The best laptops of 2026: Out of the 90+ models weve tried, these are our 8 favorites

Mashable has been testing laptops for over 10 years.

Over the past two years alone, the team and I have researched dozens of models and tried over 90 of the most promising configurations available.

We use a meticulous testing procedure involving real-world stress tests and artificial benchmarks to evaluate our contenders on the basis of performance, battery life, design/build quality, and value.

This regularly updated guide serves as our laptop trophy case, highlighting the best-in-class models we've tried across different subcategories.

For even more recommendations, check out my dedicated guides to the best MacBooks , the best Windows laptops , the best cheap laptops , and the best Chromebooks .

Why are laptops so expensive right now? Laptop prices have skyrocketed in 2026 for several reasons.

One is the recent boom in AI data center construction, which has caused a global shortage of RAM and SSD storage chips (often referred to as " RAMageddon ").

As a result, many consumer tech devices that use these components, including the best laptops, have become vastly more expensive than they would've been otherwise.

Most PC makers have been affected, including Apple , Dell , Lenovo, and Acer .

The memory crisis is expected to worsen and could last into 2028 , driving up prices even further and making good values in the budget and mid-range tiers even scarcer.

On top of that, the Trump administration is reportedly mulling new tariffs on semiconductors that would apply to laptops and other electronics.

SEE ALSO: RAMageddon is reportedly causing a MacBook Air shortage Further complicating things is that Microsoft reportedly raised its Windows 11 licensing fees by higher-than-usual percentages.

In other words, both hardware and software prices have gone up for PC makers this year, forcing them to pass on the extra costs to consumers.

Lucky us.