some breathing space with 16GB of VRAM.
What should you buy instead?
I know it’s a difficult answer, but the only one for real on paper is to buy a more expensive GPU. That additional video memory will be more than worthwhile in terms of long-term value.
Well-priced, rugged smartphone that’s an ideal option if you enjoy camping, adventure or work outside
Verdict
Every rugged smartphone has its focus, and the Oukitel WP56 targets campers and outdoor users, be that working or lesuire and offers a set of rugged features, a 108-megapixel AI camera, camping light, longbattery life, and a genuinely useful rear speaker.
If you’re looking for a rugged smartphone, then the Oukitel WP56 should instantly stand out and not just because it’s relatively cheap for what’s on offer. It has all the usual rugged potential such as IP68 and IP69K certification, meaning it can essentially survive being dropped in water and other harsh environments where other electronics, and especially mobile phones, can easily become damaged.
Directly out of the box, there’s no mistaking that the Oukitel WP56 is a rugged rather than consumer smartphone. The look and style feel built to withstand more than most, and its physical size and weight are larger and heavier than your standard smartphone options.
What I instantly liked about this phone is that it doesn’t try to throw everything at the design, and actually, what that means is that you’ve got a rugged smartphone that’s ideally suited for use when camping or working in the great outdoors. All of the features of this smartphone, including the base ability to make clear 5G calls, seem to have been designed to pick up from where your average Swiss Army knife leaves off.
First and foremost, there’s navigation with a decent array of technologies, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo. Then, on the back is the large, extremely bright camping light, which can be operated using the dedicated app. Then, should you be relaxing out in the evening or listening to the radio or music on site, there’s a relatively loud 3 W speaker mounted on the back. Whilst it doesn’t produce exceptional audio quality, it’s a considerable step up compared with almost every other rugged smartphone on the market.
Then, most importantly, if you’re going to be away from civilisation for any length of time, internally, there’s a 16,000 mAh battery, which offers fast charging at 45 W and enables you to reverse charge other devices through USB Type-C at 18 W.
Thankfully while at the cheaper end of the market the performance is decidedly mid-range, as it utilises one of the latest mobile chips and couples that with a relatively decent GPU, it all comes together to offer one of thebest rugged phonesI’ve ever tested – a very robust, well-priced and extremely useful rugged smartphone for anyone needing a phone for camping, adventure or working outdoors.
The Oukitel WP56 is, without a doubt from the looks and design alone, a rugged smartphone, and everything about its build reflects that. It feels large and bulky, measuring 177.3 x 82.4 x 24.8 mm and weighing 524 g, and while it fits into a trouser pocket, you’ll definitely know it’s there. It’s far from lightweight or slimline and better suited to a belt holster or being stored in a backpack side pocket.
From the outset, it’s clear this is a phone built for the outdoors. Despite its bulk, it’s comfortable to hold and can still be used like a standard smartphone. The buttons are well-positioned and easy to reach in use. A biometric fingerprint button on the side enables fast access, and face recognition via Android 15 also works well.
On the right side is a customisable red button, which can be set to SOS or other functions. Just above it is the SIM tray, supporting two nano SIMs. These don’t switch automatically—you must select one manually—but it can receive calls from both. Next to the SIMs is a TF/microSD slot supporting up to 2 TB of storage, bringing total optional storage to 2.5 TB.
Above the power button are the volume controls. On the base is a USB-C port covered by a rubber flap, unfortunately there’s no 3.5 mm headphone jack, so you’ll need a USB-C connector for audio.
On the back is where most of the key hardware fetaures appears, including a large LED camping light, above which is the camera array which includes a 108-megapixel main sensor, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a third lens which at the time of writing there is very little detail available. The array also features an LED flash for low-light shots and adding fill light when needed.
In the centre of the camera section is a large rear speaker, which is uncommon in rugged phones. It offers significantly more volume than you’d usually expect and improves media playback in outdoor settings where audio performance from rugged smartphones is often quite poor.
The construction features a blend of metal and plastic, providing a solid, rugged feel. The 6.8-inch display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, helping reduce the risk of scratches and further reinforcing the outdoor-ready design of the phone.
Design:4 / 5
Oukitel WP56: Features
The Oukitel WP56 is clearly built for outdoor use, starting with its 16,000 mAh battery, bright camping light, and 128 dB rear loudspeaker. It also offers several useful technical features, including 12 GB of RAM that can be expanded up to 36 GB using internal storage as virtual RAM. While the expanded RAM is slower than the dedicated, this expansion is helpful if you run multiple apps or play games regularly.
Storage at 512 GB is on a par with other rugged phones and support for TF/microSD cards up to 2 TB ensure that there is plenty of space for multimedia and other files. The same tray that holds the TF/MicroSD card also houses two nano SIM slots. Both SIMs can receive calls, though switching data usage between them must be done manually.
One of the more unusual features is the 128 dB, 3 W speaker on the back. It’s always active as the main speaker and offers greater loudness and clarity than most phones in this category. It sits somewhere between a standard phone speaker and a compact Bluetooth speaker, making it a great solution for listening to music, radio, podcasts etc, outdoors.
Powering the phone is a 16,000 mAh battery that supports 45 W fast charging, and through the tests it reached around 70% in under two hours from flat. This battery also supports 18 W reverse charging to other devices via USB-C, though it’s worth noting that this is not wirelessly.
Powering the WP65 is a MediaTek 7050 processor, this is a solid mid-range chip that provides good performance for apps, media, and light to moderate gaming. It’s also extremely power efficient, which helps retain battery life.
Dominating the front is the large 6.8-inch display that offers a 1080 x 2460 resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate and this is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, some form of protective screen along these lines is a standard for rugged phones, even at this price. The screen is an IPS panel rather than AMOLED, so while bright at 550 nit, visibility in direct sunlight does require shading the screen.
The rear camera setup includes a 108-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a third sensor, though details on the latter are limited. There’s also an LED flash for low-light photography. On the front is a 32-megapixel Sony IMX616 camera, which performed well during testing, offering strong clarity for selfies and video calls.
Features:5 / 5
Oukitel WP56: Performance
Crystal Disk Mark Read: 1296 MB/s Crystal Disk Mark Write: 443 MB/s Geek bench CPU Multi: 2431 Geek bench CPU Single: 961 Geek bench GPU: 2715 SlingShot: 5364 Wild life Overall: 686 Steel Nomad Overall: 271
From the outset, it was clear that while the Oukitel WP56 is priced as an entry-level rugged smartphone, its specifications suggest far more. With a mid-range CPU and GPU, ample RAM and internal storage, it offers excellent value, especially if you’re into camping, outdoor work or adventure.
