10 Best Laptop Brands - 2020 Indepth Review
Are you planning to buy a new laptop in 2020 and want to know which is the best laptop brand? Through this article we will review the top laptop brands for 2020, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each manufacturer. We will thus see which are the most reliable laptops brands in 2020, their origin and the specs they offer.
What are the Top 10 best laptop brands of 2020?
1. ASUS, a brand recognized for its many models
2. APPLE, a very good laptops brand for Mac OS fans
3. HP, an excellent brand for all consumers
4. DELL, the brand recognized for its quality and after-sales service
5. LENOVO, the excellent brand that is on the rise in 2020
6. ACER, a brand that has improved over time
7. MSI, Best Laptop Brand for Gaming
8. MICROSOFT, a brand of premium laptops
9. XIAOMI, the very good Chinese brand
10. Samsung - no longer among the best notebook brands
But how to make the best choice and not buy a laptop that might not be suitable when you have no experience. To establish a ranking of the best notebook brands in 2020 we evaluated the 10 largest notebook manufacturers. This allows us to determine which brand offers the best combination of product quality, innovation, support and design.
There are many good laptops brands on the market in 2020(Check out our full review - Best laptops money can buy in 2020) .
Some brands are new while others have been around for decades. Finally, some excellent computer brands, although recognized for the quality have ceased all activity and no longer produce laptops. But one thing is for sure, these laptop brands are good enough to make it into our top 10 best laptop brands of the year 2020.
Recent comparative studies (CENSUS) showed that more than four out of five people own a laptop computer and the number is steadily increasing.
Our Selection for Best Laptop Brands
1. Asus
AsusTeK Computer, Inc. shortened Asus, is a Taiwanese company. This brand produces numerous components and peripherals: motherboards (one third of the world's production), smartphones, CPUs, laptops, touch tablets and more.
The origins of Asus
After a few years at Acer, four engineers decided to leave and enter the entrepreneurship world. T.H. Tung, Ted Hsu, Wayne Hsieh and M.T. Liao launched their company Asus in 1989 in Taipei, China. It took them 10 years to leave their initial specialization and open their horizons to the world of laptops.
Asus took 10 years to design and release its first laptops. It was the beginning of a new era for this brand, which initially specialized in the motherboards manufacture.
Part of its activity is the assembly of laptops for its own account but also for other manufacturers. Thus the brands Dell, HP, Apple, Sony and Samsung subcontract part of their production to it.
So why we classify the ASUS brand as one of the best notebook manufacturers of 2020? Because this brand of PCs is highly appreciated by consumers for the good quality of its components and offers an excellent value for money.
Models that have been popular from the very beginning
Building on Asus's reputation as a leading manufacturer of electronic components, the brand's first notebook models were popular with the public. This success encouraged Asus to create even more models and complete its product lines in order to offer even more innovation to its customers and their mobile needs.
In addition, troubleshooting of ASUS laptops is easy because spare parts are readily available. ASUS is therefore the best brand if you want to buy a quality notebook at an affordable price. Just to name a few :ZenBook, VivoBook or X Series, are very good ASUS branded laptops available in different price ranges starting from $300 and up to $3000.
ASUS also offers gaming-friendly computers under the name "Republic Of Gamers" ("ROG"). Choose the model that best suits your use and budget. However, we do not recommend entry-level ASUS gaming computers, as they may not perform as well as laptops do.
Which Laptops we recommend to buy from this brand?
Asus ROG SCAR 2 - Asus VivoBook S - Asus Zenbook Flip
2. Apple
Without a doubt, Apple is one of the best notebook manufacturers. Apple's technical support is one of the best in the computer world and MacBooks are extremely easy to use.
The biggest disadvantage of these laptops compared to the models of other brands is their high price. Apple has its own MacOS operating system installed on all Apple laptops and is considered the most stable and secure operating system.
So if the Windows system is not a priority for you and your budget allows it, the MacBook can be an excellent choice. But keep in mind that you have to learn how it works and deal with Apple-specific software.
The Famous Apple Story
Apple was founded in 1976. Two young students (Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak) began to build the first home computer. They started in a garage and succeeded in manufacturing several dozen of these models in just a few months, which were then marketed in the region.
Apple - A legendary brand
The first Macintosh was launched on January 24, 1984. It was the first commercial success for a computer using a mouse and a graphic interface. Since then, Apple has continuously developed its products to become an excellent notebook brand.
Everything goes very fast for Apple. The brand quickly develops several new models and is successful. But setbacks were also numerous and forced Steve Jobs to leave Apple for 10 years. It was only at the end of the 90s that he joined the company again and embodied Apple with the highly publicized release of the first MacBook laptops in 2006.
