As one of the premier laptop brands, Lenovo has a sprawling inventory of computers for virtually every use case. You have graphic design laptops, budget laptops, business laptops, and so on. There’s almost certainly a device for you, but figuring out which one can be intimidating.
The Yoga Slim 9i has, by far, the best display on a Lenovo machine, sporting a 4K OLED. In addition, the sixth-generation ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 provides top-notch performance and is a perfect partner for businesspeople (although it is expensive). To save you some trouble, I’ve compiled a list highlighting the best the company offers.
What is the best Lenovo laptop right now?
I’ve tested dozens of Lenovo laptops over the past year and can help you understand their differences. I considered multiple factors, such as design, performance, display, and price.
Choosing the best Lenovo laptop was difficult at first because there were many great options. After much deliberation, the choice was obvious: the sixth-generation ThinkPad T14s takes the top spot. The device has many of the important qualities you could want in a business laptop: powerful performance, a high-resolution display, and a 5MP webcam.
Also: The best Windows laptops you can buy: Expert tested
The best Lenovo laptops of 2025
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Why we like it: Taking the top spot is the sixth-generation ThinkPad T14s. This is a premium business laptop that combines the classic ThinkPad design with a series of robust features. It has a lightweight matte black chassis, an excellent keyboard, and a good selection of inputs, including a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports. Inside the sleek laptop is an AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 processor, an AMD Radeon 880M graphics card, and 32GB of RAM. All this hardware works in unison to deliver a great performance.
Performance tests revealed that the ThinkPad T14s excels in multitasking, making it ideal for busy professionals. It’s worth mentioning that the laptop can last 12 hours on a single charge, and its battery has fast-charging capabilities. Additionally, the ThinkPad T14s supports Wi-Fi 7, allowing users to enjoy faster, more secure connections. This standard helps future-proof the machine as it becomes more widely adopted.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
Who it’s for: This device is ideal for anyone looking for a compact laptop that delivers top-notch performance. The ThinkPad T14s is one of my favorite computers of the year, and I strongly recommend it to everyone in the market for a new computer.
Who should look elsewhere: People who want a high-quality display should definitely continue shopping. It has a WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) display, which is fine. However, this laptop can retail upwards of $1,700, and at that price, you should expect a higher quality screen. I’ve seen devices at similar price ranges with better displays. If you’re on a budget, steer clear of this option.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro | Graphics Card: AMD Radeon 880M | RAM: 32GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 Pro | Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.6 x 0.66 inches
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Why we like it: Lenovo’s 10th-generation Yoga Slim 9i is a visually stunning laptop. First, it houses a 14-inch 4K OLED display supported by Dolby Vision and VESA-Certified DisplayHDR True Black 600. These two pieces of software ensure rich colors, high contrast, and deep blacks. Combined with the near-bezel-less design, the touchscreen is the laptop’s strongest asset. Nothing on this list comes close.
The widescreen is due to Lenovo implementing camera-under-display (CUD) technology. This means the webcam is underneath the screen instead of above it. It’s an interesting feature that allows for a unique design. Very few laptops look as pretty as the Yoga Slim 9i, and it is sure to turn heads out in public.
Review: Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i
Complementing the 4K display is the model’s elegant, ultra-slim design. At 2.76 pounds, it is an excellent travel companion. The back of the lid is covered in smooth glass, exuding a premium feel. Its keyboard stretches from end to end with well-spaced, soft-touch keys, providing a comfortable typing experience. Dedicated buttons on the far side of the keyboard give quick access to certain features.
Who is it for: The Yoga Slim 9i is meant for anyone wanting a laptop with a gorgeous display. The image in this entry and in our review does not do the screen justice. It is a sight to behold and a fantastic mobile device.
Who should look elsewhere: People on a budget should consider other options, as the Yoga Slim costs a whopping $2,049. Also, despite Lenovo’s best efforts, the webcam isn’t very good. Placing it under the glass was a neat idea, but video calls can be of poor quality.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i tech specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics Card | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 Pro | Dimensions: 12.32 x 8.01 x 0.57 inches
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Why we like it: Lenovo’s ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 balances above-average performance, a wide array of features, and affordability. Designed primarily to tackle office workloads, the laptop has the classic ThinkPad look, sporting the signature red TrackPoint and comfortable keyboard while providing solid specs.
