Laptop buying guide: how much RAM and storage do you really need?

Laptop spec sheets are full of numbers, but two decide how a laptop feels after a year of use: memory (RAM) and storage. Get them right and a laptop stays fast for five years. Get them wrong and you either overpay or upgrade early.

Memory (RAM)

• 8 GB — fine for browsing, documents and streaming, but tight with many browser tabs
• 16 GB — the sweet spot for students and professionals; comfortable with photo editing and light video
• 32 GB or more — for 4K/8K video, 3D, large code bases and running local AI models

Most thin laptops now use memory soldered to the board, so you cannot add more later. When in doubt, buy one step up.

Storage

• 512 GB — enough if your photos and files live in the cloud
• 1 TB — the safe choice for most people, especially with games or a photo library
• 2 TB — for video editors who work on the move

Our picks

Students and everyday work: the Orbitek AeroBook 14 with 16 GB and 512 GB. Creators: AeroBook 16 Pro with 32 GB and 2 TB. Gamers: the KYRO Blade 15 — 16 GB is enough today, and it has a free slot to go to 64 GB later.

Do not forget the screen and ports

A colour-accurate screen and the right ports matter as much as raw specs. If your laptop only has USB-C, budget for a hub like the Gridline 7-in-1 so you can connect a monitor, Ethernet and SD cards.