MacBook: a true best-seller
Since its release in 2006, the MacBook has attracted Apple customers. And its success has not waned since each of its versions regularly sells in millions of copies. Many Consumers consider Apple as the best laptop brand in 2020.
Apple Popular Laptop Models
Classic MacBook: this computer combines the most innovative components in a very thin shell. Ideal for nomadic activities, it has a 10-hour battery life thanks to a staggered battery, and the absence of a fan makes it perfectly silent.
MacBook Air: its main asset is its ultraportability, the Macbook Air offers great comfort both for office use and Internet browsing.
Macbook Pro: A true powerhouse, this high-end computer meets all the consumers needs looking for high performance.
Retina technology is a revolutionary screen introduced by Apple and offers a crystal clear display that is really appreciated among Apple fans.
Choosing a quality Apple-branded laptop in 2020 is still a big step for many users. Nevertheless, most people using a Mac are not ready to return to a Windows PC. Once mastered, Mac OS is an excellent operating system that combines inventiveness and reliability.
Which Laptops we recommend to buy from this brand?
Apple MacBook Air - Apple Macbook Pro
3. HP
Founded in 1939 by William Hewlett and David Packard, the company of the same name is today a multinational corporation. But its beginnings were not so great. At the time, the two engineers had only $500 in their pockets, but big projects in mind.
The HP success story
Engineers at Stanford University, William Hewlett and David Packard decided to create their own company. They were forced to move into one of their two garages in Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, with the help of one of their professors. They tossed a coin to find out the exact name of their company: HP or PH. Chance declares William the winner.
From technical instruments to consumer computers
The company creates several devices allowing Walt Disney to synchronize the sound effects of its creations. The brand also assists researchers in their tests and measurements. It was only at the end of the 1960s that HP turned to computers, creating in 1972 its first compact scientific calculator and its first computer models. What remains the most striking model in the brand's history is undoubtedly the HP 9100A model, the world's first personal computer.
Why did HP rank among the top laptop brands of 2020?
Quite simply because Hewlett-Packard offers a wide range of PCs that meet the needs of all consumers.
The HP branded computer lines :
HP Pavilion and Envy laptops: the most widely sold, ideal for individuals who want to use their PC for office work, consulting the Internet or filing photos.
HP Spectrum, EliteBook and Probook computers: adapted for professional use, these PCs are equipped with the latest generation processors and SSDs with comfortable capacity H
P Omen PCs: gaming oriented, these laptops are very popular among gamers, powerful and boosted by a powerful graphics card.
In addition, HP computers combine aesthetics and functionality. It is important to note that HP brand suffered from a bad reputation a few years ago. Indeed, the demand for home troubleshooting of HP computers was very frequent.
Entire series of laptops ("DV6000" series in particular) experienced motherboard failures and abnormal overheating. Hewlett-Packard was able to correct the problem and these hardware malfunctions now seem to be a thing of the past. Finally, it must be acknowledged that HP's technical support is exemplary in the event of a breakdown.
Which Laptops we recommend to buy from this brand?
HP OMEN 17 HP - Pavillion x360 - HP Spectre x360
4. Dell
Dell brand was created in 1984 in Texas, USA by Michael Dell, then still a student. Truly revolutionary in terms of sales, the brand quickly enjoyed unprecedented success.
The history of Dell and its founder
Realizing that it is difficult for companies to simply equip themselves with computer equipment, Michael Dell has the idea of creating a more accessible brand. He then limits the intermediaries to the maximum and develops a new system: sales by phone straight from his university room.
An almost immediate success
By making the bet to adapt to the needs of professionals, Dell has been able to win over its customers and retain them. Phone sales not only reduce delivery times, but also increase the company's margins, enabling Dell to win customers and increase its turnover.
Dell is one of the most popular brands in the desktop and laptop market. The company offers a wide range of products for all types of use: standard laptops, ultrabooks and high-end notebooks.
Reliable and robust laptops
What Dell is still known for today is the robustness of its notebooks, like the Latitude and Latitude ATG models that equip many companies.
Dell laptops have evolved significantly in terms of power and innovation in recent years. They have the ability to deliver optimal performance at an affordable price. The Dell XPS 13, in particular, has given a boost to the Dell brand.
Mainly sold via the Internet, DELL brand computers remain are mainly used by professionals in search of reliable and customized equipment. Dell’s PC hardware has very good quality and this allows the company to rank among the best sold budget laptop brands. In addition, Dell's after-sales service is excellent.
Which Laptops we recommend to buy from this brand?
