Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
March 2, 2026: With this update, we added the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus as our new Fastest Cost-Is-No-Object Laptop. We moved the previous holder, the HP ZBook Fury 16 G11, to the Fastest Workstation Laptop slot. We also added the MSI Katana 15 HX as our new Fastest Value-Priced Gaming Laptop, the Dell 16 Premium (DA16250) as the Fastest Content-Creation Laptop, and the Framework Laptop 16 (2025) as the Fastest Big-Screen Productivity Laptop. Since our last update, we have tested and evaluated more than a dozen laptops for inclusion in this roundup and our other laptop roundups. We currently have laptops in PC Labs for evaluation from makers including Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, and MSI.
- Ultra performance
- Top-end build quality
- Vivid display
- Supports 256GB RAM, four storage drives
- Excellent connectivity and security
- Pricey
- No 4K or OLED screen options
- Short battery life
All mobile workstations are fast by default, but the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus stands above the rest. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, 128GB of memory, and Nvidia RTX Pro 5000 enterprise-class graphics ensure chart-topping performance in this and all categories. That’s not where the positives end, either. The 18-inch behemoth is also highly configurable and expandable (up to 256GB RAM and four storage drives), the build quality is top-notch, the display is sharp and vivid, and it supports excellent connectivity.
Well-made, super fast, and highly versatile, this battle station is ready for the most strenuous workloads a laptop can handle. Of course, we have to stress the “cost-is-no-object” part of this pick; our configuration ran nearly $10,000, and any super-powerful model will cost many thousands.
Ultra-demanding professionals: This laptop is the most fitting high-speed model for pro users. Most people can’t justify a fully loaded mobile workstation, but some workloads demand the Pro Max 18 Plus’ level of muscle.
Graphics-heavy users: This is an excellent laptop for professionals in graphics-intensive fields. Some workstations prioritize processor power, but this laptop hits hard for users who need top-notch graphics, too. Its RTX Pro 5000 GPU pushes virtually unmatched muscle in this space, should your software and workflow require as much graphics power as processing grunt.
Class
Workstation
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX
RAM (as Tested)
128 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
18 inches
Native Display Resolution
2,560 by 1,600
Panel Technology
IPS
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX PRO 5000
Graphics Memory
24 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
1.19 by 15.83 by 11.02 inches
Weight
7.17 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
4:20
Learn More
Dell Pro Max 18 Plus Review
- Exceptional performance
- Dazzling mini-LED screen
- Potent audio
- Decent battery life
- Mostly plastic chassis
- Loud fans
- So-so keyboard
Want the best big-screen experience that money can buy? Your surest bet today is MSI’s Raider 18 HX AI, which goes all in for processing and graphics muscle. Our test model packs an Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX CPU, 64GB of RAM, and an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU, which unsurprisingly made mincemeat of our benchmark tests, posting staggering 3D and gaming results. The downside? It’s big, loud, and expensive, but that’s more or less table stakes at this size and power tier. A sharp mini-LED screen and acceptable battery life for the size round out the system.
Power seekers: This laptop is designed for gamers with deep pockets who demand maximum performance. The Raider is one of the most potent gaming (and overall) laptops available, especially if frame rates and performance in the latest titles are your primary concerns. Even without an RTX 5090, it’s enough for virtually any current-day gaming scenario.
Shoppers replacing a desktop: Gaming aside, the Raider also serves as a great straight-up replacement for a desktop. Whether you are replacing an old tower or deciding between a new desktop or a laptop, the Raider will please. Its big display is like a desktop monitor, and its power level is about as potent as it gets among laptops.
Class
Gaming, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX
RAM (as Tested)
64 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
18 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
1.26 by 15.9 by 12.1 inches
Weight
7.94 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
5:37
Learn More
MSI Raider 18 HX AI Review
- Dominant content creation performance
- More than 24 hours of battery life
- Game-changing nano-texture display option
- Thunderbolt 5 support
- Helpful Center Stage webcam upgrade
- Only a minor performance boost over M3 MacBooks
- Strangely priced configuration
- Nano-texture display is an optional extra
In a sea of Windows laptops, the 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M4 Pro processor stands out as a worthy challenger from the other side of the tracks. Apple’s in-house silicon is blistering fast, and the Pro tier is even more so than the base M4 chip. Naturally, the fully loaded model we reviewed is an incredible performer, with 48GB of memory on top of the speedy M4 Pro. If you need even more power, the mighty M4 Max processor is available for this laptop, too. Your MacBook Pro needn’t be nearly as expensive, but as a showcase contender for the fastest laptop, it’s tough to beat Apple’s flagship.
