A great laptop offers the flexibility to bring high-quality computing wherever you go, making it an enticing choice for any user. With the vast array of options available, selecting the perfect laptop can feel overwhelming. However, for many, a versatile all-arounder like the MacBook Air might be all you need. Students, on the other hand, may prefer the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, which combines portability, performance, and entertainment seamlessly. As a professional laptop reviewer, my goal is to help you navigate through the noise and find the ideal laptop for your needs, whether for work, school, or gaming. Here are the top laptops of 2025.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Laptops We've Tested:
Our Top Pick### Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)
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### 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 a variety of designs, each tailored to meet different needs. The best laptops blend seamlessly into your daily routine, offering exceptional battery life and performance that justifies the investment.
No matter your requirements, my extensive testing ensures you 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, powered by the M4 chip, is better than ever. It's a stellar system for productivity and creative work, offering unmatched 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 can become expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air remains a benchmark for laptops, consistently earning high marks for performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration, powered by the M4 chip, enhances its capabilities while maintaining the hallmark features of the MacBook Air line. The M4 chip not only boosts performance but also improves battery efficiency, allowing you to handle a range of tasks from productivity to creative projects with ease.
The MacBook Air continues to push boundaries with its thin and light design, now even lighter at just 2.7lbs, making it effortlessly portable. Its fanless design, utilizing passive cooling through its metal frame, ensures silent operation and a sleek aesthetic.
While it doesn't match the performance of the MacBook Pro with its active cooling, the MacBook Air excels as an everyday companion. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over the previous M3, ensuring it can handle most tasks you'll encounter daily.
The display remains consistent with its predecessor, offering a high-quality 13- or 15-inch screen with a 2560x1664 resolution, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. However, connectivity remains a limitation, with only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack.
The MacBook Air excels in its role as a silent, responsive daily driver, perfect for most users who aren't focused on gaming.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly laptop delivers impressive performance, a stunning OLED display, and excellent portability. It's an outstanding choice for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality.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 might be an issue (but likely not)Asus's VivoBook S 15 offers a compelling entry point with a price well below $1,000. It shares many features with the more expensive ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a slim, lightweight design that's easy to carry around. The VivoBook S 15 doesn't compromise on performance, making it an excellent budget option.
Weighing just over 3lbs and with a thickness of just over a half-inch, the VivoBook S 15 is highly portable. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, which balances efficiency and performance effectively.
The laptop's OLED touchscreen display is a standout feature, boasting a high-resolution 2880x1620 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it perfect for productivity and entertainment.
Battery life is another highlight, with over 16 hours of normal use, which means you might only need to charge it twice a week. The Snapdragon processor contributes to this impressive battery life, though it comes with a caveat: app compatibility. While most major productivity and creative apps should work, it's wise to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list to ensure your apps will run smoothly.
Overall, the Asus VivoBook S 15 offers fantastic value and is likely to impress 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 strikes the perfect balance between form factor, performance, and user experience, making it a premium choice for gamers.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 of 2025 is a standout, blending top-tier performance with a remarkably thin and light design. It's powered by the latest Nvidia graphics and an AMD Ryzen CPU, delivering exceptional gaming performance in a surprisingly portable package.
Crafted from a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, the Blade 16 is both durable and lighter than typical gaming laptops at just 4.7 lbs. Its balanced design, featuring an RTX 5090, enables high-end gaming at ultra settings while remaining more user-friendly than most gaming laptops.
Razer has optimized the Blade 16 for a thinner profile by limiting the graphics card's wattage, which might disappoint those seeking the absolute highest frame rates. However, at its native resolution, the Blade 16 performs exceptionally well.
The 16-inch OLED display with a 2560x1600 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate offers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. While it might not hit the highest frame rates of some competitors, its overall design and performance make it the best 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 an excellent choice for work, featuring a spacious OLED display, ultra-portable design, and impressive performance. It's perfect for professionals seeking a versatile laptop.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 make it a top contender for professionals. The 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, ideal for work and presentations.
The ZenBook S 16's design evokes the MacBook aesthetic, featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid and a vented area above the keyboard that enhances its premium feel. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks and multitasking effortlessly, offering around 15 hours of battery life.
While not as powerful as the latest Apple chips, it's well-suited for most tasks, including video editing. It can also handle light gaming, though it may require lower settings or resolutions. The only notable drawback is its tendency to get warm during intensive use, which might be a concern for some users.
Overall, the ZenBook S 16's blend of performance and portability makes it an ideal work laptop.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos
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5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best Laptop for School
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the ultimate laptop for students, offering versatility, performance, and entertainment in a highly portable package. 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 ideal laptop for students, offering versatility and performance in a compact, portable design. It seamlessly integrates note-taking, productivity, and entertainment into one device.
The latest Surface Pro reinvents the 2-in-1 tablet PC, delivering high performance without sacrificing battery life. With options for the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processor, it offers a responsive experience perfect for academic use. The X Elite version, recommended for its superior performance, comes with an upgraded OLED touchscreen display with a 2880x1920 resolution.
Both versions of the Surface Pro offer impressive screen quality, with the OLED variant providing better contrast and color for entertainment. However, the device does not include a keyboard folio case or Surface Pen by default, which adds to the cost. Third-party alternatives are available if you're looking to save money.
App compatibility is an ongoing concern with Snapdragon processors, so it's essential to verify that your required applications are supported. For students, this shouldn't be a significant issue, as most common apps are now compatible.
For gaming, the Surface Pro supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, making it a viable option for entertainment when not studying. Overall, the Surface Pro 11 is a fantastic choice for students needing a versatile, reliable laptop.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing the right laptop can be challenging, but focusing on key specifications can help you make an informed decision. Here's what to consider when selecting one of the best laptops in 2025.
Display: The display is crucial for your laptop experience. Most laptops feature IPS displays, which are cost-effective and good for productivity. OLED and mini-LED displays offer superior visuals but at a higher cost. For work or school, a Full HD (1,080p) resolution is typically sufficient. For gaming or entertainment, an OLED with a higher refresh rate (up to 120Hz or more) can enhance your experience.
Platform/OS: The operating system is your daily interface. Choose between Windows and macOS, with the latter exclusive to Apple devices.
Processor: The processor is the heart of your laptop, handling all computations. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the main players. For general use, aim for at least a six-core processor, with eight or more cores recommended for future-proofing.
Memory: RAM affects how many tasks your laptop can handle simultaneously. For productivity and school, 16GB is a good starting point, while 32GB is better for gaming and intensive tasks.
Storage: Storage determines how much data you can store locally. Start with at least 512GB for productivity and school, and 1TB for gaming and those who prefer keeping files locally.
Graphics: Graphics cards render what you see on the screen. Integrated GPUs are suitable for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are necessary for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks.
Portability: Consider the weight and size of the laptop, especially if you'll be carrying it frequently. 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 laptops with at least an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, consider a dedicated GPU to handle higher graphics settings and resolutions.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or simply the natural aging of the device. Regular maintenance and upgrades can help mitigate these issues.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
If portability is essential, especially for gaming on the go, a laptop is ideal. For stationary use, a desktop offers better performance and value for money, though it's less portable.
