Lenovo's ThinkPad brand has long been a staple of the business world. The ThinkPad lineup was initially produced and sold by IBM, which designed the laptops at its Yamato labs in Japan, but Lenovo acquired IBM's personal computing business in 2005. Since then, the laptops have carried the Lenovo branding, but they're still very much geared towards the same audience. All ThinkPad laptops are designed for business users, but they still manage to stand out from each other. If you're looking for the best ThinkPads you can get for yourself, we're here to help.

As we've mentioned, the ThinkPad lineup comes in a lot of different flavors, from more budget-friendly options to performance beasts. They all retain that classic feel of the ThinkPad brand, but they still manage to be fairly distinct from each other. And while they're not far from what you might remember, they have plenty of modern features, too. These are some of the best laptops you can buy, especially for business users. Here are the best ones you can buy today.

Our favorite Lenovo ThinkPads in 2024

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 render
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Editor's choice

Best ThinkPad for a top-tier experience

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) is the best ThinkPad out there for most people. It's light and nimble, yet it offers solid performance and battery life. They keyboard really doesn't get any better, the OLED display is stunning, and the new speaker setup make sound the best yet from an X1 Carbon.

Pros
  • Beautiful 2.8K OLED display at 120Hz
  • Strong performance and battery life
  • Best-in-class keyboard, great speakers
Cons
  • No 4K display option
  • Very expensive

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is one of the oldest members of the ThinkPad family, but there's a good reason it still gets improved upon every year. With a classic design and modern features, the X1 Carbon is still the best ThinkPad you can get. It starts with performance, which is now handled by Intel's Core Ultra 7 155H CPU with integrated Intel Arc graphics. This includes Intel Evo support, and the whole system runs on a 57Wh battery. In our review testing, we got more than a full eight hours from a charge, all with snappy performance at all times.

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The 14-inch OLED display with 2.8K resolution is gorgeous, with accurate sRGB, AdobeRGB, and DCI-P3 color, as well as Dolby Vision and HDR True Black 500 support. It's expected that Lenovo will introduce more display options, especially for those who want a lower resolution. Above the display is up to an 8MP webcam with computer vision for automatic locking and unlocking, a security feature that is very handy.

Design-wise, the speakers have been moved to live beneath the keyboard. Audio is very impressive, especially in a laptop this small. What makes the X1 Carbon (Gen 12) unique is that it weighs a mere 2.42 pounds, making it one of the most portable laptops in the lineup. It also has a great supply of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 connections, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack. Of course, it also has the option for cellular connectivity, whether that's 4G LTE or 5G.

It's no surprise that the ThinkPad X1 Carbon has been around for so long. It's a powerful laptop that keeps evolving while keeping what makes it a ThinkPad.

thinkpad-gen2-z16
Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 2
Best AMD laptop

Fresh take on the ThinkPad formula

Prefer AMD in your ThinkPad? The Z16 (Gen 2) is a top option sporting AMD's Ryzen 7000 Pro chips, as well as up to a 13.3-inch OLED display with 2.8K resolution. The keyboard is comfy, the haptic touchpad is accurate, and the whole thing is built to a high standard with standout design choices.

Pros
  • Stylish and unique design
  • OLED display looks great
  • Comfy keyboard and haptic touchpad
Cons
  • AMD performance drops on battery power
  • Only a 1080p webcam
  • 60Hz display

The ThinkPad Z13, now in its second generation, brings AMD performance and a more futuristic design. It's a big shakeup for ThinkPad for anyone looking for a fresh take on the classic formula.

Performance-wise, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 (Gen 2) is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 7540U or Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U CPU. Integrated AMD Radeon 740M or 780M are included, as well as up to 64GB of LPDDR5x-6400MHz RAM and up to a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.

Beyond performance, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 (Gen 2) also packs a 13.3-inch display with 16:10 aspect ratio. The most affordable options are FHD+ (touch or non-touch), with 100% sRGB color, low power designation, and 400 nits brightness. You can also get a 2.8K OLED display with anti-reflective finish, 100% DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400 support, and Dolby Vision. Above the screen is an FHD webcam with IR for Windows Hello.

What really helps the ThinkPad Z13 (Gen 2) stand out is its design, since it's so different from other ThinkPads. The Z13 comes with something of a dual-color scheme for its aluminum body, with brushed accents on the side. The keyboard offers 1.35mm key travel, and there's a haptic touchpad below for accurate pointing. New to this generation is a TrackPoint quick menu, which can be opened by tapping the red pointing nub.

Angled front view of the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s facing right
Lenovo ThinkPad X13s
Best Arm laptop

A laptop designed with mobility in mind

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13s is the first Arm-powered ThinkPad, and it comes with the powerful Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor, plus it has a 5MP webcam, one of the best you can get on any ThinkPad. It also keeps the classic ThinkPad design.

