{
  "id": 8894132,
  "title": "The best laptops of 2026: Out of the 90+ models weve tried, these are our 9 favorites",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/the-best-laptops-of-2026-out-of-the-90-models-weve-tried-these-are",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-21T09:01:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/roundup/best-laptops-2026-expert-reviewed"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2026, Mashable has been rigorously testing laptops for over a decade, researching and trying more than 90 of the most promising configurations available. The team employs a meticulous testing procedure that includes real-world stress tests and artificial benchmarks to evaluate contenders based on performance, battery life, design/build quality, and value. This guide showcases the top models the team has reviewed across various subcategories.\n\nSeveral factors have contributed to the soaring prices of laptops in 2026. A boom in AI data center construction has caused a global shortage of RAM and SSD storage chips, driving up costs for consumer tech devices, including laptops. Many PC manufacturers, including Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Acer, have been affected by this memory crisis, which is expected to persist through 2028. Additionally, the Trump administration is reportedly considering new tariffs on semiconductors that would impact laptops and other electronics. Microsoft has also raised its Windows 11 licensing fees.\n\nConsidering the current market state, the Mashable team has re-evaluated several models that have become more expensive since their initial testing. Only two previous top picks have reached such inflated prices that they're no longer worth purchasing. These are the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which increased from $750 to $1,000, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, which rose from $479 to $649. The team is currently testing other Chromebook options and expects to update the guide with a new top pick soon.\n\nRecently, the Dell XPS 13 has been added as a new pick following the latest round of testing. It is now the best budget Windows laptop that the team has tried. All current picks were checked for new pricing and availability updates, and no changes were found at the time of writing. The guide also includes information on factors affecting laptop prices, a list of upcoming laptops to look forward to, and updates to previous picks due to pricing and availability changes.",
  "summary": "We tested over 90 laptops in the past two years to find the best laptop for every budget. See how the top MacBooks compare to our favorite Windows PCs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}