HP has been on a roll the past year, with some impressive laptops spanning a wide range of consumer use cases. From the extensive OmniBook series to the high-end EliteBooks, if you're having trouble breaking down HP's catalog, we've got you covered.
We personally tested over a dozen HP laptops over the past 12 months and have narrowed the list to seven outstanding devices. Whether you're looking for a laptop for school, the office, or an everyday machine, these are our expert picks for the best battery life, display quality, performance, and portability.
In our April update, we added the EliteBook 8 G1i, Omen 17, and more to the list.
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The best overall HP laptop right now is the EliteBook Ultra G1i for its combination of performance, features, and price. No matter what kind of laptop you're looking for, the sleek, 2.6-pound EliteBook Ultra G1i is up to the task with an Intel Core Ultra 7 268V CPU, 14-inch 2.8 OLED display, and fantastic battery life. The EliteBook Ultra G1i might be overkill if you're just looking for a budget-friendly device for school or everyday tasks. If that's the case, we've got a handful of other picks that might be better suited to you.
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Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: Many of HP's laptops tend to look the same. There's nothing wrong with that, but good things happen when you step outside the box. The EliteBook Ultra, in its sleek "Atmospheric Blue" color, is a perfect example of that. It's stylish and premium, with a distinct build and a gorgeous OLED display that makes a good first impression.
The visual output is vibrant and velvety smooth thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, and the 16:10 aspect ratio makes it appear larger than it is. Everything works together to make for an enjoyable user experience.
Review: EliteBook Ultra G1a (14-inch)
Who it's for: The EliteBook Ultra G1i hits all the right notes for a practical, portable laptop for professionals and hybrid commuters. At just 2.6 pounds, it comes with an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 268V, one of the most battery-efficient chips on the market right now, lasting over 15 hours during our testing.
This configuration makes the device versatile across a wide range of trades. However, the streamlined port selection -- three Thunderbolt 3 ports, a lock slot, headphone jack, and one USB-A -- might feel limiting.
Who should look elsewhere: Consumers who don't care as much about battery longevity -- and want more power -- may prefer the EliteBook X G1a. Also, there's no HDMI port or SD card slots, which could deter serious content creators.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 268V | GPU: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics | Display: 14-inch, 2.8K OLED | RAM, Storage: 32GB, 512GB SSD | Camera: 9MP | Battery: 64Whr | Weight: 2.63 lbs
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Why we like it: The HP EliteBook 8 G1i is a reliable, energy-efficient laptop that handles heavy multitasking with ease. I tested this laptop when it was released earlier in the year. My review unit housed an AMD Ryzen Pro 350 processor and 32GB of RAM. In my experience, the laptop ran wonderfully, delivering strong performance across productivity apps, browser-heavy workflows, and light creative tasks.
Review: HP EliteBook 8 G1i
Battery life is another major highlight: The laptop lasted beyond a full workday multiple times, all while staying perfectly cool. It's the type of longevity that will remove a lot of stress as you travel from point A to point B. I also appreciated the wide port selection, which includes standards like Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI. You'll have an easy time connecting multiple accessories and monitors to the laptop without relying on docking stations.
Who it's for: The EliteBook 8 G1i is a good pick for business professionals or enterprising users who need a dependable, long-lasting machine. It's well-suited for a wide range of workflows, including video conferencing. This PC has a high-quality 5MP webcam nestled above its 16-inch display.
Who should look elsewhere: People who value display quality should look elsewhere. It has a 2K screen, which isn't bad, but it does lack visual-enhancing software like Dolby Vision. Plus, the laptop display peaks at just 400 nits.
HP EliteBook 8 G1a tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255U | GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Display: 16-inch 2K, 60Hz | RAM, Storage: 162GB, 512GB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: 62Whr | Weight: 3.06 lbs.
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Why We Like It: I feel like HP's Omen series of gaming laptops is often overlooked in favor of more famous brands like Razer and Alienware. I think that's a shame because the company makes solid gaming PCs, and the king of the hill is the Omen 17.
Thanks to its AMD Ryzen AI 7 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM, it delivers desktop-class performance. It'll handle demanding AAA video games and heavy tasks like video editing without breaking a sweat. The large 17.3-inch QuadHD display runs at 240Hz for crisp, smooth visuals. I also like its design. It's sleek and not overly flashy or bulky like previous generations.
Who it's for: The HP Omen 17 is perfect for gamers, content creators, and power users who want a big-screen laptop with top-notch hardware. Its high-end components enable the machine to handle modern gaming, 3D rendering, and other graphically intensive work well.
Who Should Look Elsewhere: It does possess many of the same issues as other gaming lapotps. HP's Omen 17 is heavy, weighing well over six pounds, so carrying it around won't be easy. It's also expensive, with the model on Best Buy retailing for $1,780. Also, don't expect a long battery life from the Omen 17. Gaming laptops are famous for being power hogs.
