Laptop Mag shutdown explained: What happened and what’s next
After nearly 35 years of covering laptops and personal tech, Laptop Mag is shutting down—marking the end of an era for one of the most trusted sources in consumer technology. The announcement came during a staff meeting led by Faisal Alani, the global brand director at Future PLC, which owns Laptop Mag. This decision reflects a broader shift in digital media strategy as long-standing tech publications face increasing consolidation and financial pressure.
A brief history of Laptop Mag’s legacy in tech journalism
Laptop Mag began as a print publication in 1991 under Bedford Communications, first known as the Laptop Buyers’ Guide and Handbook. Over the decades, it evolved with the industry—moving online in 2013 after being acquired by TechMedia Network (now Purch), and then becoming part of Future PLC’s vast portfolio, which also includes PC Gamer, TechRadar, and Tom’s Guide. Through it all, Laptop Mag built a loyal following by providing detailed laptop reviews, buying guides, and trustworthy tech analysis.
Why the Laptop Mag shutdown signals a shift in tech media
The closure of Laptop Mag follows similar moves across the tech journalism landscape, including the recent shutdown of AnandTech, also owned by Future PLC. The decision underscores the changing priorities of major media companies as they streamline operations and focus on more profitable or scalable digital brands. While the company has promised to support affected employees, it remains unclear if the Laptop Mag archive will remain accessible to the public—a significant concern for readers and researchers alike.
What Laptop Mag's end means for tech readers and creators
For longtime readers, Laptop Mag’s shutdown is more than just the end of a website—it’s the disappearance of a voice that guided millions through countless laptop purchases and industry shifts. The tech community loses a publication that helped define laptop journalism. Whether its legacy will live on through archived content or future spin-offs is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Laptop Mag leaves behind a remarkable impact on tech media.
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