A great laptop empowers you to enjoy high-quality computing wherever you go. No matter your needs, the variety of options available can be overwhelming. For most users, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, might be all you need. If you're a student seeking a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 could be a better fit. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the sea of choices and help you find the perfect laptop for work, school, or gaming. Here are the best laptops of 2025.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Laptops We've Tested:
Our Top Pick### Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)
0See it at AmazonSee it at Apple
### Asus VivoBook S 15
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### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
0See it at Razer
### Asus Zenbook S 16
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### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0See it at AmazonSee it at MicrosoftLaptops come in various forms, designed to cater to a wide range of needs. The best laptops seamlessly integrate into your daily routine without feeling cumbersome. They boast excellent battery life and performance, ensuring your investment is well-spent.
No matter your specific requirements, my rigorous testing ensures you'll get the best value and performance for your money.
MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos
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1. Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)
The Best Laptop
Our Top Pick### Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)
0This year's MacBook Air is enhanced by its powerful M4 chip, making it an ideal system for productivity and creative work. See it at AmazonSee it at AppleProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.6” (2560x1664) CPUApple M4 (10 cores)GPUApple M4 (8-10 cores)RAM16-32GBStorage256GB - 2TBWeight2.7 poundsDimensions11.97” x 8.46” x 0.44"PROSStellar battery lifeExceptionally thin and lightExcellent everyday performanceCONSLimited gaming abilityUpgrades can get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air is renowned for its consistent performance, portability, and battery life. The latest model, featuring the M4 chip, enhances these qualities further. It's perfect for everything from work and school projects to creative endeavors, performing faster and more efficiently than its Windows counterparts at similar price points.
The MacBook Air retains its appealing traits: superior performance and battery life in a sleek, lightweight body. This year's model is even lighter at just 2.7 pounds, making it an effortless carry. The fanless design ensures silent operation, enhancing its clean aesthetic.
While not as powerful as the MacBook Pro due to its passive cooling, the MacBook Air excels as a daily companion. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over the previous M3, handling most daily tasks with ease.
The display remains high-quality, with a 13- or 15-inch screen and a 2560x1664 resolution that delivers crisp, vibrant images. However, connectivity is limited to two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack, so a dock may be necessary for extensive accessory use.
Overall, the MacBook Air's silent, responsive, and portable design makes it an excellent choice for daily use.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly laptop offers excellent performance, an OLED display, and great portability. See it at Best BuySee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsDisplay15” (2880x1620) OLED 120HzCPUQualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1PGPUIntegrated (Qualcomm Adreno)RAM16GB LPDDR5X Storage512GB NVMe SSDWeight3.13 poundsDimensions13.88" x 8.93" x 0.58" - 0.63"PROSExcellent performance for productivity tasksGreat battery lifeKiller displayCONSApp compatibility could be an issue (but likely not)Starting below $1,000, the Asus VivoBook S 15 offers many of the same benefits as the ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a slim, portable design. Its performance is not compromised despite the affordable price.
The VivoBook line balances value and accessibility, sharing DNA with the more premium ZenBooks. While the ZenBooks offer a more elegant design, the S 15 provides a compelling budget option with high performance.
At just over 3 pounds and less than an inch thick, it's incredibly easy to carry. It comes equipped with 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM, a 512GB NVMe SSD, and the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor.
The OLED touchscreen display boasts a high resolution of 2880x1620 and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and excellent picture quality for both productivity and entertainment.
Battery life exceeds 16 hours in normal use, requiring charging only twice a week. However, the Snapdragon processor's different architecture may affect app compatibility, so it's worth checking the Windows on ARM compatibility list.
If the apps you use are supported, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is an impressive value that will satisfy most users.
Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos
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3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)
Best Gaming Laptop
### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
0This year's Razer Blade 16 perfectly balances form, performance, and user experience in a premium package. See it at RazerProduct SpecificationsDisplay16-inch (2,560x1,600) OLED CPU AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUUp to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090RAMUp to 64GBStorageUp to 4TBWeight4.7lbsDimensions13.98 x 8.68 x 0.59 - 0.69 inchesPROSFantastic performance in a surprisingly thin and light bodyStunning OLED displayImpressive battery life while gamingIt's a joy to useCONSVery expensiveFor sheer FPS, there are better options out thereThe Razer Blade 16 is the best laptop Razer has ever produced, blending top-tier performance with a remarkably thin and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU. While it may not offer the highest FPS, its overall package is exceptional.
Its aluminum chassis is CNC milled for durability and lightweight at just 4.7 pounds. It's quieter than most gaming laptops, offering a balanced system with an RTX 5090 for ultra settings gaming.
