When you're shopping for a laptop, it's important to remember that it's more than just the size or speed that counts.
Finding the right model to suit your needs and price range involves a whole lot of other considerations too, which is where we come in.
On this page:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Android or Chrome OS?
- What to look for in a laptop
- Australia's best laptop brand
- Laptops vs desktop computers
- Entry-level, mid-range or high-end laptop?
- Different types of laptop
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Windows, Mac, Linux, Android or Chrome OS?
Operating systems tend to polarise opinion. Ask a room of techies whether you should go with a Windows, Mac, Linux, Android or Chrome OS laptop or tablet and you'll start a heated debate that will go for a long time but nobody will win (though everyone will maintain that they're right).
All systems have their good and bad points, but it's important for you to choose a side, because it affects your software choices and possibly your hardware decisions too. This is definitely the case with Apple products and Chrome OS in particular.
Apple's macOS (formerly called OS X) only runs on Apple's family of computers, while iPadOS only runs on iPads, but they're designed to work seamlessly with Apple's other operating systems: iOS (iPhones), tvOS (Apple TV) and watchOS (Apple Watch).
All systems have their good and bad points, but it's important for you to choose a side, because it affects your software choices and possibly your hardware decisions too
Chrome OS runs on laptops, mini PC desktops and PC sticks that are specifically designed for it, usually of a relatively lightweight configuration that is meant to be internet-connected most of the time.
Even outside enterprise users, Microsoft's Windows has several versions, with Home being the consumer version, Pro for more serious users and Windows in S mode for lightweight laptops aimed at being an alternative to Chromebooks.
These days Windows and Chrome OS have a much greater degree of interoperability with Android, though not to the same degree as Apple's tightly integrated hardware-software ecosystems.
Android is also outgrowing its phone-centric roots to also be seen as a stand-alone OS for tablets, most notably by Samsung and Lenovo.
What to look for in a laptop
CPU (central processing unit)
This is the brain of your computer. The number of cores, processing power and price range is a good indicator of the overall level of CPU power on offer. Laptops generally use low-power-consumption CPUs for better battery life.
Be careful when comparing chip families from different manufacturers and quoted speed figures (e.g. 2.4GHz), as these are not directly comparable across brands. Intel family of CPUs with those from AMD – their main competitor for Windows computers – and Apple's M-series processors (dubbed Apple Silicon) all work differently.
The same goes for each generation of the same brand of chip. For example, Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 generally increase performance with each generation, even at the same quoted frequency figure in GHz; likewise with the M series processors designed for highly mobile computers. The same goes for AMD's Ryzen series of processors.
So, each new generation of processors is faster than the previous generation, even at the same chip frequency. Thus, you can expect a 2.4GHz 12th-generation CPU to be faster (and likely more energy efficient) than a 2.4GHz 11th-generation CPU, or earlier generation.
RAM (random access memory)
A lack of RAM will slow your computer when running multiple programs, using a lot of web browser tabs or performing labour-intensive tasks, such as image processing.
Expect a minimum of 4GB (gigabytes) even in a budget Windows system, but ideally aim for at least 8GB for most general-use laptops and 16GB or more for high-end models. Don't skimp on RAM at purchase time as you will likely not be able to upgrade/increase it later.
Screen quality
A small screen means a smaller laptop that's generally going to be lighter, but larger (and particularly higher resolution) screens are better for graphics, gaming or watching movies. Regardless of physical size, many lower-cost laptops only have relatively low-resolution screens of 1366 x 768 pixels. Check before buying.
More laptops aimed at the mid-range market have a screen with at least full-HD (1080p, or 1920 x 1080 pixels), but higher resolution screens are available in high-end laptops.
CHOICE tip: Choose a larger screen if you're planning on regularly watching TV or movies on your laptop.
Storage space
Don't underestimate how much space you'll need. Unless you intend to make extensive use of Cloud-only storage, make sure you have enough room for all your current programs and files, as well as the fast-growing collection of videos and music that most people now tend to accumulate.
Laptop memory and storage can be difficult or impossible to upgrade after purchase, so choose a model with enough RAM and SSD storage capacity to last you a long time
The solid-state drive (SSD) has replaced hard drives as the preferred storage medium in most laptops, due to much better performance and falling SSD prices which have made this super-fast storage medium more affordable. Laptops with a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) can still be found in some, usually cheaper, models.
