Wednesday, May 27, 2020
The best notebook choice from team ASUS goes to the ZenBook 13 (UX333FA). It has a stunning design, plenty of performance, a solid battery life, and an appealing price. Still, if you don't want or need a 13-inch laptop or require something a little more, ASUS has some other notable options available.
Best Overall: ASUS ZenBook 13 (UX333FA)
ASUS ZenBook 13 isn't the most powerful ASUS notebook, nor is it the flashiest. But if you require a 13-inch laptop that'll get the job done, this is the best option from the company. You've got some excellent highlights with this somewhat affordable notebook, too, making it a worthy competitor against the MacBook and XPS 13.
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| CPU | Up to Intel Core i7-8565U |
| RAM | Up to 8GB |
| SSD | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Display | Up to 1080p |
| Graphics | Up to UHD Graphics 620 |
| Ports | 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C 1x USB 3.1 Type-A 1x USB 2.0 Type-A 1x HDMI 1x MicroSD card reader |
| Battery | 50Whr |
What sets this laptop apart from others in this price range is the keyboard. It's really good. There's even a smart touchpad that doubles up as a number pad, allowing you to make full use of spreadsheets and quick number entry without having to deal with the standard 1-9 keys above the QWERTY keyboard layout.
The battery life is excellent, which is surprising in such a compact package, especially when taking the specifications into account. The ZenBook 13 can be kitted out with up to an Intel Core i7-8565U processor, and while this isn't the latest and greatest Intel generation, it's still more than capable for everyday tasks.
Pros:
- Amazing keyboard
- Great design
- Useful touchpad
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Display isn't the best
- Some keys are a little too compact
- No dedicated display
Best Overall
ASUS ZenBook 13 (UX333FA)
A stunning notebook with a unique design
You don't need to spend thousands on a notebook to pick up one worth keeping for years. The new ZenBook 13 is proof.
Runner-up: ASUS ZenBook 15 (UX534)
The ZenBook 15 from ASUS is a stunning piece of kit. The company has been at the forefront of laptop design throughout the last decade, and this notebook is no different, sporting a sleek design with a compact chassis that houses some powerful internals.
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| CPU | Up to Intel Core i7-10510U |
| RAM | Up to 16GB |
| SSD | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Display | Up to 4K |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA GTX 1650 |
| Ports | 1x COMBO audio jack 1x Type-A USB 3.1 (Gen 2) 1x Type-A USB 3.1 (Gen 1) 1x Type-C USB 3.1 (Gen 2) 1x HDMI 1x SD card reader |
| Battery | 71Whr |
The ZenBook 15 comes with up to an Intel Core i7-10510U processor, up to 16GB RAM, the choice of up to a 1TB SSD, and a 4K display powered by an NVIDIA GTX 1650. It has everything you require for daily tasks and even some more demanding software, but you won't be playing any modern games at max settings due to the lack of Thunderbolt 3 for external GPU support. When the hinge is open, it even protrudes slightly to raise the keyboard at an angle for more natural typing and better ventilation.
With up to 15 hours of battery life (more like 8-10 hours with real-life usage) on a single charge, you'll be able to get through the day while you wait for a flight in a lounge or happen to be enjoying the good weather outside with limited access to a power outlet. The battery life can be better, though, and you'll need to keep your charger with you while you're out and about. This laptop does not utilize USB-C for charging like other compact notebooks, so you won't be able to use power banks to provide additional juice before running flat.
The ASUS ZenBook 15 is a seriously good Windows 10 laptop.
While ASUS opted for non-existent bezels, the company still managed to implement a Windows Hello capable IR camera, full-sized HDMI and SD card, as well as a couple of USB 3.1 ports and a USB-C. It would have been nice to see Thunderbolt 3 behind the USB-C connector as well at this price point, but that's about the only thing the ZenBook 15 doesn't have.
Pros:
- Powerful internals
- Display-driven touchpad
- Decent battery life
- Plenty of USB ports
- Optional dedicated GPU
Cons:
- No Thunderbolt 3
Runner-up
ASUS ZenBook 15 (UX534)
An absolute delight to use
The ZenBook 15 does it all. It looks stunning, is lightweight enough for portable use, and houses powerful hardware.
