The best smart ring available right now is the Oura Ring 5. The company kickstarted the whole smart ring market, and it is the most comprehensive, multi-platform option you can buy at the moment. It's a good product, but there's another reason I say "at the moment."

In late 2025, Oura filed patent dispute lawsuits in the U.S. against pretty much every other smart ring manufacturer. Several have been banned from sale, while for others, availability is patchy while the legal process continues. So, realistically, your best bet is the market leader: the Oura Ring 5.

Your other safe choice is the Ringconn Gen 2 Air. Ringconn chose to end the legal dispute and enter a licensing agreement with Oura, so that ring is readily available. It's our favorite entry-level ring, especially because you don't need a subscription to use it, as you do with Oura's rings.

For now, you can also buy the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Amazfit Helio, though I wouldn't recommend it. If these companies lose the legal battle, those rings could be withdrawn and maybe lose support. If tracking your health metrics is important to you, then stick with the Oura Ring 5 and Ringconn Gen 2 Air for now.

The best smart ring you can buy today

Best smart ring overall

The Oura Ring 5 is by some margin the best smart ring available right now. It's the latest version of the Oura Ring, and even lighter and thinner than the Oura Ring 4.

You may have been put off by the Oura Ring 4's bulkiness or thought it was too thick to be discreet, but the Oura Ring 5 does away with these concerns. It's 40% smaller than the Ring 4, just 2.28mm thick, and weighs as little as 2 grams, depending on ring size.

You should keep in mind, however, that the Oura Ring 5 has slightly fewer sizing options than the Ring 4. It's available in sizes 6-13 versus Ring 4's 4-15. So, if you have smaller hands, you may find the Ring 5 simply doesn't fit.

From a tracking perspective, no other fitness tracker offers this level of insight. Oura helps you not only monitor your recovery and sleep, but also the impact of the day's stress on your body. Its companion smartphone app makes it easy to see daily insights, long-term trends, and an overall picture of your health, as well as more in-depth, impressive analysis if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of your health.

There is one major downside, however: the $399 price tag — $50 more than the Oura Ring 4. Plus, the Oura Ring 5 requires a monthly subscription of $5.99 to use the ring (just as the Ring 4 did).

However, if you want a discreet fitness tracker that offers you a better understanding of your overall health, it's a great option.

• Read our full Oura Ring 5 review

Best smart ring for sleep tracking

This model is still available in buy in the U.S., but Samsung is currently in a legal dispute with Oura which could lead to the removal of the ring from sale or end of support. Proceed with caution.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is the best smart ring for sleep tracking and my favorite subscription-free smart ring available today. It has Oura beat when it comes to analysis of your sleep patterns, while providing nearly the same level of holistic tracking and trend insights.

The interior sensors on the ring protrude slightly, making it less comfortable than the Oura Ring 5, but overall, it's pretty easy to wear. Sizes range from five to 15, with three finishes to choose from: Black, Silver, or Gold.

Though the Samsung Galaxy Ring is subscription-free, at $399, it's one of the pricier models in this buying guide. Additionally, to get the most out of its AI-backed insights and trend reports, you'll need to pair it with one of the latest Samsung Galaxy phones.

Battery life is nearly as good as the Oura Ring 5, with the Galaxy Ring cruising for between five and six days per charge in my testing. The ring also ships with a clamshell-style charging case that can recharge the device up to two times while on the go.

Like Oura, Samsung has partnered with Natural Cycles for female health tracking features. And even though the tools aren't quite as advanced as you'll find on the Oura Ring — you don't get access to Natural Cycle's full suite of fertility and contraceptive features — my female colleagues who've tested the Galaxy Ring report good, reliable results from those that are on offer.

Sleep tracking is really where the Galaxy Ring shines, in my opinion, with details on nightly body movements, breathing patterns, body temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation levels, and more. Basically, all the sleep insights and AI-backed recommendations you'd get from the best Samsung Galaxy Watches are available in a much more comfortable, discreet form factor via the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

• Read our full Samsung Galaxy Ring review

Best cheap smart ring

This model is still available in buy in the U.S., but Amazfit is currently in a legal dispute with Oura which could lead to the removal of the ring from sale or end of support. Proceed with caution.

The Amazfit Helio Ring is the best wallet-friendly smart ring you can buy today. Normally priced at $199 (and subscription-free), I've seen it go as low as $109. That said, there are some caveats.

The Helio Ring comes in just one finish, titanium, and three sizes: 8, 10, and 12. While it works with both Android and iOS, battery life is considerably less than the competition, lasting for between three and four days per charge in my testing.

That said, the Helio Ring is pretty comfortable, despite protruding sensors, and fairly durable. I knocked it into plenty of walls and desks while reviewing it, and even dropped it (accidentally) on a hard tiled floor with no damage to report.

Sleep and holistic insights aren't nearly as detailed as what you'll find on the Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring, but the Helio Ring covers the basics well, with daily metrics for sleep quality, readiness, heart rate variability, workout recovery, and more.

Like the Oura and Samsung, the Helio boasts onboard heart rate, blood oxygen, body temperature, EDA, and ECG sensors, along with an onboard gyroscope and accelerometer for movement detection. Fitness tracking modes are seriously limited, though, with only four to choose from. This is likely because Amazfit hopes you'll pair the ring with one of the brand's smartwatches, like the also cost-effective Amazfit Active 2, one of the best cheap smartwatches.

The Helio Ring additionally supports female health tracking, with period and ovulation predictions. However, these tools don't hold a candle to what the Oura Ring 5 offers in terms of women's health.

• Read our full Amazfit Helio Ring review

Best entry-level smart ring

Similar to the Amazfit Helio Ring, the Ringconn Gen 2 Air starts at $199, is subscription-free, and works with both Android and iOS smartphones. It also comes in a wider range of sizes (6-14) and two finishes, gold or silver.

Compared to the best smart ring, the Gen 2 Air has the Oura Ring 4 beat in terms of battery performance. Advertised as lasting up to ten days per charge, I managed about eight days of usage per charge compared to closer to six days for the latest Oura Ring. The Gen 2 Air also lasts nearly twice as long as the Helio Ring in my testing.

The Ringconn Gen 2 Air is one of the thinnest and lightest smart rings in this guide, but that doesn't mean it's the most comfortable. The interior sensors protrude considerably, leading to an initial period of discomfort that lasted a few weeks before I eventually got used to the ring on my finger. That said, it's just as well-built as any of the options listed here.

The sleep insights from the Gen 2 Air go further than what you'll find from the Helio Ring, but aren't as in-depth as those from the Oura Ring 5 or Samsung Galaxy Ring. As expected, you get a daily sleep score, details on time spent in sleep cycles, and alerts for any abnormalities, like irregular blood oxygen levels or body temps.

Women's health tracking features are pretty limited compared to Oura and even Samsung, and mostly consist of ovulation predictions and not much else. Fitness tracking tools are also few and far between, similar to the Helio Ring.

There are only six workout modes: Outdoor running, Indoor running, Indoor cycling, Outdoor cycling, and Outdoor Walk, but post-workout insights are quite lacking. For example, when tracking a walk, there are no metrics for pace, distance, or climb.

Still, as far as easy-to-use, entry-level models that work as intended and play nicely with most modern smartphones go, the Ringconn Gen 2 Air is my top choice. It's longer-lasting than the Amazfit Helio Ring, with deeper sleep insights, albeit in a slightly less comfortable package.

• Read our full Ringconn Gen 2 Air review

Also consider

Best smart rings: features comparison

Smart rings are one of the newest categories in the world of wearable tech, and though a handful of big brands currently dominate the space, like Oura and Samsung, there are plenty of worthy smaller companies vying for space on your finger, like Amazfit and Ringconn.

The Amazfit Helio Ring and Ringconn Gen 2 Air are the most affordable options at $199 a pop with no subscription costs, while the Samsung Galaxy Ring is the priciest at $399 (also subscription-free).

Oura is the only model with a monthly fee of $5.99 a month for access to the Oura app. However, Oura's wellness insights are the most comprehensive and also our favorite.

While the latest Oura Ring and Galaxy Ring come in lots of sizes and finishes, the Ringconn Gen 2 Air is only available in 2 finishes and nine sizes, while the Helio Ring comes in just one finish and three sizes.

All of the best smart rings are reasonably lightweight and easy-wearing, though some are a tad heavier and thicker than others. Ultimately, though, it's the positioning of the sensors that most dictates long-term comfort. In that regard, only the Oura Ring 5 offers a sensor array that's flush with the interior of the ring.

Battery life ranges from four days per charge for the Helio Ring to up to ten days per charge for the Ringconn Gen 2 Air. The Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring 5 each last for roughly a week. For durability, a water resistance rating of 100 meters is par for the course for all the best smart ring models, so feel free to keep them on while you shower and swim.

How we test the best smart rings

Testing the best smart rings involves wearing them for weeks at a time while we sleep, work, eat, exercise, and perform daily chores. During this period, I'm taking diligent notes on overall comfort, durability — does it scratch or scuff easily? — how long the battery lasts, and how quickly/easily data syncs with the device's companion app.

Assessing the accuracy of the best smart rings is another crucial part of my testing. It involves wearing them alongside other fitness trackers that have proven reliable to see how the results compare. For example, I walked 5,000 steps with the Helio Ring and Garmin Forerunner 165 to gauge the accuracy of the former; it proved quite precise.

I also do testing while we sleep to ensure the rest/recovery data is legit. For this assessment, I'm noting how sleep duration, sleep cycles, heart rate and other core metrics compare to other popular sleep trackers worn during the same period.

Finally, I look at how the core features of each smart ring line up with other options out there by evaluating the data presented in each app. Are these metrics easy to parse? Are there insights and tips to help you better understand the big picture? And, are any core data points missing?

How to choose the best smart ring

When shopping for your first smart ring, you'll want to first identify your budget, then narrow your search by phone type (the Galaxy Ring, for example, is Android only). Next, choose which features matter most and how often you're willing to recharge your new smart ring.

You'll also want to take comfort into consideration. The Oura Ring 5 is the comfiest smart ring in this guide, while the Ringconn Gen 2 Air is the least comfortable. Finally, choose your size and finish.

For folks with an Android smartphone, I recommend starting your search with the Samsung Galaxy Ring vs. the Oura Ring.

iPhone users will likely be choosing between the Oura Ring vs. the Helio Ring or the Ringconn Gen 2 Air.

FAQs

You're here to find the best Android tablet, and that means you haven't been tempted to grab an iPad. So, if you're wondering if these slates can compete, I've got some good news.

As we've seen over years of testing the latest slates, Android tablets can power through apps and games without breaking a sweat and make for excellent devices for everyday browsing and streaming. None says all that better than the OnePlus Pad 3, which even comes with a unique feature that Apple owners will get a kick out of.

But there's more to fit everyone's needs. So, to save you all the time and effort that goes into researching dozens of devices, my team of tablet experts and I have curated a list of our favorite Android tablets available now. But before all that, ask yourself a simple question.

The best Android tablets you can buy today

The best Android tablet overall

This is the Android tablet that made me put my iPad away. OnePlus has undercut the competition on price with the Pad 3 ($699/£529) but still provides a big and bright screen, the best chipset you could ask for and excellent battery life.

OnePlus’ Open Canvas multi-tasking system is the best way to arrange app windows on a tablet, and makes working from the Pad 3 while out and about a joy. The enhanced connectivity with iOS and macOS devices, including a remote control feature for Macs, makes this a surprisingly strong choice even for the most Apple-focused user in need of a tablet.

About the only two issues I’d highlight are that there’s no biometric security — just a PIN lock — and that OnePlus has decided U.S. buyers won’t want the basic, cheaper 12GB RAM/256GB storage option, just the top-tier 16GB/512GB spec that costs a fair chunk more.

I think most users can live with that, though, making this our undisputed champion of Android tablets.

Read our full OnePlus Pad 3 review

The best affordable Android tablet

While it may not evoke the same level of excitement in me as, say, an iPad, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (especially the latest 2023 model) represents outstanding value for any tablet. For a fraction of the cost of many rivals, it delivers a crisp display, durable construction, remarkable battery longevity and just enough performance — and that will do the job as a value buy for most families.

Sure, it has its drawbacks. The Amazon Appstore is less comprehensive than those offered by Apple and Google, and its "just fine" power makes demanding games a no-go — assuming they are even available.

Nevertheless, for those after a portable device for streaming video, light web surfing and staying connected, this latest iteration of the Amazon Fire HD remains a compelling bargain. It stands out as an excellent choice for shoppers on a tight budget.

Read our full Amazon Fire HD 10 review

Best iPad alternative

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 nails the basics without breaking the bank. In our lab tests, it delivered all-day battery life and a vibrant, sharp display, two features that make it a standout for streaming, reading, and everyday tasks. You don’t get the premium build of pricier models, but for the price, it covers what most people actually need.

Performance is where the Pad Go 2 keeps things practical. Apps launch quickly enough for casual use, and the interface feels smooth for browsing and video calls. While it can’t match the raw speed of more expensive competitors, it’s reliable for web browsing, streaming, and light productivity.

If your top priority is value and you want a tablet that lasts all day with a pleasing display, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a smart buy. You’ll have to live with slower performance and basic cameras, but for everyday use, those trade-offs are easy to accept for the price.

Read our full OnePlus Pad Go 2 review

Also tested

While the Android tablets on our list made it on top as they fit into most of what people are looking for, that is by no means the extent of what Android tablets have to offer.

I mean, this list wouldn't be complete without tablets from Samsung, as its selection of value-driven slates to massive, near-laptop replacements is not to be sneezed at. We test dozens of tablets each year, so if you're after more options, we've got them right here.

Battery life compared

Battery life is a key factor when choosing a tablet, as no one wants a slab that turns into a brick after just a few hours of watching shows or scrolling the web. The good news is that Android tablets have come a long way, and the very best of them have outstanding battery life.

We put every tablet we test and review through a series of battery tests, then average the results and compare them against the competition. Here's a look at the battery life of each of our top picks, along with how they compare to our top-ranking iPad — the iPad Air 2025.

How we test the best Android tablets

The first thing we do to separate the great tablets from the not-so-great is to test all their different facets.

Our web-surfing-based battery test times how long a tablet can browse the internet for, with its display set to 150 nits of brightness. But to figure out what percentage of brightness equals 150 nits, we perform a series of display tests to measure how colorful the panel can get (measured with its sRGB output number) as well as how bright it can get. Then, we run benchmark tests on said tablet, including the latest version of the Geekbench general performance benchmark.

Another thing we do to evaluate Android tablets is check out the app store to see if you're getting a true Android experience or some company's vision thereof. The latter is a major disappointment — though we don't expect anything different from Amazon at this stage. On tablets with parental control settings, we try and find the loopholes in said limitations, to find red flags before your kids can.

Then, we just use the tablets like we would if we owned them. Opening tab after tab and app after app to see if we can multitask without hiccups. We also watch YouTube videos because the color output (sRGB) and brightness (nits) measurements don't tell the whole story. Only through all of these tests can we be sure that we're giving you a complete assessment of a tablet's value.

Want the iPad experience, but don't want to give up on Android? That's where I point you towards the best Samsung tablets — packing sleek designs, impressive specs and a well-tuned version of Google's OS for a great UI.

And, just like with the best Samsung phones, there are a lot of models to choose from. It can get tricky to decide, so we've been testing Samsung tablets for well over half a decade to help you pick the right one for your needs.

Our top pick for most folks is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus, a great value, high-performance tablet with a stylus included for drawing and note taking, and an impressive seven years of updates, which would take you to 2031.

But that's not your only choice, as we've tested and rated the best Samsung tablets you can buy right now, from the latest models through to all-out laptop replacements for home or work use, and with pretty mega battery life too.

The best Samsung tablets you can buy right now

Best Samsung tablet overall

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus really impressed us with what you get for your money. The large 13.1-inch display makes it ideal for streaming and watching videos, it's bright at 782 nits peak brightness, and super vivid, making the colors pop even more.

Most surprising is the stereo speakers on here too. Normally, the small space for audio means you get tinny speakers, but in our testing, there's a nice warm bassy punch alongside all the details being represented nicely across the sound space.

Then throw in that big battery for all day use (lasting 15 hours and 43 minutes in our test), and you've got something with real staying power across all your films, web browsing and casual gaming.

Notice how I said casual gaming? The chip inside is certainly not the most powerful for intense tasks. Under significant pressure, you can see slowdown, but if your use cases are casual (ie, not editing videos or playing AAA games), you won't see it break a sweat.

Throw in that included stylus for whenever you're feeling creative, a decent camera system for video calls and snapping quick pics, and One UI 8 (launched in October 2025) for a great tablet experience, and price less than $500, you're onto a winner.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus review

Best iPad alternative Samsung tablet

This is the closest Android kin to the best iPads you can buy — providing a top shot at getting the Apple experience while avoiding iOS. And it does so by pairing zippy performance and a gorgeous display with a sleek, lightweight design and a top notch OS.

On the face of it, this feels very iPad Air with super slim dimensions and a weight that just breaks one pound. It feels great in the hand, and that aluminum frame gives a nice durable confidence too.

Then you turn it on and are greeted by that mesmerizing 11-inch AMOLED display with 1,600 nits of peak brightness. Whether you're getting stuff done or binge watching in bed, that sharpness, smoothness and vivid color makes everything pop off the screen.

The processor is more than capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, emails and steaming, but also means you can properly game and video edit without too much trouble. Plus, the built-in speakers are rather good too.

Then there's the redesigned S Pen — feeling much more comfortable to hold with a hexagonal barrel to get a solid grip on for all your doodling.

And in that vein of getting stuff done, Samsung's made some impressive upgrades to DeX mode too, which can extend this into an almost desktop-like experience. So if you need to lock in with a keyboard and mouse to work hard, the S11 nails it.

Throw in the ocean of Android tablet apps, Google Gemini integration and impressive speed even under multitasking pressure (plus that massive 8,400 mAh battery) and you've got a banger.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review

Best Samsung tablet laptop replacement

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra takes the formula of what made the S10 Ultra so great and upgrades the experience where it matters to anyone looking to replace their laptop with a slab.

The visual upgrades may be minor, but trust me, in my time testing it, the new internals give it a fresh power boost to handle intensive multitasking for power users. At $1,199, it’s a steep price if you’re looking to just get on the tablet train, but that’s not who the S11 Ultra is targeted towards.

With a massive, beautiful 14.6-inch AMOLED display and Dimensity 9400+ CPU, paired with 12GB of RAM and a sleek, ergonomic keyboard cover you can grab as an accessory, you can do far more than your average tablet user with this.

It’s built for productivity across the board — to bridge the gap to a laptop and really take advantage of some of those work-oriented apps in the Android marketplace. And the software answer to that is DeX mode, which gives you a UI more akin to Windows 11 than a tablet.

It’s not a flawless laptop replacement; DeX (Samsung's desktop interface) has been gutted a little of some of the original features like a taskbar and no touchpad on the Book Cover Keyboard. But from that screen and user experience to the 12-hour battery life and zippy performance, I believe this is another step forward for the Ultra lineage.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra review

Also tested

How we test the best Samsung tablets

We put every tablet through real-world and lab testing to see how it holds up — not just to the hype, but to the competition. That means using each device like an actual owner would, while also digging into the data that matters.

• Battery life: We run a web-surfing test over Wi-Fi with the screen set to a standard brightness to see how long it lasts on a full charge.
• Display quality: We measure screen brightness (in nits) and color accuracy (via sRGB) to gauge how good it’ll look for work and play.
• Performance: We run benchmarks like Geekbench to see how fast and powerful the tablet really is.
• Software experience: On Android tablets, we check app availability and whether you’re getting full access to the Google Play Store.
• Parental controls: If a tablet offers kid-safe features, we try to break them — so your kids don’t.
• Everyday use: We spend days weeks using each tablet like any buyer would; opening apps, watching videos, multitasking, and seeing how it all feels in the hand.

