Size matters when shopping for a new laptop. A 14-inch laptop might be too small, while a 16-inch device may be too big for your needs. A 15-inch laptop offers a nice in-between option. What's great is they're present across a wide range of categories, from budget laptops to graphic design machines. Laptops like the MacBook Air M4 are a solid, lightweight option. If you want a laptop with a stunning screen, I highly recommend the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition.
For January 2026, I added a couple of new entries to the list including the Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10 as the best gaming laptop.
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What's the best 15-inch laptop right now?
Over the past couple of years, I've tested dozens of 15-inch laptops. To narrow down the list, I considered multiple factors, including design, performance, display, and price.
It was a tough decision because there are many excellent options available. Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7i has a fantastic display, and the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a great budget option. After much deliberation and serious consideration, the choice was obvious: The M4 MacBook Air takes the top spot. It's sleek, performs well, and boasts great battery life, although it is somewhat expensive. Although I like the MacBook, it may not meet everyone's needs. Fortunately, I have other options for you.
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The best 15-inch laptops of 2026
Show less View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy Why we like it: Taking the top spot is the MacBook Air M4. It is a well-rounded device that I firmly believe most people will enjoy. For this device, Apple essentially improved what was already great from the previous generation. The machine now supports up to three external displays instead of two. The company increased the memory amount to 32GB to better support the M4 chip. It also maintains the same great all-day battery life. Review: MacBook Air M4 Who it's for: The MacBook Air M4 is ideal for college students, commuters, hybrid workers, and creative professionals seeking a lightweight yet powerful device. Its sharp 12MP camera ensures that you'll look good on video conferences. Its chipset handles multitasking very well. The device serves its main purpose of being the center of an Apple-centric ecosystem impeccably. Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn't recommend upgrading to the M4 model if you already own a MacBook Air M3. While this laptop performs better, it may not be a significant enough upgrade to warrant a switch. Furthermore, it only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, both of which are located on the same side. This input array may feel too limiting to some. To rectify this, I recommend buying a laptop docking station. Apple MacBook Air M4 tech specs: CPU: 10-core CPU with 16-core Neural Engine | GPU: 10-core | RAM: 16GB or 24GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or configured up to 2TB | Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina, 60Hz refresh rate, 500 nits max | Battery: Up to 18 hours | Weight: 3.3 lbs. Pros Portable and sleek
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