I tested out the phone’s basic functions first, including call quality and general mobile use. With dual SIM support, I tested on Vodafone and EE networks in the UK. Reception and data performance were very good, although as ever both networks struggled in the New Forest with reception, however, this is on par with other mobiles and in towns the connection proved to be solid. The phone also makes use of 5G when available, dropping to 4G in more remote areas without issue.
For everyday tasks like browsing, document editing and email, the phone performed well. The touchscreen was highly responsive, possibly a little too sensitive at times, but accurate. The display is high-resolution and generally bright enough for typical lighting conditions. At 550 nits, it copes well, though, in direct sunlight, you may need to shade the screen.
In real-world use, apps such as Google Docs ran well, and general multimedia playback was good. When editing videos in CapCut, performance did dip slightly, particularly when applying effects or rendering. By contrast, editing images in Lightroom was fast with adjustments applying quickly, whether working with files from the cloud or the phone’s own camera.
Gaming was surprisingly capable. I ran titles like Need for Speed, Asphalt, and Call of Duty Mobile with good frame rates and responsiveness.
Overall, the WP56 handles most everyday tasks and light gaming without issue, though it does slow during heavier multimedia processing. Android 15 runs well, with both the fingerprint sensor and face recognition proving fast and reliable. Face recognition is especially useful if you’re outdoors or wearing gloves and need quick access.
On the media front, the rear 3W speaker performs well. Watching video or listening to music on YouTube, Vimeo, or stored media was enjoyable. The speaker is noticeably louder than typical smartphone audio, and placing the phone against a solid surface helps boost bass. It’s not as rich as many Bluetooth speakers, but it’s a clear step up from other rugged handsets.
Camera performance is mixed. The front-facing 32 MP Sony sensor produces sharp, clear images, ideal for selfies and video calls. The rear 108 MP main camera performs well in bright conditions, but resolution suffers when zoomed in, and dynamic range is limited. In low light, results degrade significantly. Interestingly, the front camera often delivers better results in dim conditions. The 2 MP macro lens is underwhelming, images appear soft and are only really usable on the phone’s display.
One standout feature is the rear camping light. It’s very bright and diffused well enough to serve as a practical light source. Controlled via a dedicated app, it includes timer settings: 5-minute default, 60-minute option, or continuous mode. After three hours of use at half brightness, the battery dropped from 100% to about 80%, which is reasonable.
Battery life is generally excellent and on standby, it can last up to 75 days. Talk time reaches around five days, music playback just over two days, and video playback slightly more than a day. With mid to heavy mixed-use, it manages three full days on one charge.
Performance:5 / 5
Oukitel WP56: Final verdict
Even factoring in the price, the Oukitel WP56 offers exceptional value. If you need a rugged smartphone for camping, outdoor work or unpredictable Britich summer weather, this is a solid choice. It goes beyond most other rugged smartphones by focusing on genuinely useful features for outdoor use.
With IP68, IP69K and MIL-STD-810H certifications, the phone is built to survive water, drops and rough handling, more than most consumer models would survive. For leisure use, the camping light is particularly handy. Unlike other phones that try to pack in flashy effects, this one provides a bright, practical light with an SOS option controlled through its own app.
The rear speaker, while not outstanding in audio quality, is louder and clearer than you’ll find on many smartphones. It’s more than enough for music, podcasts or games while you’re out in the field and is very welcome.
The WP65 is a large and heavy phone, but that bulk allows for a 16,000 mAh battery. During testing, I only had to charge it once over a full week of use, and through the intensive test period with heavy use it lasted a good three days. It also supports 45 W fast charging, reaching 80% in under two hours.
Call quality and network connectivity were good and comparable to mainstream models. Dual SIM support is a great addition, though switching data between SIMs must be done manually.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, outdoor-ready smartphone with reliable features and battery life, the WP56 stands out. It’s not overloaded with extras, it delivers what’s needed, at a decent budget with a focus on practicality.
Buy it if…
You want a rugged phone.
For work, camping, and adventure, this is one of the best-priced rugged smartphones to have been released, with a feature set that feels well thought out and focused.
You need a camping light.
Camping lights are generally quite large and bulky, so having one built into your phone is actually a great idea. With its brightness and longevity, it just cuts down what you’ll need to carry camping.
Don’t buy it if…
You want something lightweight.
Finding a lightweight, rugged smartphone isn’t that easy, with only a few options available. At just over half a kilogram in weight, this is going to add weight to your load.
You need to edit the video.
If you’re creating content, then CapCut and other multimedia editors are essential. This is the one area where this smartphone struggles.
Always look for laptops with two USB-C Power Delivery ports for redundancy and flexibility.
Avoid laptops with a single USB-C PD port to prevent expensive repairs if the port fails.
Check the laptop’s specifications to confirm both USB-C ports support Power Delivery before buying.
Shopping for a laptop means making a lot of decisions, so it’s easy to overlook a small detail or two. However, one thing you should never overlook is the number of USB-C ports. Skimping here can come back to bite you sooner than you think.
To Be Clear: I’m Talking About USB-C PD
You might be aware that many modern laptops can now charge via USB-C in place of old-school AC barrel chargers. This special port can be used both as a regular USB-C port and for charging, and it’s calledUSB Power Delivery(PD). The latest version (USB-C PD 3.2) can receive up to a whopping 240W of power, so many manufacturers design fast charging algorithms around it.
While fast charging standards can get a little complicated and support isn’t always guaranteed just based on wattage, the important thing is that the port allows you to connect any compatible USB-C charger to charge your laptop. For example, I’ve used my brother’s 67W charging brick on myDell Latitude 5420, and not only did it charge the laptop, but it also supported fast charging.
This essentially means I can use a single charger for both my phone and laptop, as long as it can charge the laptop quickly enough for my needs. It eliminates the need to carry that bulky laptop charging brick (assuming I don’t forget it in the first place).
However, not all laptops on the market have USB-C PD. Cheaper or older models might have an earlier version of Thunderbolt without Power Delivery, a standard USB-C port, or no USB-C ports at all. I’d recommendavoiding such laptopsaltogether, as even many affordable used models can now be found with USB-C PD.
The main reason why you should avoid buying a laptop that only uses a single USB-C PD port (like theinfamous 2015 Apple MacBook) is that you won’t have a backup if it breaks.
For a laptop, no charging means no laptop until you get the USB-C PD port fixed or replaced. It’s an expensive repair that, in addition to disassembly andsoldering, also involves the use of a hot air soldering station to safely remove the port’s contacts without damaging the PCB. It’s a lot more difficult than replacing a standard laptop power jack.
While USB-C ports are quite durable and can withstand up to 10,000 insertion and removal cycles, there’s no guarantee that they can’t fail sooner. A few instances of rough mishandling, some water and grime in the port, or an unlucky drop or bend while the charger is plugged in, and you could be left with a non-functional paperweight.
