Laptops are at their most convenient when not plugged in, but many users wonder if they are getting proper mileage from their device. While there are many different types of laptops, each specializing in its own niche, there are still ways to figure out whether your laptop is receiving the proper mileage. You shouldn't need one of the best laptops on the market to see a decent battery duration. By knowing how long a given laptop's battery should last on a single charge, you can avoid having to replace a battery early in your laptop's life. While most laptop batteries can be replaced without being brought into a repair shop, and warranties can sometimes cover premature battery death, generally replacing batteries is an expensive process that can often require niche tools.

To start, it's important to look at the type of laptop you have. The general range for modern laptops will lie somewhere between four and 12 hours from a single charge. Premium-thin and Ultrabook laptops will last near the upper end of that tier (at eight to 12 hours, with some even reaching 15 under optimal conditions), whereas more standard laptops will last about six to 10 hours -- or four to seven hours if it's a budget-friendly machine. Gaming laptops will drain significantly faster, and you should only expect about two to four hours from them. A laptop's niche is only part of the equation, though, as the type of charger you're using can also subtly affect battery life. Aftermarket chargers in particular may not deliver the precise voltage you need and could end up stressing your battery. To reach that full potential for each of these bounds, you'll need to optimize things. There are some key settings to change for extended laptop battery life, such as turning down display brightness, closing background apps and tabs, and lowering your display's refresh rate.