The finest laptops of CES 2026

The Consumer Electronics Show introduced us a recent crop of latest laptops this week, and I used to be on the bottom in Las Vegas attending to know all of them. (Final step depend: 69,142.)

Naturally, new processors have been on the docket. This yr’s batch of Windows PCs can be powered by up to date AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm chips that promise higher AI efficiency, higher built-in graphics efficiency, and multi-day battery life. Good stuff, however fairly commonplace next-gen fare.

What’s extra fascinating is the sorts of laptops these chips can be powering. It looks like each PC maker is pushing its shopper and business fashions to be thinner and lighter than ever earlier than, upping the variety of MacBook Air dupes available on the market. I believe everybody noticed how a lot consideration the two.18-pound Asus Zenbook A14 obtained ultimately yr’s CES and wished a bit of the pie.

Modularity was one other pattern I observed amongst enterprise machines at CES 2026. Dell, HP, and Lenovo are making it simpler for you (or your IT division) to bust open your PC for straightforward repairs or replacements. None of them have taken it to the extent of right-to-repair champ Framework simply but — Lenovo will get shut — but it surely’s heartening to see mainstream producers take this extra critically.

Finally, Asus and Lenovo are persevering with to discover and refine display improvements that they launched in years previous. The former revisited its two dual-screen laptops, whereas Lenovo additional dabbled in rollable shows and actualized a twisting one. They’re the kinds of new-fangled kind elements that make CES so thrilling yr after yr.

I can not assist however surprise what occurs when CES attendees and tech fanatics all go away Vegas and get again to actuality. An AI-induced RAM famine is predicted to make laptops get costlier within the coming months. That’s most likely why Acer and Asus have but to disclose any costs for his or her lineups, and why Lenovo and HP are solely offering “estimated” or “expected” prices. There’s a superb probability their numbers will climb earlier than launch.

Let’s check out my prime laptops of CES 2026 earlier than the comedown hits. Spoiler: Lenovo and Asus had banner weeks at tech’s greatest showcase.

Best laptop computer total: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition

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What a mouthful, huh? Don’t let the convoluted title throw you off: Lenovo’s newest enterprise laptop computer has a brand-new “Space Frame” inside design, which places parts on either side of its motherboard for less complicated DIY fixes. You can swap out its keyboard, audio system, followers, battery, and USB ports if one thing conks out. Big-name PC makers have traditionally spurned such intensive modularity (and Lenovo is the greatest title in PCs), so this one earns our Best of CES gold medal within the laptop computer class. Hopefully it will be a trendsetter. It’s set for launch in Q1 at an estimated beginning worth of $1,999.

Best ultraportable: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition

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At 2.15 kilos, the Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition is formally the lightest laptop computer I’ve ever held — but it would not really feel fragile or low cost. It’s outfitted with a fantastic 2.8K 120Hz “POLED” (versatile Plastic OLED) show and maxes out with a high-end Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 chip. Lenovo has it pegged at a beginning worth of $1,499.99 with a Q2 launch timeframe.

Best dual-screen laptop computer: Asus Zenbook Duo

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The dazzling dual-screen Zenbook Duo has a slimmer “hideaway” hinge, brighter and smoother 3K OLED shows, and lighter Ceraluminum chassis. That would not seem to be an impressed replace on paper, however whenever you have a look at the laptop computer subsequent to its predecessor in particular person, its sleekness is actually putting. Asus additionally reworked the ROG Zephyrus Duo, its gaming-forward counterpart, but it surely’s primarily taking part in catchup.

Best sequel: Asus Zenbook A16

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Asus’ new Zenbook A16 is the supersized model of the Zenbook A14, our ultralight Best of CES winner final yr. It’s impressively feathery for a 16-incher, weighing in at 2.65 kilos, or almost an oz. lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Air. Big fan of its 3K 120Hz OLED touchscreen, too. It’ll be the primary laptop computer to launch with Qualcomm’s new top-tier Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip.

Read extra concerning the new Asus Zenbook A16.

Best gimmick: Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist

Lenovo’s twisting enterprise laptop computer has made the leap from idea to actuality. The prime half of it swivels between laptop computer and pill modes on a motorized hinge, and you’ll management its place utilizing voice instructions. Additionally, its 10MP webcam has a face-tracking function that robotically repositions its lid so it is all the time dealing with you. I can see it turning into an workplace common: It’s excellent for displays. Look for it in June with an estimated beginning worth of $1,649.

Read extra concerning the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist.

Best redemption arc: Dell XPS 14 and 16

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In a dramatic plot twist, Dell resurrected its fashionable XPS laptop computer line a yr after killing it off as a part of a complicated rebrand. Not solely that, however the firm mounted among the sequence’ most controversial options alongside the way in which. The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 have lighter, thinner designs with bodily operate rows, subtly outlined touchpads, and modular USB-C ports. This entire ordeal by no means wanted to occur, however ultimately, Dell gave the individuals what they wished after which some. (It’s me, I’m the individuals.) Select configurations of the 2026 XPS 14 and XPS 16 are actually accessible beginning at $2,049.99 and $2,199.99, respectively, with cheaper variants launching subsequent month.

Read extra about Dell’s XPS revival.

Most intriguing MacBook rival: Asus ExpertBook Ultra

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

This 14-inch enterprise laptop computer wasn’t on my radar initially, however after seeing it in Asus’ showroom, I can not wait to get my arms on it for testing. The Asus ExpertBook Ultra is thinner and lighter than a MacBook Air, weighing as little 2.18 kilos and measuring 13.9 millimeters skinny. (It’s the thinnest laptop computer I noticed at CES.) Yet it is also harking back to a MacBook Pro. It’ll pair a robust Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 processor with an “ExpertCool Pro” thermal answer, which an Asus rep described to me as a wind tunnel-like design with quiet, outsized followers. It has a 3K tandem OLED touchscreen with an anti-glare end that comes commonplace; MacBook Pros would possibly get OLED this yr or subsequent, and their nano-texture show improve prices additional. What’s the catch? And perhaps relatedly, how a lot will Asus cost for this factor?

Honorable point out: Lenovo’s rollable idea laptops

Lenovo loves experimenting with unconventional designs that incorporate flexible OLED panels, and this week it showcased two new laptops with OLED screens that roll up and out. The ThinkPad Rollable XD is an enterprise mannequin with an extendable double-sided show, whereas the Legion Pro Rollable is a gaming laptop computer whose show grows wider. They’re solely ideas proper now, however do not lose hope that they will hit cabinets ultimately. Lenovo despatched a totally realized rollable laptop computer to market final summer time, greater than two years after it debuted as a prototype.

Read extra about Lenovo’s rollable idea laptops.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the most recent information and stay updates from the most important present in tech, the place Mashable journalists are reporting stay.