There are many factors and configurations to consider when it comes to computers, but we’ve broken down the best options in virtually every category there is to help you find the best fit for you. That way, whether you’re looking for a new computer for classes or remote work, we made the shopping easier. Also: Best all-in-one computer As far as laptops go, there’s arguably nothing more powerful on the market right now than Apple’s M2 chip, which you’ll see in the 2022 MacBook Air. The 2022 MacBook Pro also has this processor, but the MacBook Air is less expensive, lighter, and slimmer than the Pro. While the MacBook Air was once known as Apple’s most basic laptop, this 2022 model sets it on the same playing field as the Pro, making it a powerhouse laptop that can do everything from streaming your favorite show to video editing. We also like the magnetic MagSafe connector’s return and a new quad-driver stereo speaker system that makes video calls, presentations, and streaming sound impressive. Other notable specs: 500 nits of brightness on the display, the option for more RAM, and an all-day battery life. Also: Apple’s M2 MacBook Air: ZDNET Product of the Year For Windows users, the Dell XPS 15 is a great choice if you’re looking for a new laptop. The Integrated EyeFade display technology helps to reduce harmful blue light while maintaining vivid color, while the InfinityEdge display provides larger displays in smaller form factors, so you are immersed in the content on your screen. The Dell XPS 15 has also been hailed by both retailers and consumers for the keyboard and trackpad, especially its accuracy and responsiveness. This laptop will provide everything you need, whether you are a casual user, a professional, or any workload, this laptop will provide everything you need with its quality CPU, SSD, hard drive, and GPU. Also: The best Windows laptops Apple users looking for something bigger than a MacBook should consider the high-end 24-inch iMac. This computer comes with the latest version of the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Mouse 2. If your work means lots of Zoom meetings, you’ll be thankful for the FaceTime HD camera, the 4.5K Retina display, and the six-speaker sound system that supports spatial audio. Of course, the M1 chip CPU makes it extremely fast and efficient—you won’t notice any slowing down if you have 30 browser tabs open. And, to relive the nostalgia of early 2000s Apple computers, the iMac comes in blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, and purple. Read the review: Apple iMac 24-inch (M1, 2021): Slim, power-efficient and colourful If you’re looking to strictly use Android apps and Linux tools, a Chromebook is best, and the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is the best Chromebook option. The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is a beautiful hardware package, from the gorgeous 14-inch HDTV 1920 x 1080 touchscreen and accurate keyboard to lightning fast performance. While it’s more on the dim side, this is a Chromebook for work, not watching Avengers: Endgame. With a 720p webcam, you won’t be making any movies yourself, but it works just fine for video conferencing and makes a great laptop for professionals looking to get work done fast. Also: The best Chromebooks If you’re a serious gamer looking for the best desktop computer, you should consider the Alienware Aurora Ryzen R14. It’s high-end, but you’ll get everything you need to game and the speed to do so. This all-in-one desktop PC will always run at optimal temperatures thanks to the 750-watt power supply. The Bluetooth 5.2 connection allows for more reliable connectivity to mice, keyboards, headsets, and game controllers. The high AMD Ryzen CPU in this Alienware Aurora gaming PC means you can alternate between gaming, livestreaming, and creating content without missing a beat. Not to mention that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 is an incredible graphics card. Also: The best gaming PCs If you’d rather have one the best all-in-one PC laptops over a larger and more complex gaming desktop setup, the MSI Stealth GS76 is an excellent gaming laptop. This laptop has switchable graphics technology with a high refresh rate and smooth visuals optimized for gamers. In addition, its CPU, the Core i9-11900H octa-core processor, makes it stand out from other gaming laptops with extra performance. The keyboard is also great: you can customize each key to your liking and a wide range of RGB keyboard lighting. Lastly, it’s Windows 10 Operating System is better for gaming than an Apple iMac. Also: The best gaming laptops Of course, if you’re torn between a tablet and a laptop, you can opt for the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 to get the best of both worlds. While sold as a stand-alone tablet, you can buy a keyboard to turn it into a completely functional laptop as well as Microsoft’s Slim Pen 2 stylus to utilize its touchscreen to the fullest. It runs Windows 11 right out of the box, so you know performance will be top-notch and fast with the best optimizations available for Windows today. In addition, its battery life boasts 16 hours, which is impressive for such a small device. Also: The best large tablets Look at standout features based on how you will be using your computer. For example, if you’ll mainly be using it for gaming, make sure it has good CPU and GPU. If you’ll be using your computer for more basic things, a great battery life is important to pay attention to, especially when opting for a laptop. Less important specs are cameras and audio since you can always add additional devices to improve upon what your computer already comes with. To choose the best product from each category, we looked at factors like price, power and speed, display, and more. To see more products in the categories listed above, check out the accompanying best list page at the bottom of every product. On the other hand, Windows is much better for gamers and lets you choose different hardware options such as touchscreens and independently produced components. Corporate users almost always use Windows over Mac. You’ll also find more of the best budget computers with Windows over Apple’s pricier products. Check out: The 5 best cheap laptops under $350 However, since so many different brands and makers widely use Windows, there are sometimes inconsistencies with the OS depending on the device you purchase. Also: The 5 best touchscreen laptops Of course, a touchscreen is helpful if you’re an artist or work a lot with graphics and must draw on a screen, but the average person can forgo the touchscreen feature on a computer.