Razer's design limits the graphics card's wattage to achieve this form factor, which might disappoint some at the high price point. However, at its native resolution, it's incredibly powerful.
The 16-inch, 2560x1600 OLED screen enhances the gaming experience with its high refresh rate of 240Hz, providing smooth motion and responsiveness. Despite trading a few FPS for better design, the Razer Blade 16 is the best overall gaming laptop of the year.
Asus Zenbook S 16 – Photos
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4. Asus ZenBook S 16
Best Laptop for Work
### Asus Zenbook S 16
0The Asus ZenBook S 16 is ideal for work with its spacious, clear display, portable design, and snappy performance. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (2880x1800)CPUAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUAMD Radeon 890MRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight3.31 poundsSize13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51"Battery lifeAround 15 hoursPROSStellar portabilityBeautiful OLED touchscreenStylishly elegant design Capable of light gamingCONSHigh surface temperaturesThe Asus ZenBook S 16 excels in productivity, portability, and light gaming. Its 16-inch OLED touchscreen and premium design, combined with solid battery life and performance, make it an excellent choice for work.
The slightly larger screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes workspace, ideal for reports and presentations. The touchscreen enhances usability and integration into workflows.
The laptop's design echoes Apple's aesthetic but with unique touches like the Ceraluminum lid, blending ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. The vented area above the keyboard adds to its premium look.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks and multitasking well, though it's not as powerful as Apple's M3 or M4 chips. It offers around 15 hours of battery life and can handle light gaming.
However, it can get warm during intensive tasks, so using it on a desk or with a cooler is advisable. For everyday productivity, this is rarely a concern.
This laptop was my personal daily driver, offering an excellent balance of form and function for work.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos
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5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best Laptop for School
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0This versatile 2-in-1 is perfect for students, blending performance, reliability, and entertainment. See it at AmazonSee it at MicrosoftProduct SpecificationsDisplay14” OLED (2880x1920) 120Hz, 10-point touchCPUSnapdragon X EliteGPUIntegratedRAM16-64GB (LPDDR5)Storage256GB - 1TBWeight1.97 poundsSize11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37"PROSVery portable for easy transport between classesResponsive performance: Microsoft's best to dateHigh quality OLED touchscreen, great for productivity as well as entertainmentWorks well for game streamingCONSApp compatibility is still developingKeyboard case and stylus accessories are quite expensiveThe Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is ideal for students, offering versatility and a great experience across various tasks. It supports handwritten note-taking, productivity, and entertainment in a compact, portable design.
This year's Surface Pro reinvents Microsoft's 2-in-1 tablet, balancing performance and form factor. It runs on either a Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processor, with the latter recommended for its superior performance and OLED screen.
Both screen versions offer crisp visuals and a 120Hz refresh rate, but the OLED provides superior contrast and color. The tablet does not include the keyboard case or Surface Pen, which add to the cost, though third-party options are available.
App compatibility is a concern, so checking compatibility lists is advised. For academic and creative use, most apps should work well. The Surface Pro supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now for gaming, though local gaming performance is limited.
The Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students needing a versatile, all-day laptop.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing the best laptop in 2025 requires understanding key specs to meet your needs.
Display: The display is crucial. IPS screens are common, while OLED and mini-LED offer better visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, Full HD (1,080p) is often sufficient. For gaming or entertainment, an OLED can enhance your experience. Consider the resolution and refresh rate; higher refresh rates improve motion smoothness.
Platform/OS: Choose between Windows and Mac, with Mac exclusive to Apple devices.
Processor: The processor, or CPU, is like the brain of your computer. Intel and AMD are popular, with Snapdragon as a newer option. For general use, aim for at least six cores, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing.
Memory: RAM allows your computer to handle multiple tasks. Aim for at least 16GB for school and productivity, and 32GB for gaming or intensive tasks.
Storage: Storage capacity is vital. 256GB is the minimum, but 512GB is better for productivity, and 1TB for gaming or local file storage.
Graphics: Graphics can be integrated or dedicated. Integrated graphics are fine for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are better for gaming.
Portability: Consider the weight and size of the laptop. Thin and light laptops weigh 3.5lbs or less, ideal for daily carry. Gaming laptops are typically heavier.
Laptop FAQ
Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?
For work or school, focus on at least an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, a dedicated GPU is essential for higher graphics settings.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or the inherent shorter lifespan of laptops compared to desktops.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
Choose a laptop for portability, especially for gaming on the go. Desktops are better for stationary use and offer better performance for the price.