Best for Creators: Asus ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581)
The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581) is a unique laptop in that it doesn't settle with a single display setup. ASUS decided to add a second display just above the keyboard, and unlike the MacBook from Apple, this is actually more useful than mere shortcuts.
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| CPU | Up to Intel Core i9-9980HK |
| RAM | Up to 32GB |
| SSD | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Display | Up to 4K OLED |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA RTX 2060 |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt 3 USB-C (up to 40Gbps and DisplayPort) 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A (up to 10Gbps) 1x Standard HDMI 2.0 1x Audio combo jack 1x DC-in |
| Battery | 71Whr |
Should you be a creator or require plenty of screen real estate, it's well worth considering. To make it more appealing to creators, ASUS bumped up the specs to include an Intel Core i9-9980HK processor, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage space, 4K OLED main display, and an optional NVIDIA RTX 2060 GPU.
The best part about the main panel is that it's matte coated, meaning it'll not show reflections as strongly. This is handy when you like to use the laptop in a brightly lit environment or outside. The secondary display is excellent for additional use, too, allowing you to get more done without having to switch between applications.
Pros:
- Powerful internals
- Dedicated NVIDIA graphics
- Large SSD
- Matte display
- Secondary display panel
Cons:
- Cramped keyboard
- Small touchpad
- A little on the thick side
Best for Creators
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581)
When one screen just isn't enough
Creators need plenty of screen real estate, and a 4K display on a notebook helps with this, but sometimes it's simply not enough.
Best Value: ASUS VivoBook S14 (S433)
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| CPU | Up to Intel Core i7-10510U |
| RAM | Up to 16GB |
| SSD | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Display | Up to 1080p |
| Graphics | Up to Intel UHD |
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 2x USB 2.0 1x HDMI 1x Audio combo jack 1 x MicroSD card reader 1x DC-in |
| Battery | 50Whr |
The ASUS VivoBook S14 (S433) is a joyful laptop in that it's affordable, comes rocking some considerable performance, and has all the ports you'll likely require. With configurations that allow for up to an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and a decent 1080p display, it's an ideal pick for those looking for a laptop that'll get them through the day.
The 14-inch 1080p display is joined by up to an Intel Core i7-10510U processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, and a fingerprint sensor for quickly logging in using Windows Hello. That's not bad when you consider you're paying less.
Still, you need to remember that this is a budget laptop, and the display isn't anywhere near other ASUS laptops in our roundup. There's also the lack of any dedicated GPU, even if you go for the more expensive VivoBook S14 models.
Pros:
- Great price
- Can be configured with Core i7
- Lightweight
- Good battery life
- Solid port configuration
Cons:
- Requires dedicated charger
- Display is dim and a little washed out
- No dedicated GPU
Best Value
ASUS VivoBook S14 (S433)
Budget-friendly and capable
Just because you're on a tight budget, it doesn't mean you need to sacrifice heavily on performance and design.
Best Gaming: ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701
Like some other ASUS laptops, the ROG Zephyrus S GX701 places its touchpad to the right of the RGB keyboard, with the entire combo moved down to run along the bottom edge. This leaves the upper portion of the deck free to house up to an NVIDIA RTX 2080 GPU and cooling system that delivers unreal gaming performance. The touchpad has an alternate mode that turns it into a number pad, just in case you're looking to do some accounting between gaming sessions.
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| CPU | Up to Intel Core i7-10875H |
| RAM | Up to 32GB |
| SSD | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Display | Up to 1080p |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA RTX 2080 SUPER |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt 3 with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C 1x Type-C 3.2 Gen2 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1x HDMI 2.0b 1x 3.5mm combo jack 1x Kensington lock |
| Battery | 76Whr |
The 17.3-inch FHD display hits a 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time for smooth visuals, and there's hardly any bezel to get in the way. Along with powerful GPU options, the Zephyrus S includes up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H CPU, up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and up to a 1TB PCIe SSD. All this delivers all-around power no matter what game you want to tackle.
This laptop is just 0.74 inches thick, yet it keeps a decent range of ports, including two USB-C 3.1, three USB-A 3.0, and HDMI. There's no Ethernet port, but that can be alleviated with a proper USB-C adapter.
