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Laptop Picks for Everyone on Your Holiday List

A dozen of the best laptops we've tested: Here's the ultimate gift list for every type of laptop user you need to buy for this holiday season.

Matthew Buzzi
 & Matthew Buzzi Principal Writer, Hardware

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
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65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Overview

You Can Trust Our Reviews

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Related:
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  • LG Gram 17
    Big-Screen Fans, Frequent Travelers

    LG Gram 17

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Astoundingly light for a 17-inch laptop.
      • As compact a footprint as possible for the screen size.
      • Outstanding battery life.
      • Excellent display.
      • Comprehensive port selection.
      • Boring, plain design.
      • Feels flimsier than the alloy body suggests.
      • Uncomfortable touchpad.
      • No touch-screen option.
      • Relatively pricey.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    LG's Gram 17, astonishingly light for a 17-inch laptop, delivers excellent battery life and a glorious screen. But the relatively high price, the plain design, and some quibbles with the keyboard and touchpad keep it from stardom.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.7 by 15 by 10.5 inches
    Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics 620
    Laptop Class Desktop Replacement
    Laptop Class Ultraportable
    Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i7-8565U
    Processor Speed 1.8
    RAM (as Tested) 16
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 17
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 17:11
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 2.95
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More LG Gram 17 Review Review
  • Dell XPS 13 (9380)
    Style-Conscious Power Users

    Dell XPS 13 (9380)

    5.0 Exemplary

    Pros & Cons

      • Compact and classy.
      • Beautiful rose-gold-and-white color scheme.
      • 4K touch screen.
      • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports plus USB-C.
      • No HDMI or USB Type-A ports.
      • 4K display isn't the best for battery life.
      • Loaded models get pricey.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Dell moves the webcam to where it always should have been, fixing one of the very few faults of the drop-dead gorgeous, highly capable XPS 13. Earning our highest recommendation and a rare five-star rating, the XPS 13 (9380) is, indisputably, the best ultraportable laptop you can buy.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.46 by 11.9 by 7.8 inches
    Graphics Memory 16
    Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics 620
    Laptop Class Ultraportable
    Native Display Resolution 3840 by 2160
    Operating System Windows 10
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i7-8565U
    Processor Speed 1.8
    RAM (as Tested) 16
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 13.3
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 11:10
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 2.7
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Dell XPS 13 (9380) Review Review
  • Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390, 2019)
    Best for Style-Conscious Frequent Travelers

    Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390, 2019)

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent design and build quality.
      • Intel 10th Gen "Ice Lake" CPU and graphics.
      • Wi-Fi 6 support.
      • Top-notch screen.
      • Long battery life.
      • Bundled USB adapter.
      • microSD slot.
      • Shallow keyboard.
      • No USB Type-A ports.
      • Balky fingerprint reader.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    With sterling build quality, a brilliant display, and an Intel "Ice Lake" CPU with real graphics pep, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is tops among convertible laptops.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.51 by 11.7 by 8.2 inches
    Graphics Processor Intel Iris Plus
    Laptop Class Convertible 2-in-1
    Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i7-1065G7
    Processor Speed 1.3
    RAM (as Tested) 16
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 13.4
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 13:52
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 2.9
    Wireless Networking 802.11ax
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) Review
  • Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (Mid-2019, OLED)
    Hardcore Gamers, Content Creators

    Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (Mid-2019, OLED)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Brilliant 4K OLED display with eye-popping picture quality.
      • Premium build quality and design.
      • Top-end components for 60fps gaming at sub-4K resolutions.
      • Good battery life.
      • Per-key RGB keyboard backlighting.
      • OLED config is expensive.
      • Can't maintain 60fps at 4K in AAA titles.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Razer's Blade 15 Advanced Model was always envy-inducing, and the OLED-screen version makes it even more so. It's pricey, even for a gaming laptop, but if you can afford it, you'll find it sleek, satisfying, and powerful.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.7 by 14 by 9.25 inches
    Graphics Memory 8
    Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080
    Laptop Class Desktop Replacement
    Native Display Resolution 3840 by 2160
    Operating System Windows 10
    Panel Technology OLED
    Processor Intel Core i7-9750H
    Processor Speed 2.6
    RAM (as Tested) 16
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 15.6
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 6:53
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 4.87
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (Mid-2019, OLED) Review
  • HP Spectre x360 13 (2019)
    Style-Conscious Users, General Computing

