If you’re shopping for a laptop in 2025, the options can feel overwhelming. With so many new processors, AI-powered features, and sleek designs, finding the right machine can be tricky. Don’t worry — I’ve done the testing, comparisons, and real-world usage reviews to help you choose the perfect laptop for your needs.

Whether you’re a student, a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who needs a reliable everyday device, this guide covers the top 10 laptops in 2025. From Apple’s latest MacBooks to powerful Windows machines and flexible 2-in-1 devices, these are the models that stand out in performance, design, and value.

1. MacBook Air M4 — Best Overall Laptop

Apple’s MacBook Air M4 takes the crown as the best laptop for most people in 2025. It’s thin, lightweight at just 2.7 pounds, and powered by the Apple M4 chip, which delivers a noticeable leap in speed compared to last year’s version.

What makes it even better? Apple dropped the starting price back down to $999, while upgrading the base RAM to 16GB — something that used to cost extra.

Highlights:

• Battery life: Nearly 16 hours of real-world use.

• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina screen that’s bright and color-accurate.

• Performance: Geekbench scores beat most competitors in its class.

• Camera: A new 12MP Center Stage webcam — one of the best on any laptop.

The only downsides are the limited ports (two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C), and upgrades like larger SSDs can get expensive. Still, the Air M4 remains unbeatable for its mix of portability, performance, and price.

2. Acer Swift Go 14 — Best Budget Laptop

Finding a budget laptop that doesn’t feel cheap can be tough, but the Acer Swift Go 14 proves it’s possible. Priced around $749, it offers incredible value with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a premium all-aluminum design.

Highlights:

• Performance: Outpaces the older MacBook Air M3 in some tests.

• Build quality: Thin, stylish metal chassis with plenty of ports (Thunderbolt, HDMI, USB-A, microSD).

• Battery: Around 9–10 hours, which is decent but not class-leading.

The main trade-offs? The speakers are weak, and the base display isn’t as colorful as pricier laptops. But for students or professionals on a budget, the Swift Go 14 is a fantastic deal.

3. Asus Zenbook 14 OLED — Best Student Laptop

Students need a laptop that balances performance, portability, and battery life — and the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED nails it.

This model runs on Intel’s Core Ultra 7 chip, delivers snappy multitasking, and blows past competitors with nearly 16 hours of battery life. It even beats the MacBook Air M3 in several performance benchmarks.

Highlights:

• Display: OLED screen with accurate colors, though brightness could be better.

• Weight: 3 pounds — light enough to carry across campus.

• Keyboard & sound: Comfortable typing and solid audio.

It does run a little warm during heavy workloads, but overall, it’s an excellent choice for high school or college students who want a laptop that will last through years of classes.

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4. Asus Zenbook S 14 — Best Ultraportable Windows Laptop

If you want something ultra-thin and light without sacrificing power, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is the one to get. Weighing only 2.6 pounds, it’s one of the most portable Windows laptops available in 2025.

Highlights:

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra with built-in AI acceleration.

• Display: Gorgeous 14-inch 3K OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.

• Battery life: Almost 14 hours — enough to leave the charger at home.

It also comes with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, making it perfect for multitasking and creative work. The only weak spots are the shallow keyboard and a grainy webcam, but its portability and power more than make up for it.

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5. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) — Best High-Performance Laptop

If you’re a creative professional, the 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro is the laptop to beat. It delivers workstation-level performance while still lasting nearly 21 hours on battery — an unheard-of feat for such a powerful machine.

Highlights:

• CPU/GPU: M4 Pro or M4 Max, up to 128GB RAM and 8TB storage.

• Performance: Geekbench scores double the premium laptop average.

• Display: Brilliant 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR.

• Sound & camera: Excellent webcam and studio-quality audio.

The biggest drawback is price — starting at $2,499 and easily climbing past $4,000 with upgrades. But if you edit videos, create 3D content, or need uncompromising power, this MacBook Pro is worth it.

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6.

 

Gamers looking for raw power should check out the MSI Raider 18 HX AI. With a massive 18-inch 4K MiniLED display and an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU, it’s built for top-tier gaming.

Highlights:

• Frame rates: Over 150 fps in Assassin’s Creed Mirage (Ultra, 1080p).

• Display: 120Hz MiniLED panel with stunning brightness.

• Keyboard: Spacious, responsive, and great for long sessions.

The downsides? It’s heavy (over 5 pounds), loud under load, and expensive. Plus, battery life barely reaches 2.5 hours. Still, if you want desktop-level gaming on a laptop, the Raider is unmatched.

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7. Asus Vivobook 16 Flip — Best 2-in-1 Laptop

For those who want flexibility, the Asus Vivobook 16 Flip is an excellent 2-in-1 that can switch between laptop, tent, and tablet modes.

Highlights:

• Display: 16-inch OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate.

• Performance: Intel Core Ultra processor with solid multitasking.

• Battery: Almost 14 hours — impressive for a convertible.

• Audio: Surprisingly powerful speakers, especially in tent mode.