HP Omen 17 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 | Display: 17.3-inch QuadHD, 240Hz | RAM, Storage: 16GB, B SSD | Camera: 1080p IR | Battery: 83Whr | Weight: 6.2 lbs.
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Why we like it: The Aero nails the slim form factor as the lightest laptop on this list and one of the lightest in its class. Weighing just 2.1 pounds, less than a MacBook Air, with a cool, all-white build and better performance than you might expect.
Review: HP OmniBook 7 Aero
Who it's for: Professionals who commute will like the 13-inch Aero's exceptionally portable design, especially with its surprisingly powerful hardware. You've got an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 here, paired with an Integrated AMD Radeon 860M GPU for productivity tasks and AI-powered workflows.
In our testing, it was snappy and responsive. In our benchmarking, we found it pulls ahead of many of its OmniBook competitors -- even approaching the processing power of the EliteBook X G1a.
Who should look elsewhere: There are trade-offs to a build this thin, primarily in heat dissipation and battery size. The 43Wh battery on board is by no means a slouch, but we got around 10 hours in our testing, which is less than most competitors in the same class.
HP OmniBook 7 Aero tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon 860M | Display: 13.3-inch 2K IPS, 60Hz | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: 43Whr | Weight: 2.1 lbs.
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Why we like it: The OmniBook 5 is one of the most compelling lightweight laptops we tested in 2026, hitting all the right notes for a dependable machine with a vivid OLED display, respectable hardware, and fantastic battery life.
One of the best things about the OmniBook 5, however, is just how affordable it is for all of these features. On sale, lower-end configurations drop to under $600 making it one of the best-looking laptops in this price range you can get on the market.
Review: HP OmniBook 5 (14-inch)
Who it's for: Anyone looking for a thin and lightweight OLED laptop for work with a fantastic battery under the $1,000 mark would do well to consider the OmniBook 5. This is a laptop that's well-optimized for typical productivity workflows for professionals, students, and everyday users, and geared toward those tasks.
Who should look elsewhere: The hardware here is more suited toward longevity and efficiency, not intensive workflows or high-end gaming. In addition, although rare, there could be some compatibility issues with niche apps or device drivers thanks to the ARM-compatible Snapdragon processor. Consumers who rely on legacy enterprise software should check these requirements before purchasing.
HP OmniBook 5 (14-inch) tech specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: OLED | Resolution: 2K (1920 x 1200) | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | CPU: Snapdragon X Plus | Battery life: 59Whr, up to 24 hours
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Why we like it: HP's OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 successfully balances an aesthetically pleasing design with top-notch hardware. It is a lightweight device that lasts up to 13 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough to take you through a full day of work plus some unwinding time after you clock out. The 3K OLED display it houses is stunning; sharp resolution and vibrant colors make everything pop. Video calls are also next level thanks to the 9MP AI webcam and powerful quad-speaker system.
Writers will undoubtedly appreciate the comfortable keyboard, as you can type away for hours without feeling any finger strain. Another cool aspect about the OmniBook's design is its resistance to smudges; the laptop stays clean-looking even after being handled for a whole day.
Review: HP Omnibook Ultra Flip 14
Who it's for: Similar to the previous entry, I recommend HP's laptop to remote professionals, as it's perfect for daily office work, casual web browsing, and media consumption. I would also recommend it to anyone who values portability and battery longevity. Because of its high-res OLED screen, artists will enjoy using the OmniBook in its tablet mode, though it's best for casual sketching or note-taking rather than any serious digital art.
Who should look elsewhere: The integrated graphics card and midrange Intel perform well for daily use but fall short of more powerful models, housing an Intel Lunar Lake chipset, for example. Additionally, the screen's lack of an anti-glare coating makes it tough to see outdoors or under bright lights. HP's laptop comes with a stylus, which is a nice inclusion but isn't the most accurate pen out there. Artists may want to consider more capable alternatives.
HP Omnibook Ultra Flip 14 tech specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: 2-in-1 OLED touchscreen | Resolution: 3K (2880 x 1800) | RAM: 16GB, 32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB SSD | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, 9 Series 2 Evo Edition | Battery life: Up to 13 hours
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Why we like it: It's all about that big screen. If you like a laptop with a large display, the X Flip 16 doesn't disappoint with a 3K OLED touchscreen that runs at 120Hz refresh rate. This means it delivers a crisp picture that looks great running movies, streaming services, or gaming.
The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, paired with 32GB of RAM makes for a similar hardware loadout as the EliteBook Ultra G1i, but the form factor here makes for a great 2-in-1 tablet/laptop device with a spacious 16-inch display.