An SSD is much faster than a hard drive and can lift the overall performance of a laptop considerably, and thus extend its useful working life. For a general-use laptop 128GB is the starting point for an SSD, but we strongly recommend 256GB or more for most users. Also, check if the laptop or tablet can be expanded via a microSD card, which can add up to an additional 1TB of solid-state storage.
CHOICE tip: If you need extra storage, you can plug in an external portable drive or a high-capacity external hard drive. Many laptops, especially slimline ultraportable models, come with either a 128GB or 256GB SSD, though we consider 256GB the better starting point for a laptop these days.
Many laptops, especially slim-and-light ultraportables, may not allow you to upgrade internal components later, which means it's best not to skimp on RAM (memory) or storage capacity upfront. Look for upgrade options at the time of ordering and spend a bit extra upfront on RAM to give the laptop a longer useful lifetime.
Cooling
Computer components can run hot, especially within the confines of a compact laptop case.
Check for hot spots under the laptop after it's been on for a while, as these can get annoying if you're using your laptop on your lap (as the name would suggest). Also check for vents under the laptop and make sure you don't block them if using it on your lap, as this could cause it to overheat.
Graphics card
Many laptops will have the graphics processor built into the motherboard (called "on-board graphics"), rather than on a separate ("dedicated") graphics card.
High-end models may have a dedicated graphics card which has its own video RAM.
Power supply
Often called "the brick", this is the block and cord that you use to plug your laptop into a standard wall socket. If your laptop battery won't last long enough for you to leave the brick at home, you'll have to take it with you for recharging, and this can add considerably to the overall weight you have to carry around.
Battery life
Having a long working time between charges is particularly important for an ultraportable. After all, they lose portability points if you have to also carry the power supply unit and cable with you to charge them.
Ideally you want to have a full day of working on-the-go without having to plug it in, but this will depend on what else you have plugged into the laptop drawing power from it.
If you intend to be on the move much of the time, look for a laptop model with a long battery life and quick recharge time
You really don't want to have to carry the external power supply unit and cable with you. Our battery life tests look at a heavy-usage scenario, to give you an idea of the worst results you're likely to get, though for most people the average daily use will give better life.
If you intend to be mobile much of the time, then a long battery life and quick recharge time is important. We also record two charging times for each laptop, with the laptop switched on – up to 80% capacity and to 100% capacity. It's useful to note that charging speed usually drops considerably once you get past 80%. In some cases it can take as long or longer to get the extra 20% top-up as it does to get to 80%.
Sustainability
As with many other industries, many laptop makers are looking to move to more eco-friendly and sustainable methods of production, distribution and packaging. Laptops are typically less user-upgradeable and user-repairable than a desktop PC, as they're not modular in build and often have no user access to parts such as RAM and storage.
Some even have such things as RAM soldered onto the motherboard, which makes it impossible to replace. Most modern models don't even allow you to remove and replace the battery or storage drive. This is something to look for, however, as it can give the device a longer usable lifetime.
Otherwise, choose a laptop with sufficient RAM and storage upfront. Also look for a good quality build, as this will usually last longer than a cheaper build and can save you money in the long run.
You might also check if the parts recyclable and made of recycled materials? Does the company provide help with recycling and/or trading in older models? This information will usually be on the manufacturer's website.
Also check the website to see if they have a stated policy about the sustainability and eco-friendliness of their products. Are they TCO-certified (which takes into account reduced environmental and social impact through the product lifecycle)? See the Ethical Consumer website for more detail.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi speed is important because fewer and fewer laptops come with a built-in ethernet port for plugging into your local wired network.
If this is the case, you may be able to purchase a USB-to-ethernet adapter of the same brand or a third-party alternative.
In either case, look for a laptop that supports at least Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), or preferably the latest standard, Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). These are backwards-compatible with previous standards but have better security and other features. Wi-Fi 6 is faster and designed to support more devices than Wi-Fi 5. Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of the Wi-Fi 6 standard that brings additional capabilities but is not as widely available in devices yet.
USB-C connectivity
Connectivity on laptops these days is all about USB-C, the low-profile standard that's become common on more models. A USB-C plug is slimline and easy to use (there's no "right way up"), but its appearance can be deceptive, as the same-shaped plug is used for several different standards – USB 3.2 Gen-1 and Gen-2 and Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.
