Computers have changed how modern life works and are our primary devices for work, studying, or entertainment. However, not all computers are created equal; quality, reliability, and the innovativeness of a PC are quite often dependent on the manufacturer’s name.
Some of the prominent names in the industry include Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, and MSI, who always remain at the forefront due to their performance and design.
Key Takeaways: Top 10 Computer Brands
- Apple: Premium, powerful, strong ecosystem.
- Dell: Versatile, reliable, strong in professional and gaming.
- HP: Wide range, good value, excellent for students.
- Lenovo: Rugged, reliable, popular ThinkPad line.
- ASUS: Stylish, strong in gaming (ROG), competitive pricing.
- Acer: Value-oriented, good for students and budget-conscious users.
- Microsoft (Surface): Innovative hybrids, stylish, touchscreen focus.
- Razer: High-end gaming, premium design, strong cooling.
- MSI: Powerful gaming and workstations, advanced cooling.
- Samsung: Excellent displays, lightweight, stylish Galaxy Book series.
Having a good brand means adequate quality, longevity, and assistance in case of needing help in the future.
This article will help you examine the best 10 computer brands of 2024, highlighting what makes each stand out, their best models, and the pros and cons of choosing them.
In the end, you will clearly know which PC is ideal for your requirements.
Let’s jump right in!
What should you look for in a computer brand?
Choosing the right computer brand is crucial to ensuring performance, reliability, and support for your personal or business needs. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision.
Performance:
When it comes to choosing a computer, performance is among the top requirements. Remember that it all comes down to the hardware inside, like the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), and the type of storage it uses.
If you are a gamer, a creative professional, or basically anyone who works with heavy software and apps, performance can never be underestimated. If there’s editing of videos, 3D rendering, Utilizing CAD applications (such as Onshape, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks), or gaming, all these require a fast CPU and enough RAM for tasks to be completed without issues.
As for average users, it’s a little bit easier. If you are browsing the internet, reading and sending emails, or even creating text documents, all of these do not require the most powerful processor. Even the simplest of CPUs and the lowest tiers of RAM are more than enough for these tasks.
That said, more technical specifications do not define all of the performance. Be it either a high-end machine or a low-end one, users do not want a lagging machine. It should boot up fast and be capable of multitasking without slowing down.
To really understand how a brand performs, it’s smart to look at the history of its models. Checking reviews can tell you a lot about their speed and reliability. A brand with a strong track record will likely have plenty of users vouching for its performance and effectiveness.
Durability:
A PC’s build quality may give you an idea of how long it will last. This encompasses the materials that were used in its construction, the keyboard and trackpad responsiveness, and the degree of mobility of the hinges in the case of computers.
A PC that is considered rugged doesn’t only withstand an unintentional drop but also enjoys considerable use without showing any wear and tear.
Laptop users who operate within a business context or students who are mobile need a gadget that is travel-friendly.
Durable devices usually use either metal casing or reinforced plastic materials that encase and assist the protection of the device’s inner material.
As for the desktops, they should give a sense of good quality making in such a way that their materials do not bend or break. For longevity purposes, which means fewer repairs and fewer hassles, brands that are most considered to have strong construction usually will top the list.
Innovation:
Brands are eager to come up with new designs and develop new products faster than their competitors in this ever-evolving technological climate. Some fine examples of innovation are extended battery life, advanced cooling technologies for gaming laptops, and ultra-thin portable designs.
Users will find some manufacturers who build 2-in-1 laptops that combine a tablet with a laptop, as well as companies that focus on producing devices from a sustainable point of view.
For people working with creative materials, innovations that provide higher-resolution displays with a wider color gamut are of great importance.
Competitive gamers gain the advantage of being able to get faster refresh rates with superb graphics performance. It’s not only about having amazing new features; this is a way of providing tools that help transform your computer into a more comfortable and fun machine.
Support:
The worth of a PC brand can be determined by the assistance they provide if something goes wrong. This includes providing timely responses and assistance and resolving any problems with tech support in a fast and efficient manner.
To a lot of users, the presence of support, including a phone or online support, tends to save them from quite an aggravation.
Happily, brands that offer world-class warranties also tend to stand out. Having a good warranty or guarantee is an assurance that the company is dependable and has confidence in its products. Companies that provide longer warranties or protection against accidental damage should be the first choice.
So, if purchasing expensive computers is the goal, the ideal scenario for them would be where support and repair options are outstanding.
