A great laptop can transform your computing experience, enabling you to take high-quality computing with you wherever you go. Whether you're a professional, a student, or a gamer, the right laptop can make all the difference. Navigating the vast array of options can be daunting, but I'm here to guide you through the noise and help you find the perfect fit for your needs. My top pick for a versatile all-arounder is the MacBook Air, ideal for most users. Students seeking a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 more suitable. As a laptop reviewer, I'm equipped to help you select the best laptop for work, school, or gaming in 2025.
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 and designs, tailored to meet a wide range of needs. The best ones integrate seamlessly into your daily life, offering exceptional battery life and performance that justifies the investment.
No matter what you're looking for, I've tested these laptops to ensure you get the best value and performance for your money.
Our Top Pick### Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)
0The MacBook Air for 2025 is a powerhouse thanks to its M4 chip, making it ideal for all productivity and creative tasks. 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 quicklyThe MacBook Air has long been a staple in the laptop world, and with the introduction of the M4 chip in its latest iteration, it continues to excel in performance, portability, and battery life. This chip enables the MacBook Air to handle everything from work projects to creative tasks more efficiently and with less battery consumption than comparable Windows laptops.
The MacBook Air retains its hallmark qualities of being exceptionally thin and light, with a weight of just 2.7 pounds, making it incredibly easy to carry. Apple has managed to improve its capabilities while maintaining its sleek design. The fanless design, relying on passive cooling through its metal frame, ensures silent operation and a clean aesthetic.
While it won't match the performance of the MacBook Pro due to its lack of active cooling, the MacBook Air is perfect as a daily driver for most users. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance increase over the previous M3, allowing it to handle nearly any task you throw at it during a typical day. The display, although similar to its predecessor, delivers crisp and vibrant visuals with a 2560x1664 resolution.
On the downside, connectivity is limited, with only two USB Type-C ports and a MagSafe connector. If you need more ports, you'll need to invest in a dock. Despite this, the MacBook Air excels at being a silent, responsive, and reliable companion for daily use.
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly notebook offers excellent performance, a stunning OLED display, and great portability. 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 a price well below $1,000, the Asus VivoBook S 15 offers many of the same benefits as the more expensive ZenBook S 16. Its screen is impressive, and its thin and light design makes it easy to carry. The VivoBook S 15 doesn't compromise on performance despite its affordable price.
The VivoBook line is known for providing value without breaking the bank. It shares similarities with the ZenBook series but at a lower cost. At just over 3 pounds and less than an inch thick, it's perfect for those on the go.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, the VivoBook S 15 efficiently balances power and performance. Its OLED touchscreen display boasts a high resolution of 2880x1620 and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it excellent for both productivity and entertainment.
In my testing, the laptop delivered over 16 hours of battery life during normal use, requiring charging only twice a week. The Snapdragon processor contributes to this impressive battery life, though it may have some app compatibility issues. Most major productivity and creative apps should work fine, but checking the Windows on ARM compatibility list is recommended.
Overall, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is a fantastic value for those seeking a high-performing, budget-friendly laptop.
### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
0The Razer Blade 16 for 2025 is a perfect blend of performance, portability, 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 the best laptop Razer has ever produced, combining high performance with a remarkably thin and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, delivering excellent gaming performance at ultra settings.
The premium aluminum chassis, crafted through CNC milling, enhances durability while keeping the weight manageable at 4.7 pounds. Despite its high performance, the Blade 16 remains quieter than many other gaming laptops.
In my review, I was impressed by the system's balance. The RTX 5090 allows for gaming at ultra settings, while the laptop's design makes it more user-friendly than its competitors. Razer's decision to limit the graphics card's wattage contributes to this balance, although it might disappoint those seeking the highest fps.
The 16-inch OLED display with a 2560x1600 resolution is another highlight, offering exceptional responsiveness and motion clarity at up to 240Hz. Despite a potential slight lag in fps compared to heavier gaming laptops, the Razer Blade 16's overall design and performance make it the best gaming laptop of the year.
### Asus Zenbook S 16
0The Asus ZenBook S 16 is an excellent choice for work, offering a spacious display, portability, and solid 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 my top pick for work, thanks to its large 16-inch OLED touchscreen, premium design, and solid performance. Its 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, making it ideal for productivity tasks.
The ZenBook S 16's design draws inspiration from the MacBook, featuring a durable and stylish Ceraluminum lid. The vented area above the keyboard adds to its luxurious look. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks and multitasking with ease, offering around 15 hours of battery life.
While it's capable of light gaming at lower settings, the ZenBook S 16 can become warm during intensive tasks. Using it on a desk or with a laptop cooler can help mitigate this issue. For everyday productivity, however, it remains a top choice for work.
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the perfect blend of performance, reliability, and entertainment 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 is the best laptop for students due to its versatility and ability to cater to various needs. It excels in note-taking, productivity, and entertainment, all within a compact and portable package.
This year's Surface Pro 11 features a significant performance upgrade, making it a high-performance PC with excellent battery life. The choice between Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite processors ensures a responsive experience, with the latter offering an upgraded OLED touchscreen display.
The OLED screen provides vivid colors and infinite blacks, enhancing the viewing experience for movies and shows. However, the Surface Pro 11 doesn't include a keyboard folio case or Surface Pen by default, which can add to the cost. Third-party options are available if you're looking to save money.
App compatibility is a consideration, but it's improving, with most common academic and creative apps working well. For gaming, the Surface Pro 11 supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, though local gaming performance may be limited.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students seeking a versatile and portable laptop.
Choosing the right laptop in 2025 can be complex, but focusing on key specs can help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Display: The display is crucial for your laptop experience. Most laptops come with an IPS display, but OLED and mini-LED options offer superior visuals at a higher cost. Consider your needs: for work, a standard IPS may suffice, but for gaming or entertainment, an OLED can significantly enhance your viewing experience. Resolution and refresh rate are also important. Full HD (1,080p) is typically enough for productivity, while higher resolutions and refresh rates can benefit gaming and provide smoother scrolling.
Platform/OS: Your choice between Windows and Mac depends on your preferences and needs. Mac is exclusive to Apple's hardware, while Windows offers more flexibility.
Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop. Intel and AMD are the leading brands, with Snapdragon emerging as a strong contender. For general use, aim for at least a six-core processor, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing.
Memory: RAM affects your laptop's ability to handle multiple tasks. For productivity and school, 16GB is a good starting point, while 32GB is better for gaming and intensive tasks.
Storage: Storage capacity is crucial for local file storage. A minimum of 512GB is recommended for productivity, with 1TB or more for gaming and large files.
Graphics: Graphics performance is key for gaming. Integrated graphics are sufficient for productivity, but dedicated GPUs are essential for high-performance gaming.
Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops typically weigh 3.5 pounds or less, making them ideal for daily carry. Gaming laptops are often heavier due to their advanced components.
For work and school, focus on laptops with at least an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, consider a dedicated GPU for better visuals and higher resolutions.
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or simply because their compact design limits their lifespan compared to desktops.
Choose a laptop if you need portability, especially for gaming on the go. A desktop is better for stationary use at home, offering better performance for the price and easier upgradability.