How long should a laptop battery last in 2026?

A good battery life in 2026 is 10+ hours of real-world mixed use. Premium laptops like the MacBook Air M4 exceed 15 hours. If your laptop dies before 8 hours of normal use, it is below average. Gaming laptops typically last 3-6 hours due to power-hungry GPUs.

Does fast charging damage laptop batteries?

Modern fast charging is safe — laptops automatically slow charging above 80% to protect battery health. Many laptops now include battery health features that cap charging at 80% for longevity. Avoid leaving laptops plugged in 24/7 — occasional discharge to 20-40% helps maintain battery health.

Best Laptops with Long Battery Life 2026