A great laptop is essential for taking high-quality computing on the go, catering to a variety of user needs, from work to entertainment. The vast array of options can be overwhelming, but my expertise in reviewing laptops can help you find the perfect fit. For general users, the MacBook Air stands out as a top choice due to its versatility. Students looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 more suitable. Whether you need a laptop for work, school, or gaming, I've tested and curated the best options for 2025 to guide you through the selection process.
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, each designed to meet specific needs. The best ones integrate seamlessly into your daily routine, offering exceptional battery life and performance that justify their cost. No matter your requirements, I've conducted thorough testing to ensure you get the best value and performance for your investment.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) – Photos
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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, excels in productivity and creative work. It offers stellar battery life, a thin and light design, and exceptional performance for everyday tasks.
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 get expensive quickly
The MacBook Air is renowned for its performance, portability, and battery life. The latest M4 chip enhances its capabilities, making it ideal for both work and creative projects. Its lightweight design, at just 2.7 pounds, ensures effortless portability. While it's not suited for gaming, it's an excellent daily driver for most users.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15 – Best Budget Laptop
Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly laptop offers great performance, an OLED display, and exceptional portability.
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 offers a tempting entry point with its low price, yet it doesn't compromise on performance or display quality. Its Snapdragon processor ensures long battery life, though app compatibility might be a concern for some users.
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 excels in balancing performance and portability in a premium package.
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 surprisingly 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 out there
The Razer Blade 16 is a premium gaming laptop that offers top-notch performance and a sleek design. While it may not achieve the highest frame rates, its balanced approach makes it an excellent choice for gamers who value portability and overall experience.
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 ideal for work with its spacious, high-quality display and impressive performance.
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 a top choice for professionals, offering a large, vibrant OLED touchscreen and robust performance. It's perfect for productivity and can handle light gaming, though it may run warm during intensive tasks.
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 excellent performance and entertainment value.
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 as well as 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 ideal choice for students, offering versatility for note-taking, productivity, and entertainment. Its lightweight design and high-quality OLED display make it a great companion for school and leisure.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Shopping for a new laptop can be complex, but understanding key specs can guide your decision. Here's what to consider when choosing the best laptop in 2025:
Display: The display is crucial. Most laptops feature IPS screens, but OLED or mini-LED displays offer superior visuals at a higher cost. Consider resolution and refresh rate; 1,080p is sufficient for most uses, while higher refresh rates enhance motion fluidity.
Platform/OS: Choose between Windows and Mac, with Mac exclusive to Apple devices.
Processor: The processor drives performance. Opt for at least six cores, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing.
Memory: At least 16GB of RAM is ideal for productivity and school, with 32GB recommended for gaming and intensive tasks.
Storage: Start with at least 512GB for productivity, and 1TB for gaming or local file storage.
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.
Laptop FAQ
Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?
For work and school, focus on at least an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, consider laptops with dedicated GPUs for better performance and visuals.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops may slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup causing thermal throttling, or simply because they have a shorter lifespan than desktops.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
Laptops are ideal for portability, but desktops offer better performance and value for stationary use. Consider your need for mobility versus performance when deciding.
