The best 15-inch laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

ZDNet

TechnologyZDNet·Jul 9, 2026·15 min read

The best 15-inch laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

When it comes to laptops, size definitely matters. Some users might find a 13- or 14-inch laptop too small, while a 16-inch device may be overkill for anyone looking for portability. What about something in between?

Fifteen-inch laptops used to be rather niche, but they're gaining in popularity as the "Goldilocks" device that's both portable and powerful. They're also present across a wide range of categories, from cutting-edge power machines like Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra to accessible, attractive laptops for everyday use like the Asus Vivobook S 15.

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What's the best 15-inch laptop right now?

The choice was obvious for me: The M5 MacBook Air is the best 15-inch laptop for most people, and one of the best overall laptops on the market. It's versatile and offers more base memory, faster storage, and better battery than last year's M4, all while staying competitively priced. Not everyone wants a Mac, though. Here's the complete list.

Also: The fastest laptops you can buy

In our July update, we added the MacBook Air M5 as a top pick and removed some outdated products.

The best 15-inch laptops of 2026

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: Apple's latest thin and lightweight laptop is better than ever: more standard base memory, more (and faster) storage, all the features of a mature OS, and support for to external displays with the lid open. The MacBook Air M5 is a jack-of-all-trades device that does a little bit of everything -- and does it well.

Review: MacBook Air M5

Who it's for: The 15-inch MacBook Air is one of the first laptops I'd recommend to almost anyone. The M5 chip offers fantastic single-core performance for a snappy, reliable user experience across workflows whether you're working out of the browser, editing video, or gaming.

That said, it's particularly good for college students, commuters, hybrid workers, and creatives who need a lightweight, battery-efficient laptop. Its sharp 12MP camera ensures you'll look good on video calls, and the iPhone integrations work better than any Windows alternative.

Who should look elsewhere: While the M5 is an improvement on last year's M4 devices, you don't necessarily need to run out and upgrade. If you have an M4, M3, or even an M2 (that still performs well), you may not need to dole out the cash for the M5 just yet.

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: If you're going to be glued to a screen all day, it should at least be nice to look at. Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition has a 2.8K touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and an accessible price.

There's a lot more to this laptop than its screen. The Intel Core Ultra 7 256V chip delivers solid performance and is particularly energy-efficient, allowing it to last over 17 hours on a single charge.

Review: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition

Who it's for: I recommend the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition to anyone looking for a 15-inch that feels premium but is competitively priced. Users of all kinds will appreciate not only the display but the battery life, reliable performance, and versatility of the Yoga line.

Who should look elsewhere: Typical with consumer Windows laptops, the Yoga Slim 7i is loaded with bloatware; notifications from Windows, McAfee Antivirus, and Lenovo Vantage make the laptop feel cluttered. Additionally, this is ultimately a mid-range laptop that punches above its weight, but users seeking a more premium option should look at the MacBook Pro or Yoga Pro devices.

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Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

Why We Like It: Lenovo's LOQ 15AHP10 delivers exactly what it should: reliable performance at a price that won't make your wallet cringe. The AMD Ryzen 7 250 processor and GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card strike that sweet spot, enabling it to excel at both gaming and everyday office tasks.

I appreciate the restraint in the design, though. It's a gaming laptop that doesn't have all the flashy lights or a big, bulky body. Animations run smoothly on the 1080p screen thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate, and with the excellent keyboard and fast charging, it feels like a machine I could genuinely use all day.

Review: Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10

Who It's For: The LOQ 15 is ideal for students and professionals who want a single machine that can handle work during the day and video games at night. I would also recommend it to frequent travelers due to its portability.

Who Should Look Elsewhere: A 1080p display isn't bad; however, its visual performance is nowhere near the same level as a 4K or even a 2K screen. If you're looking for next-level visuals for gaming, movies, or creative tasks, you might be better off looking at something a little more premium. Additionally, its battery life isn't super great: six hours on a single charge.

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Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Why we like it: The Asus Vivobook S 15 stands out by being affordable around $1,000 and delivering a great experience. Its 3K OLED display is stunning, with vibrant colors and deep blacks, all at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Plus, the 89% screen-to-body ratio lends the screen a premium feel that rivals other laptops at a higher price point.

Review: Asus Vivobook S 15

Who it's for: Students and hybrid workers will appreciate the gorgeous display and lightweight build that's just as comfortable firing up your favorite games as it is at the office. I'd especially recommend it to creators who are just getting started and want an affordable laptop to hit the ground running before investing in an expensive, pro-level laptop.

Who should look elsewhere: The Vivobook S 15 runs a Snapdragon X Elite chip, which uses ARM architecture and can result in compatibility issues (although they are less common at this point). Additionally, for established creators looking to do more demanding creative tasks, you'll want something with beefier hardware.

