Everything to Look for When Buying a New Laptop in 2026

However, for some people, it can be useful to consider the software you need to run, and the operating system that runs best, which will help you determine the tools you need. And let’s not forget: ChromeOS and Linux are still alternatives. So, here’s how the four existing operating systems are broken down.

Windows

Windows is the standard operating system. Windows is the broadest and most widely used operating system, supporting a large number of applications and devices. Your workplace may require it, or you may require it to use a specific program. Every new Windows laptop released in the last few years comes with the latest Windows 11. Thanks to its open source, new laptops arrive throughout the year, from cheap laptops to blinged-out laptop games. There are even variations 2-in-1 laptop to imagine, it’s a great design and integrated display. Regardless of your budget, you’ll have an easy time finding something in the Windows ecosystem that works for you. Since 2024, Microsoft has been pushing the Copilot AI feature deeper and deeper into the operating system, but in 2026, the process may go back or down. Its 2026 update coming later this year will focus on improving performance, removing Copilot distractions, and adding more customization to the Taskbar.

macOS

Apple’s MacOS is a little more advanced than Windows, especially if you have an iPhone. But it’s tightly integrated with the company’s hardware, meaning your options are limited to MacBooks. Since Apple uses its own chips and the MacBook is a different beast, we have something different a guide to choosing the best MacBook. If you’re already bought into the Apple ecosystem with iPhones or iPads, MacBooks have several apps (like AirDrop and Universal Control) that are standard, and Apple makes some of the best laptop accessories for gaming. The last major release of the operating system, macOS 26 TahoeIt was officially launched last fall, which brought new features, updates to Spotlight, and more.

ChromeOS

If you can do most of your laptop’s work in a browser and you’re trying to save money, ChromeOS is a good choice. Chrome laptops (also known as Chromebooks) are also among the cheapest (and most powerful) you can find, so the OS is worth considering if you’re on a tight budget. While Chromebooks are often associated with cheap school laptops that are rented out to high school students, they have grown into something more than that. Name “Chromebook Plus”. it was released in late 2023a way to boost high-end Chromebooks that use faster processors, more memory, more storage, and better video cameras, such as Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus. The same limitations remain, however. You can’t run Adobe’s Creative Suite or Microsoft Office. Some apps, especially Office, have a version for your Android phone/tablet strength to be able to install on your Chromebook (or website), but I’ve found that Android apps often don’t work well. Google has been talking recently about the future of Chromebooks and Google tablets, confirming that the combination of the two will come in 2026, the first rumors like. Aluminum OS and since then exposed as Googlebooks. Read our The best Chromebooks control information.

Linux

As an alternative to Windows, there has been a growing interest in Linux over the past few years. The rise in popularity of Steam Deck plays a big part in this, but people are also starting to turn to Linux in response need to add to Windows 11. If you don’t need MS Office and don’t care about the learning curve, you can install Linux on almost any laptop hardware ever made. Like ChromeOS, the catch is that popular applications like MS Office and Adobe’s Creative Suite don’t support Linux. However, there are other free, open source options like LibreOffice, Dark things (Replaces Adobe Lightroom), and GIMP (Instead of Adobe Photoshop). Check out ours Best Linux Laptop a guide to what we like.

Understanding Processor Names (CPUs)

Courtesy of Intel

Once you know the operating system you want and have an idea of ​​the software you will use, you can determine what you will need. The first thing we give a look at is the processor, which is also called a chip or CPU. Today, there are four competitors in the laptop space that you should know.

Intel processors

Photo: Luke Larsen

Intel has had a difficult few years, but its offering in 2026 is very strong. Panther Lakebuilt on the long-awaited 18A concept, it’s the culmination of five years of planning and engineering—and a lot of money paid for. I won’t go into detail, but the company is taking CPU performance, GPU performance, and battery life to unprecedented levels. I noticed this recently when I was testing the Dell XPS 14, which was one of the first laptops out of the gate to support Panther Lake. It has GPU performance that you’d only get with older graphics cards in the past, and it also has impressive battery life. It’s a combination we’ve only seen on MacBooks so far.