Whether you’re giving the laptop to a student, professional, or simply someone who wants a capable laptop for general tasks such as web browsing and email, there are options for every budget and personality. If you’re not sure where to begin, consider some of the basics that many consumers keep in mind when shopping for a computer, such as price, size and performance.
Prices can vary widely depending on the laptop’s performance and features. For example, gaming laptops typically cost more than your average 2-in-1 laptop designed for simpler computing demands, while Chromebooks and very basic models are more affordable.
Size and portability are other common concerns. In general, lighter and more portable laptops tend to have smaller screens and are ideal for students and frequent travelers looking to complete basic tasks on the go. On the other hand, a heavier laptop can be a good match for the serious gamer or professional who doesn’t often need to carry the laptop around.
This list has some of the best laptops to give for the holidays, but there are plenty more options available. If you want additional ideas, browse a wider selection of laptops on Amazon. You can also check out specific products such as 2-in-1 laptops and traditional laptops.
Looking for more great holiday gifts? Browse our Gifts page to find gift guides and ideas for all ages. More great options are available via the Electronics Gift Guide. Don’t miss our Top 10 Best Tablets for Christmas 2017 and Christmas Gift Ideas: Top 10 Professional Digital Cameras.
1. ASUS VivoBook F510UA
The ASUS VivoBook F510UA offers plenty of bang for the buck. Some examples include its 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor and anti-glare full HD display. The 15.6-inch screen also has a NanoEdge bezel for optimal viewing. There’s a 1TB HDD and 8GB RAM. The keyboard is ergonomically shaped and has a fingerprint sensor. Several ports are included, from USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 to USB 3.1 Type-C and HDMI.
If this laptop isn’t quite what you had in mind, you can find more great gift options on Amazon’s Electronics Gift Guide.
Price: $499.00 (17 percent off MSRP)
Buy the ASUS VivoBook F510UA here.
2. Acer Aspire S 13 Touch
A 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U processor ensures speedy and powerful performance that your recipient will appreciate for a wide range of computing tasks. This Acer features a fingerprint reader and a 13.3-inch full HD widescreen with an LED-backlit display. It also gets up to 13 hours of battery life, making it easy to take out to a local coffee shop or workspace. There are two built-in stereo speakers for enhanced sound. The laptop also stands out for its slim construction. Other highlights include an HD webcam, 256 GB SSD, HDMI and USB ports, and Bluetooth 4.0.
You can browse more laptops to find that ideal gift for the holidays.
Price: $775.89
Buy the Acer Aspire S 13 Touch here.
3. Apple 13-Inch MacBook Pro
This Apple MacBook Pro features an ultra-thin design for enhanced portability along with more power for a variety of computing demands. An integrated touch bar with touch ID provides easy and secure access and quickly opens up a multitude of apps. This laptop is powered by a 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz. It’s also equipped with a 512GB SSD storage and 8GB memory. Then there’s the Thunderbolt 3, a versatile port with a transmitting rate of 40 Gbps, which is faster than the USB 3.1 or USB 3.0.
Not the laptop you had in mind? Check out more laptops on Amazon to find the right one.
Price: $1,979.00
Buy the Apple 13-Inch MacBook Pro here.
4. Dell Inspiron 13 5000
This 2-in-1 laptop comes with a 13.3-inch touch display and an 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor. The FHD screen is also backlit for enhanced visibility in all lighting conditions. Its compact size makes it a solid gift idea for students and those who travel often. The laptop runs Windows 10 and includes a 1TB hard drive. Additional memory can be added to the existing 8GB if necessary.
If you had something else in mind, check out a wider selection on Amazon’s laptop gift guide.
Price: $649.99
Buy the Dell Inspiron 13 5000 here.
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop
The versatile Microsoft Surface Laptop is available with a choice between Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processors, as well as various memory and storage configurations. Commuters, frequent travelers and even students will appreciate this laptop’s slender design and lightweight construction of just 2.76 pounds. A variety of available color configurations ensures there’s a Microsoft Surface Laptop for every personality.
Price: $1,289.99
Buy the Microsoft Surface Laptop here.
6. ASUS ZenBook UX330UA
This mid-range laptop stands out for its ultra-slim design and portability. In fact, it weighs just 2.6 pounds, making it one of the lightest laptops on our list. This ASUS features a vibrant 13.3-inch quad high definition (QHD) display with a wide viewing angle. It has a 7th Gen Intel i5-7200U 2.5 GHz processor, 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM. User-friendly features include a built-in fingerprint reader for fast log-ins and a backlit keyboard. The battery will last up to 12 hours with light use, including web browsing.
Price: $769.00
Buy the ASUS ZenBook UX330UA here.
7. Acer Predator Helios 300
Components such as a powerful 7th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics make the Acer Predator Helios 300 a solid choice for gamers. Other gaming-oriented features include overclocking and exhaust vents designed to keep the laptop running cool without compromising its appearance. An all-metal fan provides custom-engineered cooling. This laptop also stands out for its eye-catching red backlit keyboard and durable metal chassis.
If you had something else in mind, check out Amazon’s laptop gift guide for a wider selection.
Price: $1,049.99 (5 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Acer Predator Helios 300 here.
8. Acer Aspire E 15
If you need to give someone a reliable laptop for everyday computing, consider the Acer Aspire E 15. It may not be the most stylish on the market, but the Aspire E covers all the basics at an affordable price. Specs include a 7th Generation Intel Core i3-7100U processor, 4GB memory and 1TB HDD. Users can expect up to 12 hours on a single charge. This Acer includes some features not found on many others in its price range, including a backlit keyboard and full HD LED-backlit display.
Price: $349.99
Buy the Acer Aspire E 15 here.
9. HP Stream Laptop PC 11-y010nr
A one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal, which includes popular programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with 1 TB of OneDrive storage makes this HP a solid choice for students and professionals. Other highlights include 4 GB memory and the latest Windows 10 operating system. This laptop is designed with portability in mind, from its thin and lightweight design to the fact that it gets over 10 hours of battery life. An improved 802.11 ac WiFi antenna promotes a faster and more reliable wireless connection. College students in particular will surely enjoy this laptop’s vibrant and eye-catching color. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, consider the 14-inch screen model.
Price: $199.00
Buy the HP Stream Laptop PC 11-y010nr here.
10. LG gram
Weighing in at just over two pounds, the LG gram is the lightest laptop on our list. Its 14-inch display helps keep the weight down while ensuring that users won’t have to squint to see the finest details. The display is touch screen and has an ultra-slim bezel for optimal viewing. The LG gram is available with an Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processor. Other highlights include several inputs, including USB Type-C, and a back-lit keyboard. The battery can last up to 17 hours with a light workload.
Price: $1,197.99
Buy the LG gram here.