This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

In this ever-connected, always-on-the-go world, a laptop is one of life's true essentials. Whether you're a contractor using a 2-in-1 laptop-tablet, or a student who needs a Chromebook for class, there's one universal truth: Laptops make life easier.

But with all the name brands offering every laptop you could possibly imagine, how can you tell which ones are best? At first glance, it's not an easy question to answer because there are laptops capable of doing everything you could possibly want or need. It can be even harder when trying to separate them by brand and trying to find out what advantages some popular manufacturers have over others.

Luckily, we're here to help make that search a little easier. From reviews and expert know-how, we've figured out the best laptop brands to shop for in 2023.