Review: HP OmniBook X Flip 16
Who it's for: Users who want to watch movies on their laptop and enjoy the convertible form factor. Prop it up in tent mode and it becomes a screen you can watch across the room. Put it back into laptop mode and it's got the hardware to be a versatile device both and home and the office. If you like using a stylus, the
Who should look elsewhere: If you have no inclinations of using your laptop for entertainment, and you don't utilize the 2-in-1 form factor, you'd be better off sticking to the EliteBook Ultra G1i. The display on this laptop would be wasted looking at spreadsheets all day. Additionally, the 16-inch OLED screen weighs more at 4.1 pounds.
HP OmniBook X Flip 16 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home/Pro | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 9 | GPU: Intel Arc 140V | Display: 16" 3K OLED multitouch display, 120Hz | RAM, Storage: 32GB, up to 2TB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: 68Whr | Weight: 4.15 lbs.
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HP's EliteBook Ultra G1i is our pick for the best HP laptop overall, but that doesn't mean it's best for everyone. A laptop's onboard memory, size, and, of course, price are the three biggest factors consumers look at when comparing devices. With that in mind, I broke down HP's laptop lineup into these categories to compare them.
| Best HP laptop | Cost | RAM | Display |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1i | $1,599 | 32GB | 14" OLED |
| HP EliteBook 8 G1i | $1,729 | 16GB | 16" IPS |
| HP Omen 17 | $1,780 | 32GB | 17" IPS |
| HP OmniBook 7 Aero | $1,500 | 16GB | 13.3" IPS |
| HP OmniBook 5 (14-inch) | $1,300 | 16GB | 16" IPS |
| HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 | $1,700 | 16GB | 14" OLED |
| HP OmniBook X Flip 16 | $950 | 16GB | 16" LED |
As the competition to produce higher-performing laptops at ever-competitive price points heats up, different brands have embraced their reputations and specialized offerings to set themselves apart. We've tested machines from all the top brands and can safely say that certain things are done better by some brands than others. So where does HP stand? Let's take a look.
HP is known for its accessible, familiar design philosophy. Its laptops are versatile -- even nondescript -- and have a reputation for being practical machines, especially as home devices. By contrast, Dell is known for some rather innovative designs. The Dell XPS 14, for example, is a powerful laptop but visually daring with its flush keyboard, "InfinityEdge" display, and invisible trackpad.
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Many HP laptops are designed for home use, and as such, exude a rather neutral look. Dell laptops are very versatile and marketed toward a broad range of consumers, from creators to businesses to home use.
Apple needs no introduction when it comes to brand aesthetics. Its minimalist, sleek design is evident in all of its products, and users still see Apple at the forefront of innovation. The MacBook line of laptops is among the highest-performing on the market, and they compete with even the highest-tier Windows machines in terms of processing power.
HP's reputation as a reliable brand is reinforced by its dependable line of laptops, and its approach to innovation is a bit more subtle. Nevertheless, some of HP's newest devices, like the sleek OmniBook X 14, feel like they could have borrowed from Apple's design book.
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HP's line of laptops reaches a broad range of consumers, from budget machines to high-end laptops like the new EliteBook x360. Lenovo laptops emphasize innovation and durability -- particularly in a business context -- while HP laptops target consumers seeking a balance between affordability and functionality, as well as an approachable brand.
Microsoft's most recent Surface Pro attracted a lot of attention last year for its innovative 2-in-1 form factor, and HP has quite a few products with convertible form factors as well, like the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 and the Envy x360. If you're looking for a convertible laptop/tablet device, both brands offer solid choices, with Microsoft's machine at the cutting edge of design and form.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop is also a sleek, high-performing laptop for creators, business users, and home users alike, and one that was praised earlier this year for its versatility and AI readiness.
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We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a system's metrics under the hood and compare those to advertised numbers. Then, we spend an extended amount of time with the laptop (usually a week or two) using it the same way a normal consumer would to analyze its portability, form factor, and how well the battery actually holds up. For an extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.
Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of each and every tested laptop into digestible terms that real people can find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when it comes to navigating the laptop and computer consumer market, so we hope to bring an intuitive element to the whole process by leveraging our team's decades of experience.
| Choose this best HP laptop... | If you want... |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1i | The overall best laptop with a sleek and ultraportable form factor, impressive performance, and some of the best battery life of any HP laptop we've tested. |
| HP EliteBook 8 G1i | A reliable, high-performance machine for professional work. |
| HP Omen 17 | A powerful gaming laptop with a robust cooling system. |
| HP OmniBook 7 Aero | The absolute lightest, sleekest laptop on this list. |
| HP OmniBook 5 (14-inch) | An OLED laptop that's the best bang for your buck on this list. |
| HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 | The best HP laptop for students has a lightweight build and a 2-in-1 form factor. |
| HP OmniBook X Flip 16 | A vibrant, large 3K OLED touchscreen 2-in-1 display |
There are multiple factors to consider when picking out the best HP laptop, including:
On March 24, HP held Imagine 2026, an early Spring event where the company shows off what it has planned for the coming months. Most of the presentation was dedicated to the new office software that aims to help professionals in their day-to-day, but there was some laptop news.
