Published: 2026/01/11 00:19:17
CES 2026 has kicked off, showcasing the latest innovations in technology, with laptops taking center stage. This year’s event featured a diverse range of machines, from refined updates to groundbreaking designs pushing the boundaries of personal computing. Here’s a detailed look at seven of the most exciting laptops unveiled at CES 2026, selected for their unique features, performance enhancements, and forward-thinking approaches.
1. LG Gram Pro 17
The LG Gram Pro 17 immediately stands out as a possibly game-changing Windows laptop for 2026, thanks to its innovative use of a new material called Aerominum. Developed in-house, Aerominum is engineered to minimize weight while maintaining structural integrity, resulting in an ultraportable yet durable device. LG boldly claims it will be the world’s lightest RTX laptop.
Inside,the Gram Pro 17 will house a new Intel Core Ultra series processor (likely from the Panther Lake series),paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card and a high-resolution LCD screen. This configuration positions it as an ideal choice for users seeking a versatile machine capable of handling both everyday tasks and demanding creative workloads. A 16-inch model will also be available,swapping the LCD for a more vibrant OLED panel. Currently,the LG Gram Pro 17 will be exclusive to North American users.
2. Dell XPS 14
Dell’s 2025 rebranding to “Dell Premium” proved short-lived,as the company has reverted to the iconic XPS name for its 2026 lineup. The new XPS 14 is particularly compelling, powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, a 4K webcam, and high-density 900ED batteries promising up to 40 hours of battery life under optimal conditions.
What truly sets the XPS 14 apart is its incredibly slim profile – just 14.6mm thick and weighing around three pounds. It also features an InfiniteEdge OLED display that maximizes screen real estate, creating a more immersive viewing experience. dell’s XPS 14 is currently available for purchase in limited configurations starting at $2,050. Additional configurations, including a more affordable starting model under $2,000, will be released next month. It’s initially available in Graphic (black), with a Shimmer (silver) option launching later in the year.
3. Acer Swift 16 AI
Acer, traditionally known for reliable but predictable laptops, is shaking things up with the Swift 16 AI. Its standout feature is a massive trackpad that occupies nearly half of the laptop’s lower portion. This oversized haptic trackpad functions as a drawing tablet, enabling artists to sketch, animate, and model directly on the laptop without external accessories. It supports MPP 2.5 styluses for precise input and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass for durability – and includes a stylus in the box.
Above the trackpad sits a stunning 16-inch, 3K OLED WQXGA+ display with full DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Swift 16 AI is an intriguing concept, and its practicality will depend on real-world usage. The Acer Swift 16 AI will be available in North America in Q1 2026.
4. Alienware 16 Area-51
While the updated Alienware 18 is noteworthy, the Alienware 16 Area-51 emerges as the more compelling gaming laptop.It delivers many of the flagship features of the 18-inch model in a more portable form factor. It’s slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, addressing a key complaint about its bulkiness.
The Alienware 16 Area-51 is poised to be a performance powerhouse, powered by Intel Core Ultra 200Hz processors (likely the Ultra 7 255HX and 275HX), Nvidia’s latest gaming GPUs (up to RTX 5090), up to 64GB of RAM, and a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard. A key feature is its anti-glare OLED screen, which, according to Dell, reduces glare and reflections by 32%, minimizing fingerprints. The 2026 Alienware 16 Area-51 is slated for release in Q1 2026.
5. MSI Prestige 14 AI+
MSI, primarily known for gaming laptops, is making strides in the productivity space with its new Prestige series. The Prestige 14 AI+ stands out, measuring just half an inch thick and weighing under three pounds – a notable reduction compared to previous generations.
The Prestige 14 AI+ will be powered by an Intel Core Ultra X9 388H CPU,feature a 120Hz OLED screen,and incorporate a robust cooling system. A 16-inch model mirroring the 14-inch version and a smaller 13-inch option for portability will also be available. While most MSI CES 2026 laptops are available for preorder, the Prestige 14 AI+ is not yet available. The Prestige 14 Flip AI+, a similar model with a flexible hinge, is available for $1,300 and will ship on January 27.
6. Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus series is known for experimentation. The fifth generation could transform into an Android device, while the sixth featured a rollable display. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist offers a genuinely practical innovation: a 14-inch 2.8K OLED screen mounted on a motorized, dual-rotation hinge, allowing the screen to be rotated to the side for presentations or alternative viewing modes. It’s powered by an intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor and features Dolby Atmos speakers. The Lenovo thinkbook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist launches in June 2026,with an estimated starting price of $1,649.
7. Asus ZenBook Duo
The narrower bezels around the hinge are particularly immersive if you use the laptop in vertical orientation.
Prakhar Khanna
Addressing the limitations of traditional dual-screen laptops, the Asus ZenBook Duo features two equally sized 14-inch OLED touchscreens, each with 3K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and up to 1,000 nits of brightness. Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor and featuring a detachable keyboard, it offers desktop-level multitasking in a portable form factor. It boasts a 93% screen-to-body ratio for an immersive experience and measures under an inch thick and weighs under four pounds (excluding the keyboard). An exact release date is yet to be announced,but a 2026 launch is confirmed.
Dell’s XPS 14 earns our pick for the best laptop of CES 2026. While it’s too early to fully judge its real-world performance, everything Dell has shown so far suggests it will be a standout PC that sets a new standard for 2026. It’s a great fusion of a sleek, compact design, powerful hardware, and a stunning InfiniteEdge OLED screen.
That said, the XPS 14 wasn’t the only model that left an impression.Every other laptop on this list pushes the boundaries in its own way and is worth highlighting.
| Best Laptop of CES | Starting Price | Display | CPU | GPU | RAM |
| LG gram Pro 17 | N/A | 17-inch WQXGA+ LCD | Intel Core Ultra Series 3 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 | N/A |
| Dell XPS 14 | $1,649 | 14-inch 2K OLED | Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H | Intel Arc graphics card | up to 64GB |
| Acer Swift 16 AI | N/A | 16-inch WQXGA+ OLED | Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H | Up to Intel Arc B390 | up to 32GB |
| Alienware 16 Area-51 | N/A | 16-inch WQXGA OLED | Intel Core Ultra 200HX series | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 | up to 64GB |
| MSI Prestige 14 AI+ | $1,299 | 14-inch 2K OLED | Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H | intel Arc graphics card | up to 32GB |
| Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist | $1,649 | 14-inch 2.8K OLED | Intel Core Ultra Series 3 | Intel integrated GPU | up to 32GB |
| Asus ZenBook Duo | N/A | 14-inch 3K OLED screens | Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H | Intel Arc graphics card | up to 32GB |
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None of these laptops are available for purchase yet, so obviously, I wasn’t able to get an extended hands-on experience with them. To make my decisions, I followed the same criteria I use to pick models for my best laptops lists. I looked at the following:
- Display: A great laptop starts with a great screen.I gave major points to computers with high-resolution displays with rich color accuracy and fast refresh rates, all of which are vital for smooth workflows and immersive entertainment.
- Hardware: Many of the laptops showcased at CES 2026 feature the latest generations of processors and graphics cards, promising significant performance improvements. I also gave major points to models with the upgraded hardware.
- Features: Since some laptops have very similar specifications, it can be challenging to decide which one is best. As a tiebreaker, I examined a model’s set of features to determine how they can enhance the user experience. Lenovo, for example, had a lot of great offerings, but the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 won me over with its unique display.
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