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What laptop do I actually need? Taking the confusion out of your buying choices

Take the confusion out of buying with our handy guide to choosing your next laptop, with ideas for work, play, gaming or design.


By EE in partnership with T3

Updated July 2025

Men and women having chit-chat


When it comes to choosing a new laptop, the options available can be overwhelming. You need to think about everything from the screen size and amount of storage to just how much memory and processor speed you require. Then, there’s the ultimate choice of Mac or PC to throw into the mix.

The good news is that unless you’re doing intensive video production or competitive gaming, any of the laptops on this list will cater to your needs. (We’ve got suggestions for gamers and video editors, too.)


T3's TOP PICKS

Macbook Air 13 inch
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 16 GB

The 13” MacBook Air with M4 chip is supercharged for speed and built for Apple Intelligence, helping you work, create and multitask effortlessly. Enjoy up to 18 hours of battery life, a vibrant 13.6” Liquid Retina display, and a slim, lightweight design that’s easy to take anywhere.

From

£19.77£19.77

a month

Asus 14 inch OLED Zenbook
Asus 14" OLED Zenbook

The Zenbook is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and Intel Arc Graphics, with a generous 1TB SSD for storage and 32GB of memory - which means it can handle more tasks at once.

From

£90.00£90.00

a month

Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 16"
Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 16"

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 16" combines power and flexibility in a sleek 2-in-1 design. With a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen, long-lasting battery and Intel Core Ultra processor, it’s built for smooth multitasking, streaming and creativity on the go. Plus, with S Pen support and seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration, you can work, sketch and stay connected your way.

From

£82.43£82.43

a month

EE Quote symbol

“The very latest laptops at EE also offer AI capabilities to make your laptop workflow even easier...”

Best models for work and play

If you just want to browse the web and use basic office tools, a Chromebook is also worth considering as they provide all the basic functions for a fraction of the price of a fully fledged Windows or Mac device. Some models to look at would be the Samsung Chromebook Go, Samsung Chromebook Plus and Acer Chromebook Plus.

If you’re looking for one device that can cover you for all occasions, below are our top three recommendations.

Microsoft Surface 13.5 inch Laptop
Microsoft Surface 13.5” Laptop

This can work as a laptop or a tablet, thanks to the removable keyboard. Plus, it features a 13.5" OLED touchscreen display, 14 hours of battery life and the latest Copilot +PC AI capabilities.

From

£95.18£95.18

a month

Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3 Chromebook
Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3

For students, casual users, and entertainment lovers, this device delivers a seamless experience. Thin and lightweight, it’s easy to take anywhere for study, social media, or streaming.

From

£19.50£19.50

a month

Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot 15"
Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot 15"

Experience next-level productivity with the Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot. Featuring a vivid 2.8K IPS display for stunning clarity, this versatile device is powered by the fast Snapdragon X Elite processor and 16GB RAM for seamless multitasking.

From

£101.18£101.18

a month

Best for design and editing

For professional video and audio editors, there’s one machine that has become a staple, and that’s the MacBook Pro. The latest Apple MacBook Pro M4 Max is the most powerful model to date. Available in both the 14" and 16" display sizes, you can customise the standard model up to a 40-core graphics processor, 128GB memory and 8TB storage.

Here are some of EE's best picks for design, editing, and everyday productivity..

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 15.6"
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 15.6"

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge delivers powerful performance with a Snapdragon 8 Core processor, 16GB RAM, and a spacious 512GB SSD. Enjoy vibrant visuals on the large display and seamless multitasking for work, creativity, and entertainment.

From

£67.43£67.43

a month

Asus Vivobook S 15.6"
Asus Vivobook S 15.6"

The ASUS Vivobook S15 OLED delivers stunning visuals on a 15.6” OLED display, powered by an AMD Ryzen AI9 processor for smooth, responsive performance. With long battery life, smart AI features, and ample storage, it’s perfect for work and entertainment.

From

£90.00£90.00

a month

ASUS ProArt PX13 OLED 13.3"
ASUS ProArt PX13 OLED 13.3"

The ASUS ProArt PX13 OLED is a powerful, portable 13.3” 3K OLED touchscreen device with a 360° flip design, perfect for creators who need flexibility and precision on the go.

From

£150.00£150.00

a month

EE Quote symbol
“The benefit of a laptop is that you can take it with you when you travel or use the same device at work and home.”

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