    HP Spectre x360 13 (2019)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Corner-mounted power button and USB port.
      • Excellent battery life.
      • Sleek design.
      • Cumbersome touchpad.
      • Bottom of laptop gets very warm.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    With head-turning looks, long battery life, and innovative port placement, the HP Spectre x360 13 is an excellent 2-in-1 convertible laptop.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.6 by 12.2 by 8.6 inches
    Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics 620
    Laptop Class Convertible 2-in-1
    Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i7-8565U
    Processor Speed 1.8
    RAM (as Tested) 8
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 13.3
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 20:38
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 2.9
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More HP Spectre x360 13 (2019) Review Review
  • Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
    Creative Professionals

    Asus ZenBook Pro Duo

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Unique ScreenPad Plus second display simplifies workflows.
      • Main display is an OLED panel.
      • Excellent design and build quality.
      • Intel Core i9 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 offer computing muscle.
      • Included stylus and wrist rest.
      • Cramped keyboard and touchpad.
      • No SD card reader.
      • Heavy.
      • Short battery life.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is a thoughtful, albeit pricey, reinvention of the laptop, with a second screen in the keyboard base and an Intel Core i9 processor that should appeal to creative professionals with resource-intensive workflows.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.94 by 14.1 by 9.7 inches
    Graphics Memory 6
    Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
    Laptop Class Desktop Replacement
    Native Display Resolution 3840 by 2160
    Operating System Windows 10 Pro
    Panel Technology OLED
    Processor Intel Core i9-9980HK
    Processor Speed 2.4
    RAM (as Tested) 32
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 15.6
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 5:22
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 5.5
    Wireless Networking 802.11ax
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Asus ZenBook Pro Duo Review Review
  • Google Pixelbook Go
    Chrome Fans, Frequent Travelers

    Google Pixelbook Go

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Chic styling.
      • Magnesium alloy body.
      • High-quality 1080p camera.
      • Good audio output.
      • Long battery life.
      • Expensive for a Chromebook.
      • No digital stylus support.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Google Pixelbook Go is a well-built and stylish ultraportable, albeit one that costs far more than most of its Chromebook brethren.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.5 by 8.1 by 12.2 inches
    Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics 615
    Laptop Class Chromebook
    Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080
    Operating System Google Chrome OS
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i5-8200Y
    Processor Speed 1.3
    RAM (as Tested) 8
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 13.3
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 18:54
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 2.3
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Google Pixelbook Go Review Review
  • Acer Predator Helios 300 (2019)
    Serious Gamers on a Budget

    Acer Predator Helios 300 (2019)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Unbeatable gaming performance for the price.
      • Solid build.
      • 144Hz display.
      • Good port selection.
      • Seamlessly integrated component monitoring and boosting.
      • 256GB of storage restrictive for gaming.
      • Brief battery life.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Performing like a pricier machine without skimping on build quality or features, Acer's 2019 Predator Helios 300 delivers excellent value. It's our new top pick among entry-level gaming laptops.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.9 by 14.2 by 10 inches
    Graphics Memory 6
    Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
    Laptop Class Gaming
    Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i7-9750H
    Processor Speed 2.6
    RAM (as Tested) 16
    Screen Refresh Rate 144
    Screen Size 15.6
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 3:19
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 5.1
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Acer Predator Helios 300 (2019) Review Review
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-Inch)
    Content Creators, Casual Gamers

    Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-Inch)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Attractive, unassuming design.
      • Thin and light for a 15-inch laptop.
      • Bright, vivid 3:2 display.
      • Comfortable touchpad.
      • Optional extras (such as the Surface Dock) are pricey.
      • Limited selection of ports.
      • No Wi-Fi 6 support.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    With a large 3:2 screen, a comfortable touchpad, light weight for its size, and decent performance (powered by new partner AMD), Microsoft's larger-screen Surface Laptop 3 is an excellent mainstream machine.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.57 by 13.4 by 9.6 inches
    Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Vega 9
    Laptop Class Desktop Replacement
    Laptop Class Ultraportable
    Native Display Resolution 2496 by 1664
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
    Processor Speed 2.1
    RAM (as Tested) 16
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 15
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 11:00
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support FreeSync
    Weight 3.4
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-Inch) Review Review
  • Acer Chromebook 514
    Budget Buyers