This device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor, allowing it to multitask efficiently. The laptop’s ample port selection, Kensington lock slot, and self-healing BIOS make it an attractive option for IT teams managing a fleet of business laptops.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 6
Who it’s for: This laptop is recommended for the everyday user. Its 1080p webcam, 1920 x 1200 display, and respectable battery life make the sixth-generation ThinkPad E14 a dependable everyday machine. Many customization options are available across several retailers. You can choose to equip the model with a 1TB SSD, for example, or an Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor to lower the price tag.
At the time of writing, multiple configurations of the ThinkPad E14 have seen huge discounts on Lenovo’s website. Some models are sitting at 25% off their original price. Now would be a good time to pick one up.
Who should look elsewhere: Shoppers looking for power should definitely look elsewhere. The sixth ThinkPad E14 performs decently well — it’s certainly no slouch. But if you plan on playing video games or editing videos, there are better options out there. This ThinkPad is more of a work machine.
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155U | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel Graphics Card | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 12.32 x 8.63 x 0.71 inches
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Why we like it: Lenovo’s Legion series is underrated in the world of gaming laptops. Many people tend to focus on Razer machines or Acer computers as their preferred mobile gaming rigs. I’m here to tell you that the 10th-Generation Legion Pro 7i is worth consideration.
ZDNET Kyle Kucharski took the Legion Pro 7i out for a spin back in June and was deeply impressed by its performance. It’s a powerhouse, running on an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM (although you can upgrade the memory to 96GB for unreal speed).
Gaming on the Legion Pro feels wonderfully immersive, and the hardware allows it to handle creative workloads, too. Plus, its vivid, 240Hz OLED display makes every in-game frame look spectacular. Contrary to its high level of power, Lenovo’s device boasts a sleek design.
Review: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Who it’s for: This laptop is perfect for serious gamers and creative professionals who demand top-tier performance. Its stunning OLED screen also makes the 10th-generation Lenovo Pro 7i a solid choice for designers and content creators looking for high color accuracy.
Who should look elsewhere: Ironically, the Legion Pro 7i is not the most portable computer, even though it’s a laptop. It’s heavy, clocking in at 5.67 pounds, and the 400W power brick is huge. Kucharski states the adapter is so heavy that it’s “essentially the weight of another laptop.”
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i tech specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 | RAM: 32GB | Screen size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 1.05 x 10.86 x 14.35 inches
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Why we like it: What I like most about Lenovo’s 2025 Yoga 7i is that it delivers dependable performance and comfort at a fairly affordable price. At the time of this writing, it’s currently on sale.
The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and 16GB RAM handled everything I threw at it, from heavy multitasking to a barrage of open tabs filled with Amazon listings and YouTube livestreams. It also has one of the best keyboards I’ve used all year. The keys were comfortable thanks to their silk-touch coating, responsive, and built to last. Battery life was equally impressive, running for nearly 17 hours on a single charge.
Add in the spacious 16-inch touchscreen, boom speakers, and dependable temperature control, and you’ve got a reliable laptop built for student life.
Review: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1
Who it’s for: I would recommend the Lenovo Yoga 7i to students, especially over something like a MacBook. Not only is it cheaper, but its unique 2-in-1 form factor is ideal for jotting down notes directly onto Google Docs. The large screen offers ample space for studying or streaming content during breaks. Plus, the Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset will serve you well if you find yourself hopping between browser tabs often.
Who should look elsewhere: If you care deeply about display quality, you might want to skip this one. The color output is underwhelming, and the 300-nit screen is pretty dim. You’ll have a difficult time seeing the display in brightly lit environments.
Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 tech specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics 130V | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 16-inch 1,920 x 1,200 pixel resolution touchscreen | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.21 x 10.11 x 0.62 inches
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Why we like it: ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski said it best when he referred to the ThinkPad X9 as one of his favorite laptops of the year. There’s certainly a lot going for it. It boasts a sleek, lightweight design and delivers a premium experience. The OLED display is stunning. It’s bright and vivid and can better handle glare than an M4 MacBook Air.
