Lenovo has been around a long time — since 1984, to be exact. Today, Lenovo products are available in over 160 countries around the world. The Chinese manufacturer is known for making the best TVs, but it also makes some of the best business laptops on the market.
However, with so many Lenovo models available, choosing the best one for your budget and needs can be difficult. So, to help you out, ZDNET experts have gathered a list of the best Lenovo laptops based on factors such as performance, build, price, and overall user experience.
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Our pick for the best Lenovo laptop is the ThinkPadX1 Carbon. It has a fantastic 1080p webcam, powerful performance, and lightweight form factor. But if you are looking for a different type of laptop, Lenovo develops everything from gaming hardware to low-cost computers.
Pros
- 1080p camera
- Great sound
- Excellent connectivity
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks SD or microSD card slot
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon tech specs: Processor: 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1240P Processor | Graphics Card: Intel Iris Xe | RAM: up to 32GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 Pro | Dimensions: 12.4 x 0.6 x 8.7 inches
There is no doubt about it: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the best Lenovo laptop you can buy.
With an 11th-generation Intel Core i5-1140G7 vPro Processor, the Intel Evo platform creates a high-performing machine, making it a favorite among users. According to ZDNET writer Sandra Vogel, it can also be great for business: “Lenovo’s ThinkPad series is regarded by many as the standard-setter for business laptops, with the X1 Carbon at the pinnacle.”
The 13-inch display incorporates Intel Iris Xe Graphics for improved imaging with an anti-glare screen. You get 256GB of storage, and there is a 1080p HD camera to take your photos. A fingerprint reader is included for added convenience.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Moreover, the laptop sports a lightweight frame (1.12 kg, roughly 2.5 lbs) yet is quite durable. The lid is carbon fiber, while the body features magnesium alloy. As its thickest, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon features 14.95 mm. Put together, you have a surprisingly tough machine that you can take with you everywhere you go.
And arguably, our favorite aspect of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon has to be the stunning “WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200-pixel resolution) IPS touch screen with a matte finish and 400 nits of brightness.” The matte coating allows you to work outside thanks to its anti-glare properties. Also, having a touchscreen enhances the laptop’s usability.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a trusty work computer.
Pros
- 4K display
- Reliable build
- Excellent storage
Cons
- Battery could be improved
- Heavy
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Processor | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.02 x 10.41 x 1.07 inches
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro has become a favorite among gamers as one of the best gaming laptops you can buy, and for good reason. It features some reasonably powerful hardware.
This laptop uses an AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Desktop Processor with Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics card on a generous 16-inch display. Lenovo Legion AI Engine and Auto-Detect mode improve performance, automatically offering system optimization and maximum frame rates to make gaming a far more immersive experience. Imaging is boosted by 34% increased pixel density with 3D Nahimic audio.
And everything you see here gets outputted out of a 15.6-inch Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixel) display.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a good-performing gaming laptop without a slew of software features enhancing the overall quality even more. The Legion 5 Pro supports Dolby and VESA DisplayHDR 400 to show various colors. It covers the entirety of the sRGB color gamut. With over 500 nits of peak brightness, video games look stunning on this laptop.
Gaming laptops are known for running pretty hot. That’s one of their major downfalls. However, Lenovo saw fit to equip the Legion 5 Pro with the company’s own Legion Coldfront 3.0 tech. It consists of hardware and software solutions ensuring the computer stays cool, from multiple fans to AI optimization for “next-gen performance.”
Pros
- Particularly shines with gaming
- Sleek design
- Phenomenal display
Cons
- Mediocre battery
- Pricey
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 creature users 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.
Pros
- Lightweight build
- Impressive 2K display
- 1080p camera
Cons
- Lacks ports
- Short battery life
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano tech specs: Processor: 13th Generation Intel Core i5-1340P, 13th Generation Intel Core i5-1350P, 13th Generation Intel Core i7-1360P, 13th Generation Intel Core i5-1370P | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 13.3 inches | Operating system: Windows 10, 11 | Dimensions: 11.54 x 8.19 x 0.58 inches
Lenovo’s ThinkPad Nano series is best known for having some of the best ultraportable laptops. That trend continues with the third-generation model of the ThinkPad X1 Nano.
True to its name, the laptop is incredibly lightweight, clocking in at 2.18 pounds. What’s funny is that weight makes the third-gen laptop the heaviest of the line. The reason behind the weight gain is that it features a stunning 13.3-inch 2K (2160 x 1350 pixels) resolution screen. The older models didn’t have such a high-quality display.
Review: This Lenovo ThinkPad is so close to being the perfect ultraportable laptop
There is a lot to the ThinkPad X1 Nano besides the screen that’ll give professional users a big smile. The webcam boasts a Full HD (1080p) resolution, making it perfect for video calls. The laptop supports Dolby Atmos, a “type of surround sound technology frequently found on high-end sound systems.”
On top of that, you have Dolby Voice, so you sound crystal clear to the person on the other side. Not only will you look good, but you’ll say good too.
Regarding performance, ThinkPad X1 Nano won’t be winning any rewards. It has 16GB of memory and an Intel Iris Xe graphics card. But regardless, this laptop will be able to handle anything you throw at it.