A second USB-C PD port provides redundancy and doubles your chances of avoiding an expensive repair. Just check the laptop’s full specifications to confirm that both USB-C ports support power delivery, not just one.
Two USB-C PD Ports Make Life Easier and More Flexible
While redundancy is extremely important, another major advantage is functionality. There are all kinds of handyUSB-C hubson the market that can transform your laptop into a workstation machine with several additional USB ports, Ethernet, HDMI, SD card slots, and more.
If you use anexternal GPU enclosurewith Thunderbolt and it doesn’t support power delivery, your only real option is to use the second USB-C PD port to plug in your charger.
However, practicality doesn’t have to involve expensive GPU enclosures and hubs; it can be as simple as wanting to plug in a USB-C flash drive or dongle while the laptop is charging. I frequently use the two USB-C ports on my laptop: one for charging and the other for my 2.4GHz dongle for theSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, allowing me to game without the latency issues associated with Bluetooth.
You can also use the second USB-C port to charge a device such as a phone or headphones while the laptop is charging. All you need is an extraUSB-C cable, and you’re all set for a minimalist travel setup.
Another small but important advantage of laptops with USB-C PD ports on both sides is that you can charge the laptop from either side. It can be more convenient in tight workspaces or if your outlet is far away.
Many Modern Laptops Have Two USB-C PD Ports (But Some Don’t)
The good news is that most thin and light laptops now use USB-C PD for charging, and considering how vital this port is, they come with two USB-C PD ports. Unless you’re buying a budget model, like thisHP Student/Business Laptop (14-dq6012dx), which has a single USB-C port without power delivery, you should be fine. Still, it’s best to check the laptop’s spec sheet to confirm that both USB-C ports support Power Delivery.
Even Microsoft is likely going to phase out its proprietaryMicrosoft Connect Portin favor of USB-C, as seen with thenew Surface Pro.
Another interesting trend is how some gaming laptops are bridging the gap by including both USB-C PD and a (usually proprietary) barrel connector.
While USB-C PD can deliver 240W—far more than what most laptops withintegrated graphicswould ever need—workstation and gaming laptops withdedicated graphicsare a different beast. Their power-hungry GPUs and powerful CPUs demand a more robust charging solution, so in addition to integrating USB-C PD, they also add an AC charger. For example, in addition to having two USB-C PD ports, theAlienware x16 R2 Gaming Laptopuses a proprietary charger that can do up to 330W.
While a second USB-C PD port might not be at the top of everyone’s priority list when shopping for a laptop, it definitely should be. From a longevity and flexibility standpoint, I believe it is even more important than having a nice display, extra RAM, storage, or a more powerful CPU. It reduces the risk of needing an expensive repair down the line and gives you far more connectivity options through the simple and flexible USB-C port. So, be sure to keep an eye out for it when shopping!
If these were the early 2000s. We would have said that having a sound card is a flex. With good reason, too. You’d slap one into your PC, crank up a media player, and pretend you were mastering audio. But today, most motherboards come with a pretty solid built-in audio system. So, do you really need a sound card anymore? The short answer is no, you probably don’t. But the longer answer is more interesting.
These advancements in built-in audio chips mean that the average PC user can expect good audio quality. It won’t need any add-ons. Built-in audio also means sound cards are no longer among the must-have components for your gaming PC. The sound quality is usually good enough on the major PC brands. However, some people require more than just good enough, and this is why sound cards still exist.
Perhaps your motherboard’s audio port has malfunctioned. Maybe you have high-impedance headphones that your onboard audio can’t drive properly. You could also just be into audio production and want that extra clarity, detail, or control. These and more make up the multiple reasons for wanting better audio. But, does your PC need a dedicated sound card? Here’s what you need to know.
A sound card simply converts digital data into analog sound — just like your built-in audio does. The difference is that a sound card usually does it better. Most internal sound cards come with higher-quality DACs. The DACs are great amplifiers. They enhance your audio quality and allow you to utilize other advanced features. That said, don’t expect it to work miracles. If you’re using budget headphones or small laptop speakers, the upgrade will not feel like one.
Another reason you might want a sound card is isolation from motherboard interference. Onboard audio can pick up electrical noise from hardware components. Sound cards, especially external DACs, avoid this. This is because they have their own dedicated circuit or are used externally, outside the case. Even then, you might experience certain issues, especially with mid and low-tier sound cards. You might also only notice improvements if your ears are trained or your setup is high-end.
Additionally, most modern media formats offer both stereo and standard surround sound anyway. Every major gaming laptop brand should support this. So, a sound card won’t drastically change your life. That is, unless you’re using a specific audio workflow. For instance, lossless audio production and high-res playback. In fact, if you really want better audio, using an external DAC and amp might be a smarter move. These are easier to move around, and you won’t even have to open your PC case.
PC components have a finite number of channels that connect with the CPU. These channels are physically built into the CPU, the motherboard, and the components themselves — and they’re called PCIe lanes. Every GPU, SSD, or creator card you plug into your motherboard needs to send data to the CPU to function, and it does that through these PCIe lanes.
Every CPU has a fixed number of PCIe lanes, which dictate the bandwidth and are listed as x4, x8, x16, or x20 in spec sheets and user manuals. Plugging components into the PCIe slots uses up those lanes. The GPU, for instance, is usually installed into the primary x16 slot for the most bandwidth. If you have an M.2 SSD, that will use up four additional lanes, taking up a total of 20.
If your CPU only offers 20 lanes, any additional GPUs or SSDs will be routed through the motherboard’s PCIe lanes, which are still connected to the CPU, but indirectly. This is lane sharing in action, and it can slow things down without most users being aware. If you have PCIe 5.0 hardware and want to get full Gen 5 speeds, you’ll need full support across the board — that means a CPU, motherboard, and device with native Gen 5 support. But even then, your setup might not run at full speed if PCIe lanes become the bottleneck.
AMD Ryzen CPUs offer more Gen 5 lanes than recent Intel CPUs
As of this publication, only AMD’s Ryzen 7000 and 9000-series chips offer full PCIe Gen 5 bandwidth without lane sharing. These CPUs offer 28 Gen 5 PCIe lanes total — enough for a GPU in an x16 slot and at least one PCI 5.0 5 NVMe SSD to run at max speeds. Intel’s 12 trough 14th-gen CPUs only offer 16 Gen 5 lanes for graphics and an NVMe to split. That means Intel’s Alder and Raptor Lake CPUs can’t run a Gen 5 GPU with a Gen 5 SSD at full speeds without lane sharing at the same time.
If you do install both a Gen 5 SSD and a GPU on Intel, something has to give — the SSD gets its full four lane bandwidth, but the GPU starts running at x8 instead of x16. With no SSD in the first M.2 slot, the GPU will use all 16 lanes. But if you drop even a Gen 4 SSD in the top PCIe x4 NVMe slot – that shares lanes with the GPU — on an Intel system, the GPU will still drop to x8. This is especially relevant for cards like the Radeon RX 9000 series and the RTX 50 series, which are designed to take full advantage of Gen 5 natively.
