In today's fast-paced world, a great laptop is essential for taking high-quality computing with you wherever you go. Whether you're a professional, a student, or a gaming enthusiast, the vast array of options can be overwhelming. For most users, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, is ideal. However, if you're a student looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 might be a better fit. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the noise and help you find the perfect laptop for your needs. 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 and designs, catering to a wide range of needs. The best laptops seamlessly integrate into your daily life, offering exceptional battery life and performance that justify their cost. No matter your requirements, I've rigorously tested these options to ensure 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 is better than ever, powered by the M4 chip. It's a top choice for productivity, including creative work, due to its outstanding 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 has long been a popular choice, and the 2025 model, with its latest M4 chip, continues to set the standard for performance, portability, and battery life. The M4 chip enables faster processing for everything from work projects to creative tasks, all while using less battery than many competing Windows laptops.
The MacBook Air retains all the beloved features of previous models, including excellent performance and battery life in a slim and lightweight design. This year's model is even lighter at just 2.7 pounds, making it incredibly easy to carry. As Jackie Thomas noted in her review, the MacBook Air continues to evolve with a fanless, passively cooled design that runs silently and maintains a sleek aesthetic.
While it won't match the MacBook Pro's performance due to its lack of active cooling, the MacBook Air excels as a daily companion, perfect for most users. The M4 chip improves performance by about 20% over the M3, handling everyday tasks with ease. The display remains similar to its predecessor, offering crisp, color-rich visuals on a 13- or 15-inch screen with a 2560x1664 resolution.
However, connectivity is somewhat limited, with only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. For those needing more connections, a dock might be necessary. Overall, the MacBook Air is an excellent daily driver that seamlessly integrates into your life, despite its limited gaming capabilities.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly laptop offers 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)Starting at under $1,000, the Asus VivoBook S 15 offers many of the same benefits as the more expensive ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a thin, light design. Its performance remains strong despite its affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those looking for value without sacrificing quality.
The VivoBook line balances accessible pricing with solid performance. While sharing similarities with the ZenBook, the S 15 skips some frills for a more budget-friendly option. Weighing just over 3 pounds, it's easy to carry and won't take up much space in your bag.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, the VivoBook S 15 offers efficiency and performance. Its OLED touchscreen display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a high resolution of 2880x1620, ensuring outstanding picture quality for both productivity and entertainment.
In my testing, the laptop delivered over 16 hours of battery life during normal use, reducing the need for daily charging. The Snapdragon processor's efficiency is a key factor here, though it does come with potential app compatibility issues due to its different architecture. Most major productivity and creative apps should work, but checking the Windows on ARM compatibility list is advisable.
Overall, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is a compelling option for those seeking a budget laptop that doesn't compromise on quality.
Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos
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3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)
Best Gaming Laptop
### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
0This year's Blade 16 offers a perfect balance of performance, form factor, 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 of 2025 is the best laptop Razer has ever released, combining top-notch performance with a thin and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, making it ideal for gaming at ultra settings.
Built with a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, the Blade 16 is durable yet weighs only 4.7 pounds, lighter than many high-performance gaming laptops. Its balanced system impressed me in my review, with the RTX 5090 allowing for gaming at high settings while maintaining a user-friendly form factor.
To achieve this design, Razer limits the graphics card's wattage, which might disappoint some at the laptop's high price point. However, at its native resolution, the Blade 16 performs exceptionally well. Its 16-inch OLED screen, with a resolution of 2560x1600 and a refresh rate up to 240Hz, delivers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.
Overall, the Razer Blade 16 offers a superior balance of design and performance, making it the best gaming laptop of the year, despite its cost.
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, thanks to 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 is one of my top picks for work, offering a spacious 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, solid battery life, and impressive performance. Its larger 16:10 aspect ratio screen is perfect for productivity, fitting more content on the screen for reports or presentations.
The ZenBook S 16's design resembles Apple's MacBook lineup, featuring a durable and stylish Ceraluminum lid that blends ceramic and aluminum for a fingerprint-resistant finish. The laptop's vented area above the keyboard adds to its premium look.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks and multitasking efficiently, though it's not as powerful as Apple's M3 or M4 chips. It offers around 15 hours of battery life, making it suitable for long work sessions. The ZenBook S 16 can handle light gaming, though it's not a dedicated gaming laptop.
One drawback is that it can become warm during intensive tasks, suggesting the use of a desk or laptop cooler. For everyday productivity, this isn't a significant issue. The ZenBook S 16 was my personal daily driver due to its excellent balance of form and performance, making it ideal 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, offering a blend of 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 stands out for students due to its versatility, blending note-taking, productivity, and entertainment into a compact, portable package. This year's model reinvents the 2-in-1 tablet PC, offering high performance and solid battery life without sacrificing form factor.
Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor, the Surface Pro 11 delivers a responsive experience without lag or stutter. The OLED touchscreen display, with a resolution of 2880x1920, enhances viewing for both productivity and entertainment.
Note that the Surface Pro 11 comes only with the tablet; the keyboard folio case and Surface Pen are sold separately, adding to the cost. However, third-party options are available if you want to save money. The official accessories offer a well-integrated experience, with the keyboard case magnetically attaching and including a compartment for the Surface Pen.
App compatibility is a concern due to the Snapdragon processor, so verifying app support is advisable. For academic and creative use, most apps should work well. The Surface Pro 11 also supports game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, though local gaming performance is limited.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students needing a versatile, day-long device.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing the right laptop can be challenging, but understanding key specifications can help. Here's what to consider when selecting one of the best laptops in 2025.
Display: The display is crucial. Most laptops feature an IPS panel, but OLED or mini-LED displays offer superior visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, a standard IPS display might suffice, but for gaming or entertainment, an OLED display can significantly enhance your experience. Consider the resolution and refresh rate as well. A 1,080p (Full HD) resolution is typically adequate for productivity, while higher resolutions provide crisper visuals but are more demanding on gaming performance. Refresh rate affects motion smoothness, with 60Hz being common for productivity, and higher rates like 120Hz or 144Hz improving gaming and general fluidity.
Platform/OS: The operating system is your daily interface. Choose between Windows, available on most laptops, or Mac, exclusive to Apple devices like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop, handling computations for all tasks. Intel and AMD are the leading brands, with Snapdragon offering a new option. For most users, a processor with at least six cores is recommended, with eight or more ideal for future-proofing and multitasking.
Memory: RAM allows your laptop to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Aim for at least 16GB for school and productivity, and 32GB for gaming or intensive tasks like video editing.
Storage: Storage capacity determines how many files you can store locally. A minimum of 256GB is common, but 512GB is better for productivity, and 1TB for gaming or extensive local file storage.
Graphics: Graphics processing can be integrated (built into the CPU) or dedicated (a separate GPU). Integrated graphics are sufficient for productivity, while dedicated graphics are essential for gaming.
Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops weigh 3.5 pounds or less, ideal for productivity. Gaming laptops are typically heavier due to their advanced components and cooling systems.
Laptop FAQ
Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?
For work or school, focus on an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, consider a dedicated GPU to enhance graphics settings and resolution, though entry-level gaming can be done with integrated graphics.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or simply because their compact design often leads to a shorter lifespan than desktops.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
If you need portability, a laptop is ideal. For stationary use at home, especially for gaming, a desktop offers better performance and value for money.
