A great laptop elevates your computing experience, making it a seamless companion whether you're on the move or settled in. With the vast array of options available, choosing the right one can be daunting, but I'm here to guide you through the top picks of 2025. For many, a versatile all-arounder like my top choice, the MacBook Air, might be all you need. Students seeking a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 to be the perfect match. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm dedicated to helping you find the ideal laptop tailored to your needs, whether it's for work, school, or gaming.
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 diverse forms and are designed to cater to a wide array of needs. The best laptops integrate effortlessly into your daily routine, providing excellent battery life and performance that justifies the investment.
No matter your requirements, I've conducted thorough testing 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, thanks to its powerful M4 chip. It's a stellar system for productivity, including 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 get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air remains a household name, consistently earning top marks for performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration introduces the M4 processor, enhancing its ability to handle everything from work and school projects to creative tasks with greater efficiency and less battery consumption compared to competing Windows laptops.
The MacBook Air continues to embody all the qualities we've come to expect: great performance and battery life in an ultra-portable design. Apple has even managed to shave off some weight, making it just 2.7 pounds, which is nearly unnoticeable to carry.
Jackie Thomas, in her review, lovingly called it an "oldie but a goodie," highlighting its refined evolution. Its fanless design, relying on passive cooling through the metal frame, ensures silent operation and a sleek appearance without fan vents.
While it won't match the MacBook Pro's performance due to its lack of active cooling, the MacBook Air excels as an everyday companion. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over its M3 predecessor, ensuring it can handle most daily tasks with ease.
The display remains unchanged but in a good way. Its 13- or 15-inch screen with a 2560x1664 resolution provides high pixel density and a vibrant, color-rich image.
Connectivity is limited, with only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. For those needing more ports, a dock is a worthwhile investment.
Overall, the MacBook Air excels in being a quiet, responsive, and essential daily driver, making it the top choice for most users, despite its limitations in gaming.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This well-priced notebook offers great performance, an OLED display, and exceptional portability on a budget. 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 benefits similar to the higher-end ZenBook S 16. Its screen is impressive, and its thin, light design is perfect for daily carry without sacrificing performance.
Asus's VivoBook series strikes a balance between value and affordability. The design and specs are reminiscent of the ZenBook line, but the S 15 offers a more budget-friendly option with fewer frills yet retains a sleek look and strong performance.
Weighing just over 3 pounds, it's easy to carry and won't take up much space in your bag. With 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, it delivers a blend of efficiency and power.
The high-resolution OLED touchscreen display is a standout feature, running at 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. Its 2880x1620 resolution ensures outstanding picture quality for both productivity and entertainment.
In my testing, it offered over 16 hours of battery life in normal use, requiring only bi-weekly charging. This is a testament to the Snapdragon processor's efficiency, though it comes with a caveat: app compatibility. Its ARM architecture means that not all apps are guaranteed to work, but most major productivity and creative apps should be fine. Check the Windows on ARM compatibility list to ensure it meets your needs.
For those who don't require the latest and greatest, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is an excellent value and likely to impress.
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 exemplifies the perfect balance of form factor, 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 thereRazer's Blade 16 for 2025 is the best laptop the company has ever produced, integrating top-notch performance with a remarkably thin and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU. Although it may not lead in pure frame rates, it's an outstanding package overall.
Crafted from CNC-milled aluminum, the Blade 16 is both durable and surprisingly light at 4.7 pounds. Its design is quieter than most gaming laptops, making it more enjoyable to use.
In my review, I found the system's balance remarkable. Despite the RTX 5090's power, its thinner profile makes it more user-friendly than many competitors, even if it sacrifices some performance.
Razer limits the graphics card's wattage to achieve this form factor. While this might disappoint some due to the laptop's high cost, it's ideal for those prioritizing portability over the highest possible frame rates. At its native resolution, it's still a powerhouse.
The 16-inch, 2560x1600 OLED display is another highlight. While a 4K option could be considered, the RTX 5090 performs better at 1,600p, achieving triple-digit frame rates without sacrificing settings. Its 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay and responsiveness.
