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The best Lenovo laptops: Expert tested
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ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.
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Lenovo is one of the top PC brands known for making some of the best laptops for business and personal use. If you're looking to buy a new Lenovo laptop, there are many great options to choose from – so much so that the sheer number of models available makes it tough to find the right one. There are high-end models, mid-range devices, expensive options, and low-cost laptops. Our experts have tested many of the best Lenovo laptops available today and rounded up our top picks into this list, based on factors like performance, build, and price.
Also: The best laptops of 2024: Tested and reviewed
What is the best Lenovo laptop right now?
Our pick for the best Lenovo laptop overall is the ThinkPadX1 Carbon. It has a fantastic 1080p webcam, powerful hardware, and a lightweight design. However, if you are looking for something else, Lenovo develops nearly every type of laptop you can think of; from gaming machines to low-cost computers. Read on for the rest of our picks for the best Lenovo laptops you can buy.
The best Lenovo laptops of 2024
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 12th Gen
Best Lenovo laptop overall
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon tech specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155U | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel Graphics | RAM: 32GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 Pro | Dimensions: 12.3 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon series has consistently had some of the company's best laptops as its members. And that trend continues with the 12th generation Carbon laptop. Lenovo made a lot of great decisions when upgrading the previous model. For starters, it now has a stunning 2.8K resolution OLED supported by a wide array of image-enhancing software. Images and videos look nothing short of fantastic on this device.
It supports the entire DCI-P3 gamut as well as HDR 500 for bright vivid colors and abyssal blacks. Plus, the company covered the screen's glass with an anti-glare coating to maintain its high quality in bright environments.
Review: Lenovo's latest ThinkPad has new features that will make professionals jump for joy
The 12th generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon has an 8MP webcam sitting on top of the screen. This gives the device the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution. Not very many laptops can do this. It's a rare feature only the best machines can claim.
What's interesting (and a little funny) is that Lenovo finally listened to its user base by changing the location of the FN and Ctrl keys. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon finally has a keyboard that follows more mainstream layouts. It's a small change, but it reduces the chance you'll hit the wrong button while typing.
However, we do recommend keeping the charger close by, because the battery drains pretty quickly.
No matter how you look at it, the 12th generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a great machine that'll make just about anyone happy.
Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2
Best ultraportable Lenovo laptop
Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 AMD tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 7540U Processor | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 13.3 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 Pro | Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.9 x 0.55 inches
Lenovo is well-known for developing some of the best ultraportable laptops out there. Among its many lightweight models, we recommend the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 AMD. It's a great device with solid hardware and an array of great features making it a worthy candidate as your new main computer. Under the hood, it's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U processor paired up with an integrated Radeon 740M graphics card. Creative professionals, in particular, will appreciate the level of performance this chip pairing will bring to the table. It allows the laptop to handle all sorts of heavy workloads.
TV shows and movies look fantastic on the laptop's display. It sports a 2.8K OLED screen that is capable of outputting vibrant colors that look like they're about to pop out. And its quality is made even better due to the thin bezel surrounding the screen. You can enjoy your favorite content in all its glory. The OLED can make the laptop rather expensive. Luckily, you can opt for a lower 1,920 x 1,200-pixel resolution to lower the price.
Review: This ultraportable Lenovo laptop has a secret Trackpoint function, among other hidden features
Lenovo's ThinkPads are famous for their bright red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard. For the first, the TrackPoint has been given new features. Double tapping it opens a Quick Menu on-screen for adjusting certain aspects of the laptop like the microphone's directionality. There are a few quirks such as the limited array of ports, but the ThinkPad Z13 is still a great pick.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9
Best Lenovo laptop for gaming
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 tech specs: Processor: 14th generation Intel Core i9-14900HX Processor | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 | RAM: 32GB | Screen size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.03 x 10.32 x 1.01 inches
Among Lenovo's slew of gaming laptops, the 9th-generation Legion Pro 7i gets crowned as champion. This machine is not the most portable, weighing a heavy 6lbs. But what you get is worth the extra heft.
This machine is ready to be a gamer's best friend. Under the hood is a 14th generation Intel Core i9-14900HX processor paired with a GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card and 32 GB of memory. Plus, it has a 2TB SSD to go along with everything. The Legion Pro 7i is a beast. It's a monster capable of running all of the latest games in ultra-high resolution and a high frame rate without skipping a beat.
Also: The best gaming laptops of 2024: Get your game on
There are various ports on the rear and around the side of the laptop. You have your standard fair like USB-C inputs and a headphone jack. But you also get an ethernet port for wired internet access as well as an HDMI input for connecting the computer to a monitor. Lenovo also gave its device the AI Engine Plus software to help boost performance when you need it.