Pros
  • Great battery life
  • Always-on connectivity with the 5G model
  • Very light at just 2.35 pounds
Cons
  • Performance will take a hit if apps aren't compiled for Arm
  • Certain apps may not work at all

Arm-based laptops still aren't that common, but the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s is the company's first attempt at such a concept in the ThinkPad lineup, and it gets a lot right.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13s was the first laptop on the market to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor, a major upgrade over the two previous generations. This is an octa-core processor that can go up to 3GHz, and it promises up to 85% more CPU performance and 60% more GPU performance compared to its predecessor. That means you get solid performance with great battery life, and you can also get up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

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The display on the ThinkPad X13s is also great, though it doesn't offer as many options as most other ThinkPads do. It's a 13.3-inch panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and Full HD+ resolution. That's the only option you get, but it's not bad, and you can choose to add touch support if you need it. The laptop also comes with a 5MP webcam by default, one of the best on any ThinkPad on the market, and there's optional Windows Hello support.

While the insides are modern, the chassis of the ThinkPad X13s is exactly what you expect from a ThinkPad, with the black surfaces and red accents you already know. The laptop is very light, though, coming in at just 2.35 pounds, even lighter than the X1 Carbon Gen 11. The port selection is limited, though, with two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, plus an optional SIM card slot if you want 5G support. There's no Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 support since the processor doesn't support that.

Whether you're a ThinkPad fan or a Windows on Arm enthusiast, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s is a very compelling device. It definitely deserves to be considered one of the best ThinkPads around.

Thinkpad X1 Yoga Gen 8
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8
Best convertible

Versatile form factor and premium design

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 is arguably the best business convertible on the market, with a premium design, high-end specs, and the option for a stunning 4K OLED display. It also includes a garaged stylus for drawing and taking notes.

Pros
  • 13th-gen Intel Core U- and P-series processors
  • Convertible form factor with garaged stylus for easy storage
  • Up to a stunning 4K OLED display
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not available in the classic black colorway

As great as clamshell laptops are, some of us — myself included — appreciate the versatility of a convertible. For those people, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 is the best option.

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On the performance front, the X1 Yoga Gen 8 comes with 13th-generation Intel processors from either the U or P series, so you can choose to favor battery life or performance, respectively. The options go up to a Core i7-1365U or a Core i7-1370P, both of which support vPro Enterprise. You can also go up to 64GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD.

The display is also very similar to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, but since this is a convertible, touch and pen support is included by default. In fact, a pen is included and stored right inside the laptop, so you're always ready to go. It's a 14-inch panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio, and the base model comes in Full HD+ resolution, but you can upgrade to a stunning Ultra HD+ OLED panel, which is much sharper and more vibrant. The webcam is also similar: a 1080p sensor with optional support for Windows Hello and Computer Vision.

In terms of design, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga is another ThinkPad, but instead of the classic black chassis, it comes in Storm Grey. Otherwise, it has all the same elements ThinkPads usually have. It's a bit heavier than the X1 Carbon, coming in at 3 pounds, but it's still very reasonable. It has the same ports as the X1 Carbon, too. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, and a headphone jack make for a well-rounded supply, and you can also add cellular network support, with options for 4G LTE or 5G.

Do note that the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is expected early this year as a successor to the X1 Yoga (Gen 8). Lenovo changed the branding to better separate the Yoga and ThinkPad lineups, but it's still a high-end business convertible with Intel Core Ultra CPUs and integrated Intel Arc graphics.

lenovo thinkpad p16 gen 2
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2
Best workstation

A semi-portable powerhouse

$1856 $3200 Save $1344

If you need an absolute powerhouse of a laptop, the ThinkPad P16 takes the cake. It's packing Intel Core HX-series processors, professional Nvidia RTX graphics, up to 128GB of RAM, and 8TB of storage. It comes in a very thick chassis, but it has a ton of ports.

Pros
  • Features powerful 13th-generation Intel HX CPUs
  • Has option for an OLED display
  • Lots of ports
Cons
  • It is very expensive
  • Very heavy

If you want even more performance for more demanding tasks, a mobile workstation like the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is what you need. This is an incredibly powerful laptop with 13th-generation Intel Core HX-series processors, with up to 16 cores and 24 threads. That's paired with Nvidia professional RTX graphics, up to an Nvidia RTX A5000, a super-powerful GPU for productivity, whether that's 3D rendering or AI. You can also configure this laptop with up to an insane 128GB of RAM and 8TB of SSD storage.

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As the name suggests, the display on the ThinkPad P16 is a 16-inch panel, and it comes in a 16:10 aspect ratio. The base configuration is 1920x1200 resolution, but you can upgrade to a much sharper 2560x1600 resolution panel or choose a 3840x2400 resolution. You even have the option for a 3840x2400 resolution OLED panel with multi-touch support. As per usual, there's a 1080p webcam here with optional Windows Hello support.