Dell Inspiron G5 - Dell inspiron 13- Dell XPS13
5. Lenovo
Lenovo's history is complex and linked to another well-known brand in the IT world: IBM. Even before the creation of Lenovo in 1984 by Chinese businessman Liu Chuanzhi and 10 other investors, IBM was creating the first computer model that would later be taken over under the Lenovo flag.
Lenovo History
Founded in 1984 in China, it took Lenovo 6 years to bring out its first personal computer. The release was a great success in China where it was quickly adopted by the population. But it is its model released in 1993, the very first Chinese PC capable of running an Intel Pentium processor, that propels the brand.
A historic collaboration
On the strength of this success, the brand then joined forces with IBM to create several series of desktops and laptops in the 1990s. Gradually, Legend became Lenovo and formalized this change in 2005 with the acquisition of IBM's Personal Computing Division under the Lenovo brand.
A complete product line
Lenovo's PCs have a reputation for reliability and ruggedness, and are popular with the general public. When IBM was acquired, they even kept their original name (ThinkPad), which gives them an excellent reputation.
In recent years, Lenovo has become one of the largest computer suppliers in the world. Lenovo offers a wide range of models for most budgets and for all types of use. The Lenovo ThinkPad is a stunning model, but Ideapads are a more affordable and perfect option for business use. Yoga models are perfect for people who travel a lot and want to use their laptop as a tablet. If you love gaming models like Legion Y740 gaming Laptop is a really good pick.
The design of Lenovo laptops is often quite austere. Some may see a lack of fantasy, others may see LENOVO's desire to get to the heart of the matter. They lack style but probably offer the best price/performance ratio in 2020.
Moreover, you can easily have a LENOVO computer repaired at home (spare parts easy to find). LENOVO laptop brand is appreciated for hardware quality and good price/performance ratio. We think Lenovo offers great value for money for those looking for budget laptops.
6. Acer
Long considered unreliable, ACER brand computers are now of very good quality. Like its competitor Apple, Acer was born in 1976. It began manufacturing computers and electronic equipment under the leadership of Stan Shih, his wife and five other associates. The company was renamed Multitech. Less than 10 years later, the company changed its name to Acer.
The ACER brand has evolved to offer solid computers at an affordable price by 2020. However, while ACER is a good brand for laptops, you should avoid the entry-level PCs from this manufacturer.
Do not buy an ACER machine that is sold below $500. You would be disappointed by the materials quality(chassis, hinges and cover made of low-strength plastics) and the average performance.
Diversified product catalog
In order to maintain its position and brand image, Acer continued to develop and market various products over the following years. But it's the different price ranges at Acer that really make it appealing, because there's something for everyone.
For many users Acer is considered in 2020 as the best notebook brand thanks to a range of PCs that includes many models :
Acer Aspire: A wide range of PCs for all budgets, suitable for most home and business users looking for a good laptop for everyday tasks
Acer Swift: ultra-thin, stylish and lightweight computers for all your mobile needs
Acer Switch: laptops with a detachable keyboard that can also be used as tablet computers
Acer Predator or Nitro: PCs specially designed for gamers that combine performance and gaming oriented design.
7. MSI
Created in the middle of the computer boom, MSI( Micro-Star International, Co. Ltd) was born in August 1986. While some of the big names in this world are looking to make computers accessible to the general public, MSI is particularly interested in the world of gaming.
The origins of MSI
It was in Taiwan, in the city of Taipei, that the story of MSI began. Noticing that the world of video games is struggling to find laptops powerful enough to play properly, 5 associates (Jeans Huang, Henry Lu, Frank Lin, Joseph Hsu and Kenny Hu) decide to boost existing devices with powerful motherboards and graphics cards up to the level of these games. IN 2020 MSI is considered one of the best laptop brands for gaming.
In 2020 MSI offers powerful laptops equipped with dedicated graphic cards. The MSI ventilation system is excellent, especially to avoid overheating during prolonged use of a video game.
Unfortunately the MSI brand is also known for the lack of reactivity of its technical service, it is therefore advisable not to buy your laptop over the Internet and to opt for the after-sales service of a local computer retailer.
8. Microsoft
Like many computer hardware brands created in the 1975's, Microsoft is the work of two visionary students seeking to reinvent the computer of their time. It took them less than a year to release their first model, the Altair 8080.
The genesis of Microsoft
In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen were two young Harvard students in their twenties who dreamed of making computers more accessible. So in the middle of the boom, this sector was the ideal place to create their company. So they set about creating their first model, which is also one of the world's first microcomputers.
A growing success
While some of its competitors experienced setbacks and failures, Microsoft continued to build on its success and in 1980 it joined forces with IBM. This new collaboration allowed the company to reach a new audience.