Battery life lasts a full workday, the keyboard is whisper-quiet, and the haptic trackpad feels responsive. I even enjoyed the “engine hub” bar at the bottom. This ThinkPad consolidates ports in a smart and interesting way. It may not look like a traditional ThinkPad, but the fifth-generation ThinkPad X13 still performs like one.
Who it’s for: This is a solid pick for professionals, remote workers, and traveling who want a slim, good-looking laptop without sacrificing productivity. It’s great for video calls, presentations, as well as multitasking. With its premium form factor, the ThinkPad X13 doubles as a MacBook alternative. I recommend it to Windows users looking for something fresh.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re a diehard ThinkPad traditionalist, this model might feel like too much of a departure from the series standard. It doesn’t have a TrackPoint, has fewer ports, and sports a radically different design. Also, power users who need top-tier specs should consider other devices. The base model only has 256GB of storage. This lack of internal space can be rectified by utilizing cloud storage or purchasing a more powerful configuration, which significantly inflates the price.
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition tech specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics Card | RAM: 32GB | Screen size: 14-inch 1,920 x 1,200 resolution touchscreen | Operating system: Windows 11 Pro | Dimensions: 0.51 x 12.28 x 8.35 inches
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Why we like it: I became a big fan of the Yoga 9i Aura Edition the moment I began testing the device. The 2.8K OLED touchscreen is nothing short of stunning. Visual outputs are vibrant and colorful, and on-screen animations are velvety smooth, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
Much of my enjoyment came from the AI-powered features.
Smart Share allows users to transfer files from their smartphone to their laptop in a flash. Attention Mode lets you stay focused by muting notifications. My favorite was the posture checks courtesy of Wellness Mode. Using its webcam, the Yoga 9i will keep track of your sitting position. It’ll tell you to sit up straight if it detects that you’ve hunched over for too long.
Review: Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition
Who it’s for: This laptop is an excellent fit for professionals or businesspeople looking for a sleek, reliable 2-in-1 laptop. Its AI features and versatile design can help you stay organized and productive. The 5MP webcam and the impressive audio output from the dual speakers enable top-notch video calls. Plus, as someone who writes for hours, I grew to appreciate the wellness tools.
Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn’t recommend the Yoga 9i to people wanting a high-performing laptop. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor is decent, but the device struggled under heavy workloads during testing. And while the AI features are helpful, they’re not essential tools. Some users may find them rather gimmicky.
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition tech specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel Graphics | RAM: 32GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 Pro | Dimensions: 12.4 x 0.63 x 866 inches
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Why we like it: Rounding out the list is the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, a laptop that won the ZDNET Editors’ Choice Award, and for good reason. It is a lightweight, speedy machine that boots up in seconds and easily handles multitasking, thanks to its MediaTek Kompanio Ultra processor. What’s unique about this model is that it houses a vibrant OLED display, which is something very few Chromebooks can boast of having.
Review: Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
Its battery life is quite impressive, too capable of lasting a full day of heavy use or several days of light tasks. AI features like Smart Grouping make organizing all the different desktop instances much easier. It automates much of the process by separating similar tabs, windows, and apps into their subgroups.
Who it’s for: This Chromebook is great for students and the average worker who primarily relies on Google’s ecosystem. You can access Google Docs while disconnected from the internet. Once you hop back online, your files are immediately uploaded to the company’s cloud servers. Plus, its compact size makes it a solid pick for hybrid workers.
Who should look elsewhere: I don’t recommend the Chromebook Plus 14 for people looking for a top-notch performance. While MediaTel’s Kompanio Ultra processor is fine for lightweight tasks, it can freeze when launching certain apps like Microsoft Teams.
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 tech specs: Processor: MediaTek Kompanio Ultra | Graphics Card: Arm Immortalis-G925 | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 14-inch WUXGA OLED display | Operating system: ChromeOS | Dimensions: 12.37 x 8.63 x 0.62 inches
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What are the tariffs in the US?
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy
Laptops and PCs are also hit hard by the new US tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.