Pros:
- Powerful configuration options
- Touchpad doubles as numpad
- Thin bezel around 144Hz display
- Just 0.74 inches thick
- Decent port selection
Cons:
- Short battery life
- No Ethernet
Best Gaming
ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701
Power and unique design
With up to an NVIDIA RTX 2080 GPU and 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S brings power and unique design.
Best Convertible: Asus Zenbook Flip 14
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| CPU | Up to Intel Core i7 8550U |
| RAM | Up to 8GB |
| SSD | Up to 512GB SSD |
| Display | Up to 1080p |
| Graphics | Up to Intel UHD 620 |
| Ports | 1x combo audio jack 1x Type-C USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) 2x Type-A USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) 1x HDMI 1x Fingerprint reader (Optional) 1x Volume up/down 1x micro SD card |
| Battery | 57Whr |
The ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 is a versatile laptop allowing you to use it as a traditional notebook or a tablet, simply by flipping the display around. There's stylus support, support for an Intel Core i7 processor, and plenty of ports for you to hook up all your accessories.
Buying a convertible laptop is a good option for those who enjoy watching videos, drawing on a tablet, and using a notebook, but don't want to carry around more than a single device.
Don't think that this convertible laptop is a slouch because it has a party trick of being able to transform either. That Core i7 CPU can be matched by up to 16GB RAM and a 512GB PCIe SSD. There's even a fingerprint reader with support for Windows Hello.
Pros:
- Up to Intel Core i7
- Versatile usage
- Good selection of ports
- Stylus support
Cons:
- 8th Gen Intel CPUs
- Only goes up to 8GB RAM
Best Convertible
Asus Zenbook Flip 14
Flipping brilliant
The ZenBook Flip is a laptop you can use in the traditional manner or by flipping the screen to transform it into a tablet.
Best Workstation: ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 17
The ProArt StudioBook Pro is a sound choice for anyone wanting one of the most powerful ASUS laptops around. You can have an Intel Xeon E-2276M processor installed, which doesn't sound like much by name alone, but this is an incredibly capable mobile CPU.
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| CPU | Up to Intel Xeon E-2276M |
| RAM | Up to 64GB |
| SSD | Up to 4TB SSD |
| Display | Up to 1920 x 1200 |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA Quadro T2000 |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt 3 USB-C with Display Port 1.4 3x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A 1x HDMI 2.0 1x SD reader 1x Audio combo jack |
| Battery | 57Whr |
It's also possible to turn everything else up to 11 with up to 64GB of RAM, 4TB of storage, and the option of an NVIDIA Quadro T2000 GPU for productivity. This all makes the ProArt StudioBook one mean machine for workloads.
There are numerous ports, too, including Thunderbolt 3, USB Type-A, and even HDMI 2.0 to connect to an external display. An SD reader makes it easy to take content from portable storage, and the compact design of the laptop itself makes it easier to carry around.
Pros:
- Intel Xeon CPUs
- NVIDIA Quadro RTX graphics
- Compact design
- Plenty of RAM and storage options
- Good selection of ports
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Workstation
ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 17
When you need performance
The ProArt StudioBook Pro from ASUS is the big one. It houses powerful Intel Xeon processors and even an NVIDIA Quadro graphics.
Bottom line
If you want the best overall notebook, it's easy to go with the most expensive and highest specification, but our best pick goes to the ZenBook 13. It's a solid, good value offering notebook with an excellent design, plenty of performance where it matters most, and a good choice of storage capacities.
Everyone has different tastes, and the ZenBook 13 may not entirely be what you're after, which is where our other picks come into play. The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is the pick to go for if you're a creator and need more than a single 4K display. It's also a powerhouse with up to an Intel Core i9 processor.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Rich Edmonds is a staff reviewer at Windows Central, which means he tests out more software and hardware than he cares to remember. Joining Mobile Nations in 2010, you can usually find him inside a PC case tinkering around when not at a screen fighting with Grammarly to use British words. Hit him up on Twitter: @RichEdmonds.
Richard Devine is a reviews editor at Windows Central. You'll usually find him deep in hardware, gaming, both or drinking root beer for which he openly has a mild addiction.
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