FAQs

Large TVs, like the best 75-inch TVs, are great if you enjoy having people over to watch movies and sports. You can sit further back from them (meaning more people can gather round) and the larger design means brands can pack in more tech, too.

And often, 75-inch TVs have more ports and a higher refresh rate for gaming, improved brightness (compared to smaller models) for sunlit rooms and larger (and often better) speakers, so you get more than just a bigger screen for your money.

Right now, I'd recommend the LG C5 as the best 75-inch TV for most people. I know it's last year's model, but it's a lot cheaper than the upgraded LG C6 and is one of the most fantastic TVs we've tested. And it's even better value at it's new lower price.

But if you want to stick to a budget or not break the bank, then I can't recommend the Hisense QD7 enough. It's not quite as bright as the C5, and it has a lower refresh rate, but in all other areas it stands comfortably alongside LG's far more premium model.

The best 75-inch TVs available right now

Best 75-inch TV overall

I want to get this out of the way right up top: the LG C5 is not actually a 75-inch TV; it's 77 inches. (LG does make unusual sizes, as the C5 is also the best 85-inch TV, even though it's 83 inches). And it's not even the most recent version of LG's OLED, since the LG C6 is now out in the world.

Despite that, I thoroughly believe the C5 is the best 75-inch TV at the moment. At launch, it had a premium price tag, but now that you can pick it up at half its original price, it's almost too easy to recommend, since this is one of the best TVs we've tested over the past few years.

From the moment we powered it on, the colors were spectacular; vivid, accurate and bright, with a level of contrast that means you can always pick out the detail in each scene. Plus, since it is bright, you can put this 77-inch TV in large open rooms bathed in sunlight, and still be able to actually see what's going on.

Of course, brightness is great during the day, less than ideal in the evening. So if cosy movie nights are more your thing, we found that the C5's Dark Room Mode adjusted the display to make the brightness not feel as overwhelming, but still make the image on the screen pop and retain its depth of detail.

The 120Hz refresh rate meant that it handled fast-paced action in movies and TV shows well, but it's also a boon for gamers, since that's the rate that consoles as well. And it has four HDMI ports for you to attach your console or gaming PC. Plus, this high refresh rate makes the C5 ideal for watching the summer's live sports.

The only thing, really, that we didn't like on the C5 was the strange remote which wasn't that fun to use. When reviewing the LG C6, we were pleased that the brand fixed this with a proper, easy to use remote, but it's not worth the extra money when the C5 is almost perfect in every other way.

• Read our full LG C5 review

Best budget 75-inch TV

Sometimes I wonder if I made up the Hisense QD7 in a dream. It's hard to believe that something as good as this could somehow be only a little over $500, when so many of the best 75-inch TVs are over than $1,000 or while others are more than several thousand. When there's so little compromise, it's almost too easy to recommend.

One of its best attributes is the way that it handles color. The display comes with quantum dot crystals, which sound very technical but I have a good reason for telling you about them. These absorb some of the backlight and re-emit it as green and red light, which makes the on-screen picture more colorful and vibrant.

Meanwhile, the LEDs are individually controllable (by the TV, not you) so the set can adjust the contrast and brightness in specific areas of the screen. Put these two things together, and it meant that when we watched franchises like "Dune" and "Stranger Things," we could actually pick out details in all the dark and shadowy scenes.

This strength makes the QD7 a good budget 75-inch TV for live sports too. Often you have a pitch on screen where one half is in sunlight, the other in shade. The TV's handling of contrast, colors and brightness means you can still see what's going on wherever the players are.

There are only two downsides to the Hisense QD7; its 60Hz refresh rate is a little slow for fast movements or gaming (we found the motion smoothing setting helped) and that it runs Amazon's bloated and slow Fire TV operating system. This is more of an annoyance though, and shouldn't put you off this otherwise exceptional budget TV.

• Read our full Hisense QD7 review

Best 75-inch TV under $1,000

I realize it's a bit confusing to say that the TCL QM7K is the best 75-inch TV under $1,000 when the Hisense QD7 is about half that price, but TCL's impressive set deserves it's place here, and not only because it doesn't use Amazon's Fire TV software.

Instead, it comes loaded with Google TV, which is just so much better than Fire TV it makes you wonder why every brand wouldn't just opt for it. And in early 2026, the QM7K became one of the first TVs to access Gemini, Google's AI app.

It's not useful, and I'd never recommend buying a TV for these AI features (focus on hardware, software will change and get updated), but it says a lot about this TCL model that it was one of the first to get access, and I think that's down to it's performance.

It handled the deeper blacks in famously dark and brooding movies like "Dune: Part Two," and TV shows like "The Pitt" and "Andor" were as gritty and imposing as you'd hope. Of course, it's great that it can handle darker hues, but it excels at colors too.

This was particularly clear when we watched the cartoonish fun of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," which was as bright and fun as you'd want it to be. Plus, we gave the QM7K the latest "Mission: Impossible" film and a selection of Marvel outings.

Each looked bright, exciting and vibrant and made you feel more immersed in the action. This was helped by the TV's 144Hz refresh rate, which meant that even during fast-paced action, there was never any blurring, like on the Hisense QD7.

• Read our full TCL QM7K review

Best 75-inch TV for gaming

Hisense has been on a roll lately, putting out high-performance (relatively) affordable TVs over the past few years. The Hisense U75QG continues that winning streak, with a rare combination of features at this price that make it the best 75-inch TV for gaming you can pick up without breaking the bank.

The technical performance is part of it (and it really did shine in the lab tests) but more than anything, it was just a lot of fun to use for gaming sessions. It has four HDMI 2.1 ports, and an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, so it's ideal for console sessions (as those top out at 120Hz) and for PC gamers, where the reduced lag makes a big difference.

And about those lab tests — this is a very bright TV. It's four times brighter than the TCL QM7K in HDR and four times brighter in SDR than the Hisense QD7. The only TV we've tested that gets brighter is the Hisense U8QG (which is why, surprise, I've rated that model as the best 75-inch for bright rooms).

So if you need a gaming TV that can handle sunlit rooms and the darkness of the evening, this is the TV to go for. You probably shouldn't put it in direct sunlight, though. There's an anti-glare coating, which did dampen the effect of the light, but it struggled a bit. It's not a problem for most things, but isn't ideal for details in games.

Plus, every color on the screen really popped, especially in the multi-colored and bright world of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." And while "Blade Runner 2049" might be better known for its brooding dystopian view of the world, the bright futuristic flourishes looked vibrant in all the right places.

• Read our full Hisense U75QG review

Best 75-inch TV for bright rooms

I wouldn't call the Hisense U8QG cheap, but it certainly a punches above its price (like most of Hisense's TVs do), especially when it comes to brightness. In our lab testing, we found that it outshines (sorry) almost every other model we've tried. There's no qualifiers to that — it's just impressively bright.

What we're actually testing for is peak brightness, so you don't need to worry that this set'll be overpowering in your home. But it does make it the best 75-inch TV for bright rooms, as it can hold its own against brightly lit spaces and sunlight without much effort. So if you need a TV that'll shine, the U8QG is the one.

We gave it a pretty tricky test with Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" which is visually impressive, but full of shades of black that can be hard to distinguish. Yet details hidden in the shadows were easy to see. The same was true with "Barbarian" and "Ghost In The Shell," where the colorful and shadowy moments looked crisp.

When "Tenet" came out, there was a lot of talk about how hard it was to hear the dialogue. That's true on most TVs, but the Hisense U8QG worked its magic here too, using the set's AI Sound feature, which boosts speech and sound effects. Unusually, it's also got a sizeable 72W, 4.1.20-channel audio setup, which genuinely sounded good.

For a TV that's so generous with specs and features, it's a bit of a shame that Hisense only included three HDMI 2.1 ports (in place of the four you'd find on the Hisense U75QG), but it's balanced out by the 165Hz refresh rate (higher than the TCL QM7K's 144Hz) that makes this a great option for gaming or live sports, too.

• Read our full Hisense U8QG review

Also tested

Not every TV can be the best 75-inch TV. But some come pretty close. I recommend the five options above, but if those don't quite fit what you need, these are some other TVs that are still worth your money.

How we test the best 75-inch TVs

When you go to buy a new TV from the store, it's hard to tell what it'll actually be like away from the artificial lights or press shots online. That's why we call every set into our testing lab to put it through its paces before we recommend any TV, or tell you that it's the best 75-inch TV worth your money.

The first step is to complete our technical testing. You can read more about how we test TVs, but the TL;DR is that we use specialized industry-standard equipment to measure the TV's brightness, input lag and color accuracy for an objective view of the television's performance.

This makes it easier to compare between models or when a brand releases an upgraded version of the TV, so we can check that the manufacturer's claims really stack up. Plus, it means that we can more easily recommend use cases, like when I said that the Hisense U8QG is the brightest TV in our roundup.

Once that's out of the way and the data is securely stored in our testing spreadsheets, we start to do the fun bit of the job — using the TV. We watch movies, TV shows and sports, and play games on each set to see what it's really like to use them. This means that we get to work out how they perform in real-world conditions, like bright rooms.

How to choose the best 75-inch TVs

I know you've found your way to our best 75-inch TVs roundup, but before you go too deep in your research: why do you want a 75-inch TV over an 85, 65, or even 43-inch TV?

You may already have looked over our guide to choosing the perfect TV size for your space and found that 75 inches is the sweet spot for your room. Or maybe you know you want to be able to watch shows and movies with the whole family or group of friends and need something you can all gather around.

But in the case of TVs, bigger isn't always better. If you end up to close to the display, the picture can look blurry or disorienting. So if you can go lower, then save yourself some money and pick the smaller size if that's what'll work best.

The best 75-inch TVs are, at risk of stating the obvious, bigger than the best 65-inch TVs, and so have more space for extra ports and peripherals, and are often brighter than much smaller sets like the best 43-inch TVs, even for the same model.

In theory, the extra space also means the speakers can be larger too. Though, in our experience, the built-in TV speakers rarely sound that good anyway (unless you go for the Hisense U8QG), so you'll probably want to add one of the best soundbars to your setup whichever TV you choose.

If you want to cut down on the time you spend in the car, using one of the best electric bikes to get around town is an ideal choice. No matter if you're doing a quick daily commute or a short trip into town, using an electric bike can help you get up to speed and climb slopes with relative ease.

It's difficult to know how these bikes perform until you take a ride on them, however, and you likely don't have the time (or money) to test out all the bikes you have your eye on. That's where we come in. We've put the best electric bikes to the test to help you find the right ebike for your needs, whether you want to head into the office or take a leisurely ride.

After hours of hands-on testing on the road, the Ride1Up Roadster v3 is one of the best electric bikes on the market right now. It's more affordable than many, but can still reach 28 mph and lasts for 40 miles between charges.

With this being said, it's not your only option. If you're after a different design, increased range, or alternative features, we've rounded up the best electric bikes you can buy right now to suit whatever needs you may have. Or, if you're after an option that won't break the bank, consider the best budget electric bikes instead.

Quick list

The best electric bikes you can buy today

Best budget electric bike

The Ride1Up Roadster v3 is the follow up to another of our favorite electric bikes, the Roadster v2. On the surface, not much has changed; the design is slightly more polished, it looks (even) more like a regular bike and it's still a versatile commuter bike.

But beneath all this, there have been some technical changes that mean the bike is worth the extra $300 on its predecessor. Its range has increased from 30 to 40 miles, it can reach 28 mph in assist (up from 24mph), and the new torque senor makes the assist experience smoother.

After taking it out for regular rides, it reminded us a lot of the V2, but the handling is even more responsive, so it's easier to make quick adjustments on the fly; something that's pretty common while commuting in cities around vehicular traffic. The motor is powerful and gets up to speed quickly, but smoothly and without a sudden jolt.

The Ride1Up Roadster v3 builds on the successes of the past iteration to easily claim its position as one of the best electric bikes, but we did find one potential downside. The battery drained faster than expected on our test rides, dropping 20% in just five miles when on the highest assist level.

• Read our full Ride1Up Roadster V3 review

Best electric bike for commuters

If it weren't for the price, the Vvolt Centauri II would easily be the best electric bike out there. We were impressed with how effortless it was to ride, and fun! It's rare to find a commuter bike that isn't just functional, but that you get excited to take out.

Of course, you'd hope it would be for over $3,000, but if your budget extends, it's a great value option, packing in pretty much everything you could ever want from a commuter electric bike, including a fairly sizeable 60-mile range.

That sounds like a lot, especially compared to the other bikes in this list which typically reach 50 miles, but it's important to remember than this varies depending on how you ride the bike and in what conditions. During testing, we got around 37 miles, which is still a good figure, but some way off Vvolt's listing.

It is an almost flawless e-bike, but if we're being picky (which is fair at this price), then the boost button could be a bit faster to kick it. It typically takes four seconds, which isn't super helpful if you're looking for extra assist from a dead start on a steep hill, for example.

But in pretty much every other way, the Centauri II is an absolute joy to ride. The front suspension keeps things smooth and deftly reduces the impact of bumps, while the rear suspension flexes enough so that you don't get massive shocks as you cycle over cracks and potholes.

Plus, the autoshift keeps the ride pretty straightforward, and you barely notice as it moves you up and down gears based on your conditions. And the assist it really effective, especially on flat roads, where you can maintain a high speed with very little effort.

• Read our full Vvolt Centauri II review

Best folding electric bike

Urtopia have refind their original foldable e-bike with the Urtopia Carbon Fold 2. We've rated it the best foldable e-bike on the market thanks to its lightweight frame and impressive range — 45 miles using its removable seatpost battery, and up to 95 miles using its optional dual battery setup.

Its saddle has been redesigned, too, making it more comfortable to use. During testing, we noticed that the new saddle noticeably improved the ride over bumps and potholes, too.

Urtopia has added an optional thumb throttle, too, which allows you to accelerate without pedaling up to 20 mph. This came in handy especially in traffic during testing as it allowed for speedy launches from stops.

At $1,899 rather than $1,599, the Urtopia Carbon Fold 2 is slightly more expensive than its predecessor. However, it's still cheaper than other premium folding bikes, and the redesign has improved it in several aspects.

The main drawbacks to the bike are that the newer version is a lot heavier than the older version, weighing in at 35 lbs rather than 29 lbs. Additionally, the magnetic folding retention, while functional, definitely could be stronger. During testing, the bike accidentally unfolded a few times while rolling around or lifting, which is both frustrating and inconvenient.

Finally, the Urtopia Carbon Fold 2 is unsuitable for larger riders as its supported weight limit is only up to 200 pounds.

Overall, though, the Urtopia Carbon Fold is a great choice if you're looking for a lightweight folding electric bike that can get you to wherever you need to go.

• Read our full Urtopia Carbon Fold 2 review

Best electric bike for front storage

The Yuba Supercargo CL can haul an astounding 500 pounds, making it one of the heftiest electric cargo bikes in its class. Yet, it offers a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to its low center of gravity. Its cargo area is very customizable, letting you convert it from a place to carry groceries to a space to tote your tots to soccer practice.

Magna hydraulic brakes and a Bosch mid-drive motor were very responsive, though the relatively small 20-inch tires and lack of suspension did make bumps feel a bit jarring. The Supercargo CL starts at around $6,000, but is incredibly customizable; you can select from a range of accessories to adapt the cargo area to suit your needs.

• Read our full Yuba Supercargo CL review

Best electric bike for range

With its dual batteries, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro is the best electric bike for those who have range anxiety, as it can give you up to 90 miles of range before you need to recharge. And, that's no boast — based on our testing, we found that 90-mile estimate to be pretty accurate, too.

But range isn't the only thing we liked about the BQi-C3 Pro: It has mechanical disc brakes, front and rear lights, and a rear rack so you can carry things wherever you plan to go.

A carbon belt drive is another nice-to-have feature, as it's quiet and easier to maintain than a traditional metal chain. Its step-through design also makes the bike easy to use for riders of all sizes; we tried it with both a 5' 11" rider and a 5' 3" rider, and both found it comfortable.

Our only real complaint with the BQi-C3 Pro is that at 70.5 pounds, it's one of the heaviest electric bikes we've tested that's not a cargo bike, so this is not a model to buy if you have to go up any stairs. Still, the bike's 500W motor was more than powerful enough to get its bulk moving with ease.

• Read our full NIU BQi-C3 Pro review

Best cargo electric bike

The Aventon Abound LR is perfect if you're after a do-everything electric cargo bike to haul you (and anything else you want to) around town.

The Aventon Abound LR isn't necessarily cheap at $1,999 (plus a $20 subscription fee after your first year for its security features), but if you consider the cost of gas these days and what you'll save by using it instead of a car, it's actually pretty good value for money.

At 88 pounds, the bike is pretty bulky, but even with the added weight of a seven-year-old on the back, I was still able to get up to speed quickly, even on hills. This is thanks to the combination of its 8-speed gearshift and throttle.

It's got some handy security measures, too, including a startup password and an anti-theft alarm. Plus, it has 4G and GPS built-in, so you can track where the bike is at all times, and can even geofence it so it can only be used within a certain area. The only downside is that these features cost $20 per year after your first year.

Another downside is that when you engage the electric motor it makes a whining noise that sounds similar to a manual transmission car in reverse. While I didn't necessarily find it distracting, it was definitely noticeable. Still, I wouldn't say it's a reason to not get this bike.

Additionally, while it's still a decent cargo bike, during testing I found myself wanting a few more storage options. If you have the chair installed, you can't add panniers or a rear basket, so the only way to add more cargo would be to add a front rack. With this being said, I appreciated the small, combination-locked storage compartment right behind the crankshaft — it's perfect for keys, a bike lock or bungee cords.

If you have a little one you need to carry around with you, and/or want to eliminate a few extra car trips, the Aventon Abound LR is a near-perfect solution.

• Read our full Aventon Abound LR review

Also tested

We're continually reviewing and testing e-bikes so that we can recommend the best electric bikes for a range of situations. However, these are some that don't quite make the cut that are still great options if you're after more choice.

What to look for when buying an electric bike

Pedal-assist or throttle?
All electric bikes have what's called pedal-assist; you start pedaling, and the bike's motor kicks in to make your ride a little easier. But you need to put in at least some work: you won't go anywhere unless you pedal. Most electric bikes will also let you set the level of assistance, so you can decide how hard you want to pedal.

However, some electric bikes will also have a throttle. Press a button or push a lever, and the bike will do all the work for you — no pedaling needed! Using a throttle will quickly eat up the battery life on the bike, so you'll get far less of a range if you don't want to pedal at all.

Motor type
Less expensive electric bikes traditionally use a rear hub motor. Mid-drive motors located in the center pedal crank shaft tend to be more expensive but offer better overall balance and smoother shifting.

Motors are also rated based on their power, measured in Watts. Typically, the least powerful motor will be 250 Watts, but unless you're a very large person or planning to go up really steep hills, the motor size shouldn’t be a major determining factor for your purchase. More important, there is no industry standard for measuring Watts (is it continuous or peak and if peak, for how long?). So in general, a motor’s Watt rating isn’t a reliable indication of power.

Battery size
Consider where you live. If you're in San Francisco you're going to want more help than if you're cruising around Austin. Watt hours (Wh) is the most important figure for comparison—it takes into account battery output and battery life to give you a better sense of available power. Higher Wh translates into more range.

Many electric bike makers will also include an estimated range (usually about 40 miles) that you can get off a single charge. You should take this figure with a large grain of salt, as that number is usually determined under ideal circumstances: A fairly lightweight person riding on flat terrain with no wind, and at the perfect ambient temperature for the battery. Range is also dependent on the level of power assist being used, whether full-throttle has been applied and for how long, and your average speed. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Removable or built-in battery?
Most bike batteries will handle rides of about 40 miles and need to be plugged in for at least a couple of hours to get to 80 percent of capacity. So if you have a more demanding commute, consider a model that lets you swap out the battery rather than a bike with an integrated battery.

