There are lots of brands vying for your attention in the Bluetooth speaker space right now — so many, in fact, that it can be easy to ignore the lesser known ones in favor of the names you already know. But venturing beyond those obvious brands can reap some rewards, like discovering a range of great value speakers that offer dynamic, punchy audio and deep bass on a budget.

Such is the case with Tribit, which has become known for producing tough, compact Bluetooth speakers that often clock in at well under $50. These feature-packed speakers don't compromise on sound, despite their generally small size.

I've picked out six of my favorite Tribit speakers below, models that demonstrate what this great brand is capable of. What's more, four of these models are currently on sale, meaning you can get a great quality new speaker whatever your budget.

If you're working long hours, I cannot stress the importance of having a well-built, supportive chair. However, finding the best office chair is no easy tasks, and I should know — I've been testing office chairs for the past five years.

It goes beyond comfort, although this is an important factor. However, you also want an office chair with good ergonomic features, so you can maintain good posture, as well as something that provides good support. Mesh chairs help keep you cool by providing better airflow, while foam-cushioned office chairs provide improved support.

You'll also need a chair with plenty of adjustability, the right casters or wheels for carpet or hardwood, and one that’s easy to clean and care for. Based on over 5,000 hours of testing, the chair that fits this criteria the best is the Branch Verve Chair. It's adjustable, cooling, stylish, and incredibly comfortable.

However, there are many other options out there, and you might be looking for a chair for a specific use case. With this in mind, I've provided a list of the top ten office chairs for a range of different categories, from best budget to the best for taller people, to the best for gamers, and even the best smart chair for anyone looking for a high-tech seat.

The best office chairs you can buy today

The best office chair overall

The Branch Verve Chair is a stylish and comfortable office chair that will support you all day long. While I was impressed with the features, comfort, and price of the original Branch Ergonomic Chair, the Verve Chair takes things up a notch in several ways.

For starters, instead of a more traditional mesh backrest, it uses a 3D knit one that’s soft to the touch and feels like fabric but still gives you plenty of airflow. The Verve Chair also uses an adjustable padded lumbar support instead of a plastic one, and its armrests curve inward for a more distinct look.

I found the Branch Verve Chair to be quite comfortable to sit in for long stretches of time, thanks to its foam seat. However, its seat and backrest are both contoured, which also helped me maintain good posture while doing so.

It also offers a variety of adjustments, but not so many that you might be overwhelmed. Even though you can recline in it and decrease its tilt tension to make doing so easier, I preferred using it upright, as Branch’s optional headrest wasn’t available back when I reviewed it.

Another thing that really sets the Verve Chair apart from your typical office chair is that it’s available in seven different colors. Say you pick up this chair in mint, the entire chair, from its casters to its backrest, will come in this color. This can really help add a dash of color to your home office setup.

At just under $550, the Branch Verve is not necessarily a premium chair, but it isn't a budget pick, either. Overall, I'd say it is worth the investment, and with a 7-year warranty, you can be sure that you're covered should anything go awry.

The Branch Verve Chair is an excellent option for most people, with a weight limit of 275 pounds, but if you want all the bells and whistles like armrests that can turn all the way around, keep reading, as I also recommend some more full-featured chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron.

• Read our full Branch Verve Chair review

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Best budget office chair

If you want effective support for all-day use without breaking the bank, the Boulies EP200 desk chair is an excellent option.

It's highly adjustable with a flexible, breathable mesh back, which we found very comfortable during testing. This works well with the adjustable lumbar support to help you find the exact right positioning that works for you.

The level of customization doesn't stop here, though. The height is adjustable (standard for most chairs), but its armrests can also swivel and change height, as well as being able to move the seat depth forwards and backwards.

There’s also an adjustable head and neck support, which we found very useful for maintaining an upright posture in testing. However, you should note that if you're shorter than 5'4", you may find it redundant.

If you like to lean back in your office chair, you'll be pleased to know that the chair can also recline to angles of 95º, 113º and 135º.

Coming in at $209, the Boulies EP200 isn't the absolute cheapest chair on the market, but it is cheaper than the previous chair in this spot, the Boulies OP180, while having more features.

The main downside is that the seat of the chair is not very durable. In fact, after just a couple of hours of use, it was already showing signs of wear, like the fabric creasing.

While this wear was disappointing, I would still recommend this chair to anyone looking for a comfortable chair at a decent price point.

• Read our full Boulies EP200 review

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The best office chair for back pain

The LiberNovo Omni is an ergonomic office chair that I spent more time sitting in than I’d like to admit due to just how comfortable it is. In addition to being incredibly supportive and great for your back, its seat cushion is made from multi-layered foam with a soft front edge to reduce pressure on your legs.

Likewise, its seat, backrest, and headrest are all wrapped in a soft-feeling elastic fabric. After testing countless chairs over the years, I was immediately surprised by what LibreNovo has managed to achieve with the Omni as a newcomer.

While it may look like your standard office chair at first glance, spinning it around reveals its motorized lumbar support system and its dynamic Bionic FlexFit backrest, which is made up of eight flexible panels. Like the Intermix textile on the Steelcase Karman, it too is designed to move with your body as you shift in your chair throughout the day.

The reason I’ve decided to replace the Hbada X1 with the LiberNovo Omni as my top pick for back pain is not just because of how comfortable it is to sit in; it's the Omni's revolutionary recovery suite. When paired with the Omni’s optional footrest, you can lie back and let it reset your spine.

Next to the buttons to control its adjustable lumbar depth feature, there’s another button to activate what LiberNovo calls its OmniStretch feature. When engaged, it raises and lowers the chair’s lumbar support to help stretch out your back.

At just over $1,000 at full price (although we have seen this drop to around $850), the LiberNovo Omni is definitely a premium office chair. I was also slightly disappointed by its two-year warranty for its electrics, although the frame does come with a five-year warranty.

However, if you work long hours at your desk or spend a lot of time there gaming in the evenings and suffer from back pain, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. The chair’s focus on dynamic movement and spinal decompression set it apart and really helped it shine, even among more expensive models from Herman Miller and Steelcase.

If you’re looking for an office chair that does things differently by almost perfectly combining comfort and ergonomics with a one-button fix for back pain, the LiberNovo Omni is absolutely worth considering.

• Read our full LiberNovo Omni review

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The best office chair for ergonomics

The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro is a highly adjustable ergonomic office chair with some great customization options at a mid-range price. It’s a great upgrade for those coming from a budget office chair that’s well-suited for both home and office use without being too expensive.

Normally when shopping for an office chair, you have to choose between a more supportive foam seat or an all-mesh design. What I really like about the ErgoChair Pro is that Autonomous offers both options.

We tested the version with a foam seat and a mesh backrest and headrest, but you can get this chair with a mesh seat instead. Doing so does cut down the color options from seven to just two, but this is a great option to have.

The ErgoChair Pro gives you a lot of adjustment points to lock in the perfect fit for you. You can change the position of its armrests, move its lumbar support up or down manually, as well as lock it in place, and there are five different levels of recline.

Our reviews editor Peter Wolinski tested this chair and found its mesh backrest and headrest to be very comfy, while its backrest and adjustable lumbar support did a great job supporting his back.

However, he would have liked to have more padding on its armrests and at the back of its seat. Peter also wouldn’t recommend this chair to taller people, as even at 5’11”, he found its adjustable height range to be somewhat limited.

The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro packs in plenty of features at its mid-range price of $499, and being able to choose between all-mesh or some mesh and a foam seat cushion is a customization option few chairs offer. However, it only has a two-year warranty, which is something to keep in mind.

Still, this office chair is a good fit for those who value ergonomics and having the right amount of adjustments to tailor it to their body shape and workflow

• Read our full Autonomous ErgoChair Pro review

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The best office chair for comfort

The Steelcase Karman is a premium office chair that’s not only extremely comfortable, but it’s also surprisingly lightweight at just 28-31 pounds, depending on which version you get. It’s one of my all-time favorites and a chair I keep coming back to again and again.

This all-mesh chair is built differently from the ground up, and what really sets it apart is Steelcase’s proprietary Intermix textile. It’s soft and supportive yet very flexible, and when you sit in the Karman, it feels like the chair wraps around you.

On top of this, it moves with your body and reacts to even the smallest movements thanks to its weight-activated mechanism. There are also different versions of Intermix, and some are closer to the traditional look and feel of mesh, while others feel more like fabric.

I tested the Karman a few years back, and no other chair has impressed me quite like this one. However, at the time, I was a bit disappointed it wasn’t available with a headrest.

Shortly after its release, though, Steelcase came out with the Karman High Back, which extends its backrest further up and adds a sculpted pillow at the very top to provide additional support to your shoulders and neck.

Both the original Karman and this new version are exceptionally comfortable, but if you want a bit more back support, you can also add an optional lumbar support bar to the back of the chair.

The Steelcase Karman is a one-of-a-kind office chair that, like the Aeron, carries a premium price. It can cost anywhere from $846 to $1,578, depending on how you configure it — the configuration of the Steelcase Karman we reviewed costs $1,257, for example. However, after trying out the two chairs, the Karman is far more comfortable in my opinion, and I still can’t get over how incredibly light it is. Plus, it comes with an impressive 12-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing you're covered should you run into any problems with it.

The Karman is quite a bit different from the other office chairs I’ve reviewed over the years, but it’s definitely worth considering if you want a chair that’s as comfortable as it is supportive.

• Read our full Steelcase Karman review

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The best office chair for gaming

The Herman Miller x Logitech G Vantum Gaming Chair combines the support and ergonomics of an office chair with the comfort and style of a gaming chair.

Just like my previous top pick for best gaming chair, the Razer Fujin Pro, the Vantum Gaming Chair is also a hybrid chair designed to give you the best of both worlds. After using it myself for an entire year now, it’s easy to recommend for people who plan to use it for both play and work despite its higher price compared to the rest of the picks on my list of the best gaming chairs.

Unlike the Fujin Pro, the Vantum Gaming Chair features a breathable knit backrest and headrest with a fabric seat with a comfy foam cushion as opposed to a full mesh design. While some may prefer a full-mesh office chair, I like this approach as it keeps your back cool while providing excellent support to your lower body.

The Vantum Gaming Chair also breaks the mold with its two-tone design where the front of the chair including its headrest, backrest and seat cushion are all black but a secondary color is used for its frame and underside.

Since its initial release, Herman Miller has added a ton of new color options too like a light purple lilac and a darker midnight blue. This way you can easily have your chair match the accent color of your desk setup or even your gaming chair.

Besides its unique design, I really liked how easy the Vantum Gaming Chair was to put together as its backrests and armrests both came pre-installed. After unboxing it, I had the chair built and ready to go in less than 15 minutes.

While it's technically a gaming chair, Herman Miller and Logitech G have gone to great lengths to make it very ergonomic with loads of adjustment points. One thing that really surprised me about the Vantum Gaming Chair is that in addition to adjustable lumbar support, it also features a thoracic support mechanism just below the headrest that’s designed to take some of the load off your upper back and shoulders.

My only real gripe is that the armpads on top of its armrests tend to move a bit too easily and I found I had to readjust them quite frequently. Still, this is a lot easier and not nearly as distracting as when you have an office chair with 4D armrests that don’t lock in place either.

At $930 (though it frequently goes on sale), the Vantum Gaming Chair is definitely an investment compared to your typical gaming chair or even a mid-range office chair. However, for the price, you’re getting an excellent chair that can do double duty as both a gaming chair and an office chair. Plus, with a 12-year warranty, you should be covered against any issues should thye arise.

If you work from home and also play games at your desk in the evenings, or if you’re a full-time streamer or budding esports player, the Vantum Gaming Chair could be the perfect mix of comfort and support for you, too.

• Read our full Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair review

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The best office chair for home office

The Haworth Fern is a very comfortable ergonomic office chair for extended use with a unique design that helps it stand out from the crowd. From the moment I first saw it, I knew I had to try it out for myself and I’m happy to say it lived up to the hype.

Available in mesh, knit or even leather, the Fern gets its name from Haworth’s Wave Suspension system that uses flexible fronds which resemble the leaves of a fern. Not only does this help support your back but it helps evenly distribute your weight as you move to relieve pressure.

I tested the mesh version of the Fern along with the digital knit configuration, albeit in the Xbox version for those who want a gaming chair that more closely resembles an office chair, and I found it very comfortable to use in my own home office thanks to its padded foam seat and its numerous adjustment points that let me tailor it to my liking.

Its mesh back helped keep me cool, though I really liked how soft and comfy the digital knit backrest was on the other configuration I tested. The Fern is a premium chair on its own, but if you want a headrest or adjustable lumbar support, it’s going to cost you extra.

Speaking of cost, this is definitely a premium office chair, costing from $1,105 to $1,599, depending on which configuration you go for. Still, there is a 12-year warranty, so the premium price at least comes with decent peace of mind.

The Haworth Fern checked all of the boxes for me when it came to comfort and adjustability. Plus, it’s just a good-looking office chair all around. I have seen others complain online about back pain when using this chair, but that was far from my experience. The Fern is a versatile and comfortable office chair, but its higher price means it’s also a significant investment in your home office.

• Read our full Haworth Fern review

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The best office chair for tall users

The Oak Hollow Aloria is an ergonomic office chair with a mesh back to keep you cool and a genuine leather seat packed with high-density molded foam. However, my favorite part is the fact that you can choose between three cylinder heights, which makes this an ideal chair for tall users since your knees won’t be sticking up in the air when you sit down in it.

The Aloria is an expensive chair at $849 full price, but it’s often on sale for $100 less, and the combination of mesh and leather does give it a premium look. Another nice touch is that switching from the standard height cylinder to the short or tall one doesn’t cost extra. Besides that, though, there aren’t any other optional add-ons to worry about, and you also get a mesh headrest with this chair.

Additionally, while the upholstery of this chair has a decent five-year warranty, the mechanical parts have a lifetime warranty, which is impressively generous. So, a single investment could have you set for life, barring any upholstery issues.

In his review, Billy Givens called it a stylish chair with a “sleek black aesthetic accented with a chrome wheelbase and backrest frame.” If you’re looking for an office chair to give the rest of your work-from-home setup a touch of class, the Aloria is certainly worth considering. Billy also called the chair’s genuine cowhide leather very comfortable, but he also liked how it’s less resistant to wear and tear than the cheaper synthetic materials you’ll find on other office chairs.

The Aloria is a sleek office chair, and I was pleased to see that it’s also very adjustable. However, adjusting the height of the armrests did take some getting used to, as this is done via a button on the side as opposed to on the armrests themselves. They also click into place with a loud popping noise, which is less than ideal, but once you lock in the right height, you likely won’t have to adjust them that often after that.

If you’re looking for an executive-style, ergonomic office chair with all the bells and whistles, the Oak Hollow Aloria certainly fits the bill. It also offers the perfect combination of airflow and comfort by pairing a mesh backrest with a well-cushioned seat.

• Read our full Oak Hollow Aloria review

The best premium office chair

The Herman Miller Aeron is a premium ergonomic office chair that almost needs no introduction. It’s considered the best of the best by many since it was first launched back in 1994, and to this day, it remains a mainstay in the home offices and workspaces of those who can afford it.

The Aeron features an all-mesh design, loads of adjustment points, and if you order this chair directly through Herman Miller, you can customize it to your liking. One thing that surprised me about this chair after learning more about it is that it’s actually available in three different sizes, which makes it a great choice for both big and tall people as well as shorter ones.

The Aeron has a high starting price to begin with, at just under $800, but with upgrades to its arms, armrests, and backrest, you’re looking at a chair that costs thousands of dollars once you get it all tricked out. I spent some time with the Aeron myself back when I visited my local Herman Miller store, but our U.S. Editor-in-Chief, Mike Prospero, reviewed it.

He spent a few weeks trying it out and, not surprisingly, found it to be one of the most comfortable chairs he had ever sat in. Mike also really liked just how adjustable the Aeron was and found it easy to get its fit just right for him.

The Herman Miller Aeron is responsible for popularizing ergonomic chairs in the first place, and for good reason. It’s designed to help you maintain optimal posture so you can work comfortably and focus on the task at hand.

The Aeron is the ultimate home office investment, and if you’re thinking of upgrading to one, keep an eye out for sales as it does see the occasional discount from time to time.

• Read our full Herman Miller Aeron review

The best smart office chair

If you want the most high-tech home office possible, then a smart chair will fit right into your plans.

The Hbada X7 handles the ergonomic heavy lifting for you, with features including a legitimate bionic massage and AI-tracked lumbar support.

At $1,500 full-price, it might not be for you if you're looking for a budget office chair, but if you want a chair that reminds you when your posture slips to prevent back pain, then it's a worthy investment.

There are other chairs out there that offer motorized lumbar adjustment and built-in massagers, but so far, the Hbada X7 is the only office chair I've tested that handles all those features for you. During testing, I really enjoyed the massage mode kicking in after I'd been sitting at my desk for too long. You do need to recharge the quite frankly massive battery the chair comes with, although I didn't have to do this very often, even when I was using the Hbada X7 daily for two months.

If you did get tired of charging up the battery, the X7 is an excellent ergonomic chair, even with all the smart features disabled. It has a ton of adjustment points, so you can get it to fit you just right. While I was testing it, I found I really appreciated the convenience of the integrated pull-out footrest and the versatility of the 6D armrests. However, at its price point, the X7 is a little too pricey to be used without the smart features enabled.

I was also a little disappointed in the warranty length, especially as this is such a high-tech chair. A five-year warranty for the frame and a three-year warranty for the parts isn't terrible, but it's not great either — especially when some of the chairs on this list have warranties of up to 12 years. Additionally, at 75 pounds, it's a pretty hefty piece of kit — while you can just wheel it to where you want to go, it's still less easy to do so than other, lighter chairs on this list.

Still, if you do use it as intended, you're getting a fully-equipped ergonomic chair and a legitimate recovery tool all rolled into one. I will say, however, that it takes a little getting used to — letting AI adjust your posture definitely feels strange at first, and you may find you never get used to it.

However, if you have persistent back pain and/or work long hours, the X7 is definitely a worthy investment for your home office setup.

• Read our full Hbada X7 review

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The best manual office chair

If you prefer acoustic to electric, then the LiberNovo Omni SE offers stellar comfort, a space-age dynamic backrest, and an incredible 160-degree recline, all without the anxieties about losing power that come with electric-powered chairs.

The LiberNovo Omni SE offers a highly engineered backrest, very comfortable fabric-covered foam cushioning, and a straightforward assembly process, which is a real boon when it comes to office chairs.

One thing we were pleased to notice in testing is that the high-density foam seat is set firmly closer to the backrest and softer at the edge, which gives your glutes plenty of support without the edge of the LiberNovo Omni SE digging into your hamstrings or your calves if you’re using its optional footrest.

Overall, the chair itself is incredibly comfortable, with stretchy elastic fabric that wraps around my body when you sit down and a headrest that flexes with you as you turn your head from side to side. Plus, it features five distinct recline positions tailored to different tasks — ranging from an upright 105 degrees, all the way back to 160 degrees. This allows you to practice good posture without feeling stiff.

However, it's still pretty pricey, which is especially disappointing considering it was originally advertised as a more affordable version of the LiberNovo Omni. At $899, it's definitely an investment, but it's a fantastic chair that's worth it if you spend long hours at your desk.

Additionally, during testing, we found the manual lumbar dial can be difficult to reach as it's a knob behind the backrest on the right side. Not a dealbreaker, of course, but still something to keep in mind. Still, once you get it in the right position, you probably won't have to adjust it again.