Pros
- Beautiful display
- Oversized trackpad
- Brilliant sound
Cons
- Subpar keyboard
- Underwhelming battery life
Lenovo Yoga 9i tech specs: Processor: 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1260P Processor | RAM: 16GB | Screen size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 0.65 x 9.06 x 12.52 inches
The Lenovo Yoga 9i is one of the most popular 2-in-1 laptops, and users clamor over its top performance. It boasts multiple screen configurations, the highest being a gorgeous 14-inch 4K (3840 x 2400 pixels) OLED screen. It’s tied with the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro in having the best display on this list.
You have a 14-inch 2.8K (2,800 x 1,800 pixels) resolution option and a 14-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) LCD monitor. Of course, they’re not as good-looking as the 4K model, but they’re still fantastic.
Review: Lenovo Yoga 9i
Under the hood, you have a 12th-gen Intel Core i7 1260p processor with an Intel Iris Xe graphics card. This isn’t the world’s strongest or fastest hardware; however, it does the job. A Full HD (1080p) webcam is also on the main screen. With a built-in webcam privacy shutter and fingerprint reader, your privacy is not taken for granted.
The garaged pen is an unexpected bonus in a laptop, and people are certainly not complaining. The computer also features Wi-Fi 6 and four Thunderbolt USB connectors for more effortless connectivity.
Admittedly, The battery life is average, clocking in at eight hours of everyday use. Still, considering everything the Lenovo Yoga 9i has going for it, it’s a fair trade-off. Powerful performance requires a lot of energy.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is far and away the best Lenovo laptop you can buy. Although it has limited storage, there is a generous display with a 14-inch screen, excellent graphics, and a long battery life. That makes it great for daily use but even better for professionals who appreciate all the added business features.
To see how it compares, this is an overview of the best Lenovo laptops available on the market.
Best Lenovo laptop | Cost | RAM | Screen size |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | $1,852 | 16GB | 14 inches |
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | $1,350 | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 16 inches |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme | $1,479 | 32GB | 16 inches |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 | $1,181 | 16GB | 13 inches |
Lenovo Yoga 9i | $1,200 | 16GB | 14 inches |
Lenovo makes a whole line of laptops, so there is no shortage of choices. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the best Lenovo laptop overall, but that does not necessarily mean it’s the right one for you. That’s where we can help with these suggestions to help you find the best Lenovo laptop for your needs.
Choose this best Lenovo laptop… | If you want… |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | The best Lenovo laptop available today. This top-performing computer provides incredible value and comes highly recommended for business. |
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | The best Lenovo laptop for gaming. This laptop offers extensive connectivity with excellent graphics and processing speed for your gaming needs. |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme | Something worthy of a professional. Creatives love this best Lenovo laptop for its premium performance, as well as features made just for creatives. |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 | To take your laptop on the go. This is the best Lenovo laptop is the best for travel thanks to its lightweight build. |
Lenovo Yoga 9i | 2-in-1 functionality. This best Lenovo laptop offers versatility in a convertible design. |
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best Lenovo laptop for your needs. In addition to talking to our ZDNET experts and Lenovo users, we considered the following factors:
- Type: There are different types of laptops you can buy, whether you want a traditional laptop or a 2-in-1 convertible design. Convertible laptops generally give you greater flexibility and portability, but they can lack some features available with larger, more traditional laptops.
- Size: If you plan to take your Lenovo laptop on the go, you may want a smaller build for portability. To see how the best Lenovo laptops compare, begin with display size and overall dimensions to see if a laptop is too big for your daily needs.
- CPU: A laptop’s processing power tells you 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, for example, graphics will be an especially important feature, so you should look for a laptop with powerful integrated graphics or an advanced graphics card that will suit your needs.
- Battery: Be sure to check the battery life of your new Lenovo laptop. 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.
You can game on any Lenovo laptop, but it may not be the most incredible experience. It ultimately depends on the model you purchase. For example, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is specifically geared for video games.
You need to understand that most Lenovo laptops are fine for casual or entry-level gaming but nothing more. Think of titles like Stardew Valley, Among Us, or The Sims 4. Games that are more graphically intense, like big AAA titles, won’t run very smoothly on the ThinkPad X1 Nano, for example.
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 using a gaming laptop or a desktop like the Razer Blade 15.
The cost of the best Lenovo laptop varies, depending on the model you choose. The best Lenovo laptop overall is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which runs just over $1,000. However, if you have more to spend, the best Lenovo laptops range from $1,200 to around $2,000 for premium models — maybe a little bit more.
Lenovo laptops are available for purchase directly from Lenovo, but that is not your only option. Multiple retailers have Lenovo laptops available for purchase, but you want to make sure that it is a legitimate and quality retailer before you buy. We recommend Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy as your first stops in the buying process. For added convenience, we’ve provided links in each of the entries to save you time buying the best Lenovo laptop for your home or business.
Lenovo makes several kinds of laptops under different series, like the ThinkPad and Legion lines seen here. After some searching, we found some other great options that almost made the list of the best Lenovo laptops. The three laptops below are also worthy of a second look.
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