Shopping for an excellent laptop is a demanding engagement. If you’re not poring over web pages and a dizzying amount of information on the best laptop brands, then you are busy consulting computer geeks and your most tech-savvy friends. Sometimes it’s helpful, sometimes not.
However, you are in luck, for we have conducted in-depth research on your behalf and managed to compile a detailed list of what, in our informed opinion.
Contents
Best Laptop Brands Reviewed
1. Best Gaming Laptop Brand: MSI
The MSI brand is popular for producing high-end gaming laptops. Its machines are, as expected, gamer-friendly, and very attractive. The brand is always incorporating innovations such as eye-tracking sensors and not to mention unique peripherals.
The laptops’ build quality is impressive. They have a variety of designs. Their notebooks, in particular, are not only built for gaming. They can also be employed in performing other demanding tasks such as 3d modeling and rendering. This has gone a long way in making MSI one of the most reliable laptop brands.
If you are into sleek, slim laptops, MSI has got you covered. Their slim laptops also pack lots of power, as such, enhancing the portability and reliability aspects for people constantly working on the go.
Every laptop brand itching to succeed in the gaming niche must never compromise on graphics. As such, the MSI brand has invested in top-tier graphics cards such as the NVIDIA GeForce GPU and other top-of-the-range hardware.
Drawbacks
The brand needs to work on its client support platforms. It would be great to have a 24/7 team handling customer matters on the dial. Their products are also highly-priced at the loss of budget users. Regardless, it is a worthwhile brand.
Pros
- Great laptops for gaming
- Dedicated high-end GPU
- Innovative technologies
- Great build quality
- Amazing graphics
Cons
- Customer support wanting
- Highly-priced
2. Dell
The Dell brand is a pioneer on many fronts in the tech-space. From supplying almost all laptop brands in the world with its intel core chips to inventing the bezel-free XPS, the brand has cut itself out as a market leader and a trendsetter.
Its diverse laptop products cater to an expansive variety of niches, including education, business, and gaming, just to mention but a few. This element alone has made Dell stand out as the most reliable laptop brand in the market.
Dell is the epitome of innovation, something setting it apart from its peers in the fast-paced tech market. Take the XPS 13, for instance. It redefines ‘thin’. Further, its superb thermo-regulation mechanism solves a million-dollar laptop headache, heat.
In a groundbreaking innovation, Dell incorporated the materials used in developing the Mars Rover in creating the XPS 13. This is the kind of next-level innovation; only a few brands can match. Most don’t come anywhere close.
Furthermore, its cutting edge software innovations have augured well with professionals. This is the case as it is now possible to place calls and texts directly from the laptop.
Ranking as the most reliable laptop brand demands having something for everyone. Further, this demand extends to quality and price range. In the gaming niche, Dell has set itself apart as being among the best gaming laptop brands. The G3 15, G7 15 (2019) and G5 15SE are stunning examples of gaming laptops from Dell.
Drawback
Dell’s social media support platforms need a little more streamlining.
Pros
- Highly innovative
- Wide range of products
- Flexible price range
- Great laptop designs
- Reliable live support services
Cons
- Social media support doesn’t cut it
3. Apple
Being featured as among the most valuable brands globally is no easy feat. However, Apple seems to have mastered this art. According to Forbes, Apple is the 2020s most valuable brand with a whopping $260.2 Billion in revenue. This just goes to show how much trust its customers have in the brand.
Famed as revolutionary since its Machintosh days, the brand has grown immensely over the decades. Its unique products, such as the iPhone, which is its biggest hit, cause a craze amongst all kinds of people upon each release.
The exclusivity and luxury tag of its products has proved a genius marketing strategy for the tech giant. For instance, it is undeniable that there are other great laptops in the market, but then, there are MacBooks which are a breed of their own.
Apple is a winner on many fronts. Whether you talk of lightweight and portable laptops or powerful laptops, there’s always a Macbook around. Its premium aesthetic designs set a benchmark for other brands, which might take a long time to arrive at such perfection.
The aluminium chassis MacBook Pros are just a beauty to behold. The 13″ models and the 15″ alike come in cool space grey and silver colours.
The Apple MacBooks are reliable on many fronts, gaming included. Noteworthy though, they are not meant to function simply as gaming devices. These are sophisticated machines fit for a wide range of uses.
Some of the most terrific MacBooks for gaming include the 16″ MacBook Pro (2019) Core i7 and the 16″ MacBook Pro (2019) with the i9 processor.