Value:
Certainly, the aspect of price cannot be ignored; however, it is not only what you spend that matters; it is what you get for your money as well.
A rather expensive PC may be well built, high performing and come with good support, so such a purchase may be worthwhile.
Then again, brands within a prudent range could still be good value for money if they feature quite a number of aspects.
For those who game, a premium may be acceptable for improved cooling and hardware.
For students, on the other hand, an affordable choice with good structural design and notable performance would do the job.
Think about what aspects are the most important for you in a laptop and what other devices the company offers before buying to avoid spending too much money.
Matching features to needs:
What is crucial to one user may not be important to another.
For example, gamers will be particularly concerned about its speed and consider it as well as its processors and cooling fan units.
Specialists and creators push for high performance and additional qualities such as optimizations in displaying images and the size of working memory.
Students tend to focus on weight, battery life, and, of course, the price.
It’s a matter of combining these priorities in the right way when selecting a specific brand and model. With these requirements, you will be able to find a computer that would suit your daily activities.
Top 10 computer brands: Finding the right fit in 2025
When it comes to computers, choosing the best brand largely relies on one’s needs. Whether one’s working, gaming, studying, or creating, it fits perfectly as different brands have their different strong points.
So, in order to help you make the best option, we will show you the 10 top computer brands.
1. Apple
Apple is one of the most popular and sought-after computer brands, sometimes even called ‘the King of laptops’ because of its sturdy design, great features, and superb ecosystem.
Its share is also increasing every year and is currently the favorite brand of many creatives and professionals.
Apple’s PCs are made for easy interaction with other Apple products.
Its in-house manufactured M1, M2, M3 and M4 chips provide the fastest performance speeds in the industry; thus, as Apple PCs, they are suitable for video production, music production, graphic design, and so forth.
Speed, security, and ease of use are guaranteed on the macOS operating system as well.
Popular models:
- MacBook Pro: This outstanding model has become a preferred choice of professionals due to its high efficiency and breathtaking Retina display
- MacBook Air: This model is clunky; hence, it is highly popular among students and light users.
Global standing:
Apple is always on the list of the top computer brands in the rank of revenue generation; however, regarding units sold, its market share is lower than that of Lenovo or HP.
Since the price for Apple is always quite high, it takes the leading position with regard to quality and the last position with regard to quantity sold.
Who it’s best for?
Apple fits very well with creative professionals, students with some allowance, and anyone who needs a premium, durable, and reliable device.
Pros:
- Exceptional display quality
- Strong performance
- Seamless ecosystem
- Long-lasting devices
- High resale value
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited hardware customization
- Fewer budget options
- Restricted to macOS apps
- Less repair-friendly
2. Dell
Dell has earned its spot as a top player in the PC world, offering flexible and customizable devices. It’s known for being reliable and innovative, especially in professional, gaming, and education markets.
There are plenty of offerings ranging from the base model to the most expensive and powerful laptops across PC domains.
The XPS series is their flagship model with great design together with immense power that certainly puts them on par with Apple’s MacBook Pro. For gamer enthusiasts, Dell has its Alienware, and pretty much the brand needs no introduction as it features some of the best gaming laptops and desktops.
Popular models:
- XPS Series: Lightweight, easy to carry, and cool, this series is very powerful and useful for all professionals and artists.
- Alienware: These laptops are classified and designed for gamers and such laptops possess a high-end GPU and come equipped with advanced cooling systems.
Dell consistently ranks among the top 5 largest computer companies worldwide. Certainly, it does not stand out as the leader in the total market share of computer hardware but has significant power in the professional and gaming areas.
Who it’s best for?
Dell will suit professionals, artists, and gaming enthusiasts in need of consistent performance but allows them the option of personalization.
Pros:
- Solid designed
- Hardware can be configured
- Great assistance from support
- Many choices for all wallets
- Great visuals
Cons:
- High-end ones tend to be pricey
- Low- to mid-range models lack originality
- Some versions do not have long battery life
- Heavier than competing brands
- Can be susceptible to heat if under load
3. HP (Hewlett-Packard)
HP is a well-known name in the world of computers. They make laptops and desktops for everyone—students, professionals, and small businesses.
What’s great about HP is the variety. They have a model for just about any budget. If you want something high-end and versatile, check out the Spectre x360 series. For students or everyday use, the Pavilion line is affordable and reliable. HP laptops are also known for long battery life, which is perfect for people on the go.
Top picks:
- Spectre x360: A sleek, 2-in-1 laptop for professionals and creatives.