How to check if your SSDs are hurting your GPU performance
AMD gives you the most Gen 5 lanes upfront, but you’ll still need at least a B650e motherboard to actually make use of them. Entry-level B650 boards don’t offer Gen 5 M.2 slots at all, and even on high-end X870E motherboards — which come with up to three Gen 5 NVMe slots — the lane layout matters. Board documentation from Asus shows how lane sharing works on the X870E with different PCIe slots occupied: if you use the third M.2 slot, the first PCIe x16 Gen 5 slot drops to x8, and the second starts running at x4.
At eight lanes, that is still equal to x16 bandwidth of a PCIe 4.0 slot, and x8 for the second slot. If both the second and third M.2 slots have SSDs in them, that second PCIe x16 slot gets disabled entirely. Thankfully, the real-world impact is smaller than it seems — for gamers, at least. Gamers Nexus tested this with an RTX 5090 and found that dropping from Gen 5 x16 to Gen 3 x16 only resulted in a 1-4% performance loss in modern games.
However, if you still want to check your GPU’s PCIe lane configuration, use a software like CPU-Z — it’s easier than going through your motherboard manual. Just go to the “Mainboard” tab and look for the “Graphic Interface” section. Under the “Bus” block, check if the “current link width” link width matches the “max supported.” If they don’t match, your GPU is running at the lower of the two.
The company plans to introduce its Endpoint Security Controller-enabled service in 2026.
One company’s trash can be another company’s treasure—or at least that’s what HP is hoping to convince its customers with a new “PCFax” service that uses telemetry, support requests, and “AI” to generate reports about a laptop’s history. And if your first thought was “gee, that sounds a lot like CarFax,” you’re on the same wavelength as the folks at HP who designed this service. Congratulations, or I’m sorry. Whichever.
“When buying a used car, dealerships and individual buyers can access each car’s particular CarFax report, detailing the vehicle’s usage and maintenance history,” a quartet of HP employeessaidin a piece forIEEE Spectrum. “Armed with this information, dealerships can perform the necessary fixes or upgrades before reselling the car. And individuals can decide whether to trust that vehicle’s performance. We at HP realized that, to prevent unnecessary e-waste, we need to collect and make available usage and maintenance data for each laptop, like a CarFax for used PCs.”
Some of the data used to generate these reports will be sourced from the EndpointSecurityController built into some of HP’senterpriseproducts to collect information from “thermal sensors that monitor CPU temperature, power-consumption monitors that track energy efficiency, storage health indicators that assess solid state drive (SSD) wear levels, performance counters that measure system utilization, fan-rotation-speed sensors that detect cooling efficiency, and more.” This data is then stored on a dedicated portion of the system’s storage and is supposedly tamper-proof.
A brief aside: HPintroducedthe Endpoint Security Controller in 2019. It didn’t attract much coverage then, which isn’t necessarily surprising for something as decidedly uncool as a firmware- and hardware-level snitch that gathers as much information as possible for HP’s enterprise customers. But I do find it somewhat telling that several pages of search results for “Endpoint Security Controller” are filled almost entirely with complaints on HP andMicrosoft’s support forums related to unexpected boot failures caused by an obscure issue with the controller itself, the host BIOS, or something else.
Anyway. HP said the PCFax reports would also include “information from HP’s factory and supply-chain records, digital-services platforms, customer-support service records, [and] diagnostic logs” as well as “data from external sources including partner sales and service records, refurbishment partner databases, third-party component manufacturers like Intel, and other original equipment manufacturers.” All of that data will then be combined to help prospective buyers tell if a given system is junk or not. (Presumably so those customers would then return to HP for more systems later.)
That would require some amount of critical thinking, however, so HP also plans to pipe all this data into some kind of AI model that will “analyze historical telemetry data and predict failures before they happen, such as detecting increasing SSD write cycles to forecast impending failure and alert IT teams for proactive replacement, or predicting battery degradation and automatically generating a service ticket to ensure a replacement battery is ready before failure, minimizing downtime.” Sounds interesting enough—provided the model is a reliable source rather than just a robotic salesperson.
Maybe that’s just the cynical take. Either way, there’s no denying that companies are finally responding to the absurd amounts of e-waste their product cycles generate, whether that’s byreclaiming mineralsfrom used products, finding ways tosafely recycle them, or designing themto be upgradedwithout requiring someone to throw out the proverbial baby with the contaminated bathwater. There’s a chance PCFax (or something like it) will complement those efforts by convincing HP’s customers that a three-year-old laptop doesn’t need to be thrown away for no reason.
HP said it plans to “start rolling out these features at the beginning of 2026.”
Less than a month after it recalled a power bank due to a risk of overheating that could lead to fire and burns, Anker has recalled five more models for the same reason.
Ina noticeposted online this week, Anker said that following a series of safety checks on its power banks, it had identified a potential issue with lithium-ion battery cells from a single vendor.
If you have a recalled power bank, you can request a replacement or, alternatively, receive a gift card that’s redeemable on the Anker website.
So how can I tell ifmypower bank is part of the recall?
– If your Anker power bank matches one of the model numbers above, you then need to enter its serial number to see if your particular unit is being recalled. You can do this by heading tothis page on Anker’s websiteand hitting the Next button, which brings up a verification tool.
– Anker says to carefully review the letters and numbers in your serial number, such as “1,” “L,” “l,” “2,” and “Z,” as characters like “0” (zero) and “O” (letter O) are easily confused. It adds that affected serial numbers do not contain the letters “O” or “I.”
What if my power bank is part of the recall?
– Stop using the device immediately.
– Submit therecall claim form.
– Do not dispose of the power bank until your recall eligibility has been confirmed.
How can I dispose of it?
– Take great care in the disposal of the power bank. Your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center may accept it, so get in touch to ask.
Can I continue using my power bank if it’s part of the recall but seems to be working fine?
– Anker says absolutely not, adding that continued use risks the power bank overheating, melting, or even catching fire.
What was last month’s Anker recall about?
– Anker recalled more than a million of itsPowerCore 10000 power banksin June due to a fire risk.
These are the best laptops my team and I recommend based on testing dozens of models from Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft and more.
My team and I review over 200 laptops a year, and if you’d told young me that one day I’d be getting paid to review the best laptops on the market I’d have never believed you.
If you, like me, prefer Windows over macOS I recommend theDell XPS 13instead. The fact that it runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips means its as fast and long-lasting as any Macbook, and the elegant design and ultra-thin bezels of the XPS 13 are awfully charming.
