Best laptops for fall 2026: 49 notebooks tried and tested

Like its predecessors, the latest 16.2-inch MacBook Pro impresses as a first-class multimedia notebook with an outstanding mini-LED display, extremely high performance, and mostly silent operation. Compared with the smaller 14-inch model, it makes significantly better use of the powerful M5 Max SoC. However, our test reveals clear hardware limitations. The familiar cooling system is limited to 70 watts, not letting the components reveal their true potential. In addition, the battery discharges under full load despite being connected to mains power, and the Wi-Fi 7 adapter struggles with just 160 MHz of bandwidth.

• Target group: content creators, prosumers, enthusiasts
• Prices in Germany start from ~4,900 euros (around $5,620) at retailers such as NBB
• Review: Apple MacBook Pro 16 with M5 Max tested by Notebookcheck

The EliteBook X Flip G2i 14 proved to be a lightweight and travel-friendly premium convertible with elegant design, strong battery life, an excellent keyboard, and an impressive selection of display options in our testing. For optimal image sharpness, the BrightView display option is recommended, as matte variants can appear grainy. Core temperatures rise noticeably when under heavy loads. There are significant performance differences between different SKUs with different SoCs.

• Target group: creative nomads, professionals on the go
• Prices in Germany start from ~3,000 euros (around $3,440) at various retailers
• Review: HP EliteBook X Flip G2i 14 AI tested by Notebookcheck

The 2026 ROG Zephyrus G16 is a better high-end gaming laptop than ever before. A significantly brighter 240-Hz OLED display enhances HDR gaming, while efficient Intel Panther Lake processors enable longer battery life. Higher GPU power limits noticeably improve performance. Its sturdy aluminum casing with improved hinges, excellent keyboard, and top-class audio remain nice plus points. Soldered RAM remains a drawback.

• Target group: gamers, content creators
• Prices in Germany start from ~5,400 euros (around $6,190) at various retailers
• Review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 GU606AW tested by Notebookcheck

The Yoga Pro 7i 15 Aura Edition is a strong machine with a powerful Panther Lake processor, GeForce RTX 5060, an excellent 165-Hz OLED touchscreen, and outstanding audio. The elegant casing comes with top-class input devices and two SSD slots. One drawback to consider: loud fans under load. Nevertheless, the Yoga remains an extremely versatile and recommendable multimedia notebook.

• Target group: content creators, gamers, enthusiasts
• Prices in Germany start from ~3,000 euros (around $3,440) at retailers such as Lenovo Germany
• Review: Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i 15 Aura Edition tested by Notebookcheck

The ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 Aura Edition positions itself cleverly between the Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, our tests show. It offers more performance, ports, and storage options than the Air, but does not quite match the MacBook Pro in performance. As a high-quality 15.3-inch work laptop, the system impresses with many strengths and hardly any weaknesses. With a future-proof base configuration of 32 GB of RAM, this is one of the most powerful ThinkPads of 2026.

• Target group: content creators, professionals
• Prices in Germany start from ~2,500 euros (around $2,870) at various retailers
• Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 tested by Notebookcheck

Thanks to its new Intel Panther Lake processors, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon G14 offers more performance and excellent battery life of up to 24 hours. (SKUs with IPS panels do, that is.) Lenovo provides a top-class setup here including Thunderbolt 4, optional 5G, and outstanding speakers. There are significant differences between configurations for prospective buyers to consider; the IPS touchscreen model excels in battery life, while the OLED variant weighs just 989 grams. With 32 GB of soldered RAM or more in every SKU, the X1 Carbon is a top choice for business users, much like its direct predecessor was.

• Target group: professionals n the go
• Prices in Germany start from ~2,400 euros (around $2,750) at various retailers
• Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 tested by Notebookcheck

The 2026 ROG Zephyrus G14 further strengthens the series' status as the fastest 14-inch all-rounder. Thanks to its new Intel Panther Lake processor, the ROG offers yet higher single-thread performance alongside improved efficiency for longer battery life. A GeForce RTX 5070 Ti paired with a noticeably brighter OLED display shine, while a full-size SD card reader and an excellent keyboard improve everyday use. For users without a focus on HDR gaming, the less expensive 2025 model remains a strong alternative, though. Also available in white!

• Target group: gamers & content creators on the go
• Prices in Germany start from ~3,200 euros (around $3,670) at various retailers
• Review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 GU405AR tested by Notebookcheck

The T14s G7 is even closer to the flagship X1 Carbon series than its progenitors were. This new model is noteworthy for its lighter casing, longer battery life, and more veratile charging via USB-C ports on both sides. Cooling now operates noticeably more quietly, ensuring stable performance with both AMD and Intel-powered SKUs. After calibration, its matte IPS touchscreen delivers good sRGB colors, albeit at 60 Hz only; alternatively, a vivid 120-Hz OLED panel is available. Improved speakers and an excellent keyboard, as expected, are some further plus points worth mentioning, while soldered-in RAM is a significant drawback.

