Windows 11 brings enhanced performance, security, and features to the table. With Microsoft‘s generous free upgrade policy, Windows 11 is increasing in popularity. If your laptop currently runs Windows 10, you may qualify for a free upgrade. But which new laptops work best with Windows 11? We researched dozens of options to find the top 5 Windows 11 laptops for 2024.
Key Factors For Picking a Windows 11 Laptop
Several critical factors go into choosing the right Windows 11 laptop:
- Processor – Needs to meet minimum generation requirements
- RAM – At least 8GB recommended for good performance
- Storage – An SSD with at least 256GB capacity
- Ports – Look for USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and SD card reader
- Display -Aim for 1080p or higher resolution and touchscreen capabilities
- Battery life – Prioritize at least 8 hours for portability
Carefully evaluating these specifications will lead you to the ideal Windows 11 laptop.
The 5 Best Laptops For Windows 11 in 2024
1. Dell XPS 13 Plus – Best Overall
The newly released Dell XPS 13 Plus exceeds the minimum requirements to run Windows 11 flawlessly. This ultrabook-styled laptop packs serious power with 12th generation Intel Core processing and Intel Iris Xe graphics.
You get 16GB of speedy LPDDR5 RAM for effortless multitasking abilities. The 512GB NVMe SSD offers fast access speeds and ample storage. This system leaves nothing lacking with WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Thunderbolt 4, and a 1080p webcam.
With a vibrant 13.4-inch display with slim bezels, the XPS 13 Plus offers one of the most immersive Windows 11 experiences. The touchscreen pairs perfectly with the operating system. Expect up to 12 hours of video playback on a charge.
If you want the best overall Windows 11 laptop, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is it.
Key Specs:
- 13.4-inch FHD+ Touch Display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1250U
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 55Wh Battery
- 2.71 lbs
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 – Best Battery Life
Microsoft‘s Surface Laptop 5 shows off Windows 11 beautifully with its tall 3:2 aspect ratio PixelSense touchscreen. You‘ll love the sharp image quality and vibrant colors on the 13.5-inch display. Thanks to the updated AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition processor, this laptop lasts over 17 hours on a charge.
With 16GB of RAM and a speedy 512GB SSD, this system blows through tasks quickly. The Surface Laptop 5 works smoothly with its integrated AMD graphics. Expect snappy performance for documents, web browsing, video calls, and basic photo editing.
If battery life is your priority, check out the Surface Laptop 5.
Key Specs:
- 13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 PixelSense Touch Display
- Microsoft Surface Edition AMD Ryzen 5 685U
- 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Integrated AMD Graphics
- 58Wh Battery
- 2.87 lbs
3. Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED – Best Display
The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED dazzles with its stunning 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen display. With 550 nits peak brightness and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, this is one of the most vibrant laptop panels around. The tall 16:10 aspect ratio leaves plenty of vertical space for documents and web pages.
Despite its thin and lightweight design, the Zenbook S 13 packs serious performance hardware. You get 12th generation Intel Core processing, Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 6E, HDMI, and USB Type-C connections provide versatile connectivity.
If you want the ultimate Windows 11 display, the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is for you.
Key Specs:
- 13.3-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED Touch Display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1260P
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 67Wh Battery
- 2.35 lbs
4. Acer Swift 3 – Best Budget Pick
The Acer Swift 3 offers an affordable ticket into Windows 11. Despite the reasonable price tag, you still get capable specs like 12th gen Intel Core i5 processing and 8GB RAM. The 14-inch 1080p touch display looks sharp, works well with Windows 11, and enables easy scrolling and navigation.
In terms of storage, this Swift 3 model packs a speedy 512GB NVMe SSD. Battery life reaches up to 11.5 hours for excellent portability. The Swift 3 manages to cram an HDMI port, USB Type-C, USB 3.2, and headphone jack into its slim frame.
If you‘re looking for the best budget-friendly Windows 11 laptop, grab the Acer Swift 3.
Key Specs:
- 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS Touch Display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U
- 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 56Wh Battery
- 3.06 lbs
5. HP Spectre x360 16 – Best High-End Option
On the premium end of the spectrum, the HP Spectre x360 16 is a multimedia powerhouse ready for Windows 11. With 12th generation Intel Core i7 processing, RTX 3050 Ti discrete graphics, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, this convertible 2-in-1 laptop delivers speedy performance.
The vibrant 16-inch OLED touch display with 3K2K resolution looks mesmerizing. Designed for creators, this panel supports 100% DCI-P3 for accurate color reproduction. With quad speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen, multimedia enjoyment reaches new heights.
If budget isn‘t a concern and you want the ultimate premium Windows 11 laptop, the HP Spectre x360 16 reigns supreme.
Key Specs:
- 16-inch 3K2K (3000 x 2000) OLED Touch Display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 1TB SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB
- 83Wh Battery
- 4.45 lbs
How To Choose The Right Windows 11 Laptop
With so many options on the market, picking the perfect Windows 11 laptop may seem overwhelming. Here is a step-by-step guide to simplify the buying process:
1. Set Your Budget
Figure out how much you can reasonably spend. Windows 11 laptops span a wide gamut from budget picks under $500 to high-end models over $2,000. Setting a budget prevents you from overspending.
2. Decide On Use Case
Consider what you plan on using your Windows 11 laptop for—documents, web browsing, photo editing, video editing, gaming, etc. Certain laptop specs cater towards specific use cases. Identifying yours will help narrow options.
3. Research Specifications
Learn about key laptop specifications like display, processor, RAM, storage, battery life, size/weight, and ports. Understanding these technical details allows you to compare strengths and weaknesses.
4. Read Reviews
Scour laptop reviews on sites like Laptop Mag, CNET, Tom‘s Guide, and Wired. Experts evaluate models hands-on, providing extra insight beyond basic specs.
5. Select Your Top Contenders
With research completed, choose 3-5 laptops that seem appealing. Compare prices, specs, and reviews side-by-side to determine the clear winner for your needs and budget.
The Benefits Of Using Windows 11
If your laptop still runs Windows 10, you may wonder—is upgrading to Windows 11 worthwhile? While personal preference plays a role, most users stand to benefit from Windows 11.
Some of the biggest advantages include:
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Enhanced Security – Windows 11 utilizes hardware-based security including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, VBS, and hypervisor-protected code integrity for improved protection against viruses and malware.
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Superior Multitasking – New snap layouts with up to four resizable windows across the desktop enhances multitasking productivity.
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Better Gaming Performance – Under-the-hood optimizations provide fps boosts in Windows 11 over 10 during gaming.
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Sleek Modern Design – The streamlined interface introduces design consistency across the OS for a clean, Mac-like aesthetic.
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Latest Features – Ongoing Windows 11 updates continuously add helpful features like Android app integration, Taskbar customization, and Voice Access.
If your laptop can run Windows 11, upgrading promises a better, safer, and more feature-rich experience over aging Windows 10.
Final Thoughts
We picked the Dell XPS 13 Plus as the best overall laptop for Windows 11 in 2024 thanks to its powerful 12th generation Core i7 processor, Iris Xe graphics, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and immersive display packed into a premium lightweight chassis.
Those needing epic battery reach for maximum portability are better suited for the impressive Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and its 17+ hour endurance courtesy of the exclusive Microsoft Surface Edition AMD Ryzen processor.
Across budgets ranging from premium flagships to affordable bargains, our top 5 laptop picks showcase the ideal Windows 11 solutions to maximize your productivity.
