The best Lenovo laptops you can buy in 2022

Lenovo is one of the most popular laptop brands in the world, and that’s especially true among business users. While other companies can also make some great devices, it’s no surprise to see Lenovo at the top. The company makes some of the very best laptops you can buy, and none more iconic than the ThinkPad lineup. The Lenovo ThinkPad family is incredibly iconic and contains some fantastic laptops. In this article, however, we’re going beyond ThinkPads and highlighting the best Lenovo laptops you can buy from across its different product lines.

There’s no shortage of options among Lenovo’s lineup, and if you’re looking for the perfect fit for you, it may be hard to find what you want. So we’ve rounded up the best options in a selection of categories, so no matter who you are, you’re bound to find something you like. As an additional note, all the Windows-based laptops on this list are shipping with Windows 11.

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Best overall: Lenovo Yoga 9i

Lenovo’s most iconic family of products may be the ThinkPad series, and truth be told, its consumer laptops have usually not been super popular. But the Yoga 9i for 2022, that could change – or at the very least, it should, because this is an absolutely stunning laptop.

It starts with performance, which is about what you’d expect from a premium laptop in 2022. It’s powered by Intel Core processors, specifically from the new P series, and that means you get up to 14 cores and 20 threads, assuming you go with the Core i7-1280P model. Every configuration has plenty of performance to offer, though, and you also get integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics for some light GPU workloads, including playing some older games. Beyond that, the laptop comes with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, everything you need for a great experience across the board.

But the display is truly one of the best parts of this laptop. It’s a 14-inch panel, and it comes in a 16:10 aspect ratio, something Lenovo is thankfully doing a lot more of in 2022. That taller screen is great for productivity, even with the base model, which has a FUll HD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS panel. But the upgrades are where it’s at: You can choose a 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED panel, which has a smoother 90Hz refresh rate, or go for the extra-sharp Ultra HD+ (3840 x 2400) panel, which is also OLED but has a 60Hz refresh rate. Both of these displays are absolutely fantastic, and it’s up to you if you prefer the sharper resolution or the smoother refresh rate (though we’re partial to the latter). You also get a great sound experience with the soundbar hinge.

The good news keeps coming with the webcam, which is a 1080p sensor with Windows Hello facial recognition support. Not only does this mean you get solid image quality for video calls and meetings, but you also have an easy way to unlock the laptop without having to do almost anything. If you’re not a fan of that, there’s a fingerprint reader, too, so you have a few options for how to unlock your PC.

Lenovo also really improved the design of the Yoga 9i with the latest iteration. The precious models could look quite a bit boring, but now, the laptop has received a glow-up with beautiful curved edges that give it much more life. Most of the surfaces are flat, but these curved edges give it just the right amount of flair, and they go great with the color options available, too. This is also a pretty portable laptop, weighing 3.09lbs and measuring just 15.2mm in thickness. For an all-aluminum laptop, that’s not bad.

Finally, we have the ports, and considering what most premium laptops offer these days, they’re actually not terrible. You get three USB Type-C ports, two of them with Thunderbolt 4 support, and one USB Type-A port, plus a headphone jack. That covers most of the basics, and while an HDMI port would be welcome, again, it’s as good or better than competing premium laptops.

In our review, we called the Lenovo Yoga 9i the best consumer laptop, so we have no qualms about putting it at the top of this list. It’s a phenomenal PC, and certainly one of the best laptops Lenovo makes.

Best business laptop: ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the longest-running family in the ThinkPad lineup, and very few laptops are as recognizable as this one. If you need a lightweight and capable business laptop, you shouldn’t need to look any further than the latest iteration, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10.

Starting with performance, we’re looking at 12th-generation Intel Core processors up to an Intel Core i7-1280P, which is a processor with 14 cores and 20 threads, capable of boosting up to 4.8GHz. In addition to being one of the fastest CPUs you’ll find on an ultrabook thanks to the 28W TDP, it also includes Iris Xe graphics so you can feasibly run some GPU-focused workloads. Additionally, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 comes with up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, and that amount of RAM should guarantee you’ll never be wishing for more memory, be it for video or photo editing, complex coding projects, and working with large databases. Plus, that’s plenty of storage, too.

