Best 4K Laptop in 2018

 

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Best Overall:
HP Spectre x360

See at HP

Updated to eighth-gen Intel Core processors (CPU) and shipping with pen included, the convertible HP Spectre x360 is a truly premium laptop with an all-day battery. Baseline 13.3-inch 4K configurations start at only about $1,130, including a Core i5-8250U, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 360GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD). If budget allows, you can get a true multitasker with up to a Core i7-8550U CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB PCIe SSD.

Bottom line: For the best overall 4K laptop for most people out there, go with the HP Spectre x360.

One more thing: A 15-inch 4K version of the Spectre x360 is pricier, but does come with the option of a dedicated GPU.

Why the HP Spectre x360 is the best 4K laptop right now

On top of the powerful hardware, including up to an eighth-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and the 1TB PCIe SSD, the HP Spectre x360 boasts an all-metal body available in natural silver, dark ash silver, or pale rose gold.

It’s a convertible laptop that comes with a pen, so you can use it in tent, tablet, and stand mode when it’s not in regular notebook mode. No matter which way you use it, it’s thin and light at just 2.78 pounds (1.26kg). The metal keyboard and large touchpad continue with the premium design, and the battery inside should get you through a day of work.

As for the 13.3-inch, 4K display, HP did a good job keeping the bezel to a minimum, while leaving enough room at the top for an IR camera compatible with Windows Hello. Ports include two Thunderbolt 3, a USB-A 3.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

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Runner-Up:
Dell XPS 13

See at Dell

The refreshed XPS 13 9370 has ditched the upper-end 1800p display for a 13.3-inch 4K display. High-res configurations start at about $1,600, and that includes an eighth-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 256GB PCIe SSD. This is a pricier 4K entry point than the HP Spectre x360, but this notebook is certainly a stunner. It weighs in at 2.68 pounds (1.21kg) and is between 0.3 and 0.45 inches (7.8-11.6mm) thick thanks to the wedge design. Ports include a microSD card reader, USB-C 3.1, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Bottom line: Need a superb 4K notebook? The XPS 13 9370 should be considered.

One more thing: The webcam remains below the display, though it’s now IR and compatible with Windows Hello.

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Best Gaming:
Razer Blade

See at Amazon

Despite having inside a quad-core seventh-gen Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, and an NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU with 6GB of GDDR5 VRAM, the 14-inch 4K Razer Blade (about $2,200) is only 0.70 inches (1.78cm) thick. The slim body includes Thunderbolt 3, two USB-A 3.0, and HDMI 2.0 ports, and the keyboard and touchpad are comfortable whether you’re gaming or working. If you’d like a 4K laptop that can run the best games on the market right now, this is it.

Bottom line: For the best 4K gaming laptop out there, check out the Razer Blade.

One more thing: Check out our review for more information about the 4K Blade.

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Best Convertible:
Lenovo Yoga 920

See at Lenovo

The Yoga 920 is one of the nicest convertible laptops I’ve reviewed, thanks to an all-metal body, unique watchband hinge, and beautiful 13.9-inch 4K touch display. High-res configurations start at about $1,400, including an eighth-gen Intel Core i5-8250U CPU, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB PCIe SSD. There are plenty of configuration options available with prices rising accordingly. You’ll get about 10 hours of life from the battery, and despite its size (about 0.54 inches thick), you’re still getting two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Bottom line: For an incredible convertible laptop with a 4K display, have a look at the Lenovo Yoga 920.

One more thing: Be sure to check out our review of the Yoga 920 for a closer look.

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Best Workstation:
Dell Precision 5520

See at Dell

Need power? This is your laptop. The Precision 5520 has up to an Intel Core i7-7820HQ processor or an Intel Xeon E3-1505M v6 processor with a clock speed up to 4.0GHz, up to a 1TB SSD, and up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. For anyone working with design software, there’s an optional NVIDIA Quadro M1200 GPU with 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM.

On top of all that powerful hardware is a 15.6-inch, 4K IGZO touch display for outstanding picture, and Dell has managed to delete most of the bezel around it. The 4K configurations start at about $1,700.

Bottom line: Need something with a lot of power to help get through your workload? The Precision 5520 is it.

One more thing: If you’re interested in the Precision 5520, be sure to check out our in-depth review.

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Best Photography:
Dell XPS 15

See at Dell

The Dell XPS 15 has a bunch of ports to hook up your devices, including HDMI 1.4, two USB-A 3.0, USB-C Thunderbolt 3, and an SD card reader. Inside is an Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor with a clock speed up to 3.8GHz, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and up to a 1TB PCIe SSD. To help with graphics, there’s an NVIDIA GTX 1050 GPU with 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM. The 15.6-inch, 4K IGZO touch display reaches from edge to edge, and a big battery keeps you running for about eight hours. The 4K configurations start at about $2,000.

Bottom line: For a great 4K laptop perfect for photo editing, check out the Dell XPS 15.

One more thing: Seriously considering the XPS 15? Our review has a lot more valuable information to help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

The XPS 13 9370 is a great option for a 4K notebook, but the HP Spectre x360 is better for more people due to its convertible design. Dell’s XPS 15 is great for photography and its Precision 5520 is a great workstation, but Lenovo’s Yoga 920 takes the convertible cake. Are you a gamer? Definitely check out the 4K Razer Blade.

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Best Overall:
HP Spectre x360

See at HP

Updated to eighth-gen Intel Core processors (CPU) and shipping with pen included, the convertible HP Spectre x360 is a truly premium laptop with an all-day battery. Baseline 13.3-inch 4K configurations start at only about $1,130, including a Core i5-8250U, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 360GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD). If budget allows, you can get a true multitasker with up to a Core i7-8550U CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB PCIe SSD.

Bottom line: For the best overall 4K laptop for most people out there, go with the HP Spectre x360.

One more thing: A 15-inch 4K version of the Spectre x360 is pricier, but does come with the option of a dedicated GPU.

Updated February 23, 2018: This list has been refreshed to ensure you’re still looking at the best 4K devices available today.

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