    Acer Chromebook 514

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp-looking aluminum design for a budget machine.
      • Excellent battery life.
      • Touch display (as tested) looks great.
      • Comfortable backlit keyboard.
      • Big touchpad.
      • Processor could use a pick-me-up.
      • Ho-hum speakers.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Aluminum-clad and ready for all day off the plug, the Acer Chromebook 514 is a reasonably-priced standout on the premium Chromebook stage that's right-priced for students and budget buyers.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 64
    Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.7 by 12.7 by 9.1 inches
    Graphics Processor Intel HD Graphics 505
    Laptop Class Chromebook
    Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080
    Operating System Google Chrome OS
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Pentium N4200
    Processor Speed 1.1
    RAM (as Tested) 8
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 14
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 13:40
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 3.31
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Acer Chromebook 514 Review Review
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 7 (2019)
    Businesses, Frequent Travelers

    Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 7 (2019)

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Thin, light, and very sturdy.
      • ThinkPad-typical comfortable keyboard.
      • Long battery life, as configured with 1080p screen.
      • Many screen options.
      • Optional Intel vPro.
      • Full-size HDMI output.
      • Small touchpad.
      • Requires (not-included) Ethernet adapter.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    With a sturdy, lightweight carbon-fiber exterior, an excellent keyboard, and plenty of security and manageability features, Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 7 is the best laptop you can buy for your business.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.59 by 12.7 by 8.6 inches
    Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics 620
    Laptop Class Business
    Laptop Class Ultraportable
    Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080
    Operating System Windows 10 Pro
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i5-8265U
    Processor Speed 1.9
    RAM (as Tested) 8
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 14
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 14:29
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 2.4
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 7 (2019) Review Review
  • Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (2019)
    Best for Frequent Travelers, General Use

    Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (2019)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Thin, light, and stylish.
      • Excellent trackpad.
      • Long battery life.
      • Brilliant display.
      • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
      • Relatively expensive, even in starting config.
      • Limited connectivity for peripherals in lower-end models.
      • Polarizing keyboard lacks vertical travel.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The 13-inch MacBook Pro is Apple's best ultraportable laptop, thanks to stylish looks, an excellent touchpad, and long battery life.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Class Ultraportable
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.59 by 12 by 8.4 inches
    Graphics Processor Intel Iris Plus 655
    Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600
    Operating System Apple macOS Sierra
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i5-8257U
    Processor Speed 1.4
    RAM (as Tested) 8
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 13.3
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 13:32
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 3
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (2019) Review
Laptop Picks for Everyone on Your Holiday List

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
LG Gram 17

LG Gram 17

Dell XPS 13 (9380)

Dell XPS 13 (9380)

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390, 2019)

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390, 2019)

