Why Windows Laptops Are Gaining Ground in 2026
The rivalry between MacBooks and Windows laptops has never been as close as it is now. According to Luke Larsen, a reviewer who has spent more than a decade evaluating laptops and has already tested dozens of Windows models this year, there are now capable alternatives to every MacBook on the market. Whether a buyer avoids Apple's ecosystem, needs Windows for specific software, or simply prefers the wider variety of hardware designs available, the options are plentiful.
Windows laptops have reached a high point, and the momentum is only expected to continue through 2026. That is the central message of WIRED's updated guide, which Larsen refreshed in September 2026 with several new recommendations and reorganized older picks into an honorable mentions section.
Top Windows Laptop Picks for 2026
The guide highlights nine Windows laptops as the best current choices, with several standouts receiving detailed recommendations. These models span a range of prices, sizes, and priorities, from ultraportable work machines to budget-friendly and larger-screen options.
Dell XPS 13 (2026): Best Overall
The Dell XPS 13 (2026) earns the top spot and a WIRED Recommends badge with an 8/10 rating. It retains the compact, portable character that has long defined the line, weighing just 2.2 pounds, which makes it easy to carry in a backpack and practical for working on an airplane tray. The latest redesign concentrates on two goals: affordability and quality. The base configuration starts at $700, yet it still includes a high-resolution display that is both bright and color-accurate, along with an excellent trackpad, a responsive keyboard, and 512 GB of storage.
One caveat applies to the entry-level model: it ships with only 8 GB of RAM. Larsen's recommendation is to spend an additional $200 to step up to the 16 GB version, which lists at $900. That upgrade should provide more headroom for everyday multitasking and longer-term use.
HP OmniBook 5: Best Cheap Windows Laptop
For shoppers seeking value, the HP OmniBook 5 is named the best cheap Windows laptop. This 14-inch model carries a list price of $1,050 but is frequently discounted to $630, a 40 percent reduction. That kind of price drop makes it an attractive entry point for anyone who wants a competent Windows machine without spending flagship money.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x: Best 15-Inch Option
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x takes the title of best 15-inch Windows laptop. It offers a 2560 x 1600 display, which provides a sharp and spacious canvas for productivity and media. Its list price is $1,000, and it has been seen at $950, a modest 5 percent discount. For users who prefer a larger screen without moving into bulky gaming or workstation territory, this model is the guide's top recommendation.
HP OmniBook Ultra 14: The Prettiest Pick
Design-conscious buyers may gravitate toward the HP OmniBook Ultra 14, which is described as the prettiest Windows laptop in the roundup. It is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and originally listed at $1,800. A 33 percent discount brings it down to $1,200, making its combination of style and performance more accessible.
Alienware 15 and Other Recent Additions
In the September 2026 update, Larsen added the Alienware 15 to the guide, signaling that gaming-focused hardware also has a place among the recommendations. The same update introduced the Dell XPS 13, HP OmniBook 5, HP OmniBook Ultra 14, and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x, while moving some older picks to the honorable mentions section at the bottom of the article.
What to Look For in a Windows Laptop
Choosing among the many available Windows laptops requires weighing a few key factors. The guide includes a dedicated section on this topic, and the top picks illustrate the trade-offs buyers commonly face.
- Memory: The Dell XPS 13 example shows why RAM matters. The $700 base model comes with 8 GB, but upgrading to 16 GB for $200 is the recommended path for smoother performance.
- Display: A high-resolution panel that is bright and color-accurate makes a noticeable difference. The Dell XPS 13 offers this at its base price, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x provides a 2560 x 1600 resolution.
- Portability: Weight and size affect daily usability. At 2.2 pounds, the Dell XPS 13 is light enough to disappear into a backpack and is well suited to cramped spaces like an airplane seat.
- Input quality: A responsive keyboard and an excellent trackpad are essential for comfortable work, and the Dell XPS 13 is praised for both.
- Storage: The Dell XPS 13 includes 512 GB, which is a reasonable starting point for documents, apps, and media.
- Price and discounts: Significant savings are available. The HP OmniBook 5 has been discounted by 40 percent, and the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 by 33 percent.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
The current moment is favorable for Windows laptop buyers. The guide notes that Windows laptops have never been better, and they are expected to keep improving as 2026 progresses. The September 2026 update brought fresh recommendations, and several of the highlighted models carry substantial discounts. For anyone considering a purchase, the combination of mature hardware, competitive pricing, and ongoing refreshes makes this an appealing window.
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: What to Know
The guide also addresses the differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10, a question many buyers face when choosing a new machine. While the specifics are covered in the full article, the inclusion of this section reflects that operating system considerations remain part of the purchasing decision. Buyers who are upgrading from an older laptop may want to review those details before settling on a model.
How the Guide Was Updated
The September 2026 revision added five laptops: the Dell XPS 13, HP OmniBook 5, HP OmniBook Ultra 14, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x, and Alienware 15. Older picks were shifted to an honorable mentions section. The guide's table of contents organizes the material into comparing the top nine Windows laptops, other Windows laptops to consider, what to look for, whether now is a good time to buy, and the Windows 11 versus Windows 10 comparison.
Final Thoughts
The contest between MacBooks and Windows laptops is tighter than ever, and that is good news for buyers. There are now strong Windows alternatives across the lineup, and the variety of hardware means shoppers can find a machine that fits their budget, software needs, and design preferences. The Dell XPS 13 (2026) leads the pack as the best overall choice, while the HP OmniBook 5, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x, and HP OmniBook Ultra 14 excel in their respective categories. For more options, the guide points readers to related roundups covering the best 2-in-1 laptops, gaming laptops, budget laptops, and the overall best laptops, including Chromebooks and MacBooks. A separate guide on how to choose the right laptop is also available for those who need help narrowing the field.
This article is based on reporting by Wired. Read the original article.
Originally published on wired.com