So, if you're after a high-quality, manually adjustable chair that'll last you a good long while, then the LiberNovo Omni SE is a great option.

• Read our full LiberNovo Omni SE review

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Also tested

We test a lot of different office chairs at Tom's Guide, and while many are great in their own right, not all of them make our top picks. I also like to prioritize chairs that are easy to find online at major retailers or, better yet, in a store near you, so that you can test them out for yourself.

If none of the picks above have what you're after, check out these office chairs below, many of which offer unique features or cater to specific needs.

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Office chairs compared

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How to choose the best office chair for you

Finding the right office chair for your particular needs and budget can feel overwhelming with so many different options to choose from.

This is why you want to take several factors into consideration as you narrow down your search.

Price

Just like with the best standing desks and other home office furniture, office chairs range widely in price, from just over $100 up to $2,000 and beyond.

It’s also difficult to test out a variety of chairs before you find the right one, and returning a chair that doesn’t work for you can be quite a hassle.

This is why I often recommend that people pick up a starter chair first to see what works for them before dropping a lot of money on a more expensive, full-featured chair.

That way, you can figure out what you like before committing to a top-tier chair like the Aeron for years to come. If you are going to buy a premium chair, though, see if they have physical stores like Herman Miller or showrooms around the world like Steelcase does.

There are a few key factors that set budget chairs apart from premium ones. More expensive chairs feature higher-quality components and materials throughout, while cheaper ones may come with sticky, plasticky-feeling mesh to cut a few corners, for example. Likewise, the materials used in less expensive chairs are more likely to break down over time, whereas the materials in a more expensive chair can last for years if cared for properly.

Adjustability and extra features are another area where these two types of chairs differ. Premium chairs will have all the bells and whistles with all of the adjustment points you expect, along with some less common ones, like being able to tilt your seat forward for when you need to concentrate on a particular task. The same goes for extras like adjustable lumbar support, a headrest, and my favorite, rollerblade-style wheels.

Another thing that really sets premium chairs apart from their less expensive counterparts is their design. High-end chairs often try to make a statement and often look as good pushed in at a desk as they are comfortable to sit in.

Sure, you can get a no-frills chair for less, but oftentimes, an office chair with a unique design can tie your whole home office together, especially if you’re going for a particular look.

If you find a chair you really like that’s out of your price range, it’s worth looking around for one with a similar design and features at a lower price. Mid-range and budget office chair makers will often try to recreate the look and experience of a premium chair in their own designs.

At the same time, you can also take a look at the used market since companies often outfit an office with premium chairs and then end up getting rid of them in a few years or when downsizing.

When buying a more expensive office chair, keep in mind that you don’t want to go too far beyond your budget, as then you won’t have much left to furnish the rest of your home office or workspace.

Ergonomic needs

Ergonomics is important, as you don’t just want a comfortable chair — you want one that will keep your body supported throughout the day.

This will help you avoid succumbing to the aches and pains associated with using a poorly designed chair for hours on end.

At the bare minimum, I’d say you should try to find a chair with built-in lumbar support. This ergonomic feature helps keep your lower back supported while you sit and can also help you maintain good posture.

The whole reason you’re likely investing in a new office chair is to avoid being slumped over your desk, and a lumbar support mechanism will certainly help with this. There are three kinds of lumbar support mechanisms: fixed, adjustable, and dynamic.

A fixed lumbar support remains in place and can’t be moved, and depending on your height, it may not be ideal for you. Adjustable lumbar support mechanisms give you the option to move them up and down, and some even allow you to move their position forward or backward.

You get a lot of control with this type of lumbar support, but if you’d rather have your chair do the work for you, then consider dynamic lumbar support instead. They aren’t nearly as customizable, but a dynamic lumbar support mechanism will adjust automatically based on your movements and posture changes.

Ergonomics also comes into play with your chair’s seat. Foam seats provide more support and help relieve pressure in your lower body, while mesh ones give you more airflow at the cost of support.

If you find your legs cramping up or suffer from poor circulation, then you might want to pay a bit more for a seat with a waterfall edge. This type of edge puts less stress on your hamstrings as opposed to a seat with a hard edge, which can contribute to or make any back pain you’re experiencing worse.

While I personally enjoy having a chair with a headrest or a high back for extra support for my shoulders and neck, many ergonomic chairs like the Aeron don’t even come with this option, as headrests can lead to passive sitting and slouching, which is certainly bad for your posture.

However, these days, more and more ergonomic chairs come with headrests. It’s a matter of personal preference, but definitely something you want to consider when choosing the right chair for your needs.

Body type and size

When deciding between one chair and another, you want to take a look at a chair’s listing page to see what the recommended height and weight range are. While some chairs are tailored to big and tall users, others aren’t at all.

However, some chairs give you the option for a wider seat or a stronger base, usually at an extra cost. Though you might have to pay more initially, it’s better to get a chair tailored to your body type and size from the get-go.

Although big and tall users have the most options, those on the shorter side are also going to want to shop carefully when looking for a new office chair. Ideally, you want your feet to be able to rest firmly on the floor while sitting in your chair, and for some people — especially those below five feet tall — this can be almost impossible with some chairs.

I can’t stress this strongly enough: you absolutely want to take your weight, height, and body shape into consideration before you begin your search for a new office chair. That way, you won’t be disappointed when the chair you had your heart set on doesn’t work for you.

Work environment

When picking out an office chair, you also want to consider where you’ll be using it. A big, bulky chair might not be the best fit if you live in a high-rise apartment building, and a lightweight chair that isn’t as sturdy probably won’t work well in a high-traffic environment.

You also don’t want a chair that stands out too much in an office environment or one that doesn’t mesh well with the rest of your home office decor.

At the same time, you want to consider the surface you’ll be using a particular chair on. If your workspace is carpeted, then you’re going to want a chair with hard casters that roll easily on it.

If you have hardwood floors, then you’re going to want a chair with soft casters that can glide across the floor without damaging it. It’s also worth noting that some casters are quieter than others, which could be quite important if you’re using your chair in a shared workspace.

Extra features

Before you even begin putting together a short list for your next office chair, you want to take the time and write down a list of features that you absolutely want, along with a few that would be nice to have, to narrow down your search.

From a headrest to lumbar support to how far back you want to recline, you want to take all of these features into consideration when shopping for an office chair. Unlike with a desk, it’s almost impossible to add extra features to a lot of chairs after you buy them.

Sure, you might be able to add a headrest, and you can always easily swap your chair’s casters, but you won’t be able to add lumbar support or swap out a foam seat for a mesh one.

You also want to make sure the chair you’re considering has all of the adjustment points you want from the start, as not being able to reposition your chair’s lumbar support manually or being able to slide its seat forward or backward could end up being a deal breaker.

The best way to approach shopping for a new office chair is to think of it like buying a car. Be ready to move on to the next chair if it doesn’t have the particular features you want, and the same goes for if its price is too high.

Remember how I recommended getting a starter chair before? Doing so can help you narrow down the features you absolutely need and avoid paying extra for the ones you probably won’t end up using.

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Office chair terms to know before you buy

I know I’ve gone through a few of these terms throughout this guide but I figured I’d explain some of the most common ones here to make shopping for a new office chair easier for you.

Lumbar support

A lumbar support mechanism is an extra piece found in many ergonomic chairs that provides additional support to the lower part of your back, where your spine naturally curves inward.

Chairs with one built-in help your spine maintain its natural curve while reducing pressure on your back and promoting better posture overall. A lumbar support can be fixed, adjustable, or dynamic, and getting a chair with the one that works best for you is essential.

Waterfall edge

While the seats of some chairs have a hard front edge, others have a waterfall edge instead. This ergonomic feature helps improve comfort as well as circulation in your legs while also reducing pressure on the back of your thighs.

If you sit for long periods of time, getting a chair with a waterfall edge can be a huge upgrade, as you’ll be able to sit comfortably while maintaining proper posture. This can also help prevent back pain.

Tilt mechanism

A tilt mechanism is a feature that allows an office chair’s backrest and potentially even its seat to tilt backward. If you want a better overall experience while reclining in your chair, then you’re going to want to look for one with a synchro-tilt mechanism.

This enables a chair’s backrest and seat to tilt backward together while keeping your spine properly aligned. If you like to recline and stay in that position, then you should also look for a chair with a tilt lock so that you can lock it in place.

Mesh vs. upholstery

Office chairs are typically made from upholstery or mesh. Mesh provides better airflow and keeps you cool, while upholstered chairs tend to feel more comfortable and provide added warmth in colder environments.

There are also hybrid chairs that have a mesh backrest and an upholstered foam seat to give you the best of both worlds.

4D Armrests

Office chair armrests used to only go up and down, but more and more chairs now come with 4D armrests instead.

In addition to up and down, 4D armrests can be moved forward and backward for different arm lengths, from side to side depending on the width of your shoulders, and they can swivel, which is great when you want them out of the way.

One thing to keep in mind with 4D armrests, though, is that some move too easily. If this is something you’re concerned about, look for a chair with ones that lock in place.

Frequently asked questions

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How we test the best office chairs

In order to test the best office chairs to review them and see how well they stack up against one another, I spend a few weeks sitting in each one. During this time, I see how well each office chair supports my back, shoulders, neck, and arms, and I also determine their comfort level.

Besides comfort, I also take a close look at how easy each chair is to adjust and whether or not the changes I make to a chair's fit remain in place. Although I review many of the office chairs highlighted above from my home, I also have family and friends of different weights and heights test them out too.

This gives me a better idea of how well each chair will work with different body types, and I can gauge someone else’s reaction to sitting in them for the first time. For the chairs that other members of the team at Tom’s Guide review, they do something similar when working remotely, but if they’re in the office, other co-workers will come and try out each chair.

During our testing process, I also take note of each chair’s design, appearance, and how customizable it is. Likewise, I inspect its materials and parts and see how well they hold up over time.

Since few people build home office furniture as often as I do, I take a lot of notes while putting each chair together to see how easy or difficult it might be for someone with less experience to do so. I assemble every office chair on my own, but I point out in my reviews where having someone else to help during the assembly process can make things easier or faster.

Finally, I take into account the overall cost of a chair, the length and fine details of its warranty, and how it compares to competing chairs in the same price range. For more information on our testing process, check out our how we test page for Tom’s Guide.

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What is the best laptop you can buy in 2026? The honest answer is: it depends — on how you work, how you play and how much patience you have for compromise vs price. Performance, battery life, portability, repairability, cost... there's no single "right" choice anymore.

That's where I come in. Between my team and me, we've collectively spent more than 40 years testing laptops. Not just in labs, but the way we actually use them — living with these machines, pushing them to their limits, and calling out the ones that don't deserve your money.

This guide is not about hype or spec sheets. It's about cutting through the noise and recommending the laptops I'd genuinely tell a friend or family member to buy.

To help you on your way, here are some key questions you could ask yourself before picking. If you're already sure, then head on down to see my top picks.

The best laptops you can buy right now

The best laptop overall

Should you buy the MacBook Air M5?

The MacBook Air M5 has (unsurprisingly) taken over its M4 predecessor as the best MacBook and best laptop for most people reading this list, as it's hard to beat the mighty performance it offers at its cost. This time, though, its starting price is $100 more.

Now starting at $1,299 for the 13-inch model and $1,499 for the 15-inch (but expect plenty of regular discounts), the latest MacBook Air may share that familiar lightweight, durable design, but its upgrades under the hood put its competition on notice. With faster M5 performance, double the base storage at 512GB, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and longer battery life, this laptop ticks all the right boxes.

Buy the MacBook Air M5 if

✅ You want a do-it-all laptop: With its M5 chip, along with its other notable upgrades, the latest MacBook Air takes its multitasking power to new heights, for web surfing, video editing and even some AAA gaming.

✅ You need a laptop that lasts: Now with 15 hours and 30 minutes of battery life, the M5 update makes the MacBook Air one of the longest-lasting laptops around, especially at its price. For those on the move or who don't want to rely on a charger, this laptop brings the stamina.

Don't buy the MacBook Air M5 if

❌ If gaming is a priority: While the M5 is more than capable of playing demanding PC titles (like Resident Evil 4 Remake), it understandably isn't made for gaming. So don't think this will be your main gaming driver.

❌ You already have an M4 or M3 MacBook Air: Despite the impressive performance gains the M5 delivers, along with the 512GB base storage and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, this is more of a modest update. There's still plenty of software support left in those still-amazing laptops!

Who is the MacBook Air M5 best for?

💻 The MacBook Air M5 brings it home yet again, this time with notable upgrades that make this laptop better than ever. Yes, it's now $200 more for both the 13- and 15-inch models after Apple's price hikes, but this gets you a very welcome 512GB base storage, Apple N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and longer battery life at over 15 hours.

This isn't the upgrade to grab if you already have an M4, or even an M3, MacBook Air, but for frequent travelers, students and anyone who wants a reliable notebook that will be your trusty, lightweight companion, this is the best laptop to buy — especially when the inevitable discounts arrive to drop its bumped-up price tag.

• Read our full MacBook Air M5 review

Thanks to Apple officially raising the price of MacBooks, the MacBook Air M5 is now priced from $1,299 (or $1,499 for the 15-inch model). That's a $200 price increase, and that's after the $100 surge in cost over the M4 model. While the price has gone up, we still rank it as the best laptop for most. We're constantly on the lookout for deals, so if we can find it at a lower price, be sure to grab it!

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The best value laptop

Should you buy the MacBook Neo?

Apple has changed the landscape of budget-friendly laptops with its MacBook Neo. It's almost strange to have a MacBook take the crown as the value laptop to beat, but for the performance, design and features it presents for $699 ($599 for education), it's clear this laptop raises the bar.

The MacBook Neo comes with an A18 Pro chip, originally found in iPhones, but it still manages to run circles around Chromebooks and Windows laptops at similar prices and beats the MacBook Air M1. Plus, it comes with many of the perks of the MacBook Air, including a comfy keyboard and lightweight design (this time with fun colors). Trade-offs include paying extra for Touch ID, a lack of Thunderbolt and no keyboard backlight. But for its wallet-friendly price, this is no doubt the best value laptop around.

Buy the MacBook Neo if

✅ You need a budget-friendly, versatile laptop: From day-to-day tasks to delivering long battery life, all wrapped up in a slim, lightweight design, the MacBook Neo makes for a fine machine for traveling professionals, students, families and anyone who just needs a laptop that won't break the bank.

✅ You want solid performance for less: Despite a lack of the usual M-series chipset, the MacBook Neo's A18 Pro can power through multiple tabs and apps without breaking a sweat. We noticed occasional lag every now and then, but hardly a deal-breaker. For this price, it's incredibly speedy.

✅ You like a splash of style: Who doesn't like a sturdy, all-aluminum laptop with fun colors to bring your at-home setup or office to life? Coming in Silver, Indigo, Blush and Citrus, the MacBook Neo is eye-catching.

Don't buy the MacBook Neo if

❌ You want the perks of other MacBooks: The MacBook Neo doesn't come close to matching the performance of its Air or Pro siblings, which is expected, but it's a shame there's also no keyboard backlight, and Touch ID (with more storage) comes with a $100 price hump. Plus, 8GB of RAM isn't all that much.

❌ You need Thunderbolt connectivity: With Thunderbolt ports becoming the standard for many laptops, not seeing one in the MacBook Neo is a letdown, and limits the type of connections (to monitors, for instance) you can make.

Who is the MacBook Neo best for?

💻 The MacBook Neo is Apple's successful attempt at a budget laptop, and it ticks all the right boxes and makes the right (if annoying) trade-offs for it to be the value laptop for most.

Now at $699, you'll get good performance from its impressive A18 Pro chip, long battery life that lasts over 13 hours, a vivid 13-inch display, the lightweight design of a MacBook Air with striking color options, great audio from its side speakers and the speediness of macOS. If you're fine with the sacrifices Apple has made, and only need an affordable machine for browsing the web, accessing apps, working on documents and more, you'll be very impressed with the MacBook Neo.

• Read our full Apple MacBook Neo review

As with the rest of Apple's range of MacBooks, the MacBook Neo has seen a $100 price rise. While now priced from $699 (and $599 for students), it's still a great laptop for value at this cost, especially compared to its competition. However, we'll be sure to keep watch for any deals to help you save on this excellent budget-friendly machine.

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The best Windows laptop

Should you buy the Dell XPS 14 (2026)?

The Dell XPS 14 (2026) is the comeback we’ve all been waiting for. By ditching some of the controversial design aspects of previous models—along with the “Dell Premium” branding, the company has delivered a true MacBook Pro competitor. While it can get pricey, there’s a lot to like here.

Starting at $1,599, you get a relatively thin and light machine that’s perfect for traveling with. Upgrades like a tandem OLED panel and a stronger Intel Panther Lake chip make this notebook even more enticing. Right now, it’s arguably the best Dell XPS laptop we’ve seen in years. Well, that and its bigger sibling, the Dell XPS 16 (2026), which we also strongly recommend if you're after bigger (OLED) screen real estate.

Buy the Dell XPS 14 (2026) if

✅ You want an ultraportable Windows laptop that’s as good for productivity as it is for gaming: Thanks to Panther Lake, this laptop can handle most of what you can throw at it.

✅ You need a long-lasting laptop: While the OLED model we tested only lasted 12 hours and 23 minutes, that’s still impressive endurance for a non-Snapdragon X Elite Windows machine. If you get the entry-level model, you can get over 20 hours of battery life, based on our testing.

Don't buy the Dell XPS 14 (2026) if

❌ If you’re married to Apple: This one kind of goes without saying, but if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem, any Windows laptop will be a hard sell. Also, an entry-level MacBook Pro M5 offers stronger performance and longer battery life than the higher-end $2,199 XPS 14 we reviewed.

❌ You need a microSD card: If you’re a creative, not having a microSD card slot could be a deal breaker. Keep that in mind when considering this laptop.

Who is the Dell XPS 14 (2026) best for?

💻 The Dell XPS 14 has a lot going for it, thanks to its new practical design, strong Panther Lake performance and efficiency, and tandem OLED upgrade option. While a return to form, it still retains some of the better aspects of the past, such as the glass touchpad and snappy keys. Dell wisely listened to its users and delivered a machine that’s worthy of the XPS branding.

I’ve always been a fan of the XPS line, so I’m glad I can now recommend the latest model without adding a list of caveats. Beyond being a return to form, Dell has delivered an all-around fantastic machine that’s ready to go wherever you travel.

If you’re a Windows user who wants a slick-looking and portable machine that’s as adept for work as it is for gaming, this one comes with my highest recommendation. Looking for a bigger screen? The Dell XPS 16 will impress just as much.

• Read our full Dell XPS 14 (2026) review

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The best budget Windows laptops

Should you buy the Dell XPS 13 (2026)?

The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is the rare budget Windows laptop that actually delivers long battery life and a sharp 2.5K touchscreen — two things you rarely see together at this price. In our battery test, it lasted 14 hours and 29 minutes, which is very impressive for a machine in this class. The screen isn’t just high-res on paper: that touchscreen adds a lot of value and makes this feel like a more expensive device than most competitors in the $700 range.

Performance is another area where the XPS 13 punches above its weight. Our entry-level unit (8GB RAM, 512GB storage) scored 7,952 on Geekbench 6 multi-core, but what matters more is how it feels day to day. During a typical workflow —15 Chrome tabs open, YouTube streaming in the background — it never slowed it down. In short: you’re not paying for nothing here. This is the kind of value-to-performance ratio that reassures you your money’s well spent.

