7 best laptop brands, according to customers

Whether you’re looking to create, study, work or play games, there are plenty of models out there to suit – so how do you choose where to shop?RELATED: Best Australian laptop dealsRELATED: Top laptop bags for going to the officeWe’ve done some digging and unearthed the most highly rated laptop brands around, with each one consistently ranking well for design, performance and customer service.From there, you can browse each brand’s range of laptop models to find that one that best suits your needs.BEST LAPTOP BRANDS GUIDEWhether you require a powerful processor, exceptional graphics or a cheap, reliable machine, these brands offer a range of laptop models that have been highly rated by Australian consumers. You can use the links below to jump to a specific section or scroll on to see the full list.Best cheapBest high-endBest for studentsBest for businessBest for entertainmentBest for gamingBest for 2-in-1sBEST CHEAP LAPTOP BRANDAcerAcer may be one of the cheaper laptop brands on the market, but it also offers great value for money. From budget-friendly Chromebooks to performance-orientated Ultrabooks, the brand has something for everyone at every price point. While some models can seem a bit basic when compared to rivals from higher-end brands, Acer laptops offer surprisingly great performance and a reasonable battery life. The company itself has a decent customer service base, with both phone and email support available. It also has a community forum where customers can seek help from other users, or provide assistance themselves. While the brand did release some poorly-received laptop models towards the end of 2019, it has bounced back with some truly standout products since. Because of this, it pays to do your research before committing to a purchase, but there are still plenty of Acer models out there that are worth a look.SHOP ACERBEST HIGH-END LAPTOP BRANDLenovoThose in the market for a seriously decent laptop will want to cast an eye over Lenovo’s more recent models. Associated with both durability and reliability, the brand has steadily improved its offerings to include some of the best business laptops around.It has also improved upon other key elements of its design including touchpad capabilities, graphics and display, which means those looking for an entertainment or gaming laptop won’t be left disappointed either.Due to the premium nature of the laptops, you can expect to pay higher-than-average prices for many of Lenovo’s models. However, that isn’t to say there aren’t decent options available at lower price points. Lenovo’s IdeaPad range includes a number of affordable options that are still engineered for long-lasting performance and everyday tasks.Lenovo also offers an excellent customer support system, with in-store, email, phone and live chat support all available. If you’re not a fan of Windows, Apple is an impressive high-end brand alternative that features its very own macOS operating system.SHOP LENOVOBEST LAPTOP BRAND FOR STUDENTSAppleKnown for its impressive range of sleek tech devices, Apple is a brand name that needs no introduction. Running off of Apple’s own macOS operating system, Apple MacBooks are both intuitive and user-friendly, however, they do take some getting used to if you’ve previously only used Windows.The MacBook range is of a consistently high standard, with each model offering a fantastic screen, solid battery life and long-lasting design. For these reasons alone, they make for reliable student laptops that will last for years to come. Apple’s customer support base is also impressive, as users are able to access help in-store, over the phone or through a dedicated Apple Support app. As with most of Apple’s products, the downside to MacBooks is in the luxurious price tag. However, you will find certain models in the MacBook Air range available from around $1,350. You’ll also find special pricing for educators and university students available on the Apple site, helping to bring down costs.For those who do prefer Windows over macOS, or who are shopping on a tighter budget, Dell also offers a competitive range of student laptops at various price points.SHOP APPLEBEST LAPTOP BRAND FOR BUSINESSDellDell is widely considered one of the best laptop brands around thanks to its long-lasting battery life and reliable internal hardware. Most of its models are fairly straightforward in terms of design, making them ideal for those who want a laptop without all the frills. If you are looking for something a little more impressive though, the brand also offers a number of newer models that can do everything to an incredibly high standard. Dell’s latest XPS models are a prime example of this, as their fast processors, high-resolution screens and sleek designs making them ideal for business use.The brand also has a range of other business laptops to suit various price points, including a number of standout 2-in-1 laptops for professionals on the go.When it comes to customer service, there’s a lot to love there too, as Dell has email, phone support and live chat; along with specific technical help for dedicated products.SHOP DELLBEST LAPTOP BRAND FOR ENTERTAINMENTHPHewlett-Packard, or HP, is widely considered a reliable brand by students, gamers and professionals users alike. With its huge product range, the brand has something for everyone and offers a wide range of price points to suit all budgets.If you are looking for an at home model to use for entertainment purposes, HP has some truly superb laptop and 2-in-1 options available. High-end series such