The best new laptop to buy in 2026 might not be a 2026 laptop. This is because the latest laptops do not offer enough real-world improvement to justify their higher prices. Cheaper laptops from previous years often deliver better alignment between performance and pricing.
Laptop Performance and Pricing
Most PC users do not need the latest and greatest keyboard or mouse. The same principle applies to laptops, where the difference in performance between newer and older models may not be significant enough to warrant the higher price.
For example, a 7-year-old laptop that was tested recently had benchmark scores that were half those of a modern PC. However, the actual difference in time wasted was only a few seconds, and boot time actually improved.
This suggests that the incremental improvements in processor iterations in recent years may not be substantial enough to justify the higher prices of newer laptops.
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Processor Iterations and Pricing
Decades ago, the differences between processor generations were more profound. However, in recent years, these differences have been more incremental. For instance, the leader in battery life while streaming is not the current Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, but rather the older Snapdragon X1 Elite.
Furthermore, while laptop performance inches up from generation to generation, the pricing increases in chunks. This is partly due to the AI boom, which has driven up the costs of memory and storage, and thus laptop pricing in general.
However, this pricing dynamic can be used to one’s advantage. An older laptop from 2025 or 2024 may have decreased performance, but it usually isn’t by much. And the same “lesser” laptop will come with memory and storage priced at pre-AI boom levels, making it more likely to be sold at a discount.
Buying a Laptop
When buying a laptop, it’s essential to prioritize certain features. These include at least 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, a good screen, a recent-enough processor, and a real warranty from a major retailer. Being flexible on the CPU generation can also help.
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It’s also important to be smart about configurations. Some configurations, such as those with a 256GB SSD, can be augmented by an external hard drive or cloud storage. However, others, such as configurations with 8GB of RAM, should be avoided altogether.
The industry often wants consumers to consider what’s new. A better approach might be to consider what’s still great — and finally affordable. By considering this, consumers can make more informed decisions when buying a laptop.
In practice, this means that consumers who prioritize affordability and practicality may find that an older laptop is the best option for them.
Ultimately, the key to making a smart laptop purchase is to do your research and prioritize your needs. By doing so, you can find a laptop that meets your requirements without overspending on the latest and greatest technology.