The Best Picks for Every Need and Budget
Choosing the right laptop in 2024 can feel like a daunting task with so many options available. Whether you’re a student, a professional, a gamer, or just someone who needs a reliable machine for everyday use, it’s important to consider key factors when making your decision. Performance, battery life, display quality, portability, and price are some of the most important aspects to keep in mind.
The Best Laptop For You
When looking for a laptop, you should also think about your specific needs: Do you need a high-performance machine for creative work, like video editing or graphic design? Or are you simply looking for something for casual use, like browsing the web and streaming movies? Prices can range from under £500 for budget-friendly models to over £2,000 for high-end machines with cutting-edge features. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate these options with the top 5 laptops in 2024 for every need and budget.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2024) – £1,099
Best for: Lightweight design and everyday performance
The MacBook Air M2 is a powerhouse in a slim, portable form. With Apple’s new M2 chip, this laptop is faster and more energy-efficient than its predecessors. It’s perfect for those who need a laptop that’s reliable for tasks like web browsing, word processing, and even light photo/video editing.
- Display: 13.6-inch Retina display
- Processor: Apple M2 chip
- RAM: 8GB (configurable)
- Storage: 256GB SSD (expandable)
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
- Price Range: Mid-range (~£1,099)
It offers excellent battery life, a stunning display, and macOS’ seamless experience, making it the perfect choice for those who value design, portability, and performance.
2. Dell XPS 13 (2024) – £1,099
Best for: Premium all-around performance
The Dell XPS 13 is a sleek, high-performance laptop designed for productivity and entertainment. With a beautiful 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display, it delivers sharp visuals and an immersive experience. Powered by Intel’s latest processors, it’s ideal for professionals, students, and casual users alike who need reliable power in a portable package.
- Display: 13.4-inch Full HD+ InfinityEdge display
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 (12th gen)
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Price Range: Mid-range (~£1,099)
It’s lightweight, has a premium build, and offers a long-lasting battery, making it one of the best all-around laptops for professionals and casual users.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 11) – £1,499
Best for: Business professionals and power users
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is one of the best business laptops on the market in 2024. Known for its durability and business-centric features, it comes with an impressive 14-inch display, Intel’s latest processors, and long-lasting battery life. It’s perfect for professionals who need a reliable laptop that excels in productivity tasks.
- Display: 14-inch UHD+ (3840×2400)
- Processor: Intel Core i7 (12th gen)
- RAM: 16GB or 32GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD (expandable)
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Price Range: Premium (~£1,499)
With top-tier performance, excellent security features, and a sturdy, lightweight design, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a great choice for business professionals who need a reliable, powerful laptop.
4. Acer Predator Helios 16 – £1,499
Best for: Gamers and content creators
For gamers and content creators who demand the best performance, the Acer Predator Helios 16 offers cutting-edge specs and an immersive experience. Featuring powerful Nvidia RTX graphics and Intel’s 13th-gen processors, it’s designed for smooth gameplay and demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
- Display: 16-inch QHD (2560×1600) 165Hz
- Processor: Intel Core i7 (13th gen)
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM: 16GB or 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
- Price Range: High-end (~£1,499)
With an excellent display, superior processing power, and robust gaming features, the Acer Predator Helios 16 is a powerhouse for gamers and creators alike. and videos, making it a great all-in-one tool for beginners.
5. HP Pavilion x360 – £599
Best for: Budget-friendly flexibility
If you’re on a budget but still want solid performance, the HP Pavilion x360 is a fantastic 2-in-1 laptop option. This convertible laptop offers flexibility with its 360-degree hinge, allowing it to be used as a traditional laptop or a tablet. It’s great for students or casual users who need a reliable laptop for day-to-day tasks at a reasonable price.
- Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Processor: Intel Core i5 (12th gen)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Price Range: Budget (~£599)
It’s a versatile, budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, multimedia consumption, and light work.