Ten years ago, no one would have thought that Microsoft would be one of the best laptop brands in the world, but today it has a well-deserved place on the top list. Today, Microsoft offers products that beat the top notebook brands. Now sold worldwide, Microsoft products are synonymous with quality and reliability. One example is Surface Book 2, which has one of the longest notebook lifetimes we've ever seen.
9. Xiaomi
After smartphones, helmets and scooters, the Chinese brand Xiaomi is preparing to launch its laptops in Europe in 2020.
Xiaomi, aware of the potential for laptop sales in Europe, has therefore decided to adapt to the local market in the near future. By analyzing the quality of notebook PCs currently sold in China, we are confident that Xiaomi will quickly establish itself as a very good notebook brand by 2020. The quality/price ratio is likely to be excellent if we are to believe the first models such as the "Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air".
10. Samsung
We no longer present Samsung, the Korean brand known for the quality of its products in many areas: TV, smartphones, hi-fi, electronic components.
The Samsung brand is a must in the high-tech world! Nevertheless, faced with the slowdown of the market on the Old Continent, this excellent laptop brand has decided to stop its PC production in 2014.
The Samsung brand was nevertheless one of the best laptop brands a few years ago. It was producing high quality PCs at tight prices. Thanks to its perfect mastery in screen production, Samsung offered PCs with excellent viewing comfort.
SONY, the former brand of high-end laptops
The Sony brand was particularly renowned for the quality of its Sony VAIO notebooks. But in 2014, judging the manufacture of PCs to be unprofitable compared to its other activities, this very good brand of computers ceased production. The Japanese group remains in the memory of the many customers who appreciated the quality of these laptops. Sony Vaio PCs were considered to be top-of-the-range, and were made of such solid components that in 2020 there will still be perfectly functional second-hand models.
Choosing the best laptop brand in 2020: Tips
Our Top 10 includes some great laptop brands, which should already help you select your next PC. As we've seen, not all brands are the same in 2020.
But the most important thing is to select a computer brand that fits your needs and budget. Indeed the use you will make of your PC will be different whether you are a student, professional, retired or a gamer.
How to choose the Best Laptops for Students in 2020
As a student your computer will probably follow you wherever you go. In 2020, choose a laptop brand that offers a model that is both solid and light. Often a student's budget is limited. Some brands that build reliable PCs understand this and sell computers at an attractive price.
In our opinion the best brands of laptops for a student are ACER, ASUS and HP and soon XIAOMI.
How to choose a reliable PC brand for professionals
Professionals make intensive use of their computers. They need a reliable brand that offers high-performance PCs. It is therefore recommended to choose a very good brand of PC that offers solid guarantees in terms of performance and an irreproachable after-sales service.
The quality of the laptop components should be closely examined. The processor must be fast, the hard disk must offer enough space and the amount of RAM must be large.
According to our experience the best brands of notebooks for professionals are APPLE, DELL, LENOVO and MICROSOFT.
The best brands of laptops for gamers
Gamers have specific needs. They need a laptop brand that offers the best machines in terms of performance combined with a good cooling system.
This is a very different type of computer. The opposite. With a power beyond the norm, you'll be looking for exceptional features to run the latest ultra games. With the arrival of the 4K, the screens will be as precise as they are beautiful, and the materials are often noble and resistant. These computers will be closer to the fixed ones, because they will be heavy, requiring a consequent power supply, but also noisier.
PCs equipped with a powerful graphics card (NVidia or AMD) specially adapted to video games give off a lot of heat. The computer must also have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) and a fast processor. If your budget allows it, if possible choose an Intel Core i5 or higher processor.
In our opinion the best laptops brands for gamers in 2020 are MSI, ACER (Predator and Nitro series), HP (Omen series) and DELL (Alienware series).
The 2 in 1 or Hybrid Laptop
These are the computers that are going to dethrone the classic computers. Powerful, thin, but above all located between the touch tablet and the traditional computer. Hybrid PCs are the perfect PC for gamers, creative people, but above all for everyone who wants lightness and flexibility of touch at the same time. A must.
The ultraportable or ultrabook computer
It is the new generation of computer. Ultrabooks are those computers in the lineage of the MacBook air: thin, very thin, powerful. They often weigh less than 1.5kg. Will be made of noble materials, will have the power of the gamers pc, and will even sometimes have a touch screen.
The price will be at least twice the price of classic laptops: you will pay both the power, the finish, and the innovation.
What should I look out before buying a laptop?
First of all, it is advisable to check if the brand is trustworthy, a comparison of its specializations will allow you to see more clearly. It must offer an after-sales service and also be vigilant with regard to "discount" products, i.e. repackaged products. It is at your own risk, sometimes the customer has returned the product because of a factory defect, sometimes it was simply a gift that was not suitable. Its attractive price may hide a defect in form.