Lenovo’s 12th-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon is my pick for the best Lenovo laptop overall, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best for everyone. A laptop’s onboard memory, its size, and price are the three biggest factors consumers look at when comparing devices. With that in mind, I broke down Lenovo’s laptop lineups into these categories to see how they compare.
| Best Lenovo laptop | Cost | RAM | Screen size |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 | $1,477 | 32GB | 14 inches |
| Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i | $1,999 | 16GB | 14 inches |
| Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 | $649 | 8GB | 14 inches |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 | $2,889 | 32GB | 16 inches |
| Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 | $1,200 | 16GB | 16 inches |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition | $1,639 | 32GB | 14 inches |
| Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition | $1,750 | 32GB | 14 inches |
| Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 | $749 | 16GB | 14 inches |
As the competition to produce higher-performing laptops at ever-competitive price points heats up, different brands have embraced their reputations and specialized offerings to set themselves apart. We’ve tested machines from all of the top brands out there and can safely say there are certain things brands do better than others. So, where does Lenovo stand? Let’s take a look.
Lenovo vs. Dell
Lenovo is known for its utilitarian, durable design philosophy, particularly with its iconic ThinkPad line of laptops. They’re robust, versatile, and have a reputation for being workhorses, especially in the office. By contrast, Dell is known for some rather innovative designs. The Dell Premium 16, for example, is a powerful laptop, but visually daring with its flush keyboard, “InfinityEdge” display, and invisible trackpad.
Also: I replaced my work PC with this Dell laptop, and it was one of my best decisions
Many Lenovo laptops are designed for the enterprise and, as such, exude a conservative, “down to business” element. Dell laptops, on the other hand, are versatile and marketed toward a broad range of consumers, from creators to businesses to home users.
Lenovo vs. Apple
Apple needs no introduction when it comes to brand aesthetics. Its minimalist, sleek design is evident in its products, and users still see Apple at the forefront of innovation. MacBooks are some of the highest-performing laptops on the market, and they compete in processing power with even the highest-tier Windows machines.
Lenovo’s reputation as a reliable brand is reinforced by its dependable line of laptops, and its approach to innovation is a bit more subtle. Nevertheless, some of Lenovo’s newest devices, like the sleek Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, feel like they could have borrowed from the MacBook’s design book.
Lenovo vs. HP
HP’s line of laptops reaches a broad range of consumers, from budget gaming machines to high-end laptops like the OmniBook X 14. Lenovo laptops emphasize innovation and durability — particularly in a business context — while HP laptops often target consumers seeking a balance between affordability and function, as well as strong displays and familiar branding.
Also: This HP OmniBook finally sold me on the 2-in-1 laptop design (and it’s on sale for $400 off)
Lenovo vs. Microsoft
Microsoft’s latest Surface Pro attracted lots of attention this year for its innovative, 2-in-1 form factor, something Lenovo has been doing with its Yoga line of laptops. If you’re looking for a convertible laptop/tablet device, both brands offer solid choices, with Microsoft’s machine at the cutting edge of design and form.
Also: Microsoft’s Surface Laptop is finally getting the upgrade every business user has been waiting for
The Microsoft Surface Laptop is a sleek, high-performing laptop for creators, business users, and home users. The device was praised earlier this year for its versatility and AI readiness.
We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a system’s metrics under the hood and compare those to advertised numbers. Then, we spend an extended amount of time with the laptop — usually a week or two. We use it the same way a normal consumer would to analyze its portability, form factor, and how well the battery actually holds up, among other areas. For an extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.
- Benchmarking: First, a series of tests are run to put the computer’s hardware through the wringer to see what it’s capable of. Cinebench is one of the most commonly used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop’s rendering performance on single and multiple CPU cores. PCMark 10 is another powerful program that covers a wide variety of tasks performed in the workplace. Others are also used in tandem to gather as much data as possible. Some components that are tested can be seen in the following entries.
- Processor: The “brain” of the laptop and one of the most important factors determining performance. The four biggest manufacturers that make most of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple (in their machines only). This performance is tested in benchmarking software.
- The display: The size of the display — measured diagonally from corner to corner — also dictates the laptop’s overall size and plays a big role in its cost. Brightness is measured in “nits” and color spectrums are tested in benchmarking software.
- The graphics processor (GPU): Whether it’s integrated into the CPU or a dedicated graphics card, how well the machine handles graphics is a key factor when it comes to demanding visual tasks like video editing, rendering, and of course, gaming. GPUs are tested with benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback.
