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. My top pick, the MacBook Air, is a versatile all-arounder that should meet most needs. For students seeking a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice. 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)
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### Asus VivoBook S 15
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### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
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### Asus Zenbook S 16
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### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0See it at AmazonSee it at MicrosoftLaptops come in many different forms and are designed to cater to a wide range of needs. The best laptops seamlessly integrate into your daily routine, offering exceptional battery life and performance that justify the investment.
No matter what you're looking for, my 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 is better than ever, thanks to its powerful M4 chip. It's a stellar system for all forms of 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 can get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air remains one of the most popular laptops, consistently earning top marks for performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration, powered by the M4 chip, allows users to efficiently handle everything from work projects to creative tasks with less battery consumption than its Windows counterparts.
The MacBook Air continues to impress with its thin and light design, now even lighter at just 2.7 pounds. Its fanless internal design ensures silent operation and a sleek aesthetic without fan vents, as noted by reviewer Jackie Thomas, who affectionately described it as an "oldie but a goodie."
While it may not match the MacBook Pro's performance due to its passive cooling, the MacBook Air excels as a daily companion, perfect for most users' needs. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over its predecessor, enabling it to handle most daily tasks with ease.
The display remains largely unchanged but offers a high pixel density and vibrant colors, a feature much appreciated by reviewers. However, connectivity options are limited, typically featuring two USB-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. For those needing more connectivity, a docking solution is recommended.
Overall, the MacBook Air is an excellent choice for a daily driver, providing silent, responsive performance that seamlessly integrates into your daily life.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly notebook 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 lifeStunning displayCONSApp compatibility could be an issueThe Asus VivoBook S 15 offers exceptional value, starting well below $1,000. It shares many benefits with the more expensive ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a slim, lightweight design perfect for daily carry. Despite its lower price, performance remains strong.
The VivoBook line balances value and accessibility, sharing design DNA with the ZenBook series. While the ZenBook offers a more premium look, the S 15 provides a high-performing, good-looking alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
Weighing just over 3 pounds and less than an inch thick at its widest point, the S 15 is easy to carry. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, which combines efficiency and performance.
Despite its affordable price, the VivoBook S 15 doesn't skimp on the screen. It features a high-resolution OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2880x1620 resolution, offering outstanding picture quality for both productivity and entertainment.
In testing, the laptop provided over 16 hours of battery life, requiring charging only twice a week under normal use. The Snapdragon processor contributes to this longevity, though it comes with a caveat: app compatibility. It's wise to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list to ensure your essential apps will run smoothly.
For those who need a reliable, portable, and budget-friendly laptop, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is a standout choice.
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 masterfully balances 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 thin and light bodyStunning OLED displayImpressive battery life for gamingA joy to useCONSVery expensiveNot the absolute highest fpsThe Razer Blade 16 stands out as the company's best laptop yet, combining top-tier performance with a surprisingly thin and light design. Powered by the latest Nvidia graphics and AMD Ryzen CPU, it offers excellent gaming performance at ultra settings, though it may not achieve the highest possible fps.
The Blade 16's aluminum chassis, CNC-milled for durability, keeps the weight down to a manageable 4.7 pounds. Despite its high-performance components, it remains quieter than most gaming laptops, making it more enjoyable to use.
The decision to limit the graphics card's wattage allows for its sleek design, though it may disappoint those seeking the very highest frame rates. However, at its native resolution, the laptop delivers exceptional gaming performance.
Its 16-inch OLED display, with a resolution of 2560x1600, is another highlight. While a 4K option would be impressive, the current screen is well-suited for triple-digit frame rates at 1,600p without sacrificing settings. The 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth, responsive gameplay.
Overall, the Razer Blade 16 offers a superior balance of design and performance, making it the best gaming laptop of the year 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 an excellent work laptop, thanks to its spacious, clear display, portable design, and responsive 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 touchscreenElegant designCapable of light gamingCONSHigh surface temperaturesThe Asus ZenBook S 16 excels in productivity, portability, and light gaming, making it a favorite for work. Its 16-inch OLED touchscreen and premium design, combined with solid battery life and performance, make it a top choice.
The screen's 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes workspace, perfect for reports and presentations. Its touchscreen enhances usability, seamlessly fitting into any workflow.
The laptop's design, reminiscent of Apple's MacBooks, includes a unique Ceraluminum lid that blends ceramic and aluminum for durability and style. The keyboard area features over 1,000 milled holes, enhancing its premium feel.
Powered by AMD's Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, the ZenBook S 16 handles demanding tasks and multitasking well, though it's not as powerful as Apple's latest chips. Its power efficiency provides about 15 hours of battery life.
While not a dedicated gaming laptop, it can handle light gaming with adjusted settings. However, after prolonged intensive use, it can become warm, suggesting the use of a laptop cooler or desk.
This laptop was my daily driver due to its perfect balance of form and performance, making it an excellent choice 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 device 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 portableResponsive performanceHigh-quality OLED touchscreenWorks well for game streamingCONSApp compatibility still developingExpensive keyboard case and stylusThe 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 is a significant improvement, delivering high performance and great battery life without sacrificing its 2-in-1 form factor. The Snapdragon X Elite processor ensures a smooth, responsive experience, and the OLED touchscreen display provides crisp visuals and vivid colors.
The Surface Pro comes with a tablet only, with the keyboard folio case and Surface Pen sold separately. While these add to the cost, they offer an integrated experience, with the keyboard case magnetically attaching and including a compartment for the Surface Pen.
App compatibility remains a concern with Snapdragon processors, but most academic and creative apps are now supported. For gaming, the Surface Pro supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, making it a viable option for streaming games.
The Surface Pro 11 is a great choice for students needing a versatile, all-day laptop that also offers entertainment options.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing the right laptop in 2025 involves understanding key specifications to ensure it meets your needs.
Display: The display is crucial, with options ranging from IPS to OLED and mini-LED. For work or school, an IPS display is usually sufficient, but OLED screens provide a significant upgrade for gaming and entertainment. Consider resolution and refresh rate; 1080p at 60Hz is fine for productivity, while higher resolutions and refresh rates enhance gaming and browsing.
Platform/OS: The choice between Windows and Mac depends on your preferences and needs. Mac is exclusive to Apple devices.
Processor: The processor is the heart of your laptop. Intel and AMD are the main choices, with Snapdragon as a newer contender. Aim for at least six cores for future-proofing, with eight or more for intensive tasks.
Memory: At least 16GB of RAM is recommended for school and productivity, with 32GB preferred for gaming and more demanding tasks.
Storage: Start with at least 512GB for productivity and school, and 1TB for gaming and local file storage.
Graphics: Integrated GPUs are fine for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are essential for gaming.
Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops typically weigh 3.5lbs or less, ideal for daily carry.
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 dedicated GPU for better performance and higher settings.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or the inherent shorter lifespan of laptop components compared to desktops.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
Choose a laptop for portability, especially for gaming on the go. A desktop is better for stationary use at home, offering better performance for the price and easier upgrades.