Moving on to the display, it’s a 14-inch panel that comes in a 16:10 aspect ratio. This taller format gives you more vertical space to work with compared to a typical 16:9 display (albeit slightly less than a 3:2 display would get you). Depending on your choices, this display can be fantastic, too. The base configuration here is fairly simple, with a Full HD+ panel (1920 x 1200) and not much more that’s noteworthy. However, you can add a touchscreen, a privacy guard (which makes the screen invisible to people around you), go for a slightly sharper 2.2K (2240 x 1400) screen, or go for one of the more high-end options. That includes a new option for a 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED panel, which is both sharp and vibrant thanks to the usual benefits of OLED, as well as an Ultra HD+ (3840 x 2400) IPS panel if you want the absolute sharpest image.

New to this year’s model is the 1080p webcam, which is included by default in the majority of configurations. That means better quality for video calls and meetings, which makes a lot of sense for a business laptop in the age of hybrid work. You can also get optional IR facial recognition for Windows Hello, and from there, opt for a MIPI webcam that also supports Computer Vision, meaning the laptop can detect when you walk away or approach it, so it locks itself and wakes up as needed to keep your data safe and always be ready to use.

There isn’t much to say about the design of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon other than that it’s exactly what you’d expect. It’s a black laptop with red accents, including features like the classic TrackPoint and duplicate mouse buttons above the touchpad. This is the quintessential ThinkPad, and it will undoubtedly feel familiar. However, it’s still a modern laptop, so it measures just 15.36mm in thickness and starts at 2.48lbs of weight. It’s one of the lightest laptops around, perfect for mobile workers.

In terms of ports, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is no slouch either. It has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A, HDMI 2.0b, and a headphone jack. As per usual with business laptops, there are options for cellular connectivity, including LTE Cat 16 and 5G options. The laptop also has Tile integration, meaning you can locate the laptop in case you lose it, even if it’s turned off.

It goes without saying, but the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is one of the best business laptops on the market, and you really can’t go wrong with it.

Best AMD business laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad Z13

Most of the business laptops you’ll see recommended, especially in the premium segment, are powered by Intel processors. But Lenovo is trying to change that with the new ThinkPad Z13 series, and the company went all-in to make this one of the very best laptops around. Frankly, you might prefer this to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and there are good reasons for that.

For starters, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 is powered by AMD Ryzen Pro 6000 series processors, up to a Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z. This is a slightly boosted version of the Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, but it can boost up to 4.73GHz. It’s a 15W processor, so it’s not quite on par with Intel’s P-series in terms of performance, but in return, it should give you much better battery efficiency. These AMD processors also come with new AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics, which are significantly more powerful than Intel’s Iris Xe. You also get up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM at 6400MHz and a 1TB SSD for storage. This is very much a premium laptop.

That holds true with the display, too. It’s a 13.3-inch panel, and it has a 16:10 aspect ratio, like most of Lenovo’s laptops for 2022. The base model is a Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) panel, with touch support being an optional upgrade. However, the big upgrade is the 2.8K OLED panel, providing an even sharper image and the vibrant colors and true blacks that are typical of OLED displays. You do miss out on some options like a privacy screen, which some business users might appreciate, but this is still a great display for the majority of people.

You also get a great webcam, which is a 1080p sensor with f/2.0 aperture and Windows Hello facial recognition. There are two options available – one with a hybrid RGB and IR camera, and one with a discrete sensor for RGB and another one for IR. Having two separate sensors means image quality will be better, but you’re bound to look great on camera with either option.

The design is what really sells the ThinkPad Z13, mostly because it doesn’t really look like a ThinkPad. It retains iconic elements like the red TrackPoint and some ThinkPad logos here and there, but now, you don’t see duplicate mouse buttons above the touchpad. Instead, the buttons are built into the touchpad, and you can click them that way. It looks much more modern now, and you may or may not like that, but I believe it’s a much-needed breath of fresh air for the ThinkPad family. It also comes in a couple of color options, one of which gives you a classy black vegan leather cover. As for portability, the laptop measures 13.99mm in thickness and starts at 2.63lbs of weight, so it’s very portable.

One downside of that very thin chassis is that it only fits USB Type-C ports, and you get two of them, plus a headphone jack. However, the ThinkPad Z13 once again scores points for being one of the first AMD-powered laptops to support USB4, which means each of these ports has 40Gbps of bandwidth, so it can drive multiple display and other high-speed peripherals. It’s like having a Thunderbolt port, but you don’t need an Intel processor. Of course, there’s optional cellular connectivity, too, but you’ll need to stick with LTE, because 5G isn’t offered, unfortunately.