- Physical form factor: Finally, the laptop’s overall appearance and physical form factor encompasses its weight, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether or not it has a display that can be folded back to form a tablet. We carry the laptop around for at least a week and note how well it commutes.
- Battery testing: Batteries are tested in several ways. A handful of benchmarking programs have their own battery testing components, but we also let the laptop run for as long as it can under a medium load. Screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off. The display’s brightness and audio are set to 50%. A YouTube livestream is started, and we wait until the battery runs out.
- The human element: As mentioned earlier, metrics and system data are important, but numbers alone don’t give you the full picture. This is where we weave in our personal experience with the device and tap into the practical use cases that consumers care about.
Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of every tested laptop into digestible terms that real people can find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when navigating the laptop market. We hope to bring an intuitive element to the process by leveraging our team’s decades of experience.
Lenovo makes a wide array of laptops covering all sorts of use cases. You won’t be left wanting more choices. As established earlier, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the king. But that does not necessarily mean it’s the best one for you. The best Lenovo laptop ultimately comes down to what you, the user, are looking for. I can help with that with the suggestions below.
| Choose this Best Lenovo laptop… | If you want… |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 | The best Lenovo laptop. It has a 5MP webcam for high-res video calls, an all-day battery, and solid performance courtesy of the AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro CPU. |
| Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i | The Lenovo laptop with the best display. Its 4K screen is incredibly impressive thanks to a suite of image-enhancing software. |
| Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 | The best mid-range Lenovo laptop. Lenovo’s ThinkPad E14 may not have the best specs, but it is a reliable everyday computer with a fast-charging battery. |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 10th-Generation | The best gaming laptop. It boasts powerful hardware and a vivid OLED screen to provide a gaming experience second to none. |
| Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 | The best laptop for students. Running on an Intel Core Ultra CPU, this flexible machine easily handles multitasking and has a durable form factor |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition | The best ultraportable laptop. This device introduces a radically different ThinkPad design that consolidates ports into a compact form factor. |
| Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition | The best work laptop. The model houses a suite of AI features to help you be productive. |
| Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 | The best Chromebook. For less than $400, you’ll receive a lightweight laptop that doubles as a tablet. |
There are multiple factors to consider when picking out the best Lenovo laptop, including:
- Form factor: Laptops come in various form factors, whether a traditional clamshell or a 2-in-1 convertible design like the Yoga 9i. Convertible laptops generally give you greater flexibility and portability, but they can lack some features seen on more traditional laptops. Other laptops, like the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, fold completely flat but won’t go all the way back into a tablet form.
- Size: If you plan to take your Lenovo laptop on the go, you’ll want a smaller build for portability. It’s important to be mindful of the display size as it directly affects the overall dimensions of a laptop. However, a smaller display doesn’t necessarily mean lighter. The Lenovo Slim 7x, for example, features a 14.5-inch display but is less than an inch thick and weighs only 2.82 pounds.
- CPU: A laptop’s processor gives you an idea of how fast the device will work. Lenovo classifies its laptops by Core categories, with the Core i9 and Core i7 being the more powerful processors. The Slim 7x features the cutting-edge Snapdragon X Elite chip that runs Windows on ARM, an emerging technology.
- Graphics: Consider the type of graphics card available with your laptop. A strong GPU is an important feature to consider if you are a gamer or video editor. Be sure to look for a device with powerful integrated graphics or an advanced graphics card to suit your needs.
- Battery: It’s important to know the battery life of a new Lenovo laptop. If you spend a lot of time traveling, you may need a device with a longer battery life so you don’t constantly have to fumble for a charger.
Latest news on Lenovo laptops
Lenovo has a Coming Soon page on its website, detailing some of its upcoming devices although not much is known about them. You have the IdeaPad Pro 5i, which will run on an Intel Core Ultra H Series processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card, plus a 16-inch 2.8K OLED display. Then there’s the IdeaPad Pro 5, which is similar in appearance with different hardware.