If those laptops are too pricey for your needs, I recommend theAcer Aspire Go 15because it’s a solid, decent Windows laptop that costs a couple hundred bucks—so it’s a smart choice for children, students and anyone who needs a cheap Windows laptop for work.
But if you need something more powerful, that’s great for gaming or has a luscious OLED display, I have other suggestions for what to buy. Scroll down—I have lots more tips and advice to help you find the best laptop for you!
To find the best laptop for your needs, I need to know what you’re going to do with it and where you plan to use it most often.
Work & Productivity:If your #1 priority is having a portable PC you can use to answer email, prepare documents and get work done on the go, you want a modern ultraportable that’s light, comfy to use and offers great battery life. I generally recommend theMacBook Air M4(macOS) or theDell XPS 13(Windows 11) for this, and you can upgrade to models with bigger screens if you want more room to work. If you’re technical and like the idea of upgrading and repairing your own laptop, I wholeheartedly recommend you check out theFramework Laptop.
Gaming:If you plan to spend a lot of time gaming, you want a laptop with a speedy CPU, a discrete graphics card and plenty of RAM. If you plan to play at higher than 60 frames per second, a screen with a high refresh rate is also great. Personally, I recommend theAsus ROG Zephyrus G14since it satisfies all these requirements.
Creative work:If you plan to do a lot of 3D work, video editing or demanding content creation you will want a laptop that’s very similar to a gaming laptop, with a powerful CPU, a discrete GPU and plenty of RAM to handle demanding workloads. A great screen is also nice to have, and I recommend theMacBook Pro (14-inch M4)or theAsus ProArt P16.
Casual use:If you just need a laptop for basic word processing, browsing the web and binge watching your favorite shows, you can save yourself a lot of money with a budget-friendly laptop. I recommend theAcer Aspire Go 15if you prefer Windows, or theLenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plusif you’re okay with a Chromebook.
Should I buy a MacBook, Windows laptop or a Chromebook?
Buy a MacBook ifyou are comfortable using Macs or are already embedded into the Apple ecosystem. While macOS is not as robust as Windows when it comes to gaming, many people find it easy to use and it’s tightly integrated with Apple’s other products, so your iPhone and AirPods will seamlessly interface with your Mac.
Buy a Windows 11 laptop ifyou need access to the widest selection of apps, are not tied down to any particular ecosystem, want the best gaming experience and are looking for the broadest selection of laptop designs. Only Windows laptops come with features like touchscreens, high-speed displays or the option to transform into a tablet.
Buy a Chromebook ifyour work and entertainment needs revolve entirely around a browser. If everything you do is within a Chrome browser, then a Chromebook is the most direct (and cheap) way to get there. Just be aware you’ll be limited to that browser window—ChromeOS is a robust operating system, but without Internet access it can’t do much.
+Sharper 12MP webcam +Bright and colorful display +Thin and lightweight design
Reasons to avoid
-No anti-glare display option -Some Windows laptops last longer -No Wi-Fi 7
What you need to know
The MacBook Air M4 is once again another fantastic all-rounder — definitely the best MacBook and the best laptop for most folks reading this list. And not only that, but the starting price is $100 less than it was for the M3 Air!
Starting at $999, it may look the same from the outside. But with the speedy new M4 chip giving it performance potential that far exceeds Intel, AMD and Qualcomm’s similarly-priced efforts, a long battery life, and an impressive new 12MP camera, there’s a lot to love for everyone.
Buy it if
✅ You want a small, fast MacBook:The M4 chip inside this MacBook Air delivers exceptional multitasking power, seamlessly balancing performance with impressive battery life and an ultra-light design.
✅ You need a long-lasting laptop:While the M4 Air doesn’t last as long as M3, and some Windows laptops have caught up, with just under 15 hours clocked in my battery life testing, it’s got great stamina.
Don’t buy it if
❌ If gaming is important to you:Yes, Apple Silicon-optimized games run well here. But the vast majority of titles struggle. Intel and AMD have made big graphical gains in their
❌You own a MacBook Air 13-inch M3 or M2:Yes, there are impressive performance gains and that new webcam on the table here. But if you have the M3 or M2 MacBook Air, you’ve got a few more years of software support yet!
The bottom line
💻The MacBook Air M4understood the brief — give us more of the same, but better and cheaper. And at $999 for this lightweight monster of a system, I know you’ll love it just as much as I do.
The best value laptop
2. Acer Aspire Go 15
Best value in laptops right now
Specifications
Display:15.6-inch (1920×1080) 60Hz LCD
CPU:Intel Core i3-N305
GPU:Intel UHD Graphics
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Weight:3.86 pounds
Tested battery life:10:15
Reasons to buy
+Comfortable keyboard +Useful port array +Good battery life (10 hours tested)
Reasons to avoid
-Crappy 720p webcam -Poor performance
What you need to know
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is easily one of thebest budget laptopsyou can buy, for better and for worse. At $299, you get a thick-set 15-inch ultraportable with a spacious keyboard, plenty of ports and 10+ hours of tested battery life.
Of course, you have to make some trade-offs when you buy this laptop. The speakers aren’t very good, the low-res webcam makes you look washed-out and performance in anything but writing and browsing the web is pretty disappointing.
But if you can live with those compromises you get a pretty useful laptop for not very much money. It’s the kind of thing I’d recommend a parent give a child as their first laptop, as it’s great for surfing the web and doing homework. Remote learning, office work and research are all easy to do on this affordable 15-incher, but don’t expect to play games or run apps more complicated than Minecraft.
Buy it if
✅You need a Windows 11 laptop under $500:The Acer Aspire Go 15 is one of thebest laptops under $500you can get, in my opinion, because it delivers all the utility of a Windows ultraportable for $299. If you need a cheap laptop for school or getting basic work done, this is a great choice.
✅ You need a versatile productivity machine:Acer’s Aspire Go 15 can feel sluggish and can’t run demanding games or apps, but what it can do is handle web surfing, writing, schoolwork and emails. The keyboard is surprisingly spacious and comfy and you get a versatile array of ports to boot, making this cheap laptop surprisingly good for school and office work.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You can’t stand sluggish PCs:The Acer Aspire Go 15 can help you get work done, but it won’t do it quickly. The weak Intel Core i3-N305 CPU in our review unit chugged if I opened too many Chrome tabs or apps at once, and forget about playing any but the simplest of PC games.
❌You want to look good on video calls:The cheap 720p webcam built into the Acer Aspire Go 15 is just not very good. It’s serviceable if you need to have a chat with colleagues or family, but you won’t look your best.
The bottom line
💻The Acer Aspire Go 15is a cheap Windows laptop, in both good and bad ways. Luckily, the parts of it which feel cheap in a bad way aren’t dealbreakers unless you really can’t stand a slow laptop. But if you can make peace with its underpowered performance, the Go 15 will reward you with a sturdy, versatile Windows experience that can last 10+ hours on a full battery, according to our testing.