The keyboard feels a bit mushy, and the webcam isn’t the best, but overall, this is one of the most versatile laptops you can buy in 2025.

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8. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus — Best Chromebook

Chromebooks aren’t just budget laptops anymore, and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus proves it. With a sleek design and 15.6-inch AMOLED display, it looks and feels premium.

Highlights:

• Performance: Intel Core 3 processor with 8GB RAM.

• Display: Color-rich AMOLED panel that outshines most competitors.

• Battery life: Over 11 hours on a single charge.

• Weight: Just 2.4 pounds — very portable.

At around $699, it’s more expensive than basic Chromebooks, but the build quality, performance, and screen justify the price.

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9.

— Best Battery Life

 

For road warriors, nothing beats a laptop that won’t quit. The Dell XPS 13 (2025) offers nearly 19 hours of battery life, making it the longest-lasting Windows ultrabook this year.

It also comes with a sleek aluminum build, powerful Snapdragon X Elite processor, and sharp OLED display. If staying unplugged is your priority, the XPS 13 is the clear winner.

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10. Asus ExpertBook P5 — Best Business Laptop

Finally, for professionals who need a reliable work machine, the Asus ExpertBook P5 is built for business. It combines enterprise-level security, strong battery life, and a lightweight design that makes it easy to carry to meetings.

With solid performance, plenty of ports, and military-grade durability, it’s the right choice for anyone who needs a dependable laptop for work.

 Performance (CPU + GPU)

The processor is the heart of any laptop. In 2025, you’ll see Intel Core Ultra, Apple M4, AMD Ryzen AI 9, and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite dominating the market.

• Apple Silicon (M4/M4 Pro/Max): Best for efficiency, battery life, and creative workloads.

• Intel Core Ultra: Balanced choice with strong AI performance.

• AMD Ryzen AI 9: Great for creators and gamers, strong multi-core power.

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite: Top choice for ultrabooks, with incredible battery life and 5G options.

For graphics, Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs lead in gaming and creative applications, while integrated Intel Arc and Apple GPUs are getting powerful enough for everyday use.

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 Battery Life

Battery life used to be a compromise, but 2025 is different. Many ultrabooks now push 15–20 hours, like the Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Pro M4 Pro. If you travel frequently, prioritize laptops rated above 12 hours in independent tests.

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. Display Quality

With most laptops now offering OLED or MiniLED, screen quality has never been better. Look for:

• OLED panels: Rich colors, deep blacks (great for movies and design work).

• MiniLED: Super bright, excellent for HDR content.

• High refresh rate (120Hz+): Smoother visuals for gaming or even everyday scrolling.

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Portability

If you’re always on the move, weight and thickness matter. Anything under 3 pounds is highly portable. The MacBook Air M4 (2.7 lbs) and Asus Zenbook S 14 (2.6 lbs) are excellent examples.

For business travelers, don’t forget port selection: HDMI, USB-A, and Thunderbolt ports can save you from carrying extra dongles.

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Key Laptop Trends in 2025

Technology in laptops is evolving faster than ever. Here are the big changes shaping this year’s devices:

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AI-Powered Laptops

AI is no longer a buzzword — it’s built into processors. Intel’s AI Boost NPU and Apple’s M4 Neural Engine are designed to accelerate AI workloads like real-time language translation, smart photo editing, and background noise cancellation.

This means your laptop in 2025 is not just faster — it’s smarter.

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Longer Battery Life with Efficiency Chips

Thanks to advances in 3nm and 4nm chip designs, battery life is soaring. Laptops like the MacBook Pro M4 Pro and Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon Elite last 18–20 hours, making power anxiety a thing of the past.

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OLED and MiniLED Becoming Standard

A few years ago, OLED displays were a premium feature. In 2025, even mid-range laptops like the Asus Vivobook Flip 16 include them. Expect richer colors, better contrast, and more immersive visuals across the board.

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Thinner, Lighter, Stronger

Materials like Ceraluminum and carbon composites are making laptops lighter without sacrificing durability. For example, the Zenbook S 14 is both scratch-resistant and feather-light.

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Head-to-Head Comparisons

To help you decide, here are a few quick comparisons:

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MacBook Air M4 vs Asus Zenbook 14 OLED

• Air M4: Better webcam, longer battery life, more efficient macOS.

• Zenbook 14 OLED: OLED screen, slightly better multi-core performance, cheaper Windows option.

 Verdict: If you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem, go MacBook Air. For students who need Windows apps, Zenbook is the smarter pick.

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MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro vs MSI Raider 18 HX AI

• MacBook Pro: Superior battery life (20+ hours), slim for its power, unbeatable for creatives.

• MSI Raider: Pure gaming beast, RTX 5080 GPU, giant 18-inch MiniLED screen.

Verdict: Creators should stick with the MacBook Pro, gamers will love the Raider.

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Acer Swift Go 14 vs Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

• Swift Go: Better performance, more ports, stronger for multitasking.

• Chromebook Plus: Lighter, simpler, and cheaper with AMOLED display.

  Verdict: Chromebook is best for casual users; Swift Go is better for long-term performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s the best laptop for everyday use in 2025?

