A great laptop can elevate your computing experience, offering high-quality performance wherever you go. Whether you're a professional, a student, or a gaming enthusiast, the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming. My top recommendation for a versatile all-arounder is the MacBook Air, perfect for most users. However, if you're a student looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 might be more suitable. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the noise and help you find the best laptop tailored to your needs. Here are the top laptops for 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

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Asus### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0See it at AmazonSee it at MicrosoftLaptops come in various forms, designed to cater to a wide array of needs. The best ones integrate seamlessly into your daily routine without being a burden. They offer excellent battery life and performance that justify the investment.

No matter your requirements, I've tested these laptops to ensure you get the best value and performance for your money.

MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos

View 6 Images1. Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)

The Best Laptop

Our Top Pick### Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)

0This year's MacBook Air has been elevated to new heights with its powerful M4 chip. It's an excellent 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 can get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air continues to be a benchmark in the laptop world, consistently earning top scores for performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration features the cutting-edge M4 processor, enhancing its capabilities for both work and creative projects, all while maintaining impressive battery efficiency compared to competing Windows laptops.

The MacBook Air retains its iconic qualities, offering remarkable performance and battery life in a sleek, lightweight form factor. This year's model is even lighter at just 2.7lbs, making it effortless to carry.

Our reviewer, Jackie Thomas, affectionately called it an "oldie but a goodie." Its fanless design, relying on passive cooling through its metal frame, ensures silent operation and a clean aesthetic without the need for fan vents.

While it won't match the performance of the MacBook Pro, which has active cooling, the MacBook Air excels as a daily companion for most users. The M4 chip enhances performance by about 20% compared to its predecessor, handling everyday tasks with ease.

The display remains similar to last year's model, featuring a 13- or 15-inch screen with a 2560x1664 resolution, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals.

However, connectivity is limited, with only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. Additional accessories may require a dock.

Despite its limitations in gaming, the MacBook Air excels as a daily driver, seamlessly fitting into your life with its silent operation and responsive performance.

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)Asus's VivoBook S 15 offers a compelling entry point with its sub-$1,000 price tag, providing many of the benefits found in the more expensive ZenBook S 16. It boasts an excellent screen and a slim, lightweight design, making it ideal for daily use without compromising performance.

The VivoBook line strikes a balance between value and affordability. Despite sharing DNA with the ZenBook series, the S 15 offers a more cost-effective option while still delivering a stylish and high-performing laptop.

At just over 3lbs and less than an inch thick, the S 15 is easy to carry. It's equipped with 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, powered by the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor.

The standout feature is its high-resolution OLED touchscreen, running at 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. Its 2880x1620 resolution ensures outstanding picture quality for both productivity and entertainment.

In testing, the laptop offered over 16 hours of battery life, allowing for intermittent use without daily charging. The Snapdragon processor brings efficiency but also introduces app compatibility concerns. Most major apps should work fine, but it's worth checking the Windows on ARM compatibility list to ensure your essential applications are supported.

If compatibility isn't an issue, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is an excellent value that should impress most users.

Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos

View 12 Images3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop

### Razer Blade 16 (2025)

0This year's Blade 16 is a masterclass in balancing 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 thereThe Razer Blade 16 for 2025 is arguably the best laptop Razer has ever produced. It combines stellar performance with a slim and lightweight design, powered by the latest Nvidia graphics and a robust AMD Ryzen CPU. While it might not lead in raw frame rates, its overall package is outstanding.

Crafted with a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, the Blade 16 is both durable and surprisingly light at 4.7lbs. It's quieter than most gaming laptops, adding to its appeal.

In my review, the balance of the system was particularly impressive. The RTX 5090 enables ultra-settings gaming, yet the laptop remains easy to use thanks to its thinner, lighter design.

To achieve this form factor, Razer opted for a lower-wattage graphics card, which might disappoint at its price point. If raw FPS is your priority, other options might be more suitable. However, at its native resolution, the Blade 16 remains a powerhouse.

The 16-inch, 2560x1600 OLED display is another highlight. While 4K might seem appealing, the RTX 5090 is better suited to driving 1,600p at high frame rates. The screen's 240Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional responsiveness and motion clarity.