Buy the Dell XPS 13 (2026) if

✅ You want fast, reliable day-to-day performance: The XPS 13 breezed through my typical multitasking — think 15 Chrome tabs and YouTube in the background — so routine work, browsing, and streaming won’t leave you frustrated.

✅ You need a laptop that lasts all day: In our battery test, the XPS 13 ran for 14 hours and 29 minutes of continuous web browsing — enough to get through classes or a full workday without plugging in.

✅ You carry your laptop everywhere: At just 2.2 pounds, with a sturdy aluminum chassis, the XPS 13 is genuinely comfortable to haul between rooms, classes or commutes.

Don't buy the Dell XPS 13 (2026) if

❌ You need a sharp webcam: For those who go on video calls often, know that the XPS 13's 1080p webcam can make you look blurry and washed out. It's serviceable, but not the best around.

❌ You want plenty of ports: With only two USB-C ports and no headphone jack, the XPS 13 doesn't give you a lot to play around with, especially if you want to connect extra peripherals, like a mouse, keyboard and more.

Who is the Dell XPS 13 (2026) best for?

💻 The Dell XPS 13 (2026) has value written all over it, and it makes it an easy recommendation as the best budget Windows laptop to buy. At under $700/£700, this laptop offers reliable performance for everyday tasks, an ultra-lightweight and thin design that's anything but cheap and all-day battery life at over 14 hours.

If you’re a price-conscious Windows user, like a student, remote worker or anyone who needs a dependable daily driver, the Dell XPS 13 gets the basics right, and then some. Just don’t expect workstation-level performance or gaming chops, and you’ll find a lot to love for the money. 

• Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2026) review

The best gaming laptop

Should you buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14?

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is my personal favorite gaming laptop you can buy — primarily because it doesn’t forget about the “laptop” part like a lot of gaming systems do.

This refreshed model packs a ton of power into that sleek MacBook Pro-esque aluminum shell in the form of the latest AMD CPU and Nvidia RTX 50-series GPU combo. But the more things change, the more they (fortunately) stay the same, thanks to that gorgeous CNC-milled utilitarian aesthetic and a mesmerizing OLED display.

If you need more raw horsepower dedicated to gaming, there are more performant options, and I recommend you check out our best gaming laptops list. But for a better balance of all elements that still delivers big on power, the Zephyrus G14 is a near-perfect pick.

Buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 if

✅ You want a beasty gaming machine: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 + Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 makes for a monstrous pairing of power. Combine that with improved cooling and DLSS 4, and you can run the latest AAA games at over 140 FPS in max settings.

✅ You don’t want other people to know you have a gaming laptop: The standard gaming laptop design is pretty cringe. I always feel uncomfortable pulling one out. But the Zephyrus G14’s tastefully utilitarian CNC-milled aluminum construction looks fantastically subtle from every angle.

✅ You care about a good screen: That 3K OLED panel is a real marvel to look at — presenting all your favorite games with a real HDR quality that pushes impressive color and a deep contrast ratio.

Don't buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 if

❌ Battery life is a chief concern: This is more a problem I’ve found with gaming laptops as a whole rather than this specific model. But it’s worth noting, as the stamina levels of such highly demanding internals does drop the battery life in day-to-day use to below 7 hours of casual use.

❌ Webcam quality matters: The 1080p webcam remains unchanged from the Zephyrus G14 last year, which means you’re getting quite the grainy picture that struggles with low lighting.

Who is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 best for?

💻 The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a fantastic gaming laptop that kept me entertained across 5,000 miles of travel, balancing performance and portability perfectly. The OLED display makes all your gaming look incredibly colorful and immersive, the speakers have been improved, and it’s impressively thin and lightweight.

This is the best gaming laptop for folks who actually want to take their gaming laptops with them on occasion. Most gaming laptops are so big, heavy and poorly optimized that they're basically desktop replacements, since they're best left on your desk for their entire lifespan.

Not so with the Zephyrus; while battery life while gaming still isn't amazing, this thing fits in a backpack fairly easily and doesn't look out of place in a coffee shop or classroom, so you can take it to school and sneak in some gaming time at lunch. It's the best laptop for anyone who wants a gaming laptop that can double as a work device in a pinch.

• Read our full Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review

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The best Chromebook

Should you buy the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14?

Not only is the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 the best Chromebook you can buy right now, but it’s also a mighty laptop overall that shows ChromeOS is on a whole new level. That premium finish with stellar ergonomics and a mesmerizing OLED display puts Chrome on full glorious display.

Pair that with a new Arm chip that guarantees peak performance and power efficiency, and a truly AI-infused operating system that feels legitimately helpful rather than intruding with a chatbot every opportunity it gets (looking at you, Windows 11), this is a capable coworker through anything you’re doing.

Buy the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 if

✅ Your work/life revolves around Chrome: There’s a lot of us out there. Google Chrome is the center of pretty much everything you do in the day-to-day. If that’s you, the Chromebook Plus 14 is a top pick with an operating system built entirely around this browser — paired with a ton of next-gen AI smarts to boot.

✅You don’t want the Chromebook compromises: A lot of Chromebooks come with serious cutbacks to keep costs low. Lenovo has ditched all of that with the Chromebook Plus 14. That design is impressively premium and utilitarian, the keyboard and touchpad feel amazing, the Kompanio chip inside is fast and packs good stamina (13+ hours on one charge), and the OLED screen is beautiful.

Don't buy the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 if

❌ You want a budget Chromebook: If you’re OK with those Chromebooks, you can get that Chromebook Plus experience for cheaper. You are definitely getting what you pay for at $649 with that aluminum shell, OLED display and powerful internals, but that is a slightly higher price for a Google laptop.

Who is the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 best for?

💻 The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is a standout laptop, offering a well-built design, a stunning OLED display, and a sharp webcam. It's best for anyone who knows you can get by with just a Chromebook, but you don't want to compromise with a low-quality display or a paucity of ports.

And while you are still limited in what you can do by ChromeOS, this AI-enhanced system can be awfully productive. So if you have steady Internet access and you're looking for an all-day productivity device for under $650, this is an excellent choice.

• Read our full Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 review

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The best laptop to repair and upgrade

Should you buy the Framework Laptop?

When it came out we called the Framework Laptop the Anti-MacBook because it's everything Apple doesn't do in laptops: repairable, upgradable and respectful of your rights as an owner.

I was initially excited about those promises but dubious the company could deliver on them without some glaring sacrifices. But now that I’ve used one myself, I’m happy to report the Framework Laptop is as good as advertised.

With its intentionally easy-to-repair design (you can pop pieces off this laptop and get at the innards in minutes, with no tools besides the spudger it comes with) and super cool swappable Expansion Card ports, the Framework Laptop 13 is a versatile ultraportable that's one of the best laptops you can buy if you care about your right to repair and tinker with your devices.

Buy the Framework Laptop if

✅ You care about your right to repair: I've never seen a laptop that's easier to open up, fiddle around with and put back together. No other laptop on the market can match the Framework in this regard, so if you care about being able to repair and upgrade your laptop, this is the one for you.

✅ You're plagued by port envy: On most laptops, the ports it comes with are all you get. The Framework is different: you can change what ports it sports by buying hot-swappable Expansion Cards that you plug into 4 slots on the bottom of the laptop, and each can have one port on it. So you can swap out 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports for 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A, a DisplayPort out and an Ethernet jack, for example.

✅ You like a tall screen: The 3:2 display ratio of the Framework's screen feels a bit taller than the displays found on most laptops, and it's great for working with "tall" things like long documents, emails, coding projects and more.

Don't buy the Framework Laptop if

❌ You're scared by pieces of your laptop coming off: The Framework is well-designed and sturdy, but because it's designed to be taken apart you may occasionally find yourself accidentally doing something like popping the bezel off the screen. This is a feature, not a problem, but it can unnerve new owners.

❌ You don't want to pay extra for ports: The Framework offers unrivaled port versatility thanks to its Expansion Card system, but it does require buying a handful of Cards for all the ports and other options you want, some of which could be easily lost or misplaced.

Who is the Framework Laptop best for?

💻 The Framework Laptop is a remarkable piece of tech. It's a great laptop for getting work done, but more than that, it's a statement of purpose, a clear example that every other laptop maker could be building and selling us more repairable, sustainable laptops if they cared to as much as Framework does.

While it can be a bit daunting to open and upgrade, this is the ideal laptop for DIY fans, right-to-repair fanatics and anyone who wants to take a little more ownership of their tech. It's also an ideal laptop for curious students who love to tinker and take things apart. It's a fantastic investment if you care about your right to repair and upgrade your own laptop.

• Read our full Framework Laptop 13 review

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The longest-lasting laptop

Should you buy the MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Pro?

While the MacBook Pro M5 is strong, the latest MacBook Pro M5 Pro takes performance up several notches. With that power comes even longer battery life, knocking its M4 Pro predecessor and finally going past 21 hours.

It’s the longest-lasting laptop Tom’s Guide has tested, but it still brings everything we’ve come to adore about the MacBook Pro, like its gorgeous Liquid Retina XDR display, full-height function keys, amazing speakers and plenty of ports. All that, along with its performance boost, makes this one of the best laptops around — especially for power users.

Buy the MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Pro if

✅ You need top-notch performance: Sure, the M5 Max still has it beat, but the M5 Pro is no slouch. For the money, you’ll be getting one of the fastest laptops ever for video editing, creative work, coding and more.

✅ You want all-day battery life: Lasting 21 hours and 10 minutes in our battery endurance tests, the 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro will take you through a day of work and a night of entertainment without needing a charge. Prepare for a full day of battery life.

✅ You don’t want to pay for an M5 Max model: The M5 Max model is powerful, no doubt, but it also costs over $1,000 more. For those who need speedy performance without paying a fortune, the M5 Pro offers this in spades.

Don't buy the MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Pro if

❌ You’re on a budget: Not everyone needs the performance that the M5 Pro offers at its pricey $2,699 starting cost ($200 more than the last model), and may find the base MacBook Pro M5, and even the MacBook Air M5, is more than enough to handle their workload and daily activities.

❌ You’re waiting for a big upgrade: Despite the impressive performance boost the M5 Pro offers to the MacBook Pro lineup, that’s about it when it comes to notable updates. You may want to wait a little longer for a larger revamp…

Who is the MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Pro best for?

💻 The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro, yet again, boasts the best battery life of any laptop we've tested to date, along with incredible performance, a beautiful display and a familiar yet reliable design. For a big-screen laptop that can power through anything you throw at it, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better.

Right now, this is the best laptop for most power users, whether that be for photo/video editors, animators, Mac game fans and anyone after peak portable power. It’s pricey, but worth the investment for years to come.

• Read our full MacBook Pro M5 Pro 16-inch review

The MacBook Pro with M5 Pro has had a considerable price jump, thanks to Apple's price increases for MacBooks. Previously $2,199, it is now priced from $2,499 after a $300 increase. While it's still one of the most powerful laptops around, expect to pay more for it. Of course, to help you save, we'll be finding deals to keep the price down.

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The best MacBook Pro

Should you buy the MacBook Pro 14-inch M5?

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip is one powerful laptop, which is all the more impressive when you consider its svelte 3.4-pound chassis slips into a backpack with ease. Of course, that's no surprise given that the company has been iterating on this design for years. The addition of an M5 chip under the hood takes the 14-inch MacBook Pro to new heights, making it the best MacBook Pro for most folks thanks to its unbeatable combo of size, performance and price.

That said, in our battery tests, it didn't fare as well as the older MacBook Pro M4, which managed an additional two hours between charges.

Buy the MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 if

✅ You need to edit videos on the go: And I'm not talking iMovie clips, either - I'm talking about working with Final Cut and Adobe Premiere to edit videos while you're away from desk. The M5 chip is built for this kind of work, and it will serve you well.

✅ You plan to work outside often: The M5 MacBook Pro is the first to come with the optional nano-texture glass coating, which costs $150 extra but helps stop glare from bright light-which is great when you work outdoors a lot.

✅ You want a MacBook that'll last for years: M1 MacBooks are still (barely) viable, so it stands to reason that M5-driven notebooks could potentially last you 5-10 years. This could help justify the admittedly high initial price.

Don't buy the MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 if

❌ Gaming is important: The M5 MacBook Pro runs Mac-compatible games pretty well, but it's not the best gaming laptop for the money. If you care about gaming performance, go with one of the best gaming laptops instead.

❌ You own a MacBook Pro M4: The M5 MacBook Pro is more capable than its predecessor, but not by much. If you already own a recent MacBook Pro and you're not craving the nano-texture coating, there's no reason to rush out and upgrade.

Who is the MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 best for?

💻 The MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 is typically one of the best laptops for video editors, programmers and anyone who wants a more powerful Mac than the Air but doesn't want the big 16-inch Pro. It's also pretty good at running games that are optimized for the M5 chipset, so game fans won't be left out in the cold.

• Read our full MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 review

The MacBook Pro with M5 is now priced from $1,999 after Apple raised the price across MacBooks. That's a $300 price increase over its original $1,699 cost. It's a steep rise, and not quite the value find it once was. However, if you can find it at a discount (we'll keep an eye out), this is still the best MacBook Pro for most.

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The best 2-in-1 laptop

Should you buy the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)?

2026 is the year of the laptop, and the new Asus Zenbook Duo just proved why. In my time testing it, I've been truly blown away — easily the best Windows laptop I've used in a long time.

Why? Well I could talk about the thoughtful redesign of the whole chassis to make a dual-screen laptop all the more portable, durable and seamless to use. But in reality, it comes down to what's inside.

That Intel Core Ultra X9 388H is a breakthrough for Windows laptops with impressive CPU performance, a mind-boggling GPU and power efficiency that keeps both of those screens running brightly for over 11 hours of use.

Throw in improved ergonomics on that keyboard deck and a sturdy hinge to use in landscape or portrait, and you're onto a winner (albeit an expensive one).

Buy the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) if

✅ You want to transform Windows 11 productivity on-the-go: There are many great Windows laptops out there, but you can't deny that two screens are better than one when using Microsoft's OS. The dual OLED displays on here are mesmerizing with brightness and color accuracy.

✅ You want the best all-round performance: Some chips focus on blazing performance, and some aim for power efficiency. The Intel Core Ultra X9 nails both, while also packing a GPU that challenges even Nvidia gaming laptops while sipping that battery life.

✅You care about good ergonomics: Looking beyond the virtually zero latency of that touchscreen's inputs, the keyboard attachment has a top notch typing experience, and the trackpad has undergone a vast improvement to feel all the more smooth to browse and snappy to click.

Don't buy the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) if

❌ You're on a budget: The Zenbook Duo comes in at $2,099. Not only is that quite a hefty price increase over last year's model, it does make it an expensive system all-round. Not to say it doesn't earn its price tag in capability (hence why it's on this list), but if you're tightening the budget, you may want to wait for a deal.

Who is the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) best for?

💻 The Asus Zenbook Duo is an excellent Windows laptop that uses a second screen to rewrite what productivity looks like on-the-go. Touch-typers will love that keyboard deck, flipping between both of those delightful OLED screens is a cinch, and the redesign brings those screens almost seamlessly together.

But the real superstar here is Intel Core Ultra X9, which unlocks so much performance potential with that monster GPU and CPU speed uplifts — all while marrying it with serious power efficiency.

And while it is a pricey option, there's nothing better in the Windows space right now for nailing your intensive workloads by day and playing by night while not having to worry about your battery %.

• Read our full Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) review

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The best MacBook Air alternative

Should you buy the MSI Prestige 13 AI+?

The latest MSI Prestige 13 AI+ isn't just a blow-for-blow MacBook alternative for those sticking with Windows. In fact, it shows Apple exactly what "Air" means: even lighter and more compact, all while delivering the same solid all-day battery life and strong ultraportable performance — this time with the might of Intel's Panther Lake.

At just 1.9 pounds, this is the lightest laptop we've tested. That alone is a triumph, especially for a laptop that can handle multitasking and play Cyberpunk 2077 at 40 frames per second (with Intel's XeSS 3). And while there are some sacrifices, including lackluster speakers and a fuzzy webcam, the Prestige 13 AI+ is an excellent choice for on-the-move Windows users. Oh, and that 2.8K OLED display? Glorious.

Buy the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ if

✅ You're hunting for a featherweight, high-end laptop: Carrying the Prestige 13 AI+ is a delight thanks to its 1.9-pound chassis and compact frame. It's the lightest laptop we've tested, and its build means you don't sacrifice confidence for portability, as the refinements made over the last-gen model make it far sturdier.

✅ You enjoy a gorgeous display: With a 13.3-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED screen, this laptop is great for binging your favorite shows on, and you can bet it offers up a flood of colors and crispy details — more so than the MacBook Air's.

✅ You want reliable performance: While it doesn't quite match Apple's M5 chip, the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 on board is more than capable of handling demanding workloads, and is even able to play high-end games like Cyberpunk 2077 thanks to Intel XeSS 3.

Don't buy the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ if

❌ You're after all the premiums: There have been some sacrifices made to cut down this laptop's weight, and that includes speakers lacking bass, and a 1080p webcam that makes you look spongy.

❌ You’re after more power for the price: The Prestige 13 AI+ is an ultraportable, so it won't be stuffed with the performance you'd get on similarly priced notebooks. While impressive, its £1,299 (not available in the U.S., yet...) price is quite high if you're looking for breakneck speeds.

Who is the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ best for?

💻 The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ is for buyers who want Air-level portability, crave a premium OLED display, and prefer Windows. If you need maximum battery life, raw power, or the Apple ecosystem, better fits exist. That said, it's hard to deny just how much power and premium features this laptop packs in such a compact, lightweight frame.

For those seeking a light, stylish and enjoyable ultraportable, though, this MSI is a very strong Windows option.

• Read our full MSI Prestige 13 AI+ review

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Best MacBook Pro alternative

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra?

Samsung finally brings its flagship laptop back in the spotlight, and we can attest to how brilliantly it shines. The Galaxy Book 6 Ultra is a powerhouse machine that's up there with the MacBook Pro, so there's now another reason to flock to Windows if you're after plenty of power for creative work and gaming.

With Intel Panther Lake inside, or the option to choose a mighty RTX 50-series GPU, you can expect strong performance across the board. It's only made better with its long 15 hours of battery life, along with its gorgeous OLED touchscreen and sleek, thin design. Sure, there's a lot of Samsung bloatware, and all this comes at a high price, but you'll find there's a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra. For another great (and slightly more affordable) option, though, the equally amazing Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Pro is worth checking out.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra if

✅ You run heavy creative software: The Galaxy Book 6 Ultra’s Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra 7 CPU (especially the X7 and RTX 5070 model) brings desktop-class muscle to demanding creative and professional tasks, ensuring smooth performance even under heavy workloads.

✅ You want a best-in-class display: With its 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen, the Galaxy Book 6 Ultra delivers exceptional color, contrast and resolution. That makes it a standout choice for anyone who values top-notch visuals.

✅ You work mostly away from outlets: Lab results show the Galaxy Book 6 Ultra can run for over 15 hours on a single charge, so you can work or create all day without reaching for the charger. And that's with its OLED display and powerful internals running rounds under the hood. It's impressive how long it lasts.

Don't buy the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra if

❌ A pure Windows experience matters to you: Samsung loads this laptop with extra Samsung-specific apps and utilities that clutter the experience, so if bloatware is a dealbreaker, this isn’t the cleanest premium choice. That said, if you're part of the Samsung ecosystem, this will work in your favor.

