1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best performance
4. Best Windows laptop
5. Best portable
6. Best OLED screen
7. Best large screen
8. Best battery life
9. Best for students
10. Best 2-in-1
11. Best gaming
12. Laptops FAQs
13. How we test
When you're looking for the best laptop for astronomy there are a few things that must stand out. The device will need to have a dedicated graphics card to run intensive visual-heavy workloads and it could also do with an expansive display that has a high degree of color accuracy.
These qualities are especially key if you're looking to run some of the best photo editing apps like Adobe Photoshop — and it needs a fair degree if firepower under the hood if you want to run cutting-edge astronomy software smoothly.
Of course, your budget matters too — and your specific requirements will influence which machine you end up with. You could, for example, decide to opt for the 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M3 Max processor, but it maybe overkill and knock you way over budget if you don't need to run the most powerful programs. On the other hand, less expensive alternatives may not give you the quality of display you need.
You should also consider gaming laptops, given they are fundamentally designed to provide high performance and strong graphics output. They'll also come fitted with high-end cooling technology to keep performance higher for longer. Read on to discover the models we'd recommend in various categories.
The quick list
A great performance machine with a long battery life, ideal for running heavy-duty software on the move.
The M3 Max has one of the best processors out there, but has a huge price tag to match.
This sleek and lightweight laptop gives great performance and boasts a stunning OLED display.
An amazingly thin laptop that offers maximum performance on the move. It has great battery life and boasts powerful specs too.
Best for people who work with a lot of graphics, the OLED display is immersive and even offers glasses-free 3D.
The stunning 4K display is the main attraction here, as is the impressive performance, though it is expensive.
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A near 19-hour lifespan is impressive — perfect for on-the-go work, though it is heavier than other models in this guide.
This is one of the best value models around, ideal for students, it has huge amounts of RAM and heaps of connectivity options, but the battery could be better.
A great choice for on-the-go multi-taskers, especially those with graphic-heavy work. It doubles as a tablet too.
Boasting an attractive, minimalist design, this laptop is perfect for graphics-heavy workloads. It's 240Hz OLED display is allegedly the most responsive ever.
Keumars is the technology editor at sister site Live Science. He has written for a variety of publications including ITPro, The Week Digital, ComputerActive and TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a technology journalist for more than five years, having previously held the role of features editor with ITPro.
The best laptops we recommend in 2024
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The best laptop overall
✅ You want a powerful MacBook you can take with you: If you need to run heavy-duty software while on the move.
✅ You want to run intensive workloads: The M3 series processors are among the best out there for most intensive workloads.
❌ You want the most powerful machine money can buy: The 16-inch MacBook Pro offers much more power.
❌ You're running a tight budget: This is not the right machine for you if you're looking to get as much value for money as possible.
🔎 The MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro, 2023) offers a great balance between performance, portability and a premium user experience. ★★★★½
The components fitted into the 14-inch MacBook Pro, namely the 11-core M3 Pro CPU and integrated 14-core graphics unit, means it's the perfect middle-ground.
It represents a best-of-both-worlds option between the top-of-the-line 16-inch alternative, fitted with the M3 Max processor, and a more affordable, portable machine. It's, therefore, ideal for graphically intensive workloads on the go, whether you're a gamer, creative, or graphic design professional.
Testing by Laptop showed, for instance, that it achieved 51 frames per second at 1200p on the Civilization VI benchmark — just 2fps shy of the premium laptop average. Its display is just as good-looking as you'd come to expect, meanwhile, with the liquid retina XDR technology making the screen pop.
This laptop has the same high build quality and design you'd expect from a premium Apple machine, meanwhile, and its battery life is exceptionally long compared with many other non-MacBook contenders.
It's also considerably cheaper than the larger and far more specced-up MacBook variations, including the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip. We'd keep that mind too, meaning it isn't suitable for those either on a tight budget or those willing to spend as much as it takes for the most powerful machine.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Great build and compact design |
| Functionality | A stunning 14-inch display and long-lasting battery |
| Performance | High-end performance thanks to the M3 Pro chip |
The best laptop for performance
✅ You want the most powerful MacBook: If you aren't willing to compromise on power and performance, there's no looking anywhere else.
✅ You need maximum power on the go: The MacBook Pro's excellent battery life makes it an ideal travel companion.
❌ You need to stick to a budget: The best-performing MacBook Pro is also its most expensive.
❌ You don't need this much power: There are better options out there if you aren't planning on running the heaviest workloads.
