In the ever-evolving world of technology, selecting the perfect laptop that meets your needs can be a daunting task. With a vast array of options available in 2025, it's crucial to choose a versatile all-rounder like the MacBook Air, which is my top pick for its blend of performance and portability. For students seeking a balance of performance, portability, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the noise and help you find the perfect laptop for your needs, whether it's for work, school, or gaming.
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
0See it at AmazonSee it at MicrosoftLaptops today come in various forms, each designed to cater to specific needs. The best laptops seamlessly integrate into your daily life, offering impressive battery life and performance that justify the investment. No matter what you're looking for, my thorough 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 is better than ever, powered by the M4 chip, making it a powerhouse for productivity and creative work. 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, and the 2025 model with the M4 chip continues to set the bar high for performance, portability, and battery life. The M4 chip enhances the laptop's ability to handle everything from work projects to creative tasks, all while maintaining excellent battery efficiency compared to similar Windows laptops.
The MacBook Air retains its hallmark qualities: outstanding performance and battery life in a sleek and lightweight design. Apple has managed to reduce the weight to just 2.7 pounds, making it almost unnoticeable in a bag. The fanless design ensures silent operation, a feature appreciated by our reviewer, Jackie Thomas, who called it an "oldie but a goodie" for its refined evolution.
While it doesn't match the MacBook Pro's performance due to its passive cooling, the MacBook Air is perfect as a daily companion. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over the previous M3, handling everyday tasks with ease. The display remains unchanged but is still excellent, offering a crisp and color-rich image that enhances productivity and entertainment.
Connectivity is limited, with two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack, meaning you might need a dock for multiple accessories. Despite its gaming limitations, the MacBook Air excels as a daily driver, seamlessly integrating into your life.
2. Asus VivoBook S 15
Best Budget Laptop
### Asus VivoBook S 15
0This budget-friendly laptop offers excellent performance, an OLED display, and exceptional 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)At a starting price below $1,000, the Asus VivoBook S 15 delivers a compelling package with many features akin to the more expensive ZenBook S 16. Its high-resolution OLED display and thin, lightweight design make it an easy carry, while its performance remains robust, defying its budget-friendly tag.
The VivoBook line from Asus strikes a balance between value and performance. This year's model shares DNA with the ZenBook line but at a more accessible price point. Weighing just over 3 pounds and only half an inch thick at its deepest, it's perfect for on-the-go use.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, the VivoBook S 15 offers a blend of efficiency and performance. Its 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD ensure smooth operation, while the OLED touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides stunning visuals for both work and entertainment.
Battery life is impressive, lasting over 16 hours under normal use, thanks to the efficient Snapdragon processor. However, app compatibility might be a concern due to its different architecture, though most major productivity and creative apps should work fine. Check the Windows on ARM compatibility list to ensure it meets your needs.
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 of 2025 is the epitome of a premium gaming laptop, balancing form, performance, and user experience. 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 stands out as the best gaming laptop Razer has ever produced. It combines powerful performance with a remarkably thin and light design, featuring the latest Nvidia graphics and an AMD Ryzen CPU. While it may not lead in sheer FPS, its overall package is exceptional.
Crafted from a fully aluminum chassis, the Blade 16 is durable yet lightweight at just 4.7 pounds. Its design and performance balance impressed me during my review, especially considering its RTX 5090 GPU, which allows for ultra settings gaming. The laptop's wattage limitation helps achieve this sleek design, though it may disappoint those seeking the highest possible frame rates.
The 16-inch, 2560x1600 OLED display is another highlight, offering excellent visuals and a high refresh rate of 240Hz for smooth gameplay. While it might not reach the highest frame rates of some competitors, its design and performance make it a superior choice for those 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 an excellent choice for work, offering a spacious OLED display, portability, 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 excels in productivity, portability, and even light gaming. Its 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, solid battery life, and impressive performance make it an ideal work laptop.
The ZenBook S 16's 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, perfect for work tasks and presentations. The touchscreen enhances usability, integrating seamlessly into your workflow. Its design rivals Apple's MacBook lineup, featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid and a vented area above the keyboard that adds to its premium look.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks and multitasking with ease. While not as powerful as Apple's M-series chips, it's more than sufficient for most productivity needs, including video editing. Its battery life lasts around 15 hours, and it can handle light gaming at lower settings.
The laptop can get warm under heavy use, but for typical productivity tasks, this is rarely an issue. Its balance of performance and portability made it my personal daily driver until I had to switch.
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 ideal 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 is perfect for students, offering a blend of versatility and performance. It seamlessly transitions between note-taking, productivity, and entertainment, all in a highly portable package.
This year's Surface Pro reinvents Microsoft's 2-in-1 tablet PC, offering high performance without sacrificing form factor. The Snapdragon X Elite processor ensures a responsive experience, and the OLED touchscreen display with a 2880x1920 resolution enhances viewing quality.
The Surface Pro 11 comes as a tablet, with keyboard and stylus accessories sold separately, adding to the cost. However, third-party options are available for those looking to save money. While app compatibility is improving, it's still worth checking if your essential apps are supported.
For gaming, the Surface Pro 11 is compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, making it suitable for streaming games. Its versatility, performance, and entertainment value make it an excellent choice for students.
How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025
Choosing the right laptop can be complex, but key specifications 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 feature IPS displays, but OLED or mini-LED options offer superior visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, Full HD (1,080p) is usually sufficient, but for gaming or entertainment, an OLED display can significantly enhance your experience. Consider the resolution and refresh rate; higher refresh rates like 120Hz or 144Hz improve motion fluidity, particularly beneficial for gaming and productivity.
Platform/OS: Your choice between Windows and Mac depends on your needs. Mac is exclusive to Apple devices, while Windows offers broader compatibility and customization.
Processor: The processor is the heart of your laptop. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the main players. For everyday tasks, opt for at least a six-core processor, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing and multitasking.
Memory: RAM is essential for multitasking. Aim for at least 16GB for productivity and school, and 32GB for gaming or more intensive tasks.
Storage: Storage determines how many files you can store locally. A minimum of 512GB is recommended for productivity, while 1TB is ideal for gaming or those storing large files locally.
Graphics: Graphics cards come in integrated and dedicated forms. Integrated GPUs are sufficient for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are necessary for gaming.
Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops are ideal for productivity, while gaming laptops are typically heavier due to their components.
Laptop FAQ
Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?
For work or school, focus on laptops with at least an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, look for a dedicated GPU to enhance graphics settings and performance.
Why do laptops get slow?
Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup causing overheating, or the natural degradation of performance over time due to their compact design.
Should I get a laptop or a desktop?
Laptops are ideal for portability and gaming on the go, but desktops offer better performance and value if you primarily use your computer at home.
