A great laptop offers the power to handle high-quality computing on the go, an enticing feature for all users. However, the vast array of options can be overwhelming. For many, a versatile all-rounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, meets all their needs. If you're a student looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 might be the better choice. As a laptop reviewer, I'm here to help you navigate through the myriad of choices and find the perfect laptop for your needs, whether it's for work, school, or gaming. Here are the best laptops of 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, designed to meet a wide range of needs. The best ones integrate seamlessly into your daily routine, offering exceptional battery life and performance that justify their investment.
No matter your requirements, I've tested these laptops to ensure they offer the best value and performance for your money.
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1. Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)Our Top Pick### Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)
0This year's MacBook Air is better than ever, thanks to its powerful M4 chip. It's a powerhouse for productivity and creative work, offering exceptional performance in a sleek 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 can get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air is renowned for its performance, portability, and battery life. This year's model features the latest M4 processor, enabling faster and more efficient work across various tasks. The MacBook Air continues to challenge expectations by delivering reliable performance and extended battery life in an ultra-thin and lightweight body. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, it's almost effortless to carry around.
Our reviewer, Jackie Thomas, praised the MacBook Air for its evolutionary refinement, calling it an "oldie but a goodie" in the best way possible. Its fanless design uses passive cooling, resulting in a silent operation and a clean aesthetic. While it doesn't match the MacBook Pro's performance, it excels as a daily driver, handling everyday tasks with ease. The M4 chip provides a roughly 20% performance boost over the previous M3 model, ensuring it can manage nearly anything you throw at it.
The display remains similar to its predecessor, offering a crisp, color-rich 2560x1664 resolution. However, connectivity is limited, with only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. For those needing more ports, a dock might be necessary.
Overall, the MacBook Air excels in being silent, responsive, and reliable, making it the best choice for most users seeking a daily-use laptop.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This well-priced notebook delivers great performance, an OLED display, and exceptional portability on a budget. 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 an enticing balance of performance and affordability, starting well below $1,000. It shares many benefits with the more expensive ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a thin, light design that's easy to carry. Despite its cost, the VivoBook S 15 doesn't compromise on performance.
The VivoBook line is designed to provide value without breaking the bank. With a weight of just over 3 pounds and a thickness of a half-inch at its thickest point, it's highly portable. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, it offers a blend of power efficiency and performance, supported by 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD.
The OLED touchscreen display is a standout feature, with a high-resolution 2880x1620 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures outstanding picture quality for both productivity and entertainment. In testing, the laptop provided over 16 hours of battery life in normal use, requiring charging only twice a week.
While the Snapdragon processor brings benefits, it also introduces potential app compatibility issues due to its different architecture. However, most major productivity and creative apps should work fine, and it's advisable to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list for specific applications.
Overall, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is a compelling choice for those seeking a budget-friendly laptop that doesn't skimp on quality.
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3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)### Razer Blade 16 (2025)
0This year's Blade 16 strikes a perfect balance of form, performance, and usability 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 (2025) is Razer's finest laptop yet, seamlessly blending top-tier performance with a surprisingly thin and light design. Equipped with the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, it excels at gaming at ultra settings. While it may not lead in sheer FPS, its overall package is outstanding.
Crafted from a fully aluminum chassis, the Blade 16 offers durability while maintaining a reasonable weight of just 4.7 pounds. It's lighter and quieter than most gaming laptops, making it a pleasure to use. In my review, I was impressed by its balanced system, which uses an RTX 5090 to enable gaming at high settings without sacrificing portability.
To achieve its slim profile, Razer limited the graphics card's wattage. While this might disappoint some given the laptop's high price, it remains a beast at its native resolution. The 16-inch, 2560x1600 OLED display is another highlight, offering exceptional responsiveness and motion clarity with a 240Hz refresh rate. While a 4K option would be impressive on paper, the 1,600p resolution is better suited for gaming at high frame rates.
Overall, the Razer Blade 16 is a superior gaming laptop, offering a well-rounded experience that justifies its premium price.
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4. Asus ZenBook S 16### Asus Zenbook S 16
0The Asus ZenBook S 16 is an excellent work laptop, featuring a spacious, high-quality display, portable design, and snappy 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, offering a large 16-inch OLED touchscreen, premium design, solid battery life, and robust performance. Its 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, ideal for productivity and presentations. The touchscreen enhances usability, making it perfect for integrating into your work routine.
When reviewing this laptop, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to Apple's MacBook lineup. Asus's Ceraluminum lid, which combines ceramic and aluminum alloy, adds a durable and stylish touch. The laptop's design includes over 1,000 individual vent holes, giving it an expensive look.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, the ZenBook S 16 handles demanding tasks and multitasking with ease. While not as powerful as Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it's more than capable for most tasks, including video editing, and offers around 15 hours of battery life.
It also supports light gaming, though settings may need to be lowered. However, after prolonged use with intensive tasks, it can become quite warm, making a laptop cooler or desk use advisable.
Overall, the Asus ZenBook S 16 is a fantastic work laptop, offering a great balance of performance and portability.
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5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11 ### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0This versatile 2-in-1 is the perfect blend of performance, reliability, and entertainment for demanding 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 an ideal laptop for students, offering versatility, performance, and entertainment. It seamlessly transitions between note-taking, productivity, and entertainment, all in a compact, portable package.
This year's Surface Pro reinvents Microsoft's 2-in-1 tablet PC, no longer sacrificing performance for form. The Surface Pro 11 delivers high performance and solid battery life, enhanced by a great screen and the ability to adapt to various student needs.
Choose between the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite processors, with the latter recommended for its superior performance and upgraded OLED touchscreen display. The OLED version offers a superior viewing experience with its crisp resolution and vibrant colors, perfect for entertainment.
Note that the Surface Pro comes with only the tablet; keyboard and pen accessories are sold separately and can significantly increase the cost. However, third-party options are available for those looking to save money.
Like other Snapdragon-based laptops, app compatibility is a concern, but most academic and creative apps should work well. For gaming, the Surface Pro supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, though local gaming performance is limited.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile and powerful choice for students.
Choosing a laptop in 2025 can be complex, but understanding key specifications can help you find the perfect fit. Here's what to consider:
Display: Your laptop's display is crucial. Most laptops come with IPS displays, but OLED and mini-LED options offer better visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, a Full HD (1,080p) resolution is usually sufficient, but for gaming or entertainment, an OLED display can significantly enhance your experience. Consider the refresh rate as well; higher rates improve motion smoothness, beneficial for gaming and productivity.
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 your laptop's brain, handling computations for all tasks. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the main options. For general use, opt for at least a six-core processor, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing.
Memory: RAM affects how much data your laptop can quickly access. Aim for at least 16GB for school and productivity, and 32GB for gaming or intensive tasks.
Storage: Measured in GB or TB, storage determines how many files you can keep locally. Start with at least 512GB for productivity, and 1TB for gaming or if you store many files locally.
Graphics: Graphics are responsible for what you see on your screen. Integrated graphics are built into the CPU and suffice for productivity, while dedicated graphics cards are essential for gaming.
Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops weigh 3.5 pounds or less, ideal for daily carry. Gaming laptops tend to be heavier due to their components and cooling systems.
For work or school, focus on an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Gaming requires a dedicated GPU for better visuals and higher resolutions.
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or the natural shorter lifespan of laptops compared to desktops.
Choose a laptop for portability and gaming on the go. For stationary use at home, a desktop offers better performance and value for similar specs.
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