Not Asus, not MSI: Consumer Reports says this laptop brand is the most reliable

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Consumer Reports’ expert hardware testers compared different laptop and Chromebook models in today’s market based on metrics like performance and versatility. When it comes to brand reliability, however, there’s one name that consistently ranks above all others on CR’s current list – and it’s not Asus or even MSI. Based on estimated problem rates from more than 75,000 Consumer Reports surveys, the most trusted laptop brand today is Apple.

It’s clear why Apple is one of the laptop brands with the best reputation for reliability despite holding a prestigious place in so many categories. The MacBook Air 2026 ranks first in reliability in CR’s 12-13-inch laptop category. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is the most reliable option in the 14-inch laptop category. And the MacBook Pro MX2X3LL/A is considered the most reliable laptop in the 15- to 16-inch category, and it’s also among Consumer Reports’ highest-rated laptops overall.

It may be the 2024 model, but it presents itself as a solid product that received top marks as a machine for work, multimedia, and general productivity when reviewed by RTINGS’ experienced testers. User opinion also tends to support the idea that MacBooks are incredibly reliable. Even when Reddit users report flaws, they are often warned that their situation is hyper-specific. The very positive feedback indicates that these scenarios do not represent the vast majority of MacBook Pro users.

The biggest elephant in the room is the operating system. Depending on your preferences, experience, or work environment, getting an Apple laptop running macOS may not be a practical option for you. Fortunately, Consumer Reports also highlights some very reliable Windows machines in its laptop review list, including some models from popular brands like Asus or MSI.

However, the LG Gram 17-inch Copilot+ PC sits at the top of CR’s 17-18-inch laptop category in terms of reliability and ergonomics. According to Consumer Reports surveys, LG has demonstrated consistent performance over time and is often recommended by everyday owners. When ranking popular laptop brands from best to worst, LG often finds itself in the top position due to high average scores across all models for various rating metrics, including reliability.

LG laptops come with the Windows operating system installed, so they deserve special consideration if that is your preference. If you want to move to a brand that has an even bigger winning streak when it comes to reliability, it may be time to stop falling for common macOS myths that are stopping you from trying Apple.