Longer battery life in laptops is universally coveted, yet achieving prolonged runtime often entails navigating a series of compromises across various components. High-performance CPUs and graphics cards, for instance, tend to draw more power, as do larger, brighter, and higher-resolution displays, particularly those utilizing OLED technology. Additionally, the physical dimensions of the laptop can influence battery size, with ultraportables typically accommodating smaller batteries compared to larger counterparts.
While these trade-offs are inherent in laptop design, those seeking a device capable of enduring through extended work sessions on a single charge need look no further.
In the realm of battery life champions, Apple’s MacBook lineup stands out prominently. Fueled by Apple’s own M3 chips, these laptops offer not only impressive performance but also battery life that surpasses many Windows counterparts by a significant margin. Although there are Windows laptops boasting commendable battery life, none quite rival the endurance of a MacBook. While fewer long-running Chromebooks have been reviewed in recent years, models like the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 and Acer Chromebook 317 demonstrate notable stamina within the Chrome OS ecosystem.
Our standardized testing methodology for assessing battery life involves fully charging the laptop and subjecting it to a continuous video playback test over Wi-Fi until the battery is depleted. While this benchmark provides a useful metric for comparison across different devices, it’s essential to acknowledge that real-world usage patterns may vary, impacting actual battery performance.