Speaking from experience, a laptop like this can run hot, and heat can destroy internal components. So, the company equipped their machine with a robust cooling system to keep things running at an optimal temperature. And if that wasn't enough, it contains speakers powerful enough to fill a room with immersive audio.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
Best Lenovo laptop for creatives
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme tech specs: Processor: 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H Processor | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | RAM: 32GB | Screen size: 15.6 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.24 x 9.67 x 0.72 inches
When you want the best laptop for creative professionals, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is a popular pick.
The laptop features a 9th-generation Intel Core processor with 4K Dolby Vision HDR support and premium graphics cards to significantly improve imagery on the large 16-inch display. A Dolby Atmos Speaker System is also incorporated for better sound and less distortion.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
You don't have to worry about connectivity because Intel Wi-Fi 6/6E connectivity is built in with a 5G WWAN option. Up to 32GB of memory is available, and a 90Wh battery is incorporated for longer battery life. Low blue-light panels are beneficial if you work or play for long periods.
Continuing with the screen, the top lid of the ThinkPad X1 Extreme can be fully pulled back to a fully flat position. This neat trick does serve an essential purpose as it makes it easier for you to share what's on screen. To further foster compatibility, the display is a touchscreen so that you can write or draw right on it.
We should also mention the ThinkPad X1 Extreme has a lot of utility as it comes with many different ports for all sorts of external hardware. It has a full-sized HDMI port, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and several USB-C inputs. The company even throws in a dongle with a mini-Ethernet port.
2024 Lenovo Yoga 9i
Best 2-in-1 Lenovo laptop
Lenovo Yoga 9i tech specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 0.65 x 8.58 x 12.4 inches
Similar to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Lenovo's Yoga 9i 2-in-1 laptop takes the series and what made it so beloved by users into a bold new direction with new hardware plus a slimmer design. Inside the latest model is the Meteor Lake processor: the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H for next-gen performance. It's paired with a stunning OLED display which we refer to as its "shining jewel."
The screen has a near 3K resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This level of speed is particularly noteworthy because it ensures smooth video playback and cursor movement. What's more, the touchscreen is supported by multiple image-enhancing software such as Dolby Vision for high visual fidelity.
Review: Lenovo's latest 2-in-1 laptop wowed me with clever design and a bold outlook
Another interesting aspect of the Yoga 9i is its design. Lenovo made a lot of great choices here. First off, it looks great. Interested buyers can purchase the laptop in a Cosmic Blue that comes with polished metal on the sides and thin bezels for an eye-catching design. It's also slimmer than the previous model clocking in a little under 3lbs, yet its frame is made out of durable aluminum.
Each of the keys has a travel distance of 1.5mm for a springy feel when typing. This reduces the amount of strain on your fingers so you'll ultimately have a better time with the laptop. And that's what it's all about; having a good time with your device. The Yoga 9i delivers on this front in spades.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
Best Lenovo Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i tech specs: Processor: 13th-Gen Intel Core i3-1315U | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics Card | RAM: 8GB | Screen size: 14-inch 1,920 x 1,200 pixel resolution touchscreen | Operating system: Chrome OS | Dimensions: 0.8 x 12.4 x 9 inches
Rounding out the list is Lenovo's IdeaPad Flex 5i. It's a member of the recently released Chromebook Plus line, a series of Chromebooks from various manufacturers sporting more powerful hardware compared to older models. Every single one is a great pick, however Lenovo's option stands out from the rest by having one of the best displays. It outputs a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, and thanks to its flexible hinge, can be turned 180 degrees. This turns the laptop into a tablet, which goes great with the AI-powered editing features on board, like Magic Eraser.
Review: This $499 Lenovo Chromebook Plus will make you reconsider spending so much on laptops
Even if you're not a photographer, we still recommend the IdeaPad Flex 5i for everyday work. Its 13th-Gen Intel Core i3 processor delivers great performance for a computer of its caliber. Plus, the keyboard is fantastic. It's wide with large keys allowing for comfortable typing. Lenovo's 2-in-1 Chromebook is also lightweight, clocking in at 3.5lbs. And the best part: It's cheap. Prices fluctuate, but we haven't seen it go for more than $500.
There are a couple of issues with it; namely, it can get hot. At high temperatures, typing on the IdeaPad can be uncomfortable.
What is the best Lenovo laptop?
Lenovo's 12th generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon is our pick for the best Lenovo laptop. While it has a short battery life, the device makes up for it with a high-quality 2.8K resolution display, solid performance, and lightweight design. This makes the device a great laptop for the everyday user. Professionals, in particular, will appreciate features like the 8MP webcam.