🔎 The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max, 2023) is an absolute powerhouse of a machine that might well blow you away. ★★★★★
In our review of the previous version of the 16-inch MacBook Pro in 2021, we found its M1 processor offered users desktop-class performance alongside a fantastic and large display. Now, three years on, the best MacBook Pro you can get, fitted with the M3 Max CPU, can't be beaten for performance.
Sadly, it'll set you back a huge amount of cash, but it's worth every penny if you have money to spend and you're a creative looking for the absolutely pinnacle of performance from a machine on the market right now.
The latest model features a far more advanced version of Apple's custom-built chip, with a 16-core processor and 40-core integrated graphics.
The 3,456 by 2,234-pixel liquid retina XDR display is also as sharp as ever, giving you an expansive and crisp panel with accurate colors for any media-centric tasks. The machine also allows for a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for a smoother experience.
Far from being a cherry on top, a major reason why you'd choose the MacBook Pro 16-inch is that battery life isn't compromised, which is a major risk with high-powered desktop-class laptops.
You can enjoy up to 22 hours of movie playback, according to the manufacturer, although this might be a little less with real-world usage.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Little change on a tried-and-tested form factor, unless you count its intriguing new Space Black coat. |
| Functionality | Packed with plenty of ports and a stunning display to boot. |
| Performance | The M3 Max is one of the best processors out there, and very little can compete with it. |
The best Windows laptop
✅ You want the best Windows laptop: There's a great array of Windows laptops to choose from, but the latest XPS 15 is a highlight.
✅ You need a gorgeous display: OLED brings out the best of the XPS 15's display — with stunning blacks and great colors.
❌ You need to work on the move: We'd recommend staying away from the XPS 15 if you're often using a laptop where power isn't accessible.
❌ You need lots of ports: The XPS 15 only has two USB-C ports, which is one significant downside of a thin and portable machine.
🔎 The Dell XPS 15 is the best Windows laptop out there right now. It offers great performance a stunning display, and it's relatively light for its size. ★★★★
You can't have a conversation about the best Windows laptops without mentioning Dell's XPS family, which has been a fixture in high-end portable computing for the best part of a decade. With last year's XPS 15, you should expect the same level of performance and portability that you've come to expect from previous editions.
You'll find, under the hood, the latest Nvidia graphics card and Intel processor, fitted into a well-engineered chassis that feels as premium as the price tag. You can also choose from several other configurations or customize your model based on your needs and budget, thankfully.
In the higher-end version of the XPS 15, its large 15.6-inch OLED display is a particular highlight, with a crisper image, more vibrant colors and deeper blacks than the standard HD display — but it very much is a luxury upgrade, as this does come at a cost.
Similarly, think about whether you need the latest processing and graphics components, as you may end up getting a much more powerful version of the XPS 15 than you really needed to.
The only major downside of note with this otherwise fantastic Windows laptop is its disappointing battery, according to sister site Tom's Guide, which lasted a suboptimal nine hours in testing. When you compare it to how long the MacBook Pro can last, for example, it's a real dampener.
Channel Editor, Jase Parnell-Brookes has owned a Dell XPS 15 since 2020 (not the latest model) and notes that they've experienced several common issues with this laptop, including needing to replace the DC port twice, trackpad and poor performance after only the first year of ownership.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Impressive look and feel — and built to last |
| Functionality | Lacks ports, but expansion units are available |
| Performance | Fitted with some of the best components you can find today |
The best portable laptop
✅ You're looking for maximum performance on the move: It's one of the sleekest 15-inch machines we've seen and has a great battery life.
✅ You want MacOS without breaking the bank: MacBook Airs tend to be much cheaper than their Pro cousins.
❌ You need to run the most intensive applications for longer: The lack of a dedicated cooling fan might lead to throttling in the long run.
❌ You want the brightest and best display: The liquid retina display is excellent, but not as bright or crisp as that in the MacBook Pro.
🔎 The MacBook Air 15-inch (M2, 2023) represents a fantastic piece of engineering and offers everything most people will need in a portable laptop. ★★★★★
Apple has shaken off some historic concerns with its MacBook Air line and we're left with a fantastic machine that can perform just as well as the MacBook Pro while looking just as slick.
The 15-inch version is a portable powerhouse, and offers users the scope to use a high-end machine that's also much more affordable and can be carried around for work on the move.
Although it misses out on the M3 chip, Apple's M2 CPU is more than good enough for highly intensive workloads, with the machine also offering users a lengthy battery life that means you only need to charge it up sparingly.
While it might not be as powerful as the MacBook Pro, which is fitted with the M3 series of CPUs, the machine has more compact dimensions.
This, however, comes at the cost of an absent cooling fan — meaning it may run hot when you're running the most intense applications for too long. This may slightly hamper performance, but even still the M2 chip can hit some of the highest performance levels under these conditions.
