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A great laptop allows you to enjoy high-quality computing wherever you go, appealing to every type of user. With a staggering array of choices available, finding the perfect laptop can be daunting. For many, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, is all that's needed. Students seeking a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 to be an ideal choice. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the noise and help you select the best laptop for your needs, whether it's for work, school, or gaming. Here are the top 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

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 designs, each tailored to different needs. The best laptops seamlessly integrate into your daily routine, offering excellent battery life and performance that ensures your investment is well-spent.

No matter what you're looking for, I've conducted thorough tests 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, powered by the M4 chip, is better than ever. It's a powerhouse for productivity and creative work, offering exceptional performance in a sleek and 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"PROSStellar battery lifeExceptionally thin and lightExcellent everyday performanceCONSLimited gaming abilityUpgrades get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air has long been a staple in the laptop world, consistently earning high marks for performance, portability, and battery life. The 2025 iteration features the latest M4 processor, allowing users to effortlessly handle tasks ranging from work projects to creative endeavors, all while consuming less power than its Windows counterparts.

The MacBook Air continues to impress with its thin and light design, weighing only 2.7 pounds. This year's model even manages to shave off a bit of weight while enhancing its capabilities. The fanless design, relying on passive cooling and its metal frame, ensures silent operation and a clean aesthetic.

While it may not match the MacBook Pro's performance due to the lack of active cooling, the MacBook Air excels as a daily companion. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over the previous M3, making it capable of handling most daily tasks with ease.

The display remains consistent with its predecessor, boasting a crisp 2560x1664 resolution on either a 13- or 15-inch screen, delivering vibrant visuals. Connectivity is limited to two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack, which may require the use of a dock for more peripherals.

Overall, the MacBook Air's combination of silence, satisfaction, and responsiveness makes it an ideal daily driver for most users, despite its limited gaming capabilities.

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, making it a great choice for those looking to save without sacrificing quality. 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 into high-quality laptops without breaking the bank. Priced well below $1,000, it combines the benefits of the ZenBook S 16 with a budget-friendly design. Its thin and light build, coupled with a fantastic screen, makes it easy to carry and use throughout the day without sacrificing performance.

The VivoBook line strikes a balance between value and performance, sharing much of the same DNA as Asus's higher-end ZenBooks. While the ZenBooks offer a more premium design, the S 15 delivers high performance in a more affordable package, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Weighing just over 3 pounds and measuring less than an inch thick at its thickest point, the S 15 is easy to slip into a bag and carry. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, which offers a blend of power efficiency and performance.

The laptop's OLED touchscreen display is a standout feature, offering a high-resolution 2880x1620 panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This results in exceptional picture quality for both productivity and entertainment.

In my testing, the S 15 achieved over 16 hours of battery life with normal use, allowing for less frequent charging compared to most Intel and AMD laptops. The Snapdragon processor's efficiency is a key advantage, though it does come with potential app compatibility issues. Most major productivity and creative apps should work fine, but it's wise to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list to ensure it meets your needs.

If it checks that box, 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)

0The Razer Blade 16 of 2025 is a masterclass in balancing form factor, performance, and user experience within a premium package, setting a new standard for gaming laptops. 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 the finest laptop Razer has ever produced. It seamlessly integrates high performance with a surprisingly thin and light design, featuring the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU. While it might not lead in raw FPS, its overall package is exceptional.

Crafted from a fully aluminum chassis, the Blade 16 is CNC milled for durability and weighs just 4.7 pounds, lighter than most high-performance gaming laptops. It's also surprisingly quiet, enhancing its usability.

In my review, I found the system to be exceptionally well-balanced. With an RTX 5090, it delivers ultra settings gaming, and its design makes it far more enjoyable to use than other gaming laptops, despite some performance trade-offs.

Razer's decision to limit the graphics card's wattage allows for the sleek design but may disappoint some due to the laptop's high price. If maximum FPS is your priority and portability less so, you might look elsewhere. However, at its native resolution, the Blade 16 is a powerhouse.

The 16-inch, 2560x1600 OLED display is another highlight, offering excellent visuals without the need for 4K. It reaches up to 240Hz for smooth gameplay, balancing high frame rates with stunning visuals.

Overall, the Razer Blade 16 stands out as the best gaming laptop of the year, providing a superior experience despite its cost.

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 stands out as an excellent work laptop, combining a spacious OLED display, ultra-portability, 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 hoursPROSStellar portabilityBeautiful OLED touchscreenStylishly elegant design Capable of light gamingCONSHigh surface temperaturesThe Asus ZenBook S 16 is a top pick for work, offering a spacious 16-inch OLED touchscreen, an elegant design, and solid performance. Its 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, ideal for productivity tasks and presentations.

In my review, I drew parallels to Apple's MacBook lineup, noting Asus's similar aesthetic with unique touches like the durable and stylish Ceraluminum lid. Inside, the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU handles demanding tasks efficiently, offering around 15 hours of battery life.

While not as powerful as Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it's more than capable for most tasks, including light gaming at reduced settings. However, after prolonged use under heavy load, it can become warm, suggesting the use of a laptop cooler for comfort.

Overall, its balance of form and function makes it an excellent daily driver for work.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos

View 12 Images5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best Laptop for School

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the ultimate 2-in-1 device for students, offering versatility, performance, and entertainment in a compact 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"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 excels as the best laptop for students, offering a versatile blend of note-taking, productivity, and entertainment in a highly portable package.

This year's Surface Pro is a reinvention, delivering high performance without sacrificing its form factor. Powered by either the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite processor, it provides a responsive experience, particularly with the X Elite version.

The OLED touchscreen display, available with the X Elite, offers a crisp 2880x1920 resolution, enhancing the viewing experience for both productivity and entertainment. The LCD variant still provides excellent visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Surface Pro does not include a keyboard or stylus by default, which adds to the cost. However, third-party options are available, and the official accessories offer a seamless integration.

App compatibility remains a concern, but most common academic and creative apps should work well. For gaming, the Surface Pro supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, offering a viable streaming solution.

In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students seeking a versatile and reliable laptop.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Selecting the right laptop in 2025 can be challenging, but understanding key specifications can guide your decision. Here's what to consider:

Display: The display is crucial. Most laptops feature 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 sufficient. Higher resolutions provide crisper visuals but increase costs and may impact gaming performance. Refresh rate affects motion smoothness; 60Hz is standard for productivity, while higher rates enhance gaming and scrolling.

Platform/OS: Choose between Windows and Mac. Mac is exclusive to Apple devices, offering a sleek interface, while Windows provides broader hardware compatibility.

Processor: The processor, or CPU, is the heart of your laptop. Intel and AMD are the primary choices, with Snapdragon emerging as a viable option. For general use, aim for at least six cores, with eight or more recommended for longevity and multitasking.

Memory: RAM determines how many tasks your laptop can handle simultaneously. 16GB is a minimum for productivity, while 32GB is ideal for gaming and intensive tasks.

Storage: Storage capacity affects how many files you can store locally. 256GB is the minimum, but 512GB or 1TB is recommended for most users.

Graphics: Graphics cards render what you see on screen. Integrated graphics are suitable for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are essential for gaming.

Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops under 3.5lbs are ideal for daily carry, while gaming laptops are typically heavier due to advanced cooling and components.

Laptop FAQ

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

For work or school, focus on at least an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Gaming requires a dedicated GPU for enhanced graphics settings and performance.

Why do laptops get slow?

Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or simply because their lifespan is shorter than desktops due to their compact design.