The best Windows laptop
3. Dell XPS 13
The best Windows laptop overall
Specifications
Display:13.4-inch (1,920 x 1,200) non-touch ISP 60-120Hz
CPU:Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100
GPU:Qualcomm Adreno
RAM:16GB
Storage:512GB SSD
Weight:2.6 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Lightweight design +Bright display +Powerful performance +Long-lasting battery life
Reasons to avoid
-No function row or visible touchpad -Only two ports
What you need to know
TheDellXPS 13 hits a sweet spot between portability, price and performance in a Windows laptop.
We’ve long loved the excellent compromise between portability and screen size that is the XPS 13, and the 2024 model maintains that killer look while upgrading to a killer Snapdragon X CPU that delivers outstanding battery life.
While the row of capacitive touch function keys and the invisible touchpad are controversial design choices that take some getting used to, those that do will be rewarded with one of thebest Windows laptopsyou can buy. The 2024 Dell XPS 13 may only have a pair of USB-C ports and little else in the port department, but if you just need a fast, lightweight Windows 11 machine for getting things done on the go, this is a great choice.
Buy it if
✅ You want a great Windows laptop:There are many great Windows laptops out there, but the Dell XPS 13 shines with its winning combo of svelte design, performance and portability.
✅You want great battery life:The Snapdragon X chip helped our review unit last nearly 20 hours (19:41) in our battery test, which is incredible for a Windows laptop. If you want all-day battery life, get an XPS with Snapdragon inside.
✅ You don’t use a lot of peripherals:The XPS 13 only offers two USB-C ports, one of which you need to use when charging the laptop, so it’s not great for folks who like to plug in a lot of devices.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You like physical keys:The Dell XPS 13 has no physical function keys, instead sporting a touch-sensitive bar with light-up capacitive touch keys in its place. So if you hate capacitive touch keys, don’t buy this laptop.
❌ Ports are important:The XPS 13 sports 2 USB-C ports, and that’s it. You don’t even get a headphone jack (though it does come with an adapter that lets you plug some into a USB port), so if you value ports don’t buy this laptop.
The bottom line
💻The Dell XPS 13is an excellent Windows laptop that’s perfect for work thanks to its light weight, speedy performance and incredible battery life.
+Fast Snapdragon X Elite performance +Exceptional battery life +Vivid OLED display +Ultraportable design
Reasons to avoid
-No headphone jack -Half-baked AI features -Arm compatibility issues
What you need to know
TheLenovoYoga Slim 7x is a Windows 11 laptop built for portability and efficiency.
Thanks to its Snapdragon X Elite chip, you’ll get more than all-day battery life and enough performance to power through your regular workload. The OLED panel is amarvelto behold, and its ultraportable design makes it easy to travel with. For $1,199, it offers an excellent value all around.
Buy it if
✅ You want a great Copilot+ laptop:Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Elite chips are great, but the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x delivers a great combination of portability, performance and battery life.
✅You want an OLED display:The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x’s OLED display is one of its strongest attributes. It delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts at a sharp 2,944 x 1,840 resolution.
✅ You want dependable battery life:The Yoga Slim 7x lasted for 14 hours on our battery life test, which is well more than you’ll need for a full workday — with enough left over to stream some videos.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You expect useful AI features:This is an issue with all Copilot+ PCs at the moment, but the advertised AI features this laptop supports aren’t fully realized yet. As such, don’t expect this laptop to deliver in that regard.
❌ You want a headphone jack:If you want to listen to music or videos without bothering your neighbors then you’ll need to use a pair of wireless headphones since this laptop doesn’t have a headphone jack.
The bottom line
💻The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7xis arguably the best Copilot+ PC thanks to its ultraportable design, fast performance, gorgeous OLED panel and phenomenal battery life. Best of all, it won’t break the bank.
The best Chromebook
5. Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
The best Chromebook
Specifications
CPU:Intel Core i3-1315U
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB eMMC
Display:14-inch (1920×1200) IPS touchscreen
Dimensions:12.4 x 9 x 0.8 inches
Weight:3.57 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Good performance +Bright touchscreen +Comfy keyboard +Plenty of ports
Reasons to avoid
-Middling battery life -No stylus included
What you need to know
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is thebest Chromebookthat I recommend most often to folks shopping. It does everything a Chromebook can do rather well, from basic office work to watching videos and streaming games.
Buy it if
✅ You want a Chromebook that turns into a tablet:The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus can fold 360 degrees to function like a hefty Chrome tablet. It’s harder to type on, but more comfortable to hold in some situations and also easier to tent when watching movies.
✅You expect to type a lot:Keyboard quality can be hit or miss on Chromebooks, especially 2-in-1s, so I’m pleased to report I really enjoyed my time typing on the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus thanks to its spacious, well-designed keyboard.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You need oodles of battery life:The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus lasted under 8 hours (7:36) in our battery test, so I can’t recommend it if you need a laptop with all-day battery life. However, if you can bear to lug the charger along it at least charges quickly.
❌ You need great performance:Chromebooks are rarely very powerful, and this one isn’t amazing in that department. While it’s faster than many competing Chromebooks, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a poor choice if you plan to do demanding work like audio/video editing, production work, game development or the like.
The bottom line
💻The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plusis a great value, giving you a lovely 1200p 16:10 touchscreen, a comfy keyboard and enough ports for all your accessories in a a very affordable package. It’s not the best laptop on the market, but it is the best Chromebook right now.
The best laptop to repair and upgrade
6. Framework Laptop
The most customizable, repairable and upgradable laptop
Specifications
Display:13.5-inch 3:2 (2,256 x 1,504 pixels)
CPU:13th Gen Intel Core i5 – i7 OR AMD 7040 series
GPU:Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics or AMD
RAM:8GB – 64GB
Storage:256GB – 4TB SSD
Weight:2.8 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Unparalleled ability to upgrade/repair +Useful Expansion Card port system +Great keyboard +Speedy performance
Reasons to avoid
-Loud fans under load -Webcam not great
What you need to know
When it came out we called the Framework Laptop the Anti-MacBook because it’s everything Apple doesn’t do in laptops: Repairable, upgradable and respectful of your rights as an owner.
I was initially excited about those promises but dubious the company could deliver on them without some glaring sacrifices. But now that I’ve used one myself, I’m happy to report the Framework Laptop is as good as advertised. With its intentionally easy-to-repair design (you can pop pieces off this laptop and get at the innards in minutes, with no tools besides the spudger it comes with) and super cool swappable Expansion Card ports, the Framework Laptop 13 is a versatile ultraportable that’s one of the best laptops you can buy if you care about your right to repair and tinker with your devices.
Buy it if
✅ You care about your right to repair:I’ve never seen a laptop that’s easier to open up, fiddle around with and put back together. No other laptop on the market can match the Framework in this regard, so if you care about being able to repair and upgrade your laptop, this is the one for you.