Also, if you live in a place where you can't bring your bike inside or get close to a wall outlet (such as if you live in a walk-up apartment), definitely look for a bike with a removable battery. It will make your life a lot easier.

Step-over or Step-through?
Many electric bike makers will offer their bikes in two configurations: Step-over (which has a top bar that runs parallel to the ground) and Step-through (the bar is angled downwards). Once upon a time, step-through models were traditionally thought of as women's bikes, but that perception is changing. It's generally easier to get on and off a step-through bike, as you don't have to lift your leg over a bar.

Safety features
If you're planning to ride your electric bike in traffic or in low-light conditions (such as dawn and dusk), it's worth looking for an electric bike with built-in head and taillights. While increasingly common, it's not a standard feature on all models.

How we test electric bikes

To help you find the best electric bike for your needs, we put each model through its paces across long rides, commutes, and leisurely cycles. Most of the time, we ride the ebikes on roads, but will occasionally handle rougher terrain if the bike is designed to withstand these conditions. If a particular model is designed for a certain type of use such as city commuting we make sure to test it in a proper city environment, or if it's made for adventure, we'll take it to the trails.

But before taking them outside, many electric bikes need assembly, so we put them together, follow the instructions, and assess how practical and easy it is to do. Then, we take them for an initial ride, looking at the responsiveness of the motor, power delivery lag times, and the general comfort of the bike.

Then we try them out in a range of conditions (bright, rainy, windy, at night) to see how they handle different weathers, and if the built-in lights are powerful enough to let you see oncoming obstacles. And, alongside this, we test other safety features like bells and horns.

Many of these tests apply to regular bicycles, but one of the most important factors for any ebike is the range. We put the manufacturer's estimates to the test, to make sure that you don't get caught out with a flat battery half-way through your ride or while at the office, and the ease and speed or recharging.

Since most electric bikes come with an app to monitor the battery capacity and adjust several settings, including some locking or safety features, we also download the app and evaluate its ease of use, reliability, and the usefulness of its features.

FAQs

If you value ease of use, convenience, and guaranteed consistent results, you'll enjoy using a Keurig. These compact single-serve coffee makers can be used to brew everything from iced lattes to carafes of pour-over coffee, and all you need to do is add your K-Cup and press a button.

You may note that this brand isn't featured in our guide to the best coffee makers. If we're talking flavor alone, an espresso machine or a drip coffee maker would be a smarter choice than any single-serve coffee maker. Not to mention, Keurigs have a high ongoing cost and produce a lot of plastic waste.

However, over 40% of American households own a single-serve coffee maker, and when it comes to single-serve, Keurig reigns supreme in the U.S. market. Many members of the Tom's Guide team own Keurigs and would never switch. So if you're dead set on buying a neat, affordable and easy-to-use single-serve machine, this is the guide for you.

We tested a number of leading Keurig machines, and put the top five in our list of the best Keurig machines you can buy. Our number one Keurig machine is the streamlined, flavor-rich Keurig K-Supreme, but if you're on a budget or want a more compact option, we recommend the stylish Keurig K-Mini Mate.

For our full reviews, keep reading.

The best Keurig coffee makers you can buy today

The best Keurig coffee maker for most people

For most people, the K-Supreme is the best Keurig coffee maker you can buy. It features everything people look for in a pod coffee maker: a streamlined design with user-friendly controls, and it doesn't skip out on flavor, either. That's due to Keurig's new MultiStream Technology, which you won't find on older models such as the K-Classic.

Coffee quality

To be quite honest, if flavor is your top consideration, you can get a tastier brew from non-Keurig machines. But if you're committed to the Keurig and K-Cup ecosystem, you'll find that the K-Supreme delivers a richer, juicier brew thanks to its MultiStream Technology, which punctures the K-Cup with multiple needles to ensure grounds are evenly soaked and extracted, like you'd get from an espresso machine.

Other Keurigs we've tested run hotter, but the 160-162 degrees Fahrenheit mark was suitable for drinking straight after brewing, which we liked.

Time

The MultiStream tech takes a little longer than some other Keurig machines. It took 10 seconds for the machine to heat up, and from there it took around 55 seconds for an 8-ounce drink to brew. Iced coffee took a bit longer, with a 70-second brew time.

Noise

This is a quiet option. The Keurig K-Supreme hit just 65 decibels when brewing, and won't be irritating when brewing back-to-back coffees.

Read our full Keurig K-Supreme review

Most versatile Keurig coffee maker

If you enjoy the ability to make a batch brew for the family but still want the occasional espresso from your Keurig, the Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced is the machine for you. It features a Keurig dispenser on the right hand side and a conventional drip brewer on the left, with a handy joint control panel that allows you to simultaneously manage both.

Coffee quality

You can adjust both the strength and the heat of your Keurig coffee with the Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced. We found that it dispensed 165 degrees Fahrenheit coffee as standard. As the name suggests, it can even do iced drinks, although this is better described as drinks over ice because they only brew slightly less hot that typical coffee, as opposed to the K-Brew+Chill which brews actually cold coffee.

Flavor-wise, we had no complaints with our results when testing this machine. It was rich and full-bodied, and holds its own among other Keurig machines. The carafe setting came out a little colder than we'd have liked, but the hot plate keeps it warm for 2 hours after brewing.

Time

The Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced takes 10 seconds to warm up and start dispensing, and 60 seconds from start to finish to brew an 8oz whole drink. For contrast, the K-Cafe brewed a cup in 36 seconds, making it significantly speedier. The drip side took five minutes to brew a 6-cup carafe, which is pretty standard for drip coffee makers. You don't want to rush this, or you'll end up with a weaker brew.

Noise

When measuring the noise level in the Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced we registered a fairly standard level of 58-60dB when dispensing pod coffee. Predictably, the drip side was almost silent.

Read our full Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced review

Best budget Keurig coffee maker

Ousting the Keurig K-Mini as the brand's smallest coffee maker, the all-new Keurig Mini Mate is the ideal companion for your college dorm or cozy kitchen. It can hold and brew up between 6- to 12-ounces and features a 12-ounce removable water reservoir for easy refills. At under 10 inches tall and long and only 4 inches wide, coffee makers don't come much smaller!

Coffee quality

Like many barebones Keurigs that lack a ‘strong’ setting or multistream technology, the K-Mini Mate can’t produce a deep flavor profile, let alone things like cold brew or frothed milk drinks. The coffee produced by this machine is just okay, but that doesn’t match up to some of the higher-ranked models on our list. The K-Mini Mate brewed coffee at 178 degrees Fahrenheit—hotter than some other Keurig machines, but 10 degrees cooler than the coffee we made in the original K-Mini, which actually brewed hottest of any Keurig we've tested.

Time

Every drink we made in the K-Mini Mate took under two minutes, and the smallest size, a 4-ounce drink, took only one minute and 10 seconds to brew in total. This neat and efficient machine is ideal for those mad dash mornings, and it also automatically switches off five minutes after use.

Noise

The K-Mini Mate averages 59 decibels, and peaks at 75 decibels, when brewing. These results are par for the course for a Keurig, so don't worry that shrinking things down has made things noisier.

Read our full review of the Keurig K-Mini Mate

Best Keurig coffee maker for milky drinks

Though it’s quite pricey, this premium Keurig is a superhero for those mornings when you want a barista experience with little time to spare. If you're in search of a Keurig that can replicate that coffeehouse feel at home, or you just want a bolder flavor of K-Cup in the morning, the K-Cafe is your go-to machine. Its incredibly easy-to-use functionality makes it all the better.

Coffee quality

During testing, we found the “strong” brew function provided a deeper, richer flavor of K-Cup coffee, while its “shot” feature, which brews a concentrated, espresso-like 2-ounce pour of coffee, is a terrific recreation of tasty espresso. Its milk frother is an added bonus, with the ability to heat and froth dairy and milk alternatives for lattes and cappuccinos––both iced and hot––at the push of a button, and in less than two minutes.

Time

After brewing three cups of each serving size, we measured the average time it takes for the K-Cafe to brew a cup at 36 seconds, just behind the slightly faster K-Elite and K-Classic. Meanwhile, the frother is a longer process, averaging about one minute and 35 seconds per pitcher. It must be noted that the K-Cafe cannot brew and froth milk at the same time. The frother is also located on the right side of the machine, which could frustrate those who are left-handed during operation. However, this is the only model from Keurig with a built-in milk frother, which makes it arguably the versatile offering from the brand.

Noise

We measured a high of 75 decibels during the K-Cafe’s brew cycle – the second loudest across all Keurigs – but its warm-up process averaged around a much quieter 65 decibels.

Read our full Keurig K-Cafe review

Best for iced coffee

The K-Brew+Chill was designed (as the name would suggest) with iced coffee lovers in mind. Lots of coffee makers are now being released with cold brew settings, but we've yet to find another pod machine that can brew coffee that comes out cold. Not room temperature, cold. This means it won't melt your ice and water down your coffee. However, it has some quirks.

Coffee quality

Iced coffee aside, the K-Brew+Chill has some extra flavor-enhancing features such as its new MultiStream technology. This punctures the K-Cup in multiple places to evenly infuse and extract the coffee grounds, which will lead to a more flavorful brew. Hot coffee came out at 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than the ideal range of 195-200 degrees. Other picks, such as the K-Slim and K-Mini, came out in the 180 range, closer to the ideal temperature.

When it came to iced coffee, our first brew came out an impressively cold 54 degrees and the second consecutive brew came out at 68.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Because the machine's QuickChill technology will need to re-acclimatise between drinks, you won't be able to brew consistently cold coffee without allowing it to re-charge, which could be annoying if you plan on sharing the machine with your family.

Time

We found that the machine took about 15 seconds to heat up when first turned on, and then took a full 80 seconds to brew an 8-oz mug. So it's a lot slower than the likes of the K-Mini, but this could be attributed to a more meaningful infusion, which will give you a fuller flavor.

In terms of iced coffee, it takes longer to brew and then chill your drink, so it's to be expected that this is a more intensive process. The machine took 45 seconds to begin brewing and a total of 105 seconds to fully dispense the drink.

Noise

Perhaps the biggest issue you might encounter with this machine is that, if you plan on churning out iced drink after iced drink, you will need to leave it on to allow the QuickChill technology to stay cold. And this comes with a baseline noise level of around 45dB when we tested it. It's not noisy, but it is another constant whirring noise that you could grow to resent. When brewing, it was relatively quiet compared to the likes of the K-Cafe's 75dB. It only hit 55dB when brewing, and the following rinse cycle hit a top level of 65dB.

Read our full review of the Keurig K-Brew+Chill

Also tested

How we test

Testing coffee makers requires a balance of objective and subjective tests. And by subjective, we're of course referring to that all-important taste test.

For our objective metrics, we looked at comparable factors between the different Keurig machines we tried. This included:

• Time taken to heat up
• Time taken to brew
• Energy consumption over 30 minutes of use
• Size of the machine
• Noise level in dB during brewing
• Temperature of fresh-brewed coffee

For tasting, we brewed at least three cups of the same K-Cup variety, per machine, using a variety of brew settings, like “strong” and iced. We used a decaf roast from Publix so we could taste each cup without keeping our tester awake through the night. (That’s a lot of caffeine!)

We also measured the temperature of every serving size each Keurig machine produced, and recorded our ratings with regards to the depth and flavor of each K-Cup brewed.

The National Coffee Association considers the optimal brew temperature to be between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Each cup of coffee we produced with a Keurig measured lower than this, between 160 to 189 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, most Keurig machines have a preset temperature and cap of 192 degrees, which is lower than the optimal suggestion of the NCA.

Any machine with a water reservoir that seemed flimsy or tough to grasp and fill was graded lower than those that featured inserts for fingers or a handle. As most Keurigs have top rack dishwasher-safe pieces, nearly all the machines scored well in terms of cleanliness.

As the days stretch out and the cooler weather finally gives way summer, your backyard is likely calling your name. But let’s be honest: nothing kills the vibe of a carefully curated alfresco dinner party faster than a patio that plunges into total darkness the moment the sun dips below the horizon — or worse, a set of cheap solar stakes that flicker out before the dessert course.

In 2026, outdoor hosting has evolved beyond the basic barbecue, and investing in the best patio lights can turn your space into the ideal bridge from your home to the outside world, with both smart and affordable options that will work for every space. Best of all? We've tested each and every option in this guide.

If you're looking for string lights, Brightech's Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights are my favorite pick. If you have a small patio or want to opt for an outdoor bistro ambiance, they can be wall-mounted or strung around a tree or garden feature.

However, if you want to brighten pathways or stairs, I rated the T-Sun LED spotlights as the best path lights. These low-profile lights are elegant and understated.

To help you decide, here are the best solar lights to suit any backyard, lifestyle and budget right now.

Best solar lights overall

Want to make your patio look like an outdoor bistro or Italian cafe? Brightech’s solar-powered string lights will do the trick. This string of LED bulbs are designed to look like retro Edison-style lights, which will cast a warm, gentle glow on your deck in the evening. The bulbs are made of shatterproof plastic, and are designed to withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, as well as rain, snow, and temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're looking for sturdy solar string lights, these are up to the job, and

When we put them to the test, these lights delivered in every respect; enduring two severe rainstorms, one tropical storm, heavy rainfall in a shower and four hours in the freezer with no sign of damage.

They reliably switch on and give around six hours of light, which tends to be all you need for entertaining, especially in summer. They're much brighter and more reliable than the AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights reviewed below.

The 12 Brightech Ambience Pro lights are connected on a 27-foot cord, with 20 inches between each light. The big gaps between the lights made them easy to set up, and they're versatile enough to work in both trees and along fences and walls.

There’s no ambient light sensor, but the lights last for up to six hours on a full charge. The lights also come with a three year warranty.

• Read our full Brightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights review

Best budget solar lights

The beauty of the T-SUN LED solar spotlights is that they can be used at ground level or wall-mounted, giving you flexibility with how you use them. They can also be used with a security focus to illuminate dark areas, such as around an entry way to ward of uninvited guests, or to make areas safe, such as lighting up steps or pathways.

What’s more, these spotlights can be ground-mounted by attaching the accompanying spikes, and used to highlight specific spots within your garden. From illuminating a feature tree or shrub to adding lighting to a garden pond or decorative flower bed.

Be warned, these spotlights give off a bright white light. This is ideal when you need a security or safety feature, but it might not be what you’d choose for softer ambient lighting. However, they do have two settings on the lights, to adjust the intensity of the light. If you choose the lower setting, you’ll also discover that the lights stay on longer, as less solar energy is used to power them up.

Unlike some spotlights, which tend to be square or rectangular in shape, these neat lights from T-SUN have a cone-shaped head with a circular face — giving an altogether softer appearance, which is what makes them so fitting as a delicate spotlight to sit within a flower bed. But, although they are softer than some spotlights in appearance, they are still tough enough to bear the brunt of rain and frost.

• Read our full T-Sun LED Spotlights review

Best smart solar lights

The Ring Solar Pathlights are the best solar lights for anyone who has other Ring products, such as the Ring Video Doorbell. They're great for security - like a Ring doorbell, these lights send your notifications when they detect movement, so they're great for keeping an eye on your property.

We really liked their motion sensors, which we could set to turn on only when they detect a person’s presence, helping to preserve the Pathlights' battery life. Additionally, you can connect them with other Ring devices, so that if the Pathlights sense something, your Ring camera or video doorbell can start recording automatically.

On top of that, they have adjustable brightness settings and work with Alexa, so you can adjust them from your phone or by voice commands.

They're relatively easy to install — you just clip the parts together and stick them in the ground. The only finicky step is adding the Ring Bridge to a power outlet in your house and setting up the app.

However, these are true pathlights, so they won't work for ambient lighting, only for practical path lighting. At $35 a piece, the Solar Pathlights aren’t cheap, and you’ll also need the Ring Bridge ($50, sold separately) to connect them to your home Wi-Fi network.

• Read our full Ring Solar Pathlight review

Most weather-resistant solar lights

If you want solar step lights specifically for your deck or fence, then our winning step lights are worth a look. They’re available in packs of two, four, eight, and 16, and there’s six colorways to choose from.

Each light features three LED beads and needs 6-8 hours to fully charge, providing 8-10 hours of illumination. When we tested them, we found that they over-delivered, staying illuminated for nearly 12 hours at a time, even after a rainy, cloudy day.

They’re not the brightest, but they sufficiently lit our steps, plus they held up fine in heavy rain and high winds. They were a little sluggish after being subjected to freezing temperatures, though. We found them easy to install with a drill and at less than $40 to illuminate between 4 and 8 steps, they're a bargain compared to many of the other options.

The big issue, however, is that these don't have motion sensors. They're on all night, which can help to deter thieves but causes light pollution that could become a point of contention with the neighbours, or break the rules of your homeowners' association.

• Read our full JACKYLED Solar Step Lights review

Best solar flood lights

If your biggest concern is safety and security, you need these lights from Aootek. The motion sensor can detect people or objects up to 26 feet away in a 120-degree arc. During testing, we found it caught everything that crossed its path. This makes them great for practical lighting and security. They're a good choice for a garden door or shed, where you might need practical lighting to help you see in dark winters, or as security lights for a porch or alleyway.

These floodlights, which have an effective arc of 270 degrees, can be set to one of three modes: Security, where the motion sensor activates the light for 15 seconds; On, where the lights turn on at dusk; and Smart Brightness, where the lights turn on a low setting at dusk, and brighten when they detect movement.

We found that just one of these lights can easily illuminate an entire driveway. The 'On' mode lasts for 8 hours, which is one of the best on test, and the other modes last even longer. These lights are very durable too, easily withstanding rain and freezing temperatures.

• Read our full Aootek Solar Outdoor Flood Lights review

Best solar string lights

The AMIR string lights are particularly cute. Add these solar-powered string lights to your pergola, fence, or wall, and you’ve got the makings of a cozy outdoor evening set. They're incredibly easy to set up; just put the solar panel in a sunspot then wrap the wire around a tree or along a fence.

Amir’s solar-powered string lights are 72 feet long, with 200 LEDS spaced 3.5 inches apart. The lights are held together by thin copper wire, which virtually disappears, so all you see are the twinkling lights. The copper wire can also be bent to conform to various shapes, too.

AMIR’s string lights can be set to eight modes, including fireflies flashing, waves, fading, chasing/flashing, fading slowly, twinkle/ flashing and steady on. You can also set them to turn automatically at dusk, and off at sunup. These lights are available in warm white, cool white, and blue, and also comes in shorter 33-foot/100 LED lengths. On testing, we found they were both easy to install and durable, lasting well despite the rain and freezing temperatures.

However, these aren't as light-sensitive as other solar lights we tried. Our number one pick, the Brightech's Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights, turn on even hen it's overcast. These lights, however, are only really at their best after hours of full sun. They're a great choice if you live in Arizona or Texas, but they might not work for Oregon or Washington.

• Read our full AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights review

Also tested

We test many solar lights for our guide, but not all make the final cut. However, these all serve a purpose and are adequate to do a good job. So, if you're after more options, here are some solar lights that we also recommend.

How we test the best solar lights

We tested all of these solar lights over the course of a month at a coastal home in New England. To keep things consistent, we first unboxed them and left them outside to charge in various spots around the yard — in doing this, they would all receive the same amount of sunlight at the same angles. After a week, we placed each light in the freezer for four hours before dusk and then returned them to the yard to monitor which ones functioned as usual and how long they stayed illuminated.

Additionally, we put them to the test for water resistance, and installed each of the lights in appropriate positions to monitor how they stood up to various weather conditions. Over 14 days, each solar light was subjected to a tropical storm, hot and humid days, overcast days and rainy days. We monitored how well they stayed in place throughout.

How to choose the best solar lights

Wondering which solar lights should I buy? Before you pick your favorites, take a stroll around your property at night and consider which areas you want lighting up. Then, think about what solar light type would be most suitable. You might want to brighten up your driveway or the side doors, or perhaps the path itself.