- Pavilion Series: Budget-friendly and dependable, great for students.
Who it’s for?
HP works well for small businesses, students, and anyone who wants a reliable computer without spending too much.
Pros
- Wide range of models.
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Affordable prices.
- Stylish designs.
Cons
- Some models aren’t as durable as competitors.
- Lower-end models can feel cheap.
- Pre-installed software (bloatware) can be annoying.
- Customer service can vary.
3. Lenovo
In 2023, Lenovo topped the global PC leaderboard with 59.7 million sales and a 24.7% market share. Especially popular in Asia and Europe, they offer most of us something—from business users to students.
Lenovo is most famous for building rugged, utilitarian laptops. Another popular choice is the ThinkPad line, which comes with a near-legendary build as well as large touchpads. If you want a laptop that also doubles as a tablet, then the Yoga series is an excellent choice.
Top picks
- ThinkPad X1 Carbon: A thin, light, and powerful laptop for business professionals.
- Yoga Series: A 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen, ideal for students and creatives.
Who it’s for?
Ideal for business users who will need something quite tough and long-lasting. Also, perfect for students who are likely to work all day on a single charge.
Pros
- Strong, durable build.
- Excellent keyboards.
- Innovative 2-in-1 designs.
- Great value for money.
Cons
- Designs can feel plain.
- Fewer premium models compared to competitors.
- Some laptops are heavier.
- Certain models lack high-end displays.
4. ASUS
ASUS stands out for its bold designs and focus on gaming. They also offer stylish laptops for professionals and students at competitive prices. If you’re into gaming, their Republic of Gamers (ROG) line is top-notch. For something sleek and lightweight, the ZenBook series is a great pick.
ASUS is known for combining performance with eye-catching designs. Whether you’re a gamer or just want a reliable, good-looking laptop, ASUS has options.
Top picks:
- ROG Zephyrus: A powerful gaming laptop with excellent cooling.
- ZenBook Series: A slim, elegant laptop for daily use.
Who it’s for?
ASUS is a great choice for gamers, creatives, and anyone who wants high performance without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Great for gaming.
- Unique, innovative designs.
- Good value.
- High refresh rate screens.
- Strong cooling systems.
Cons
- Battery life varies between models.
- Build quality isn’t always consistent.
- Premium models can be pricey.
- Software bloat can be an issue.
- Repairs can be difficult.
6. Acer
Acer is known for producing value-for-money computers that give reliable performance. This is a perfect brand for students, casual users, and budget-conscious gamers because of its wide product lineup from the most basic laptops to the most powerful gaming machines.
Acer dominates the market for affordable everyday usage. The Aspire line is great for general purposes, and the Predator range gives excellent game performance.
It also makes good lightweight Chromebooks, highly popular in educational settings.
Popular models:
- Aspire Series: Good laptops designed for students and ordinary users without putting too much strain on the wallet.
- Predator Helios: Mid-range gaming laptop with decent graphics and heat management.
- Chromebooks: lightweight and decent for rudimentary activities and schooling.
Who it’s best for?
Acer seems to be quite apt for students, budget-conscious buyers, and entry-level gamers who wish for an average performance that does not cost too much.
Pros:
- Low prices on all available models.
- Lightweight options like Chromebooks for portability.
- Decent graphics on mid-range Predator models.
- A huge variety of products are available to suit customers’ specifications.
- Good customer support.
Cons:
- The quality of the parts is not as high as in premium units.
- In more demanding tasks, this might be a slower-performing unit.
- The range of battery life is a big issue, with each model having quite a different stamina.
- The design generally feels quite old in front of the competition.
7. Microsoft (Surface)
The Microsoft Surface Collection is widely recognized for its original and modern hybrids on the market to replace tablets and laptops. It is ideal for students, professionals, and creatives who need portable equipment that is stylish as well.
The secret to Microsoft’s success is a combination of lightweight, premium build quality, and impressive touchscreen features.
Microsoft, in particular, expands the target audience of the Pro series devices, which are a hybrid between a tablet and a laptop.
Popular models:
- Surface Pro 9: A tablet/laptop hybrid that appeals to both students and professionals because it can accommodate both.
- Surface Laptop Studio: The only laptop developed for the creative professional with a good CPU and amazing displays.
- Surface Go: Very basic surface go for light computational activities and is easy on the wallet.
Who it’s best for?
Portability and touch-screen-enabled functionalities are the main selling points of Microsoft Surface for students, creatives, and professionals.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable designs.
- Stunning touchscreen displays.