like Spectre and Envy offer unmatched performance, long battery life and aesthetically pleasing designs.There are also AMOLED versions of certain Spectre models available which provide crisp, vibrant displays that are ideal for gaming or binge-watching your favourite Netflix shows.HP also offers up to three years of comprehensive warranty and has a convenient WhatsApp live chat that customers can access for technical support.SHOP HPBEST GAMING LAPTOP BRANDRazerIf you’re after a gaming-focused machine that delivers exceptional processing power and crisp graphics, Razer has some of the best models around. Its gaming laptops are available in a range of different screen sizes to suit your preferences and create a more immersive experience.The graphics on the higher-end models are also known for being top-notch, with most also offering a decent VR experience. Refresh rate displays, RAM and efficient cooling capacities are also impressive, according to customers, giving users plenty to love.Razer offers accessible technical support through phone, live chat and email, as well as through an expansive community support network, offering ease of mind and quick troubleshooting.If you are looking for an alternative to the brand, both MSI and Asus offer some excellent rivals to many of Razer’s best-selling models.SHOP RAZERBEST LAPTOP BRAND FOR 2-IN-1 LAPTOPSMicrosoft SurfaceHaving expanded its product offering over the past few years, Microsoft Surface is now well known for its sleek, innovative designs. Providing a range of laptops to suit all needs and budgets, the brand arguably has some of the best Windows hardware on the market.Its 2-in-1 models are especially impressive, with the Surface Pro and Surface Go lines now some the most recognised names in the space. Made to tackle everyday tasks, the 2-in-1s are incredibly lightweight, powerful and pleasant to look at, making them ideal for both students and professionals.There’s also a range of different sizes and price options to choose from, making the brand worth a look whether you’re shopping for creative, entertainment or business purposes.The company offers a standard one-year warranty on its products and has a range of technical support options including phone, live chat and email help. A community portal is also available for customers to troubleshoot and share their knowledge.SHOP MICROSOFT SURFACEHOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST LAPTOP FOR MY NEEDS?Laptops are an expensive investment, so it’s worth taking the time to consider which model is right for you.First, you’ll want to think about what you will be using your laptop for. Will you be using it for work, to play games or to stream your favourite shows? Your requirements and budget will help dictate whether you should be looking for an entry-level, mid-range or high-end machine.You’ll also want to consider which operating system is best for you. The most well known are macOS and Windows, though other systems are available, so you may want to do some research before you shop.Once you’ve determined your basic needs, you can start to compare things like battery life, CPU, RAM, connectivity and storage space to find the model that best suits your needs.HOW MUCH SHOULD I EXPECT TO PAY FOR A GOOD LAPTOP?While there are a ton of laptops out there north of $1,000, you don’t need to spend that much to find yourself a decent model. It’s now entirely possible to pick up a notebook powerful enough for work or home for as little as $360. However, the cheaper the model is, the more you should expect to compromise on certain features.Budget models are usually slower, less powerful and have a shorter battery life. Others may have a smaller storage capacity to help reduce the overall price.When shopping for a laptop, it’s best to determine which features you really need and then look for a laptop that meets those requirements within your allocated budget.MAC VS WINDOWSDetermining whether macOS or Windows is better for you largely comes down to personal preference. Apple’s macOS runs exclusively on Apple’s family of computers, which means you’ll need to pay top dollar for a MacBook to access it. However, the system works seamlessly with other Apple devices such as iPhones and Apple Watches, making it a handy system if you already own other Apple products.Windows is meanwhile available on a massive range of devices which are available at a variety of price points. It is also a widely used operating system, which means you’ve probably used it before without even realising.Ultimately, both operating systems are fairly intuitive and safe to use with the right antivirus software. You simply need to factor in your budget, the type of laptop you’re looking for and your own preferences.SHOP THE BEST CURRENT DEALS ON LAPTOPSLooking to discover more great gadgets? Head to our Best Of electronics section to see all the latest product guides and reviews. You can also sign up to our Best Of shopping newsletter to be kept in the loop about popular products and upcoming sales or head to news.com.au Coupons page to see a list of current deals and offers.Lauren is news.com.au’s Best Of consumer technology writer. She previously worked at comparison site Finder as the senior shopping writer where she reported on everything from tech gadgets to the latest home products. Prior to cutting her teeth as a journalist, she completed a Bachelor of journalism at the University of South Australia and worked as a media advisor for JB Hi-Fi where she sold the very products she now writes about. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au