The Apple brand has not only invested in top of the range specs but in giving the best overall customer experience as well. This is seen right from how the products are packaged. The packaging is as artistic as the product itself. Clean box corners, elegant white colour, simplicity, and class!
This visual appeal leaves a mark on each customer’s mind. The whole point is to give the customer a sensory experience. Investing in customer experience and high-quality tech support is always a big plus for the brand.
Drawbacks
Nothing and no one is perfect, even the most valuable brand. For one, Apple’s MacBook design has seen little change if any. The other major drawback is in the pricing of Apple products. They simply don’t come cheap. But who loves cheap stuff anyway?
Pros
- Great build quality
- Aesthetic design
- Looks and feels expensive
- Very portable
- Exquisite packaging
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- The design remains unchanged
- Priced on the higher side
4. HP
Hewlett-Packard is a household name popular for desktop as well as pc laptops. Its popularity has waned over the years, but it is still one of the best laptop brands out there. HP desktops are still popular in professional office environments as well as being used for gaming.
HP has a reputation for producing highly durable laptop and desktop computers. It is also popular with peripheral devices such as scanners, printers, mice, keyboards, and monitors. Additionally, it is easy to get something within budget since HP has a wide price range for its products.
The brand boasts of some of the popular names in the market such as the HP Pavillion, Elite, Spectre, and Envy, among others. HP products are built to last. Additionally, they are top performers and perhaps one of the main reasons why they are featured so high up on our list.
As regards customer service, the brand has made sure its clientele are well taken care of. Customer service is great.
Drawbacks
Customer support is not the best one could find, but it can be accessed through phones or by paying a visit to their retail shops. Additionally, they are experiencing some kind of innovation freeze.
Pros
- High-quality graphics
- Reliable and durable laptops.
- Versatile; there is a Hp for everything.
- Laptops are designed thin with an elegant, stylish look.
Cons
- Customer Support needs some revamping
- Short battery life.
Also Read: Dell vs HP
5. Lenovo
Lenovo has widely grown its global popularity thanks to its fast and high-performance machines with their long-lasting batteries. It offers a wide range of laptop PCs with varying features. There is something for everyone.
Lenovo laptops are versatile, convenient, and durable. Lenovo will always have you covered by providing you with your laptop of choice depending on your need, be it gaming, drawing, video editing, or 3D modelling. These laptops can either come as a 2-in-1 convertible laptop, touch screen with a stylus pen, or a foldable screen.
Lenovo has made great strides in the business laptops niche. It is common to spot a Lenovo Thinkpad in an office. These machines are designed for functioning in the business world thanks to their solid performance as well as specialized features and not to mention; they are a budget-friendly alternative.
The gaming niche is also catered for. The Lenovo Legion is a worthy device for professional gaming. Fitted with an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card, gamers get to view high resolved and colour-saturated videos. It offers a wonderful gaming experience.
In matters of design, the brand has ensured a varying presentation with each laptop being different from the other. This prevents monotony in design as seen with brands such as Apple. Lenovo has ensured that its products come in varying screen sizes as well. They also boast of lightweight gadgets easy to fit in a backpack.
IdeaPads are the best Lenovo laptops for drawing. They are budget-friendly but very powerful with a highly responsive touch screen compatible with stylus pens. Most devices in this product-line, have powerful Intel Core processors, thus, enabling artists to simultaneously run multiple software.
Lenovo computers are compatible with Windows OS and an intel core CPU. However, not all laptops come with the Intel Core. Lenovo Flex 5 is fitted with an AMD Ryzen 7 4700U CPU which has 6cores and 6threads. With these features, the machines are capable of running multiple software without the risk of lagging.
Technology waits for no man. The decades have seen numerous inventions and innovations. For instance; ThinkPad X1, the latest invention made by Lenovo can fold its screen, thus gradually changing a 13.3-inch screen size into a small device. Hence, X1 can not only be used as a laptop and tablet, but this amazing machine, due to its foldability, can also serve as a smartphone. Surely Lenovo is not listed among the best pc laptop brands for nothing.
Although the laptops are thin, they are fitted with full-size USB ports, unlike other devices only compatible with Thunderbolt 3 ports. Security and technical services like damage repair, windows update are conducted by the manufacturer during the 1 year.
As a key aspect in all great brands, Lenovo has ensured its customers are well catered for in times of need. As such, the brand has invested in customer care via its contact centre. You can easily place an order for a new Lenovo laptop or spare part or just address a concern with your device.