✅ You’re plagued by port envy:On most laptops, the ports it comes with are all you get. The Framework is different: you can change what ports it sports by buying hot-swappable Expansion Cards that you plug into 4 slots on the bottom of the laptop, and each can have one port on it. So you can swap out 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports for 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A, a DisplayPort out and an Ethernet jack, for example.
✅You like a tall screen:The 3:2 display ratio of the Framework’s screen feels a bit taller than the displays found on most laptops, and it’s great for working with “tall” things like long documents, emails, coding projects and more.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You’re scared by pieces of your laptop coming off:The Framework is well-designed and sturdy, but because it’s designed to be taken apart you may occasionally find yourself accidentally doing something like popping the bezel off the screen. This is a feature, not a problem, but it can unnerve new owners.
❌ You don’t want to pay extra for ports:The Framework offers unrivaled port versatility thanks to its Expansion Card system, but it does require buying a handful of Cards for all the ports and other options you want, some of which could be easily lost or misplaced.
The bottom line
💻The Framework Laptopis a remarkable piece of tech. It’s a great laptop for getting work done, but more than that it’s a statement of purpose, a clear example that every other laptop maker could be building and selling us more repairable, sustainable laptops if they cared to as much as Framework does. Its a fantastic investment if you care about your right to repair and upgrade your own laptop.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is my personal favorite gaming laptop you can buy — primarily because it doesn’t forget about the “laptop” part like a lot of gaming systems do.
This refreshed model packs a ton of power into that sleek MacBook Pro-esque aluminum shell in the form of the latest AMD CPU and Nvidia RTX 50-series GPU combo. But the more things change, the more they (fortunately) stay the same, thanks to that gorgeous CNC-milled utilitarian aesthetic and a mesmerizing OLED display.
If you need more raw horsepower dedicated to gaming, there are more performant options, and I recommend you check out our best gaming laptops list. But for a better balance of all elements that still delivers big on power, the Zephyrus G14 is a near-perfect pick.
Buy it if
✅ You want a beasty gaming machine:AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 + Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 makes for a monstrous pairing of power. Combine that with improved cooling and DLSS 4, and you can run the latest AAA games at over 140 FPS in max settings.
✅ You don’t want other people to know you have a gaming laptop:The standard gaming laptop design is pretty cringe. I always feel uncomfortable pulling one out. But the Zephyrus G14’s tastefully utilitarian CNC-milled aluminum construction looks fantastically subtle from every angle.
✅ You care about a good screen:That 3K OLED panel is a real marvel to look at — presenting all your favorite games with a real HDR quality that pushes impressive color and a deep contrast ratio.
Don’t buy it if
❌ Battery life is a chief concern:This is more a problem I’ve found with gaming laptops as a whole rather than this specific model. But it’s worth noting, as the stamina levels of such highly demanding internals does drop the battery life in day-to-day use to below 7 hours of casual use.
❌Webcam quality matters:The 1080p webcam remains unchanged from the Zephyrus G14 last year, which means you’re getting quite the grainy picture that struggles with low lighting.
The bottom line
💻The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14is a fantastic gaming laptop that kept me entertained across 5,000 miles of travel, balancing performance and portability perfectly. The OLED display makes all your gaming look incredibly colorful and immersive, the speakers have been improved, and it’s impressively thin and lightweight.
The longest-lasting laptop
8. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024)
The best laptop when battery life matters
Specifications
Display:Liquid Retina XDR (3,456 x 2,234) | 120Hz
Processor:M4 Pro 14-core CPU
Graphics:M4 Pro 20-core GPU
Memory:16GB to 48GB
Storage:512GB to 2TB
Weight:4.7 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Utilitarian design +Fast M4 Pro performance +Bright and colorful display +Incredible battery life +Useful Apple Intelligence features
Reasons to avoid
-Desk view is awkward -Expensive
What you need to know
The new MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024) occupies the middle spot between the more affordable 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 and the more powerful (and expensive) MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Max. It’s a laptop for those who want a 16-inch MacBook Pro but don’t want to spend an extra $1,000 for an M4 Max model.
This laptop sports the same practical design as modern MacBooks, alongside fast M4 Pro-driven performance and nearly 21 hours of battery life. That makes it thebest laptop for battery life, and as before, you also get a gorgeous Liquid Retina XDR display, full-height function keys, amazing speakers and plenty of ports.
Buy it if
✅You want a fast MacBook: While you shouldn’t expect this to match the video-crunching power of the beefier M4 Max Max MacBook Pro, the M4 Pro-equipped 16-inch MacBook Pro is one of the fastest laptops on the block.
✅Battery life is key: The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro set a new high-water mark for battery life when we tested it, lasting for nearly 21 hours in our battery endurance tests. That’s one of the longest-lived laptops we’ve ever tested.
✅You don’t want to pay for an M4 Max model: If you want a 16-inch MacBook Pro but don’t want to spend an extra $1,000 for an M4 Max model, this M4 Pro-driven laptop is the best bet as it still offers fantastic performance and epic battery life.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You’re on a budget: While this laptop is cheaper than an M4 Max MacBook Pro, it’s still an expensive device. If you’re on a budget and mainly want a notebook for work or watching videos, the $1,299 15-inch MacBook Air M2 is a better choice.
❌ You need more power:Conversely, if you’re a professional content creator or gamer who needs as much processing power as possible, you’re better off with an M4 Max MacBook Pro.
❌Notches bug you:There’s a little notch in the center of the top bezel where the camera housing sits, and while most of us get used to it some folks really hate the way it looks. If that’s you, consider another laptop.
The bottom line
💻The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Prodelivers some of the best battery life of any laptop we’ve tested to date, along with great performance, a beautiful display and a refined design.
The best MacBook Air alternative
9. MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo
The best MacBook Air alternative
Specifications
Display:13.2-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1600) OLED
CPU:Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM:32GB DDR5
Storage:1TB SSD
Weight:2.13 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Extremely lightweight and compact design +Superb performance +Amazing 3.5K OLED display +Good battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Cheap-feeling build -AI is lackluster
What you need to know
The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo (from $1,399) isn’t just a fantastic MacBook alternative due to its incredibly lightweight design and compact size, but it also packs nearly as much power as Apple’s excellent offering. That says a lot for this excellent 13-inch laptop, especially if you prefer Windows over macOS.
Weighing just 2.13 pounds (under 1kg), this laptop makes for a great travel companion for on-the-move professionals or remote workers. With great performance from its Intel Lunar Lake chip and a gorgeous 2.8K OLED display to watch all your favorite shows on, it’s hard to go wrong with this featherweight machine.
Buy it if
✅ You need power and portability: The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo’s Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip and 32GB of DDR5 RAM as standard can handle multi-tasking, creative apps and more — all in a delightfully small package.