Apple diehards: For truly demanding Apple fans, this is the best 16-inch laptop around. Our test model ran the M4 Pro, but the M4 Max is also available if you want even more speed. Otherwise, it delivers the same excellent build quality and features you’d expect, with blistering speed for editing and content creation.
Video and photo editors: If your workflow leans heavily into multimedia editing and content creation, meet the Mac that’s made for you. Let’s broaden that out: If you are willing to consider a non-Windows system, this is our pick for performance. This model with the M4 Pro chip has extra muscle (as you’d hope for on the list of fastest laptops) to churn through these workloads quickly.
Class
Workstation, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Apple M4 Pro (14-core)
RAM (as Tested)
48 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
16.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
3456 by 2234
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
ProMotion
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M4 Pro (20-core)
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.66 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
4.7 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS Sequoia
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
25:52
Learn More
Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2024, M4 Pro) Review
- Unparalleled build quality at its size
- Powerful enough for modern 60fps-plus gaming
- Sharp 120Hz 3K OLED screen
- Long battery life
- User-upgradable SSD
- High cost of entry
- Larger laptops at this price offer superior GPUs
The Blade 14 is our current favorite ultraportable gaming laptop for its combination of Ryzen AI 9 performance, style, and price. It costs a pretty penny—cheap laptops at this size are uncommon, and Razer leans premium to begin with—but it’s worth it if you can afford it. The high-quality chassis and slick style are unmatched, and the 120Hz 3K OLED panel only sweetens the pot. The laptop’s battery life is long, you can upgrade the SSD after purchase, and, of course, its gaming performance is up to expectations. Other than the cost, it’s difficult to find much fault with the system, adding up to a fast, chic, and portable gaming machine.
Gamers on the go: This is definitely the laptop for gaming enthusiasts who travel a lot and want to frag along the way. The Blade 14 is not exactly a value play, but it is a device you’ll love if you frequently take your laptop with you. So, if you need a primary gaming PC that’s also a great a travel companion, the Blade 14 is your best bet.
Frequent-traveling content creators: The Blade 14 tops the options for editors and other media makers on the go. These users often work on the road or frequently change location, making this mobile and premium laptop a great fit. Razer has long courted these users, and this edition seems to seal the deal. It’s fast, and even if you don’t play a lot of games, it’s a premium travel companion.
Class
Gaming, Ultraportable
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 9 365
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.64 by 12.2 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.6 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:37
Learn More
Razer Blade 14 (2025) Review
- Capable everyday productivity performance
- RTX 5050 stands up to demanding games with DLSS 4
- Comfortable keyboard with RGB lighting
- Varied connectivity
- Just 512GB storage is tight for modern gaming
- Dim display
- Chunky for a 15-inch laptop
The words “budget” and “high performance” are rarely found in proximity, but we’ve identified the fastest gaming laptop for those restricted to the entry-level tier. Considering our test configuration’s reasonable price, the MSI Katana 15 HX is an impressively capable gaming rig. Its price can vary by retailer, so look for it around $1,000 if you can, but it’s even a snappy deal for a few hundred dollars more. Even the entry-level GPU in Nvidia’s RTX 50 series, the RTX 5050, is capable of 60fps-plus gaming in this laptop; it can also push far beyond that with the help of DLSS 4.5. Its processor is fast, the keyboard is comfortable, and the ports are helpful, too. While we’d love more storage, it isn’t easy to find anything less expensive that can push frame rates like this MSI machine can.
Budget gamers: This laptop is for gamers seeking the fastest performance possible in the entry-level tier. You can find a less expensive gaming laptop, but none we’d be happy calling the “fastest” for the sake of this list. This machine ensures smooth frame rates in all modern titles, even if you need to lower some details in the most demanding games.