However, the more interesting information can be found in on the other side of the world. Japanese tech magazine ITMEDIA was given an exlucisve look at Lenovo’s upcoming “2025 ThinkPad workstation lineup”. Several models were revealed but there are two that caught my attention. First is the ThinkPad T1g Gen 8, which is said to a “reinvented [ThinkPad] X1 Extreme”. It’ll run on an Nvidia RTX Pro 2000 GPU. And then there’s the ThinkPad P16v Gen 3, a midrange variant of the premium ThinkPad P16 model.
It depends on your priorities. Lenovo laptops are durable. They are reliable machines focused on helping businesspeople complete their work. The ThinkPad series, in particular, is good for that type of use case. However, one thing you’ll notice about Lenovo hardware is it can be quite expensive. On the other hand, Dell is more budget-friendly and may be the better choice if you’re short on cash.
The cost of the best Lenovo laptop can vary. Again, it depends on the model you choose. The best Lenovo laptop overall is the 12th-Gen Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which normally retails for $2,030 although it can go on sale. You can find it for $1,396 on Lenovo’s website.
However, you can find premium options closer to $2,000 a pop if you have more cash. Inexpensive options, like the IdeaPad Flex 5i, are way cheaper. That model retails for around $500.
Lenovo laptops can be bought directly from the company’s official website, but that isn’t your only option. Many digital retailers sell Lenovo laptops on their platforms. However, make sure the website is legitimate before you buy. There are a lot of scams out there.
Also: The best laptops you can buy: Expert tested
I recommend going to either Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy as your first stop in the buying process. For added convenience, we’ve provided shopping links in each entry to save you time buying the best Lenovo laptop.
Lenovo’s ThinkPad series of laptops are regarded as some of the most durable laptops on the market for their sturdy, well-built design and unpretentious form factors. They’re also known to be more repair-friendly than many other computers, as you can replace parts with relative ease.
Also: I tested every Lenovo laptop released at MWC – and these are the very best
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 Extreme are made from partially recycled magnesium, aluminum, and carbon fiber and have been MIL-STD 810H certified in torture tests against travel hazards like shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
A new laptop is an investment and making it last is essential to maximizing its value. To care for your new laptop, you’ll want to minimize the number of bumps and vibrations it’s exposed to and keep it closed when not in use to protect the keys and screen, which can be fragile.
Also: The Lenovo ThinkPad I recommend to hybrid workers isn’t the newest model – but it’s 50% off
Maximizing your laptop’s battery life is also part of its longevity, as it’s best to keep it between 30% and 80% to optimize battery life. Besides these obvious factors, you’ll want to keep the software and drivers updated and get a backpack and sleeve for safe, efficient transport
Latest updates
- August 2025: I tested and added the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i. I also updated other pieces of text like the Latest News on Lenovo Laptops section.
- July 2025: I tested and added the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 to the main list as the Best Lenovo Chromebook. I then added the IdeaPad Slim 3, ThinkPad T14s Gen 5, and the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition to the alternative list.
- June 2025: I tested and added the 2025 Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 to the main list as the Best Lenovo Laptop for Students.
- May 2025: I promoted the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 by making it the new Best Lenovo Laptop Overall. I also tested and added the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition to the list.
- April 2025: I tested the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition and added it to the list as the best ultraportable Lenovo laptop.
Other Lenovo laptops we’ve tested
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While the IdeaPad Slim 3 won’t be wining any awards in performance, its decent hardware, solid battery life, and lightweight design make it a practical choice for students who need a dependable computer. It’s great at handling easy tasks like web browsing and writing essays. Multiple configurations are available on Amazon with most expensive costing $609.
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Lenovo’s fifth-generation ThinkPad T14s is a notably hardy laptop. Thanks to its rugged chassis, this particular model is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. In fact, it is MIL-STD-810H certified. What’s interesting is that the laptop is surprisingly lightweight, making it a good choice for frequent travelers or remote workers looking for a machine that can keep up. Battery life is another strong point, capable of lasting around 11 hours on a single charge.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 5
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The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition stands as a well-rounded ultraportable laptop that excels in several areas. On sale for $1,300, it is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, providing more than enough power for productivity and multitasking. The vibrant display is paired with powerful speakers, making it great for both work and entertainment. Its battery is very impressive since it is capable of lasting 17 hours on a single charge.
Review: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition
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To get the most out of your laptop, check out ZDNET’s guide on how to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC and our list of the best free software uninstallers of 2025.
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