Overall, the Razer Blade 16 is a superior gaming laptop, offering a well-rounded experience that makes it worth the investment.

Asus Zenbook S 16 – Photos

View 19 Images4. 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, crystal-clear display, ultra-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 temperaturesFor productivity, portability, and light gaming, the Asus ZenBook S 16 is a top choice. Its 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, solid battery life, and impressive performance make it ideal for work.

The ZenBook S 16's larger screen and 16:10 aspect ratio maximize workspace, perfect for productivity tasks. The touchscreen enhances navigation, integrating seamlessly into your workflow.

During my review, I compared it to Apple's MacBook lineup. Asus's design, featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid, showcases a blend of ceramic and aluminum for a robust, fingerprint-resistant finish. The laptop's vented area above the keyboard adds to its premium aesthetic.

Powered by AMD's Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks and multitasking with ease. While not as powerful as Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it's more than capable for most users, including video editing, and offers around 15 hours of battery life.

It's also suitable for light gaming at lower settings or 1,200p resolution, thanks to its HX 370 processor. However, it can become warm during intensive tasks, so using it on a desk or with a cooling pad is advisable.

Despite this minor drawback, the ZenBook S 16's balance of form and function made it my daily driver until I had to swap it out. For work, it's hard to find a better all-around performer.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos

View 12 Images5. 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 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 stands out as the best laptop for students due to its versatility and ability to handle various tasks. It seamlessly integrates note-taking, productivity, and entertainment into a compact, portable package.

The latest Surface Pro reinvents Microsoft's 2-in-1 design, offering high performance without sacrificing form factor. It runs on either a Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processor, ensuring a responsive experience. I recommend opting for the X Elite for enhanced performance and a superior OLED display.

The OLED touchscreen offers a crisp 2880x1920 resolution, ideal for both productivity and entertainment. Even the LCD variant provides excellent visuals, though the OLED's contrast and color vibrancy are unmatched.

Note that the Surface Pro comes without the keyboard folio case or Surface Pen, which add to the cost. However, third-party accessories are available if you want to save money. The official accessories offer an integrated experience, with the keyboard case magnetically snapping into place and a compartment for the Surface Pen.

Like other Snapdragon-powered laptops, app compatibility is a concern. While most common academic and creative apps work well, it's important to check compatibility before purchasing.

For students interested in gaming, the Surface Pro supports 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, reliable laptop for all-day use.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Choosing a new laptop can be daunting, but understanding key specifications can help you find the perfect match. Here's what to consider when selecting one of the best laptops for 2025.

Display: Your laptop's display is crucial. Most come with IPS displays, but OLED or mini-LED options offer superior visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, a Full HD (1,080p) resolution is usually sufficient, while gamers and entertainment enthusiasts might benefit from an OLED's enhanced viewing experience. Consider the resolution and refresh rate; higher refresh rates improve motion fluidity, which is beneficial for gaming and productivity.

Platform/OS: Choose between Windows and Mac, depending on your preferences and software needs. Mac is exclusive to Apple's devices.

Processor: The processor is the heart of your laptop. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the main contenders. For general use, opt for a processor with at least six cores, with eight or more preferred for longevity and multitasking.

Memory: At least 16GB of RAM is recommended for school and productivity, while 32GB is ideal for gaming and intensive tasks.

Storage: A minimum of 512GB is recommended for productivity, with 1TB preferred for gaming and those storing files locally.

Graphics: Integrated graphics suffice for productivity, but dedicated GPUs are necessary for gaming to achieve better performance.

Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops typically weigh 3.5lbs or less, making them ideal for daily carry. Gaming laptops are often heavier due to their components and cooling systems.

Laptop FAQ

Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?

The criteria for work and school laptops are similar. Focus on an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, a dedicated GPU is essential for higher graphics settings.

Why do laptops get slow?

Laptops may slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or their inherently shorter lifespan compared to desktops.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop?

Laptops are ideal for portability, but desktops offer better performance and value for stationary use. The choice depends on your need for mobility versus staying in one place.