A great laptop lets you enjoy top-tier computing wherever you go, an enticing feature for all users amidst a vast array of choices. For many, a versatile all-rounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, is all you'll need. Students seeking a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 a better fit. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the noise and help you select 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
0See it at Best BuySee it at Asus
### 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 diverse needs. The best laptops integrate seamlessly into your daily routine without constantly reminding you of their presence, offering excellent battery life and performance that justify your 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, powered by the M4 chip, excels in productivity and creative work, offering top-notch performance in a sleek, lightweight package.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"PROSExceptional battery lifeRemarkably thin and lightSuperior everyday performanceCONSLimited gaming capabilitiesUpgrades can get costly quicklyApple's MacBook Air continues to set the standard in performance, portability, and battery life. The latest model features the powerful M4 processor, enhancing productivity and creative tasks with greater speed and efficiency compared to other laptops in its class.
The MacBook Air retains its iconic design, delivering outstanding performance in a remarkably thin and light form. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, it's almost unnoticeable in your bag. Jackie Thomas praised its "oldie but goodie" status in her review, highlighting its silent operation due to its fanless design and sleek aesthetics.
While it may not match the MacBook Pro in raw power, the MacBook Air remains an ideal daily companion for most users, handling everyday tasks with ease. The M4 chip improves performance by around 20% over its predecessor, making it capable of handling nearly anything you throw at it.
The display, similar to its predecessor, offers a crisp 2560x1664 resolution on a 13- or 15-inch screen, ensuring vibrant visuals. However, its connectivity remains limited, with only two USB-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack.
Overall, the MacBook Air excels at being silent, satisfying, and responsive, making it an excellent choice for everyday use.
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, making it a great value for money.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 productivityGreat battery lifeStunning displayCONSApp compatibility may be limitedThe Asus VivoBook S 15 offers a compelling package for those on a budget. Priced below $1,000, it shares many benefits with the more expensive ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a thin, lightweight design perfect for daily carry.
The VivoBook line strikes a balance between value and performance. While the ZenBooks offer more elegant designs, the S 15 provides high performance at a more accessible price point. At just over 3 pounds and less than an inch thick, it's easy to carry.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, the S 15 delivers efficient performance with 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD. Its OLED touchscreen display boasts a high 2880x1620 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, offering excellent picture quality for both productivity and entertainment.
In testing, the S 15 achieved over 16 hours of battery life, a testament to the efficiency of the Snapdragon processor. However, app compatibility might be a concern due to its different architecture. Make sure to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list for your essential apps.
Overall, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is a fantastic budget option that delivers impressive value and performance.
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 combines top-tier performance with a thin and light design, featuring the latest Nvidia graphics and an AMD Ryzen CPU, all 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 inchesPROSOutstanding performance in a slim, lightweight designStunning OLED displayImpressive gaming battery lifeUser-friendly designCONSHigh costNot the highest FPS for gamingThe Razer Blade 16 stands out as the best laptop Razer has released to date, blending high performance with a surprisingly thin and light form factor. With the latest Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics and an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, it offers top-notch gaming capabilities.
Its premium aluminum chassis, CNC milled for durability, keeps the weight at a manageable 4.7 pounds. My review praised its balanced system, noting that while it might not achieve the highest FPS compared to bulkier gaming laptops, its design and performance make it a superior choice overall.
Razer's decision to limit the graphics card's wattage contributes to its portability but may disappoint those seeking maximum FPS. However, at its native resolution, it remains a powerhouse. The 16-inch OLED screen with a 2560x1600 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Razer Blade 16 offers a remarkable balance of design and performance, making it the best gaming laptop of 2025 for those who can afford it.
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, offering a spacious OLED display, a sleek design, and robust 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 hoursPROSExcellent portabilityStunning OLED touchscreenElegant designCapable of light gamingCONSHigh surface temperaturesThe Asus ZenBook S 16 is a top choice for work, featuring a spacious 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, and solid performance. Its larger screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes workspace, perfect for productivity and presentations.
The ZenBook S 16's design evokes the MacBook aesthetic but with unique touches like the Ceraluminum lid, which combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. The milled vent 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 with ease, offering around 15 hours of battery life. While not as powerful as Apple's M4, it's more than capable for most work-related tasks, including light gaming.
However, it can become warm during intensive tasks, so a laptop cooler may be necessary. For everyday productivity, though, it performs admirably, making it an excellent 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 perfect 2-in-1 for students, offering versatility, performance, and entertainment in a compact, 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"PROSHighly portableResponsive performanceHigh-quality OLED touchscreenGreat for productivity and entertainmentWorks well for game streamingCONSApp compatibility still developingExpensive keyboard and stylus accessoriesThe Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an ideal choice for students, offering versatility for note-taking, productivity, and entertainment in a highly portable package. This year's model features improved performance and a stunning OLED display.
Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor, the Surface Pro 11 delivers a responsive experience, perfect for academic and creative tasks. The OLED touchscreen enhances productivity and entertainment, offering crisp visuals and smooth motion.
However, the Surface Pro comes without the keyboard and Surface Pen by default, which can significantly increase the cost if purchased separately. App compatibility is also a consideration, though most common apps should work well. For gaming, it's well-suited for streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now.
Overall, the Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students needing a versatile, high-performance device.
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 look for when selecting the best laptops in 2025.
Display: The display is crucial for your laptop experience. Most laptops feature IPS displays, while OLED and mini-LED options offer enhanced visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, a Full HD (1080p) screen is usually sufficient. For gaming or entertainment, an OLED screen can significantly improve your viewing experience. Consider the resolution and refresh rate as well; higher refresh rates enhance motion fluidity, beneficial for gaming and productivity.
Platform/OS: The operating system is your daily interface. Windows and macOS are the primary choices, with macOS exclusive to Apple devices.
Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop, handling computations for all tasks. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the main players. For general use, a minimum of six cores is recommended, with eight or more preferred for future-proofing.
Memory: RAM determines how many tasks your laptop can handle simultaneously. Aim for at least 16GB for school and productivity, and 32GB for gaming or intensive tasks.
Storage: Storage capacity is essential for local file storage. Start with a minimum of 256GB, but 512GB is better for productivity, and 1TB is ideal for gaming and large files.
Graphics: Graphics cards render what you see on the screen. Integrated graphics are sufficient for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are necessary for gaming.
Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops weigh less than 3.5 pounds and are ideal for daily carry. Gaming laptops are typically heavier due to their components.
Laptop FAQ
Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?
For work or 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 enhance graphics settings and performance.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup causing overheating, or the natural limitations of their compact design compared to desktops.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
Choose a laptop for portability, especially if you need to take it on the go. Opt for a desktop if you're staying put, as they offer better performance for the price and are easier to upgrade.
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