Top Laptops of 2025: Gaming, Work, School

A great laptop offers the flexibility to take high-quality computing wherever you go, appealing to all types of users. However, the vast array of options available can be overwhelming. For many, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, might be all that's needed. If you're a student looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 could 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 to enhance your work, studies, or gaming experience. These 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 various forms and are designed to cater to a wide range of needs. The best ones seamlessly integrate into your daily routine without reminding you of their presence. They offer excellent battery life and performance, ensuring that your investment pays off.

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 powerhouse for productivity and creative work, offering unmatched performance in a sleek, portable 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 get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air has long been a staple in the laptop world, consistently earning top marks for performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration, featuring the M4 chip, takes these qualities to new heights. This chip enables users to tackle everything from work and school projects to creative tasks with speed and efficiency, all while consuming less battery than its Windows counterparts.

The MacBook Air continues to impress with its thin and light design, now even lighter at just 2.7 pounds, making it incredibly easy to carry. Its fanless design, relying on passive cooling through its metal frame, ensures silent operation and a clean aesthetic without fan vents.

While it may not match the MacBook Pro's performance due to its lack of active cooling, the MacBook Air remains a reliable daily companion. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over the previous M3, handling most daily tasks with ease.

The display remains similar to its predecessor, offering a crisp 2560x1664 resolution on a 13- or 15-inch screen. While an upgrade would have been welcome, the current display delivers vibrant colors and high pixel density.

Connectivity is somewhat limited, with two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. For those with multiple accessories, a dock might be necessary.

Overall, the MacBook Air excels in being silent, responsive, and seamlessly integrating into daily life, making it the best choice for most users, despite its limited gaming capabilities.

2. Asus VivoBook S 15

Best Budget Laptop

### Asus VivoBook S 15

0This well-priced notebook offers impressive 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)Starting at under $1,000, the Asus VivoBook S 15 offers many of the same benefits as the more expensive ZenBook S 16. Its OLED screen is stunning, and its thin and light design makes it easy to carry. Despite its affordable price, it doesn't compromise on performance.

The VivoBook line balances value and accessibility, sharing design elements with the ZenBook series. While the ZenBook offers a more elegant design, the S 15 provides a high-performing laptop at a lower cost.

Weighing just over 3 pounds and less than an inch thick, the S 15 is easy to carry. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, which offers excellent power efficiency and performance.

The OLED touchscreen display is a standout feature, with a high resolution of 2880x1620 and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it ideal for both productivity and entertainment.

In testing, the S 15 delivered over 16 hours of battery life, allowing for less frequent charging. The Snapdragon processor contributes to this impressive battery life, though it may face app compatibility issues due to its different architecture. Most major productivity and creative apps should work fine, but it's wise to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list.

Overall, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is a great value, offering impressive performance and features for its price.

Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos

View 12 Images3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop

### Razer Blade 16 (2025)

0This year's Blade 16 strikes the perfect balance between form factor, performance, and user experience, all wrapped 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 is the best laptop Razer has ever produced, combining top-tier performance with a surprisingly thin and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, delivering exceptional gaming performance.

Crafted from a fully aluminum CNC-milled chassis, the Blade 16 is durable yet weighs only 4.7 pounds. Its balanced design offers impressive performance without the noise typically associated with gaming laptops.

The RTX 5090 graphics card allows for gaming at ultra settings, while the thinner, lighter design enhances usability. Although the graphics card's wattage is limited to achieve this form factor, the Blade 16 still delivers beastly performance at its native resolution.

The 16-inch OLED display with a 2560x1600 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate provides exceptional visuals and responsiveness. While it may not offer the highest possible FPS, the overall package makes it the best gaming laptop of the year.

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, offering a spacious, high-quality display, a 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 pick for work, thanks to its large 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, solid battery life, and impressive performance.

The 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, perfect for productivity tasks. The touchscreen enhances navigation, making it easy to integrate into your workflow.

The ZenBook S 16's design draws inspiration from 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 M3 or M4 chips, it's more than capable for most tasks, including video editing, and offers around 15 hours of battery life.

It can also handle light gaming, though you may need to adjust settings or resolution. The HX 370 processor is the same chip used in many Windows gaming handhelds.

The only notable drawback is that it can become warm during intensive tasks, suggesting the use of a laptop cooler or a desk for extended use. However, for typical productivity tasks, this isn't a significant concern.

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 ideal for students, offering versatility and a great experience across various scenarios. It seamlessly blends note-taking, productivity, and entertainment in a compact, portable package.

This year's Surface Pro reinvents Microsoft's 2-in-1 tablet PC, delivering high performance without sacrificing form factor. It's powered by either a Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite processor, with the latter recommended for its superior performance and OLED display.

The OLED touchscreen offers a crisp 2880x1920 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing both productivity and entertainment. The LCD variant also provides excellent visuals, but the OLED's infinite blacks and vivid colors offer a superior viewing experience.

The Surface Pro comes with the tablet only, with the keyboard folio case and Surface Pen sold separately. These accessories add to the cost, but third-party options are available for those on a budget.

App compatibility is a concern with Snapdragon processors, so it's important to verify that your essential apps are supported. However, most common academic and creative apps should work well.

For gaming, the Surface Pro supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, making it a viable option for students who enjoy gaming.

Overall, the Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students needing a versatile, reliable laptop that lasts all day and offers entertainment options.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Choosing the right laptop can be challenging, but focusing on key specifications can help you find the perfect fit. Here's what to consider when selecting one of the best laptops in 2025.

Display: The display is crucial for your laptop experience. Most laptops come with IPS displays, while OLED and mini-LED options offer superior 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 resolution and refresh rate; higher refresh rates (up to 120Hz or more) improve motion smoothness, which is beneficial for gaming and productivity.

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, handling all computations. 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 allows your computer to hold more data in its fastest storage. For school and productivity, 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, while 1TB is better for gaming and those who store files locally.

Graphics: Graphics cards render what you see on the screen. Integrated graphics are sufficient for productivity, while dedicated graphics cards are essential for gaming.

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

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, 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 affecting cooling, or the natural shorter lifespan of laptops compared to desktops.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop?

Choose a laptop for portability and gaming on the go. A desktop is better for stationary use at home, offering better performance for the price and easier upgrades.