❌ You prefer a keyboard with more depth: Our reviewer noticed the keyboard is too shallow, so each key press doesn't have much travel before bottoming out. That can wear out your fingers if you're typing for hours on end, but that's hardly a major flaw compared to everything else this laptop offers.

Who is the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra best for?

💻 The Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra makes an extremely strong case to be one of the best laptops on the market right now. It covers all areas with flying colors, from its strong Intel Panther Lake performance (along with the optional RTX 5070 throw-in) to its dazzling OLED touchscreen. Oh, and its amazing 15+ hours of battery life.

It's a laptop that will make the MacBook Pro sweat, so if you prefer to use Windows 11 for all your power-hungry tasks, then the Galaxy Book 6 Ultra should be on your radar — if your wallet allows it.

• Read the full Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra review

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Also tested

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.

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Coming soon

There will always be another laptop coming down the line, and we're here to keep you updated on the latest machines to put on your radar. Here's what's coming up:

• It's official. Apple has raised the price of its MacBooks, ranging from a $100 price increase for the MacBook Neo to a $500 price bump for the MacBook Pro M5 Max. This is now in effect at the Apple Store and multiple retailers. The cause? The RAM crisis, and we can expect to see this affect upcoming MacBooks expected to arrive this year. We'll be searching for the best MacBook deals to help you save.
• Nvidia RTX Spark has finally arrived, the company's first all-in-one processor for laptops that's as powerful as we've been expecting. This ARM chip comes equipped with 6,144 CUDA cores (the same ones found in Nvidia's best graphics cards), meaning its integrated GPU can deliver performance equivalent to an RTX 5070. Not only will this offer exceptional power for gaming on a single chip in thin, lightweight laptops, but it also aims to change the way we interact with Windows with agentic AI. We can expect 30 laptop models and over 10 desktop variations with Nvidia Spark inside coming up. Pricing is still a mystery for these devices (prepare for them to be expensive, though), but they're set to launch this fall. In the meantime, here's a hands-on look at Nvidia RTX Spark laptops.
• There are eight Nvidia RTX Spark laptops set to launch, which include the following: Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra, Asus ProArt P16 and ProArt P14, MSI Prestige N16, an updated version of the Dell XPS 16, the HP OmniBook X 14 and OmniBook Ultra 16, and finally the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n.
• Speaking of Nvidia RTX Spark laptops, we've had a first look at the Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra, and it's already looking to be one of the best laptops we've tried. Featuring a 15-inch (2880 x 1920) mini-LED display, up to 128GB of RAM, and Team Green's new chip, this is already set to be a powerhouse, but we're also big fans of the luxurious build, great selection of ports and the haptic touchpad. Rumored pricing puts this anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000, so brace yourselves, but this will be a great mix for productivity, creativity and gaming. Plus, Microsoft Build 2026 gave us a look at all the AI features we can expect with this machine, along with other Windows laptops.
• Qualcomm announced its new Snapdragon C chip, set to bring a new wave of budget laptops priced around $300 to $400. Targeted at students, families and small businesses, laptops with Snapdragon C are made for general tasks, such as web browsing, video streaming and productivity. But we can also expect an integrated NPU for on-device AI tasks. We can expect to first Snapdragon C laptops from HP, Lenovo, and Acer, with one of the first being the Acer Aspire Go 15. We expect these to arrive sometime later this year.
• Google announced its new lineup of laptops: Googlebooks. Built for Gemini Intelligence and designed to work in the Android ecosystem, these machines are expected to compete with high-end Windows laptops and MacBooks, with professionals and power users in mind. With the first Googlebooks set to be from manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo, these could be contenders for this guide. We've yet to hear of pricing and release dates, but we expect to hear more at Google I/O 2026, so stay tuned for the latest. For now, you can find out the biggest differences between Googlebooks and Chromebooks.

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How to choose the best laptop for you

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How we test the best laptops

In our never-ending quest to find the best laptops, I put every computer we test through a barrage of synthetic and real-world tests to benchmark how well it performs compared to the manufacturer's claims, and compare how good it is relative to the competition.

These tests include, but are not limited to: measuring the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house colorimeter, using a heat gun to measure the heat generated by the laptop after 15 minutes of strenuous work, and using a mix of real-world and synthetic benchmarks to test how well a laptop performs at various day-to-day tasks.

I put all laptops through the Geekbench CPU performance benchmark tests as well as various 3DMark tests to measure graphics capabilities. I also run a file transfer test to measure how fast a machine's hard drive is, a video transcoding test to gauge how well a laptop can cut video and a custom battery test that has the machine browse the internet over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

There are also gaming benchmarks that I use — testing a basic game like Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm to gauge how good it is at running games compared to other laptops. I use this old game because it runs on a wide variety of laptops across different prices, sizes and operating systems, so it's great for comparing performance.

Of course, when testing dedicated gaming laptops, I run benchmarks for many more demanding and popular games, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. For more information on our testing process, check out our guide to how we test.

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When it comes to vacuum cleaners, arguably two brands rule the roost. At one end you have Dyson, which has a well-deserved reputation for its high end cordless vacuum cleaners where you get the quality that you pay for. At the other, you have Shark which is known for great value models that are especially good at tackling things like pet hair.

Both brands have their strengths and we're not here today to say which is better or right for your needs. What we are here to do, however, is present you with nine great deals for products from both brands.

There are corded and cordless models here, stick vacuums and more traditional cleaners. All of them have money off right now, meaning you can save up to 33% off the retail price. But hurry, these deals won't last forever...

The best HDMI 2.1 TVs support the latest connection standard, which means improved video performance and the ability to transfer more information quicker between your connected device and your TV. At the moment, not many platforms take advantage of that, but it is great for gaming.

The increased bandwidth, compared to HDMI 2.0, makes games more responsive, the variable refresh rate (VRR) helps reduce blurring. The TV I think makes the most of these enhancements is the Samsung S90F, which is why I rate it as the best HDMI 2.1 for most people right now.

It's an incredible blend of performance, brightness, fast response times and a dedicated gaming hub make it a fantastic value pick, even if it is a 2025 model. If you want to keep the cost down more, then it's almost too easy to recommend the fantastic Hisense U65QF as the best budget HDMI 2.1 TV right now.

The best HDMI 2.1 TVs you can buy right now

Best HDMI 2.1 TV overall

Of course it's important that the Samsung S90F has four HDMI 2.1 ports, meaning all its HDMI inputs support the standard, but there's a lot more to this TV than volume of ports. It also comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for console gaming, as all the current-generation consoles output at 120Hz.

So you get a TV that really seems to believe in supporting gamers, backed up with Samsung's Gaming Hub, which comes as part of the brand's Tizen OS software. If you plug a console into one of the four ports, the hub recognizes it and creates a quick start shortcut, where you can jump back into games from the TV's menu.

This automatically enables the S90F's Game Mode, which optimizes performance for your gaming session. All of this wouldn't matter though if the TV didn't also look incredible. We found in our lab tests that it can handle bright rooms and has great color accuracy, which showed from the moment you turned on the TV.

And, as an OLED TV, it's exceptional at handling contrast, so all the colors really pop off the screen. So if you're playing something vibrant or cartoon-ish, like something from the Mario series, it's going to look as fun and creative as you'd expect. But we found this impressive performance applies to dark and shadowy scenes and games too.

Movies, TV shows and sports all looked fantastic during testing, but it was during gaming on the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 that we felt the S90F shone. We put it through it's paces with Armored Core 6 and Elden Ring Nightrein, and there was no blurring as the 120Hz TV matches the refresh rate of the consoles.

• Read our full Samsung S90F OLED TV review

Best budget HDMI 2.1 TV

Although HDMI 2.1 ports have been common on flagship TVs for half a decade now, it's still a surprise to find a cheap TV like the Hisense U65QF with two HDMI 2.1 ports and so stacked with features. Not to state the obvious, but that's two fewer than the Samsung S90F, though it increases to four HDMI inputs with two HDMI 2.0 ports.

So that's enough to keep two consoles plugged in and have two spare for streaming devices. Of course it would be nice to have all four support the newer standard, but it's a decent compromise for a TV that's less than half the price of the Samsung S90F. That TV is also an OLED, where the U65QF is a Mini-LED TV.

In theory, that'd mean the Hisense set is less vibrant, but that wasn't our experience. The colors looked incredible in everything we watched, and our lab tests found that it has similar color accuracy to the S90F, a vastly more expensive TV. Occasionally during darker scenes, there was some glare, but not enough to distract from what's on.

Plus, there one area it has the edge over the Samsung set; refresh rate. The U65QF supports 144Hz natively, more than enough for all console gaming, and high enough to make it a good option for PC gaming, live sports or movies with fast-moving action. The rub is that it's response time is 13.1ms, compared to 9.1ms on the S90F.

In competitive gaming it can make a difference, but for single-player local games, you'll never really notice. Especially if you enable the TV's Auto Low-Latency Mode to reduce lag. All combined, this meant we really enjoyed playing games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which held up well against more expensive TVs.

• Read our full Hisense U65QF review

Best HDMI 2.1 TV for bright rooms

I keep recommending Hisense TVs to people because they're incredible value; lots of features, great performance and a good price. The brand's niche is mid-range LED TVs, which keeps the cost down compared to their OLED counterparts. But you'd have a hard time spotting that the Hisense U75QG isn't an OLED.

Our tests found that it is exceptionally bright, registering at three times brighter than the Hisense U65QF and Samsung S90F. It's an incredible feat for a TV at all, especially at this price. And before we delve to far into its performance, the U75QG corrects the (minor) flaw of the U65QF: it comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports (instead of two).

Even more surprising was that it had such an impressive response time. In our lab, it hit 9.8ms, compared to the 9.1ms you'd get on the Samsung S90F. Yes, it's fractionally slower, but not in a material way. Plus, the Hisense U75QG is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Samsung model.

It has the highest refresh rate of all the TVs on this roundup, natively reaching 165Hz. This is probably more than you really need, unless you plan to use the HDMI 2.1 TV for PC gaming, but it's hard to complain when you get a higher spec for less money. Plus, it runs Google TV software, one of the easiest smart TV platforms.

The one word of caution I'd give is to not place the Hisense U75QG in direct sunlight. It has an anti-glare coating, but we found that it wasn't super effective when battling against a focused stream of light. But it'll easily hold its own in the brightest of rooms, making one of the best HDMI 2.1 TVs you can get right now.

• Read our full Hisense U75QG review

How we test the best HDMI 2.1 TVs

We test the best HDMI 2.1 TVs in the same way we test all TVs; we use them. Alright, it's not quite as simplistic as that, but practical, real-world use is the core of our reviewing process, because we want you to know what it's like to actually watch the TV, play games on it or listen to the dialogue before you spend your money on a new set.

But before you get to that (fun) part where we actually put on a movie, TV show or game, the television goes through our lab testing process. We use industry-standard equipment to measure key performance metrics, like brightness, response time and color accuracy to get an objective sense of how the TV behaves.

This allows us to compare how the set performs in the real world compared to the manufacturer's claims, and means we can more readily tell you what's changed since the previous model. The data plays a big part in our recommendations, as a brighter TV will be better for bright rooms, and lower lag better for gaming.

It's also thanks to these measurements that I still recommending the 2025 Samsung S90F, for example, even though Samsung has a new slate of OLED TVs from 2026 available. The data showed that the performance was largely the same on the old and new models, so why spend more on the newer TV when you don't need to?

Once the data is tucked away in our spreadsheets, it is actually time to sit down in front of the TV and watch a selection of movies and shows. We often choose media we know well so that we can cast a critical eye over the set's performance, rather than assessing the quality of the content itself.

We pull all the objective data and subjective testing experience into our reviews, which normally focus just on the model we're testing and how it compares to the older edition. Then those insights inform how we pull together our recommendations and which TVs we say are best for particular use cases.

How to choose the best HDMI 2.1 TVs

Choosing the best HDMI 2.1 TV is a lot like how to decide on any other TV. As useful as the improvements are with the newer standard, most TVs now come with at least a few HDMI 2.1 ports, so it's more important to think about what you need from your new set, where you plan to put it and what you want to watch on it.

But first, you want to figure out the right TV size for your room. Generally, TVs range from 43 or 50 inches through to 85 inches (and sometimes up to 100+ inches). The core tech in the display often remains unchanged through the sizes, with some exceptions for the smallest and largest sets, which may have different panels or power.

You might be thinking of a specific size because you imagine the new TV going into a large living room, as a secondary set in the kitchen or in a smaller dorm room. And that will likely influence what you use the TV for; movie and sports watching, background viewing or gaming.

The setting also plays a part in whether you need a super bright television to combat daylight or if it can be a bit dimmer as you plan to use the TV for late night bingeing or gaming. Technically, the same considerations apply for audio, but most TVs have pretty mediocre sound, so I nearly always recommend getting one of the best soundbars.

And while I know it's hard when all the marketing leads that way, but its important not to be swayed too much by the TV's specs. It's far more important how the TV actually performs than the type of panel in the display. Of course, it's hard to tell that when you're looking at a (virtual) box, which is why we test them before recommending any.

FAQs

After testing dozens of scooters for more than five years, ranging from models that cost less than $200 to ones that cost more than $1,500, I think the best electric scooter for most people is the Segway E3 Pro.

This midrange model has good range, a comfortable top speed, a great design, and some nice extras, like turn signals and integration with Apple's Find My network. For what it offers at its price, it's a good value.

If you're looking for something that doesn't hit your wallet as hard, NIU also makes my favorite budget scooter, the NIU KQi 100P. This model costs less than $400, but if your needs are modest, it can get you around comfortably. Just don't expect it to perform well on hills, or take you for extra-long rides.

As part of our evaluations, I've ridden electric scooters for hundreds of miles, taken them up and down hills, on subways and trains, through cities and suburbs, to see how well they perform in a variety of conditions.

Whether you need a scooter to get back and forth to school or work, a scooter that can go the distance, or a scooter that can help you haul groceries from the store, we have a pick for you.

The best electric scooters available right now

Best electric scooter overall

The Segway E3 Pro isn't the fastest, nor the lightest, nor the most powerful, nor the least expensive scooter I've ever tested. But you know what? It's plenty fast, plenty powerful, and priced just right for the vast majority of people who are looking for a dependable ride, with a few extra niceties thrown in.

I found the E3 Pro's top speed of 20 mph easily fast enough for cruising around town, and while it wasn't a hill champ like the Apollo City, it was able to get be from the train station to my home just fine.

I did find myself having to charge it more often, as the inclines did drain the E3 Pro's battery faster, giving me a much shorter range than the advertised 17.5 miles when using its highest speed setting (you only get up to 34 miles if you poke along as a very slow 9 mph).

The E3 Pro is also well-designed, with a new folding mechanism that's a lot easier to use. And it has turn signals in the handlebars, as well as some fun rainbow LEDs on the underside of the scooter which give you better visibility at night.

However, I wish there were turn signals in the back, too, as it would make it easier for cars behind you to see where you're turning and improve overall rider safety.

Speaking of user safety, the scooter has not one but two brakes — a front drum brake and a rear electronic brake, with a traditional hand brake on the right handlebar.

You also get dual suspension (not often seen on a scooter at this price), traction control, and Apple Find My integration; I still use a bike lock to secure the scooter, but it's nice having a little bit of extra protection in case it goes missing.

• Read our full Segway E3 Pro review

Best budget electric scooter

With a starting price of less than $400, the NIU KQi 100P undercuts many comparable electric scooters by a good amount, yet doesn't compromise on features or performance.

Black with gray accents, the KQi 100P has a fairly clean design, as the scooter's cables are routed through its body. Its headlight was enough to illuminate my way home in the dark, but I wish it could have been brighter for even better visibility.

For a budget scooter, the KQi 100P offered a very smooth ride, thanks to its large 9.5 x 2.3-inch tires and front suspension, and it has a nice folding mechanism for when you want to store it. And, if you connect it with NIU's app, you can lock the scooter via Bluetooth, and set an alarm if someone tries to steal it.

You can also use the app to customize a few aspects of the scooter, including the strength of its regenerative braking system.

Make no mistake, though — this scooter's specs are far more modest than the other models on this list. With a 300W motor, a max speed of 17 miles per hour and a hypothetical range of 18 miles (I got about 10 in practice), this isn't a scooter designed for long distances or big hills.

But, if you're riding on flat terrain, or looking for an electric scooter for your teen who's ready to graduate from one of the best electric scooters for kids, this is a pretty good option.

The KQi 100P unseated the Hiboy S2 as my favorite budget scooter. Both performed similarly in my tests; the Hiboy is lighter, so it's easier to carry around, but the KQi is significantly cheaper.

If you want something more compact — and with turn signals — you should check out the NIU KQi 100F, which costs $100 more, but has handlebars that fold down, and features flashers in the handlebars to let traffic know which way you're going.

• Read our full NIU KQi 100P review

Best electric scooter for long distances

The Ninebot Kickscooter Max G3 is the third generation of Segway's long-distance electric scooter; this model sees a new, slicker color scheme — black and red — and an updated design, including raked handlebars, hydraulic disc brakes, dual suspension, and even a loop through which you can attach one of the best bike locks.

In addition, the Max G3 has a longer theoretical range than the G2 (50 miles vs. 43) and a higher top speed (28 vs. 23 mph). In my day-to-day use, I found the G3's range to be about the same as the G2 — around 20 miles — but that was riding it up and down hills at top speed. If you're more conservative and travel on more level ground, you should see a much better range.

I also like that the G3 has turn signals in the handlebars (although I wish Segway would add them to the deck too, like on Apollo's electric scooters, as it signals to cars behind you which way you're turning), and the display is bigger and brighter than ever. Plus, its double-action piston disc brakes help bring you to a safe and controlled stop.

The G3's 850W motor (2000W peak) roared me up hills, and I liked that top speed allowed me to better keep up with local traffic. I also like that, similar to the G2, the G3 supports Apple Find My network as well as a digital locking system; they can't prevent your scooter from being stolen, but at least it'll help you find it.

There are a few quirks that I would like Segway to work out with a firmware update: if you don't depress the throttle fully, the G3 has a tendency to jerk forward, and it also slows down for a split section after you drive over a pothole. Otherwise, this scooter will let you go the distance.

Another option around this price is the Apollo City, which has a higher top speed of 32 mph and crushes hills just as easily. It has a slightly shorter range, though.

• Read our full Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G3 review

Best electric scooter for hills

If you live in a hilly area, you're going to need a scooter that can muscle you up those inclines; there's nothing worse than having your ride slow to a crawl as you get to the top.

Thanks to the Apollo City's 500W motor, I was able to roar up and down even the steepest of hills with ease. And, with its top speed of 32 miles per hour, I could keep pace with most local traffic.

I also liked its full suspension and puncture-proof tires, which helped keep the ride smooth. Apollo's app even lets you customize the scooter's performance and has a remote-locking function to engage the scooter's brakes, so that others can't ride it.

The Apollo City has something most other electric scooters lack: turn signals. It's a lot easier to let other drivers know you want to go left or right if you can switch on a light, rather than holding your arm out — even better, they're on both the deck of the scooter as well as the ends of each handlebar, so it's even easier for cars to spot you.

It has multiple choices when it comes to brakes, too, with a thumb-activated regenerative braking system on the left handlebar, and there are also hand brakes on both the right and left sides. Plus, no matter which braking method you use, the Apollo City’s taillight will flash red, warning those behind you that you’re slowing down.