The overall experience is exceptional. It may not top the charts in pure performance, but its blend of design and functionality makes it the best gaming laptop of the year for those willing to invest.
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, offering a spacious, clear display, portability, 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 temperaturesFor productivity, portability, and light gaming, the Asus ZenBook S 16 is a top contender. Its 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, solid battery life, and robust performance make it a compelling option for work.
The ZenBook S 16's slightly larger 16:10 screen maximizes workspace, perfect for reports and presentations. Its touch functionality enhances usability, seamlessly integrating into your workflow.
In my review, I compared it to Apple's MacBook lineup, noting Asus's similar aesthetic with unique touches like the durable Ceraluminum lid. The intricate vented area above the keyboard adds a premium feel.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks and multitasking with ease, offering around 15 hours of battery life. While not as powerful as Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it's more than sufficient for most work tasks, including video editing.
It's also capable of light gaming, albeit at lower settings or resolutions. The same processor powers many Windows gaming handhelds, ensuring decent performance for casual gaming.
However, it can get warm under heavy loads, suggesting the use of a desk or laptop cooler to prevent discomfort. This issue is less pronounced during typical productivity tasks.
For work, the ZenBook S 16 strikes an excellent balance between form and function, making it a versatile daily driver.
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 the perfect blend of performance, reliability, and entertainment value for demanding students. 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, performance, and entertainment in a compact package. It excels in note-taking, productivity, and leisure activities.
This year's Surface Pro reinvents the 2-in-1 tablet PC, delivering high performance without sacrificing battery life. It's powered by either the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processor, with the latter offering superior responsiveness and an upgraded OLED display.
The OLED screen, available with the X Elite, boasts a 2880x1920 resolution for vivid viewing. Even the LCD version offers crisp visuals and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, enhancing the entertainment experience.
Note that the Surface Pro comes as a tablet only, requiring additional purchases for the keyboard folio case and Surface Pen. While these add to the cost, third-party options are available. The official accessories provide a seamless experience, with the keyboard case magnetically attaching and including a pen storage and charging compartment.
Like other Snapdragon-based devices, app compatibility is a consideration. Most academic and creative apps should work, but it's wise to verify before buying.
For gaming, the Surface Pro supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, offering a viable streaming solution if your internet connection is robust.
The Surface Pro 11 is a stellar choice for students seeking a versatile laptop that lasts all day and entertains in the evening.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing a new laptop can be overwhelming, but key specifications can help you determine the right fit for your needs.
Display: Your laptop's display is crucial. Most come with IPS panels, but OLED or mini-LED options offer superior visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, Full HD (1,080p) is usually enough, while gaming or entertainment benefits from OLED's enhanced viewing experience. Consider the resolution and refresh rate; higher refresh rates enhance motion smoothness, beneficial for gaming and productivity.
Platform/OS: The operating system is your daily interface. The main choices are Windows and Mac, with Mac exclusive to Apple devices.
Processor: The processor is the heart of your laptop, handling all computations. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the key players. For general use, aim for at least six cores, with eight or more for future-proofing.
Memory: RAM affects multitasking capability. 16GB is ideal for school and productivity, while 32GB suits gaming and intensive tasks.
Storage: Measured in GB and TB, storage holds your files. 256GB is minimal; 512GB is suitable for productivity, and 1TB or more for gaming and large file storage.
Graphics: Integrated graphics suffice for productivity, but dedicated GPUs are essential for gaming to handle high settings and resolutions.
Portability: Weight matters for daily carry. Laptops under 3.5 pounds are ideal for productivity, while gaming laptops tend to be heavier.
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. Additional RAM and storage can be considered as your budget allows. For gaming, a dedicated GPU is crucial for high settings and resolutions.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or the natural shorter lifespan compared to desktops.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
For portable gaming, a laptop is essential. For home use, a desktop offers better performance and value, though it sacrifices portability.