Think about how many lights you are going to need and how bright they will have to be to achieve what you want. If you’re not 100 percent sure, then adjustable power solar lights might be best. Take into account how much sunlight that area gets too. If it’s limited, you will need a separate solar panel which can be better placed.

If you want to improve the aesthetics of your deck or patio, then string lights or Edison bulbs are worth considering. These don’t provide intense lighting, but it’s enough for the background and adds a soft glow. However, if you’re buying solar lights so you can better see the steps, you need ones which are bright and fit for purpose — solar step lights are available for this very reason.

Ease of installation and battery life are important aspects to take into account, especially if you want the lights to last through the night. If battery life is your priority, you might want to consider a solar light with motion sensors — these will provide light only when you need it and ultimately save on power.

Don’t forget about what the solar lights will look like during the daytime as well. You don’t want them to look too cluttered or obtrusive. Some come with stainless steel casing to give a more premium appeal, while others have glass lampshades. Some can also be concealed easily as well, but make sure they’re not a tripping hazard.

It should go without saying, but be prepared for your solar lights to struggle in the winter months or if you live in a particularly cloudy climate. The more sun they get, the longer they will last — ideal if you live somewhere like Phoenix, but not so much if you live in Seattle. The same goes for if you plan to place them in a particularly shaded location; they may not give you the performance you’re hoping for.

Don’t be seduced by the online images before you buy. These can make the bulbs look brighter and bigger than they actually are so look over the specs for accurate information. Be sure to check how many bulbs you actually get and the length of any cable, if you need it to cover a specific area.

Think about what tone of lighting you want in the garden as well. Most solar lights use LED bulbs which project a white light. Some may find this too harsh, especially if it’s lighting where you plan to entertain guests! If you want a warm or soft tone, invest in solar lights with tinted covers.

If you’re about to throw away your current lights, before doing so check they really are broken. If you don’t have much sunny weather, they may be struggling to charge. Bring them indoors and leave them under your regular lights. This will actually charge them! Some also come with a USB charger which you can use.

FAQs

The best TV antennas are a great way to keep costs down and still get a huge amount of sports, TV shows, movies and news straight to your home without a monthly subscription to a streaming service.

You don't need an internet connection to make them work; just find the right spot, connect the cable to your TV and you're ready to go. For most people, an indoor antenna like the Mohu Gateway Plus is going to be the most convenient choice.

It's our favorite multi-directional indoor antenna that picked up 41 channels with a 60-mile range from inside our home during testing. Or if you need to keep costs down more, the Channel Master FLATenna 35 is the best budget TV antenna right now.

Best TV antennas available right now

Best TV antenna overall

The Mohu Gateway Plus is an amplified indoor antenna that is such fantastic value, it's hard to recommend anything else. During our testing, it pulled in 41 channels, with 34 hitting the near-flawless image mark.

The multi-directional design means that it doesn't just pick up signal from a single direction, but can search a 60-mile radius, which is one of the reasons it can pick up so many high-quality channels.

But it's also helped by the included USB-powered amplifier which boosts the signal. Combine the Gateway Plus' slimline design, with it's amplifier and ease of set up and you get easily the best indoor TV antenna for an incredible price.

It loses a few marks because the coaxial cable isn't detachable. So if it gets damaged, you can't just plug in a new cable, you'll need to replace the unit. Sometimes, brands make decisions like this for good reasons, but it's hard to see why in this case.

• Read our full Mohu Gateway Plus review

Best budget TV antenna

Like the Mohu Gateway Plus, the Channel Master FLATenna 35 is a thin and flat indoor antenna. There are two differences, though: the FLATenna isn't amplified and it is almost half the price of the Gateway Plus.

It doesn't quite match the Mohu model, but it's surprisingly good considering the sub-$50 price tag, which is why I rate it as the best budget TV antenna. It's not the cheapest we've tested, but it offers the best performance-to-price ratio.

There's one colorway to choose from — one side is white and one is black — so you can choose the side that fits your room best to have on show. Some budget antennas have the cable built-in, but the FLATenna's 12-foot coaxial is detachable.

This is a pro-consumer move as it means you can change the cable if you need to (like if it gets damaged), but the included one is quite stiff, making it harder to move out of sight. But the great thing is you can just buy a different one if that's a problem.

All we had to do was choose a position, then plug the coaxial cable into our TV. It picked up 83 channels, which is a huge range for an indoor antenna, and most of them were entirely watchable, and many were near-flawless.

• Read our full Channel Master FLATenna 35 review

Best outdoor TV antenna

The Antennas Direct Goliath looks like an old-school TV antenna, the kind mounted to the top of houses around the country, which is exactly how you install this outdoor antenna. It's not amplified, but it is generally sold as a bundle with the company's Juice Plus pre-amp, which does the legwork.

It's big (87 inches long, 27.5 inches high, and 24 inches wide) without the mounting posts, and the nine-pound antenna wasn't too hard to move around during installation. Though, it's not multi-directional, so you need to be sure which way you're going to point it before you lock it into place.

The range is the best part of the antenna, reaching 70 miles, but it has quite a small 24-degree reception pattern, which means you're generally not going to get the largest selection of channels. Often, it's around 70, though our tester's previous roof-mounted antenna hit 100 in the same location.

With installation and channel selection out of the way, you can focus on the actual performance of the antenna. We found that it worked really well, achieving a crisp 480p image, and the antenna filters out interference from LTE and 5G towers.

• Read our full Antennas Direct Goliath TV antenna review

Test results

As you can see, our pick for the best TV antenna you can buy, the Mohu Gateway Plus, is a reasonably (especially compared to our pick for the best outdoor antenna, the Antennas Direct Goliath).

Despite its mid-range price, the Mohu features a decent range of 60 miles and pulls in 41 channels, making it great value for money. But your choice may largely be dictated by the environment you're in, and whether you need that additional range or outdoor connection.

Also tested

How we test the best TV antennas

The way we test TV antennas is pretty straightforward; we use them. Whether we have a staff reviewer or contributor take on the testing, the aim is always to use them just like you would do, so you know what you're buying before you spend your money.

For indoor antennas, we position then in relatively clear spaces, but don't create a dedicated area just for testing, as that's not how you'd have them in your home. For outdoor models, we install them on the roof and see how they perform.

We look at how easy the installation process is, and whether you need any extra tools or supplies, like cabling, to get the job done. Then, we plug the coaxial cable into our TV and let the antenna do it's work and see how many channels (and in what quality) it can discover.

The results will always vary compared to your home. The performance can be effected by the density of buildings, the environment around you and even the amount of hills or trees near you, as even the best TV antennas will struggle if there are obstacles.

We try to control for this; most of our testers are based on the outskirts of a city, where the buildings are slightly more spaced apart, but still pretty dense in the direction of the urban area, which is sometimes where the broadcasts originate.

How to choose the best TV antenna

If you're after the best TV antenna, it's likely you're either looking for local broadcast stations or want to cut costs and watch shows without a monthly subscription. Most antennas can help with that, but often, the more you pay, the better performance.

That's not always the case, though. Some models are expensive because they work inside or out, or have amplifiers built-in to boost the signal. Whether you need this largely depends on what the coverage is like near your home.

So the most essential part of buying a new TV antenna is to consider the environment you're in. If you live near a broadcast tower, a model with shorter range will do you. But if you're in the middle of a dense city, you'll need something with a longer range and probably an amplifier.

Outdoor antennas generally have the best range, as they're elevated above the buildings (mostly) and so there are fewer obstacles blocking the signal. Indoor antennas are more convenient and quick to install, but aren't ideal if there are a lot of buildings or hills nearby.

Of course, it's hard for you to know what stands between your home and the tower. Fortunately, AntennaWeb.org lets you plug in your ZIP code and find out which stations broadcast near you, how far they are, and the type of antenna you'd need to recieve them.

FAQs

Whether you're running a marathon or spending a few lifting some weights, your fitness sessions deserve the best workout headphones. Because what better way is there to keep you motivated than your own personal playlist to drown out the sounds of the gym?

We've spent hundreds of hard hours testing the best headphones and earbuds so that we can find the no. 1 option for you, whether that's something in-ear with ANC or something that lets you hear the outside world.

Our current pick for the best workout headphones are the best Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, thanks to their secure, comfortable fit and solid noise canceling. They're not the cheapest on the list though, and if you're after something a little less expensive, then you should consider the excellent CMF by Nothing Buds 2.

Whatever you're looking for, there's a pair of fitness headphones for you — here's what you should be looking for.

Best workout headphones overall

For almost five years, I recommended the Jabra Elite Active range to most people. But that was before Apple redesigned the Beats Powerbeats Pro in early 2025 into what are effectively AirPods for workouts, with active noise cancellation (ANC), an effective transparency mode, and proper support for iPhone and Android devices.

The winged design of the older Powerbeats Pro has been replaced with over-ear hooks, which are a lot more stable. I'd sometimes need to fiddle a bit to get them on, but once locked into place, they didn't budge. And because the hook keeps some of the weight out of your ear, they were comfortable to wear for hours at a time.

Though the downside of this design is that the case is pretty big, and much larger than you'd comfortably fit into a legging or pocket; fine for throwing in a gym bag, less ideal for carrying about, unlike the miniscule Beats Solo Buds case. But this one tops the battery up to 45 hours, while the Solo Buds case is just for storage.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 come with Apple's H2 chip, just like the AirPods Pro 3, so expect similar speedy performance, although I didn't find the noise cancellation or transparency mode were quite up to the flagship buds' standard. Though I did jump with delight at the use of physical buttons on each bud.

These headphones powered me through weights workouts, meditation sessions and long outdoor walks with no issues. I put them in and they did exactly what I wanted; good audio with no fuss. I don't run, but my coworker Nick Harris-Fry does, and found the Powerbeats Pro 2 a good companion for runs too.

The company leaned heavily into the buds' heart rate monitor at launch. It's neat, but you'll probably never use it. There's a small optical sensor built into the buds which is used to track your heart rate during workouts, but if this is something you care about, you likely have a smartwatch or Garmin watch that can do this better.

• Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review

Best budget workout headphones

If you’re looking for some top-notch earbuds for working out that won’t break the bank, then look no further than the CMF By Nothing Buds 2. With loads of gym-centric features at a price that’s less than a fifth of some of the more expensive options on the list, they’re a fantastic way to keep fit while listening to tunes. Or a podcast. Or like, white noise. Whatever floats your workout boat.

At this price point, you wouldn’t expect to find anything with noise canceling, let alone ANC that works this well. It did a great job of keeping a noisy office at bay, so the pounding techno in the gym will be no problem. Outdoor runners rejoice, they also blocked out traffic sounds when our tester, Ashley, took them out for a walk.

You don’t have to worry about your sweaty ears destroying them either, thanks to IP55 splash resistance. You won’t be able to wear them while swimming, but anything you might get up to around your block or at the gym is no problem at all. Music, come rain or shine.

You don’t even have to worry about them running out of juice mid-workout. The quoted battery life from CMF is 12 hours — we found that around 5 hours of use left us with 60% remaining. Add in the 55 hours in the case, and you’re home free for super lengthy sessions.

They’re a little cheap-looking and the environmental noise canceling in calls is… not great. But then you look at your bank balance, realise that choosing the cheaper earbuds has left you with spare change for a better gym subscription, and suddenly everything seems to make sense again.

They go in your ears, stay there, and play music while you get on with your workout. Better yet, they’ve done it for less than just about anything else around. What more could you want?

• Read our full CMF By Nothing Buds 2 review

Best workout headphones for running

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are the follow up to our former favorite running headphones, the OpenRun Pro. These bone conduction headphones sound great, despite the fact they use vibrations on your cheeks to transmit audio.

While out running with the OpenRun Pro 2 (or most Shokz headphones for that matter), we found that the fit was comfortable and secure, so you won't need to continually fiddle with them and can focus on your training.

The downside to the headband-style design is that you can't adjust the fit. However, there's a smaller edition (OpenRun Pro 2 Mini) that has a shorter band for improved fit. But we were impressed with the comfort during runs, bike rides, and yoga sessions.

You don't get a charging case, but we found that the battery would last around 12 hours between top-ups, which should see you through most workouts. That said, if you like to dial up the volume to max, expect closer to 10 hours of power.

I'm not a runner, but my multi-marathoner coworker Nick Harris-Fry summed up his feelings on the headphones, concluding: "They’re my preferred running headphones at the moment because of the excellent fit, open design and good sound. If you just want running headphones with an open design, it’s the OpenRun Pro 2."

They can survive sweaty workouts and light rain, but if you plan to train in the wet or want a more multi-functional set that'll cope with a dip in the pool, the OpenSwim Pro are a good alternative, and they have onboard MP3 storage.

• Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

Best workout headphones for iPhone

The AirPods Pro 3 are the newest Apple's flagship headphone range, and more stuffed with features than ever. There's live translation, voice isolation on calls and head gestures to control your phone. All of that's great, but it's the fitness features that really stand out.

Like the Powerbeats Pro 2, the AirPods Pro 3 now have built-in heart rate sensors. Unlike the Beats set at launch, you can actually use the sensors with a load of different apps, including (importantly) Apple Fitness.

The new integration with Apple Fitness adds Workout Buddy, an AI-powered 'coach which sends you motivational messages and performance stats, like an audio-only version of what you'd find on the Apple Watch 11.

I'm generally skeptical about features like this, but our resident marathon runner Nick Harris-Fry actually seemed impressed with the heart rate accuracy, which informs a lot of the performance metrics on Workout Buddy and Apple Fitness.

Then there's the fit. Despite being popular workout earbuds, I've always found that AirPods need quite a lot of fiddling to keep them in place. But that's not the case with the redesigned tip here, which Fitness Editor Jane McGuire said performed brilliantly on runs.

Despite being one of the first mainstream brands to launch water resistant phones, the AirPods Pro 2 were surprisingly vulnerable, with just an IPX4 rating, essentially for splashes. The Pro 3 upgrade to a much more hardy IP57 for dust and water resistance, so you can finally use them in the elements.

Like the AirPods Pro 2 before, the Pro 3 are still disappointing on the battery front; 8 hours per bud, up to 24 hours with the case (while you got 30 out of the case on the Pro 2). It's not terrible, but the sub-$50 JLab Go Air Pop also reach 8 hours.

The main reason I don't rate these higher in the list of best workout headphones is mostly due to the design — these aren't made for sports and they're not as secure fitting as you'd need for all high-intensity workouts. But for general use with your iPhone, including yoga, HIIT sessions, and casual runs, they're a great choice.

• Read the full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

Best workout headphones for Android

As Google continues to develop the Pixel-branded ecosystem of devices to rival Apple's iPhone and AirPods, it's no surprise that the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the best workout headphones for Android, even if they are targeted squarely at owners of the brand's range of Pixel phones.

The key upgrade from the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro is the addition of Google Gemini, the brand's generative AI model. As it's still fairly new, it doesn't replace the older virtual Google Assistant, although in theory it can. But in practice, we found that it doesn't always offer the most accurate answers.

Features like voice assistants and hands-free controls are useful, but not essential when you're working out. Instead, it's more important that they stay in place as you exercise. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have a new wing on each bud to help them lock into your ears.

This would be great, but it doesn't quite reach the inner-top part of your ear, so we still found a bit of adjustment was needed to keep them in position for optimal noise cancellation. Google also claims to have improved the ANC, but it's hard to really tell the difference here between the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the original.

However, it's still effective, blocking out most noises except for some higher frequency sounds like crying babies and emergency service sirens. The sound quality matches the Pixel Buds Pro, although you may want to tweak the EQ to your preferences, as the default setting is a bit heavy on the lower end.

One other thing they have in common with the AirPods Pro is that they're not necessarily the best workout headphones if you spend hours training every week, as the fit isn't quite optimized for high-impact exercise. But if you're after a versatile option to wear at the gym and at the office, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a great choice.

• Read our full Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review

Best Open workout headphones

Bone conduction headphones are cool, but they’re bulky. Your common or garden earbuds sound great, but they have a habit of making it difficult to hear your surroundings. Open earbuds, like the Beyerdynamic Amiron Zero, are a great middle ground that offer solid sound while allowing you to hear the rogue bus that’s bearing down on you as you do your morning run.

They’re surprisingly secure, their silicon “hinges” holding onto your outer ear with little discomfort and no wiggle. Ashley, our tester, had no problem wearing them for hours and hours on end, partly thanks to their lightweight design. Just remember that these are completely open, playing the sound at your ears rather than in. Everyone is going to hear your playlist. Everyone.

The battery life could be better. There are 20 hours total on tap here, which falls down compared to other in-ear options. You’ll be reaching for the charging cable more often than not, unfortunately, although you won’t need to pop them in the charging case as often with 6 hours of realistic listening time. Our tests pretty much confirmed this number.

Sound-wise, these are a great in-ear alternative. There’s a little less bass than we might like overall, but there’s little else we’d ask for. The mids sound good, and the treble is solid as well. Don’t expect game-changing audio, but for open buds these sound great.

Even better, you can change the EQ. That’s a big bonus for something like this, and it means you can change the sound to your heart's content so that they sound great no matter your sonic preference. Five bands of adjustment, baby.

They’re IP54 water- and dust-resistant too, so you don’t have to worry about your sweaty ears causing any problems down the line. These are a good pair of earbuds that open you up to safer, more aware exercise — we really like them.

• Read our full Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO review

Also tested

The workout headphones in the guide above aren't the only ones we've tested. We regularly try out workout earbuds so that we can recommend the top options that are worth spending your hard-earned cash on.

However, there are several other good options if you're after a bit more choice. These are the earbuds we've tested that didn't quite make the cut.

How we test the best workout headphones

Before investing your money in a set of workout headphones, you want to be sure that they do what they claim and are comfortable enough to wear during your training. That's why we put each set to the test before including it in the guide.

I've been testing headphones for almost ten years and know the most important areas to check out before recommending any pair. You really don't want them to fall out and get lost or need to continually adjust them in your ears.

So, we wear the headphones across a range of training styles, including high-impact runs (which can cause a lot of vibration and movement), intense fast-paced workouts and weightlifting sessions to see how they fare.

If they easily stay in place, they glide through this test, but it's not a write off if they do move — headphones that struggle with runs may still make great weights companions — so we move into other areas, like comfort and sound.

For longer sessions, including runs, yoga classes and extended gym sessions, we check that the headphones are actually comfortable in your ears and don't leave you with ear pain or pressure headaches, which can happen with some sets.

Likewise, you don't want them to run out of battery mid-session, so we check how the battery life stacks up to the manufacturer's specs. For earbuds, we see how long they last out of the case and confirm how long the case can boost that.

When it comes to sound quality, even the best workout headphones aren't going to be a match for the best audiophile headphones in terms of clarity and detail. But that doesn't mean you need to put up with poor or low quality audio.

We use a consistent playlist of music to help compare the headphones to other sets we've tested, which includes a variety of motivational dance music, dynamic rock songs, and everything in between, including the best new workout music.

How to choose the best workout headphones

There a lot of Bluetooth workout headphones out there, so it can be challenge to decide between them all. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind that'll help narrow your options down to the right ones for your needs.

Firstly, it's vital that they stay in place during your exercise sessions. Some have ear hooks to physically hold them down, but others rely on clever engineering, a range of ear tips, or a specific set of materials to stop them falling out.

You also want them to survive some degree of moisture. If you plan to get sweaty, then you'll need a set rated to at least IPX4 for water resistance. But for outdoor workouts with a chance of rain, it's best to aim for an IPX7 rating.

Importantly, they also need to last the length of your workout. If you're doing short, high-intensity sessions, then you may only need an hour of battery. But, with the right case, you may only need to recharge them every couple of weeks.

If long runs are more your thing or you're training for a marathon, you'll need a long-lasting set, like the Shokz OpenRun Pro, which are specifically designed with long distance outdoor runners in mind and last up to 10 hours.