Portability isn't really a priority here, so this laptop starts at 6.5 pounds of weight, and it's also very thick. Otherwise, it looks familiar to other ThinkPads, but with a more rounded base and some smaller tweaks, like a red line running across the rear. This thick chassis does have space for a lot of ports, including three USB Type-C ports (two with Thunderbolt 4), two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. Cellular support is also available, though only 4G LTE and not 5G.

We've said it already, but this is a beastly laptop, and it can handle just about anything you throw at it. It's expensive and bulky, but if you want the ultimate mobile workstation, this is the best ThinkPad around.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3
Best for portability

Compact and lightweight design

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 is the best ThinkPad if portability is your main focus. It weighs under one kilogram, but it still has high-end specs and the classic ThinkPad design elements you'd expect.

Pros
  • Extremely portable design
  • 13th-gen Intel processors offer great performance
  • Sharp display by default
Cons
  • Limited ports
  • A bit expensive

The entire point of a laptop is to be portable, and if you want the best ThinkPad laptop for that, then the X1 Nano Gen 3 is what you're looking for.

Similar to many other X1 models, the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 comes with 13th-generation Intel Core processors, but only from the P series, up to a Core i7-1370P. That processor has 14 cores and 20 threads, and the laptop also comes with 16GB of RAM (that's the only configuration) and up to a 1TB SSD. A premium laptop all around, though some sacrifices have to be made for this thin and light design.

One of the notable aspects of the X1 Nano is the display, which is a 13.3-inch panel that comes in the 16:10 aspect ratio and a pretty sharp 2160x1350 resolution, which is the default configuration. That's very sharp, and it's great to have this sharp panel in every configuration, with the option to add touch support. It also has a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello support, with the option to use a MIPI-based webcam for higher image quality.

Portability is what this laptop is all about, and it shows. It measures just 14.4mm in thickness and weighs 2.13 pounds (for the non-touch models), making this an extremely portable laptop. Lenovo also put some effort into using more recycled materials, whether that's plastic or magnesium. Aside from that, though, it still looks and feels like a ThinkPad, so you're not sacrificing that classic design, or features like the TrackPoint. You do sacrifice some ports, however, as it only comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack, so a docking station is likely required for a more static workstation.

While it comes with some limitations, the ThinkPad X1 Nano has become a mainstay in the ThinkPad family and a great choice for anyone who spends a lot of time traveling.

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ThinkPad E14 Gen 5
Best budget laptop

A business laptop on the cheap

$650 $1000 Save $350

The ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 is an affordable business laptop that covers all the basic needs you might have, with modern Intel or AMD processors and the classic ThinkPad design. It comes in two color options, too.

Pros
  • Solid performance with latest AMD or Intel CPUs
  • Classic ThinkPad design in two color options
  • Optional 1080p webcam and Windows Hello support
Cons
  • Misses out on some higher-end configuration options
  • Most of the best features are optional

We can't all afford the most premium designs and fancy features. Sometimes, we just need something reliable that gets the basics right at an affordable price. For those people, the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 (Gen 5) is probably the best option.

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New displays, more ports, and super performance make this a better value than ever

There are models powered by either 13th-generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, and the AMD model is generally cheaper. That model starts with an AMD Ryzen 3 7330U, though there are some upgrade options available if you have the money. The base model also comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, with upgrade options up to 40GB and 1TB, respectively.

You can also see some of the cost-cutting measures in the 14-inch display, which is 1920x1200 resolution, without any upgrades beyond that, though there are options for better colors and a backlight. The webcam is only 720p in the base model, but the 1080p camera is more widely available, and you can even add Windows Hello support if you want to.

The design is exactly what you'd expect, though this laptop lets you choose between Thunder Black or Storm Grey color options. Portability isn't a major priority at this price, and the laptop weighs 3.5 pounds, but it's still portable enough. As for ports, it comes with one USB-C port (which supports Thunderbolt on the Intel model), two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, RJ4 Ethernet, and a headphone jack, making for a solid setup overall. The big downside is you can't add cellular connectivity.

It may not be on the level of the most expensive ThinkPads, but the ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is one of the best options around if you want a business laptop on the cheap.

Getting the best ThinkPad for you

Whether you want the most classic ThinkPad experience or something a little more modern or powerful, Lenovo has grown the ThinkPad portfolio to include something for almost anyone. We couldn't choose anything other than the ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) for the top spot, seeing as it's the most iconic member of the family for a reason. It has top-notch performance, lots of configuration options (including a stunning OLED display), and the classic ThinkPad design in a very thin and light package.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 render
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Editor's choice

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) is the best ThinkPad you can buy. It's light, it's nimble, and it's brimming with high-end features that will make your workday go as smoothly as possible. Just watch out for the price, especially when it's not on sale.

Of course, not everyone has the money for that, so if you want something more affordable, the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is still a great business laptop that costs a lot less. The base model offers the bare minimum of what you need, but since it's so cheap, you can also choose the upgrades you need to have the ideal experience while saving some money.

Not interested in Lenovo's offerings? Check out our lists of the best HP laptops and the best Dell laptops to see if something suits your taste a bit better.