A great laptop empowers you to take high-quality computing wherever you go, making it an essential tool for any user. With a vast array of options available, choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming. For many, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, is the ideal choice. Students looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 more suitable. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the noise and help you find the perfect laptop tailored to your needs, whether it's for work, school, or gaming. Here's a look at 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 designs, each catering to different needs. The best ones integrate seamlessly into your daily routine, offering excellent battery life and performance that justify their cost. I've thoroughly tested these models to ensure they deliver the best value and performance for your investment.
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, sets a new standard for productivity and creative work. Its performance is better than ever, making it an excellent choice for everyday tasks and beyond.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 continues to be a beloved choice, earning high marks for its performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration, featuring the M4 chip, delivers exceptional power efficiency, enabling you to handle projects for work, school, or creative tasks with ease. It retains the signature qualities that make the MacBook Air a standout: outstanding performance and battery life in a sleek, lightweight design. At just 2.7 pounds, it's effortlessly portable.
Jackie Thomas, our reviewer, praised it as an "oldie but a goodie," appreciating its fanless design that ensures silent operation and a clean aesthetic. While it may not match the MacBook Pro in performance due to its passive cooling, the MacBook Air is designed to be your daily companion, offering robust performance for most tasks. The M4 chip provides a 20% performance boost over its predecessor, ensuring it can handle anything you throw at it on a typical day.
The display remains similar to its predecessor, offering a crisp 2560x1664 resolution that delivers vibrant visuals. Connectivity remains limited with two USB-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack, but the MacBook Air excels in being a silent, responsive, and delightful daily driver for most users.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly laptop offers impressive performance, a stunning OLED display, and excellent 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 productivity tasksGreat battery lifeKiller displayCONSApp compatibility could be an issue (but likely not)Starting at under $1,000, the Asus VivoBook S 15 delivers many of the same benefits as the more expensive ZenBook S 16. Its high-resolution OLED screen and sleek, lightweight design make it perfect for everyday use. The VivoBook S 15 doesn't compromise on performance despite its affordable price.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, it offers a perfect balance of power efficiency and performance. The 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD ensure smooth operation. The 15-inch OLED touchscreen, with a 120Hz refresh rate, provides an outstanding visual experience for both productivity and entertainment.
In my testing, the VivoBook S 15 impressed with over 16 hours of battery life, allowing for less frequent charging. While app compatibility may be a concern due to its different architecture, most major productivity and creative apps should work fine. Overall, it's a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly yet high-performing laptop.
Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos
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3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)
Best Gaming Laptop
### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
0The Razer Blade 16 (2025) strikes an ideal balance between performance, portability, and user experience, making it the best gaming laptop of the year.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 (2025) is a standout in Razer's lineup, combining top-tier performance with a sleek, lightweight design. Powered by the latest Nvidia graphics and an AMD Ryzen CPU, it delivers exceptional gaming performance at ultra settings. Its aluminum chassis and CNC milling offer durability without compromising on weight, coming in at just 4.7 pounds.
In my review, I was impressed by its balance, with the RTX 5090 enabling high-frame-rate gaming at native resolution. While the graphics card's wattage is limited to achieve this form factor, the Blade 16's 16-inch OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate provides an outstanding visual experience. Despite being slightly behind in raw FPS compared to heavier gaming laptops, the Razer Blade 16's overall package is unmatched, making it the best gaming laptop of the year.
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, high-quality display, exceptional portability, and strong 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 a top choice for work, combining a spacious 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, and robust performance. Its 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, ideal for productivity tasks. The Ceraluminum lid adds a premium feel, and the vented keyboard area enhances its aesthetic.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks with ease, offering around 15 hours of battery life. While it can handle light gaming, it may get warm during intensive use. Despite this, its overall performance and design make it an excellent laptop for work.
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 a versatile 2-in-1 perfect for students, offering a blend of performance, portability, and entertainment value.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 the ideal laptop for students, offering versatility, performance, and entertainment in a compact package. Its Snapdragon X Elite processor ensures responsive performance, and the OLED touchscreen display with a 2880x1920 resolution enhances both productivity and entertainment.
While the Surface Pro 11 comes with the tablet only, optional keyboard folio and Surface Pen accessories enhance its functionality, albeit at an additional cost. App compatibility is improving, making it suitable for academic and creative tasks. For gaming, it supports cloud gaming services, offering a viable alternative for students.
Microsoft has excelled with the Surface Pro 11, making it a great choice for students needing a versatile device that lasts all day and entertains in the evening.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing the right laptop can be challenging, but focusing on key specifications can guide your decision. Here's what to look for when selecting one of the best laptops in 2025:
Display: The display is crucial, with options ranging from IPS to OLED or mini-LED. For work or school, a 1,080p resolution is typically sufficient, while OLED screens offer enhanced visuals for entertainment and gaming. Consider the screen's refresh rate; 60Hz is standard for productivity, but higher rates improve motion fluidity.
Platform/OS: Choose between Windows and Mac, with the latter exclusive to Apple devices.
Processor: The processor is the core of your laptop's performance. Opt for at least a six-core processor, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing.
Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM for productivity and school, and 32GB for gaming or intensive tasks.
Storage: Start with a minimum of 512GB for work and school, and 1TB for gaming or if you plan to store files locally.
Graphics: Integrated GPUs suffice for productivity, but dedicated GPUs are essential for gaming.
Portability: Consider the laptop's weight; thin and light models 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 laptops with at least an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Gaming laptops should include a dedicated GPU for better performance and higher graphics settings.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup causing heat-related throttling, or the natural degradation of components over time.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
Choose a laptop for portability, especially if you need to take your computer with you. Desktops offer better performance for the price and are ideal for stationary use at home.
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