And, finally, how loud do you like your workouts? If you don't mind some background noise at the gym, then a set of passive noise-canceling headphones should do the job, but most of the best workout earbuds have active noise cancellation (ANC) instead.

Earbuds with ANC cancel out the sound before it even hits your ears, so they're ideal if you want to zone out to your favorite tracks and focus on your exercise. But you may also want to hear traffic when you're out and about, so choose a set with a transparency mode too, which cancels most, but not all, noise.

FAQs

Smartwatches and fitness trackers have come a long way in terms of offering features for female users since they were first introduced. This can include adding cycle tracking, or even offering smaller device sizes to better fit those with smaller wrists.

Right now, the best smartwatch for women is the Apple Watch Series 11. The latest model of the Apple Watch boasts improved battery life over its predecessor and is available in two different sizes, making it one of Apple's most comfortable wearables. It only works with iPhone, though, so if you're an Android user, you're better off going for something else.

If you're looking to track fitness, the best watch for women is the Garmin Venu 4. It has pretty much all of the features found on the high-end best Garmin watches, but in a stylish and svelte package.

We've tested dozens of smartwatches and fitness trackers in order to determine the bets smartwatches for women. Here, we'll take you through them, from the best for health tracking to the best if you're on a budget.

The best smartwatches for women right now

Best smartwatch for women overall

The Apple Watch 11 is the best Apple Watch yet. It’s not a major upgrade over the Apple Watch 10 in terms of features, but it does finally crack the 18-hour battery life mark.

While the Apple Watch 11 looks the same as the Apple Watch 10 on the surface, the little watch is twice as tough. Apple has made the protective glass of the screen much tougher, meaning the Apple Watch 11 can withstand more knocks.

The Apple Watch 11 ships with watchOS 26, which means it features Apple's latest Workout Buddy, an AI workout coach, a sleep score, and the first-of-its-kind high blood pressure alert feature (hypertension).

On board, there are more workout modes than you can imagine, as well as the ability to track your sleep, vitals, and cycle from your wrist. The Series 11 also gets a bump from LTE to 5G, giving it better cellular range than ever before.

That's why it's the best smartwatch for women (and for most people) if you have an iPhone.

• Read our full Apple Watch 11 review

Best smartwatch for women for Android

The Galaxy Watch 8 is Samsung's newest smartwatch model, and it offers a handful of new features and wellness tools not currently found on the Galaxy Watch 7, the most notable being Google's Gemini AI voice assistant built in.

While the older model is slated to eventually get this feature via firmware (the Pixel Watch 3, too), at present, Samsung's latest and the Pixel Watch 4 are the only smartwatches that ships with Gemini preloaded.

Gemini is by far the most useful on-wrist AI assistant I've tested, capable of handling a range of tasks and reliable when it comes to providing useful responses to inquiries like, "Can my 20-pound chihuahua mix eat blueberries, and if so, how many?”

There are also a handful of new holistic and fitness features on the Galaxy Watch 8 of varying usefulness. Cardiovascular Load and Samsung's new personalized running coach both impressed me during testing. The former lets you know how your lifestyle may be impacting your overall heart health, and the latter builds a full-blown multi-week training plan based on a simple 12-minute run test and your running goals.

The Galaxy Watch 8 strikes the balance of sleek and sporty, while two display sizes and a large collection of interchangeable bands offer ample customization. But the reason it really stands out as one of the best smartwatches for women is its integration with the fertility-tracking app, Natural Cycles.

Famously, the Oura Ring works with Natural Cycles, but the data syncs from one app to the other and you need a subscription to both to make it work. Samsung's implementation is different.

Natural Cycles' algorithm powers the menstrual tracking and fertility data in the Samsung Health app. So, you buy the watch and get access to some of Natural Cycles' key features without taking an additional subscription.

• Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 review

Best smartwatch for women for fitness

The Garmin Venu 4 has received some huge upgrades, making it well worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade your smartwatch. It comes with a price hike compared to its predecessor, the Garmin Venu 3, but it has a redesigned case, more accurate GPS, and more advanced health and fitness tracking features on board.

he Venu 4 has some of Garmin’s most premium health and training features, as well as a bunch of new ones built in, including the new sleep consistency and sleep alignment features, lifestyle logging, and health status.

From a safety perspective, the Venu 4 has a flashlight, which can change color as you're running at night, adding visibility to your workouts. It can be turned on by holding the back button down for a couple of seconds, and you can change the brightness by swiping up and down on the watch.

During testing, I was blown away by the design of this watch. It looks beautiful. The all-metal casing, rather than just the metal bezel on the Venu 3, gives the newer watch a more premium feel on the wrist. The watch has a bright, AMOLED touchscreen, as well as two physical buttons to allow you to navigate around the watch while wearing gloves or with sweaty hands.

• Read our full Garmin Venu 4 review

Best smartwatch for women for health tracking

The Fitbit Sense 2 is the company's premium smartwatch that comes with more advanced health and wellness features than the Versa line. Not only does it have an FDA-cleared ECG sensor and blood oxygen reading, but the Sense has the ability to measure electrodermal activity and skin temperature, too.

An update to the stress-detecting EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor plays a large role in the device’s success: now called cEDA ('c' for continuous,) the sensor monitors stress levels or heightened responses throughout the day, prompting the user to take action on mood monitoring with Body Response notifications.

During testing, we were impressed by the Sense 2's long battery life and attractive design, as well as the huge number of health tracking options. The Sense 2 works with both iOS and Android, and comes with onboard GPS, Alexa, and more.

• Read our full Fitbit Sense 2 review

Best budget smartwatch for women

The Amazfit Active 3 Premium is excellent for those looking for a great fitness tracker on a budget. It $230 cheaper than the Apple Watch 11 with 20 times better battery life and effectively identical functionality.

It has a plethora of premium fitness features, too, including blood oxygen readouts, skin temperature monitoring, a lactate threshold test, vertical oscillation, and so, so many more. It can also track your sleep and 'BioCharge', which is essentially like a readiness score you’d get on from Fitbit or Oura.

It's aimed at beginners, making the Amazfit Active 3 Premium incredibly user-friendly and jargon-free. Every feature is explained thoroughly in the Zepp companion app. It's also been designed with women in mind, making it smaller than some other smartwatches or fitness trackers.

With this being said, it doesn't offer a huge amount of "feminine" style options, and only comes in black, navy, and white. It's not quite as aesthetically pleasing as Garmin or Apple watches, and doesn't look necessarily feminine on the wrist. This could be solved with just a few more colourways, however.

On the watch itself, you can: start a workout, see workout history, BioCharge, stress level, blood oxygen, activity, Zepp coach, and heart rate. Other useful, non-fitness features built into the watch include: maps (you can download offline maps, too), sleep, PAI, HRV, and meditation.

If you're looking for your first fitness tracker but don't want to shell out for one, I would definitely recommend the Amazfit Active 3 Premium. It had health insights on par with those you'd get from an Apple Watch, and does everything you could possibly want and more.

Although I wish it came in a few more colors, I'm happy to trade aesthetics for saving money and having better features.

• Read our full Amazfit Active 3 Premium review

Best screenless smartwatch for women

The Fitbit Air is the latest offering from Fitbit, and it joins the likes of the Whoop band, the Helio strap, and the Polar Loop in a number of new, screenless fitness trackers, which are great if you want to just focus on your fitness goals with no other distractions. While it is less of a smartwatch and more of a fitness tracker, I felt it deserved a place on this list regardless, for being a distraction-free way to track your health and fitness.

At just $99, it offers excellent value for money, and while there is a subscription model for personalized AI-backed health and fitness insights and deeper dives into your holistic trends from Google Health Premium, it isn't necessary, as you can still access the Fitbit Air's core features without it via the Google Health app. Still, if you do want to access it, it's fairly inexpensive compared to other fitness subscriptions at $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

In terms of tracking, the Fitbit Air offers sleep tracking insights on par with the best fitness trackers and best smartwatches, and even has an app for tracking holistic trends, including resting heart rate, average calorie burn, step count, heart rate variability, menstrual cycles, and daily readiness. Its fitness tracking is reliable, too — we tried it out in a comparison test with the Garmin Forerunner 70, and found that Fitbit Air tracks your heart rate with similar reliability to the Garmin smartwatch.

On top of this, it's comfortable to wear, too. Overall, we found it to be smaller and lighter than alternatives from Whoop, Amazfit, and Polar, which is excellent news if you find these models to be a bit too clunky on the wrist.

It's not perfect, however — as with most other screenless wearables, there's no onboard GPS or altimeter, which means you can't track your location or elevation data without carrying a smartphone. Additionally, during testing, we discovered that its automatic workout tracking only kicks in after 15 minutes.

Plus, if you do want to input a workout manually on the Fitbit app to make sure it actually logs it, you'll likely find the amount of activities lacking as compared to that of the Apple Watch Series 11, for example.

Still, if you're looking for an attractive, screenless fitness tracker that won't break the bank, the Fitness Air is an excellent option.

• Read our full Fitbit Air review

Best smart ring

Ok, I know this isn't a smartwatch, but I'd be remiss to speak about female health tracking tech without mentioning the Oura Ring. The latest model (the Oura Ring 5) has been released, and we were definitely impressed by its performance in testing.

Oura is consistently one of the best when it comes to tracking your cycle — my Oura Ring 4 worked out that I was pregnant before I did. Plus, it's cleverly disguised as a piece of jewellery, meaning you don't have to worry about a clunky smartwatch ruining the vibes of your outfit.

Still, you may have thought the Oura Ring 4 was a little too bulky to be discreet. Oura has taken these critiques on board, and the Oura Ring 5 is 40% smaller than the Ring 4. It's just 2.28mm thick and weighs as little as 2 grams, depending on ring size.

However, the Oura Ring 5 has slightly fewer sizing options than the Ring 4 — sizes 6-13 versus Ring 4's 4-15. So, if you have smaller hands, you may find the Ring 5 simply doesn't fit.

From a tracking perspective, Oura helps you keep an eye on your recovery and sleep, but also the impact of the day's stress on your body. Its companion smartphone app makes it easy to see daily insights, long-term trends, and an overall picture of your health, as well as more in-depth, impressive analysis if you want to get under the hood with your health, as it were.

There is one major downside, however, and that's that on top of the $399 price tag ($50 more than the Oura Ring 4), the Oura Ring 5 also requires a monthly subscription of $5.99 to use the ring. This may be a step too far for some, especially considering how pricey the hardware is.

However, if you want a discreet fitness tracker that offers you a better understanding of your overall health, it's a great option.

Read our full Oura Ring 5 review

How we test the best smartwatches for women

Whenever an attractive smartwatch for women is released, we fully charge it up, then strap it on our wrist for about a week or so to test out all the features.

We gauge how it feels on our wrist throughout our day-to-day, as well as how easy (or not) the interface is to navigate when we need to read notifications, set timers or change other settings.

Next, we look at its fitness features, such as heart rate readings, blood oxygen readings, step counts and, when applicable, GPS. How accurate are all these readings? Does the smartwatch offer female-specific features for menstrual cycle or pregnancy tracking?

Finally we consider battery life claims and compare it to our actual use. Some features like continuous GPS use, playing music or enabling an always-on display chew up juice faster than others. We understand that not all smartwatches last two weeks — we just want our experience to match up with the expectations set by the company.

How to choose the best smartwatch for women

Among the best smartwatches for women, you have a bounty of options to match your needs and style. That said, if you have an iPhone, you’ll probably appreciate the ecosystem experience of the Apple Watch 11.

The same goes for those with Samsung smartphones, your best choice is a Samsung-made Galaxy Watch, but if fitness tracking or working out is your priority, a Fitbit or Garmin wearable might be better for reaching your goals. Plus, both those companies offer diverse design options.

When picking any smartwatch, you’ll also want to get one that fits your wrist comfortably. Those with smaller wrists may find larger smartwatches bulky and cumbersome. All of the smartwatches above have 40mm or smaller size options, though the 38mm Garmin Lily is by far the most compact. The Amazfit Active 3 Premium is also a great choice, with a 1.3-inch screen.

Some of the best smartwatches for women look like high-tech fitness trackers, while others look like traditional timepieces, too. If you want something sporty, stick to sleek materials with fewer embellishments. If you want something you can wear on nicer occasions, look for bezels or other eye-catching accents.

Uncomplicated, straightforward and easy. That's what the best all-in-one printers should be, and exactly why this guide will point you towards the go-to machine for all your printing, copying and scanning needs (along with faxing, if needed).

Whether you need to scan important documents, print letters to loved ones or shipping labels for packages to send off, or quickly make copies of files, the all-in-one printers we've tested and reviewed over the years strive to make your life easier. There are many, though, but I'm here to tell you that, really, there are only a few you need to look at.

If there's one no-fuss printer to put on your radar straight away, it's the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II. It does it all: blazing-fast print speeds, easy copy and scanning, and yes, even faxing. For more fun, portable prints, though, I highly recommend the Inkwon Tag for stickers or even for creating custom T-shirts. Need more options? We've got them, and if you're after more details, our expert testing comes with all the info you need to make the right choice. So, let's find the best all-in-one printer for you.

If you just need a simple way to print documents, photos and everything in between without any scanning, copying or faxing, our guide on the best printers will give you all the options you need.

The best all-in-one printers you can buy today

The best all-in-one printer overall

When it comes down to it, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II is quite simply the only printer you'll ever need. Yes, it can print, scan, copy and fax, but it does it all with a hassle-free setup experience and rapid speeds across the board. When a printer actually gives easy step-by-step instructions on how to fix a paper jam, you know it's a good one.

In our tests, it delivered a five-page text print job in just 11.31 seconds (26.5 pages per minute) and scanned in color in 6.22 seconds, and that's faster than its inkjet competitors. And this 250-capacity printer (plus an extra 150 prints in the middle section) with quick start-up, too, as our reviewer, Nikita, found it effortless to get up and running, with warm-up times as quick as 14 seconds from off. It isn't just speed, as print quality is consistently sharp and detailed, both in color and black and white, and everyday jobs came out looking just as sharp as they did on our screens.

Where the MF753Cdw II pulls ahead of inkjet competitors like the more budget-friendly Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 is in raw speed and features. You get much faster printing and a true all-in-one experience (there's no faxing on it), but running costs are higher if you print in volume. Against the business-class Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850, the MF753Cdw II still keeps up on print speed and quality but can’t match those rock-bottom ink costs.

That’s the main compromise here: the per-page price is higher than what you’ll find with most ink tank printers (around 51 cents per color page and 27 cents per mono print). But not by that much, and that shouldn't put you off grabbing this workhorse. If you want a dependable, fuss-free machine for everyday tasks — letters, homework, invoices, you name it — the MF753Cdw II is the best fit for most households.

• Read our full Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II review

The best value all-in-one printer

Unless you need faxing in your life, this is the all-in-one printer to grab if you're after a reliable machine for excellent prints. The Brother INKvestment MFC-T780DW stands out largely thanks to its exceptionally low ink costs: just 0.3 cent per black page and 0.94 cent per color page based on our lab testing. That's value you can't ignore.

In daily use, the T780DW keeps pace with demanding routines. It prints standard text documents at 12.4 pages per minute (ppm) and handles double-sided text at 6.7 ppm. These speeds put it among the fastest inkjets we've tested for both single and duplex jobs, making it reliable for everything from schoolwork to business invoices.

Print and scan quality are equally reassuring. In our hands-on tests, text and graphics came out crisp and accurate, while color scans preserved detail and clarity.

The main compromise is its 20-sheet automatic document feeder. While fine for light multi-page copying and scanning, if you've got a large batch of documents, it will take some time to do. That, and there's no USB thumb drive port, and don't expect to make double-sided copies or scans via the automatic document feeder (ADF).

In any case, for those who want low running costs and easy printing, the Brother MFC-T780DW will fit in nicely with your home or office.

• Read our full Brother INKvestment MFC-T780DW review

The best all-in-one printer for photos

Whether you're a photographer or just need highly detailed, colorful prints, the Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 is the all-in-one printer for you. Sure, it may come with fewer additional features, but it excels where it matters: print quality and affordability.

It's a modest printer; it has just one paper tray and no document feeder, and it's not the speediest option. But for home use, it's an excellent choice. Expect this to deliver reliable, high-quality prints with the versatility to do documents, photos and double-sided print jobs. Speaking of, those graphics prints and glossy photos will come out with plenty of details and natural, accurate colors.

While the Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 prints at pretty average speeds, it actually excels at double-sided documents. In our testing, it printed single-sided pages at an average of 9.2 pages per minute, but double-sided text documents that cranked up to 7.2 pages per minute, the fastest duplex print speed we've recorded of any recent ink tank printers.

And thanks to its easy setup process, robust wireless support (this thing can print via Wi-Fi or a smartphone app) and low ink costs (we estimate color prints cost roughly 0.9 cents per page, significantly lower than the 1.9 cent per page category average), I recommend the Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 for anyone seeking an affordable, reliable ink all-in-one printer, especially for photo printing.

• Read our full Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 review

The best all-in-one printer for business

I recommend the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 as the best all-in-one for business because it combines impressively low ink costs with a device capable of handling more than 3,000 pages per month.

And the EcoTank design uses refillable ink tanks and comes with enough spare ink bottles to print thousands of pages. The printer can scan, copy and fax, uses dual 250-page paper cassettes and has a 50-sheet automatic document feeder.

In our timed printer tests, the Epson ET-5850 delivered some of the fastest printing we've seen, and produced crisp, clear text that nearly rivals laser printer quality. That same quick, high-quality performance was also seen in copying and scanning, making it the printer of choice for offices that need a full-featured multifunction printer.

But I think the real draw is the ink savings, extremely low per-page costs of 0.4 cents for text pages, and 1.6 cents per color page. The upfront price may be high, but the combination of quality, features and super-low operating expenses makes this one of the best investments you can make for your office.

• Read our full Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 review

The best portable all-in-one printer

• Inkwon Tag is available for $299 (via Kickstarter)

Alright, this one's a little different from any other all-in-one printer, as the Inkwon Tag is a one-of-a-kind portable color inkjet printer. Instead of printing, scanning or copying documents or photos, this pocketable printer delivers all the fun stuff — instant photo prints for scrapbooks, heat transfers for creating custom t-shirts, temporary tattoos and even stickers.

This 4-in-1 portable printer is as tiny as it is light, coming in at 4.1 x 3.8 x 1.7 inches and weighing just 8.2 ounces. Our reviewer, Nikita, has no problems carrying this around in a pocket, as it's actually smaller than the best big phones around today.

Despite its size, you'll find it boasts surprisingly good print quality, no matter the image. It uses a CMY three-dye-based ink system (no dedicated black ink, though) with a resolution of 600 dpi, making it excellent for small prints of friends and loved ones, designs of your choosing or even screenshots from games. And it's all extremely easy to use, right from setting it up to the very user-friendly app for editing and printing photos.

It isn't perfect, as it can only handle one sheet of paper at a time, and don't expect it to create any borderless prints. It's also quite a pricey portable printer, coming in at $299, but its ink costs and paper refills are much more value-friendly when compared to its competition, especially from Canon or Instax (plus, they don't offer 4-in-1 portable printer options with sticker or heat transfer capabilities).

To have a mini, portable printer by your side to instantly create stickers to personalize whatever you want, temporary tattoos for parties, heat transfers for customized T-shirts and Polaroid-like photos, all at low running ink costs? As far as portable all-in-one printers go, the Inkwon Tag is a winner.

• Read our full Inkwon Tag review

Also tested

How to choose the best all-in-one printer for you

Not sure which all-in-one printer to buy? No worries, I'm here to help.

Obviously, you want a printer that performs well, so all of our reviews and rankings discuss a printer's output quality and speed, but there's more to an all-in-one printer than just how quickly it can crank out documents.