The MacBook Air M4 offers the best balance of price, battery, and performance.

Q2: Do I need a dedicated GPU?

If you game or do 3D/video editing, yes. Otherwise, integrated GPUs in modern processors are powerful enough for everyday use.

Q3: How much RAM do I need?

• 8GB: Basic tasks, web browsing (Chromebooks).

• 16GB: Ideal for most users in 2025.

• 32GB+: Heavy multitasking, creative professionals.

Q4: Is Windows or macOS better?

• macOS: More efficient, great for creatives, longer battery life.

• Windows: Broader compatibility, especially for gaming and enterprise software.

Q5: Are Chromebooks worth it in 2025?

Yes, if you need a simple, affordable device for browsing, streaming, and cloud-based work. High-end Chromebooks like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus even rival mid-range Windows laptops.

Q6: Which laptop is the absolute best in 2025?

The MacBook Air M4 is the best all-rounder. It offers an excellent mix of performance, battery life, portability, and price. However, if you’re a gamer or creative professional, laptops like the MSI Raider 18 HX AI or MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro will serve you better.

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Q7: What’s the difference between an Ultrabook and a regular laptop?

Ultrabooks are thinner, lighter, and designed for maximum portability, often with longer battery life. Regular laptops may be bulkier but sometimes offer more power or better cooling systems.

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Q8: Are 2-in-1 laptops worth it?

Yes — if you value flexibility. A 2-in-1 like the Asus Vivobook 16 Flip can switch between laptop, tablet, and tent modes, making it perfect for note-taking, sketching, or watching videos on the go. If you mainly need a traditional laptop, though, you may prefer a lighter clamshell model.

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Q9: How much storage do I really need in 2025?

• 256GB SSD: Okay for light users who mostly rely on cloud storage.

• 512GB SSD: Recommended minimum for most users in 2025.

• 1TB+ SSD: Great for creators, gamers, or anyone storing large files.

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Q10: Should I buy an OLED or MiniLED laptop?

Both are excellent.

• OLED: Superior for contrast and rich colors — amazing for watching movies and creative work.

• MiniLED: Brighter and better for HDR content, making it a strong choice for gamers and video editors.

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Q11: Can I game on laptops without a dedicated GPU?

Yes — modern integrated GPUs like Intel Arc and Apple’s M4 GPU can handle casual gaming and even some modern titles on medium settings. But for AAA titles or competitive gaming, you’ll want a dedicated GPU like the Nvidia RTX 4070/4080/5090 series.

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Q12: What’s the difference between MacBooks and Windows laptops in 2025?

• MacBooks: Great for creatives, excellent battery life, seamless ecosystem with iPhone/iPad, but limited ports.

• Windows laptops: Wider range of prices, better gaming support, more versatile for enterprise and specialized software.

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Q13: Are Chromebooks still relevant in 2025?

Absolutely. Modern Chromebooks like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus now come with faster processors, AMOLED displays, and long battery life. They’re perfect for students, casual users, or anyone who lives in the cloud.

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Q14: How long should a laptop last before replacing it?

Most quality laptops today should last 5–7 years with proper care. Premium models like the MacBook Pro often go beyond that, while budget laptops may show their age sooner.

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Q15: Is 5G or always-connected internet available on laptops?

Yes. Snapdragon-powered laptops (like the Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon Elite) often include 5G connectivity, allowing you to stay online without Wi-Fi. This is ideal for frequent travelers.

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Q16: What’s the best laptop brand in 2025?

• Apple: Best for premium design, efficiency, and creative users.

• Asus: Great balance of innovation and affordability.

• Dell (XPS line): Excellent ultrabooks with long battery life.

• MSI: Top gaming laptops.

• Acer: Best budget laptops with solid performance.

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Q17: When is the best time to buy a laptop?

The best deals usually appear around Prime Day (July), Black Friday (November), and Back-to-School season (August/September). Buying right after CES (January) or Computex (June) can also get you discounts on last year’s models.

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Q18: Do laptops in 2025 support AI features out of the box?

Yes — almost all modern laptops now include AI acceleration hardware. This helps with tasks like noise reduction in video calls, faster photo editing, live translation, and even smarter battery optimization.

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Q19: Should I prioritize RAM or storage when choosing a laptop?

If you multitask heavily, RAM is more important. 16GB is the sweet spot in 2025. For general use, 512GB storage is fine, but creative pros should go for at least 1TB.

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Q20: Which laptops have the longest battery life in 2025?

The MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro (20+ hours) and Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon Elite (up to 19 hours) lead the pack. If all-day unplugged use is a priority, these are your best bets.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing a laptop in 2025 comes down to your needs:

• Best all-around: MacBook Air M4.

• On a budget: Acer Swift Go 14.

• For students: Asus Zenbook 14 OLED.

• For gaming: MSI Raider 18 HX AI.

• For professionals: MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro or Asus ExpertBook P5.

Each of these laptops was tested for performance, battery life, display quality, and real-world usability. No matter which one you pick, you’re getting one of the best laptops of 2025.