Elsewhere, the display is as crisp as we've come to expect from the latest MacBooks, and while not as sharp as the 16-inch MacBook Pro, it can compete with some of the best Windows laptops.
We are, however, disappointed with the lack of ports — but we're nitpicking, as the laptop probably wouldn't be as thin, light and portable if, say, it had extra slots like HDMI and USB-A.
| Attributes | Notes |
| Design | Supreme build quality and dimensions |
| Functionality | Lacks ports but more than makes up thanks to its portability |
| Performance | Great performance thanks to the M2 chip, but won't beat the MacBook Pro |
The best OLED laptop
✅ You're primarily working with graphics: The fantastic technology built into the OLED display coupled with great RAM, the graphics card and processing power make it ideal.
✅ You want an expansive screen: OLED displays tend to be far more immersive thanks to the deep blacks and rich colors.
❌ You're working on a budget: High-end components and a stunning display come at a hefty premium.
❌ You need a light machine: This laptop is anything but lightweight, so don't pick it up if you're planning on carrying it around.
🔎 The ASUS ProArt Studiobook is fitted with a stunning OLED display that justifies its curious build, and it also includes some of the most powerful components out there. ★★★★½
Where do we start with the ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED? It's an odd-looking machine that stands out from the crowd in more ways than one.
This is especially thanks to its touchpad, that is reinforced with haptic feedback, and a fantastic display with a 180-degree lay-flat hinge. A dial can also be configured for any app, while you can flick a special switch to boost graphics performance. In short, we think it's a masterstroke and a design risk that's paid off.
It's a portable workstation that packs a huge amount of power under the hood. It's geared primarily at creative professionals — meaning it's perfect for comparable workloads if you're into running astronomy software or need to work with images or videos regularly.
Beyond its high-end Intel and Nvidia chips is an OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and touchscreen capabilities. The manufacturer claims the 3,200 x 2,000-pixel display also has an impressive 0.2ms response time and scores 100% on a color accuracy test. The higher-end model can also render 3D images without the need for cumbersome 3D glasses.
This isn't to mention the laptop's in-built software tools for creatives, and its cooling system to make sure you aren't running too hot while trying to maximize performance. The laptop also features a full collection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI and an SD card slot among the options.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Unconventional design — love it or hate it |
| Functionality | Great hardware and software tools to enjoy |
| Performance | Great performance thanks to top-of-the-line components |
The best laptop for a large screen
✅ You want the best larger-screen laptop: Few come close to the Dell XPS 17's stunning 4K display.
✅ You need excellent performance: You can configure the XPS 17 to be fitted with components that offer a huge amount of power.
❌ You want a portable machine: While it's a stunning laptop, we wouldn't advise buying it if you plan on leaving the house with it.
❌ You want high performance on a budget: This is more of a luxury pick; there are better options if value-for-money is your primary concern.
🔎 The Dell XPS 17 9730 (2023) is a fantastic laptop that can meet your power and functionality needs while giving you one of the best displays too. ★★★★½
Although the Dell XPS 17 is no longer included in the latest line-up, that doesn't mean it's not worth considering now. This is arguably the best XPS 17 that Dell has manufactured through the years, and is a must-consider for those looking for the biggest screen in a high-end machine for astronomy.
Although there are laptops with larger displays on the market, this high-quality 4K display, coupled with the classic build quality and performance that you may have come to expect from an XPS laptop, means very little can get past this model.
Like all XPS machines, you can configure the XPS 17 extensively and choose from a full-HD or 4K display, as well as different CPU and GPU components as well as up to 64GB RAM. One of the best and most balanced configurations out there right now includes a top Intel i7 processor as well as 32GB RAM and a high-end Nvidia GPU.
The star of the show, however, is an expansive 3,840 x 2,400 touch display, which Dell claims has incredibly high color accuracy – and high brightness levels. What makes it even more special is the form factor; with tiny bezels, this is remarkably smaller than roughly 50% of 15-inch machines on the market.
Understandably, the maximum price ceiling is pretty high — so we'd only recommend pushing its limits if money isn't an object to getting the most you can out of the best big-screen laptop out there.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Impressively thin given its size |
| Functionality | Battery life could be much better |
| Performance | Exceptional performance thanks to its high-end components |
The best laptop for battery life
✅ You want the longest-lasting laptop: Although not quite hitting Apple's claims of 22 hours, a near-19-hour lifespan is nothing to be scoffed at.
✅ You want high-end performance: The previous generation's 16-inch MacBook Pro lacks the latest hardware but still packs a massive punch.