• Price: All-in-one printers sell for as little as $60 (£45/AU$90) for inkjet models and $150 (£170/AU$200) for laser printers, with high-end models costing hundreds of dollars but offering better print quality, durability, and features. And don’t forget ink and toner, which can range from 1 to 5 cents per page for basic documents (photos will cost more).
• Inkjet or Laser: Next, it helps to determine whether you need an inkjet or a laser printer. Inkjet printers are generally better suited to producing the full range of colors, making them better suited to printing graphics and photos. Laser printers can quickly produce professional-looking text documents, often at a lower cost per page.
• Home or Office: Home and office printers differ greatly in their handling of large print volumes. Some printers are built to offer great quality and value for the home user who prints a few pages a week, while others are built for busy offices where multiple users print dozens or hundreds of pages every day. Find the one that’s right for you to avoid paying for features you don’t need.
• Use case: Additional use cases, like photo printing, are addressed in our selections above, while specific features are discussed in every printer review we do. Portable printing is another niche area where the right printer can make a world of difference.
• Operating expenses: Finally, consider the cost per page. Whether it’s using ink cartridges or toner, printers cost money over time. Check our reviews for a breakdown of the costs to print individual pages as a good measure of how expensive operating costs will be over the life of the printer.

Some companies even offer subscription services that save you money while sending you ink just in time to replace that empty cartridge. Learn more in our article HP Instant Ink vs. Canon vs. Epson: Are ink subscriptions worth it?

How we test the best all-in-one printers

To help you find best all-in-one printer, we put each model through an extensive range of printer tests, including timed prints of text, mixed text and graphics and color photos. The resulting prints are carefully examined for errors and issues, and compared with samples from other printers to determine the print quality.

We time every test print to see how quickly the machine handles document printing, and closely examine the finished product to determine how well different printing tasks are handled.

We also test the scanning and copying functions of the printer, timing how quickly it captures a page and comparing the results to the original images to determine how well it captures color and detail.

To measure the cost of owning and operating a printer, we look at the current street price of ink refills and the estimated number of pages that each cartridge can produce, and calculate the cost for printing a single page.

Finding the best Windows laptop in 2026 is no simple task: What size is best? Should I get a touchscreen? Intel or Snapdragon CPUs? Nvidia or AMD GPUs? Dual screen? There's a lot of deciding to do, but it's this wide variety that also makes picking a machine all the more exciting.

To help you along with your buying journey, my team of computing experts and I have tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops to pinpoint the machines worth your money. And, if you've made peace with the state of Windows 11 right now (it's getting better), it's important to give yourself an upgrade, seeing as Windows 10 officially ended last year. With no crucial security updates, it's time to move on to Microsoft's latest operating system.

For the best Windows has to offer right now, we here at Tom's Guide highly recommend the Dell XPS 14 (2026). Our own in-house lab testing proves it, but there are many other choices we've picked to cater to different needs — whether that be for work, creativity or purely gaming. For our top recommendations worth your money, follow this guide to find the right Windows laptop for you.

The best Windows laptops you can buy right now

Best Windows laptop overall

I have an easy time recommending the Dell XPS 14 as the best Windows laptop for most folks because it sports a new design that ditches many of the controversial parts of prior models. It also packs a serious punch thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake chip.

It's no coincidence that this XPS takes design cues from MacBooks, with the chassis featuring softer, rounded corners and the machine clocking in at a light 3 pounds. We also get the return of physical function keys and a haptic touchpad with clearly identifiable boundaries.

Then there's the gorgeous 2880 x 1800 InfinityEdge tandem OLED touch panel. Thanks to it, you get incredible contrasts, vivid colors, and vibrant HDR that makes other panels look dull in comparison.

Performance is just as impressive thanks to Intel’s Panther Lake architecture. Built on the 18A node, this chip delivers strong performance for everyday work and even gaming. The latter is especially noteworthy for a laptop featuring an integrated graphics card. You get the best of both worlds here.

For all these reasons and more, this is the Windows laptop we recommend most often to those in the market for a new notebook for work, school or play. Now, if you're after an even bigger display to get more out of Dell's marvelous OLED, the Dell XPS 16 (2026) is well worth your time.

• Read our full Dell XPS 14 (2026) review

Best value Windows laptop

It's outstanding what Lenovo has done for well under $1,000, and these days, finding value in a Windows laptop is incredibly important. At $749 (and down to as little as $499 during sales seasons), the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x is our top choice when it comes to making the most of what Windows has to offer.

Yes, there are sacrifices made here, including a 15.3-inch 60Hz IPS touch display with low brightness and weak speakers, but for the price, the pros far outweigh the cons. Namely, its long battery life of over 16 hours. That's up there with some of the longest-lasting laptops! So for work or school, this will easily last you throughout the day.

That's thanks to the star of the show: the Snapdragon X chip. Made for budget-friendly laptops, this CPU offers up decent performance for multitasking and even light photo and video editing. It's by no means good for gaming, but if that's not what you're here for, then you'll be pleased with everything else.

What's more, even at this price range, its thin, lightweight design comes with an excellent, snappy keyboard for plenty of comfortable typing. And for those who require quick access to numbers, you'll be happy to know this comes with a number pad.

We have a lot of love for the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x, so if an affordable, reliable machine is what you're after, this will have you covered.

• Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x review

Best premium Windows laptop

The Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra stands out for its dazzling 16-inch AMOLED display, top-tier Intel Panther Laker processor and optional RTX 50-series GPU, which easily puts it in the upper echelon of premium Windows laptops. That said, it also has the price to match.

In typical Samsung fashion, the gorgeous anti-reflective (2880 x 1800) OLED touchscreen delivers deep blacks, intense colors and makes every on-screen detail pop. Even better, it's made for gaming, too, with a variable refresh rate scaling between 30Hz and 120Hz.

Sporting an Intel Core Ultra 7 356H CPU (up to a mighty Intel Core Ultra X7 358H), you can expect desktop-class speed on even the most demanding creative or professional workloads, something that even puts the MacBook Pro on notice. Even when we stress-tested RAM performance by loading up 45 Chrome tabs and running heavy photo edits, the system never stuttered. It's an ideal pick for multitaskers and power users who can't afford slowdowns, and that 15 hours of battery life is the cherry on top.

Beyond sheer performance, the Galaxy Book 6 Ultra's chassis impresses with its minimalist, slim profile and premium materials that feel satisfying to type away on, even if it's a tad on the heavier side at over 4 pounds (but still lightweight for a 16-inch laptop). The speakers surprised us: audio is full and punchy, with crisp highs and enough bass to make music and calls genuinely enjoyable. That's a rarity in Windows ultrabooks, and a highlight if you care about sound quality.

The biggest trade-off here is the preinstalled Samsung bloatware. While it doesn't cripple performance, the extra apps and utilities clutter the otherwise clean Windows experience, and you'll likely spend time uninstalling or disabling what you don't need. But that's just one blemish on an otherwise polished premium package.

This is one pricey machine, but if you're after one of the finest Windows laptops that will last you for years to come, the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra is well worth the investment.

• Read our full Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra

Best Windows gaming laptop

This one is still hard to top. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) doesn't need another yearly update, even if we were expecting it, as it already boasts some of the strongest specs you'll find in a gaming laptop of this size and price.

To get its problem out of the way, battery life isn't this laptop's strong point, with under two hours when gaming, and around six hours for general use. But really, that can be said for all Windows gaming laptops. Other than that? It's a triumph.

From its beautiful 14-inch (2880 x 1800) OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and speedy 0.2ms response time to its mighty Nvidia RTX 50-series performance (all the way up to an RTX 5080), this laptop will conquer the visuals, speeds and demands of the most demanding PC games on the market. That's also backed by its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB for previous storage.

From Cyberpunk 2077 to Black Myth: Wukong at their highest settings, you can expect to reach 50 frames per second (FPS). Oh, but that's with Nvidia's DLSS turned off. Really, expect frame rates to reach 150 FPS and higher, depending on the games you play and the settings you tweak.

It's also a beauty to look at, with its CNC-milled aluminum chassis, glass-topped trackpad and chiclet keyboard. Its design isn't screaming that it's a gaming laptop, either, and it's nicely compact to take with you wherever you go.

For gamers after a reliable, portable gaming machine, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 continues to be our champion that doesn't disappoint.

• Read our full Asus ROG Zephryus G14 review

Best 2-in-1 Windows laptop

We're at a point where dual-screen laptops have become mainstream, and the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) is the best of its class. This really puts the "two" in 2-in-1 laptops, as this gorgeous machine gives you a variety of ways to use it. Even better, thanks to its mighty Intel Core Ultra X9 388H CPU, it can be used for just about anything.

This one is pricey at $2,099, but what you get in return is a premium-built, powerful laptop boasting dual 14-inch 3K OLED touch displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. As you can imagine, the display is a feast for the eyes (as our reviewer rightfully puts it), with impressive brightness and color coverage for those rich, deep visuals.

Its premium-feeling form factor (although on the thicker side, understandably) can be easily utilized to swap between a normal clamshell laptop and an amazing dual-screen setup, with a movable keyboard deck that feels great to type on. So, that makes it ideal for productivity, but it's also a fine machine for creative work and gaming.

Think playing Cyberpunk 2077 at over 60 frames per second (with Intel's integrated XeSS 3 tech), and breezing through multiple apps and tabs. Despite its dual screens, this laptop also comes with a long 14 hours of battery life, too.

If you've got the money to spend, the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) aims to last you for years to come. Plus, you won't need to hand over an extra bit of cash for a second monitor, and this one comes with you on the move.

• Read our full Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) review

Best Windows laptop for creators

I mean, if you're partnering up to make a GoPro-ified version of a laptop made for creators, it better hit the mark. Thankfully, that's exactly what the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) does, so much so that our reviewer even states that it's the "true Windows MacBook Pro."

Now, that also means it has the price to match, at $2,999. What do you get in return? An absolute powerhouse with an uber premium, sharp-looking design boasting a 13-inch 3K OLED touchscreen. That's an important factor for creative work on the move, as the screen here offers up high visual details and accurate colors, with zero latency on touch response.

Powering it all is the mighty AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 CPU, delivering strong performance for 4K photo and video edits. Thanks to the integrated Radeon 8060S graphics, this will shine bright for 3D creative work (and plenty of demanding gaming), so rest assured, this ProArt has the chops to take on all manner of multitasking. And that 128GB of DDR5X RAM? Insane.

Plus, it has ample battery life for what it offers, coming in at over 11 hours, which means getting creative on the move. It's a shame there's no full-size SD card, but at least there's a microSD card slot for those who do have a GoPro. And really, don't bother with the Asus-exclusive AI apps.

If you thought MacBooks were the only reliable laptops for creators, the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) has now proved us wrong.

• Read our full Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13)

Best Windows laptop for productivity

Many of us are just looking for a laptop to get things done, without having to pay for all the premium flair that will largely go unused. If that's the case, let me introduce you to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x, boasting exceptional battery life and an efficient Snapdragon X2 Plus processor for a price that won't break the bank.

Just how long can this laptop last? In our lab tests, it ran for an impressive 15 hours and 24 minutes on a full charge — meaning you can leave your charger behind for all-day meetings or travel without fear of running out of juice.

Drafting articles, firing off emails, organizing spreadsheets, and juggling web tabs all felt zippy and responsive, thanks to the big performance from the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip inside. It's the kind of performance you want when your workflow can’t afford those annoying slowdowns or stutters, especially for more everyday tasks.

That 0.61-inch-thin chassis also makes this one of the most portable 15-inch laptops around — perfect for commuters or anyone who regularly sets up shop in different locations. Plus, connectivity is another strong point: two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports (including DisplayPort support), HDMI 2.1, a headphone jack and a microSD card reader — pretty much all you could want.

Still, it’s not perfect. Video calls are a weak spot, as the built-in webcam delivers grainy, laggy images in every app our reviewer, Dylan, tried. If crystal-clear conference calls are critical for your work, you might need to budget for one of the best webcams (we highly recommend it). And for power users, this won't be able to keep up.

Prefer reliability and versatility over flashy extras? The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x is the Windows laptop we'd recommend most, especially at this sub-$900 price.

• Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x Gen 11 review

Performance test results

CPU speed isn't everything, but putting a number on it can go a long way towards helping you understand exactly how fast a laptop is in relation to the rest of the options available to you.

We use Geekbench for these tests, as it assigns each laptop a score for its performance in single-core workloads and multi-core workloads. The single-core score is often a little more meaningful because not all apps are optimized for multi-core performance, but many are, so it's good to consider multi-core performance as well.

And I know. Windows 11 isn't in the best spot right now, especially when it comes to bringing performance down (thanks to Copilot AI). However, it is getting better, so it's only up from here (fingers crossed).

Best Windows Laptops Performance Tests

Slide through to see our Geekbench results

< Prev

Geekbench 6 (single-core)

Next >

Dell XPS 14 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)

2867

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)

2124

Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra (Intel Core Ultra X7 356H)

2852

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2025 (AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)

2929

Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H)

3031

Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395)

2932

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus)

3299

01,0002,0003,0004,000

Geekbench 6 (single-core) Data

Product	Value
Dell XPS 14 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	2867
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)	2124
Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra (Intel Core Ultra X7 356H)	2852
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2025 (AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)	2929
Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H)	3031
Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395)	2932
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus)	3299

Dell XPS 14 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)

16927

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)

10505

Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra (Intel Core Ultra X7 356H)

16655

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2025 (AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)

15280

Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H)

17283

Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395)

18407

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus)

12390

05,00010,00015,00020,000

Geekbench 6 (multi-core) Data

Product	Value
Dell XPS 14 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	16927
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)	10505
Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra (Intel Core Ultra X7 356H)	16655
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2025 (AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)	15280
Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H)	17283
Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395)	18407
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus)	12390

1 of 2

Battery benchmarks

One of the most important aspects of any laptop is its battery life, and you'll be happy to know that many of the Windows laptops we recommend are among the best laptops for battery life. As in, lasting close to a literal 24-hour day.

We run every laptop through our battery test, which consists of setting a laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and having it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it shuts down. Of course, this isn't generally how one would use a laptop, especially when working in different apps, streaming shows or playing games.

However, this gives us a good idea of how long a laptop can last while running continuously and shows just how far you can go with one before reaching for a charger. Check out our results below.

Best Windows Laptops Battery Life Tests

In our battery test, we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

Battery life (hh:mm:ss)

Dell XPS 14 2026 (non-OLED)

20:41:00

Dell XPS 14 2026 (OLED)

12:23:00

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x

16:29:00

Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra

15:12:00

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

05:30:00

Asus Zenbook Duo 2026

14:23:00

Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13

11:12:00

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x

15:24:00

07.51522.530

hours

Battery life (hh:mm:ss) Data

Product	Value
Dell XPS 14 2026 (non-OLED)	20.683333333333334
Dell XPS 14 2026 (OLED)	12.383333333333333
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x	16.483333333333334
Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra	15.2
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14	5.5
Asus Zenbook Duo 2026	14.383333333333333
Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13	11.2
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x	15.4

Also tested

We test and review dozens of Windows laptops every year, and they can't all be the best — but just because they don't all make this list doesn't mean they aren't good machines worth checking out.

Below, I've gathered all the great laptops we've tested that don't quite make this list, but are still good alternatives well worth considering if they meet your unique needs, or if you can't find your first choice on sale.

FAQs

How to choose the best laptop for you

Performance: If performance isn't important to you, say because you only need a laptop for browsing the web, you can save a lot of money by choosing a cheap Windows laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor or Snapdragon X, like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x. But if speed and performance are important to you, pick a laptop with starting specs such as a better CPU, 16-32GB of RAM and at least a 1TB SSD, like the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra.

Size: Consider how mobile you want your Windows machine to be. Notebooks like the Dell XPS 14 are incredibly light and slim, while gaming-focused laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 have real heft to them but offer real power in exchange.

Flexibility: The 2-in-1 category of Windows laptops is an exciting market of devices with hinges capable of rotating all the way around to lay the screen flat on the back of the laptop, turning it into a Windows tablet. If the idea of having a laptop that doubles as a tablet is exciting to you, Windows notebooks like the Asus Zenbook Duo are a great choice.

Graphics and gaming: Most Windows laptops feature integrated graphics as part of the CPU, which means they can handle games like Minecraft or World of Warcraft. But with Intel and AMD's latest offerings, these are now able to play AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings! And yes, that means these are now good for more video editing and creative work. For more power, though, you'll want a laptop with a discrete graphics card, like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14.

How we test the best Windows laptops

To determine which laptops deserve to be counted among the best Windows laptops, we run every machine we review through a rigorous suite of benchmarks and real-world tests to gauge how it will perform during everyday use.

These tests cover the speed and capabilities of the laptop, as well as its display capabilities. We carefully measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house Klein K10-A light meter and colorimeter.

To evaluate overall performance, we then run our machines through tests that include Geekbench 6 (CPU performance), as well as various AI-focused tests and some 3DMark tests to measure graphics capabilities. We also run our own custom file transfer test to measure how fast a machine's hard drive is, and a custom battery test that has the machine browse the internet over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

When testing all laptops, we benchmark gaming performance running Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm. For testing dedicated gaming laptops, we also run benchmarks for a number of other popular games, from Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

All of these lab tests are complemented by our hands-on review process, in which reviewers spend time putting each laptop through its paces while working, watching movies, listening to music, and playing games.

For more information on our testing process, check out our guide to how we test products at Tom's Guide.

AI laptops are everywhere today, and if you're here to find out what the best one is for your needs, good news! You're spoilt for choice. But the trickiest part is finding out what you need AI for.

This comes down to figuring out what AI work you want to do with it. Over the past few years, our team of computing and AI experts has tested systems of all sizes and found that AI laptops fall into two categories:

• A laptop that can run an AI model locally: With free-to-use models like OpenAI's GPT-oss models available to download and use locally on your own system, laptops with incredibly powerful graphics are critical to making them run.
• A laptop offsetting day-to-day AI tasks onto an NPU: In the Apple world, it's called a Neural Engine. But for everyone else, it's the NPU — a subsection of the processor in a lot of consumer laptops today that handles the tasks you may not even realize use AI, like blurring the webcam background or live video transcription.

These days, the best AI laptops strike a balance of offering both of these capabilities, so rest assured, these machines will make the most of AI to power through workflows, give your games an uplift and more.

Right now, my easiest recommendation is the Asus ROG Flow Z13, packing a monster AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 — capable of running a 120-billion-parameter AI model in a small, portable frame. Dell has come back in fine form this year with its Dell XPS 16, and with the Intel Panther Lake CPU it packs, it's a beast for local AI work.

But there's more to put on your radar, like the reliable MacBook Air M5 or even cheaper Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x. And yes, even Snapdragon X2 laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x have arrived! Whatever you're looking to use AI for, here are the AI laptops not to miss out on.

The best AI laptops you can buy today

The best AI laptop overall

Why is this the best overall AI laptop?

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 isn't just a breakthrough in gaming with that monster integrated graphics on the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip. As the name suggests, it's also a mini marvel for running massive local AI models, too. And it's all packed into a slim, lightweight 2-in-1 that you can take anywhere with you. There's even a special ROG Flow Z13 Kojima Edition (with the highest specs) for all you Death Stranding fans.

AI performance by the numbers

Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP AI Performance Results

Slide through to see each benchmark

< Prev

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score)

Next >

Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)

10792

03,7507,50011,25015,000

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)	10792

Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)

18268

05,00010,00015,00020,000

Geekbench AI GPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)	18268

1 of 2

What do these tests mean?

Analyzing the numbers

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 perfectly bridges that gap between casual and pro AI users — coming with all the Copilot+ PC features that run efficiently off the built-in NPU, but also having the raw horsepower to run anything up to OpenAI's GPT-OSS 120B model. As you can see with the ROG Flow Z13-KJP Edition, the highest configuration offers even more AI-powered potential.

It's a seriously impressive feat, but it will cost you. At a minimum of $2,099, this is a pricey system to buy. But to get the model that will support massive LLMs, you'll have to shell out over $3,000 for the option with 128GB of shared system memory.

That being said, if you've been looking to localize your AI, this has been my favorite low-profile way to go.

