The best Lenovo laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

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 robust features. It has a lightweight matte-black chassis, an excellent keyboard, and a good selection of ports, 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 great performance.

Performance tests revealed that the ThinkPad T14s excels in multitasking, making it ideal for busy professionals. The laptop lasts 12 hours on a single charge and supports fast charging. Additionally, the ThinkPad T14s supports Wi-Fi 7, enabling 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 for upward of $1,700, and at that price, you can find 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

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.

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 select features.

Who is it for: The Yoga Slim 9i is for anyone looking for 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

Why we like it: Lenovo's IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 is a solid midrange convertible laptop that strikes a good balance between performance, versatility, and price. It houses an Intel Core Ultra 7 150U processor and 16GB of RAM, which allows the model to multitask effectively. You could browse the internet with dozens of open tabs, run multiple apps, and hop on video calls without it feeling remotely slow.

The 16-inch, 16:10 display is another reason why this laptop works so well in both the classroom and office cubicle. It's not the most vibrant panel, but it does provide ample space for documents and side-by-side windows. I also love the sound system. The Dolby Audio speakers deliver clear, well-separated sound. Battery life is another strong point, lasting roughly a full workday and then some.

Review: Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1

Who it's for: This laptop is ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a large-screen convertible PC for school or work. It's a good fit for students who need a reliable partner for schoolwork or for office workers who spend most of their time writing documents and creating spreadsheets. Its versatility, performance, and reasonable price tag make the IdeaPad 5i a good choice for people who prioritize practicality over style.

Who should look elsewhere: I had two main issues with the IdeaPad 5i during my review. One: the touchscreen; it's not great. The display output is dull, the glass reflects a lot of light, and it doesn't get very bright. It's hard to see the screen in well-lit environments. Two: the keyboard. It's mushy and not enjoyable to type on. If you value display quality or typing feel, I recommend exploring the other entries on this list.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 150U | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel Graphics Card | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.02 x 10.04 x 0.72 inches

Why we like it: I liked the Lenovo Legion 9i a lot because the device pushes laptop performance to an extreme that few machines can match. My review unit boasted desktop-class power, thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM. A configuration like this handles maxed-out AAA games, 4K video editing, and complex 3D rendering without breaking a sweat.

Hardware like this can run rather hot. To handle high internal temperatures, Lenovo equipped the Legion 9i with the Coldfront Vapor cooling system to keep things under control even under heavy workloads. Other notable features include an excellent keyboard, a wide selection of ports, and fast charging capabilities. With everything combined, this PC feels like a proper desktop replacement.

Review: Lenovo Legion 9i

Who it's for: The Legion 9i is meant for power users who want the best Lenovo has to offer. It's perfect for gamers who play their favorite titles at the highest settings. It's perfect for content creators with demanding workloads. If you're in marketing and need a desktop replacement you can take on the road, this machine fits the bill.

Who should look elsewhere: It's expensive. The starting price for the Lenovo Legion 9i is $3,000. Battery life isn't great either. During testing, I adjusted the device settings to prioritize longevity over performance, yet it still lasted only five hours. Normally, I would recommend taking the power adapter with you, but it weighs several pounds, so it's not easy to lug around.

Lenovo Legion 9i 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: 1.10 x 10.61 x 15.87 inches

Why we like it: What I like most about Lenovo's 2025 Yoga 7i is that it delivers dependable performance and comfort at a reasonably 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 into Google Docs. The large screen offers ample space for studying or streaming content during breaks. 

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

Why we like it: ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski called the ThinkPad X9 one of his favorite laptops of the past 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 handles glare better than an M4 MacBook Air. Battery life lasts a full workday, the keyboard is whisper-quiet, and the haptic trackpad feels responsive.

The ThinkPad consolidates ports into what the company calls an "engine hub". It has two USB-C ports (one on each side), an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. The hub also slightly raises the laptop off the table for more comfortable typing. It may not look like a traditional ThinkPad, but the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition performs like a top-tier model.
Who it's for: This is a solid pick for professionals, remote workers, and travelers who want a slim, good-looking laptop without sacrificing productivity. It's great for video calls, presentations, and general multitasking. With its premium form factor, the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition doubles as an effective MacBook alternative.  

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 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 addressed by using cloud storage or purchasing a more powerful configuration, which significantly increases 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

Why we like it: Including Lenovo's LOQ 15AHP10 on this list as the best business option may seem strange to longtime readers, as it is primarily a gaming laptop. However, I came to this conclusion after spending a lot of time on this machine. After my main desktop broke, I relied on this laptop for work, and it helped me immensely.

A big reason I liked it so much is its performance. This LOQ model houses an AMD Ryzen 7 2500 processor, Nvidia RTX 5050 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM. This is a solid configuration for everyday work, from writing spreadsheets to light programming and -- as I'm sure you can guess -- gaming. The keyboard is surprisingly comfortable for long typing sessions. Its subdued design allows it to blend in with office spaces, and features like Rapid Charge Pro help offset its moderate battery life.

Review: Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10

Who it's for: This laptop is ideal for budget-conscious professionals who want a versatile machine. At the time of this writing, it's on sale for $999 on Lenovo's website. Users will quickly appreciate the subdued silver chassis, making the laptop quite office-friendly. Once the work day is over, you can fire up your favorite game on Steam and enjoy smooth, engaging gameplay.

Who should look elsewhere: The Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10 is not a premium machine. Don't get me wrong: it's solid. But it doesn't have a high-resolution screen or a robust array of ports. Creative professionals who want a mobile PC with a 4K screen that outputs highly accurate colors should look elsewhere.

