Testing Methodology
The ECNETNews team has conducted comprehensive hands-on testing of the majority of laptops featured in this roundup. Each laptop was assessed for build quality and utilized in a variety of real-world scenarios over several weeks. Testing activities included document processing, email management, video consumption, webcam photography, video conferencing, music playback, gaming (when applicable), and exploration of unique software features.
In addition to hands-on evaluations, most laptops underwent industry-standard benchmark testing for performance comparison, except for one specific model. These benchmarks simulate everyday tasks, allowing us to generate scores that facilitate a straightforward evaluation of each laptop’s capabilities. This benchmarking approach will be adopted in all future laptop assessments.
Performance Metrics
We assess laptop performance using the latest version of Geekbench 6, tailoring the test to the operating system: macOS for MacBooks, Windows for general laptops (including gaming variations), and Android for Chromebooks. This evaluation highlights CPU performance across common tasks, with emphasis placed on the resulting multi-core scores—higher scores indicate superior performance.
For gaming laptops, we gauge their graphical performance by playing the demanding title Cyberpunk 2077. This choice is intentional, as it challenges hardware with its high graphical requirements. We assess performance both without and with NVIDIA’s DLSS technology to evaluate raw GPU power against AI-assisted upscaling.
Following this, we utilize 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark for gaming PCs, again recording scores to ascertain performance strength, where higher numbers are preferable.
Battery Life Assessment
Our target battery life expectations vary: we look for 11 to 12 hours of performance from MacBooks, with over 15 hours being exceptional, while Windows laptops ideally should achieve 12-plus hours. Gaming laptops are assessed differently, requiring a minimum of two hours of battery life, with four hours being particularly commendable. Chromebooks are expected to last around eight hours, with nine to ten hours recognized as superior.
In our previous assessments, we applied several methods to measure battery life. For models like the MacBook Pro, Asus Zenbook Duo, Lenovo Legion 9i, and Microsoft devices, we conducted UL Solutions’ PCMark 10 battery test under maximum brightness to observe performance until depletion.
For the HP Chromebook Plus, we incorporated the CrXPRT 2 benchmark’s respective segment, while our video rundown test involved looping a 1080p version of the short film Tears of Steel on other models at 50 percent brightness.
Moving forward, we will standardize our battery life testing by employing the Tears of Steel method for Mac and Windows laptops, while maintaining the use of PCMark 10 for gaming laptops and CrXPRT 2 for Chromebooks.
Conclusion
After thorough evaluations combining hands-on experience and benchmark data, our final recommendations reflect the overall value offered by each laptop. We occasionally endorse higher-priced models if their performance and design warrant consideration.
Importantly, these selections are dynamic; we continually assess new laptop models across various categories, ensuring our guide remains up-to-date with emerging best picks.