Read our full Asus ROG Flow Z13 review

The best budget AI laptop

Why is this the best value AI laptop?

Ever since getting my first hands-on with the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x, I was confident it could be my favorite budget laptop of the year at $529. But what I didn't expect was that low-cost Snapdragon X silicon to pack a mightily impressive NPU that packs power efficiency and speed across AI tasks.

AI performance by the numbers

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x AI Performance Results

Slide through to see each benchmark

< Prev

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score)

Next >

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)

5864

01,5003,0004,5006,000

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)	5864

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)

35042

010,00020,00030,00040,000

Geekbench AI QNN (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)	35042

1 of 2

What do these tests mean?

Analyzing the numbers

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x is ideal for general use. That NPU is optimized to complete AI and machine learning tasks that happen in the background when using Windows 11.

Whether it's quickly creating visual content through Paint CoCreator, upgrading the webcam quality by analyzing the picture, improving the built-in microphone quality, or brainstorming with Copilot, the high bandwidth allows for real-time AI interactions that react quickly to any prompt you throw at it.

Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x review

The best value AI laptop

Why is this the best value AI laptop?

Now packing the might of the latest Snapdragon X2 Plus chipset, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x not only delivers greater AI performance to power through AI agents, multimodal content generation and more, but it also comes at a value-first price that's well below $1,000. Throw in the sharp, bright 15-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) touchscreen and a long battery life of 15 hours (thanks to that 80 TOPS Hexagon NPU taking the pressure off), and you've got yourself a reliable yet affordable AI machine.

AI performance by the numbers

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x AI Performance Results

Slide through to see each benchmark

< Prev

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score)

Next >

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)

7726

02,0004,0006,0008,000

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)	7726

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)

84958

025,00050,00075,000100,000

Geekbench AI QNN (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)	84958

1 of 2

What do these tests mean?

Analyzing the numbers

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x has hugely benefited from the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip inside, as you'll be surprised to find it beats the likes of Apple's M5 chip when it comes to raw AI performance (not when it comes to GPU-intensive tasks, though). And in our benchmark tests, we found its background AI features and performance punchy enough for real-world use.

Along with AI working in the background to summarize documents, boosting webcam quality (which is needed, as we found its 1080p camera to be grainy) or taking full advantage of Copilot features, expect its AI power to help out with light photo and video editing, content generation and running autonomous AI agents.

All that for just $900? The IdeaPad Slim 5x shows that Lenovo knows how to bring value to a laptop. Just watch out for its subpar speakers.

Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x review

The best AI laptop for power users

Why is this the best AI laptop for power users?

Yes, it's a gaming laptop (and it comes with an equally large gaming laptop price). But with RTX 5090, Nvidia went in hard on improving AI performance. Pair that with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, a huge total wattage being pumped through these internals and impressive thermal management, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is a clear favorite for AI power users.

AI performance by the numbers

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 AI Performance Results

Slide through to see each benchmark

< Prev

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score)

Next >

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)

9724

02,5005,0007,50010,000

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)	9724

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)

23227

07,50015,00022,50030,000

Geekbench AI GPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)	23227

1 of 2

What do these tests mean?

Analyzing the numbers

While an NPU handles everyday AI tasks well enough, I’ve found that you really need the raw power of a GPU to push things further. With the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX paired with the RTX 5090 in this machine, I’m getting an incredible amount of AI processing capability — 1,837 TOPS, to be exact.

That kind of performance means I can breeze through demanding creative AI tasks, like complex text masking in Adobe Premiere Pro, and even train my own AI models if I want to. The sheer parallel processing power here makes this setup an absolute beast for anything AI-related.

Read our full Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 review

The best AI laptop for casual users

Why is this the best AI laptop for casual users?

For many, AI is at its best when it seamlessly works in the background without delay and doesn't impact the performance of day-to-day tasks. That's exactly what the MacBook Air M5 offers, and while it's now (unfortunately) $200 more thanks to Apple's price hikes, its incredible boost in AI performance and power across the board makes this laptop our top choice for most general users.

AI performance by the numbers

Apple MacBook Air AI Performance Results

Slide through to see each benchmark

< Prev

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score)

Next >

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

6843

02,0004,0006,0008,000

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	6843

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

25654

07,50015,00022,50030,000

Geekbench AI GPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	25654

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

56968

015,00030,00045,00060,000

Geekbench AI NPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	56968

1 of 3

What do these tests mean?

Analyzing the numbers

Apple continues to turn its Neural Engine (that's an NPU in Windows speak) into a force to be reckoned with, as the MacBook Air M5 boosts its AI-driven potential to new heights. In its AI GPU test, its performance has tripled compared to the M4 model, so expect even smoother, faster AI tools in apps like Final Cut Pro.

Of course, it's also primed to handle Apple intelligence features, including writing up drafts, audio and video summaries, playing around in the Image Playground and plenty more.

With M5, the MacBook Air now comes with 512GB of storage by default, which takes away our pain point about the M4 laptop's 256GB simply not being enough for space and heavier AI workloads. For $1,299, the MacBook Air M5 gives everyone incredible AI power at their fingertips, whether it's offloading tasks in the background or running AI models.

Read our full MacBook Air M5 review

Apple's MacBook Air was originally $1,099, but now starts from $1,299 due to the Cupertino tech giant raising prices as of June 2026. While its not as valuable as it once was, it's still one of our top picks for most users after a laptop with AI features.

The best AI Windows laptop

Why is this the best Windows AI laptop?

The Dell XPS 16 (2026) delivered some of the highest numbers we've seen in our benchmark tests, but it hardly comes as a surprise, considering the Intel Panther Lake (the Core Ultra X7 358H, to be exact) it packs. It's only made better with the gorgeously premium design it comes in, along with that 16-inch Tandem OLED touch display.

This machine will blaze through complex AI tasks, turbo boosted by its CPU and GPU cores, while its NPU efficiently takes the pressure off (leading to a long 13-hour battery life). It brings serious TOPs for AI performance to the table for running any LLM.

AI performance by the numbers

Dell XPS 16 AI Performance Results

Slide through to see each benchmark

< Prev

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score)

Next >

Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)

8991

02,5005,0007,50010,000

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	8991

Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)

60004

020,00040,00060,00080,000

Geekbench AI GPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	60004

Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)

58170

015,00030,00045,00060,000

Geekbench AI NPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	58170

1 of 3

What do these tests mean?

Analyzing the numbers

We've seen high numbers when it comes to AI performance, but the Dell XPS 16 moves the needle in all departments. The CPU, GPU and NPU scores are through the roof, even compared to the extremely strong Asus Zenbook Duo (2026).

Getting through general AI tasks will be a breeze, with plenty of room for LLMs to power through, while those Intel Arc Xe3 graphics cores are more than capable of completing generative-based AI tasks, whether that be for video editing or 3D machine learning-based workloads.

The NPU also gets some brownie points, making the most of the 50 TOPS by working on improving background tasks with AI while helping it last a full workday without needing a charge (according to our battery tests).

The Dell XPS 16 is one zippy machine for AI, and just about the finest Windows laptop you can get right now. But if 16 inches is a tad too big for your liking, then the equally impressive Dell XPS 14 (2026) will do the trick.

Read our full Dell XPS 16 (2026) review

The best AI Macbook

Why is this the best AI MacBook?

The MacBook Pro M5 Pro may not be a major upgrade at a glance, but a peek at the numbers under the hood will show you just how far Apple's latest Pro silicon has come. This AI PC has some of the strongest numbers around, thanks to its improved Neural Engine, allowing it to take on all Apple Intelligence features without breaking a sweat, and take full advantage of Machine Learning tools in apps like Final Cut Pro for video editing.

AI performance by the numbers

Apple MacBook Pro AI Performance Results

Slide through to see each benchmark

< Prev

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score)

Next >

Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)

7028

02,0004,0006,0008,000

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)	7028

Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)

34167

010,00020,00030,00040,000

Geekbench AI GPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)	34167

Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)

57420

015,00030,00045,00060,000

Geekbench AI NPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)	57420

1 of 3

What do these tests mean?

Analyzing the numbers

See those numbers? They're some of the highest on this list, and that means the MacBook Pro M5 Pro is capable of handling any AI tasks — whether it's running complex AI models locally, such as the 32-billion-parameter Qwen2.5 coder LLM, or advanced generative options like StableDiffusion running entirely on-device.

Over its M4 Pro predecessor, the M5 Pro chip delivers big gains with its boosted 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU and that 16-core Neural Engine. In fact, its AI GPU score has doubled compared to the previous chip, showcasing the uplift you'll get for image generation and AI-enhanced video edits. Oh, and expect mind-blowingly fast interactions with Apple Intelligence.

While the M5 Max is undoubtedly beefier, the Neural Engine differences aren't major. So, if you're after a powerhouse for AI tasks, machine learning-driven 3D animation and more without breaking the bank on the most expensive model, the MacBook Pro M5 Pro is the sweet spot.

Read our full MacBook Pro M5 Pro review

As with the MacBook Air M5, the MacBook Pro M5 Pro has had a price increase. Originally $2,199, costs now start from $2,499 as of June 2026. It's now more expensive than ever, but for powering through heavy-duty AI tasks, this is still a laptop worth considering.

AI performance benchmarks

Laptops built for AI shouldn't just have strong performance overall, but also enough power to handle machine-learning features. For a better look at how each laptop in this guide performs when it comes to AI-based tasks, check out how they compare in our Geekbench AI tests. It's simple: the higher the number, the stronger the laptop.

Best AI Laptops Geekbench AI Tests

Scroll through to see each benchmark

< Prev

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score)

Next >

Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)

10792

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)

5864

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)

7726

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)

9724

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

6843

Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)

8991

Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)

7028

03,7507,50011,25015,000

Geekbench AI CPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)	10792
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)	5864
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)	7726
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)	9724
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	6843
Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	8991
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)	7028

Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)

18268

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)

23227

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

25654

Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)

60004

Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)

34167

020,00040,00060,00080,000

Geekbench AI GPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)	18268
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)	N/A
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)	N/A
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)	23227
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	25654
Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	60004
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)	34167

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)

35042

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)

84958

025,00050,00075,000100,000

Geekbench AI QNN (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)	N/A
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)	35042
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)	84958
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)	N/A
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	N/A
Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	N/A
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)	N/A

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

56968

Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)

58170

Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)

57420

015,00030,00045,00060,000

Geekbench AI NPU (Quantized Score) Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP (AMD Ryzen AI Max 395)	N/A
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X)	N/A
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (Qualcomm Snapdraogn X2 Plus)	N/A
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)	N/A
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	56968
Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H)	58170
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)	57420

1 of 4

Also tested

We've tested hundreds of laptops, and over the past couple of years, many have come with plenty of AI power. Not all make the cut for this list, though, but that doesn't mean they're not worth looking at. So, here's more to check out.

How we test AI laptops

To choose the best laptops for AI, we put each one through its paces with some brutal testing. Let me explain all the tests you saw above.

• Geekbench AI CPU test (Quantized score): The CPU's main purpose is more generalized towards keeping your laptop running smoothly. But as AI becomes more and more fundamental to the entire system, it's important that these cores are ready to handle machine learning applications. The Quantized score is the mean result of how well the device performed across a whole set of AI tests.
• Geekbench AI GPU test (Quantized score): For the more advanced generative side of things, like video editing, the Geekbench AI GPU test puts the graphics card (or integrated graphics) to the test to see how performant it is for all the parallel tasks that need to be completed in machine learning.
• Geekbench AI NPU test (Quantized score): Whether it's the Neural Engine on a MacBook or the NPU on a Windows laptop, this part of a chip is purpose-built to handle AI tasks and offload that pressure on the CPU. The faster this is, the better your system will be at those day-to-day AI tasks like webcam picture improvement.

There is one exception, though. Chromebooks do not have AI benchmarking tests available, and since all of their AI tasks are completed entirely on the cloud, the main thing to consider is Wi-Fi speed here.

The best budget laptops are all the more important in 2026, as we all clench our wallets tight to save up for an affordable machine that suits our needs. That's why I've made value a priority in my search for the best budget laptop for you.

Right now, I've been surprised by the dozens of laptops that my expert team and I have tested with impressive specs that are well under $1,000. In fact, Apple has now entered the budget market with its game-changing MacBook Neo. And yes, gaming laptops like the Acer Nitro V15 can be picked up without breaking the bank. Oh, and you can even score an OLED laptop for less (hello, Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14).

With RAM prices soaring and set to push the cost of laptops even further, it's an important time to make smart investments. So, whether it's a budget laptop for students or even some light video editing, I'm here to point you toward the ones worth investing in.

The best budget laptops you can buy

The best budget laptop overall

Who is this for?

If you've been considering macOS over Windows 11 or ChromeOS, but didn't want to pay close to or over $1,000, that's what the MacBook Neo is here for. Apple has finally broken into the budget laptop market, and it's come in swinging with a machine offering huge value for the performance and features it presents.

Why is it the best overall budget laptop?

Now starting at $699 (originally $599 before Apple's price hikes), the MacBook Neo is still a fraction of the price of its Air and Pro siblings, but it also comes with solid performance to keep up with general productivity apps (and even some casual gaming). It's all thanks to the A18 Pro chip, which actually beats Apple's M1 chips and is even on par with the M2, which is generally found these days for a lot more. Compared to Windows laptops and Chromebooks at around the same price, it runs circles around them. Plus, its all-aluminum, colorful design is just the icing on the cake for students, travelers or anyone who needs a reliable, budget machine.

What do we like?

👍 Performance for everyday tasks: Despite its A18 Pro chip, usually reserved for iPhones, the MacBook Neo beats its still-competent M1 cousin with reliable power for juggling multiple tasks and powering through workflows.

👍 Battery life that lasts: At over 13 hours, the MacBook Neo can easily get through a usual workday without you needing to reach for a charger, making it a trusty laptop you take with you and work on while you head to classes, the office and more.

👍 Eye-catching design: If you like the sleek, lightweight design of the MacBook Air, you'll be happy to know that the MacBook Neo comes with the same aluminum chassis, this time with a range of playful colors! Oh, that also means you can expect the same great 13-inch vivid display.

What don’t we like?

👎 Prepare for trade-offs: The MacBook Neo misses out on a backlit keyboard (even though it's still comfy to use), along with just 8GB of RAM to play with. Plus, if you want Touch ID and more storage, you'll have to pay $100 extra.

👎 No Thunderbolt support: If your setup requires Thunderbolt connectivity, you'll be out of luck with the MacBook Neo, as there are no ports that support it.

Bottom line

Apple has finally made its MacBook affordable, and the Neo ticks all the right boxes as a budget laptop that is all about value. Annoying sacrifices aside (some needed to be made), for $699 or $599 for education (the latter is now the old price of the MacBook Neo, at least), this is the laptop that many on-the-go workers, students, first-time Mac owners and anyone who's tired of Windows or ChromeOS should go for.

• Read our full MacBook Neo review

The best budget laptop under $300

Who is this for?

The Acer Aspire Go 15 is our favorite budget laptop for under $300 because it is a solid workhorse with enough power for all your basic productivity needs. If you need something for the classic office work alongside some binge-watching, this is a solid choice.

Why is it the best budget laptop under $300?

It comes down to this offering the best balance across three key elements that make a good laptop. First, the port array with USB-A, USB-C and HDMI makes it easy to plug into any setup wherever you are. Second, the keyboard is comfortable to type on for hours on end. And third, with 10 hours of battery life, there's impressive longevity here, too.

What do we like?

👍 Comfortable keyboard: It's rare that you see a good keyboard in a budget laptop, but Acer has pulled out the stops here with a well-spaced board with a nice comfortable, tactile impact on each key press.

👍 A whole lotta ports: Connectivity is key to the success of this laptop. With a pair of USB-A ports, a USB-C socket, HDMI out and a headphone jack, this is a good suite of ports that you can count on to plug into a TV for binge watching and your whole range of peripherals/accessories.

👍 Strong battery life: Longevity is normally an afterthought in cheap laptops, but with over 10 hours in our battery life testing, this is sure to last you a full day of work.

What don’t we like?

👎 Weak performance: With the N-series Intel Core i3 and UFS storage, this isn't going to be able to do anything beyond your casual productivity and gaming via Nvidia's GeForce Now.

Bottom line

The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a cheap laptop that doesn't really feel that cheap in use. There are, of course, some cutbacks like the weak speakers and potato of a webcam. But for what you need a laptop for, Acer absolutely delivers.

• Read our full Acer Aspire Go 15 review

The best budget Windows laptop

Who is this for?

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x is for anyone looking for a reliable laptop for basic, everyday tasks like web browsing and word processing. Whether you're a student, a travelling professional or simply someone who wants a solid, pocket-friendly machine for browsing the web or watching shows, this laptop will be right your alley.

Why is it the best budget Windows laptop?

Put simply, it's hard to find the level of performance, build quality and battery life in a laptop that's well under $1,000, but the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x takes these qualities and bumps them up a notch, too. Having over 16 hours of battery life in a slim, elegant 15-inch laptop with a comfy keyboard is why it's a true steal, along with its good performance (for the price). If you can get past its less-than-satisfying display, you'll go far with this machine.

What do we like?

👍 Performance for most: It won't turn heads, but the Snapdragon X chip in the IdeaPad Slim 3x does a stunning job at offering decent performance for its price. Thankfully, you're also getting 16GB of RAM, too (instead of the expected 8GB).

👍 Snappy keyboard: Lenovo is known for its great keyboards, but finding a comfy, well-placed keyboard on a budget notebook is worth plenty of praise. There's even a full number pad thrown in for good measure!

👍 Stellar battery life: Lasting 16 hours and 29 minutes in our battery test, the IdeaPad Slim 3x even surpasses quite a few of the laptops with the best battery life.

What don’t we like?

👎 An underwhelming display: Despite a 15.3-inch IPS touch display, the Slim 3x won't bring the bright, colorful visuals we've come to expect on Lenovo laptops. At under 300 nits of average brightness, you'll struggle to see dimly lit scenes in shows.

👎 Quiet speakers: Hardly a deal-breaker, but the speakers on the Slim 3x don't get very loud. Prepare to have a pair of headphones or earbuds on standby.

Bottom line

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x is a serious bargain with the performance, build quality and battery life it boasts. By no means the perfect laptop, but for its $749 (and cheaper) price and all-day power, you'd be hard-pressed to find a finer deal.

• Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x review

The best budget Chromebook

Who is this for?

The Asus Chromebook CX15 is even a budget laptop in Chromebook standards, making it an ideal pick for students, kids or families looking for a simple machine to browse the web, check up on emails, study documents online and binge their way through shows.

Why is it the best Chromebook on a budget?

You'll find great Chromebooks that are speedy, but they all rely on online-focused usability. That's what makes this Asus Chromebook CX15 a worthy purchase, because it can do it all for just $269. It may be basic, but not everyone needs premium specs to look up their favorite website on Google Chrome. Its price and swish 15-inch portable design are what make this shine.

What do we like?

👍 Amazing value: The CX15 offers the ChromeOS experience for a price that won't put a dent in your wallet, and it doesn't have to feel budget either. It's not the cheapest Chromebook you can get, but for a touch more elegance, it does the job.

👍 15-inch appeal: This Chromebook strikes the right balance of size and portability, coming in only a little bigger than the 15-inch MacBook Air. There's enough room for a full-sized keyboard with a number pad included, and the 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display with a 16:9 aspect ratio does a decent job of offering a sizeable viewing experience.

What don’t we like?

👎 Lacking performance: Now, while the performance of its Intel Celeron N4500 won't cut it for power users (at all), expect to still browse through multiple tabs on Chrome at once while watching a show. That's what an affordable Chromebook should offer.

👎 Where are those ports?: You'll get one USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, one HDMI 1.4 and a 3.5mm audio jack. That's it. And one is used to charge the laptop. A USB-C hub will give this more ways to connect all your PC peripherals.