Parents shopping for their kids: This is an ideal machine for kids wanting their first gaming laptop. If you’re buying a rig for your child, whether they’re a young user or college student, the Katana 15 HX makes a lot of sense. For first-time and casual gamers who also need a PC for productivity, the Katana fits that bill for its competitive price, too.
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i7-14650HX
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1 by 14.1 by 10.3 inches
Weight
5.29 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:11
Learn More
MSI Katana 15 HX Review
- Excellent 25-hour battery life
- Superb OLED display
- Generous port selection
- Premium, portable magnesium alloy build
- Anemic speakers
- Cramped arrow keys undermine decent keyboard
As the name suggests, ultraportables are generally more concerned with mobility than anything else, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have both. Their thin designs inevitably limit the upside at some point, but some still push out faster performance than others, and the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo A2VM got our attention with its results. The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and Intel Arc 140V graphics inside push this machine to snappy overall performance, and its OLED screen is sweet. Crucially, that efficient Lunar Lake CPU enabled a staggering 25 hours of battery life on our rundown test, and what’s more ultraportable than that? Between its speed, compact design, and extra-long battery life, this is the best zippy ultraportable for most users.
Mobile professionals: This is an excellent laptop for people who need a media-editing workhorse or gaming system that they can haul around often. There are better bets out there if you just want a machine for media or gaming, but the Prestige 13 is definitely a winner if you prioritize portability and general productivity.
Premium shoppers: The Prestige 13 is the best fit for shoppers hungry for a luxe experience. Its cost isn’t exactly budget level, but it gets you into an OLED screen, long battery life, a premium magnesium-alloy build, and respectably high-speed performance for midrange pricing.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.66 by 11.77 by 8.27 inches
Weight
2.18 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
25:11
Learn More
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo A2VM Review
- Powerful performance and graphics
- Gorgeous OLED display
- Elegant design
- Decent webcam
- Long battery life for a 4K laptop
- Pricey in basic and upticked configurations
- Keyboard looks better than it feels
- Short on ports
- Loud but middling speakers
Dell’s 16 Premium (DA16250) is ideal for the “prosumer” who could use some power on a large display. This laptop is pricey but at least looks the part, bringing high-end performance to at-home professionals and amateur creatives. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD are a welcome start, but it’s the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU (surprising in its thin and unassuming body) that makes the 16 Premium an excellent fit for creative pros. It has a gorgeous 4K OLED screen, too, so it’s a treat to work on. You’ll find a couple of concessions, and it will cost you, but the 16 Premium provides a MacBook-like experience for Windows users.
Creators and media editors: This is a leading laptop choice for content creators, editors, designers, and other visually focused pros. Not many thin and stylish PC laptops have enough processing and graphics power for these workloads—in addition to a 4K OLED panel and long battery life—like the Dell 16 Premium’s overall package.
Apple fans working on Windows: This laptop works best for people who love Apple but must use Windows for whatever reason. The super-slick build, brilliant OLED screen, and other high-end features make a suitable MacBook Pro substitute.
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 x 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.10 by 9.40 inches
Weight
4.65 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:31
Learn More
Dell 16 Premium (DA16250) Review
- Monumental power and expandability
- Gorgeous DreamColor display
- Top-notch connectivity
- HP Wolf Security sets the standard
- Heavy in a briefcase
- Even heavier on your budget
- Awkward cursor control keys
The HP ZBook Fury 16 G11’s chart-topping workstation performance, with its Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, 64GB of RAM, and Nvidia RTX 3500 Ada enterprise-class GPU, ensures its place on this list. Except for our cost-is-no-object pick above, few can match the speed here for demanding professionals, and as configured, it doesn’t cost nearly as much as the Dell. A ton of expandability, elite connectivity, and a super-sharp display make up the rest of this system. This workstation consistently leads or battles at the top of the charts with the other most powerful systems on the market, arriving to you super-powered and fully featured.
Demanding professionals: This is the top fastest laptop for data scientists, engineers, and creative professionals. The people who need a workstation know who they are, and the ZBook Fury 16 G11 will deliver for you. This laptop is nearly as potent as it gets, with hardware ready to take on strenuous CAD and CGI rendering, engineering, and scientific programs.
