The best HP computers you can buy

Omen 15

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Deciding on a new laptop or computer can be a monumental task. There are many places to start your search, but some good old-fashioned brand research can go a long way. HP started its journey as Hewlett Packard more than 80 years ago, so it’s probably learned a thing or two along the way. Whether you’re thinking about a laptop or desktop, this is the place to be. Here are all of the best HP computers to buy.

See also: The best laptops you can buy in 2021

We’re sticking exclusively with HP for this roundup, so get ready to hear a few familiar names. Before we get into the list itself, here’s a quick way to keep all of the product lines in order:

HP branding explained

The Spectre brand represents HP’s high-end performance line of mainstream laptops. The Envy family is a step-down in both laptops and desktops, though it seems to get closer to the Spectre each year. From there you move into the Pavilion line for HP’s everyday computing. It is followed by the unbranded HP Laptop series, Stream devices for younger users, and Chromebooks.

On the business side, the EliteBook 1000 series sits atop HP’s list followed by the EliteBook 800 and EliteBook 700 models. The ProBook 600 series is the next step down for “pros” without sacrificing enterprise-grade security. Next are the ProBook 400 family, 200 Series, and Chromebooks for businesses on a budget. The ZBook brand is HP’s workstation-class laptop line, while the Omen range is dedicated to powerful gaming that doesn’t break the bank.

Now then, ready to learn about the best HP has to offer?

The best HP Computers:


HP laptops

HP ENVY 14 frnt left hero

Credit: HP

The HP family of laptops is tough to challenge. It includes nearly half-a-dozen product lines, and that’s before you even add Chromebooks to the mix. We’re sticking with Windows-based machines in this first section. Yet, that doesn’t make it any easier to choose. Here are the laptops that made the cut:

Spectre x360

spectre x360

Credit: Amazon

HP’s Spectre x360 is the premium model amongst its laptop family, available in both 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch sizes. Every detail has been polished, from the gem-cut aluminum body to the carefully angled USB-C charging port. On the inside of this premium machine, you’ll find brand new 11th-generation Intel Core processors and Iris Xe graphics to match. The Spectre starts with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB PCle NVMe SSD, both of which are plenty for your needs.

As for the display, HP tapped a brilliant 4K AMOLED unit to carry the torch. It’s a touchscreen as well, so you can unleash your creativity to the fullest. The spec sheet for the 15.6-inch version of HP’s Spectre is much the same as the 13.3-inch model, but you may find that the extra real estate is a must-have.


Omen 15

best hp computers omen 15

Credit: Amazon

If you’re more interested in gaming, then the Omen 15 is right up your alley. It is easily the best HP gaming computer you can buy. The company gave its gaming flagship a complete facelift in 2020, dropping the gaming aesthetic for an everyday powerhouse look. Don’t worry, though, the facelift didn’t include a shift away from the performance. This is still the powerful Omen you expect. You can choose either an Intel or an AMD Ryzen version, and both come equipped with Nvidia’s GeForce GPUs. The Omen 15 tops out at 32GB of RAM and 1TB of onboard storage.

See also: The best gaming laptops you can buy right now

As a gamer, you’ll be pleased with the 15.6-inch 144Hz display. It comes in with a Full HD resolution, though it’s not a touchscreen. HP’s Omen even manages an impressive 12 hours of battery life to keep you in the game all day long.


Envy 14

best hp computers envy 14

Credit: Amazon

The Envy line may not be HP’s top offering, but it gets closer to becoming HP’s best computer every year. You can choose from a range of sizes from 13 inches all the way up to 17 inches. Each version comes loaded with the latest Intel hardware. Depending on your preferred screen size, some versions start with 11th-gen Intel Core i3 CPUs, while others start at Core i5. The Envy 14 also includes an Nvidia GeForce GTX Series GPU so you can tap into some gaming action or let your creativity roam.

HP found a way to slim the bezels even further on the new Envy line, and a 16:10 aspect ratio makes your overall experience just a bit more comfortable. You can also use physical buttons to toggle your microphone and webcam — perfect for a new semester of Zoom classes.

Want to dig even deeper into the best laptops that HP has to offer? Check out this list for even more options.


HP Chromebooks

Chromebook x360 11 G4 EE 1

Credit: HP

If you weren’t able to decide on a Windows laptop, you might have better luck with Chrome OS. Luckily, HP offers almost as many Chromebooks for you to choose from. We’ve chosen a two-in-one, an everyday device, as well as a business powerhouse to give you the full range of options. Here are the HP Chromebooks that top the list:

Chromebook x360

Chromebook x360 14 g1

Our first Chrome OS pick among the best HP computers is an everyday option with 2-in-1 flexibility. The x360 name notes the fact that you can flip your Chromebook in seconds for a full-speed tablet experience. It runs on a 14-inch Full HD display with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, both of which should be plenty for the lightweight Chrome OS. HP’s flexible Chromebook even promises 13 hours of battery life with a smooth performance from the 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor.


Chromebook 14a

Chromebook 14A G5

Another HP Chromebook worth considering is the unbranded Chromebook 14a. It’s a simple, no-frills machine that makes a perfect first laptop for students of all ages. Like most options on the list, you’re looking at Intel hardware for both the CPU and GPU, though this affordable laptop relies on a Celeron chip rather than a Core processor. HP’s 14-inch display is touch optional, though the Chromebook itself is not a 2-in-1.