Drawbacks
Although these Lenovo PCs are affordable than their competitors, one must be aware that to get a better and a faster machine; then one needs to dig deeper into their pockets. After all, you only get your money’s worth.
Pros
- Affordable laptops with high performance
- Most laptops have strong processors, thus high productivity.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Versatile, they can be converted into different modes.
- Eye-catching design such as the ThinkPad X1
- Most laptops come with full-sized USB ports.
Cons
- Customer Support is a bit shaky.
- Low quality graphics
6. Razer
Since its inception in 2005, Razer has distinguished itself as the most reliable laptop for gamers. Its “For gamers, by gamers” motto speaks volumes about its mission which is the creation of high-quality products living up to the expectations and demanding needs of gamers.
Razer laptops score highly in the gaming category. They are fitted with very powerful processors and top of the range graphics cards while offering exquisite screen display at the same time. Similarly, they come in sleek and highly portable designs without compromising on power capabilities.
Apart from making some powerful and blazing-fast gaming laptops such as the Razer Blade Pro 17, the Razer Blade 15 Base and Advanced as well as the Razer Blade Stealth 13 among other big names, the brand also takes credit for some top-performing peripheral devices.
Devices such as the Razer Viper, the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition Keyboard, and the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset among others are designed to offer the gaming experience of a lifetime.
Drawbacks
Owing to the demanding nature of gaming and the intense pressure exerted on the CPU, the laptops get noticeably hot.
Pros
- Outstanding design and aesthetics
- CPU-GPU cohesion translates into the incredible power
- Warranty capable of extension
- Value for money
- Remarkable graphics quality
- Unique gaming accessories
Cons
- Poor Webcam quality
- Gets noticeably hot
7. Microsoft
Three things come to mind at the mention of Microsoft; versatility, cost-effectiveness, and spectacular performance. This doesn’t come as a surprise. It is the minimum expectation of one of the oldest computer brands in the world. Not to mention, the Microsoft brand is among the top ten most valuable brands in the world. It’s all for a good reason.
With the highest majority of laptops using the Microsoft Windows OS, anyone can guess the sheer success of this tech giant. This single fact makes the brand score very highly, if not the highest, on reliability.
The brand is known for its flagship Microsoft Surface Book which strikes the eye with its sturdy build, sleek designs, and lightweight. A perfect example is the newly introduced Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
Microsoft laptops are durable. The reason behind this lies in the quality of materials used in manufacturing the devices. As a matter of policy, this quality is cross-cutting on all Microsoft devices. Just because a laptop costs lower than its superior version doesn’t imply that the materials used are of inferior quality.
Laptops such as the Microsoft Surface Book 2 have batteries lasting up to 11hours. Devices are compatible with Windows OS and quality graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce essential when gaming, drawing, 3D modelling, and rendering, among others. Screen size also differs from laptop to laptop; hence, there’s a variety to choose from.
Microsoft has extensively considered all fields. For instance, Surface Go has a 10inch screen size, lightweight, and very affordable compared to other Surface products. This makes it the perfect laptop for business people owing to its portability. Moreover, it fits perfectly in most standard-sized bags.
Surface Book 2 and Pro 7 have the most outstanding designs out of all Surfaces. They are 2-in-1 touch screen convertible machines with a detachable clipboard. Once detached, these devices can be comfortably used as self-sustaining tablets. You only get to see this in Surface laptops.
Together with strong processing power and out of the earth quality graphics; therefore, the two are suitable for drawing and 3D modelling and rendering, video shooting, and running multiple tasks simultaneously.
As expected of a long time player in the tech world, customer service has evolved to be one of the most reliable in the game. Having perfected their art over time, the excellent customer support team is also reachable via social media and ready to attend to all customer needs.
The oldest trick in the book of success is passion. Have a passion for what you do and be amazed at the height you can scale. The Microsoft brand is always passionate about technology.
In a fast-moving world and an even faster-paced tech space, innovation is key for survival. Microsoft has been at the forefront of innovation ever since its inception, a fact embodied in products such as MS Office, Skype, Microsoft Teams, e.t.c.
Drawbacks
The company has relatively few laptops in comparison with other players in the industry. At the same time, the laptops are highly-priced and meant for professionals. Notwithstanding, this could also be viewed as an advantage. The fewer the laptops, the more focus there is in terms of quality.
Pros
- Elegant design and durable build
- Produces some excellent 2 in 1 laptops
- Powerful processors.