All in all, the ThinkPad Z13 is certainly a personal favorite of mine among Lenovo’s laptops. It’s a beautiful laptop with a premium design, top-tier performance, and a great display. Plus, it marks a big shift for the ThinkPad family.

Best gaming laptop: Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (Gen 7)

Just because Lenovo is mostly well-known for its business laptops, it doesn’t mean the company can’t make a stellar gaming laptop too. The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a powerful gaming rig with all the performance you’d expect, and it’s a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to play games while also having the portability of a laptop. We’re recommending the AMD variant because the Intel-powered Legion 5i Pro isn’t yet available with high-end graphics, so this is the better option.

Starting with performance, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is the first laptop on this list to feature an AMD processor instead of an Intel one, and it comes with a Ryzen 7 6800H. That’s a 45W processor with eight cores and 16 threads, plus boost speeds up to 4.7GHz, making this one of the most powerful CPUs you’ll find on a laptop. You can pair that with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti with a 150W TGP, for an incredibly powerful setup that can handle pretty much any modern game without a problem. You can also add up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM — more than enough for most modern games — and up to 1TB of storage, though there’s an extra M.2 slot if you want to add more later.

The display is also up to snuff if you’re into gaming, but also for some productivity work. It’s got a 16:10 aspect ratio and you’ve got a few configuration options. The base model is a Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and 300 nits of brightness. You can upgrade to a Quad HD+ (2560 x 1600) panel, which has the same refresh rate but goes up to 500 nits, or you can opt for an even smoother 240Hz refresh rate, if your configuration can handle that. Both of these options are great, and the base model is also serviceable if you want more of an affordable laptop.

A downside of this laptop is its webcam, which is only 720p and doesn’t include an IR camera for Windows Hello. In fact, you get no form of biometric authentication on this laptop, which is a bummer nowadays. On the bright side, those worried about privacy do get a switch that internally disconnects the webcam to turn it off entirely.

As for the rest of the design, it’s a fairly standard affair for a gaming laptop. It’s a heavy laptop, weighing 5.49lbs, but it still manages to come in under 20mm, so it’s not overly thick. It comes in a storm grey colorway, and there’s not that much in the way of RGB lighting, which you might like if you don’t want to stand out too much. The keyboard is backlit, but RGB lighting is optional for it, too.

And in terms of ports, the rear of the laptop houses most of them, including two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port with DisplayPort and 135W of power delivery, HDMI 2.1, and RJ45 Ethernet, plus the proprietary charging port. On the right side, there’s another USB Type-A port and a headphone jack, and on the left, two more USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode (but no charging). That’s a lot of ports, and a lot of them are on the back so you can comfortably use things like a gaming mouse without cables sticking out of the sides and getting in the way.

Overall, this is a great laptop for anyone interested in gaming, not just at home, but also anywhere they go. It’s not the most portable — be it because of its weight or battery life — but if you need performance, the Legion 5 Pro has it.

Best laptop for creators: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5

High performance can be useful for gaming, but it can also be used for professionals, specifically content creators. If you’re more interested in that, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is the way to go, as it blends together incredible performance with the customizability and business features typical of the ThinkPad family.

Let’s start with performance, as that is the focus of this laptop. The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 comes with 12th-generation Intel Core H-series processors — the 45W models — and you can get it with up to an Intel Core i9-12900H vPro CPU. Yes, that’s a 14-core, 20-thread CPU capable of boosting up to 5GHz, so you can rest assured that pretty much anything you might want to do, you can do. Even demanding video editing tasks aren’t going to be a big issue with this one. But that’s not all, you can also add up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card with 16GB of video memory. While this isn’t a gaming laptop, it could certainly handle it if needed. It also comes with up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage in most configurations. If you get a weaker GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, you can get up to 4TB of storage with two M.2 slots, but other configurations remove one of the slots because of the beefier GPU.

You can choose a few different options for the display, and all of them are great. First off, this is a 16:10 panel, and as we’ve mentioned already, that taller aspect ratio is great for productivity. You can see more text, more webpage content, and more UI elements in some apps. The base configuration is a Quad HD+ (2560 x 1600) panel, which is already more than sharp enough for a laptop display, even a large one like this. There’s a new option for a 165Hz refresh rate if you do want this to be a gaming laptop on the side, too. If you need even more pixels, you can upgrade to an Ultra HD+ display (3840 x 2400), which increases the brightness level to 600 nits (from 400), and adds support for Dolby Vision and DisplayHDR 400 certification. You can also add a touchscreen to this panel, but not the Quad HD+ version.

