The 5 Best Laptops you Can Buy Today

1

Apple MacBook (12-inch, 2015)

This new MacBook hits some high notes, but it isn't for everyone -- not yet. Its battery life, while good, doesn't stand up to the MacBook Air, and it has no ports save for a new miniature USB Type-C socket. However, if you care most about the two-pound design and brilliant Retina display, you're unlikely to be disappointed. Once it's had more time to develop, this MacBook will likely set a new standard, but if you need something more well-rounded, Apple has several other options to choose from.

Price: $1,299+

For more info, you can check out our complete Buyer's Guide.

2

HP Spectre x360

The Spectre x360 isn't just HP's newest laptop; it was built in collaboration with Microsoft. The duo developed this convertible 13-incher over a period of 18 months to offer strong performance, long battery life and a clean OS install. Other high notes include the comfy keyboard, bright screen, and relatively affordable price tag, which ultimately outweighs its middling touchpad experience. That minor issue aside, the x360 convertible is one of our new favorite laptops.

Price: $900+

For more info, you can check out our complete Buyer's Guide.

3

Chromebook PIxel (2015)

While a $1,299 laptop that only ran Chrome OS may have been a hard sell in 2011, times have changed. With the return of Google's Chromebook Pixel, you not only get a lower price tag, but a more mature version of Chrome OS. Browser-based applications have flourished as well, with options like Skype, Spotify and even Photoshop (it's in a limited beta for now). If you find you can do everything in the browser, you'll find the Pixel has a comfortable keyboard, amazing battery life and a crisp, high-res screen that stands up against Apple's Retina display.

Price: $999+

For more info, you can check out our complete Buyer's Guide.

4

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina (13-inch, 2015)

The latest MacBook Pro refresh includes a boost in both battery life and and speed, with Apple's familiar Retina display and comfortable keyboard also in tow. Apple's new pressure-sensitive touchpad is also on board, but we're still not convinced it's an improvement over the last-gen version; the new gestures feel a bit gimmicky, and the thinner trackpad doesn't actually result in a thinner notebook. Even so, the MacBook Pro remains one of the best in its class.

Price: $1,299+

For more info, you can check out our complete Buyer's Guide.

5

Dell XPS 13 (2015)

The newly redesigned XPS 13 definitely earned its spot as a Best of CES finalist earlier this year. Thanks to a nearly bezel-less screen, Dell was able to pack a 13.3-inch display into the body of an 11-inch machine. The resulting 2.6-pound laptop is still over a third of a pound lighter than the MacBook Air and boasts a stylish carbon-fiber design, a comfy keyboard, speedy performance and decent audio. A touchscreen upgrade will set you back a hefty $500, but even so, it ranks as one of the top ultraportables on the market.

Price: $800+

For more info, you can check out our completeBuyer's Guide.