Lenovo LOQ 15AH10 tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2500 | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 15.6 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 0.94 x 14.17 x 10.19 inches 

Why we like it: Rounding out the list is the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8. It's a premium device that blends workstation-level performance with the classic ThinkPad design people have come to love. ZDNET editor Kyle Kucharski tested one of the more powerful configurations. His review unit had an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and an Nvidia RTX Pro Blackwell graphics card for outstanding power. What's interesting about this machine is that it comes with upgradable LPCAMM2 memory. Users with the right technical know-how can pop open the computer and install new RAM sticks as needed.

Above the keyboard is a 16-inch, 3.2K OLED screen that's perfect for video editing, animation, and CAD work. Everything on the display looks crisp and vibrant. Plus, the matte finish keeps annoying reflections at bay. Other notable features include a 5MP webcam, Wi-Fi 7 support, and Thunderbolt 5 ports.

Review: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 

Who it's for: This laptop is built for engineers, designers, video editors, and other skilled professionals who want a powerful computer for their work. It's also a great choice for IT teams looking to deploy durable, upgradable PCs across departments.

Who should look elsewhere: I almost made the eighth-generation ThinkPad P1 the best Lenovo laptop overall, but one thing held me back: its cost. This is a very expensive laptop. In fact, outside of the gaming PCs, this is the most expensive Lenovo laptop on this list. Prices for the model start at $1,699, and it comes with an integrated Intel Arc GPU in its base configuration. If you want premium hardware, be prepared to cough up over $4,000.

Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 tech specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H | Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX Pro 2000 | RAM: 32GB | Screen size: 16-inch 3.2K OLED display | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 13.95 x 9.49 x 0.39 inches

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, size, and price are the three primary factors consumers consider when comparing devices. With that in mind, I categorized Lenovo's laptops in the table below to compare their specs.

As the competition to produce top-tier laptops at increasingly competitive price points intensifies, different brands have leveraged their reputations and specialized offerings to differentiate themselves. We've tested machines from all the top brands and can say with confidence that certain brands excel in specific areas. So, where does Lenovo stand? Let's take a look.

Lenovo versus 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: Everything Lenovo announced at MWC 2026, including foldables and modular laptops

Many Lenovo laptops are designed for the enterprise and, as such, exude a conservative, business-esque aura. Dell laptops, on the other hand, are versatile and marketed toward a broad range of consumers, from creators to businesses to home users. 

Lenovo versus Apple

When it comes to laptops, Apple needs little introduction. Its MacBooks are defined by a clean, minimalist design that has become instantly recognizable, and many people see them as a benchmark for innovation. Beyond aesthetics, MacBooks also rank among the top-performing notebooks available, boasting processing power that rivals that of more premium Windows laptops.

Also: 3 tiny gadgets that quietly protect your devices from surges and snooping

Lenovo approaches laptops from a different angle, emphasizing reliability across its lineup. Innovation among these devices is often more restrained, but it still exists. The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, for example, features a refined design that resembles a MacBook.

Lenovo versus HP 

HP's line of laptops is similar to Lenovo's in that they also attempt to appeal to a wide range of consumers. HP releases nearly every kind of notebook, from entry-level gaming models to premium devices like the OmniBook X 14. Lenovo, on the other hand, places a stronger emphasis on durability, longevity, and practicality, striking a balance between price and performance.

Also: I tried Lenovo's modular ThinkBook laptop, and it's a concept I'd actually root for

Lenovo versus Microsoft

Microsoft's most recent Surface Pro turned a lot of heads earlier this year, thanks to its refined, 2-in-1 form factor. Lenovo explores the same design concept seen in its Yoga series, but, as I established in the previous sections, it makes more subtle changes. It sticks to a traditional design. Microsoft, on the other hand, pushes boundaries, opting to create a device that is more akin to a tablet than a laptop. 

Also: The best antivirus software 2026

The Microsoft Surface Laptop is a polished, high-performing notebook built for creators, professionals, and home users, and it earned praise earlier this year for its versatility and readiness for AI-driven features. 

We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a hardware's metrics 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 battery life, among other areas. For an in-depth breakdown, refer to our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.

• Benchmarking: First, a series of tests is 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 across 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 tested are listed in the following entries.
• Processor: The "brain" of the laptop and one of the most important factors determining performance. The four largest manufacturers of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple (in its own 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, such as video editing, rendering, and gaming. GPUs are tested with benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback. 
• Physical form factor: Finally, the laptop's overall appearance and physical form factor encompass its weight, thickness, the feel of the keyboard and trackpad, and whether 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 include their own battery testing components, but we also let the laptop run for as long as possible under a medium load. Screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off. The display's brightness and audio are set to 50%. We start a YouTube livestream and 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 integrate our personal experience with the device and explore the practical use cases that matter most to consumers. 

Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of every tested laptop into terms that real people can understand and find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when navigating the laptop market. We aim to introduce an intuitive element to the process by leveraging our team's extensive experience.

Lenovo offers a wide range of laptops catering to various use cases. You won't be left wanting more choices. As established earlier, the sixth-generation ThinkPad T14s 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.

There are multiple factors to consider when picking out the best Lenovo laptop, including:

• Form factor: Laptops come in various form factors, ranging from traditional clamshell designs to 2-in-1 convertible designs like the Yoga 9i. Convertible laptops generally offer greater flexibility and portability, but they may lack some features found in more traditional laptops. Other laptops, like the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, fold completely flat but don't go all the way back into tablet mode.
• Size: If you plan to take your Lenovo laptop on the go, you'll want a smaller, more portable model. It's important to consider the display size, as it directly affects a laptop's overall dimensions. 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 graphics card in 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 have to carry a charger with you all the time.

While the IdeaPad Slim 3 won't be winning 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 the most expensive costing $609.

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

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