You expect your electronic devices to work a certain way when you use them. If you tap an app icon on your phone, it should open. When you boot up your laptop, it should start in a reasonable amount of time. But that’s not always how it goes. As your device ages, it often develops inefficiencies and quirks that make it slower and less reliable.
No device is immune to this kind of decline, yet certain brands have a reputation for building tech that performs reliably—without crashes, slowdowns, or other glitches—for longer periods. Others…not so much. So, which brands should you buy from if you want tech you can depend on for the longest time?
To get a definitive answer to this question, we asked thousands of our readers to share their experiences and rate the products they depend on in our Readers’ Choice surveys about laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets. In those surveys, conducted over the past year, our audience rated electronics manufacturers on a scale from 1 to 10 for reliability. Here’s which brands come out on top.
The Best PC, Tablet, and Phone Brands for Reliability
Laptops: MacBooks Are the Most Trusted
If you need a laptop you can count on, you’d be wise to pick up a MacBook. Apple’s laptops score nearly half a point higher than competing machines from any other brand. Apple’s MacBooks are known for their longevity and seamless updates, making them favorites for students, creatives, and professionals.
MSI comes in second for laptops, with Lenovo and Asus rounding out the top tier. All have respectable reliability scores, but nevertheless pale in comparison to Apple. MSI, however, excels in the gaming and performance space. If you prefer Windows, MSI is the way to go, but whether you’re after a powerhouse for gaming or a workhorse for productivity, these brands won’t let you down.
For more, read Readers’ Choice 2024: The Top-Rated Laptop and Tablet Brands.
Apple Aces Laptops for Work
While Windows-based machines have a reputation for being more business-oriented, PCMag readers suggest that Apple computers are the most reliable work machines.
Apple’s MacBook line scores well ahead of the big three PC manufacturers (Dell, HP, and Lenovo) here, with Dell in last place. Couple that with Apple’s excellent scores for tech support and longevity in our companion stories, and it’s obvious that office workers with Apple laptops are happier—and with this level of reliability, they’ll be using them for a long time.
IT-Managed Laptops: HP Is the MVP in the Office
What do the people who purchase and maintain laptops for big offices think? Well, they didn’t think of Apple enough to rate them in our results—they stick with the big three manufacturers. Of them, HP and Lenovo are deadlocked for the best reliability, according to IT managers. But thanks to the tie-breaker from the overall score earned in the same survey, the award goes to HP.
But when things are so close, anything could change in the future. (If you’re an IT manager, take our currently running Readers’ Choice Survey on Laptops for 2025 right now to impact the results for next year’s story.)
For more, read Business Choice 2024: The Laptop Brands Our Readers Recommend.
Desktops: Top Reliability Ratings Go to Apple
Apple’s desktops vary in many ways, including size, shape, and price—but they’re lumped together by PCMag readers as the most reliable PCs you can buy for home use, period. Apple desktop systems are a half point ahead of the nearest competitor in this category.
Keep in mind that if you’re a Windows aficionado, the “real” winner after Apple is a PC you buy locally or build yourself. These DIY rigs score even higher than the next best PC vendor (Dell, in this case).
Apple system soundness stands out specifically in all-in-one computers as well. Dell and HP both score respectably, but the Apple iMac continues to set the standard. If you’re looking for a sleek, space-saving machine that handles everything from work to creative projects, the trustworthy iMac is a fantastic choice. It’s a little pricier, but the build quality and reliability make it worth the investment.
Gamers Give the Nod to HP Desktops
When it comes to non-portable PCs built for games, HP tops the reliability charts with a score of 9.4. Alienware and MSI aren’t far behind, but self-built rigs once again shine the brightest with a 9.5.
If you’re handy and want the best bang for your buck, building your own gaming PC is tough to beat. But if you’re not into DIY, HP delivers an excellent mix of reliability and performance.
For more, read Readers’ Choice 2024: The Desktop PC, Peripheral, and Component Brands You Trust Most.
Macs Earn Workplace Trust in Desktops
While Windows-based machines are know for being better-suited for most business applications, PCMag readers suggest that Apple computers are the most reliable work machines.
It’s also worth noting (and somewhat surprising) that self-built computers are the real winner here, scoring even higher than Apple when it comes to reliability for work-focused machines. Building your own PC gives you full control over the components, which means you can prioritize quality and tailor everything to your exact needs. But if you don’t want to mess with screwdrivers and thermal paste, Apple’s prebuilt systems are a solid choice for reliability and performance.
IT-Managed Desktops: Managers Prefer Lenovo
Dell, HP, and Lenovo are the biggest sellers of PCs in the US, especially because they sell in bulk to businesses. They might seem evenly matched in many ways, but when it comes to longevity, IT managers in our surveys specifically peg Lenovo as a bit more dependable. And that kind of thing on a fleet of desktop units can make all the difference.
That said, the Dell and HP numbers are respectable among IT professionals. There’s a reason these brands are top sellers, after all. They make PCs that last, even when abused by staffers.
Recommended by Our Editors
For more, read Business Choice 2024: The Best Desktop PC and Monitor Brands for Work.
Phones: Samsung Is the Most Reliable Brand for Home and Work
Apple, Google, and Samsung top our charts in phone reliability with a score of 9.1, tying for the lead. To break the tie and determine a single winner, we look at overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend scores, which means Samsung grabs the win.
So, what does that mean for you? If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem—or just want a phone you can depend on—iPhones are the way to go. That said, Google and Samsung phones are just as solid, according to our readership. As long as you buy from one of the Big Three mobile device manufacturers, you can rest assured that your phone will work well for a long time.
For phones in the workplace, Samsung edges out Apple. It’s not by a huge gap, but it’s worth noting if you’re buying for a business. Samsung’s enterprise features and IT-friendly tools give it the edge. If you’re looking to keep your team connected and productive, Samsung is the best bet.
For more, read our Readers’ Choice 2024: The Top Mobile Phones and Wireless Carriers in North America.
Tablets: Reliability Is Apple’s Hallmark
Apple dominates the tablet scores with a 9.4. Samsung and Microsoft round out the top three, both with excellent reliability numbers, but not better than Apple’s.
If you want a dependable tablet that will work well for years to come, the iPad is your best bet. Apple’s seamless ecosystem, hardware quality, and regular software updates make it a no-brainer. Alternatively, if you’re a diehard Android fan or need a Windows tablet for work, Samsung and Microsoft are solid alternatives.
For more, read our Readers’ Choice 2024: The Top-Rated Laptop and Tablet Brands.
For more extended survey coverage on your most important hardware, read The Best PC, Phone, and Tablet Brands for Longevity and The Best PC Brands for Tech Support.
PCMag Readers’ Choice: How Our Surveys Help You Find the Best Products
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About Eric Griffith
Senior Editor, Features
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About Drew Prindle
Executive Editor, Features & Special Projects