❌ You're looking for value for money: Although it's slightly cheaper than the latest M3 Max MacBook Pro, it's still an incredibly pricey model.
❌ You're prioritizing portability: The MacBook Pro is on the heavier side when it comes to laptops, and there are much smaller and lighter models out there.
🔎 The MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max, 2023) offers the longest battery life of all premium machines including Apple's latest devices. ★★★★
While there are newer laptops in the MacBook Pro range available, that doesn't mean they might represent the best value. Sure, you miss out on the M3 PRo and M3 Max processors, but only power users with the most demanding workloads will need to consider these machines. For those looking for a powerful machine for a little less, the 16-inch predecessor is a gem that you can grab for a relative bargain.
Despite being from the previous generation of high-end Apple laptops, the M2 Max is still an incredible chip and can generate performance scores to rival the best Windows machines today.
The machine also offers the same robust build quality and great screen as the latest Apple machines.
Its best aspect, however, is the stunningly lengthy battery life. Apple claims it can boast up to 22 hours of movie playback, as with the latest MacBook Pro units.
Testing by sister site Tom's Guide, however, generated a battery life of 18 hours and 56 minutes — slightly longer than the result for the M3 Max, which was 18 hours and 20 minutes.
If you're looking for a machine that boasts great performance — as well as the best battery life available, the previous generation of the MacBook Pro is the laptop for you.
It's especially worth considering if you don't need the most up-to-date specs to handle the most intensive workloads, and want a MacBook Pro for a little less than you'd have to pay.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Same stunning build quality and design |
| Functionality | Great collection of ports and a fantastic battery life |
| Performance | Not the latest model, but still a force to be reckoned with |
Best for students
✅ You're looking for value for money: At around $1,000, this laptop offers the best bang-for-buck based on the market today.
✅ You want to run many tasks in parallel: With 32GB RAM, this is plenty to run several intensive applications at the same time.
❌ You want the most up-to-date hardware: While the dedicated GPU is one of the latest, there are better options out there — and it uses an older Intel CPU.
❌ You need an exceptional display: Although it offers a 144Hz refresh rate, the display is just 1080p, which may not look as sharp on a 15.6-inch panel.
🔎 The Gigabyte G5 is a gaming laptop that can handle all kinds of heavy-duty tasks that you throw at it while offering great value for what you get. ★★★★
Gaming laptops are a great choice for astronomers, and especially if you're looking to get a fantastic laptop with dedicated graphics for under $1,000. Step in the Gigabyte G5 — which you can grab for well under $999 at the time of writing.
While you may be able to pick up the 2020 M1-powered MacBook Air for much cheaper, this won't suit people looking for a Windows machine, and there is better hardware now — four years on.
The latest Gigabyte G5 offers fantastic value given that it offers a 13th-Gen Intel i7 processor, an Nvidia 4000-series GPU, as well as a respectable 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD. It also includes a plethora of useful ports, including HDMI and a microSD card reader.
One of the downsides might come in the quality of the display, which is just 1080p, and a less-than-ideal battery life.
Gaming laptops, however, are usually really well suited for the same workloads that people who want a machine to run image or video editing tools as well as astrological software — because they're designed with high graphics performance in mind. Many of the machines on our list are on the pricy side, but the Gigabyte G5 is a great low-cost alternative without compromising on performance under the hood.
It is perhaps a little heavier and bulkier than some other options, so won't be a portable option, but you can save a great deal of money.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Sharp-looking gaming machine that can double as your productivity engine |
| Functionality | Great collection of ports but display and battery life let it down |
| Performance | Capable of reaching decent highs, but limited by older hardware |
The best 2-in-1 laptop
✅ You want a high-quality machine: This hybrid machine can double as a tablet as when you need it while performing as well as any of the best laptops.
✅ You want a 2-in-1 with dedicated graphics: The Nvidia chip fitted into this machine makes it an excellent choice for graphically-intensive workloads.
❌ You're looking for value for money: Given what's built into Surace Laptop Studio 2, it falls on the pricier side.
❌ You want the lightest machine: There are plenty of much lighter devices out there if maximum portability is your main priority.
🔎 The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a fantastic machine for creatives that can give you great performance on the move, with plenty of scope for multitasking. ★★★★
Microsoft's excellent line of Surface machines combines the best of a laptop and tablet in the Surface Laptop Studio 2 — a powerful and portable 2-in-1 that's engineered for creatives and people who routinely run graphically intense applications.
Unlike many other 2-in-1s, which rely on 360-degree hinges to switch between form factors, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 uses a folding approach. You can adjust it to work as a tablet as well as a laptop — and it excels in both forms. It's also a great device if you need to use a stylus while working.
