Editor’s note (November 2026): This list reflects our most up-to-date recommendations, but prices may have changed due to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Deals on our favorite products can vary, so be sure to track the latest discounts on CNET’s Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals Hub.
I have favorite laptops across a variety of sizes, shapes, operating systems and prices. Looking for something small and cheap? The MacBook Neo and Dell XPS 13 each offer a portable, premium design for less than $1,000. The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is a little larger and costs considerably more but boasts a head-turning design along with strong performance and long battery life.