Class
Workstation, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core i9-14900HX
RAM (as Tested)
64 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Dynamic
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX 3500 Ada
Graphics Memory
12 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
1.13 by 14.3 by 9.8 inches
Weight
5.3 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:22
Learn More
HP ZBook Fury 16 G11 Review
- Powerful, removable RTX 5070 GPU
- Modular, customizable design
- Helpful DIY and upgrade guides
- Unparalleled connectivity
- Middling battery life
- DIY edition and upgrades could overwhelm the average user
The class of so-called “desktop replacement” laptops is meant to deliver the performance of bulky tower PCs, plus a big enough screen to make you feel like you’re working on a desktop monitor. The 16-inch Framework Laptop 16 is one of the fastest in this segment, combining an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU and an Nvidia RTX 5070 GPU with a roomy 165Hz 1600p screen. This combination achieves excellent productivity, particularly with a dedicated graphics chip and decent battery life for the price. That’s all before you even consider the desktop-like modular design and DIY customization options that Framework brings to the equation.
Single-PC owners: This laptop is excellent for people who are upgrading their computer for the first time in years, replacing a stationary desktop, or want a first PC for their home. The Framework Laptop 16 is highly customizable, so you can pick what you need, such as GPU options for professionals and gamers. On top of that, you’ll get a monitor-like 16-inch screen.
Tinkerers and DIY enthusiasts: This is the best laptop for people who like modifying or upgrading their computers. Only Framework can provide this level of modularity and customization. You can order the laptop without an operating system and core components to provide them yourself, swap out the ports, and repair parts individually.
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2,560 by 1,600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
0.82 by 14 by 11.4 inches
Weight
5.29 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
7:04
Learn More
Framework Laptop 16 (2025) Review
- Stylish, durable design
- Professional-quality 2.8K OLED touch screen
- Strong performance for general productivity
- Intriguing AI enhancements
- Keyboard is good, but a step down from ThinkPad-typical
- No TrackPoint input nub
- Can’t beat the competition on sheer speed
Modern workers need a laptop that can help them keep several windows open simultaneously, multitask at any given moment, keep up with lengthy spreadsheets, make video calls, and run on battery for extended periods. We have a separate pick for workstation machines, which take business performance to its peak, but among general business laptops, the X9 15 Aura Edition is one of the quickest.
Intel’s Lunar Lake processors deliver long battery life alongside speedy performance, and this ThinkPad lasted for 21 hours on our rundown test. The CPU ensures potent performance across home and office tasks, while its beautiful OLED display is a joy to use. The stylish design and AI features add bonuses for a business machine.
Stylish professionals: This laptop is best for pros whose apps require more muscle than the average word processor or spreadsheet but also need an eye-pleaser. If you’re working with massive datasets and similarly onerous workloads, perhaps consider a workstation, but this larger laptop outperforms other business models on average. It looks slick while doing it, too, with a quality build and 2.8K OLED touch screen.
Class
Ultraportable, Business
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
15.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Yes
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.51 by 13.37 by 9 inches
Weight
3.09 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
21:02
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition Review
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The Fastest Laptops for 2026
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Buying Guide: The Fastest Laptops for 2026
What Does ‘Speed’ Really Mean in a Laptop?
The idea of speed in a laptop can be sliced in many ways. In practical terms, you can look at it as a blend of two factors: (1) CPU processing power and (2) graphical prowess for tasks such as gaming, 3D rendering, or graphics-accelerated content creation. The two are very different things, and we benchmark all the systems we review with both kinds of speed in mind.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Some of the fastest laptops are strong in one area and not the other. For example, it’s possible to have a system with a top-end processor that’s packed with lots of cores and threads—but is also paired with a minimal graphics solution (perhaps just the CPU’s integrated graphics, historically no match for a discrete graphics chip). Such a laptop can deliver outstanding performance for programs and workloads that take advantage of lots of CPU resources but little power for gaming or applications that rely on graphics acceleration.
Likewise, having a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU)—the beefier, the better—is the key to game speed. CPU speed will usually factor into the gaming equation only insofar as it isn’t a limiter or bottleneck for the graphics chip.
