Top Laptops of 2025: Picks for Gaming, Work, School

A great laptop allows you to take high-quality computing on the go, an enticing prospect for users across all needs. However, with the vast array of options available, choosing the right laptop can be overwhelming. For many, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, is all you need. If you're a student seeking a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 might be the better 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. Here are the best laptops of 2025.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Laptops We've Tested:

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 many different forms, designed to cater to a wide range of needs. The best ones seamlessly integrate into your day, offering excellent battery life and performance without letting you down after such a significant investment.

No matter what you're looking for, I've conducted thorough testing to ensure you get the best value and performance for your money.

MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos

View 6 Images1. 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, thanks to its powerful M4 chip. It's a stellar system for any form of productivity, including 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 is renowned for its performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration features the M4 chip, delivering enhanced capabilities for work, school, and creative tasks with superior battery efficiency compared to competing Windows laptops.

The MacBook Air continues to embody the essence of ultra-portability, offering reliable performance and battery life in a slim, lightweight design. This year's model is even lighter at just 2.7lbs, making it almost effortless to carry.

Jackie Thomas, in her review, affectionately called it an "oldie but a goodie," highlighting its fanless, passively cooled design that runs silently while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. Though it doesn't match the MacBook Pro's performance due to the absence of active cooling, it excels as a daily companion suitable for most users.

The M4 chip offers about a 20% performance boost over the previous M3, ensuring it can handle everyday tasks with ease. The display remains similar to its predecessor, providing a crisp, color-rich image that's perfect for productivity and creative work.

However, the MacBook Air offers limited connectivity, with only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. If you need more ports, consider investing in a docking solution.

Overall, the MacBook Air excels at the basics, making it an ideal choice for most users seeking a reliable daily driver.

2. Asus VivoBook S 15

Best Budget Laptop

### Asus VivoBook S 15

0This well-priced notebook offers 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 strikes a tempting balance between affordability and performance. Starting below $1,000, it offers many benefits similar to the more expensive ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a slim, portable design without sacrificing performance.

The VivoBook line focuses on value and accessibility, sharing much of its design and specs with the ZenBooks but at a lower price point. At just over 3lbs and a half-inch thick, it's easy to carry and fits comfortably in any bag.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, it delivers efficient performance and comes with 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD. The highlight is its OLED touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a sharp 2880x1620 resolution, making it perfect for productivity and entertainment.

In my testing, the VivoBook S 15 achieved over 16 hours of battery life during normal use, often requiring charging only twice a week. However, its use of a Snapdragon processor means app compatibility might be an issue, so it's wise to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list for your specific applications.

Overall, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is an excellent budget option that offers impressive value for most users.

Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos

View 12 Images3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop

### Razer Blade 16 (2025)

0This year's Blade 16 is a masterclass in balancing form factor, performance, 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 thereThis year's Razer Blade 16 is the company's best laptop yet, offering top-tier performance in a surprisingly thin and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, making it perfect for gaming at ultra settings.

The Razer Blade 16 is a premium laptop with a fully aluminum chassis, offering durability and a reasonable weight of just 4.7lbs. It's quieter and lighter than most high-performance gaming laptops, making it a joy to use.

In my review, I was impressed by its balance of performance and portability. The RTX 5090 allows for gaming at ultra settings, and its 16-inch, 2560x1600 OLED screen offers excellent visuals and a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay.

While it may not deliver the highest possible fps compared to heavier, louder options, its overall design and performance make it the best gaming laptop of the year for those who value portability and a premium experience.

Asus Zenbook S 16 – Photos

View 19 Images4. Asus ZenBook S 16

Best Laptop for Work

### Asus Zenbook S 16

0The Asus ZenBook S 16 is an excellent choice for work due to its spacious, crystal-clear display, ultra-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 stands out for its spacious 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, and solid performance, making it ideal for work and light gaming.

Its slightly larger screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes workspace, perfect for productivity and presentations. The touchscreen enhances usability, integrating seamlessly into your workflow.

The ZenBook S 16's design echoes Apple's MacBook aesthetics, featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid that blends ceramic and aluminum alloy for a stylish, fingerprint-resistant finish. Inside, the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU delivers high performance for demanding tasks, offering around 15 hours of battery life.

While capable of light gaming, it may run warm during intensive tasks, suggesting the use of a laptop cooler in warmer environments. Nevertheless, for day-to-day productivity, it's a top performer that balances form and function beautifully.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos

View 12 Images5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best Laptop for School

### 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 choice for students, offering versatility and performance in a compact, portable package. It excels in note-taking, productivity, and entertainment, making it a great fit for various student needs.

The Surface Pro 11 reinvents Microsoft's 2-in-1 tablet PC, delivering high performance without sacrificing battery life or screen quality. It's powered by either the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processor, with the latter offering superior performance and an OLED touchscreen.

Both versions feature a crisp display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but the OLED variant provides better contrast and color. Note that the base model doesn't include a keyboard folio or Surface Pen, which can significantly increase the cost. However, third-party options are available if you want to save money.

App compatibility is improving but still worth checking, especially for specific academic or creative applications. For gaming, the Surface Pro 11 works well with cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now.

Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a fantastic choice for students seeking a versatile, high-performance laptop.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Choosing the right laptop can be daunting, but understanding key specs can help you find the perfect fit for your needs. Here's what to consider when selecting one of the best laptops in 2025.

Display: Your laptop's display is crucial. Most come with IPS displays, while OLED or mini-LED options offer enhanced visuals at a higher cost. For productivity, a Full HD (1,080p) screen is typically sufficient, but an OLED can significantly improve entertainment and gaming experiences. Consider the resolution and refresh rate; 60Hz is standard for productivity, while higher rates enhance gaming and browsing.

Platform/OS: The operating system is your daily interface. Choose between Windows and Mac, with Mac exclusive to Apple devices.

Processor: The processor is the brain of your computer. Opt for Intel, AMD, or Snapdragon processors, with at least six cores for future-proofing. Eight or more cores are recommended for demanding tasks.

Memory: RAM allows your computer to handle multiple tasks at once. Choose at least 16GB for school and productivity, and 32GB for gaming or intensive tasks like video editing.

Storage: Storage capacity is crucial for local file storage. A minimum of 512GB is recommended for productivity, while 1TB is better for gaming or if you prefer to keep files locally.

Graphics: Graphics cards render everything on your screen. Integrated GPUs are fine for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are necessary for gaming.

Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops typically weigh 3.5lbs or less, ideal for daily carry. Gaming laptops are usually heavier due to advanced components and cooling.

Laptop FAQ

Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?

The needs for work and school are often similar, focusing on an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, consider 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 inherent shorter lifespan compared to desktops due to their compact form.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop?

A laptop is ideal for portability, especially for gaming on the go. However, desktops offer better performance for the same price and are suitable for stationary use at home.