First, HP announced a new work-centric PC: the EliteBook 6 G2q. It is an ultrathin device that is said to be "15% thinner than the previous generation." It'll run on Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 chipsets, boast a long-lasting battery, and come packed with all sorts of AI software to boost performance. An exact launch date was not given, but it is expected in July 2026.
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In addition to the EliteBook 6 G2q, HP also announced four new computer lines: the EliteBook 6 G2, EliteBook 8 G2, ProBook 4 G2, and the EliteDesk 8 G2. The first three are laptop series, while the fourth is a collection of desktops. They all have their own specialties. Judging from the announcement, it seems that the ProBook series will consist of convertible laptops while the EliteBook 8 will be the premium line.
A new laptop is an investment, and making it last is essential to maximizing its value. To care for your new laptop, you'll want to minimize the amount of bumps and vibrations it's exposed to and keep it closed when not in use to protect the keys and screen, which can be fragile.
Maximizing your laptop's battery life is also part of its longevity, as it's best to keep it between 30% and 80% to optimize battery life. Besides these obvious factors, you'll want to keep the software and drivers up to date, and get a backpack and sleeve for safe, efficient transport.
Battery life depends on various factors, such as what tasks you're doing and whether your computer is in a battery-saving mode or high-performance mode. HP laptops, particularly the OmniBook and EliteBook lines of devices, are known for having better-than-average batteries.
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When looking at a laptop's battery, consider its watt-hour number (written as Wh), which measures how much power a battery uses over one hour. The higher the number, the longer the battery should theoretically last; however, how fast the computer burns through that power is another story.
For example, the HP Envy x360 features a 68Wh battery, but its 16-inch OLED display will demand a lot of power. Conversely, the same size battery in the OmniBook X 14 will drain at a trickle in comparison, thanks to the AI on board the Snapdragon X Elite processor.
HP's lineup of laptops may not be known as the most heavy-duty on the market, but the company has been making computers for decades and certainly knows a thing or two about durability. As such, consumers can be confident that any HP laptop will come with industry-standard components and withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
Of the laptops on this list, the EliteBook x360 1040 and the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 are among the most durable thanks to their slightly more premium builds.
You can game on any HP laptop, but you'll get the best performance from a computer designed for gaming, like the HP Omen 16. The reason for this has a lot to do with graphics processing and whether or not the device is designed to mitigate heat well.
Also: This Lenovo 2-in-1 is one of the most versatile business laptops I've tested
Most HP laptops are fine for casual or entry-level gaming, but once you start running graphically intense games, you're going to run into performance issues, and the laptop will not be able to compensate for the heat generated by the hardware.
HP's Omen line of gaming options are renown for its accessibility and high performance, and they 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 a host of other options out there, especially for demanding games.
Restart your computer, and when the HP startup screen appears, you'll want to press either F1, F2, or Enter, depending on your model. It will often specify on the screen, but note that this screen may only appear for a second or two before Windows starts up.
HP laptops cover a very broad range of price points -- even more than other laptop manufacturers. You can find entry-level consumer machines with modest hardware for a few hundred dollars, and cutting-edge performance powerhouses on the top end of the spectrum for several thousand.
We tend to gravitate toward machines that either offer a very good bang for the buck, like the HP OmniBook 5 which can be purchased for as low as $549, or laptops that deliver an appropriately powerful experience for the price point. The EliteBook Ultra G1i, for example, can run anywhere from $1,600 to over $3,000 depending on hardware selections, qualifying as a powerful workstation on the higher end.
HP laptops are available for purchase directly from the company's official website, but that isn't your only option. Many digital retailers sell HP laptops on their platforms. However, make sure the website is legitimate before you buy. There are a lot of scams out there.
I 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 HP laptop.
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
The HP EliteBook X G1a is essentially an older version of the EliteBook 8 G1i. It's a solid work laptop that can handle the vast majority of tasks. If you need it to tackle certain workloads, various configurations are available on the company website.
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We also recommend the 16-inch version of the OmniBook 5. It provides many of the same benefits as the 14-inch model, but adds a bigger screen and longer-battery life. HP claims it can last for a good 32 hours on a single charge.
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If you're still shopping for a portable computer, check out our lists for the best laptops you can buy in 2026, the best Windows laptops, the best laptops for graphic designers, and the fastest laptops available.
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