What used to be known as USB 3.1 is now generally known as USB 3.2 following a rebranding by the standards authority.
Most USB-C ports will be either USB 3.2 Gen-1 (previously known as USB 3.1 Gen-1) – which is rated at 5Gbps (gigabits per second), the same speed as USB 3.0. The faster (10Gbps) version of this is USB 3.2 Gen-2 (formerly USB 3.1 Gen-2). There's also USB 3.2 Gen-2x2 (20Gbps). Then there's the blazingly fast (40Gbps) Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.
Avoid cheap third-party cables and chargers or you may risk damaging your computer or worse
Most models will have the slower USB-C ports, but high-performance laptops may have Thunderbolt 3 or the latest Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4. You can plug a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 3/4, port but don't expect any increase in speed. Plug in a Thunderbolt device, such as an external SSD, with the correct cable, and you have the fastest connection in town.
Even if you don't have a Thunderbolt / USB 4 version of this connection, USB-C is still preferable to the old USB 3.0, because it's becoming widely adopted on computers and plug-in devices and expected to soon become the dominant connection port, eventually replacing the familiar rectangular USB 3.0 (Type-A) ports.
One of the keys to USB-C's swift adoption is its versatility – the same port can transfer both power and data at the same time and it can also mimic a whole range of other ports – including USB 2.0/3.0, SD card, HDMI, ethernet and more – using a USB-C adapter.
However, stick with the manufacturer's cables and avoid cheap third-party cables and chargers or you may risk damaging your computer and peripherals or worse. It's important to use only certified USB-C and Thunderbolt cables.
Australia's best laptop brand
So which brand of laptop should you buy? We've identified the best laptop brand based on our test results for laptops and feedback from our members on their experience with the brand.
As well as testing more than 180 laptops since 2019, we surveyed our members about the laptops they own. We use this data to determine which brands are the most reliable, and which have the best customer satisfaction. This feedback, along with our test results, is combined to determine the best laptop brand.
Best laptop brand for 2024: Apple
Apple is the best laptop brand for the past 12 months. The tech giant continues to outperform the likes of Microsoft, ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, HP and Dell for the top spot, with strong scores in our test results in addition to being a reliable brand with highly satisfied customers.
Best laptop brand 2024 scores
- Apple – 78%
- Microsoft – 72%
- ASUS – 71%
- Dynabook/Toshiba – 70%
- Acer – 69%
- Dell – 67%
- HP – 67%
- Lenovo – 67%
It's important to note that the performance of specific models may vary quite significantly, so don't assume that one brand's products are the best across the many different features, functions and price points.
To find out which specific laptop models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the 'Recommended' box in the filters section of our laptop reviews.
Laptops vs desktop computers
Total computing portability is enticing enough, but what other benefits can a laptop offer?
Energy use
Laptops typically use much less power than a desktop PC. They have a low annual running cost.
Size
A laptop takes up much less space in your home or office than a desktop PC.
Range
Laptops can loosely be classified into several unofficial categories to suit a variety of needs, though these categories aren't clearly defined. So-called categories include ultraportables, all-rounders, multimedia powerhouses, student/budget and gaming laptops.
Performance
Many laptops can match the power of mid-range desktop computers, even in the ultraportable category.
There are several key performance factors you should consider:
- CPU (central processing unit) – brand and family (e.g. Intel Core i9, or AMD Ryzen chipsets). Also note the generation of the processor family, more recent generations are usually faster.
- CPU frequency – known generally as speed, measured in gigahertz, e.g. 3.2GHz.
- Storage type – SSD (solid-state drive) is the fastest kind of drive. Unlike a HDD (hard disk drive) it has no moving parts. It is sometimes referred to as Flash storage. As with hard drives, the capacity and speed of SSDs can vary greatly.
- Memory – RAM, or random access memory, is the temporary storage used by programs when they're running. Generally, 4GB (gigabytes) of RAM is considered a low starting point for a laptop or desktop computer, but these days at least 8GB is considered a normal amount. Having more memory may be useful for programs that can make use of larger amounts of memory, or for running more programs at the same time. Tablets and other mobile devices are a different story due to the way they're engineered and they may use much less RAM if they're running on mobile operating systems such as Android or iOS or iPadOS.