- Premium build quality.
- Excellent for productivity and creative tasks.
- Seamless integration with Windows 11.
Cons:
- Expensive for the hardware specs.
- Limited storage and ports in some models.
- Battery life could be better.
- Less suited for heavy gaming or intensive tasks.
- Accessories like the Surface Pen and Keyboard are sold separately.
8. Razer
Razer is one of the top gaming laptop manufacturers, with laptops that have stunning looks and are powerful in every sense. It is quite a gamer’s brand but also suitable for professionals who want high-power devices.
Razer PCs are equipped with modern graphics as well as a slim and fashionable profile. Their brand is largely known for RGB lighting technology and advanced cooling systems.
The Razer Blade series boasts heavy gaming laptops topped with lightweight components with portable usability.
Popular models:
- Razer Blade 15: A versatile gaming machine that presents incredible graphics.
- Razer Blade Stealth: Easy to carry and according to its specs, which is good for both business and gaming purposes.
- Razer Book: A lightweight laptop with optimum looks suitable for professional use.
Who it’s best for?
Razer is à la mode among the gamers, the creatives, as well as the professionals who appreciate the concept of design together with the performance and gaming graphics.
Pros:
- High-performance graphics and gaming.
- Sleek and stylish builds.
- Lightweight designs for portability in gaming.
- Great display quality with fast refresh rates.
- Awesome cooling system with high usage.
Cons:
- It is pricey compared to rivals.
- It runs hot under heavy loads.
- Gaming laptops have an average battery life.
- Casual users may not have much of a choice.
- Primarily focused on gaming, less versatile.
9. MSI
MSI has become a big name for its line of powerful gaming PCs and workstations. It is a popular brand among gamers or professionals who require a strong machine for heavy-duty tasks such as editing videos or rendering graphics.
Performance-focused features like improved cooling systems and high-quality graphics are features built into MSI laptops. Their Creator line is aimed at the prospective market, whereas the Stealth and the Titan models are more appealing to hardcore gamers.
Popular models:
- MSI Stealth 15M: The laptop is perfect for gamers on the go thanks to its durable construction and complex character.
- Creator Z16: It is the most suitable model for experts where heavy workloads are usual.
- MSI Titan GT77: An extreme machine for extreme gaming and productivity supremacy.
Who it’s best for?
MSI can easily be described as a gamer and video editor brand that has a very strong hold on the visual performance graphics.
Pros:
- Top-notch gaming and graphics performance.
- High-quality cooling systems.
- Robust builds that can take heavy use.
- Good variety of gaming and creator-focused models.
- Competitive pricing for performance specs.
Cons:
- Heavy and not as portable as other brands.
- Less battery life on high-performance models.
- Expensive premium models.
- Customer support varies by region.
- Casual users have only a few choices.
10. Samsung
Samsung brings its expertise in display technology to the laptop market, offering lightweight and visually stunning devices. Known for its Galaxy Book series, Samsung targets students and professionals who value portability and integration with other Samsung products.
One standout feature is its display quality, with AMOLED screens that offer vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
Popular models:
- Galaxy Book3 Ultra: A premium laptop with exceptional display and performance.
- Galaxy Book3 Pro: Lightweight and portable, ideal for on-the-go professionals.
- Galaxy Chromebook 2: Affordable and efficient for basic tasks.
Who it’s best for?
Samsung laptops are great for students, casual users, and professionals who prioritize portability and stunning visuals.
Pros:
- Superior display quality.
- Lightweight and portable designs.
- Seamless integration with Samsung devices.
- Great for productivity and multimedia use.
- Good battery life in most models.
Cons:
- Limited high-performance options.
- Fewer configurations compared to competitors.
- Expensive premium models.
- Build quality is good but not exceptional.
- Less variety for gamers or creators.
How to choose a perfect brand that works for you?
Choosing the perfect brand is not really that complicated. To begin, you have to ask yourself questions that you feel are important.
Are you looking for something for your own personal use or for business? This would help in looking for the relevant features. For instance, if it’s for work, it would probably be nice to have a reasonably priced one with a good warranty and strong backup support.
Next is determining the price point. You need to know the upper limit of your expenditure and observe it. Don’t just look at the price tag—think about what you’re getting for the money.
Last but not least, think about the future. Is there a comprehensive warranty included? Is it possible to improve it later, if necessary? In some cases, the extra cost investment on the initial purchase proves to be beneficial in the long run.
Be patient, try out various options, and go for what feels right.