• Target group: professionals on the go
• Prices in Germany start from ~2,200 euros (around $2,520) at various retailers
• Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 7 tested by Notebookcheck

The EliteBook X G2i 14 aims to take its place among the best business laptops. It made a very strong impression with its lightweight magnesium casing as well as almost every other respect. Powerful CPU performance of its Panther Lake Intel Core Ultra 7, phenomenal battery life, first-class keyboard, haptic touchpad, and 5G make it an ideal companion for frequent travelers. The system is silent in everyday use. Unless you specifically need the SureView display, it is better to choose a regular display option instead. This will be the perfect premium work device.

• Target group: professionals on the go
• Prices in Germany start from ~3,000 euros (around $3,440) at various retailers
• Review: HP EliteBook X G2i 14 DL9Y8ET tested by Notebookcheck

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 G11 is notable for its more professional design featuring typical ThinkPad elements. Improvements to the power button, clickpad, dimensions, and weight noticeably improve user experience. One new feature is the elegant recess for charging the pen. However, it only works with the slimmer “Slim Pen 2” which is less ergonomic to hold than the thicker pen of the previous-gen model. In terms of performance, the Gen 11 model offers little improvement, with a noticeable performance leap to be expected only with the top configuration featuring the Core Ultra X7 and powerful Arc B390 iGPU.

• Target group: creative nomads, professionals on the go
• Prices in Germany start from ~2,700 euros (around $3,100) at various retailers
• Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 tested by Notebookcheck

The Surface Laptop 13.8 impresses with its new Snapdragon X2 Plus SoC, elegant metal chassis, top-class input devices, and improved battery life. Its bright, color-accurate IPS screen is PWM-flickering-free, but visually behind OLED panels. Its glossy protective layer may put some off, too.

Speakers and cooling perform well here. As for drawbacks, these include soldered memory, the lack of an SD reader, and the outdated Surface Connect port.

• Target group: digital nomads, education sector
• Prices in Germany start from ~1,500 euros (around $1,720) at various retailers
• Review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 8 13.8 tested by Notebookcheck

Performance-wise, the Razer Blade 18 (2026) is almost identical to last year's model, which is not a bad thing considering the system is one of the fastest and quietest high-end gaming laptops on the market as long as high-performance profile mode is active. Its IPS screen does well, but falls behind OLED and mini-LED competition in contrast and HDR mode brightness departments.

We've got to say, the nearly identical 2025 model is still available to buy for less.

• Target group: gamers, content creators
• Prices in Germany start from ~6,500 euros (around $7,450) at retailers such as NBB
• Review: Razer Blade 18 2026 tested by Notebookcheck

As our tests showed, the Zenbook S14 (2026) is a slim 14-inch subnotebook with top-class design, excellent input devices, and powerful sound. Thanks to this year's transition to Intel Panther Lake SoCs, CPU performance has nearly doubled as compared to previous-gen ZenBooks. Battery life is now better, too, albeit only by a small margin. Its responsive 120-Hz OLED display also impresses with high HDR mode brightness and precise color reproduction. With 32 GB of RAM and a 1-TB SSD, the Zenbook S14 is a first-class companion for demanding office and multimedia tasks.

• Target group: creative nomads
• Prices in Germany start from ~1,800 euros (around $2,060) at various retailers
• Review: Asus ZenBook S14 UX5406AA tested by Notebookcheck

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro addresses previous-generation model's weaknesses, winning hearts with a noticeably sturdier, higher-quality chassis while retaining its excellent repairability. An efficient Intel Panther Lake processor significantly improves battery life, although performance still trails behind comparable machines. The modular design, focused on the ease of maintenance and servicing, makes this notebook unique.

• Target group: creative nomads, DIY fans
• Prices in Germany start from ~1,900 euros (around $2,180) directly at Framework Germany
• Review: Framework Laptop 13 Pro tested by Notebookcheck

A complete redesign, the 2026 OmniBook Ultra 14 sets a new bar for HP's subnotebooks. The new chassis is noticeably slimmer and more elegant. A highlight is the brilliant 120-Hz OLED display, now standard in all configurations, providing high contrast and smooth visuals. Powered by an efficient Intel Core Ultra X9 SoC combined with the powerful Arc B390 iGPU, this premium laptop delivers outstanding graphics performance for productive workflows.

• Target group: creative nomads
• Prices in Germany are expected to be around €2,500 (meaning around $2,870) but no store has stock as of early September 2026
• Review: HP OmniBook Ultra 14 X9 tested by Notebookcheck

The latest 16-inch Raider Max HX puts uncompromising performance first. Powered by an Intel Arrow Lake-HX CPU and a 175-W GPU, it is one of the fastest gaming laptops available on the market. Its OLED display is impressive, image quality, outstanding. However, maximum performance does not come easy, as the machine's casing is on the larger side, and heavy as well.

• Target group: gamers, content creators
• Prices in Germany start from ~4,300 euros (around $4,930) at retailers such as NBB
• Review: MSI Raider 16 Max HX B2WJ tested by Notebookcheck

The 2026 Blade 16 retains its proven chassis design and GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU. Its scores points with little improvements that matter; thanks to a more efficient CPU, faster memory, and cooler core temperatures, gaming performance has received a noticeable boost. Optimized HDR presentation and significant everyday battery life improvements made us happy, too.

• Target group: gamers, content creators
• Prices in Germany start from ~5,400 euros (around $6,190) at retailers such as NBB
• Review: Razer Blade 16 2026 tested by Notebookcheck