Laptop Buying Guide (2023): How to Choose the Right PC (Step-by-Step Guide)

Buying a laptop is an exercise in confusion. Even if you know what everything means and know exactly what you want, finding it can be difficult. Heck, just navigating the manufacturers' websites to locate the model you want is frustrating. We hope this guide will help you navigate the morass of modern laptops. Below is a section on every major component you'll want to know about when you browse for a PC. We break down the jargon and try to explain things on a practical level.

1. Pick Your Operating System
2. Know Your CPUs
3. Graphics Cards
4. Pick Your Processor
5. How Much RAM?
6. How Much Storage Space?
7. Check Your Ports!
8. Webcam and Other Worries
9. Make Your Choice

Updated August 2023: We've updated specifications, examples, and our minimum suggestions for both Intel and AMD chips, as well as adding some more buying advice.

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Before you begin to look at laptops, you must figure out which operating system (OS) works best for you. Thinking through what software you need to run and which operating systems it runs on will help you determine the hardware you need. There are four major computer operating systems. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's an overview of each:

Windows: This stalwart OS doesn't get much press anymore, but it gets the job done. It's the best choice if you need Microsoft apps like MS Office, Access, or Outlook. There are also more Windows laptops to choose from than any other OS. Read our Best Laptops, Best Microsoft Surface Laptops, and Best Cheap Laptops guides to see some of the choices out there.

macOS: Apple's macOS is a bit more beginner-friendly than Windows, but it's tightly coupled with the company's hardware. Your buying options are limited to MacBooks. Since Apple uses its own chips and Macbooks are really a different beast altogether, we have a separate guide to picking the best MacBook.

Chrome OS: If you can do most of your laptop tasks in a web browser, Chrome OS is a good choice. Chrome laptops (called Chromebooks) are also among the cheapest (and least powerful) you'll find, so the OS is also worth considering if you're on a tight budget. The catch is that apps like Adobe's Creative Suite or Microsoft Office won't run. Some apps, notably Office, do have an Android phone/tablet version you might be able to install on your Chromebook (or a web version), but I have found Android apps often don't run well. Read our Best Chromebooks guide for more.