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: The Surface Laptop 5G delivers one of the most polished and reliable work-centric experiences available on a laptop. It has excellent build quality, with a sleek aluminum chassis, a comfortable keyboard, and one of the best haptic trackpads available.

It also features a unique six-antenna system that supports 5G, allowing users to connect to cellular data networks when Wi-Fi isn't available. This single feature gives professionals constantly on the go a huge advantage over others.

The Surface 5G's battery is also quite strong, lasting a full workday, and then some. The 120Hz PixelSense display is sharp, smooth, and vibrant. Add in an Intel Core Ultra processor, a 1080 webcam, and a robust audio system, and you get a highly dependable laptop.

Review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G

Who it's for: I recommend the Microsoft Surface 5G to professionals who frequently travel or work in the field and need uninterrupted connectivity.

Who should look elsewhere: Individual consumers may have a hard time acquiring and justifying the cost of the Surface Laptop for Business, as it's marketed toward enterprise customers. There are more affordable options available, but you may need to do some digging on availability.

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: Many Chromebooks opt for a dull display, but that isn't the case here. The Galaxy Chromebook Plus has a vibrant 15.6-inch AMOLED screen, perfect for streaming and casual gaming.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

Why it's for: The Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a good choice for users who rely heavily on Google's cloud services or need a lightweight device for work. Android users in particular will appreciate the seamless smartphone integration via Phone Hub. It's worth noting that purchasing the Chromebook includes three free months of GeForce Now, allowing you to play the latest games without needing to download them.

Who should look elsewhere: The Galaxy Chromebook Plus succeeds as a premium Chromebook, but with compelling options like the MacBook Neo available, you must be committed to Google's ChromeOS to justify it.

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The best 15-inch laptop in 2026 is the M4 Apple MacBook Air. Portable, powerful, and with a long-lasting battery, the MacBook Air M4 is a versatile workhorse you can take anywhere. The M4's 10-core CPU and GPU are armed to take on almost anything you throw at it, and the entire package weighs just 3.3 pounds.

That said, the M4 MacBook Air isn't for everyone. Below is a list breaking down all of the most important aspects of the best 15-inch laptops.

Laptop Starting cost Processor/GPU Starting RAM/Storage Weight (lbs.) Apple MacBook Air M5 $1,268 M5 10-core CPU with 16-core GPU 16GB/512GB 3.3 Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition $950 Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 16GB/512GB 3.2 Lenovo LOQ 15 $1,161 AMD Ruzen 7 250 RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB 5.07 Asus Vivobook S 15 $999 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB/1TB 3.13 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G $1,600 Intel Core Ultra 7 268V 16GB/1TB 3.06 Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus $750 Intel Core 3 100U 4GB/256GB 2.58

*MSRP at the time of writing.

The best 15-inch laptop for you depends on what you want to get out of it. Options like the Acer Aspire Go 15 are solid budget options but lack any serious power. If you're not looking for something specific, then a jack-of-all-trades laptop like Acer's Aspire Go 15 might be the better fit.

Choose this 15-inch laptop…If you want…Apple MacBook Air M4An all-around strong 15-inch lightweight laptop that handles the majority of use casesLenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura EditionA 15-inch laptop with the best display. It boasts a stunning 2.8K screen and a long-lasting battery.Lenovo LOQ 15AH10The best 15-inch gaming laptop. Lenovo's laptop boast the latest hardware from AMD and Nvidia to deliver the ultimate gaming experience.Acer Aspire Go 15A budget laptop that is capable enough for everyday tasks.Asus Vivobook S 15The best 15-inch laptop for content creators. In addition to its brilliant OLED display, this Asus model has snappy hardware and a solid battery.Microsoft Surface Laptop 5GThe 15-inch laptop for work. It supports 5G connectivity, ensuring steady internet speeds wherever you go.Samsung Galaxy Chromebook PlusAn easy-to-use Chromebook with access to Google AI features.

We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a system's metrics internally and compare them to the advertised numbers. We then spend about a week or two with the laptop, using it in the same way a normal consumer would, to analyze its portability, form factor, and how well the battery actually holds up, among other things. For an in-depth breakdown, refer to our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.

Benchmarking: First, we run a series of tests to thoroughly evaluate the computer's hardware capabilities. Cinebench is one of the most commonly used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop's rendering performance on single and multiple central processing unit (CPU) cores. PCMark 10 is another powerful program that covers a wide variety of tasks performed in the workplace, and there are many others that we use in tandem to gather as much data as we can. Some components we run tests on include:

Processor: The "brain" of the laptop, and one of the most important factors that determines performance. The four biggest manufacturers that make most of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple -- in their own machines only. This is tested in benchmarking software.

The display: The size of the display -- measured diagonally from corner to corner -- also dictates the laptop's overall size and plays a big role in the device's cost. Brightness is measured in "nits" and color spectrums are tested in benchmarking software.