Still, at 57 pounds, this is a pretty heavy electric scooter — it's not my first choice if you have to carry it up a flight of stairs — and its latching mechanism is more finicky than you'll find on many other electric scooters. But otherwise, this is a fun and fast electric scooter with some good safety features built in.

• Read our full Apollo City review

Best electric scooter for kids

The Segway Ninebot Kickscooter C2 Lite is the best electric scooter for parents who want to get a scooter for their kids to safely ride around town.

It's easy to learn, with a simple thumb lever on the right to control acceleration and a hand brake on the left for controlled and easy braking.

Parents can set the max speed to either 7.5 mph or 9.9 mph depending on the age of their child and experience (the recommended age range is 6-10 years). I (and my kid testers) liked the C2 Lite's design, especially the color-changing LEDs on the bottom of the scooter, which make it look even cooler when it's dark outside. I just wish the scooter came in more colors than just blue.

While the C2 Lite has rubber wheels, it was still comfortable enough to ride over small bumps, and its 120W motor gave it just enough oomph for our test kids to enjoy the ride safely.

The C2 Lite has a rated battery life of up to 70 minutes — you'll most likely see closer to 50 depending on how hard your kid decides to ride it — but there's a big clear battery life indicator to let you know how much juice is left.

If your child is a little older, you might also want to check out the Segway C2 (ages 6-12), which has an even sleeker folding design and adjustable handlebars, but the same top speed as the C2 Lite; or the C2 Pro (ages 6-14), which has a higher top speed of 12.4 mph, and has a Bluetooth speaker built in.

• Check out our full guide to the best electric scooters for kids

Best electric scooter for commuters

Thanks to its dual 250W motors, the Unagi Model One Voyager powers up hills with aplomb, zipping along twice as fast as other scooters with just a single motor. Using both motors (you can opt to use just one) causes the battery life to drop significantly lower than the scooter's advertised 20-mile range.

The Unagi also has a great display that's bright enough to easily see even in daylight; we also liked its intuitive controls and loud, electric-sounding horn. It has both head and taillights, the latter of which blinks rapidly when you hit the brakes to signal to those behind you that you are doing so.

I was also enamored with the Unagi's sleek design; its carbon-fiber front post changes in geometry from a circle to a triangular shape, making for an intriguing look. No other scooter on the road looks quite like it.

At 26 pounds, the Unagi is also super-light, which makes it really easy to carry around — helpful if you have to lug it up stairs. However, part of what makes it so lightweight are its small rubber tires, which I found delivered a much rougher ride over potholed streets.

All of this comes at a price: The Model One Voyager costs $1,490 — and it's often on backorder. However, Unagi's scooter rental program lets you rent the Voyager for $79/month, or the Unagi Model One Classic for $59/month with an annual subscription.

• Read our full Unagi Model One Voyager review

Best scooter for carrying stuff

The Glion Balto is the best electric scooter for those who want something they can use to pick up groceries or carry things to and from the store. And, it can fold up on itself, making it much easier to store.

One thing I really appreciated about the Balto is that it comes with a side-view mirror, lights, and turn signals, which made me feel safer in traffic. And, the Balto's battery is removable, so you don't have to park the scooter near an outlet. As a bonus, you can also use the battery to charge your phone — but you'll need to buy an adapter first.

If you're looking for another scooter with a basket, you should also check out the Razor EcoSmart Cargo; it has a bit more zip than the Balto, and its basket can be swapped out for an extra seat, but it can't fold up, and its chain drive is a bit noisy.

• Read our full Glion Balto review

Best offroad electric scooter

With huge 11-inch tires, full suspension, and a 1600W peak motor, the Segway ZT3 Pro is designed to be taken almost anywhere outdoors. I certainly had a lot of fun riding it both on- and offroad around my town.

I was able to comfortably take it up a pretty steep grassy hill — which proved a touch too steep at the end — where lesser scooters would have bowed out.

What's more, the ZT3 Pro really looks the part; it has some great gray and red accents, and the scooter's large X-shaped running light in the front sets it apart from others. The handlebars were easy to grip even on bumpy terrain, and the controls on either side, such as the turn signals, were easy to reach.

It has both front and rear disc brakes — although they’re cable-operated, not hydraulic, unlike on some of Segway's more high-end models. They are operated via a traditional handbrake on the right handlebar.

Like some of Segway's newer scooters, the ZT3 Pro also has Apple's Find My support and a remote electronic locking feature. While I still recommend using one of the best bike locks, it's nice to have a bit of extra insurance.

Also like most electric scooters, the advertised max range of the ZT3 Pro (43.5 miles) is a highly optimistic figure. If you ride it like I did — at top speed — you're more likely to get around 20 miles before it needs a recharge.

I also wish its top speed were a little higher than 24.9 mph (check out the Apollo City if you're looking for something faster), but otherwise, I have few quibbles.

• Read our full Segway ZT3 Pro review

Best premium electric scooter

The Navee UT5 Ultra X wasn't designed with the standard user in mind. Instead, this Rolls-Royce-inspired, top-of-the-line scooter was designed for adrenaline junkies who'll get the most out of its speedy acceleration and high speeds.

The fastest and most powerful electric scooter I've ever piloted, it's capable of going from zero to 12 mph in under two seconds and has a maximum speed of 43 mph. With this being said, you'll need to dial in the maximum attainable speed via the Navee companion app, although this does take just a couple of clicks.

This doesn't mean you don't have control, though. Its dual disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, even when descending steep hills. Plus, the UT5 Ultra X also offers a downhill motor assist option that switches the motors into low gear to give you more control as you do so.

You can also control other settings, like the lights and cruise control in the app, as well as checking the current battery level and range.

Speaking of, the Navee UT5 Ultra X offers an impressive battery range of up to 75 miles per charge, assuming an average speed of around 10 mph. You can also fully charge the battery from 0% in just about two hours. It also has a decently high max rider weight at 330 pounds.

One of its major flaws, however, is its sheer weight. At 88 pounds, it's 23 pounds heavier than the second heaviest model in this guide, the Segway ZT3 Pro. It was a struggle to get it up a few steps, let alone a full flight of stairs.

I also have to mention the elephant in the room — the price. At $2,499, the Navee UT5 Ultra X is roughly five times the cost of the Segway E3 Pro. However, this increased price also comes with increased power, speed, and battery capacity.

Overall, I don't recommend the Navee UT5 Ultra X for apartment dwellers or anyone who might need to navigate up/down stairs. However, if you're looking for a premium electronic scooter that'll do more than just grocery runs, this may be the one for you.

• Read our full Navee UT5 Ultra X review

Best electric scooters compared

Also tested

We've tested a lot of electric scooters at Tom's Guide, and while many are great, not all can crack our top list. Still, if none of the picks above satisfy your needs, you may want to check out these below.

Scooter accessories you'll need

The majority of our picks on this page are for adult riders. However, if you're looking for something for your child, be sure to check out the best electric scooters for kids.

It's also important that you wear a helmet while riding a scooter. In the event of an accident, it could very well save your life, or prevent a traumatic brain injury. Our current top pick is the Giro Register MIPS, which is light, comfortable, and very affordable. For other options, check out our guide to the best bike helmets.

You'll also want to pick up one of the best bike locks to make sure that your scooter doesn't get stolen. Considering that it's a little tricker to lock up a scooter than a bike, a chain lock, like the Kryptonite New York Legend Chain 1515 & New York Disc Lock, might be your best option. It's heavy, but it's incredibly hard to cut.

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How to choose the best electric scooter for you

How are you going to use the scooter?
How you plan to use your scooter will go a long way to determining the best electric scooter for your needs. If you're using it as a "last-mile" vehicle — getting you from your home to the bus or train, and then from the bus or train to your office — you'll want to prioritize an electric scooter that's small and light. Look for a scooter that weighs between 20 and 30 pounds.

You'll also want an electric scooter that folds quickly and easily. There's nothing worse than having to fumble with a latch when you're rushing to catch a train — and your fellow passengers will appreciate it, too.

Are you riding on hilly terrain?
Where you plan to ride your scooter should also help determine your purchase. If you live in a flatter area, a scooter with a 300W to 350W motor should give you all the power you need. If, however, you live in, say, San Francisco, you'll want a scooter with a stronger motor to get you around. Larger individuals should also consider electric scooters with more powerful motors.

Battery life/range: After price, this will be the next deciding factor for many. It's a bit difficult to provide an accurate estimate of battery life and range, because it's dependent on a variety of factors, including the rider's weight, the temperature, and the terrain — if you're riding on flat surfaces, you'll be able to go much farther than if you're riding up and down hills. Battery life is typically measured in Amp Hours (aH); the higher the number, the longer you'll be able to ride.

Speed: Most electric scooters will top out at around 20 miles per hour on a flat road. That's plenty fast for most uses, but there are scooters that will zip along at speeds in excess of 25-30 MPH.

Motors: The majority of electric scooters will have a single hub-mounted motor (meaning the motor is built into the wheel itself), and will typically have a power rating of around 350 Watts. If you live in a particularly hilly area (or want to go fast) you'll want a motor with higher wattage.

Tires/suspension: There's nothing worse than a jarring ride as you bump over potholes and cracks in the road. To mitigate this, most electric scooters are now outfitted with air-filled (pneumatic) tires, which help cushion things. Others will have front or rear suspension (or both), which makes for an even more comfortable ride. Bigger tires also mean a more stable ride, too.

Lights: If you plan on riding your electric scooter in the early morning, at dusk, or among city traffic, it's worth getting a model with lights so you can see and be seen. Look for electric scooters with headlights and taillights — the better ones will have taillights that flash when you apply the brakes. Unfortunately, turn signals are rare, so you'll have to look out when changing lanes.

How much does an electric scooter cost?

For many, the price of an electric scooter will be the starting point for any buying decision. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect at each price tier.

• $100 to $200: These scooters tend to be very inexpensive and come with smaller motors, low-capacity batteries and simple braking mechanisms. This is where you'll also find most electric scooters for kids, but for adults, I would recommend you look for something in the $300-$400 range.
• $300 to $400: This is where you'll find the best budget scooters for adults that are actually worth owning. You'll get the basics, though most won't be great for hills or long distances.
• $400-$600: These scooters can be considered as either mid-range or entry-level commuters, and they tend to include bigger wheels, slightly longer ranges, fast-charging batteries and the ability to scale hills.
• $600 and up: These scooters are in the premium range. You can expect a longer, more comfortable ride, along with larger tires, faster speeds, disc brakes and better suspension.

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FAQs

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How we test the best electric scooters

There are dozens of varieties of electric scooters on the market, but only a few are worth bringing home to ride.

To test electric scooters, we ride them around a New Jersey suburb and, if the scooter is light and small enough, we take it on a train and into New York City. As increasing numbers of people are bringing scooters on public transportation, we like to see how easy it is to lug a scooter up stairs, and to see how well it can be stowed under a seat.

Once in New York, we ride the scooter some more to see how well it handles potholes and other road obstacles. We also take each scooter up a street with a 6% grade, to see how well its motor performs under strain. More powerful scooters will be able to maintain a somewhat consistent speed, while lesser models will slow to a crawl.

In addition, we evaluate each scooter to see if it can reach its advertised top speed, and how close its range comes to the company's estimates. Spoiler alert: most electric scooters will get around 60% of their advertised range.

As part of the testing process, we also evaluate a scooter's brakes, lighting, and design, as well as its price.

For entry-level and commuter scooters, we primarily consider things such as portability — how easy it is to fold up to bring on the bus or other types of public transportation, or how light it is to cart up a long stretch of stairs — along with range and top speed.

Commuter scooters don't need to be the fastest things around, but it helps if they can manage at least 15 mph for a sustained time so that you're not holding up anyone in the bike lane.

We also looked at braking mechanisms, including hydraulic disc brakes, which are the best for stopping quickly and safely at top speeds, and mechanical disc brakes, which are considered the second best for their reliability. Extra features like headlights, reflectors and available speedometer also factored into our commuter picks.

For the performance-based, higher-end rides, we consider range, speed and braking mechanisms, but we also looked at suspension. If you're paying upward of $1,000 for an electric scooter, it should be comfortable to ride and able to scale curbs, hills and bumpy roads.

For our picks for kids, electric scooters in this category don't offer the same bells and whistles as commuter models. For instance, many of the child and preteen picks don't fold up for portability, so we considered overall weight and size for kids with longer rides to school.

We also stuck with scooters that topped out at 15 mph for utmost safety. And like our commuter and high-performance picks, we pored over reviews from parents where accessible.

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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 laptop right now, we here at Tom's Guide highly recommend the Dell XPS 14 (2026). Our own in-house lab testing proves it, but we also now recommend the highly affordable Dell XPS 13 (2026) for its reliable performance. 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 Dell has managed with the XPS 13 (2026) for well under $1,000 — a slim, 2.2-pound laptop with battery life that lasted 14 hours and 29 minutes in our test. Right out of the box, the XPS 13 feels like a true travel companion: slim, durable and light enough to disappear in a bag, so you’re never weighed down on the move.

Inside, you get practical specs that hit the sweet spot for everyday tasks. The Intel Core 5 320 Wildcat Lake processor and 8GB of RAM (configurable up to 32GB) handled our typical workload, up to 15 Chrome tabs and a background YouTube video, without a hitch. Storage starts at a fine 512GB, so you’re not pressed for space even if you work with lots of documents, photos or class projects.

What pushes the XPS 13 ahead of most value laptops is its touchscreen display. Our reviewer, Tony, found touch controls as responsive as the touchpad’s, with every gesture registering instantly. That's a rare win at this price. Whether you’re scrolling through spreadsheets or swiping between windows, it just works, and helps the XPS 13 feel more modern than most sub-$1,000 competitors.

Compared to competitors like the Dell XPS 14 or the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra, the XPS 13 is both more affordable and easier to carry. You’ll give up some extras (no OLED panel, fewer ports, and a less powerful CPU), but you’re saving hundreds of dollars.

You will have to live with just two USB-C ports and no headphone jack, and the webcam is merely passable for video calls. But if you want the best blend of price, portability and proven all-day performance, the Dell XPS 13 (2026) is the value pick we’d recommend for work, school, or everyday use.

• Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2026) 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.

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 Results

Slide through to see our Geekbench results

< Prev

Geekbench 6 (single-core)

Next >

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

2867

Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)

2684

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
Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)	2684
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

Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)

7952

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
Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)	7952
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 life 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, the current winner, the Dell XPS 14 (2026), lasts 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 Results

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

Dell XPS 13 2026

14:29:00

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
Dell XPS 13 2026	14.483333333333333
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 our top recommendations will show you the best you can buy right now. If you're looking for other options, I've gathered all the great laptops we've tested that have their quirks but are still good alternatives worth considering if they meet your unique needs, or if you can't find your first choice on sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 5 processor, like the Dell XPS 13 (2026). 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, including 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.

The best budget laptop you can buy today is the MacBook Neo. After hands-on testing, our team of computing experts and I found Apple's cheap laptop showed reliable performance for everyday tasks, a bright and colorful display for watching shows and a premium, lightweight design to easily carry around — all for under $700/£700.

If you're a fan of Windows, the Dell XPS 13 (2026) is our top recommendation. This is also under $700/£700, and comes with strong performance thanks to the latest Intel Wildcat Lake processor, along with excellent battery life at over 13 hours as tested. Right now, it's the laptop I would choose if I were a student or looking for a device with few compromises.

Chromebooks are also a great option for value, and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 is our go-to pick. It can be found for under $600/£600, and comes with a sturdy, premium 2-in-1 design so it can be used like a tablet. In our testing, we found it handles multitasking well, and ChromeOS is very user-friendly for most people.

For a closer look at our in-depth reviews, other budget laptops we've tested and answers to your FAQs, read on.

The best budget laptops in 2026 you can buy

At Tom's Guide, we put each laptop we get in through extensive testing and benchmarking to find out if it's worth buying. For this guide, I've put together a round-up of the cheap laptops on the market in 2026, making value a priority to show you laptops that don't feel cheap or slow and, most importantly, will last you for years to come.

The best budget laptop overall

Who is the MacBook Neo 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. For budget-conscious buyers, professionals, students or families, this is the smart budget choice.

Why is it the best overall budget laptop?

Now starting at $699/£699 (originally $599/£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 about the MacBook Neo?

👍 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 about the MacBook Neo?

👎 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.

Should you buy the Apple MacBook Neo?

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 Windows laptop

Who is the Dell XPS 13 for?

The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is the go-to Windows laptop for buyers who want a premium screen and all-day endurance without the premium price. For students, office regulars or anyone who wants a well-built, reliable Windows laptop for everyday work, the XPS 13 (2026) is easy to recommend.

Why is it the best budget Windows laptop?

The XPS 13 strikes that rare balance of speed and value that budget-conscious Windows users crave. Its Intel Core i5 320 “Wildcat Lake” processor, paired with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, means you can keep plenty of Chrome tabs open and bounce between apps without slowdowns. In our experience, the XPS 13 with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage handled typical workloads — think 15 browser tabs and a YouTube video — without breaking a sweat. Along with its excellent 14+ hours of battery, 2.5K (2560 x 1600) touchscreen and sleek, lightweight design, there's a lot we love about this laptop, especially for its $699/£699 price (and down to $599/£599 for eligible students).

What do we like about the Dell XPS 13?

👍 Strong Windows performance for less: With its latest Intel Core 5 320 “Wildcat Lake” processor and up to 32GB of RAM, the XPS 13 keeps up with demanding multitasking and won’t slow you down as your needs grow, even with 8GB of RAM as we tested.

👍 Battery life that lasts: Tested at 14 hours and 29 minutes of continuous web use, the XPS 13 can handle long days away from an outlet, making it a serious contender for work or study on the go.

👍 Sharp, touch-friendly display: The 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen is crisp, responsive and a joy to use for navigation, writing or streaming. With its 30-120Hz variable refresh rate, everything on display will move smoothly, too.

What don’t we like about the Dell XPS 13?

👎 Limited on ports: The XPS 13 only has two USB-C ports and no headphone jack, so you’ll need dongles or adapters to connect extra peripherals, like a mouse and keyboard.

👎 Poor webcam quality: While the XPS 13 has a standard 1080p webcam, our reviewer, Tony, found its image quality to be too blurry, and it will make you look a little washed out.

Should you buy the Dell XPS 13 (2026)?

The Dell XPS 13 (2026) offers the best value you can get in a Windows laptop right now, as there are very few sacrifices made here despite its budget price at just under $700/£700. From its impressively bright and sharp 2.5K touchscreen to its high-quality design, along with its strong performance and all-day battery life, this is the ultraportable to buy.

• Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2026) review

The best budget Chromebook

Who is the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 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 Chromebook?

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 about the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1?

👍 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 about the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1?

👎 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.

Should you buy the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10?

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 Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 review

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 from our lab tests 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.

Currently, the Dell XPS 13 (2026) offers the longest battery life in this guide at over 14 hours, with the MacBook Neo not being far behind at over 13 hours. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 offers a solid 8 hours, although this is just over the minimum we recommend.

Best Budget Laptops Battery life Results

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)

Apple MacBook Neo

13:28:00

Dell XPS 13 (2026)

14:29:00

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10

08:32:00

03.757.511.2515

hours

Battery life (hh:mm:ss) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Neo	13.466666666666667
Dell XPS 13 (2026)	14.483333333333333
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10	8.533333333333333

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Here are more cheap laptops worth considering, according to our real-world tests.

How we tested the best budget 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 gaming, we'll open up a range of AAA games from Cyberpunk 2077 to Civilization VI, to see how well a laptop 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.