- Battery life lasts long; up to 17-hours for some.
- Excellent display and very portable.
Cons
- Prices are on the higher side.
- Should be more innovative.
- Limited color options.
8. Samsung
This South Korean based company has tremendously evolved by manufacturing not just good machines but some of the best-known laptops worldwide. They had increasingly grown popular over the years in producing Samsung laptops than when they first began.
Unlike other laptop brands, Samsung laptops are designed for compatibility with not only Windows OS, but also Chrome and Android operating systems.
Depending on the intended purpose, they come either as 2-in-1 convertible or touchscreens. Convertible devices are useful in drawing, notes taking, and presentations. When detached, they tend to be lightweight, hence, fit perfectly on one’s palms. Further, touchscreen laptops that are compatible with pens are ideal for sketching or drawing.
The Samsung brand provides variety. Whether you are a student burning the midnight oil or an artist striving to complete a masterpiece for an exhibition or gallery, be sure there’s a Samsung laptop perfectly crafted for your needs. Over the years, designs have been evolving. Samsung is shifting focus from thick laptop designs to advanced super thin devices.
For drawing and video editing, the Pro models come in handy. Their aluminium chassis cast a visual appeal. Further, the NVIDIA GeForce graphics card provides the user with detailed saturated colored images. This aspect is also supported by the use of advanced HD technology.
Most Samsung laptops not only utilize FHD and Ultra HD but also use the OLED technology of up to 4k display.
Moreover, Samsung also boasts of producing the 2-in-1 convertible Samsung Ativ Q laptop. In a single package, users get a machine that is fitted with both the Windows OS and Android operating system. One can just say that it’s a windows machine with a Play Store encouraging easy and fast syncing and back up with a Samsung smartphone.
For gamers, the Notebook Odyssey is the most ideal. With stunning aluminum chassis and a thin, streamlined body, the device looks and feels pretty cool. An out of the earth gaming experience is achieved by the compatible powerful Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics.
It’s built for gaming with its 128SSD, 16GB RAM, highly designed cooling system, and high resolution, images appear clear whereas games load and run faster.
In conclusion, Samsung laptops quality equals the price of the machine. Most laptops are designed with more than one USB port whereas some even come with thunderbolt 3 ports. Similar to other brands, Samsung laptops is fully dependent on its specification.
The more advanced laptop you want, the more you will have to spend.
Drawbacks
Performance-wise, Samsung might not be the market leader. However, due to their consistency in incorporating better and rich quality hardware, it’s just a matter of time. In comparison to its peers in the same price range, it lags and stutters a little.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Compatible with Windows OS, Chrome OS, and Android OS.
- Wide range of laptops to choose from
- Easy and simple to use.
- Accurate keypads and sensitive touchpads.
Cons
- Minimal design changes and adjustments.
- Battery life is relatively short.
Best Laptop Brands: FAQ
Q1: Which laptop brand is most reliable?
Reliability in laptop brands is based on the durability of the machines, performance, and customer support. A reliable brand will provide users with quality internal hardware, amazing displays, numerous accessories, and superb customer support.
Different brands have designed products that may be considered as the most reliable, for example; Microsoft Surface Book 2, Apple MacBook Air, Asus Zephyrus, Dell XPS, among others.
Q2: What laptops do pro gamers use?
Gamers will use a laptop that has a big screen size display, powerful performance, and great graphics quality. Moreover, it should be affordable, lightweight, have a long-lasting battery, an advanced cooling system together with a solid sound system.
Pro gamers have a vast option of laptops to choose from like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G4, Acer Nitro 5, HP Omen, and Lenovo Legion, among others.
Q3: What brand of laptop lasts the most?
It’s difficult to say that a specific brand lasts more than others because this factor depends on the user, although some laptops are produced with high-quality material and hardware giving them an upper hand in being the longest lasting brands such as Hp.
Q4: Is Dell or Hp better?
Each produces superb products. Hp boasts producing laptops with powerful graphic displays whereas Dell is known for producing affordable good performing laptops. If you are interested in a great performance and on a fixed tight budget, then Dell is for you, however, if not go for Hp.
Conclusion
What is considered best varies from one individual to another. Taste, preferences, and job requirements also dictate the kind of brand one settles for. While some offer something for everyone, some, like the Razer, are niche-based. While some come with pocket-friendly devices for customers on a budget, others are highly-priced.
The above list is not conclusive but offers an insightful guide into some of the leading brands in the market. It is a good point to start from.