Our Pick
LG Gram 17
LG Gram 17
Dell XPS 13 (9380)
Dell XPS 13 (9380)
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390, 2019)
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390, 2019)
Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (Mid-2019, OLED)
Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (Mid-2019, OLED)
HP Spectre x360 13 (2019)
HP Spectre x360 13 (2019)
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
Google Pixelbook Go
Google Pixelbook Go
Acer Predator Helios 300 (2019)
Acer Predator Helios 300 (2019)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-Inch)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-Inch)
Acer Chromebook 514
Acer Chromebook 514
LG Gram 17
LG Gram 17
Dell XPS 13 (9380)
Dell XPS 13 (9380)
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390, 2019)
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390, 2019)
Rating
3.5 Good
5.0 Exemplary
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
5.0 Exemplary
4.5 Outstanding
Best For
Big-Screen Fans, Frequent Travelers
Style-Conscious Power Users
Best for Style-Conscious Frequent Travelers
Hardcore Gamers, Content Creators
Style-Conscious Users, General Computing
Creative Professionals
Chrome Fans, Frequent Travelers
Serious Gamers on a Budget
Content Creators, Casual Gamers
Budget Buyers
Big-Screen Fans, Frequent Travelers
Style-Conscious Power Users
Best for Style-Conscious Frequent Travelers
Wireless Networking
802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ax, BluetoothBluetooth, 802.11ac802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ax, Bluetooth802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ac, Bluetooth802.11ax, Bluetooth
Weight
2.952.72.94.872.95.52.35.13.43.312.952.72.9
Variable Refresh Support
NoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneFreeSyncNoneNoneNoneNone
Touch Screen
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:1111:1013:526:5320:385:2218:543:1911:0013:4017:1111:1013:52
Screen Size
1713.313.415.613.315.613.315.615141713.313.4
Screen Refresh Rate
606060606060601446060606060
RAM (as Tested)
16161616832816168161616
Processor Speed
1.81.81.32.61.82.41.32.62.11.11.81.81.3
Processor
Intel Core i7-8565UIntel Core i7-8565UIntel Core i7-1065G7Intel Core i7-9750HIntel Core i7-8565UIntel Core i9-9980HKIntel Core i5-8200YIntel Core i7-9750HAMD Ryzen 5 3580UIntel Pentium N4200Intel Core i7-8565UIntel Core i7-8565UIntel Core i7-1065G7
Panel Technology
IPSIPSIPSOLEDIPSOLEDIPSIPSIPSIPSIPSIPSIPS
Operating System
Windows 10 HomeWindows 10Windows 10 HomeWindows 10Windows 10 HomeWindows 10 ProGoogle Chrome OSWindows 10 HomeWindows 10 HomeGoogle Chrome OSWindows 10 HomeWindows 10Windows 10 Home
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 16003840 by 21601920 by 12003840 by 21601920 by 10803840 by 21601920 by 10801920 by 10802496 by 16641920 by 10802560 by 16003840 by 21601920 by 1200
Laptop Class
Ultraportable, Desktop ReplacementUltraportableConvertible 2-in-1Desktop ReplacementConvertible 2-in-1Desktop ReplacementChromebookGamingUltraportable, Desktop ReplacementChromebookUltraportable, Desktop ReplacementUltraportableConvertible 2-in-1
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics 620Intel UHD Graphics 620Intel Iris PlusNvidia GeForce RTX 2080Intel UHD Graphics 620Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060Intel UHD Graphics 615Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 TiAMD Radeon Vega 9Intel HD Graphics 505Intel UHD Graphics 620Intel UHD Graphics 620Intel Iris Plus
Graphics Memory
1686616
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 15 by 10.5 inches0.46 by 11.9 by 7.8 inches0.51 by 11.7 by 8.2 inches0.7 by 14 by 9.25 inches0.6 by 12.2 by 8.6 inches0.94 by 14.1 by 9.7 inches0.5 by 8.1 by 12.2 inches0.9 by 14.2 by 10 inches0.57 by 13.4 by 9.6 inches0.7 by 12.7 by 9.1 inches0.7 by 15 by 10.5 inches0.46 by 11.9 by 7.8 inches0.51 by 11.7 by 8.2 inches
Boot Drive Type
SSDSSDSSDSSDSSDSSDSSDSSDSSDeMMC Flash MemorySSDSSDSSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
51215125122561256256512645121512

Buying Guide: Laptop Picks for Everyone on Your Holiday List

Holiday Gift Guide

None

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For more gift options, check out our picks for best tech gifts under $50, under $100, and our full Holiday Gift Guide. Our friends at Mashable have also collected their favorite tech gifts under $20.

About Our Expert

Matthew Buzzi

Matthew Buzzi

Principal Writer, Hardware

My Experience

I’ve been a consumer PC expert at PCMag for 10 years, and I love PC gaming. I've played games on my computer for as long as I can remember, which eventually (as it does for many) led me to build and upgrade my own desktops to this day. Through my years at PCMag, I've tested and reviewed many, many dozens of laptops and desktops, and I am always happy to recommend a PC for your needs and budget.

The Technology I Use

The single piece of technology I use the most (by far!) is my self-built desktop. I spend a lot of my time gaming (and now, working) on this system, and I’m likely to continue upgrading it in some form forever. As it relates to my work at PCMag, it’s a vital window into keeping up to date with components, performance, and the latest titles. On the smartphone front, I’m a full-time Android user.

I’m always eyeing my next GPU upgrade, but the consistent part of my gaming setup has been a 165Hz 1440p monitor; I think this remains the sweet spot for the time being. A dual-monitor setup has been essential for work and play; my second screen is either a productivity monitor, playing videos for entertainment, or being used for console gaming, depending on the time of day.

Speaking of which, I may be primarily a PC gamer, but (like any good gaming enthusiast without enough discipline) I also own a PlayStation 5, an Xbox Series S, a Steam Deck, and a Nintendo Switch 2. The PS5 and Xbox are hooked up to a living-room television for a more laid-back couch experience; I've found Gamepass to be especially handy for cooperative play and for taking my saved-game files from my desk to my couch through the cloud.

Read the latest from Matthew Buzzi

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