Backing up the Intel hardware, you’ll find 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, which is better than it sounds. Chrome Os takes very little power to operate. You should therefore be just fine with the base configuration.


Pro c640 Chromebook

HP Pro c640 Chromebook Enterprise Front Left

We’ve slightly overlooked HP’s business offerings up to this point, but no longer. The Pro c640 Chromebook is a powerful example of what you can really do with Chrome OS. It’s an affordable 14-inch option that looks right at home in the board room, and it packs a punch with 10th-generation Intel power inside. Just like the last option, the Pro c640 is touch optional, and you can go up to a Full HD IPS display if you so choose.

If you know you need serious power from your Chromebook, the Pro c640 is just right. You can configure yours with a whopping 16GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is more than you’ll ever need for Chrome OS. You’ll also find Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, an HD webcam, and a 60Wh battery.

If you’ve decided the best HP computer is a Chromebook, but you aren’t sold on one of these three, check out our list of the best HP Chromebooks right here.


HP All-in-One computers

hp envy 32 aio

Credit: HP

HP offers a number of desktops to complement its laptop lines, and you may find that a more permanent computer is better for you. Up first, we’ll dig into a few of the best all-in-one PCs that keep your entire setup close at hand. You’ll notice a few familiar names, but the all-in-ones top out with the Envy line rather than the Spectre. Here are our top choices:

All-in-One 24

best hp computers all in one 24

Credit: Amazon

The first all-in-one on our list may not fall into one of HP’s fancy brand names, but it’s not to be overlooked. This 24-inch desktop comes loaded with everything you need — a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD backed up by 1TB HDD. Even better, it’s truly a one-stop shopping option because HP includes a keyboard and a mouse with your purchase. The 23.8-inch Full HD display features three micro-edge bezels, though the chin is a bit larger to house the bulk of your components.


Envy All-in-One 32

envy all in one

Credit: Amazon

If you want the most powerful all-in-one that HP has to offer, the buck stops here. The new 32-inch Envy is both huge and built to handle your greatest creative pursuits. It starts with a large display, but you’re also looking at a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, a speedy Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU, and more than 1TB of combined storage space. Your Envy all-in-one comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM onboard, but you can always upgrade it to 32GB if you want to.

See also: Here are the best all-in-one computers

HP’s Envy all-in-one is more than just a powerful spec sheet. It oozes premium design choices, with a powerful soundbar tuned by B&O and a pop-up webcam for a truly minimalist look. For power, performance, and style, the Envy all-in-one is easily one of the best HP computers you can buy.


Pavilion All-in-One

best hp computers pavilion all in one

Credit: Amazon

Our last all-in-one pick falls right between the last two, and we have to show a little love to the Pavilion line. You can grab a Pavilion all-in-one with either Intel or AMD hardware, but we’ve chosen to highlight the Ryzen 7 version here. You’ll get integrated AMD graphics to match and a vibrant 27-inch Full HD touchscreen to go along with it. This version of HP’s midrange desktop also comes with a 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD built-in, as well as 16GB of RAM.

The bottom bezel once again doubles as a soundbar, and it sports a sleek geometric design that blends perfectly with the rest of HP’s design choices.


HP desktops

HP Omen desktop header

Credit: Omen

Last, but certainly not least, are the best HP desktop computers around. They tend to offer more power than their standalone cousins, though you’ll have to grab a monitor, mouse, and keyboard on your own. If you have dreams of gaming the day away, an HP desktop might be the way to go. Check out these options:

Omen 30L

omen 30l

Credit: Amazon

We’ve touched on the Omen line as HP’s best gaming computer, and it might be even better as a desktop. The Omen 30L is a spiritual successor to the Omen Obelisk, and this version is as large as they come. You can grab a slightly smaller 25L version, though there’s slightly less room for customization. HP offers its powerful gaming flagship in either Intel or AMD configurations, and we’ve chosen the AMD model. You can equip yours with up to a Ryzen 9 processor as well as an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti GPU.

See also: The best gaming PC desktops

HP didn’t stop with the basics when it redesigned its Omen line either. Your RAM options include up to 32GB of HyperX’s DDR4 power, and you can add up to 2TB of WD Black primary SSDs. The Omen 30L even features a clear side panel so you can show off your RGB setup.


Envy desktop

hp envy desktop

The Envy desktop offers an impressive blend of modern design and modern components. Better yet, it won’t even break the bank. You’ll immediately notice the vertical slat design on the case. One slat is split in half to double as a well-hidden disc tray. Let’s be honest, though, you’re probably not using a disc drive as your deciding factor. Powering the Envy desktop, you’ll find 10th-gen Intel hardware and a crisp Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super graphics card to match it. It’s not the most powerful desktop in HP’s arsenal, but 16GB of RAM and 2.25TB of primary and secondary storage is plenty.


Pavilion Gaming desktop

cheap gaming pc hp pavilion

Credit: Amazon

Our last pick of the best HP computers you can buy brings us right back to the gaming realm. However, HP’s Pavilion Gaming line lets you tap into high-end power without the high price. You can easily stay under $1,000 as you configure your PC with either Intel or AMD components. However, we’ve chosen the Core i5 version this time around. You can also snag up to 32GB of RAM and 3TB of total storage space, which is a great value for the money. 

Wi-Fi 6 doesn’t come with the default configuration, though it’s easy enough to upgrade along with your choice of an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, 1660, or RTX 2060 Super GPU.


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