✅ You enjoy a gorgeous display: With a 13.2-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1600) OLED screen, this laptop is great for binging your favorite shows on, and it even offers greater colors than a MacBook Air.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You need a sturdy laptop:Despite its welcome light weight, the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo can feel cheap and a tad fragile, with plenty of flex on the lid and keyboard. For its premium price, it should feela lotmore durable.
❌ You’re looking for next-gen AI: Aside from some usual Copilot+ features and effects in video calls, this isn’t the AI machine that will change the way you’ll use a laptop — regardless of being “AI+.”
The bottom line
💻The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evomay be a pricey notebook, but it delivers on its promise of delivering excellent performance in a lightweight design, making for a fitting MacBook alternative for Windows fans.
+Gorgeous dual OLED displays +Intel Core Ultra 200 series beefs up performance +Best keyboard and touchpad in a dual-display +Strong, durable design that looks great
Reasons to avoid
-Battery life takes a hit -Limited port array
What you need to know
A new king of 2-in-1 laptops has taken the throne. Asus has refined the new Zenbook Duo it launched last year with a speed increase to make this a multitasking marvel unlike anything else on this list.
That comes down to three reasons. First, the gorgeous dual OLED displays give you a much bigger canvas to work across. Second, the detachable keyboard and touchpad is the best I’ve used in a 2-in-1. And finally, starting at $1,599, this is good value for money for what you get.
Buy it if
✅You’re a multi-screen multitasking machine:If you’re working in front of multiple monitors on your day-to-day, going back to a single laptop screen can be constricting. Well, expand to two gorgeous 3K OLED touchscreen panels and in the words of ‘Step Brothers,’ there’s so much more room for activities!
✅You need some strong performance under the hood:The Intel Core Ultra 9 285H makes impressive gains in performance and graphics, to the point that it beats Snapdragon X Elite. This ensures smooth multitasking across every app window you snap on both displays.
✅Ergonomics matter:In a lot of 2-in-1 laptops, the keyboard gets compromised. Asus’ detachable board here is amongst the best I’ve typed on with a nice tactile feel to every key press and mouse click. Plus, the latency free multi-touch makes zipping across Windows a breeze.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You need long battery life:That chip upgrade has compromised the battery life a bit, to the point where you’re looking at just over 6 hours on one charge with both screens running at 120Hz.
❌ You need a lot of ports:It’s not the stingiest laptop I’ve seen in terms of ports, but with only a couple of Thunderbolt 4 Ports, a USB-A, HDMI and headphone socket, it’s a little limited.
The bottom line
💻 The Asus Zenbook Duoformed a paradigm shift in dual-screen multitasking last year — bringing dual-screen laptops to the masses at a more affordable price. For 2025, the speed increases under the hood make it all the more mighty. Pair this with mesmerizing OLED displays and fantastic ergonomics, and this is a top machine for both work and play. Just watch out for that battery life.
The best MacBook Pro
11. MacBook Pro 14-inch M4
The best MacBook Pro
Specifications
Display:14.2 inches Liquid Retina XDR (3024 x 1964 pixels), 120Hz
CPU:M4 10-core
GPU:M4 10-core
RAM:16GB
Storage:1TB
Weight:3.4 pounds
Size:12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches
Reasons to buy
+Amazing battery life +Fantastic nano-texture display with zero glare +Strong M4 performance +Sharper webcam +Supports dual external displays
Reasons to avoid
-Relatively slow write speed for SSD -Not the best gaming performance
What you need to know
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip is one of the most powerful laptops we’ve yet tested, which is all the more impressive when you consider its svelte 3.4-pound chassis slips into a backpack with ease.
Of course, that’s no surprise given that the company has been iterating on this design for years. The addition of an M4 chip under the hood takes the 14-inch MacBook Pro to new heights, making it the best MacBook Pro for most folks thanks to its unbeatable combo of size, performance and price.
Buy it if
✅You need to edit videos on the go:And I’m not talking iMovie clips, either – I’m talking about working with Final Cut and Adobe Premiere to edit videos while you’re away from desk. The M4 chip is built for this kind of work, and it will serve you well.
✅ You plan to work outside often:The M4 MacBook Pro is the first to come with the optional nano-texture glass coating, which costs $150 extra but helps stop glare from bright light-which is great when you work outdoors a lot.
✅ You want a MacBook that’ll last for years:M4 MacBooks are still (barely) viable, so it stands to reason that M4-driven notebooks could potentially last you 5-10 years. This could help justify the admittedly high initial price.
Don’t buy it if
❌ Gaming is important:The M4 MacBook Pro runs Mac-compatible games pretty well, but it’s not the best gaming laptop for the money. If you care about gaming performance, go with one of thebest gaming laptopsinstead.
❌ You own a MacBook Pro M3:The M4 MacBook Pro is more capable than its predecessor, but not by much. If you already own a recent MacBook Pro and you’re not craving the nano-texture coating, there’s no reason to rush out and upgrade.
The bottom line
💻The MacBook Pro 14-inch M4retains the same fetching design and gorgeous mini-LED display as its predecessors while delivering unprecedented speed and power efficiency. If you want a portable Mac more powerful than a MacBook Air but can’t afford the extra expense or weight of a 16-inch MacBook Pro M4, this is the best MacBook Pro for you.
How to choose the best laptop for you
What kind of power do you want?
If you only need something basic for surfing the web, consider a Chromebook or a cheap Windows laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, because that’s the minimum you should expect from a modern laptop.
If you want something that feels speedy and can handle more than basic writing and web browsing, look for beefier laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 CPU from the past few years, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB to 512GB SSD for storage.
What kind of games (if any) do you want to play?
Most laptops feature integrated graphics chipsets that are built into their CPU, which usually struggle to run demanding modern games but can often handle old or less graphically-demanding games.
But if want to play the latest and greatest games on your portable PC you’ll want a dedicated gaming laptop, because they come with more powerful discrete laptop graphics cards, more RAM, better cooling systems and other advancements designed to make them decent gaming machines.
Of course, you have to make compromises when buying a gaming laptop that you don’t have to make when buying one of thebest gaming PCs, since your laptop needs a beefy battery and enough room to be able to discharge heat effectively without cooking its innards.
How big of a laptop do you want?
Think about how often you might carry this laptop around. Machines such as the Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Air are remarkably light and slim, but their 13-inch screens are on the small side.
You can get a larger 15-inch display on a premium ultraportable like the XPS 15 and still not have to worry about weight too much, but once you start getting up into the realm of 16-inch to 18-inch screens, expect your laptop to weigh at least 3-5 pounds. As mentioned above gaming laptops are almost always several pounds heavier than thin-and-light ultraportables because they need more room for beefier components, but they offer big power in exchange.