There are few more thoughtful gift than a book filled with high-quality printed memories. One of the best photo books is a great way to make sure that someone knows how much they mean to you — or just how much you want to show off your cool holiday snaps.

We've been looking at photo books for nearly ten years now, making sure that they meet our rigorous standards. We're looking for top-notch print quality, great materials, and a premium look and feel, no matter the price.

The best photo book service to use right now is MixBook. It offers the best photo quality around, and the books themselves are wonderful in hand. There are other, cheaper options though, so read on to find out what we think about the alternatives.

The best photo book services

Best overall

Simply put, Mixbook remains the best service of the five we tested for making photo books. While some competitors excelled at one thing or another, Mixbook does just about everything right. Its software was refreshingly easy to use and also a lot of fun. Beginners will love it, but at the same time, advanced users will appreciate the range of ways they can customize their photo books. Most importantly, the image quality of our book was excellent, coming in a close second to Printique.

We named Mixbook the best photo book service last year, but the company is not resting on its laurels. It continues to add editing tools to its software, including some that are powered by AI. We also liked the new Mixbook Movies feature that automatically transformed our photo book into a video presentation with music and panning and zooming effects to give the images a sense of motion.

If you're feeling daunted by the idea of creating a photo book, Mixbook simplifies the experience with its user-friendly and engaging software. It makes the whole process easy and enjoyable. Plus, there are countless customization options available, including 644 design templates for those who want to explore more. Among the services we evaluated, Mixbook stood out for having some of the most attractive and intuitive editing tools, rivaled only by Snapfish. The interface is packed with features yet remains clean and organized, giving you a clear preview of your project.

Regarding image quality, our completed book from Mixbook tied Printique for the best cover and took second place for the interior pages. During our testing, we used a sunset photo of a waterfall we captured at Yellowstone National Park. Mixbook did an impressive job capturing the details in both the bright areas at the top of the waterfall and the shadowy sections in the valley below. On the interior pages, Mixbook’s standard Everyday Semi-Gloss finish provided strong, appealing contrast, accurately reflecting both light and dark skin tones in our portraits.

We also appreciated Mixbook’s well-crafted mobile app, which allows you to manage your projects online or create products using photos from your phone. Additionally, Mixbook offers convenient 24/7 chat support integrated into the design interface, so help is always available if you run into trouble while creating your book.

• Read our full Mixbook review

Best image quality

If high image quality is your top priority for photo books, you should definitely consider Printique. Although some competitors have improved in other ways, Printique still produces the most visually and tactually appealing books. However, its overall ranking remains in second place behind Mixbook. This is mainly due to Printique’s software, which despite some recent improvements, still feels outdated and can be difficult to navigate, which may discourage less experienced users. Additionally, Printique’s photo books tend to be much pricier than those from other providers.

For serious photographers, including professionals, the trade-offs with Printique may not matter much. One of the standout features of Printique’s books is its exceptionally thick, rigid pages, reminiscent of those found in high-quality wedding photo albums. Even the entry-level options come with layflat binding, which eliminates any crease in the seam between pages—ideal for images that extend across spreads. The pages showcase excellent color accuracy, skin tones, contrast, and sharpness. We were also impressed with the black-and-white photos included in our book, which appeared striking while maintaining fine detail.

Although Printique’s software provides the most control of the services we tested, it seems more tailored to advanced users than beginners. Experienced designers will like the array of rulers, gridlines, submenus, and toolbars available in Printique’s comprehensive interface, while newcomers might find it a bit overwhelming. The software has been improved since the last time we tested it and now includes an Easy Books editor, which will automatically place and design your book in a few seconds. We also appreciated the company’s new live chat helper, which gives you real-time answers to design questions from Printique’s customer service.

Printique’s level of quality doesn’t come cheap. The company doesn't offer a budget-friendly, entry-level book option like some other services. Instead, it exclusively provides premium layflat binding with luxurious, thick pages, which comes at a higher cost.

• Read our full Printique review

Best value

If you’re looking for a cheap photobook and don’t mind some print inconsistencies or potential production woes, then the Vistraprint photobooks are a great option. They won’t break the bank, and you’ll get a lovely, glossy hardcover photo book to show off your holiday snaps the next time you have visitors — or fancy a quick trip down memory lane.

Using Vistaprint’s online editor is refreshingly straightforward, with intuitive tools that make it easy to lay out pages and customize designs. We did find it slightly restrictive, though, so those who want game-changing customizability would be better off with one of the more in-depth options from Mixbook. Still, if cheap is your game — you’ve found your winner.

There are some reasons you might want one of the competitors. The print quality of the Vistaprint book was questionable at times. The photos were sometimes washed out, and there was even pixellation on some of our images. The colors, too, weren’t the most accurate, with some bright colors seeming oversaturated. Production quality was also an issue. Some of our pages were stuck together on arrival, and our “Tom’s Guide” pages, with their block blue backgrounds, had some streaking, suggesting print quality issues.

But despite those issues, we’d still say the Vistaprint photobook is a great budget alternative to our other guide entries. While you might miss the glorious photo print quality of Mixbook or the insane customization options of Printique, you’ll love the glossy hardcover and thick pages. So, next time you’re looking to show off those photos of your latest vacation to friends and family (and don’t want to spend loads of money!), then Vistaprint is the way to go!

• Read our full Vistaprint review

Best for novices

Chatbooks is unique among the photo book services we tested in that it's the only one that offers a subscription, which could make it the best option for those who purchase a lot of photo books during the year.

With a Monthbook subscription, you can receive 12 hardcover photo books (5x7 inches, up to 60 pages each) per year. The subscription costs $20 per book when billed monthly or $219.98 per year when billed annually — which brings the cost down to $18.33 per book. Granted, they're not the biggest photo books, but it's something.

Pricing aside, we were very impressed with the quality of the Chatbooks we made. We ordered one of its top-tier items (Luxury Layflat) and found that the photos were as sharp and vibrant as those from Printique and Mixbook.

Chatbooks' design interface was also well-designed and very easy to use. However, you don't get as many options to customize your book as you do with Mixbook and Printique, so more advanced photo book makers may find it limiting.

Novices, however, will find there's more than enough options to keep you more than satisfied — especially when you see the final product.

• Read our full Chatbooks review

Other services we tested

Shutterfly is a user-friendly and reliable service that gets a lot of things right. The overall paper quality stood out, and the photo printing was decent. Although Mixbook remains the top choice for its superior quality and better software, Shutterfly is a good option if you want a straightforward, stress-free experience from a trusted brand.

We thought Shutterfly’s software struck a good balance between giving users control over their projects without overwhelming them with too much information. If you need help, you can easily access the support overlay by clicking the question mark icon in the lower left. The only drawback we noticed was that the software could be a bit slow, with a slight delay before images appeared in the layout.

Despite the intuitive software, the resulting photo books were hit or miss. The page quality was excellent—the best of all the services we reviewed—but the color performance was underwhelming. Lighter skin tones tended to look washed out, while darker skin tones appeared oversaturated, losing some detail.

On the plus side, the default glossy hardcover was visually appealing, with our waterfall image looking natural and detailed. However, the shiny surface was prone to glare. Inside, the pages had a nice weight, and the smooth matte finish reduced reflection, though some of the brighter images looked a bit washed out. We were also disappointed with the binding, which felt flimsy and caused parts of our images to be cut off at the center crease.

In summary, while Shutterfly delivers a solid performance, there are enough drawbacks that it falls short of top-tier services like Printique and Mixbook.

• Read our full Shutterfly review

Despite the user-friendly and intuitive design of Snapfish’s software, we found ourselves wanting to enjoy this service more than we actually did. The process of creating photo books, calendars, and cards with Snapfish was so enjoyable that we thought the final products would be equally impressive. Unfortunately, its photo book ranked last among the services we evaluated.

From a distance, the bright, glossy hardcover of our book looked fine, but upon closer inspection, it lacked detail in the flowing waterfall image. While it wasn't terrible, it also didn't impress. The print quality of the interior pages was where Snapfish really fell short. The floppy pages of our standard 8 x 11-inch book were the thinnest compared to those produced by other companies. However, although the stitched perfect binding looked somewhat cheap, the crease between the pages only slightly obscured the images. In contrast, most of the other books we tested covered significant parts of photos in the binding.

We wish that all photo printing brands would mimic Snapfish’s sleek software. Not only is it easy to navigate and well-organized, but it also makes the process of creating a photo book fun instead of a tedious task. When building a book, you can easily scroll through a visually accurate representation of the entire book to view all the pages. Snapfish’s book builder also had the quickest load times among the companies we tested, with minimal lag while dragging and dropping images or scrolling through layouts.

Overall, Snapfish presents a bit of a puzzle. While we would recommend it to those who might feel overwhelmed by the product creation process, customers with higher standards for image quality in books should consider other options.

• Read our full Snapfish review

We weren't very impressed with Blurb this time around. We really came around on the service in our previous review, but we found the low price and solid creation software didn't make up for the service's many shortcomings.

Our book wasn't very well made, for one. The hardcover cracked upon arrival, and the pictures inside the book were covered in ink transfer. The colors weren't up to scratch, and neither was the contrast.

For a starting price of $12, it's not horrible. If you want the cheapest possible photobook, then you're in the right spot. But, if you want something nice to put on the coffee table in the living room, then one of the above options might be better.

• Read our full Blurb review

How we test photo book services

For testing purposes, we created similar custom-designed books from the six services in our evaluation (Mixbook, Printique, Chatbooks, Shutterfly, Snapfish and Vistaprint), which we deemed to be the top companies on the market. We made 20 to 24-page hardcover books with all the services in approximately the 11 x 8.5-inch, landscape format since we felt that size would appeal to most users. The only major difference in the five books was the one created with Printique, which only offers a premium layflat binding and professional-quality, thick pages, even as an entry-level option.

While creating our books, we picked layouts and designs that were similar across the five services as well. For photos, I used my own portraits, landscapes, and cityscapes, which were shot in both studio and natural light. For portraits, the subjects encompassed a variety of skin tones. The three main factors the services were judged on were software, image quality, and value.

Software
For the book-making software, we considered both the levels of customization offered and the ease-of-use. Some services lock you in to just a few templates, while others give you free rein to make your own designs. The better services also let you more freely edit photos (though you should use the best photo editing software to really make them shine), and also give you a greater variety of options when it comes to things like borders, clip art, fonts, and colors.

Image quality
For image quality, we compared photos across the selection of books, as well as against the original digital images displayed on a MacBook Air retina display. Criteria for judging included cover quality, paper quality, color, skin tones, contrast, and sharpness/detail.

Value
For value, we took into account both the price of the photo books and the level of quality of the finished product. So, for instance, a good quality book that cost a low price would get a higher value score than a poor quality book at a similar price. The same value scale was used for more expensive books in our testing.

This year, we evaluated Mixbook, Shutterfly, Printique, Vistaprint, and Snapfish. However, in years past, we've also tested a number of other services, none of whom made it into our top tier. If you'd like to read those older reviews, they're listed below. Just bear in mind that the quality of some of these services may have changed since we last reviewed them.

Motif review | Artifact Uprising review | Amazon Prints review | Mpix review | Picaboo review | Blurb Bookify review | CVS Photo review | Walmart Photos review | Mimeo review

When is the best time to buy a photo book?

Procrastination is a natural human instinct, but it will cost you when it comes to photo books. In particular, if the book is a gift for the holidays or if you just want it quickly for yourself, you’re going to be paying more for rush delivery services, which can increase the cost greatly. And in our experience, fast delivery is the one thing that is seldom discounted by book companies.

So, try to order you books as early as possible. Not only does it save you time, it gives you the chance to look over the book and order a reprint in case there are any errors. Another reason to order as early as possible is that many of the best photo book services offer big discounts throughout the year — up to 50% off in some cases, or with other extras thrown in.

How to choose the best photo book service for you

Image quality
The most important factor for most people is that their book should look good. But what does this mean exactly? In simple terms, it means the quality of the photos should be great — skin tones should be accurate, lighting should be correct, and details should be crisp. In the best photo books, you should have good contrast, deep blacks, and an overall evenness in color gradation.

Book construction
A photo book should also be built well. You shouldn't see pages coming free from the binding, the paper itself should have a substantial weight and feel, and images and text should be aligned properly.

Book-creation software
If a company has poor software, you’re likely to either not be able to create the photo book you want or grow frustrated with the process and give up. While ease-of-use is a key factor, customization is also important too and our favorite brands offered a good combination of both with their software. You should be able to fully edit the book templates, easily find background art and more, and make fine adjustments to your photos, too.

Cost
Price is also an important factor. With the exception of the most and least expensive options, you won't find too much variation between photo book printing services. However, some services offer options like better paper, different-size books, and things like lay-flat binding, which means you can open the book flat on a table, and not worry about breaking the spine.

FAQ

Other photo services

Apart from photo books, we've also tested the best photo card and the best photo calendar services — not surprisingly, Mixbook is at the top of them, too.

While all of these services have basic photo editors, you'll want to check out our guide to the best photo editing apps to make sure that your images truly look their best.

Going beyond physical media, the best digital photo frames are also excellent gifts for parents and grandparents, which you can keep updated with the latest photos of your kids.

It's also a good idea to back up your photos, in case you lose your phone or computer. That's where the best photo storage and sharing sites come in — they can keep your pictures safe, and let you access them no matter where you are.

An exercise bike is an investment you'll want to think carefully about — the right bike will help you build lower-body strength and cardiovascular fitness; the wrong bike will become an expensive place to store clothes.

To help you make the right choice for you, we've tested the best exercise bikes on the market to help you decide which to install in your spare room or garage gym. Right now, the best exercise bike if you're looking for a community of like-minded individuals to motivate you is, unsurprisingly, the Peloton Bike+. It's been around for a while, but it's still a fantastic bike.

If you're looking for a bike with air resistance, the best choice right now is the Wattbike Air. It's an impressive bike from an impressive brand, and will help you get fit.

If you're a cyclist who prefers to be out on the road, the Zwift Ride with KICKR Core is a great choice. It feels pretty close to cycling on the road, and you'll even be able to join a virtual spin class with your mates on Zwift.

We've also found other alternatives to suit every style of cyclist and budget. Dig out your cleats and get ready to ride, but read on to find our top picks first.

Best exercise bikes you can buy right now

Best air resistance exercise bike

When we tested the Wattbike Air, we were (quite literally) blown away by this air resistance bike. It's similar to those you might have used in the gym, with a manual resistance wheel on the side, and is best suited for sprints and HIIT training, rather than standing out of the saddle and climbing.

The air resistance tops out at 2500W, which is higher than the Wattbike Proton’s 1800W. However, if hill climbs are your preferred exercise bike workout, then you’ll be better off with the Proton.

That said, thanks to the fantastic companion Wattbike app, if you're looking for a bike to help you boost your fitness, rather than pedal for hours, the Wattbike Air is a great choice. Erin found the app had plenty of excellent features and workouts, and was able to hone her cycling technique by using it.

It's also a subscription-free bike, which is a massive plus, and gives it an edge over other exercise bikes, such as the Peloton Bike+.

• Read our full Wattbike Air review

Best exercise bike for community

The Peloton Bike+ is the upgraded version of the Peloton Bike, the connected exercise bike that popularized virtual spin classes. The Bike+ comes packed with Peloton tech, including a large touchscreen for you to interact with the Peloton app.

While the premium bike plays a part, the experience relies heavily on the app's on-demand and live classes. It's an expensive option — the bike is $2,500, and its required membership costs $44 per month — but after testing it, we have to say that it's definitely popular for a reason.

The Peloton instructors are famed for their high-energy classes, so if you're after a way to keep motivated to train regularly, the Bike+ is a good option. Plus, aside from the software, the Bike+ actually feels like the kind of equipment you'd find in a studio.

When we visited the Peloton Studio in London and tried a 30-minute in-person class, we found it to be intense, but a lot of fun. Plus, the studio bikes still had the famed leaderboard, so he could see how his performance fared compared to all the members spinning away at home, too.

The bike also has an auto-resistance mode, where the magnetic resistance will automatically change based on the instructor's recommendations, so you don't need to worry about fiddling with menus or buttons, and can just keep peddling.

The display is also where you'll find all of your workout stats, and you can view your training history to keep track of your progress. The Bike+ has a rotating display too, so you can swivel it and do mat-based workouts instead.

It's a tech-heavy option, and an expensive one, but it's also one of the most versatile exercise bikes available right now. Peloton has also thought about the smaller details, like adding water bottle holders, USB-C charging ports, and Bluetooth.

• Read our full Peloton Bike+ review
• Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike+ — which should you buy?

Best real life exercise bike

If you want an exercise bike, but don't want to shell out for a smart one, the Zwift Ride is a great option. It offers great value for money, and costs half as much as a smart bike.

It’s the easiest and most enjoyable way to ride on Zwift, and after testing it out, I have to say that it's also the bike I’d buy if I were starting afresh with my indoor cycling setup.

If you're new to the Zwift app, it allows you to cycle on virtual routes alongside your friends, do workouts, and ride iconic courses. It's like social media for cyclists, and it's a great way to beat the boredom indoors.

The Zwift Ride comes with the Wahoo KICKR Core trainer, which is one of the best turbo trainers on the market. You have to connect the two together, but once riding the bike, it feels like a complete unit in the same way as other smart bikes.

The ride is smooth and very quiet — if you use a fan to keep you cool during workouts, which I highly recommend doing, you can barely hear the bike itself.

Shifting gears using the handlebar controls and Zwift Cog is seamless and quiet as well, and the KICKR CORE responds quickly to changes in the gradient when riding routes on Zwift to automatically adjust for climbs and descents.

It's closer to cycling outside than a lot of the other bikes on this list, and is a great pick.

• Read our Zwift Ride smart bike review

Best budget exercise bike

Despite its budget-friendly price, the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike isn't lacking in features. It comes with a display to help you keep tabs on your workout stats. It shows essential metrics like time, speed, distance, and calories.

Of course, this doesn't come close to the amount of data you can track on a smart exercise bike like the Peloton Bike+, but it's a helpful way to track your progress for a fraction of the price.

Unlike the Peloton Bike+, there are no classes to join (unless you clip on the included smartphone mount and use a workout app or free YouTube session), but it's a durable beginner-friendly bike.

When I initially set up the bike in testing, I was worried it would feel a bit unstable. Fortunately, that wasn't the case. Instead, whether I took it for a speed or distance ride, the bike stayed firmly on the ground while in use.

The friction system added enough resistance to make my workouts effective, but after a while, you'll probably want to upgrade to a machine that'll challenge your muscles a bit more. But for cardio-boosting workouts on a budget, it's a great choice.

• Read our full Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike review

Best Peloton alternative

The Echelon EX-3 used to be in this spot, but now the Echelon EX-5s has taken its place — and for good reason, too. Like the Peloton Bike+, the EX-5s has a magnetic resistance system with 32 levels to choose from, as well as a 21.5” HD touchscreen that flips 180º.

The magnetic resistance is quiet, too, so you won't disturb others in your home or nearby neighbors, even when you're doing a high-intensity workout.

At $1,299, it's cheaper than a Peloton, but still offers elite coaching, upbeat motivation, and excellent workout performance. In testing, I was pleased with the high levels of adjustability on the bike that allowed me to customize it to myself, as well as how convenient and simple the touch-screen display was to use.

