Laptop Mag, a trusted name in tech journalism since 1991, has ceased operations, leaving a void in in-depth laptop reviews. The closure, part of Future PLC’s streamlining, reflects challenges in digital media, with ad revenue declines and shifting consumer preferences. Readers now face a fragmented landscape, turning to alternatives like PCMag and TechRadar for reliable tech insights.
Laptop Mag’s Closure: A Shift in Tech Journalism
Laptop Mag, a cornerstone of tech journalism for nearly 35 years, officially shut down on July 1, 2025, as announced by Future PLC, its parent company, during a staff meeting. Launched in 1991 as the Laptop Buyers Guide and Handbook by Bedford Communications, the publication became a go-to source for detailed laptop reviews, benchmarks, and mobile tech news. Its transition to digital-only content in 2013 and acquisition by Future PLC in 2018 marked significant milestones, but the evolving media landscape has now led to its closure.
The decision, communicated by Faisal Alani, Future PLC’s global brand director, was part of a broader strategy to streamline the company’s portfolio amid declining U.S. advertising revenue and a weaker pound, as reported in Future’s May 2025 earnings report. The closure affected fewer than 10 staff members, with no clarity on whether Laptop Mag’s extensive digital archives will remain accessible. This follows the shutdown of another Future-owned tech site, AnandTech, in 2024, signaling a trend of consolidation in tech media.
Laptop Mag’s rigorous testing, including synthetic and real-world benchmarks, set a high standard for laptop reviews. Its annual reviews of over 150 laptops provided consumers with trusted insights into performance, battery life, and design. The publication’s hands-on approach, led by experienced editors like Sherri L. Smith, the first Black woman to serve as its editor-in-chief in 2020, earned it a loyal readership. However, the rise of short-form content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, coupled with declining ad revenue, has made traditional, long-form tech journalism less viable.
The closure leaves a gap in the tech review ecosystem. Readers who relied on Laptop Mag’s in-depth analyses must now navigate a fragmented landscape. PCMag remains a strong alternative, testing thousands of laptops annually with standardized protocols. TechRadar offers accessible reviews, while NotebookCheck provides technical depth. However, no single outlet replicates Laptop Mag’s unique blend of editorial expertise and consumer-focused testing. Social media reactions on X highlight the loss, with users like
@ScanmyphotosC
calling the archives “pure gold” and
@ChrisHarihar
suggesting AI companies like Perplexity could acquire Laptop Mag’s content as a valuable data asset.
The broader implications are stark. The shift toward algorithm-driven, bite-sized content threatens the survival of specialized publications. As consumers increasingly turn to influencers and video reviews, the depth and reliability of expert-led journalism may diminish. For Indian readers, where laptops remain a significant investment, the absence of Laptop Mag’s trusted guidance could complicate purchasing decisions, pushing reliance on less rigorous sources or mainstream outlets like CNET and Wirecutter.
Disclaimer: This article is based on news reports, industry analysis, and social media posts. Information is sourced from The Verge, ADWEEK, TechRadar, PCMag, and X posts, reflecting current sentiment and trends. Readers are advised to verify details from primary sources for accuracy.