A great laptop is essential for taking high-quality computing on the go, appealing to users of all kinds. The vast array of options can be overwhelming, but a versatile all-arounder like the MacBook Air can meet most needs. If you're a student looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 might be a better fit. As a professional laptop reviewer, my goal is to help you navigate the options and find the perfect laptop for your needs, whether it's for work, school, or gaming. 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)
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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
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Laptops come in various forms, designed to cater to a wide range of needs. The best ones integrate seamlessly into your day, offering excellent battery life and performance without letting you down on your investment.
No matter what you're looking for, my extensive 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, powered by the M4 chip, is the ultimate productivity machine. It's perfect for any task, from work projects to creative endeavors, all while maintaining exceptional battery life and a sleek, lightweight design.
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Product Specifications
- Display: 13.6” (2560x1664)
- CPU: Apple M4 (10 cores)
- GPU: Apple M4 (8-10 cores)
- RAM: 16-32GB
- Storage: 256GB - 2TB
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.97” x 8.46” x 0.44"
PROS
- Stellar battery life
- Exceptionally thin and light
- Excellent everyday performance
CONS
- Limited gaming ability
- Upgrades can get expensive quickly
Apple's MacBook Air continues to be a top performer, excelling in portability, performance, and battery life. The latest model features the M4 chip, enhancing its capabilities while still being remarkably thin and light at just 2.7 pounds. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, making it an ideal daily companion for most users, though it's not suited for gaming or professional creative work that requires more power.
Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly laptop offers impressive performance, an OLED display, and excellent portability, making it a great choice for those looking to save money without compromising on quality.
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Product Specifications
- Display: 15” (2880x1620) OLED 120Hz
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P
- GPU: Integrated (Qualcomm Adreno)
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Weight: 3.13 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.88" x 8.93" x 0.58" - 0.63"
PROS
- Excellent performance for productivity tasks
- Great battery life
- Killer display
CONS
- App compatibility could be an issue (but likely not)
The Asus VivoBook S 15 strikes a perfect balance between cost and capability. Its OLED display is a standout feature, offering crisp visuals and smooth scrolling at a budget-friendly price. The Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor ensures efficient performance and impressive battery life, although users should verify app compatibility due to its unique architecture.
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 is a premium gaming laptop that combines high performance with a thin and light design, featuring the latest Nvidia graphics and AMD Ryzen CPU.
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Product Specifications
- Display: 16-inch (2,560x1,600) OLED
- CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
- GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
- RAM: Up to 64GB
- Storage: Up to 4TB
- Weight: 4.7lbs
- Dimensions: 13.98 x 8.68 x 0.59 - 0.69 inches
PROS
- Fantastic performance in a thin and light body
- Stunning OLED display
- Impressive battery life while gaming
- It's a joy to use
CONS
- Very expensive
- For sheer FPS, there are better options
The Razer Blade 16 of 2025 is a game-changer, offering top-tier performance in a surprisingly portable package. It's equipped with an RTX 5090 and a stunning 16-inch OLED display, making it ideal for gaming at high settings. While it may not offer the highest FPS compared to some bulkier alternatives, its overall design and usability make 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 OLED display, a sleek design, and robust performance.
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Product Specifications
- Display: 16" (2880x1800)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
- GPU: AMD Radeon 890M
- RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
- Weight: 3.31 pounds
- Size: 13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51"
- Battery life: Around 15 hours
PROS
- Stellar portability
- Beautiful OLED touchscreen
- Stylishly elegant design
- Capable of light gaming
CONS
- High surface temperatures
The Asus ZenBook S 16 is perfect for productivity with its 16-inch OLED touchscreen and premium design. Its Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU handles demanding tasks efficiently, and its battery life lasts up to 15 hours. It's also capable of light gaming, though it can get warm during intensive use.
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 ideal for students, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and entertainment, perfect for the demands of school life.
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Product Specifications
- Display: 14” OLED (2880x1920) 120Hz, 10-point touch
- CPU: Snapdragon X Elite
- GPU: Integrated
- RAM: 16-64GB (LPDDR5)
- Storage: 256GB - 1TB
- Weight: 1.97 pounds
- Size: 11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37"
PROS
- Very portable for easy transport between classes
- Responsive performance: Microsoft's best to date
- High quality OLED touchscreen, great for productivity and entertainment
- Works well for game streaming
CONS
- App compatibility is still developing
- Keyboard case and stylus accessories are quite expensive
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students, offering versatility and high performance in a compact package. It's perfect for note-taking, productivity, and entertainment, with the Snapdragon X Elite processor ensuring smooth operation. The OLED display enhances the viewing experience, though app compatibility and the cost of accessories are considerations.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing the right laptop can be daunting, but understanding key specs can guide your decision. Here's what to look for when selecting one of the best laptops in 2025.
Display: The display is crucial. Most laptops come with an IPS panel, but OLED or mini-LED displays offer superior visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, a Full HD (1,080p) resolution is usually sufficient, while higher resolutions and refresh rates are beneficial for gaming and entertainment.
Platform/OS: The operating system is your daily interface. Choose between Windows and macOS, with the latter exclusive to Apple devices.
Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the main contenders. For general use, opt for at least a six-core processor, with eight or more being ideal for future-proofing.
Memory: RAM affects multitasking and performance. Aim for at least 16GB for productivity and school, and 32GB for gaming and intensive tasks.
Storage: Storage capacity is essential for file management. A minimum of 512GB is recommended for productivity, with 1TB or more for gaming and local file storage.
Graphics: Graphics cards render what you see on the screen. Integrated graphics suffice for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are necessary for gaming.
Portability: Consider the weight and size of the laptop, especially if you'll be carrying it frequently. Laptops under 3.5 pounds are ideal for portability.
Laptop FAQ
Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?
For work or school, focus on an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Gaming requires a dedicated GPU for better performance and higher settings.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup causing thermal throttling, or the natural lifespan limitations of their compact design.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
Choose a laptop if you need portability, especially for gaming on the go. A desktop is better suited for stationary use at home, offering more power and upgradability at a lower cost.
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