Now, the prescription for either need—speed for processing, or speed for graphics—is to pack in as potent a CPU or GPU as possible. But when you do that, it illustrates the interplay of three key elements of laptop design: cost, power consumption, and thermals.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Higher-powered silicon tends to (1) cost more, (2) require more electricity when fully engaged, and (3) run hotter when taxed to the max. That’s why buffed-up gaming laptops or high-powered mobile workstations tend to be thick, heavy, and expensive. Their high-end chips cost more and require more space and weighty thermal hardware to keep cool.
The best of all possible worlds—maximum graphics and CPU power, maximum battery life, and thin, light design—is a goal ever out of reach. Instead, laptop design is always a trade-off of these factors, where it’s not possible to turn all three knobs to 10 simultaneously.
Which CPU Type Is Best for a Laptop?
From a raw CPU perspective, the fastest laptops tend to fall into four classes. The first comprises business machines with high-end processors but integrated graphics. You’ll find them under top vendors’ business brands, such as Dell’s Pro, Lenovo’s ThinkPad, and HP’s EliteBook laptops.
Second are high-end gaming laptops that pair a powerful mobile GPU, chosen to blaze through the latest games at a level appropriate for the system’s screen, with a CPU that is at least sufficient not to hamper the graphics chip. (That malady, when it affects PC gaming, is often dubbed as being “CPU-limited.”)
(Credit: Charles Jefferies)
Third are mobile workstations, productivity-minded laptops designed for professional content creation and data analysis, and often optimized for the specialized and demanding applications they use. (Workstation marketing lingo frequently refers to independent software vendor, or ISV, certifications; these laptops cost a premium partly because of such guarantees.) You can identify these machines by brand, such as HP’s ZBook and Dell’s Pro Max laptops, or by Nvidia’s RTX PRO or Ada series GPUs.
Finally, some laptops (see the Asus ProArt and MSI Creator lines) target creative pros such as video editors and game designers. These machines overlap with mobile workstations but often lack those systems’ ISV certifications for specialized apps. Stunning high-resolution screens are common here.
Most Intel CPU names end in a capital letter or two, which tells you about their identities. Any Core chip ending with an H, HK, or HX is a maximum-power mobile processor. Some CPUs support a technology called Hyper-Threading, which will be a big plus if the programs you run are fully multithreaded (that is, able to take advantage of all available computing threads when performing demanding tasks). However, note that Intel has deprioritized Hyper-Threading in its latest chips, instead favoring simply more (and more specialized low-power) cores.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
With business laptops, you’ll see H-series chips mainly in weighty models meant for heavy calculation work or data analysis. However, you’ll find the H-series in almost all gaming laptops and in many mobile workstations. A few high-end workstations use Intel’s Xeon processors, which are, at heart, server chips specially designed for the demands of accelerating specialized advanced-calculation and content-creation programs and running flat-out for extended periods. However, H- and HX-series chips are more common and are the sign of a legitimately high-end configuration.
CPU names ending in U signify an ultramobile processor. These lower-power chips are designed for slimmer, lighter laptops with limited thermal headroom. These can be perfectly sufficient CPUs, depending on what you do with your laptop. You’ll have no trouble handling everyday business or office tasks on a U-series processor, and even light multimedia content-creation tasks will see no painful delays. Just remember: The H-class is where the real muscle is in laptop land.
On the Intel side, many of the laptops on our list run on 14th Gen “Raptor Lake Refresh” or the chipmaker’s AI-ready Core Ultra 100H and 100U (“Meteor Lake”) and Core Ultra 200V (“Lunar Lake”) chips. The latter focus somewhat more on efficiency than performance, but they’re still robust picks for lighter business laptops. We’re also starting to see Intel’s latest top-end mobile chips, the Core Ultra 9 HX, deployed in powerful gaming laptops. Intel also has one-step-down “Arrow Lake H” processors that are performant chips for high-end laptops with less AI hardware onboard than the Meteor and Lunar CPUs. Intel most recently launched its Core Ultra 3 “Panther Lake” chips, which focus on graphics performance; we’ll see how many of these make it into the fastest laptops around.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
What about Intel’s rivals? AMD’s Ryzen and Ryzen Pro mobile processors have historically tilted more toward office apps and moderate gaming (with integrated graphics that often top Intel’s) than the all-out gaming and workstation prowess of the best separate CPU and GPU combinations.