There’s a 1080p webcam above that display, too, so meetings and video calls are not a problem, and you should look great during them. The laptop also supports Windows Hello facial recognition thanks to a hybrid IR sensor, in addition to having a fingerprint reader, too.

With all of these powerful specs, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme is heavier than most laptops on this list, starting at 4.14lbs. However, it could be worse, and it’s still very impressive that it’s under 18mm thin. It’s just an impressive laptop overall, packing a lot of power into a relatively slim chassis. Otherwise, it has all the design elements you expect of a ThinkPad, with black surfaces and red accents giving it the iconic look you’re probably familiar with.

The ThinkPad X1 continues to cover all bases with its ports, which include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, an SD card reader, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a proprietary charging port. You’ll be ready to connect to just about anything out of the box. For on-the-go connectivity, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme also gives you the option to add cellular network support. Or at least, it will at some point as the option doesn’t seem to be available yet. Only 5G will be available, and you’ll only be able to get it if you get the model with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti. Again, the beefier GPUs take up too much space inside the chassis.

This is a very powerful laptop wrapped in an impressively thin design, and while it’s a bit pricy, it definitely delivers the goods when it comes to performance. If you want a PC that can handle anything you throw at it – including some gaming – without drawing too much attention, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is one of the best laptops around.

Best AMD convertible: Lenovo Yoga 6

It’s not often that a company puts actual effort into designing an AMD-powered laptop, but the Lenovo Yoga 6 is a great convertible if you’re an AMD fan. It’s lightweight and comes with a unique look that’s bound to catch some eyes and feel great in your hands.

Let’s talk about that performance first. The Lenovo Yoga 6 comes with AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series processors, up to a Ryzen 5 5700U. It’s not the latest hardware from AMD anymore, but this is still a very fast processor. It’s still an 8-core, 16-thread CPU, with boost speeds up to 4.3GHz, so you won’t be lacking in performance for all your day-to-day tasks. Plus, you get solid integrated graphics with AMD Radeon. The rest of the specs are rounded out with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, and that’s a recipe for a very good experience overall, and this is a laptop that can last you a long time.

The latest iteration of the Yoga 6 comes with some big changes to the display, though. Well, it’s one just one big change, but it’s a major one. Now, it comes in a 16:10 aspect ratio, and it’s awesome to see Lenovo bringing this feature down to its more mainstream laptops. It’s a Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) panel, and you can’t really go higher than that, but you don’t need to. In this price range, this is still a very good screen, especially for getting work done.

And above that display, there’s another big change. The old 720p webcam has made way for a new 1080p sensor – another feature we’re very happy to see trickle down to cheaper laptops like this. The image quality from this camera is much better than before, and on top of that, you now get Windows Hello facial recognition, so it’s easier than ever to unlock your PC. The fingerprint reader is still here, too, and it’s not often you see both options on a laptop this cheap.

The most unique aspect of the Lenovo Yoga 6 is arguably its design. It’s a convertible, of course, and comes in a single color called Dark Teal. What’s unique about it is that you have the option to get a fabric-covered lid, which looks different from just about any other laptop out there, and it’s nicer to touch, too. This is optional, though, and you can get it with a regular metal lid if you want to. For this year’s iteration, Lenovo adopted the same design language as the Yoga 9i we mentioned at the top. That means you get these beautiful curved edges around the laptop and it looks that much more interesting. Portability-wise, the Yoga 6 measures 17.36mm (with the fabric lid) or 17.45mm (with the metal lid) in thickness, and the weight starts at 3.02lbs, so it’s an easy device to take with you anywhere.

As for ports, the Lenovo Yoga 6 for 2022 has a very good setup given its size. You get two USB Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. For a laptop this small, that’s very impressive, and it really does cover all the basic needs of most users.

If you’re more of an AMD fan but you still want a laptop with a unique premium design while also being easy to carry, the Lenovo Yoga 6 is an easy choice. The previous iteration was already solid, but the latest model addressed all the shortcomings it had and it’s one of the best laptops in Lenovo’s lineup.

Best budget laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15-inch

Looking for something affordable that covers the basics? The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is a great laptop you can get for a reasonable price, and it’s still going to give you enough performance for day-to-day usage, whether you’re an occasional user at home or a student. It’s worth keeping an eye out for deals, as it can make this laptop that much more accessible.

