From dual-screen wonders to gaming powerhouses that fit in a backpack, ASUS just dropped a massive list of new devices at CES 2026.
About a month before this, a select group of journalists were invited to an advance preview to go hands-on with the latest machines.
I was among that group. And for 2026, ASUS is zeroing in on what they do best and making subtle, but meaningful refinements.
Harnessing the capabilies of the most powerful new processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, here's what you can look forward to if you're due to upgrade your laptop in the year ahead.
The ASUS 2026 Laptop Line-Up Cheat Sheet
While this isn't every single model available, this is a collection of the most interesting devices that will appeal to the most number of people.
Gaming & Power (ROG & TUF)
ROG Zephyrus G14 (Intel Edition)
The G14 has long been the king of "small but mighty" gaming laptops, and the 2026 version is doubling down on that reputation.
The Brains: This year, it's powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor.
The Screen: It features a stunning ROG Nebula OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
So, What? This is for the person who wants a MacBook Pro-sized laptop but wants to play AAA games at high settings. The new Intel chip means it runs cooler and more efficiently than older gaming laptops.
ROG Zephyrus G16
If you loved the design of the previous G16 but never pulled the trigger to buy, good news: it's back, and it looks almost exactly the same.
If It Ain't Broke: ASUS kept the sleek, premium chassis that made this laptop a hit. It's still thin (starting at 1.85 kg) and professional enough to take into a meeting without screaming "I'm a gamer!".
The Upgrade: The big change is on the inside, with the new AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor capable of 50 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) for AI tasks.
SD Card Slot: It finally has a full-size SD card reader, which is a massive win for photographers and video editors who were tired of carrying dongles.
2025 Zephyrus G16 video review.
TUF Gaming A14 & A16
The "TUF" line is usually the budget-friendly option, but these 2026 models feel surprisingly premium.
Durability: As the name suggests, these are built to take a beating. They are military-grade tested to survive drops, humidity, and extreme temperatures.
The Specs: Despite being affordable, they pack serious heat with AMD Ryzen 9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series graphics.
Who is it for? Students or anyone who wants a reliable gaming laptop that won't break the bank (or break easily if it gets tossed in a backpack).
The Dual-Screen Wonder 2026 Zenbook Duo
The Zenbook Duo is the laptop that is all screen. The keyboard detaches to reveal a second full-size display underneath. Of all the laptops I used last year (which was probably about a dozen), this is the one people ALWAYS commented on when they saw it, and the new one is even sleeker! Check out my TV coverage of this laptop here. Now, there's a new model and it's even better!
The Processor: This new version is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor (Series 2), making it significantly faster than the previous generation.
The "Gap": The biggest visual upgrade is the bezel. ASUS has reduced the gap between the two screens to a "hairline," making it feel much more like one giant, continuous workspace, rather than two separate monitors.
Productivity Beast: You can prop it up to have two horizontal screens (great for spreadsheets), or you can turn it sideways for two vertical screens (perfect for coding or writing).
Thin, Light, & Premium (Zenbook S Series)
The Zenbook S 14 & S 16 are the flagship "ultrabooks"—the direct competitors to the MacBook Air, but for those who just can't get on board with MacOS.
The Material: They use "Ceraluminum," a high-tech ceramic material that feels like warm stone to the touch and resists scratches.
The Design: The S 16 is impossibly thin, at just 1.1 cm, and weighs only 1.5 kg.
The Display: Both feature gorgeous 3K 120Hz OLED touchscreens.
So, What? If you want the best-looking, lightest laptop for travel and work, this is the one. The 120Hz screen means scrolling through web pages and documents will look buttery smooth.
The Everyday Workhorses (Vivobook S)
The Vivobook line (S 14 & S 16) is for people who want great performance without paying for the ultra-premium materials of the Zenbook.
The Performance: You aren't sacrificing speed here. They come with high-performance Intel Core Ultra 7 processors.
The Look: They feature a minimalist, all-metal design that looks clean and modern.
Who is it for? This is the perfect laptop for most people—great for office work, streaming movies, and multi-tasking, all at a price that is easier to swallow than the pro models.
Strictly Business ExpertBook Ultra
This one is for the corporate crowd, but it's cool enough that you might want one anyway. Note, this is a line I have minimal first-hand experience with, I've only seen the laptops twice at tech events and played around on them for a few minutes. But in that little time, I can see why this is a much cooler option than the typical work-issued hardware many of us are used to.
Security First: It's built with enterprise-grade security features to keep your data safe, making it a favorite for IT departments.
Design: It mimics the premium feel of the consumer laptops but with a more rugged, business-focused finish dubbed "Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation."
The Specs: Powered by the Intel Core Ultra X9, it's designed to handle heavy spreadsheets and data analysis without breaking a sweat.
ASUS for All!
Which one of these fits your lifestyle best? Are you team "Dual Screen" or do you prefer the classic "Thin and Light"?
Asus Zenbook A14 review (2025).
Last year, I had the chance to review several ASUS laptops and devices and was impressed with the consistently high quality and the overall value of what they bring to the table. With the soaring price of RAM, that "value" propposition is going to be extra important in 2026.
Let me know your pick on Instagram!
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