There is a drawback, though. Not only is the Echelon EX-5s more expensive upfront than other non-Peloton bikes, but you also need to purchase a membership that works out at $399 per year to get the most out of the bike. You do get access to a huge selection of workouts with this subscription, though, not just the bike sessions. So, if you're looking for a bike to replace your gym membership completely, this is an excellent choice.

Additionally, I did notice some stability issues during high-speed workouts or during exercises that required me to come off the seat. I didn't feel like I was going to fall off, but this is something to keep in mind. Also, the bike took around two hours to set up — not ideal if you were looking to get in a workout right out of the box.

Still, these are fairly small complaints. Overall, the Echelon EX-5 is a great, lower-cost alternative for those looking for the community of a Peloton but not the price tag.

• Read our Echelon Ex-3 Smart Connect Bike review

How to choose the best exercise bike for you

Choosing an exercise bike for your home can be a challenge. After all, you first need to decide whether you want a standard friction-based bike or a smart one, and factor in the increased cost of a smart bike and the ongoing subscription.

However, once you've made a decision between the two styles, there are other practicalities, like the physical size of the bike, whether it can be easily stored away between sessions, and if the bike can be adjusted for your height and posture.

It's also worth thinking about the exercise bike's resistance mechanism. This will affect how much you can customize the intensity, and you can select from magnetic resistance, flywheels, and belt-driven bikes.

Magnetic resistance generally has the largest range, usually covering 100 different levels, and is the quietest, but bikes with these systems are often towards the higher price bracket too.

Also tested

We regularly review exercise bikes, but not all of them will make the main roundup. Some come close, though. So, if you're after more options, these are the bikes we've tested that didn't quite make the cut.

Air vs magnetic exercise bikes

These two types of bikes are similar, but produce resistance differently. Air bikes essentially have a large fan, which you power through pedaling. The faster you go, the faster the fan. This makes them great for high-intensity internal training (HIIT), especially as you need to overcome the initial inertia of actually moving the physical parts.

The downside is that it's very noisy. Magnetic bikes are a lot quieter. These use magnets (surprisingly) to accurately control the resistance. So you can set it at level 10, and increase to level 11 as your performance improves. It's a more consistent experience and better suited to classes or progressive overload training.

Aside from the experience, price often factors in here, too. Air bikes are generally less expensive, as the fan mechanism isn't as complex, while magnetic bikes are more complicated and also higher cost. If you're working out at home or in a shared space, the quiet of magnetic resistance is worth the difference, though.

Upright vs recumbent vs spin exercise bikes

In our round-up, we primarily focused on spin-style exercise bikes. These are designed for you to lean forward close to the handlebars, as if cycling intensely on a road bike. These are great for intense classes of the sort Peloton deals in.

The focus of spin bikes is to allow you to pedal at higher intensity and to lift out of your seat with ease. If you don't typically use a road bike or want a more traditional cycling position, then you'd want an upright bike instead.

These do what the name suggests: the seat, pedal, and handlebar positions are designed to keep you upright, not leaning forward. This is a typical cycling position, and best for if you want to work out and raise your heart rate, but without the variability and intensity of spin classes.

Recumbent bikes are slightly different from spin or upright bikes. These allow you to lean backwards, supported by a more chair-like seat with a full back rest. This style of bike is common if you're just getting into exercise or during injury recovery sessions.

Because of your positioning, the impact on your joints is a lot lower, so it allows you to exercise without placing strain on your knees. The lower intensity also makes recumbent bikes great for graded exercise programs.

How we test the best exercise bikes

To help you determine which exercise bike is best for you, we put them to the sweat test! We install each of the bikes in our homes or workout studio for at least a month, and put them to the test over several different workouts.

Since we had the bikes to hand, we looked at how easy it was to use, move around the house, maintain, and, for the smart exercise bikes, the range of classes on offer.

Plus, we consider any extras like how many profiles you could set up, and useful accessories like phone mounts and water bottle holders. And on the smart machines, we looked at the ongoing subscription costs associated with the bike, and what you get for your money.

FAQs

It used to be that if you wanted the best TV, you had to spend more. That's still sort of true, but it's more complicated now, as each set comes with different software, smart features and access to dedicated gaming or picture modes.

My best TV right now is the LG B6, an incredible value TV that really makes colors pop off the screen. It's a lot like the LG C6, but with better color accuracy and lower input lag, and the same four HDMI 2.1 ports as its more expensive sibling.

It's still not cheap, though. If you're working on a budget, the Hisense QD7 is the best TV for under $500 you'll find. It holds its own on brightness and contrast against far more expensive sets, and is a steal if you can get along with Amazon's Fire TV platform.

Although I think both are fantastic choices, if you need a TV for gaming, sport or bright, sunny rooms, I've rounded up the best TVs we've tested. Plus, I added a few other models that we liked but that didn't quite make the cut if you need more options.

AI is so hot right now. But aside from upscaling, most of these features on TVs are unnecessary at best, and don't add to your experience. Don't buy a TV based on these tools; software will change over the life of the TV, so the hardware and picture quality are the most important things to consider.

The best TVs available right now

Best TV overall

For the first half of this year, I ranked the LG C5 as the best TV overall, despite being an older 2025 model. That was, until we tested the LG B6, which is an incredible value, high performance TV from LG's most recent lineup. It's a companion to the flagship LG C6, but given what we found in testing, I'd pick the B6 almost every time.

Partly, this is because it shares a lot of the DNA of the C6, with a similar design, the same four HDMI 2.1 ports, and it matches its 120Hz refresh rate. While testing, the only physical difference that stood out was the dual-leg stand on the B6, which takes up more space than the central pedestal on the C6.

But it's the colors where the B6 really shines. Everything we watched looked so vivid and clear, whether we were using the standard settings or switched to Filmmaker or Vivid modes. The bright, multicolored beach sands in "Send Help" looked tremendous, and the island's landscapes and flora were beautifully green.

Our lab testing found that it's not as bright as the C6, and that's the major difference between the two sets. But the B6 has a lower input lag (for gaming) and better color accuracy. It is still bright, just not as bright as the C6 or TCL QM9K; so long as your room isn't always bathed in light, you should be able to see everything on the display.

Like the C6, the B6 ships with LG's webOS 26 smart TV software. Along with Google TV, webOS is our favorite platform as it's just so easy to use. webOS 26 has a load of small improvements on last year's webOS 25, but with lots more AI. Mostly, these AI features are novelties and you can ignore them, but I'd prefer if they weren't there at all.

But when the downsides to the LG B6 are that it's not as bright as the more expensive model and it has a bunch of features you might not use, it's almost too easy to recommend the B6 as the best TV for most people right now. But if you're looking for a similar experience with a cheaper price tag, I'd still suggest last year's LG C5.

• Read our full LG B6 review

Best TV under $500

It's rare that you find a TV quite as good as the Hisense QD7 at less than $500. Normally, there are compromises you have to make to bring the cost down, but the QD7 has impressively few, meaning that for most people, this is the TV to buy if you want to upgrade your setup without breaking the bank.

The colors come out very well, thanks to the TV's quantum dot crystals. This sounds complicated, but these absorb some of the backlight and re-emit it as red and green light to improve the vibrancy of color. And the LEDs on the QD7 are individually controllable, which means the TV can dim specific areas of the display.

We saw this effect most clearly in shadowy, dark moments in Stranger Things and Dune, where it was easy to pick out the detail thanks to the color performance, even with the deeper blacks, and this local dimming. Although, it was surprising that the dynamic range was worse when we switched to Filmmaker mode.

While it excels at much, the Hisense QD7 isn't ideal for fast-moving scenes, like in live sports. The 60Hz refresh rate finds it hard to keep up, even with motion smoothing on (which did help). If you watch casually, it'll do a decent job, but if you're looking for a TV specifically to watch sports, I'd recommend the TCL QM8L instead.

The Hisense QD7 runs Amazon's Fire TV software, and it's not very good. This isn't really anything to do with the TV itself, which I think delivers great value performance for a very good price. But it's a shame that Hisense opted for Fire TV in North America, as there are international versions with Google TV, a superior platform in every sense.

We tested the 65-inch model, but if you make the jump to the 75, 85 or 100-inch sets, then there are a few improvements that make a big difference to gamers. The larger editions include a 144Hz refresh rate (compared to 60Hz) and two HDMI 2.1 ports, almost tripling the data bandwidth for high-performance consoles and gaming PCs.

• Read our full Hisense QD7 review

Best TV for gaming

There's a lot that we really liked about the Samsung S90F, like it's incredible contrast that makes each picture look explosively colorful and vivid. This makes it a great option whatever you plan to play on it, but if you're after the best TV for gaming, there's a reason that I recommend this specific set.

Samsung's Tizen software includes a dedicated gaming hub and specific settings that you can customize to improve the performance and responsiveness of your games. On this model specifically, you get four HDMI 2.1 slots (so it's great for gaming PCs and console gamers) and a 144Hz refresh rate.

We put it through its paces with the PS5 Pro and Nintendo Switch, playing games like Elden Ring Nightrein and Armored Core 6. The fast-paced action scenes didn't lag and the colorful highlights really stood out. Plus, even the darker moments (and I mean color-wise, not in an emotional sense) looked fantastic.

We particularly found that the S90F handled these deep, varied blacks well across games, TV shows and films, which is fortunate, as filmmakers currently love dark, dark scenes. Yet, the darker details in everything we watched and played on the TV stood out and the blacks never ran into each other.

If you opt for one of the smaller models (42, 48-inch), the brightness isn't quite as good. These two versions use different panel technologies, and while there are some technical differences between WOLED and QD-OLED displays, the upshot is that the 42 and 48-inch TVs aren't quite as bright as the others.

You might notice a theme that I generally recommend the 2025 variants of most TVs, and it's the same here. Samsung announced its follow up to the S90F in early April, and as we found in our Samsung S90H review, it's a fantastic successor OLED, but far too expensive and with only minor upgrades to recommend over the S90F right now.

• Read our full Samsung S90F OLED TV review

Best TV for bright rooms

The TCL QM9K is one of the brightest TVs you can buy right now, so its a great option if you need a new set for a sunny or well-lit space. This TV has a lot more going for it, but it's the brightness that really stands out, leaping over other high-performing models like the LG B6, with the $8,000 TCL X11L the only TV we've tested that outperforms it.

There are other reasons to bring the QM9K home, though. Technical content warning (I'll be kind): It is one of the best TVs we've tested for off-axis viewing (ie. when you're not directly in front of it) with great contrast levels, partly due to the Wide High-vertical alignment (WHVA) panels on the display.

But the 75-inch model we tested also has 2,160 local dimming zones, which gives better contrast control. So when we watched Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, which has a lot of vibrant colors next to blocks of grey and black, it really looked phenomenal, and even better than on more expensive Samsung QD-OLEDs.

Where it succeeds with vibrant colors, it struggles a bit with darker scenes and deep blacks. Not in a way that distracts from the scene, but it is slightly noticeable compared to other TVs on this roundup, like the Samsung S90F. And you do get a bit of blurring on fast-paced movements, which is why the TCL QM8L is a better choice for sport.

To my mind, LG's webOS platform is one of the easiest to use smart TV systems, but Google TV is a close second, so it wasn't a surprise that doing things (when you're not actively watching something) on this Google-powered TV was quick and easy. Of course, like most things now, Gemini (Google's AI) was jammed into everything.

And also like every other AI app, it wasn't very useful. Fortunately, you can just not use it. Over time, maybe it'll improve, but in a world where you already have dozens of digital devices with internet access, there are better ways to interact with the online world than on your TV. Still, it's nice to have voice controls.

• Read our full TCL QM9K review

Best TV for sport

The refresh rate of a TV (or any display) is one of the most important factors if you plan to watch fast-paced scenes or game, which is why the TCL QM8L is the best TV right now if you want to watch live sports. It has a 144Hz refresh rate, compared to the 120Hz native on the LG B6 or 60Hz on the Hisense QD7.

That's one of the technical reasons this TV is great if you want to watch the soccer World Cup this summer or get prepared for the football season later in the year (or any other live sports you enjoy), but it's not the only reason I recommend it — it's bright, handles deep blacks with skill and has an impressive dynamic range.

This is particularly important for live outdoor sports like soccer, as you're likely to have portions of the pitch bathed in sunlight, with another part of the stadium in shade all in a single image. The TCL QM8L has more than 2,500 illumination zones, which the TV can adjust to individual brightness levels, helping even out that juxtaposition.

But you probably also want to use your TV for other things than just sport. This degree of control also means it performs really well in the dark blacks you find in a lot of recent films. We tried our best to push the TV, but we never spotted the 'halo' effect or blooming, where colorful spots and dark patches bleed into each other.

Like the other TCL set I talked about earlier, the QM9K, this model also runs Google TV, with the same speedy, easy performance and navigation. And it also has the same distracting and pointless Gemini features. It's a whole heap better than Amazon's Fire TV platform, though, which is a downside to something like the Hisense QD7.

And, much like every TV in this list, the audio is good, but not exceptional. The sound reproduction is a smidge above average for built-in speakers, thanks to TCL's partnership with Bang & Olufsen. But I still think that if you're invested in immersive, detailed audio, then you'll want to pair the QM8L with one of the best soundbars.

• Read our full TCL QM8L review

Also tested

Not every TV can be the best, but some are still really good. We test more TVs than we include in our roundup to make sure we recommend the sets we really believe in. But if you need more options, here are a few that didn't quite make the cut but could still be the right TV for your home.

How we test the best TVs

There are two parts to our TV testing process. First, we get the set delivered to our lab, where we perform a range of technical tests with industry-standard equipment to see whether the manufacturer's performance claims stack up.

You can read more about how we test TVs, but, in short, we perform benchmarks with a spectroradiometer, colorimeter, pattern generator, input lag testing and TV calibration software. This gives us objective data to compare TVs against each other.

Once the lab tests are done, we move the TV to our home, usually in a living room. This is the fun part of the test, where we watch TV shows, compare movie performance between sets and game on the TV to see how it handles fast-paced scenes.

This is the time where we see what it's like to use, which can sometimes be more important than the pure numbers. If the software on a TV is easy to use and you can quickly find what you need, it could be better overall than a TV that's, say, 10% brighter.

One of the most critical tests we do at home is based around the TV's brightness. It's one thing to measure this in a lab setting, but we want to see what it's really like in a bright, sunny room and check if you can actually still see the display properly in these conditions, since some TVs have anti-glare coatings too.

How to choose the best TV for your home

Before you dive too far into the best TVs, you should check out our guide to choosing the perfect TV size for your room. The larger models won't always be better for your space, so if you can save money on a smaller set, then you definitely should.

Often, there's little compromise either by reducing the size, except when you go below 50 inches and the power drops to avoid overheating, reducing the brightness. This also helps if you're working on a budget and need a TV that offers good bang for your buck.

Then you want to consider what you mostly want to do with your new TV. If you're putting it in a bedroom for nighttime binging, you need a model where you can dial down the brightness. For background viewing, maybe ease of use is more important.

Of course, we're also looking at the best TVs here, so if you're interested in the top-of-the-range performance for a specific type of content, then you want to look at what technical features makes a difference there.

For sports, good contrast and a high refresh rate are key. Likewise, gamers want a higher refresh rate and access to HDMI 2.1 ports. For modern movie lovers, you'll need a set that can handle the deep blacks filmmakers love so much.

Although each manufacturer will play up the audio performance, our years testing the best TVs has taught us that the limited space inside the TV for a decent audio setup means that you'll always want to pick up one of the best soundbars for detailed sound.

FAQs

If you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space then you'll already know that it doesn't take long before it can get completely out of control. Maintaining a garden is a constant task, and you have to have the right tools for the job. That doesn't automatically mean spending a fortune, though.

For this article I've pulled together 12 versatile tools that are just the thing for looking after your yard — and the best bit is, all of these come in at under $100, with prices starting at less than $20.

There's basics like good gardening gloves, buckets and watering cans, as well as bigger items like a lawn mower. These will help you whip your space into shape in no time and keep it looking great all year long.

I've spent the past decade writing about the best treadmills, but as an avid runner, I was using this piece of gym equipment routinely long before this. I know from experience it can be confusing and costly to buy your first treadmill — or upgrade the one you already have.

To make things simple, I've narrowed down the hundreds (if not thousands) of treadmills out there to just three recommendations to suit you and your circumstances.

Buying a treadmill is a significant investment, so you need to ensure you're choosing the one that's right for you and your training regimen. The right treadmill will weatherproof your marathon training during the winter, allow you to run when the baby naps, or just get in some miles on your lunch break when time is against you. On the other hand, the wrong treadmill can just as easily become a very expensive place to hang clothes.

Along with my team of expert testers, I've picked the top three best treadmills to consider. Personally, if I had the room, I'd install the Peloton Tread in a heartbeat. However, I've also found a more affordable option, suitable for those who prefer walking over running, and a foldable option that helps save a little space.

Best treadmill for classes

The Peloton Tread is by far my favorite treadmill, ever. It's like having a running coach, DJ, and group of running mates in your living room. Plus, if you are installing a treadmill in your living room, this one is nicer to look at than most treadmills, and has a pretty neat footprint.

Although I told you not to care about it, the large screen is great to use, especially as you'll spend most of your time watching classes when running on this tread. It has a 23.8-inch touchscreen display, although you can't rotate it to the side like you can on the Bike+, which is a bit of a bummer if you want to do your cool-down stretch next to the tread.

Another thing I told you not to care about is the control knobs on the machine arms. I stand by my prior statement — these aren't a deal breaker, but they do make it easy to quickly change the intensity. That said, you can completely ignore them and let the instructor change the intensity of the treadmill for you if you wish.

I found the treadmill comfortable to run on and relatively quiet. The machine's footprint is pretty small, but you don't feel like you're being confined by it, and you can pick up the pace when you need. It's got a decent top speed and incline, and most runners will get an awful lot out of this machine.

With Peloton, however, you're buying a bigger package, and all that coaching comes with a monthly cost that might put some runners off. The Peloton All Access Membership will set you back $44 per month, although that does cover multiple users, so everyone at home can use it.

You don't have to take classes on the treadmill — there's your usual running modes where you can follow trails around the world, or cool games like Lanebreak, but the classes are Peloton's bread and butter, I, personally, found it super motivating, but if you'd prefer to just listen to your podcast and stick to your training plan, or watch Netflix while you run, don't spend thousands of dollars on this treadmill.

I've tried most of the 'Peloton dupes' on the market, and as far as virtual coaching goes, it's the best of the best in my opinion. There's a huge variety of instructors, with daily live classes and thousands of runners on leaderboards to high-five along the way. It's a community, and you only need to head to the waiting pen of a major marathon to know that community is what running is all about.

My Tom's Guide colleague, Mike Prospero, also tested the Peloton Tread+ — the brand's larger, much more expensive treadmill. The experience isn't radically different, but you get a more immersive display, better speakers, increased incline, and a longer slatted running surface. I'd personally save your money and invest in the Peloton Tread. See you on the leaderboard.

• Read our full Peloton Tread review

Best affordable treadmill

I don't need to tell you that the world is getting more expensive, and if you're a runner who just wants a basic treadmill to clock some miles on when the weather is rough, I see you, and I hear you. Running is a sport that's, on paper, free, but it's anything but by the time you've got the gear and signed up to the race, and for that reason, the Deerrun A1 Pro has made it onto this list as my affordable pick.

It's incredibly cheap, with a RRP of $459, not to mention the fact that I’ve regularly seen it in sales for under $300. If you're a newer runner, you're looking for a machine to use occasionally, or you need a treadmill you can fold away because you've got kids or animals in the house, you can't go wrong here.