There are a few variants of the IdeaPad 3 out there, with AMD or Intel processors, but we’re focusing on the Intel models because they have the latest Intel hardware. It comes with an Intel Core i3-1215U, which is a processor with six cores and eight threads, capable of boosting up to 4.4GHz. That’s pretty solid for an entry-level laptop, and on top of that, you get 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, which is frankly great for something in this price range. You’re going to have plenty of space for your files and solid performance all around.

You also get a solid display experience out of the box with the IdeaPad 3i. It’s a 15.6-inch panel and it comes in a typical 16:9 aspect ratio and Full HD  resolution. It’s not mind-blowing, but it’s exactly what you’d expect for a laptop in this price range, and it works very well. Notably, this model also includes a touchscreen, which is a very nice addition at this price, too. At 300 nits, it might be a bit hard to see this display outdoors, but it’s just fine for indoor use.

Webcams are usually one of the first things to be sacrificed for budget laptops, and it’s no different here. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i comes with a 720p HD camera, which is serviceable, but not impressive. It also doesn’t include Windows Hello facial recognition, though if you want an easy way to unlock your PC, there is a fingerprint reader built into the power button.

Something else that doesn’t get a lot of attention with budget laptops like this is the design. The IdeaPad 3i just barely manages to come in under 20mm thick, and it weighs 3.59lbs. It’s not exceptionally light or thin, but it could be worse, and it’s certainly still portable. The laptop is available in Abyss Blue or Storm Grey, which are fairly subdued colors, but the Abyss Blue model does look quite nice overall.

Moving on to ports, you get a very decent range of connectivity here. You get two USB Type-A ports (one USB 2.0, one USB 3.2 Gen 1), one USB Type-C (3.2 Gen 1), HDMI, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. This ensures you can connect most types of peripherals, and if you’re buying a laptop in this price range, you’re probably not looking for anything much fancier than what you get here.

You can buy the IdeaPad 3i using the link below. We’re aiming for a price tag under $600 to consider it a budget choice, and this laptop fits that bill at writing time, but prices can vary. You can always check out the AMD models to see if they’re cheaper right now.

Best Chromebook: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook

Finally, for those who might prefer Chrome OS to Windows, we have the IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook. This is one of the best Chromebooks Lenovo makes, and unless you’re looking to spend a pretty penny on the business-oriented Chromebooks, it’s likely your best option.

In terms of performance, it’s not overly impressive, but it does the job just fine for a Chromebook. It’s powered by up to an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor, which is a budget-oriented CPU with four cores and four threads, capable of boosting up to 3.3GHz. That should still handle everyday tasks just fine for the most part, and for a Chrome OS laptop, it’s solid. You also get 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, a solid combination overall for an entry-level laptop like this. An SSD would have been nice, but Chrome OS relies heavily on cloud storage anyway, so it’s not a big deal.

The display on the IdeaPad Flex 3i is also pretty good. It’s a 15.6-inch panel, and at that size, the Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution of the display should be sharp enough to look great in almost any situation. More premium laptops might go for a higher resolution, but this is totally fine. Of course, since this is a convertible, the screen supports touch, as well as pen input. As for sound, you get a pair of stereo speakers with 2W of power each, enough for a solid media experience.

Like most laptops at this price point, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i has a 720p webcam, so it’s not going to stand out in terms of image quality. Chrome OS doesn’t support IR-based facial recognition, so there’s no sensor for that, and unfortunately, no fingerprint reader, either.

The rest of the design is fairly standard for a convertible. The IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook is mostly made from plastic, and it measures 18.94mm in thickness while weighing 4.19lbs. It’s really not going to win any awards for portability, but it’s not massively heavy, considering it’s a budget 15.6-inch laptop.

The IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook offers a decent range of connectivity. You get one USB Type-C port with display out and power delivery, two USB Type-A port, HDMI, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. This covers all the basics, and if you’re shopping in this price range, there’s not really much missing here that you’d need.

If you’re looking for a new Chromebook for school or occasional use, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i is a great choice with solid all-around performance. You can buy it below.

These are our picks for the best Lenovo laptops you can buy today. The Lenovo Yoga 9i is our top choice because it’s such a great blend of everything we like to see in a laptop. It has top-tier performance, a beautiful design, stunning display options, and more. It’s hard to go wrong with that one. But everyone has different needs, so there’s a little something for everyone here, and you’re bound to find something else you like.

If Lenovo isn’t what you’re looking for, why not check out the best laptops from other brands? We have lists of the best Dell laptops, as well as one for HP laptops. These are also incredibly popular brands, and you can’t go wrong with them either.