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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 had the best average Wi-Fi throughput across three bands in ZDNET’s test of seven laptops—but it did not win every band. The MacBook Pro M5 led at 2.4 GHz, and the ThinkPad was weakest there. The result is a useful reminder that “fastest Wi-Fi” depends on the frequency band and test conditions, not just the laptop model.
Which laptop was fastest overall?
ZDNET reported that the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 had the best average throughput across the tested 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands. That makes it the overall average-throughput leader in this comparison, not the fastest laptop in every situation. The report does not provide a complete numerical results table, so it is not possible to quantify the ThinkPad’s overall margin over every other tested model.
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The named comparisons point to different strengths: the Microsoft Surface Laptop for Business was close to the ThinkPad on most metrics and exceeded it at 2.4 GHz; the Dell XPS 16 also had strong throughput; and the MSI Prestige AI 16 was described as particularly fast at the high end. These are the models identified in the available report text, not necessarily the full test roster.
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How did results differ by Wi-Fi band?
A laptop’s result can change considerably depending on which band it uses. ZDNET describes 2.4 GHz as slower but more forgiving over distance and through obstructions. The 6 GHz band can deliver very fast throughput near the router, but its reported results were mixed and closer together overall than results on the other bands.
#1 Best Overall
- ⚡ POWERFUL PERFORMANCE FOR EVERYDAY TASKS: Intel N150 quad-core processor (up to 3.6GHz turbo) with 8GB LPDDR5-4800 RAM delivers smooth multitasking for web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and light productivity. 128GB UFS 2.2 storage provides fast boot times and quick app launches for your essential programs and files.
- 🖥️ IMMERSIVE 15.6" FHD DISPLAY: Crystal-clear 1920x1080 Full HD resolution with 88% screen-to-body ratio maximizes your viewing area. Anti-glare coating reduces eye strain during extended use, while Dolby Audio-enhanced stereo speakers deliver rich, clear sound for entertainment and video calls.
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- 🌐 SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure fast, reliable wireless connections. Versatile ports include 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort), HDMI 1.4, SD card reader, and headphone jack - connect all your devices and peripherals with ease.
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| Wi-Fi band | Reported result | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | MacBook Pro M5 led; ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 was weakest, with a result described as nearly half the MacBook’s. | Useful when reach and getting through obstructions matter more than peak throughput. |
| 5 GHz | MacBook Pro M5 had the lowest result. | The report does not include the complete numerical results or establish a single winner here. |
| 6 GHz | MacBook Pro M5 ranked last on weighted results; overall results were mixed and closer together. | Can be very fast near the router; the report does not provide exact model-by-model figures. |
The “nearly half” comparison is a qualitative figure from ZDNET’s report, not a complete set of measured speeds. No exact throughput values for all seven laptops are available in the report text.
What did the test measure?
ZDNET lab engineer Schylar Breitenstein used automated Python data-collection scripts and iPerf3 to measure laptop throughput on a local network. A Netgear Nighthawk RS700S router was fixed in the lab, an MSI Vector 16 HX AI acted as the server, and the tested laptops were clients. The setup covered three Wi-Fi bands, distance, and physical interference.
Rank #2
- - 15.6" Full HD IPS Narrow Bezel, Anti-glare Display - 1920 x 1080 resolution delivers incredible detail, wide-viewing angles, and lifelike color reproduction. AMD FreeSync Technology syncs your display and refresh rate so you get fluid, artifact-free visual performance at virtually any framerate. Keeps up with hybrid work styles with a thin and light design and 85% screen-to-body-ratio.
- - Connect and collaborate on your terms - When it comes to staying connected with friends or collaborating with others, this 15.6-inch HP business laptop understands the assignment. Wide dynamic range HD camera ensures you always look your best during virtual conferences, in both bright and low-light conditions. Effectively collaborate with the integrated camera and AI-based noise reduction with dual-array mics.
- - Complete Port Selection & Faster Connectivity - Stay connected with a variety of ports, including 1x USB Type-C (5Gbps signaling rate), 2x USB Type-A (5Gbps signaling rate), 1x Headphone/microphone combo, 1x HDMI 1.4b. Enjoy a smoother online experience with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 technology, providing faster data transfer speeds and more stable connections than previous generations.