Despite its lower price, I was impressed by its performance. The belt runs smoothly for even extended periods at its top speed of 10mph. Best of all, the treadmill actually folds flat — perfect for storing either upright or under the couch.

It's not perfect, though. The running belt is small, meaning you may feel cramped when running at top speeds (especially if you're taller and/or have a longer stride). The incline has to be adjusted manually, too. The partner Pitpat app is also pretty terrible, and you have to use an Allen key to fold the machine up, which does defeat the point somewhat, if you're looking to get it out of the way quickly. I’m not sure I’d back the machine to hold up as well as pricier models to heavy use, either, and it glitched during testing when we attempted to do a second hour-long run in two days.

All those problems are surmountable if you just need a treadmill for occasional use with short runs, though, and as long as you regularly lubricate its belt, the Deerrun A1 Pro is a great option for those whose budget runs to hundreds rather than thousands of dollars.

• Read our full Deerun A1 Pro folding treadmill review

Best under-desk treadmill

Ok, I hear what you're saying — why have you included a treadmill I can't run on? But walking treadmills are all the rage right now, and if you don't plan on running on your treadmill, they're a good space-saving option. I've tested tons of the best under-desk treadmills, and the WalkingPad Z1 is one of the best.

It's pretty affordable, and like other WalkingPad models, it can fold in half for easy storage when you're not using it. It also comes with a remote control that has a wrist strap to allow you to change the speed of the treadmill as you walk and work, plus, unlike other cheaper walking treadmills, this one does have a screen that'll cycle through key metrics as you walk.

Like all of the walking treadmills I've tested, there are some limitations. The WalkingPad app is just annoying — it's glitchy, and it doesn't tell you an awful lot. That said, you probably won't be uploading these walks to Strava. It's also got a pretty short power cord, so you'll need to make sure it's near a plug socket.

It's also not that light, so it's not designed to be dragged from room to room. It's also not the quietest — our tester Ashley Thieme, who reviews health and fitness equipment for Tom's Guide, said, "it made the same amount of noise as the treadmills I’ve used at the gym. It gave an average reading of 57.3dB, while the product description said below 45dB."

There are a huge number of benefits to adding steps to your day, whatever you're training for. Walking can help you lose or maintain weight, build muscle, and protect your joints from injury. If you spend a lot of time sitting down, a walking treadmill is an easy way to add steps to your day. To truly walk while you work, you'll probably want to pair this treadmill with one of the best standing desks.

• Read our full WalkingPad Z1 review

Also tested

As I’ve mentioned, as a team, we’ve run on hundreds of treadmills. Here are some other options worth considering that didn’t make my top three:

How to choose the best treadmill for you

When choosing a treadmill, it’s easy to get lost in high-spec screens and powerful speakers, and forget about what’s important — how comfortable it is to run on. Here’s what matters when shopping for a treadmill, and what you shouldn’t worry about quite as much.

What to look for in a treadmill

Top speed

This might sound obvious, but it’s super important, especially if you’re hoping to use the treadmill for speed sessions. A lot of the time, the treadmill will put its top speed in miles, or kilometers per hour, so take a second or two to convert this into a mile-per-hour running pace.

I’d probably avoid anything that has a top speed of 8 miles per hour. You’ll also want to look at incline too — most treadmills will have a top incline of 10-12%, which is more than enough for most runners.

The size of the belt

Again, it might seem obvious, but if you’re a taller runner, you’ll want to measure out the size of the belt to ensure you can comfortably stride out on it.

Installation restrictions

Treadmills are a nightmare to install — they’re heavy and fiddly, and not designed to be moved once they are in situ. If you live in an old building, you might want to think about the weight of the treadmill (plus the weight and impact of you running on it).

I live in a Victorian cottage, and the Peloton delivery guys wouldn’t install the treadmill upstairs, as they said they couldn’t guarantee it wouldn’t come through the ceiling mid-run. Something to think about.

Built-in features

Talking of Peloton, think about what you want to get from the treadmill. If you want to run and watch Netflix, you probably don’t need to fork out for a treadmill that prides itself on classes.

Safety features

As someone with a toddler and a dog in my house, safety is a huge priority when testing a treadmill at home. Look for treadmills with folding belts, safety keys, and passcode unlocks to keep everyone safe.

Companion apps

Again, this might not be something you’ll worry about if you just want to clock your miles and jump off, but I always tell people to download and try a couple of Peloton classes before buying the Bike or Tread to see if it’s for them. You’ll soon know.

What not to worry about when shopping for a treadmill

Fans

They are never very good — you’re better off putting your treadmill near a window, or just moving your tower fan next to your treadmill when you’re running on it.

Alternatively, you can buy one of these fans attached to a clamp for about $30 on Amazon. An affordable solution if you don't want to drag a fan around the house each time you go for a run.

Screen spec

A perhaps controversial opinion, but I’ve never cared about the specs of the screen on my treadmill. It’s not a television, it’s something to run on when the weather is gross. One thing I’d care more about is whether the screen rotates, if I wanted to take built-in classes next to the treadmill, but even then, I’m not sure this is a game-changer.

Cup holders

When was the last time you drank from your Stanley mid-run? Most of the time, it’s just somewhere to store your phone.

Speakers

Again, they’re never very good, they’re always a bit tinny, and 99% of the time, you’ll use your headphones anyway. If a treadmill does have live classes, Bluetooth connectivity is vital, and extras like syncing to your running watch are definitely a plus.

How easy it is to reach the controls

This is something brands always shout about, and sure, it can make a difference, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. By design, all treadmills will have a screen that’s close enough to change the pace quickly.

How I tested the best treadmills

Along with the Tom’s Guide fitness team, we’ve run hundreds of miles on the treadmills for testing. As runners, we know what we’re looking for.

If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on a piece of equipment, you want to be sure it’s right for you, so we got the verdict of runners of different heights and paces before giving them the seal of approval.

I’m a 3:38 marathon runner, and am 5 feet 2, with a pretty short stride. On the other hand, Tom’s Guide’s fitness writer Nick Harris-Fry is a 2:25 marathon runner who is 6 foot 1, so was able to ensure the treadmills on test could keep up with him (as nobody else on the team can).

We often spend our lunch breaks staring at the blank, windowless wall in our test center, as we clock up miles on the treadmills. While we’re wondering what the weather is like outside, we’re looking at how comfortable the treadmill is to run on, how loud the belt is, how much space we have, and how easy it is to adjust the controls on the treadmill. We also look for little extras, like how easy it is to connect the best running headphones and the best running watches to the treadmill.

Installation is never fun, but hopefully you’ll only have to do it once. What’s more important is the overall customer service you receive from the brands, as well as things like the connected apps, and how easy they are to use.

For each treadmill, we’ll do a number of different sessions on it — from easy, slow miles (especially tedious when staring at that blank wall I mentioned), to faster sessions to see how the treadmill copes. For the Peloton Tread, I took endless classes to get an overall feel for the different options on offer. For the WalkingPad treadmills, I looked at how easy they were to fold and drag around from room to room, especially on carpet.

Where we can, we also install the treadmills in our homes to see how much space they realistically take up. And when all the miles are complete, and we’re desperate for some fresh air, we swap notes (sometimes on a run), and come up with our verdict.

FAQs

Meet our treadmill testing team

Headphones and earbuds that cover or fill your ears have one clear weakness when you're out for a run — they block out the world, making you less aware of your surroundings. That's where the best bone conduction headphones come in.

They leave your ears free to hear what's going on around you, so you're safer when you're out and about. But which options should you be adding to your exercise arsenal?

The best for most people are the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, thanks to their comfort and solid sound quality for bone conduction headphones. If you're on a tighter budget, the Shokz OpenRun are a good alternative.

What other options do you have? Read on to find out which of the bone conduction headphones I've thouroughly tested are worthy of your attention.

The best bone conduction headphones you can buy right now

Best bone conduction headphones overall

Of all the bone conduction headphones I’ve tested, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 sound by far the best. They’re a more engaging listen than any other pair on the list — although there’s more to their no. 1 spot on this list than their fabulous sound quality.

But first, the sound. It’s the bass that sees the biggest upgrade here, with more low-end rumble than the original OpenRun Pro and the other entrants on my shortlist. They’re more dynamic than the running-oriented OpenRun, and offer better sound quality than the water-bound OpenSwim Pro. If I was to use any of these headphones for listening to music, it would be these.

They’re the ultimate all-rounder. They might be slightly weightier than the OpenRun, but they offer superior features for any exercise. They’re not as good for swimming as the eponymous OpenSwim, but they’re are more comfortable and flexible.

Battery life solidifies their place at the top of the list, with 12 hours on tap. That’s 4 more hours than the OpenRun, and 3 more than the OpenSwim. The two sizing options are useful too, especially if, like me, you prefer a snugger fit. Or you’ve got a large head.

A jack of all trades is a master of none — but oftentimes better than a master of one. The OpenRun Pro are that jack of all trades, and as a result, they land at the top of our best bone conduction headphones list.

• Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

Best bone conduction headphones for running

If the OpenRun Pro 2 are the jack of all trades, the OpenRun are a master of one — but they are very, very good at it. Like a stripped-back version for going as fast as possible, the OpenRun are our pick for runners for one very important reason — they are super light.

At just 26g, the OpenRun are some of the lightest bone conduction headphones on the list. That means they’re more comfortable for longer periods of time than the OpenRun Pro 2 and the OpenSwim Pro. Add in the security of the fit, and the knowledge that they’re not going to fall off anytime soon, and you’re onto a winner for long-distance heroes and sprinting warriors.

The battery life isn’t quite as good as either the OpenRun Pro 2 or the OpenSwim Pro, but the 8 hours you’ve got on tap is still going to be plenty for longer training sessions. That’s a tradeoff for that lightness — less battery, less weight. You win some, you lose some.

The sound isn’t as good as the OpenRun Pro 2, but it’s a little better than the OpenSwim Pro. The biggest pain point in the sound department is, as you might expect, is the bass. It gets lost amongst the rest of the outdoor or gym din. Still, the rest of the sound is good, and perfect if you want to listen to a podcast while you go for a run.

They might not be quite as good as the OpenRun Pro 2, but if you’re a runner looking to spend a little less and get a stellar set of bone conduction headphones for listening to podcasts while you train, then you’re in the right place.

• Read our full Shokz OpenRun review

Best bone conduction headphones for swimming

We’ve seen the best bone conduction headphones overall (the jack of all trades), and the best for running — but now we’re looking at another master of one. The OpenSwim are our pick for (you guessed it) the best swimming bone conduction headphones, thanks to a very cool feature indeed that means you don’t need a device nearby to listen to “A Wrinkle In Time.” There’s a built-in MP3 player, so you need only fill it with your favorite tunes/podcasts/audiobooks and get swimming.

That’s a big bonus over both the OpenRun Pro 2 and the OpenRun, which both require a device nearby in order to play any audio. Why is this so great for swimming? Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m not a massive fan of putting my phone in my swimming trunks pocket and going for a swim. Phones might be waterproof now, but there’s no point risking it.

We found them fairly comfortable while swimming in them, and the sound was pretty good too despite our watery surroundings.

There are some drawbacks to this MP3-playing pair of headphones. The 9-hour battery life isn’t as good as the OpenRun Pro 2, and it drops even more if you use the built-in MP3 player to 6 hours. They’re heavier than both the OpenRun and OpenRun Pro 2, so you might not want to wear them for as long.

But if you’re a swimmer and you want some extra audio while you do your lengths, then the OpenSwim Pro are just the bone conduction headphones you’ve been looking for.

• Read our full Shokz OpenSwim Pro review

Best budget bone conduction headphones

If the options above are a little too rich for your blood, then the Creative Outlier Free Pro are going to be the pick of the bunch. They come in under $100, making them a whole lot cheaper than the other options on the list, and even have their own very compelling reasons you might want to pick them up beyond their much lower price.

For one, much like the OpenSwim Pro, you’ve got a built-in music player. That means you don’t need to have your phone nearby, and thanks to their IPX8 waterproofing, you can take them swimming with little worry that the water will damage them. Just as long as you don’t expect to be able to listen to them with any kind of good sound quality.

There’s the drawback, the compromise that has had to be made on the altar of budget pricing. They just don’t sound as good as the OpenRun Pro 2, OpenRun, or OpenSwim Pro. They’re pretty thin across the board, making them useful for pretty much the spoken word only. Music doesn’t sound good at all.

But they don’t cost much — and when you take into account the price, the comfortable fit, the 10-hour battery life (more than the OpenRun and the OpenSwim Pro, I might add), and the quick-charging battery, then you’ve got a very compelling case for your dollars.

• Read our full Creative Outlier Free Pro review

Also tested

The team at Tom's Guide are constantly testing headphones to make sure that the ones recommended are truly the best bone conduction headphones worth your money. But that means there will be some that don't quite make the cut.

So, if you're after more options, these are the bone conduction headphones that have been reviewed but didn't make the list.

How to choose the best bone conduction headphones for you

Before you decide on a pair of bone conduction headphones, there are a few factors to consider, aside from the way they transmit audio. Some sets have adjustable headbands to help you find a more comfortable fit, while others come in multiple (and often vibrant) colors to match your aesthetic.

One of the most important features is the degree of water resistance on offer, and this will depend on how you want to use them. For swimming, you need waterproof sets with an IPX8 rating, but for sweaty sessions and rainy outdoor walks and runs, you can opt for a pair with a high-degree of resistance around IPX4 or higher.

Of course, as your ears are left untouched with bone conduction headphones, you won't get the same experience as with the best workout headphones, which have noise cancellation and can block out the environment around you until you switch to a transparency mode to keep tabs on your surroundings.

Though that doesn't mean you have to compromise on the audio quality. Some pairs focus on bass-heavy performance and are ideal if you like to listen to (or train with) dance or tracks with an intense lower end. Others, meanwhile, are optimized for more general performance, so they'd be good for music and podcasts.

How I test the best bone conduction headphones

Every pair of bone conduction headphones has been used over the course of several weeks including multiple workouts. This allows the tester to both gauge the performance across a mix of audio material such as podcasts and music at different volumes, and to see how comfortable they are when worn for extended periods.

I test any waterproof models designed for swimming with pool swims, and I make sure manufacturer claims about battery life and Bluetooth range are accurate. Build quality, the ease of setup and any control schemes — including those involving an app — are also judged.

FAQs

We're reaching the start of August and the college year is looming. If you're going to be moving into a dorm later this year then you're probably already planning how to personalize it and make it your space.

That's where we can help. For this article I've pulled together a list of 12 items – mostly tech, but not entirely – that will make a space your own. There's useful bits of kit, like a TV, hairdryer, and power bank, all the way up to the new MacBook Neo, the ideal laptop for studying.

That's the most expensive item on the list, but for the most part we've gone for more budget-friendly options, with prices starting as low as under $16, so there should be something for everyone here.

The Perseids meteor shower is a beautiful event that lights up the night sky around about this time each year. It's been possible to see the meteors for a few days now and they will continue until late August, so if you haven't looked for them yet, there's still time.

It's possible to see the Perseids with your own eyes, of course, but to really make the most out of the occasion, or if you want to take some good quality photographs, then you'll want to invest in some specialist equipment.

For this article I've picked out 12 great items that will get you a better view of this spectacular event, from cameras to telescopes, tripods and other essential astrophotography kit. Best of all, some of them have big savings right now at Amazon. Happy skywatching!

If you're looking to tempt your children away from their screens, picking up one of the best electric scooters for kids can be a great way to get them out of the house.

To get the best idea of what these electric scooters are like to use, I recruited my friends' kids — boys and girls who range in age from 7 to 10 — and who were all too eager to try out these fun new toys. I let them ride around for a while, observed how easy or difficult it was for them to use the scooters, and got their opinions on the scooters, too

Based on this testing, the best electric scooter for kids is the Segway Ninebot eKickScooter C2 Lite. Its lengthy name notwithstanding, the kids who tried it out loved its looks and its handling — I had to force them to come in for dinner! Plus, at $169, parents loved its price too.

However, if that model isn't quite what you — or your kid — is looking for, we have plenty of other kid-tested recommendations, including models with colorful LED lights and even Bluetooth speakers.

Here are the rest of our picks for the best electric scooters for kids.

The best electric scooters for kids today

Best overall

The neighborhood kids could not wait to try out the Segway Ninebot eKickscooter C2 Lite, and took to it instantly, scooting up and down the block like they'd been riding it for years. The C2 Lite's handbrake on the left and thumb throttle on the right were intuitive for kids to learn.

I also like the C2 Lite's design; there are few exposed cables, and its blue deck sweeps elegantly from the front stem to the rear tire. Parents (including myself) also appreciated that the deck was covered with a very grippy material, lessening the chances that a kid might slip off. Another nice safety feature for parents: The C2 Lite has three speed modes, so you can limit its top speed to 7.5 miles per hour (MPH), which I found helpful for kids just starting out.

While you can't see them during the day, the underside of the C2 Lite has some colorful LEDs that illuminate the ground beneath the scooter; however, as with most kids' scooters, there's no headlight or taillight.

If you have a child who's a bit older, you should check out the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter C2 Pro ($249 at Amazon). Designed for kids aged 6-14, it has a top speed of 12.4 MPH, a max range of 9.9 miles, an adjustable handlebar, ambient lights, and even a Bluetooth speaker, so your kid can rock out on their way to school.

Best Razor scooter

Razor has been making scooters — both electric and traditional — for decades, so it has a pretty good idea of its target audience. The Razor Power Core E100 has been one of its more popular electric scooters for kids for several years now, but while our child tester had a grand time on it, I found its design to be a little dated.

Our kid tester Chase found it easy to learn; as with most electric scooters, it has a twist-grip acceleration controls and a hand-operated front brake. It tops out at 10 mph, so it's fast enough for your kid to get to school on time but not so fast that it ventures into dangerous extreme sports territory. He also liked the E100's air-filled tires, which delivered a smoother ride over bumpy sidewalks.

However, you can't limit the top speed, as you can with other scooters. The Razor E100 can manage up to 40 minutes of drive time, or up to 10 miles of distance, which is a bit shorter than our top pick.

The Power Core E100 comes in a bunch of colors, but it has what I'd generously call a "classic" design — others might call it dated — that doesn't hold up well against newer models from Segway and even Razor. For instance, the battery feels like it's just tacked on to the bottom of the scooter, and its motor juts out from the rear hub.

However, because it's a bit older, you can often find it for less than some of the other models on this page. This is especially true since Razor has released an updated version of this scooter, the Razor Powercore XLR100 ($159 at Razor).

• Read our full Razor E100 review.

Best for teens

When your kids get a little older, they're going to want a more grown-up electric scooter. The NIU KQi 100P should satisfy that urge, as it reaches a top speed of 17.4 MPH and has a range of up to 18 miles. Plus, its relatively low price of $349 will likely appeal to parents worried that their child might damage something more expensive.

Even better: your kid can electronically lock the scooter using their smartphone and set an alarm to go off if someone tries to steal it. While your kid should always secure it with one of the best bike locks, we know they can be forgetful.

The KQi 100P is perfect for teens, but it actually performed so well in testing that I named it the best electric scooter for adults on a budget. If you don't mind spending a little more, the KQi 100F has folding handlebars as well as turn signals, though it has a lower top speed of 15.5 MPH and a range of 15 miles — though that may not be a bad thing if your kid is a bit of a daredevil.

• Read our full NIU KQi 100P review.

Best dirtbike-style scooter