The graphics processor (GPU): Whether it's integrated into the CPU or a dedicated graphics card, how well the machine handles graphics is a key factor when it comes to demanding visual tasks like video editing, rendering, and gaming. We test the GPU with a combination of benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback.

Physical form factor: Finally, the laptop's overall appearance and physical form factor encompass its weight, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether or not it has a display that can be folded back to form a tablet. We carry the laptop around for at least a week and note how well it commutes.

Battery testing: We test a unit's battery in a few ways. A handful of benchmarking programs include their own battery testing components, but we will also let the laptop run for as long as possible under a medium load. We ensure that screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the display's brightness and audio to 50%, load a livestream on YouTube in Chrome, and wait until the end.

The human element: As we mentioned earlier, metrics and system data are important, but numbers alone don't give you the full picture. This is where we integrate our personal experience with the device and explore the practical use cases that consumers truly care about.

Also: The best laptop docking stations you can buy: Expert tested

Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of each and every laptop we test into digestible terms that real people can find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when it comes to navigating the laptop and computer consumer market, so we hope to bring an intuitive element to the whole process by leveraging our team's decades of experience.

Fifteen-inch laptops run the gamut from high-end gaming machines to budget devices, so it's important to consider which of the most common factors you value most when picking out a new machine. First and foremost, determine what exactly you want to get out of it.

Ideal use case: Consider what you actually envision doing with your new laptop. Are you a gamer? Is this a machine for work? Manufacturers go to great lengths to differentiate their products by highlighting a specific consumer demographic. Knowing how you plan to use the laptop will go a long way toward determining which device is the best one for you.

Display: Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition boasts an exceptional display, featuring a gorgeous 3K LCD screen. It's the one I recommend the most, although you should also check out the Surface Laptop 5G for its HDR display.

Battery life: The best battery life on this list belongs to Apple's M5 MacBook Air, although the Lenovo Slim 7i and Galaxy Chromebook Plus also boast impressive battery life.

Portability: Fifteen-inch laptops strike a good balance between smaller, ultra-portable 13- and 14-inch machines -- which tend to be thicker -- and larger 16- and 17-inch laptops -- which tend to be thinner. When looking at weight, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G is the lightest on the list.

Price: The cheapest laptops on this list will be the Asus Vivobook S 15, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i, and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, all of which feature low-to-mid-range hardware. On the other hand, Microsoft's Surface Laptop 5G is an expensive machine with prices starting around $1,500 and going up well past $2,500.

Fifteen inches is a decent size for a laptop. It's large enough to offer ample workspace, but not so big that traveling with it will prove difficult. There isn't a specific correct size for laptops -- it all comes down to what you want.

However, if you're looking for a laptop, I would suggest starting with a 14-inch device. Many laptops, if not most, are either 14 inches or 16 inches. You can consider those to be the starting sizes for portable computers.

Larger laptops are generally more expensive than smaller devices and often feature higher-end hardware -- especially displays. There are some exceptions, of course and this is not a hard and fast rule. When it comes to the MacBook Air, for example, the 13-inch is almost always going to be cheaper than the 15-inch.

When you're talking about motherboards, processors, and complex circuitry that are all fractions of a millimeter, one inch makes a big difference when it comes to the size and design of a laptop.

The reality is that larger laptops -- 16 inches and above -- tend to be thinner, as there's more surface area for their internal parts to occupy. Smaller laptops -- 14 inches and below -- tend to be thicker, as their reduced size leaves less room for hardware. The happy medium in all this is the 15-inch laptop, which, when designed correctly, yields a thin and lightweight laptop.

Also: The best Lenovo laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

The M4 MacBook Air and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G are exemplary of thoughtful, expert designs that yield portable yet powerful computers.

While every computing platform has its loyal supporters, most people use a particular operating system because of key applications running on it, employer preferences, or budgetary constraints. Windows, which ranges from budget to premium, and Apple's macOS, which is exclusive to premium devices, cover a broad spectrum. ChromeOS is primarily limited to midrange devices.

Also: The best Linux laptops in 2026: Expert tested for students, hobbyists, and pros

All Windows devices listed here meet the requirements for Windows 11. If you purchase a device with Windows 10 installed, you can upgrade to Windows 11. Please note that official support for Windows 10 ended. It will no longer receive security patches or feature updates moving forward.

Latest updates

July 2026 update: I added the MacBook Air M5 as the top laptop in the list and did a thorough review of the other laptops included.

January 2026 update: I tested and added the Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5G to the main list. I have also updated some of the text in this guide, providing more information on the laptops that I personally tested.

August 2025 update: I added the 2025 Acer Aspire Go 5 after conducting research on the laptop.

Other laptops we've tested

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

If you're looking for a more traditional gaming laptop experience, MSI's Katana 15 HX is a solid choice. It has RGB lighting and houses the latest gaming GPU from Nvidia.

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