Laptops That Have a Surprisingly High Rating on Consumer Reports
If you’re anything like me, laptop shopping feels a lot like walking into a coffee shop with 217 drink options. Sure, there are plenty of great choices… but which ones are actually worth the money?
So today, I’m breaking down four laptops that scored surprisingly high on Consumer Reports—some expected, some beautifully random, and all totally worth putting on your tech radar.
Let’s get into it.
1. LG Gram 2-in-1
The “How Is This So Lightweight?” Laptop
If you want a laptop that feels like you’re carrying around a spiral notebook instead of a miniature brick, the LG Gram 2-in-1 is your new best friend.
Why Consumer Reports loves it:
Shockingly lightweight
All-day battery life
Smooth, bright touchscreen
Doubles as a tablet without feeling clunky
This is the laptop for moms who toss their computer into their bag alongside snacks, water bottles, and half the playroom. It’s ultra-portable, sneaky powerful, and great for everyday work, school, or creative projects.
Surprise factor: It performs better than you’d expect from something this thin. Think: “strong coffee in a tiny cup.”
2. Samsung Galaxy Book
The “Underrated Powerhouse”
We hear so much about MacBooks and gaming laptops that Samsung laptops often fly under the radar. Not anymore.
Why it scored so high:
Excellent battery performance
Great keyboard and trackpad
Crisp AMOLED display (Samsung knows screens)
Smooth multitasking
The Galaxy Book is perfect if you’re team Android or you want a Windows laptop that just works. It’s fantastic for students, business owners, or anyone who needs a reliable daily driver that isn’t boring.
Surprise factor: Samsung quietly made one of the best laptop screens on the market… and most people don’t even know.
3. MSI Crosshair 18
The “Yes It’s a Gaming Laptop, But Wait…”
Gaming laptops don’t always score well on Consumer Reports because they can be loud, heavy, and battery-hungry. But the MSI Crosshair 18? She breaks the mold.
Why it got a high rating:
Giant 18-inch display (movie-night level)
Powerful enough for gaming and creative work
Solid build
Surprisingly good thermals for its size
If you (or your teen) need something that can handle gaming, Adobe apps, 20-tab research sessions, or editing videos with ease, this one is a beast—in the best way.
Surprise factor: It’s one of the few gaming laptops that doesn’t instantly overheat or sound like a helicopter during Zoom calls.
4. Lenovo Yoga Slim
The “Quiet Overachiever”
Lenovo consistently shows up in tech rankings, but the Yoga Slim model in particular snagged a surprisingly high Consumer Reports score thanks to its mix of affordability and performance.
Why people love it:
Sleek, lightweight design
Super crisp display
Fast performance at a reasonable price point
Comfortable keyboard (Lenovo always wins here)
This laptop is ideal for hybrid workers, creators, and everyday users who want a premium feel without the premium price tag.
Surprise factor: It performs like a higher-end laptop but stays budget-friendly—like getting a first-class seat without the first-class bill.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been staring at endless laptop reviews feeling overwhelmed, consider this your shortcut. These four laptops not only landed high on Consumer Reports’ list—they also bring something unique to the table:
LG Gram 2-in-1: ultralight and flexible
Samsung Galaxy Book: stunning display and reliable performance
MSI Crosshair 18: power machine that’s not chaotic
Lenovo Yoga Slim: premium feel without premium pricing
Whether you're shopping for work, school, gaming, or “I need a laptop that won’t die while I’m in the middle of homeschooling,” these are all solid, mom-friendly, user-friendly picks worth paying attention to.