However, AMD’s Ryzen 7000 and 8000 mobile processors can compete with Intel’s best and are used in many creative and professional laptops. AMD chips like the Ryzen 9 7945HX and the Ryzen 9 8945HS compete with top Intel offerings, and Team Red’s latest offerings, the Ryzen AI 300 series, are AI-silicon-enhanced alternatives to Intel’s Core Ultra 2 line. The best of these, like the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, have shown tremendous performance in our testing, and the Ryzen AI Max+ processors take this even further. We’ll soon see AMD’s Ryzen AI 400 chips in some laptops, ringing in the next generation of mobile AMD silicon.
Qualcomm is also now a factor with Windows machines. We’ve tested more than a few Arm-based Snapdragon X chips to see how they perform versus Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen 8000-series alternatives in the real world. X2 Plus and X2 Elite chips are on the way, too, and promise to deliver higher performance than their predecessors (especially in the 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme variant). They won’t rival the absolute fastest Intel and AMD chips, but they are comparable to many entry-level and midrange offerings and deliver exceptional efficiency and, by extension, battery life.
Finally, we come to Apple’s MacBooks and its house-brand processors, which began with the M1 generation in 2020. In a way, Apple’s switch from Intel to its own processors takes the decision out of your hands if you go with a Mac; you’re choosing among a much smaller set of CPUs from a single maker. Apple’s chips do provide some variations: in the first generation, the M1 Pro and M1 Max debuted as boosted versions of the M1 base chip, and this Pro/Max structure has repeated through the subsequent generations of Apple silicon.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
We’re now up to the M5 generation as the latest platform; we first reviewed a 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M5 chip, with more M5 models to come. The real decision is whether to stick with a Windows system and the AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm processor options above if you’re already in that ecosystem, or to jump over to macOS. If you choose the latter, you need only to decide whether the base, Pro, or Max performance tier is the best fit for your needs.
Today, you’ll see machines with all these processors, making our reviews all the more important for selecting the best one for the job. For much more about the nuances of laptop CPUs, see our deep-dive article on choosing the best laptop processor.
Understanding Laptop Graphics Performance: Power for Play and Content Creation
If you’re after speed for PC gaming, you need a laptop with a dedicated graphics chip or GPU. Most leading-edge gaming laptops these days use various flavors of Nvidia’s GeForce mobile silicon, with the RTX 40 series (model numbers in the 4000s) being steadily pushed aside for the latest RTX 50 series (model numbers in the 5000s) in new machines.
If your laptop has a 1080p (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) display, then a GeForce RTX 4060, RTX 5050, or higher chip will suffice to play modern games at high image-quality settings. The GeForce RTX 4070, RTX 5070, and RTX 5070 Ti are usually fitting matches for a resolution of 2,560 by 1,440 pixels (1440p) and below. Finally, an RTX 4080, RTX 4090, RTX 5080, or RTX 5090 should be excellent at 1440p, and overkill for 1080p resolution.
Over the last few years, Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 40-series graphics chips have been able to help make 4K gaming and fancy ray-traced lighting smoother than ever, thanks to DLSS rendering technology. But this is where Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50-series graphics chips really excel; hardware improvements and the latest version of this technology, DLSS 4.5, are much more effective at upscaling. The RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 are our recommended starting point for gaming on a 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) panel, but DLSS can help bridge that gap with midrange GPUs, too.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
If you use your gaming laptop with an external monitor or monitors with a higher resolution than the laptop’s built-in screen, you might consider a GPU that’s several steps ahead of the laptop’s screen. Otherwise, you’ll want to match the GPU’s performance with the upper limits of the laptop’s panel.
