A great laptop is essential for taking high-quality computing wherever you go, and with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. For those seeking a versatile all-arounder, my top pick, the MacBook Air, is likely all you'll need. Students looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 to be a better fit. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to help you sift through the choices and find the perfect laptop for your needs, whether it's 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
0See it at Best BuySee it at Asus
### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
0See it at Razer
### Asus Zenbook S 16
0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Asus
### 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 making their presence felt. They offer excellent battery life and performance, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
No matter what you're looking for, my extensive testing ensures you'll find the best value and performance for your money.
MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos
View 6 Images
1. Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)
The Best Laptop
Our Top Pick### Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)
0This year's MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip, is better than ever. It's a stellar system for productivity and creative work, offering exceptional performance and efficiency. 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 get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air continues to be a top performer, excelling in portability and battery life. The latest model features the powerful M4 chip, enabling users to efficiently handle everything from work projects to creative tasks. Its thin and light design, weighing just 2.7 pounds, makes it effortlessly portable. While it lacks the gaming prowess of a MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air remains an excellent daily companion for most users.
Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly laptop delivers impressive performance, an OLED display, and exceptional 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)Asus's VivoBook S 15 offers a compelling entry point with its price below $1,000. It shares many benefits with the ZenBook S 16, featuring a fantastic screen and a thin, light design. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, it balances power efficiency with performance. The OLED touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2880x1620 resolution ensures outstanding picture quality for productivity and entertainment. With over 16 hours of battery life, it's a great value for most users.
Razer Blade 16 (2025)
Best Gaming Laptop
### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
0This year's Razer Blade 16 is a premium gaming laptop that balances performance and portability. 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 produced, blending high performance with a surprisingly thin and light design. Powered by the latest Nvidia graphics and an AMD Ryzen CPU, it's ideal for gaming at ultra settings. Its 16-inch OLED screen with a 240Hz refresh rate delivers exceptional visuals and responsiveness. While it may not offer the highest FPS compared to bulkier gaming laptops, its overall package is outstanding.
Asus ZenBook S 16
Best Laptop for Work
### Asus Zenbook S 16
0The Asus ZenBook S 16 is perfect for work, offering a spacious OLED touchscreen, portable design, and strong 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 is ideal for productivity, featuring a 16-inch OLED touchscreen and a premium design. Powered by AMD's Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks efficiently and offers around 15 hours of battery life. While it can run light games, it may get warm during intensive use, but it remains an excellent choice for work.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best Laptop for School
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the perfect 2-in-1 for students, offering versatility, performance, 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 an excellent choice for students, offering a versatile 2-in-1 design that excels in note-taking, productivity, and entertainment. Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor, it delivers responsive performance and comes with a high-quality OLED touchscreen. While app compatibility is still improving, and accessories can be pricey, it's a top pick for students needing a versatile laptop.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing the right laptop can be daunting, but focusing on key specifications can help. Here's what to consider when selecting the best laptop in 2025:
Display: The display is crucial. Most laptops use IPS panels, but OLED or mini-LED displays offer superior visuals at a higher cost. For work and school, 1080p resolution is usually sufficient, while gamers and entertainment enthusiasts may benefit from higher resolutions and refresh rates.
Platform/OS: Choose between Windows and Mac, with Mac available only on Apple devices.
Processor: Opt for a processor with at least six cores for general use, and eight or more for future-proofing and intensive tasks.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for productivity and school, with 32GB for gaming and intensive tasks.
Storage: Start with at least 512GB for productivity, and 1TB for gaming and local file storage.
Graphics: Integrated GPUs are sufficient for productivity, but dedicated graphics cards are necessary for gaming.
Portability: Consider the weight and size of the laptop, as these can impact daily use. Thin and light laptops typically weigh 3.5lbs or less.
Laptop FAQ
Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?
For work and school, focus on an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, consider a laptop with a dedicated GPU to enhance graphics settings and resolution.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup causing thermal throttling, or simply because they have a shorter lifespan compared to desktops.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
If you need a portable gaming solution, a laptop is ideal. For a stationary setup, a desktop offers better performance and value, though it sacrifices portability.