- - AMD Ryzen 3 7330U Processor - This efficient 4-core, 8-thread, 8 MB L3 cache, and up to 4.3 GHz max boost clock processor is suitable for your everyday business tasks. Multitask, analyze data, focus on 1080p video chatting, and edit photos or videos smoothly with responsive performance and vibrant visuals.
- - Weighs 3.4 lbs. & Measures 0.73" thin - A stable design that fits perfectly in your lap and desk, so you're never tethered to one place. 3-cell, 41 Wh Li-ion polymer battery.
The local network was isolated from the internet to reduce variables such as ISP bottlenecks, congestion, and jitter. This was a test of local-network throughput—not a measurement of internet-provider speed. The report text does not specify the exact test distances or obstruction configurations, which limits how precisely its results can be mapped to a particular home or office.
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Not necessarily. ZDNET’s Kyle Kucharski cautioned that, in everyday use, a throughput result within 10 Mbps of another does not translate into a noticeable user impact. That is ZDNET’s practical observation about its test, not a universal threshold established by an independent study.
Rank #3
- FULL HD IPS DISPLAY - Enjoy vibrant, crystal-clear images with 178-degree wide-viewing angles
- AMD RYZEN 3 30 PROCESSOR - Everyday performance you can count on; Multitask, stream, game casually, and edit photos smoothly with responsive power and vibrant HDR visuals
- ENJOY UP TO 14 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES OF BATTERY LIFE - HP Fast Charge restores battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes
- AMD RADEON 610M GRAPHICS - Experience smooth entertainment; Built for streaming and multitasking, enjoy realistic visuals and efficient performance for work and play
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
Actual performance depends on the router, the band available to both devices, distance, walls and other obstructions, and competing network traffic. A controlled local-network result can help compare laptops under shared conditions, but it cannot predict the speed a particular person will get on every network. The report’s lack of a full numerical table also means small differences between models cannot be assessed from the available results.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to use this comparison when choosing a laptop
- If you want the strongest average across the three tested bands, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 led this comparison, but it was weakest at 2.4 GHz.
- If 2.4 GHz performance is your priority, the MacBook Pro M5 led that band, while the Surface Laptop for Business also exceeded the ThinkPad there.
- If you often work farther from the router or behind obstructions, consider the network band and your environment alongside peak-speed claims; the report describes 2.4 GHz as more forgiving in those conditions.
- If your priority is 6 GHz throughput, treat proximity to the router as important and note that this report’s 6 GHz results were relatively close and mixed.
ZDNET’s test offers a comparative result under one lab setup, not a guarantee that the same laptop will lead in every building, on every router, or on every band. The source report was published September 30, 2026: ZDNET’s laptop Wi-Fi test.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [High Speed RAM And Enormous Space] 4GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- [Processor] Intel Core i5-13420H Processor (8 Cores, 12 Threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache, Base at 1.5 GHz, Up to 4.6 GHz Max Turbo Frequency), with Intel UHD Graphics
- [Display] 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) Display
- [Tech Specs] 1 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ45, 1 x headphone/microphone combo, Webcam, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- [Operating System] Windows 11 Pro - Organize open apps with pre-configured layouts to optimize productivity, Navigate with more intuitive experience to get things done, Collaborate with teams with more features
Rank #4
- All In The Detail: The HP laptop has a beautiful brushed full-size keyboard with 10-key number pad. The 17.3 HP laptop features Wide Vision 720p camera + digital microphones, delivering clear and detailed image for video chats. Work and play non-stop with long battery life and HP Fast Charge. The large laptop hp computer is one place for all...
- Immersive Full HD Display: Experience high performance with the HP laptops featuring a stunning 17.3 inch FHD anti-glare display with sharp details and vivid color. The large 17 inch HP laptops slim bezel and big screen is perfect for multitasking, work, and entertainment. Its slim, sleek, durable design in new vibrant silver finish makes this eye-catching, thin lightweight HP 17.3 laptop easily portable..
- Windows 11 & Office 365 for Web: Preloaded with Windows 11 for a secure and easy-to-manage work experience. Built-in AI Copilot helps you quickly organize tasks, summarize information, and create content. With Office 365 for Web, you can create, edit, and share documents, presentations, and spreadsheets anytime, anywhere.
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