One wrinkle to all this is the emergence of high-refresh-rate laptop displays. A typical 60Hz laptop display (which redraws the screen 60 times per second) can’t show much benefit from frame rates above 60 frames per second (fps). If your high-powered GPU can play a game at a consistent 100fps, you won’t see much added smoothness. However, all new gaming laptops provide high-refresh panels capable of rewriting at 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, and occasionally even higher. These screens can display those extra frames for smoother gameplay and better justify a high-powered GPU. For more on the topic, see our explainer Does Your Gaming Laptop Need a High-Refresh-Rate Screen?
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
On a related note, laptops with screens that support Nvidia’s G-Sync technology are worth looking out for. In these, the screen rewrites at the same rate that the GPU churns out frames, adjusting the refresh rate dynamically. This reduces screen artifacts and “tearing” (in which parts of the screen misalign for a beat as they are rendered). With a high-refresh screen, a top-notch GPU will be better leveraged; with G-Sync, a marginal one will be enhanced.
Another factor to consider if you’re shopping for a maxed-out laptop is virtual reality compatibility. It’s best to opt for the proper GPU now if you might want to explore VR later, as you can’t upgrade the GPU after the fact. All of the modern GeForce RTX lines, from the RTX 4050 and RTX 5050 on up, should suffice for today’s consumer VR headsets. If you are looking at remaindered, used, or older laptops, though, you’ll want to check the minimum graphics requirements for the headset you’re considering.
Does Storage or Memory Make a Computer Faster?
Assessing storage speed is more straightforward than weighing CPUs or GPUs. The storage solutions in today’s laptops fall into three classes: hard drives, SATA solid-state drives (SSDs), and PCI Express SSDs. That sequence is a fair summary of their relative speed (slowest, faster, fastest) and relative cost (least to most expensive, in terms of cost per gigabyte).
These days, the fastest laptops all use PCI Express SSDs, and indeed, this class of drive has mostly taken over the field. These are either implemented as M.2 drives (see our guide to the best M.2 solid-state drives) or soldered down to the motherboard, and top out in most configurations at 1TB or 2TB of capacity. PCI Express describes the bus pathway that your data takes when using these drives and is associated nowadays with the term NVMe, a protocol for making the most of PCI Express speeds. Both are good buzzwords to look out for. The alternative to a PCI Express SSD is Serial ATA or SATA, which is perfectly serviceable but is yesterday’s interface and fading out of relevance in new laptops now.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
To maximize real and perceived speed on a laptop, the boot drive should be an SSD; if the laptop is new, it will almost certainly be a PCI Express/NVMe SSD. However, SATA is still relevant for hard drives; if the laptop has a hard drive, it should be implemented as a secondary drive for bulk storage. Nowadays, you’re only likely to see such dual-drive arrangements in very large laptops, and rarely at that; like SATA SSDs, hard drives are disappearing from the laptop scene, too.
As for assessing the RAM in the system, it’s an exercise to ensure you get enough for your typical tasks without overpaying or underestimating. 8GB is the bare minimum we’d settle for in any Windows laptop, with 16GB a far better baseline for a machine on which you’ll run applications more demanding than word processing or email. Getting even more can make sense if you use RAM-hungry content-creation apps like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro. If you’re outfitting a gaming laptop, 16GB ought to do, with 32GB recommended if you’ll also use it for heavy content work. Just watch out while buying a laptop right now, and choose the RAM allocation carefully: Rising memory and storage prices are causing system prices to spike. (See our guide to how much RAM you really need.)
Ready to Buy the Fastest Laptop You Can Get?
The laptops in our detailed breakout chart are ideal places to start looking if absolute speed is your key concern. We reviewed Cinebench and HandBrake benchmark scores to measure raw CPU speed and multithreaded power; these tests tax a CPU to its limits on all cores and threads. We also checked out 3DMark scores to measure graphics-processing capability and PCMark 10 results for office-productivity and overall system performance. (See the reviews linked for details and much more performance talk.)
Use these as launching points for your laptop search. Remember, many models can be bought in lesser or brawnier configurations than the ones we happen to test. Hence, the limit tends to be how much money you have and how much hardware a laptop maker can stuff in the chassis size of your choice, within thermal and practical limits.
Our roundups of the best gaming laptops and mobile workstations offer more speedy, powerful choices. Other top performers can be found in our roundups of the best ultraportables and the top 2-in-1 convertible laptops.