Bottom line

If you require a speedy machine to keep up with multiple tasks at once, the Asus Chromebook CX15 won't be it. However, for $259 or less, this no-nonsense laptop makes for a worthy pick for families in need of a simple laptop around the house, kids learning from websites or video or students who want to jot down notes in online documents. It's budget done well.

• Read our full Asus Chromebook CX15 review

The best budget laptop for productivity

Who is this for?

If you're in need of a trusty 15-inch laptop to get the job done, but don't want to spend over $1,000 on features that will ultimately go unused, then the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x, with its reliable Snapdragon X2 Plus performance, is the laptop to pick up. A touchscreen laptop with over 15 hours of battery life for $849? That's value for professionals, students and beyond.

Why is it the best budget laptop for productivity?

Those who spend the majority of their time browsing the web, researching documents, writing up articles and punching in numbers on spreadsheets will find everything they need in the IdeaPad Slim 5x. It's able to speed through tasks while juggling plenty of tabs, and its spacious 15-inch touchscreen makes navigation a breeze. Oh, and if you're after a laptop that lasts the full workday without needing a charge? This will do the trick.

What do we like?

👍 Reliable performance for the price: Thanks to the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip onboard, the IdeaPad Slim 5x is fast and efficient for all kinds of basic work tasks. For most, it offers more than enough performance.

👍 Battery life rocks: Coming in at an exemplary 15 hours and 24 minutes, the IdeaPad Slim 5x makes for a fantastic one-the-move laptop. No need to constantly be on the lookout for an outlet to charge this machine.

👍 A trusty touchscreen: Despite its price, the IdeaPad Slim 5x still comes with a 15-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) LCD touchscreen that's responsive as it is detailed. And it even offers lively colors to fill the screen.

What don’t we like?

👎 Not a powerhouse: As our reviewer noticed, while performance is decent, don't expect to power through video edits or play the latest games on Steam on this laptop, as it ran into some hiccups when running power-hungry apps.

👎 Webcam and speaker woes: Expect speakers that sound crackly and tinny, along with a 1080p webcam that makes you look grainy. Not great for entertainment or video calls, but that can be fixed with the best headphones and best webcams.

Bottom line

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x shows that efficient, reliable laptops don't have to set you back $1,000+, and if all you want is a portable, 15-inch machine to breeze through work (and even use it as an entertainment hub for watching shows), this is the answer. Plus, if you're willing to spend more for better performance over the Slim 3x, this one is hard to pass up.

• Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x review

The best budget gaming laptop

Who is this for?

For anyone looking to get into PC gaming but doesn't have the budget to dish out for the latest and greatest gaming laptops around. With its 144Hz display and solid gaming performance, it's great for casual gamers looking to try out popular PC titles.

Why is it the best budget gaming laptop?

Since it doesn't come back with Nvidia's RTX 40-series GPU, it's understandable why some may want more of a modern gaming laptop with more up-to-date specs (such as the MSI Cyborg 15). However, for those after something even more affordable, and aren't fussed about RTX numbers, it's hard to go wrong with this Acer Nitro V 15.

What do we like?

👍 Stylish design: From its compact chassis to its subtle but sleek looks, this gaming laptop is a looker. Even better, it isn't too big or heavy to lug around.

👍 Smooth visuals: Having a 15.6-inch FHD (1980 x 1080) with a 144Hz refresh rate on a laptop this affordable is a bargain. Plus, it's big enough to take in small details in games and videos.

👍 Great gaming performance: Despite coming with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 and an RTX 3050, this laptop still brings the heat, especially for the price it's set at. For less demanding games, this laptop shines, but it can even push the limits on some high-quality PC titles, too.

What don’t we like?

👎 Loud fans: Make sure to wear some headphones, as the Nitro V 15 can sometimes sound like a jet engine at full throttle.

👎 Small storage: For a gaming laptop, you'll need way more than just the 512GB of storage this laptop offers. It will mean having to install and uninstall games frequently, and that's not what any PC gamer wants.

Bottom line

For a cheap gaming laptop that offers up enough gaming performance to play many of the latest games, the Nitro V 15 does an admirable job. It may not pack the latest specs or offer a premium design, but its price gives it an edge over those with beefier specs. If what you need is a decent system that offers good gameplay, the Nitro V 15 offers great value.

• Read our full Acer Nitro V 15 (2024) review

The best budget 2-in-1 laptop

Who is this for?

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 is for anyone who wants a premium-feeling productivity machine without the premium price tag. With its fully aluminum chassis and a convertible hinge that lets you flip between laptop, tablet and tent modes, this sub-$500 Chromebook stands out for sheer versatility — and frankly, it looks and feels much more expensive than it is.

Why is it the best budget 2-in-1 laptop?

A 2-in-1 laptop offering up a premium experience at this price? That's a rarity these days, and Lenovo doesn't skimp on what's important overall. Under the hood, the Intel Core 3 N355 processor means you won’t be left waiting when jumping between browser tabs, documents and video calls. Plus, with a sturdy convertible hinge and excellent keyboard, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 can just as easily be a workhorse for productivity or a full-blown entertainment machine as a tablet.

What do we like?

👍 Premium feats for less: Its fully aluminum chassis rivals more expensive laptops for look and feel — without breaking the bank. — and the convertible hinge make this Chromebook a joy for long typing sessions and flexible workflows.

👍 Reliable performance: Despite being a Chromebook, the Intel Core 3 N355 chip keeps multitasking smooth, so you won’t lose out on getting general tasks done. Plus, with cloud gaming platforms, it's fine machine for gaming.

👍 Typing is a joy: Lenovo's laptop keyboards are some of the best around, and it makes a welcome appearance on this budget machine. Expect nicely spaced keys with a crisp activation and comfy key travel

What don’t we like?

👎 Visually dim: The display is the biggest compromise for work users. The glossy IPS LCD is prone to glare from overhead lights or sunlight — something we noticed during long streaming or reading sessions.

👎 More battery needed: At 8 hours and 32 minutes in our web surfing test, you may need to recharge before the day is done.

Bottom line

If you want a rugged, flexible work companion that feels premium but won’t drain your wallet, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 is easy to recommend. Skip it if you demand all-day battery or crave a dazzling display, but for buyers on a budget after a reliable 2-in-1 laptop, this is one of the best values you’ll find.

• Read our full Lenovo Chromebook 14 Plus review

The best budget OLED laptop

Who is this for?

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is the ideal machine for the Google ecosystem power user who refuses to compromise on hardware — all for well under $700! If you live your work life inside Docs and Sheets but demand a cinema-quality experience for your post-work streaming binges, this laptop bridges that gap perfectly. It is designed for those who want the simplicity of ChromeOS wrapped in a chassis that feels genuinely luxurious.

Why is it the best budget OLED laptop?

Who said laptops with OLED displays have to cost over $1,000+? It's amazing to see the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 dish out a 14-inch 1200p OLED display that also offers a touchscreen option, further pushing the bounds of what a somewhat budget laptop can offer. That, along with its premium build quality, latest specs like Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and AI features with ChromeOS, makes this one fine laptop.

What do we like?

👍 An absolute visual feast: Putting an OLED screen on a Chromebook this size is a revelation. Whether crunching numbers or catching up on YouTube creators, the contrast and color vibrancy were jaw-dropping. The audio experience matches the visuals, too, with speakers that offer surprising clarity and respectable bass.

👍 Powerful internals: The inclusion of the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 is a game-changer. It’s a world-first chip for this form factor that delivers a one-two punch of raw speed and dedicated NPU power for on-device AI. When paired with a generous 16GB of RAM, Chrome OS flies—even with my chaotic tab management—and it sips power efficiently enough to deliver over 13 hours of battery life.

👍 Premium ergonomics: The aluminum chassis feels substantial, and the keyboard and trackpad offer the tactile satisfaction we’ve come to expect from the brand. Best of all? It achieves all this performance without a noisy fan, keeping your workflow whisper-quiet. Plus, the included 12 months of Google AI Pro (and tools like NotebookLM) sweeten the deal significantly.

What don’t we like?

👎 The price tag (sort of) stings: Historically, the appeal of a Chromebook has been its bargain-bin pricing. Launching at $649 pushes the Chromebook Plus 14 into a premium tier. However, compared to its MacBook and Windows competition, this is still a bargain purchase for those after a more premium standard in a laptop.

Bottom line

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 achieves a premium status without a price that will break the bank, all with a stunning OLED screen to boast about. It earns every penny, as it's a fantastic productivity tool and the perfect all-day companion for students and professionals alike, proving exactly how far ChromeOS has finally come. If you've got the extra bit of cash, this won't disappoint.

• Read our full Lenovo Chromebook 14 Plus review

Also tested

Finding the balance between affordability and performance can be tricky at times, and not all laptops can find the line. That doesn't mean they should be forgotten about, though, as there are still dozens of laptops we test, benchmark and review that could be just right for your budget — and offer great returns!

The notebooks below may not have made it onto our curated list, as they have a few snags, but they're still worth checking out.

Battery life testing results

Even budget machines can make it onto the list of the best laptops for battery life, and you'll find many that can take you through a whole day of work without needing a charge. To help you in your decision in choosing, I've gathered our battery life results for each laptop below.

When we run our battery test, we set the laptop display to 150 nits of brightness (which is on the dim side) and set it to endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it dies. Then we repeat the process a few times and average the results. Of course, results may vary depending on what you use a notebook for, but this will give you an idea of what to expect.

Best Budget Laptops Battery Life Tests

In our battery test, we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice

Battery life (hh:mm:ss)

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x

16:29:00

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x

15:24:00

Apple MacBook Neo

13:28:00

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14

13:19:00

Acer Aspire Go 15

10:15:00

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10

08:32:00

Asus Chromebook CX15

07:26:00

Acer Nitro V 15

05:41:00

05101520

hours

Battery life (hh:mm:ss) Data

Product	Value
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x	16.483333333333334
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x	15.4
Apple MacBook Neo	13.466666666666667
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14	13.316666666666666
Acer Aspire Go 15	10.25
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10	8.533333333333333
Asus Chromebook CX15	7.433333333333334
Acer Nitro V 15	5.683333333333334

How to choose the best budget laptop for you

There are some things to keep in mind when you're hunting for a good cheap laptop. Don't expect bleeding-edge performance, a super premium design or even the most colorful displays. However, there's no reason to compromise, as an affordable laptop can still take you far. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a laptop.

FAQs

How we tested these laptops

To find the best laptop, we run every machine through a rigorous suite of benchmarks and real-world tests to gauge how it will perform during everyday use.

• Geekbench CPU performance testing: This app stresses the chipset inside the laptop with your average range of tasks from processing video to multitasking, to see just how effective it can be as a daily driver.
• File transfer tests: Just because a CPU is fast doesn't mean it'll transfer files quickly — that's on the built-in storage. We'll transfer a 25GB file to see how fast it can move big amounts of data around the computer.
• Game benchmarking: For the gaming laptop on this list, we'll open up a range of AAA games from Cyberpunk 2077 to GTA V, to see how well it will operate.
• Display testing: We've got the equipment to test the brightness and color accuracy of a display. This is important so you can actually see the screen in bright conditions and that shows are properly colored.
• Battery life testing: To do this, we have a custom battery life test that has every laptop browse the internet over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness until it runs out of juice. This is the closest we can get to a fair representation of your average daily use.

For all you need to know about how we test at Tom's Guide, we've got you covered.

If you’re looking for the best iPad, we have your back. We’ve reviewed all the latest models, from the entry-level $349 iPad 11 to the $1,299 13-inch iPad Pro M5. We test each iPad in the lab — including performance, display and battery — and evaluate real-world performance using each model as our everyday tablet.

Based on our in-depth reviews, I recommend the 11-inch iPad Air M4 as the best iPad for most people since it hits the sweet spot for price and performance, and gives you many features of the powerful iPad Pro for hundreds of dollars less. For those on a budget, I recommend the aforementioned iPad 11.

The iPad mini 7 is the perfect tablet for those who want the iPad experience but in a more portable size. Power users should opt for the iPad Pro M5, which sports a gorgeous tandem OLED display, a powerful M5 chip, and comes in 11- and 13-inch variants.

Recently, Apple launched the new iPadOS 27 software in beta. By installing that beta, you can check out Siri AI, updated parental controls and improvements to the Liquid Glass interface design. And since new iPads have had their prices increased by $100 - $200 depending on the model, you may think twice about upgrading and look to update your existing model's OS instead.

Now, let's dive into all the best iPads you can buy right now.

The best iPads you can buy today

The best iPad overall

The 11-inch iPad Air M4 easily pushes its way to the top spot as the best iPad for most, considering it now delivers speedy M4 power, upgraded 12GB RAM and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for the same $599 price as the previous M3 model. Whether it's for browsing the web and watching shows, for some on-the-go work or some gaming, this tablet finds the right balance between affordability and performance.

Now with the might of M4, the iPad Air offers a notable performance boost, making it the most powerful Air to date. With 12GB of memory onboard, that also makes it even better for video editing and gaming, as it can better handle multitasking without breaking much of a sweat (this is a MacBook chip, after all).

Otherwise, expect the same features we loved from past Air models carried over: the same sharp, vivid visuals with its Liquid Retina display, along with that slim and lightweight design that is comfortable to hold for hours. Oh, and the 12MP cameras are always a nice bonus.

Sure, it's more of a spec bump as we've come to know, but that doesn't take away from how far the iPad Air has come in sheer performance. We would have loved to see Face ID make an appearance, along with a boost in battery life and a more affordable Magic keyboard, but this is still the best iPad (and tablet) for most.

Read our full iPad Air M4 review.

The best budget iPad

The latest iPad 11 may not be a huge departure from the previous iPad 10, nor does it come with the premium features you’ll find on the iPad Air or iPad Pro with Mac-level performance. But it’s hard to deny the value you can get from Apple’s cheapest tablet.

Boasting the same sleek and slim lightweight design as its predecessor's exciting refresh, this portable tablet pushes its entry-level roots further with significantly improved performance thanks to its A16 upgrade. From juggling windows in iPadOS 26 to playing impressive titles like Destiny: Rising, the iPad 11 can handle the demands of most.

Throw in its longer-lasting battery life (it even beats the iPad Air M3 and iPad mini 7), fantastic 11-inch Liquid Retina (2360 x 1640) display for smooth, detailed visuals and larger 128GB base storage space, and the iPad 11 makes for a worthy tablet for most. Just take note, it’s not compatible with Apple Intelligence, and only supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) — no Apple Pencil Pro support, disappointingly. Still, not bad for its $349 starting price.

But if all you need from a portable tablet is to browse through websites, watch videos or shows on the best streaming services and play some mobile-friendly games, the base iPad achieves all that and more for less.

Read our full iPad 11 review.

The best iPad for performance

Conversations about whether or not the iPad Pro can replace your laptop have been going on for years, but the iPad Pro 2025 might finally end such discussions. If you’re looking for an absolute powerhouse tablet that can rival a laptop’s performance, battery life and display quality, this is the slate for you.

This is now my favorite iPad. The main draw is still the stunning 13-inch tandem OLED panel, with its inky blacks, vivid color, bright whites and overall sharp 2752 x 2064 resolution. I’m not being hyperbolic when I say this tablet’s display is every bit as good or better than many of the OLED laptops I’ve reviewed. It’s truly a sight to behold.

The Apple M5 processor might be overkill for a tablet, but that laptop-like performance is what makes this worth considering as a laptop replacement. Whether it’s something demanding like exporting large video files or simpler tasks like web browsing, the iPad Pro M5 can handle just about anything you throw at it, even gaming.

To use the iPad Pro M5 as a laptop replacement, you’ll need the Magic Keyboard. Unfortunately, that peripheral costs a hefty $349 for the model compatible with the 13-inch iPad Pro. And if you want the Apple Pencil Pro, that’s an additional $129. Considering how this 13-inch tablet starts at $1,299, the costly peripherals will put a bigger dent in your wallet.

Though expensive, the iPad Pro M5 is worth it if you want a device that functions as both a laptop and a tablet. And even if you don’t, that gorgeous screen could be worth the asking price.

Read our full iPad Pro M5 review

The best small iPad

All iPads are relatively easy to travel with but the iPad mini 7 is the ideal tablet for when you're out and about due to its small size, light weight and durable design. In my opinion, it's the best iPad for reading novels and manga.

This is the most portable and lightweight iPad available, offering many of the same features as its bigger and stronger siblings. It has the iPad Air's thin bezels, flat-edged design, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C. Its A17 Pro CPU is blazing-fast and its battery life is shockingly good for a small tablet. This tablet is a small wonder, to be sure.

Thanks to that A17 Pro chip, the new iPad mini is nearly 25% faster than its predecessor. You can have multiple tabs open and have a video running and this tablet will keep on chugging. It’s also capable of playing graphically demanding games like Resident Evil 4 and Assassin’s Creed Mirage at steady frame rates. And with iPadOS 18 installed, you can take advantage of powerful Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools.

Though I’m a big fan of the previous model, the new iPad mini 7 improves on it in meaningful ways. Sure, I wish the front camera was landscape-oriented and that the tablet supported Apple Pencil 2, but these flaws don’t detract from what is an otherwise fantastic device. Considering it has the same starting price as its predecessor, the iPad mini 7 is a no-brainer for those who want the iPad experience in a smaller form.

Read our full iPad mini 7 review.

How to choose the best iPad for you

I hope the choices above have helped you decide which iPad to get. But if you want more to consider, there are a few key questions you can ask yourself to further hone in on the best iPad for you.

How do you plan to use this iPad? Is it mostly going to stay within easy reach of the couch and be used primarily for light entertainment like browsing Wikipedia, watching YouTube videos, or reading comics? Then you don’t need something as powerful as an iPad Pro. You’ll be perfectly happy with either model of the iPad Air. Heck, even the base iPad will suffice.

However, if you need a tablet for creative purposes or even to act as a laptop replacement (which requires the pricey Magic Keyboard), you should consider the premium-priced iPad Pro with M5. Both the current 11-inch and 13-inch models are incredibly performant due to packing Apple's top-of-the-line processor. And if money is no object, the 13-inch model gives you extra screen space.

How much storage do you need? You can’t upgrade an iPad’s storage after you’ve purchased it, so it’s good to know how much you’ll need beforehand. If you plan to store a good amount of high-res videos and apps on your iPad, then the 128GB of storage the base iPad starts with might not be enough, though you can upgrade to 512GB. The iPad Air and iPad Pro start with 128GB and 256GB (respectively) and you can upgrade to as much as 1TB to 2TB (respectively). The iPad mini 7 starts with 128GB and you can upgrade up to 512GB.

Do you want cellular connectivity? Having an iPad that can access cellular data networks really improves your quality of life by letting you use Internet-reliant apps wherever you can get a signal. However, if you're not planning on taking your iPad on the go, you'll probably be just fine with a simple Wi-Fi-only model.

How we test iPads

We put the iPads we review through the same lab tests as the best iPhones, the best laptops—focusing on overall performance, display quality and battery life. Below is a quick summary of what each test is for:

• Performance: We use benchmarks such as Geekbench to test overall CPU performance, 3D Mark for 3D graphics, and Adobe Premiere Rush for video editing.
• Display: We use colorimeters and light meters to measure how colorful and bright these tablets’ screens can get. We measure both SDR and HDR brightness in nits, color representation in sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts (closer to 100% is best), and Delta-E for color accuracy (closer to 0 is best).
• Battery test: Our in-house battery test, which times how long it takes — while surfing the web with brightness at 150 nits — to drain a tablet of a charge.

After that, we do the same things you do — browse the web, watch YouTube, play games, compose emails — and then a lot more. We try and write some (or all) of our tablet reviews on the tablets we're testing, on an attachable keyboard if possible. Nobody wants to write a magnum opus on a glass screen, after all (though no judgment if you do!).

iPad benchmarks compared

Knowing how our tests work and what we test for, here’s a table summarizing how the iPads on this list compare to one another in performance, display quality and battery life. Obviously, numbers don’t tell the entire tale, but they give you a good assessment of what these iPads can do in key performance areas.

Performance