To see how it compares to the others, the list below offers a brief overview of the best Lenovo laptops.
| Best Lenovo laptop | Cost | RAM | Screen size |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | $1,838 | 16GB, 32GB | 14 inches |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 | $1,241 | 16GB | 13.3 inches |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 | $2,569 | 32GB | 16 inches |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme | $1,479 | 32GB | 16 inches |
| Lenovo Yoga 9i | $1,477 | 16GB | 14 inches |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i | $499 | 8GB | 14 inches |
Which is the best Lenovo laptop for you?
Lenovo makes a wide array of laptops covering all sorts of use cases. You won't be left wanting more choices. As we established, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the king of the hill. But that does not necessarily mean it's the best one for you. The best Lenovo laptop ultimately comes down to what you, the user, are looking for. We can help with that with the suggestions down below.
| Choose this best Lenovo laptop... | If you want... |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | The best Lenovo laptop. This top-performing computer provides a hi-res display, good performance, an 8MP camera, and lightweight form. |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 | The best ultraportable Lenovo laptop. The 2nd generation ThinkPad Z13 manages to pack in a stunning 2.8K OLED display in its lightweight design. |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 | The best Lenovo laptop for gaming. This laptop houses some of the tech industry's best CPU and GPU pairings, plus 2TB of storage. |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme | Something worthy of a professional. Creatives love this best Lenovo laptop for its premium performance and features made just for creatives. |
| Lenovo Yoga 9i | The best 2-in-1 laptop. Lenovo's latest improves on last year's model with a slimmer design and an OLED touchscreen. |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i | An inexpensive laptop with solid performance. Lenovo's best Chromebook also packs in AI-powered features for quick image editing. |
Factors to consider when choosing a Lenovo laptop
There are multiple factors to consider when picking out the best Lenovo laptop, including:
- Type: There are different types of laptops you can buy; be it a clamshell laptop or a 2-in-1 convertible design. Convertible laptops generally give you greater flexibility and portability, but they can lack some features available on more traditional laptops.
- Size: If you plan to take your Lenovo laptop on the go, you'll want a smaller build for portability. It's important to be mindful of the display size as it directly affects the overall dimensions of a laptop. A large device can get in the way of your daily needs.
- CPU: A laptop's processor gives you an idea of how fast a laptop will work. Lenovo classifies its laptops by Core categories, with the Core i9 and Core i7 being the more powerful processors.
- Graphics: Consider the type of graphics card available with your laptop. If you are a gamer or video editor, a strong GPU is an important feature to consider. Be sure to look for a laptop with a powerful integrated graphics or an advanced graphics card to suit your needs.
- Battery: It's important to know what the battery life of a new Lenovo laptop is. If you spend a lot of time traveling, you may need a laptop with longer battery life so you are not constantly fumbling for a charger.
How we test laptops
There are many great Lenovo laptops on the market, and we get access to many of them to review. We ultimately relied on our own experiences with these devices in order to make our selections.
We looked at which models had the nicest displays, the best performance, the best keyboards, and so on. Our tests involve surfing the internet with the laptops in order to get a feel for them, then we put them through specific use cases. The goal here is to see what they're capable of in real-world use.
Once all the testing is complete, the ones we liked the most are reviewed and sorted, given a specific category like best ultraportable Lenovo laptop, and placed on the list.
Can you also game on a Lenovo laptop?
You can game on any Lenovo laptop, but we don't recommend it. It depends on the model you purchase. Some are better suited for gaming than others. For example, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is specifically geared for video games.
It's important to understand that most Lenovo laptops are fine for casual or entry-level gaming but nothing more. Think of titles like Stardew Valley or The Sims 4. Games that are more graphically intense won't run smoothly on something like the ThinkPad X1 Nano.
Lenovo's own gaming options come with dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays, and a robust cooling system. However, if you truly want the best gaming laptop, there are much better options out there, especially for demanding games. You're better off buying the Razer Blade 15 or a desktop computer.
How much does a Lenovo laptop cost?
The cost of the best Lenovo laptop can vary. Again, it depends on the model you choose. The best Lenovo laptop overall is the 12th-Gen Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which costs a little over $1,600. However, if you have more to spend, you can find more premium options closer to $2,000 a pop. Inexpensive options, like the IdeaPad Flex 5i, are way cheaper. That model retails for around $500.
Where do I buy a Lenovo laptop?
Lenovo laptops are available for purchase directly from the company's official website, but that isn't your only option. Many digital retailers sell Lenovo laptops on their platforms. However, make sure the website is legitimate before you buy. There are a lot of scams out there.
We recommend going to either Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy as your first stop in the buying process. For added convenience, we've provided shopping links in each of the entries to save you time buying the best Lenovo laptop.
Other Lenovo laptops we've tested
Lenovo makes several kinds of laptops under different series, from the ThinkPad and Legion lines. The ones above are the best as we've established, but there are others that almost made the cut. The three below are worthy of a second look.
Also: The best Windows laptops