There's more to the Surface Laptop Studio 2 than its design and excellent build quality though, as it can compete with the most powerful laptops out there.
This is thanks to the incorporation of high-end Intel and Nvidia components, not to mention plenty of RAM to multi-task — 32GB.
While it is on the pricy side, you do very much get what you pay for with the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2. It does, however, lack 4K if this is an option you need — but you'd be better off looking for a device with a larger displace anyway.
While it's not the lightest or slimmest of 14-inch machines out there, though, it has a highly premium look and is compact enough to carry around with you.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Unique and innovative 2-in-1 form factor |
| Functionality | Highly versatile but lacks all the ports |
| Performance | Excellent performance that can rival the best Windows machines |
The best gaming laptop
✅ You're working with graphics a lot: The graphics card coupled with a high-end Intel CPU and a heavy dose of RAM makes it perfect for heavy workloads.
✅ You need the highest-quality display: The Razer Blade 16's 240Hz OLED display is the most responsive ever, the manufacturer claims.
❌ You can't spend too much money: When customizing your Razer, it's easy to get carried away — and you could feasibly sink serious money into speccing it up.
❌ You need a portable machine: Most 16-inch laptops are hardly portable, and given the Razer Blade 16's weight, we wouldn't recommend it for working on the move.
🔎 The Razer Blade 16 is a supreme gaming laptop, which makes it perfect for running the kinds of tasks and applications you may end up needing a machine like this to run. ★★★★
Although Razer laptops have always had one or two flaws when it comes to battery life, it's always been a favorite for gamers hoping to tap into incredible power while enjoying a stylish and sophisticated-looking device. The latest Razer Blade 16 is the perfect embodiment of this ambition, and it offers everything you might be looking for in a laptop that can excel at graphically intensive workloads.
Launched at CES 2024, it's an upgrade on its widely acclaimed 16-inch predecessor and features the same sleek design and robust chassis, coupled with internal hardware that's as good as you'll get anywhere in a Windows laptop. For power users, there is nothing bigger or better than the Razer Blade 16.
The 14th-Gen Intel chip included is as good as you'll get on the market today, and the Nvidia GPU is more powerful than the units included in every other Windows laptop on our list.
The best part is it's tailor-made for workloads that require heavy GPU consumption, given that it's a gaming laptop, after all.
We would, however, urge caution over its battery life. Razer's laptops have, in the past, been exceptionally high-performing, and are usually partnered with fantastic displays, but these are power-hungry features that mean the battery life ends up suffering.
That is, however, one of the only catches in an otherwise exquisite laptop — but it will end up costing a huge amount of money. You may, in the end, decide you'd rather take on the latest and most expensive MacBook Pro at this price.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Sleek and simple with a robust build quality |
| Functionality | Plenty of configuration options and ports to make the most of |
| Performance | Fitted with the most powerful Intel CPU and Nvidia graphics card |
Best laptops Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best laptop for astrophotography?
The Apple MacBook M3 Max is the best laptop for astrophotography based on its exceptional performance. However, we think the Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 2023) is the best overall but lags behind performance-wise.
Do I need a laptop for astrophotography?
While a laptop isn't strictly necessary for basic wide-field astrophotography and even some deep-field work with an appropriate star tracker, it will help synchronizing to computerized mounts when imaging using a telescope and taking tens, if not hundreds, of frames for clearer images.
What is the best laptop for students?
The Gigabyte G5 laptop is best for students who are on a budget. For just over $1000 you have access to high-end components and can multitask easily with the 32GB of RAM inside.
Which laptop brand is best?
While each brand and laptop model has their benefits and limitations, there's a reason that Apple features in our number one and two spots in this guide. They are portable and powerful with good screens, ideal for astronomy and astrophotography. The best Windows-based brand in our guide is Dell with the XPS 15 2024.
How we test the best laptops for astronomy
At Space.com, we understand the importance of having reliable and up-to-date recommendations for the best laptops for astronomy. To ensure that we provide you with the most accurate information, we stay on top of the latest technology trends that can assist astronomers and skywatchers.
We evaluate each laptop based on various criteria, including its design, construction, overall performance as a computer, and its performance in the field. Our team of experts and knowledgeable freelance contributors meticulously review each product we test. This ensures that our reviews are fair and objective, backed by personal, hands-on experience with each device and judged based on its price point, class, and intended use.
We take pride in our editorial independence and strive to provide you with reliable and transparent buying advice for the best laptops. Whether you should purchase a device or not, our buying guides and reviews are designed to help you make informed decisions.
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