- GPU (graphics processing unit) – this handles much of the computational load in creating and displaying images, reducing the load on the main CPU. Some larger laptops will have a separate (discrete) graphics processor or card, while others will have a graphics chip incorporated on the motherboard with the CPU (onboard graphics).
- Display screen – mid-range to high-end laptops will usually have a high-resolution screen with at least full-HD specification (1080p – 1920 x 1080 pixels) or higher.
Peripherals
Laptops come with a screen, keyboard and trackpad built in, though you can usually plug in external devices to use the laptop as a desktop computer. If you want to regularly use your laptop as a desktop PC then plugging in an external display monitor, keyboard and mouse may improve usability.
Software
Most laptops can run the full version of Microsoft's Windows and some may have the option of using Linux (or you might download and install it yourself).
Apple laptops run macOS (formerly OS X) and Intel-based models can also be set up to run Windows (using Apple's bootcamp utility to help with the installation). This gives you the ability to run either macOS or Windows each time you reboot the computer.
Alternatively, Intel-based Macs can use a virtualisation program such as Parallels Desktop for Mac, VMware's Fusion or Oracle's Virtual Box software, to run one or more versions of Windows or Linux as 'virtual machines', in addition to the native operating system. M1-series Macs can do the same using the latest Parallels software and an ARM version of Windows.
Some Microsoft laptops and tablets run Windows in S mode, which is an optimised mode of Windows designed to be more secure and power-efficient.
However, it can only load programs that are available on the Microsoft Store online. Windows in S mode can be upgraded at no cost to the full Windows Home (or Pro at extra cost) but only once. If you do it, there's no going back. Most tablets run iOS or Android, which may not include your preferred programs.
Upgrading
Laptops have one notable drawback. Upgrading most laptop components is often difficult, or impossible, for the average person, as the slim body leaves no room for adding extra components. Plus, many parts are built-in permanently and not designed to be replaced.
Some ultra slim models don't let you add RAM later on, as the original RAM is soldered onto the motherboard. You may be able to upgrade the storage though, but that could involve a trip to the maker's service centre.
So once you're ready to buy, go for all the RAM and storage that you think you may need, or can afford. The easiest way to upgrade/expand the capabilities of a laptop is to add devices to it externally, such as extra storage, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi adapter plug-ins.
If your laptop has USB Type-C connections (including Thunderbolt) you may be able to add various devices via an adapter or hub.
A notable exception to this is the Framework Laptop which is now available in Australia. This notebook computer range is designed for maximum customisation and can be repaired and upgraded by end users thanks to its modular design.
Entry-level, mid-range or high-end laptop?
Entry-level
If you want a cheap laptop for basic tasks and occasional or lighter use and aren't overly concerned about performance, weight or battery life, you can find sub-$700 "budget" models.
These low-cost laptops are relatively low-powered, but capable of general computing tasks such as web browsing, email and general word processing. They can handle most basic multimedia tasks (e.g. standard definition video streaming) and are best suited to casual users and younger students.
Mid-range
If you want to take your laptop with you on-the-go a lot, you'll want something thin, light and easy to carry. Look for an ultraportable (including Ultrabooks).
Generally speaking, mid-range laptops are aimed at regular computer users, families, students and business people, and can run most software and games, but may struggle a bit with high-end work such as intensive video editing and games that require exceptionally fast graphics processing.
High-end
If you want something to give you the processing power of a desktop computer while being transportable with relative ease, look for a powerful (preferably latest-generation) processor and plenty of RAM (at least 16GB). Some high-end models are "gaming laptops" which have a particularly powerful graphics capabilities, via specialised graphics cards, and a very fast high-resolution screen.
High-end laptops are for serious computer enthusiasts and professionals who like to push their systems with intensive computing tasks including editing video and audio, programming, 3D rendering and high-end games.
Different types of laptop
The terms laptop and notebook tend to be used interchangeably as a general description. You can break these down into smaller sub-categories, though they're not always mutually exclusive.
For example, an ultraportable can also be a convertible (2-in-1) which works as both a laptop and a tablet. Also, many devices that are designed as tablets can also work as laptops if you add a keyboard. Some are specifically designed for this, such as several models in Microsoft's Surface or Apple's iPad range.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
