2024 has been a year of innovation and excitement in the world of laptops, with Windows on Arm and AI PCs making headlines. Amidst all the buzz, we’ve had the opportunity to review some truly exceptional laptops that are sure to stand out as the best of the year.
While there are still some highly anticipated releases on the horizon, such as the M4 MacBook Pro and upcoming AMD laptops, we’ve already reviewed 33 laptops and have identified the top six so far.
6. Acer Swift X 14
The Acer Swift X 14 may not be the sleekest in design, but its impressive features and affordability make it a standout choice. Priced at $1,700 for the high-end configuration, which includes an RTX 4070, 3K OLED 120Hz screen, 32GB of RAM, and a terabyte of storage, it offers exceptional value.
What sets the Swift X 14 apart is its ability to be configured with an RTX 4070, a rare feat for a laptop of this size. In performance testing, it outperforms larger laptops with the same GPU, making it a compelling choice for both gaming and productivity tasks.
For those looking for a more balanced configuration, the $1,400 RTX 4050 option is also a great value. Either way, it’s a competitively priced alternative to the MacBook Pro.
5. Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16
The Yoga Pro 9i 16 stands out as one of the most impressive MacBook Pro competitors, thanks to its slim design and powerful components, including a Core Ultra 9 185H and RTX 4060 GPU.
What sets it apart is the GPU’s impressive performance, thanks to its 100-watt thermal envelope, which allows it to unleash the full potential of the RTX 4060. Coupled with other premium features like a 165Hz OLED screen and an expansive touchpad, the Yoga Pro 9i 16 delivers a top-notch user experience.
4. MacBook Air M3
The MacBook Air M3 offers improved performance over its predecessor, particularly in GPU performance, thanks to Dynamic Caching. Although it may not be a revolutionary upgrade, it provides a significant boost for tasks like gaming and content creation.
Priced $900 cheaper than the M3 Pro MacBook Pro, the M3 Air caters to hobbyists, students, and budget-conscious users looking for improved performance without breaking the bank.
3. Asus Zenbook 14 (Q425)
The Zenbook 14 (Q425) may not boast cutting-edge hardware or a flashy design, but its affordability and impressive features make it a standout choice. With a long-lasting battery, OLED display, and solid performance, it punches above its weight class.
Asus continues its tradition of offering exceptional value with the Zenbook 14 line, making it a top recommendation for budget-conscious users.
2. Surface Laptop 7th Edition
The Surface Laptop 7th Edition is a standout choice among the new Copilot+ PCs, offering a perfect balance of performance, battery life, and portability. With refined design elements and great features, it competes with the MacBook in both style and functionality.
Its transition to Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips delivers exceptional performance and battery life, making it a top choice for users seeking a versatile and stylish laptop.
1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
While 2024 has been a challenging year for gaming laptops, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 stands out with its bold design and impressive features. With better battery life, a stunning OLED 3K display, and a sleek design, it redefines the gaming laptop experience.
Equipped with an RTX 4070 and Ryzen 9 8945HS, the Zephyrus G14 delivers top-tier performance in a lightweight package. It’s a significant upgrade over its predecessor and a game-changer in the gaming laptop market.
For all these reasons, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 earns the top spot as the best laptop of 2024 so far. Its combination of performance, design, and value make it a standout choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
