Best Laptops 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Every Budget and Need

Best Laptops 2025

Introduction

Looking for a new laptop in 2025? You're in luck—this year's lineup is simply mind-blowing. Between Apple's revolutionary M4 processors, Intel's latest advancements, and AMD's AI-powered chips, we're witnessing what might be the most exciting era in laptop evolution yet.

I've spent countless hours testing these machines, and let me tell you, choosing between them wasn't easy. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, a busy student, a creative professional, or just someone who needs a reliable machine for everyday tasks, there's a perfect laptop waiting for you.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the absolute best laptops of 2025, breaking them down by category so you can find exactly what you need without the headache of endless research. Let's dive in and find your next digital companion!

Best Overall Laptops of 2025

1. Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025)

Price: Starting at $999 / £799

When it comes to the perfect balance of performance, portability, and price, the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip is tough to beat. Apple has somehow managed to make their entry-level laptop even better this year, and I'm genuinely impressed by how much power they've packed into this sleek, fanless design.

The M4 chip delivers performance that rivals many high-end laptops from just a year ago, all while maintaining the MacBook Air's signature all-day battery life. I regularly get 18+ hours on a single charge with moderate use—enough for a full workday and then some.

What I love most about the 2025 MacBook Air is how it handles everything so effortlessly. From basic web browsing to photo editing and even light video production, this laptop barely breaks a sweat. The stunning Retina display makes everything look gorgeous, and the silent operation means you'll never be distracted by fan noise.

Who should buy it: Anyone looking for a reliable, powerful, and portable machine that doesn't cost a fortune. It's particularly perfect for students, writers, and professionals who value battery life and portability.

2. Dell XPS 16 (2025)

Price: Starting at $1699 / £1399

Dell has outdone themselves with the XPS 16, creating what might be the most beautiful Windows laptop I've ever used. The nearly borderless InfinityEdge display gives you more screen real estate than you'd expect from a laptop this size, and the OLED option is simply stunning with its perfect blacks and vibrant colors.

Powered by Intel's Core Ultra 7 processor and an RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop handles intensive tasks with ease. I've edited 4K video projects while running multiple apps in the background, and the XPS 16 barely broke a sweat.

The carbon fiber palm rest stays cool during extended use, and the keyboard is a joy to type on. Dell has also improved the webcam quality dramatically this year—a welcome upgrade for those of us still doing plenty of video calls.

Who should buy it: Creative professionals, power users, and anyone who wants a premium Windows experience without compromise. If you're looking for a MacBook alternative with more graphics power, this is your machine.

3. MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus

Price: Starting at $1999 / £1699

MSI has created something special with the Stealth A16 AI Plus. This gaming-focused laptop somehow manages to look professional enough for the office while packing enough power to run the latest games at high settings.

The AMD Ryzen AI processor paired with NVIDIA's RTX 4070 GPU creates a powerhouse combination that excels at both gaming and content creation. What surprised me most was the battery life—unusual for a gaming laptop, the Stealth A16 can actually last through most of a workday when you're not gaming.

The 16-inch display hits the sweet spot between portability and screen real estate, and the 165Hz refresh rate makes everything from gaming to simple scrolling feel buttery smooth. MSI's cooling system is impressively quiet considering the performance on tap.

Who should buy it: Gamers who need a laptop that can also serve as a work machine, or creative professionals who enjoy gaming in their off hours. This is versatility at its finest.

Best Budget Laptops Under $500

4. Acer Aspire Go 15

Price: Starting at $255 / £199

I'm always amazed by how much laptop you can get for so little money these days, and the Acer Aspire Go 15 proves this point perfectly. For just over $250, you get a solid Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a surprisingly decent 15.6-inch display.

Is it going to win any design awards? No. Will it handle heavy gaming or video editing? Also no. But for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the Aspire Go 15 handles itself remarkably well.

The keyboard is comfortable for long typing sessions, and the battery life stretches to about 7 hours of real-world use—enough to get through a school day or workday. For students or anyone on a tight budget, this laptop delivers exceptional value.

Who should buy it: Students, budget-conscious shoppers, or anyone who needs a secondary laptop for basic tasks without breaking the bank.

5. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook (2025)

Price: Starting at $329 / £269

Chromebooks have come a long way, and the latest IdeaPad Duet shows just how versatile these machines can be. This 2-in-1 device functions as both a laptop and tablet, with a detachable keyboard that makes it perfect for different use cases.

Chrome OS runs incredibly smoothly on this hardware, and with Android app support, you can do far more than just browse the web. I've found myself using the Duet for everything from writing articles to watching Netflix in tablet mode.

Battery life is exceptional, regularly pushing past 10 hours of actual use. The MediaTek processor won't win any speed contests, but it's more than adequate for the tasks most people use Chromebooks for.

Who should buy it: Students, light computer users, or anyone who wants an incredibly portable device for consumption and light productivity.

Best Gaming Laptops 2025

6. Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8

Price: Starting at $1349 / £1149

Gaming laptops used to mean bulky, heavy machines with terrible battery life, but the Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 proves that's no longer the case. This remarkably portable gaming laptop weighs just under 4.5 pounds but packs serious hardware under its sleek chassis.

The combination of AMD's latest Ryzen processor and NVIDIA RTX graphics means you can play even demanding titles at high settings. The 165Hz display with 100% sRGB coverage is perfect for both gaming and creative work, and I'm particularly impressed by how cool the laptop stays even during extended gaming sessions.

What truly sets the Legion Slim 5 apart is its versatility. Unlike many gaming laptops, this one has enough battery life (about 7 hours for non-gaming tasks) to actually function as a portable computer when you're not plugged in.

Who should buy it: Gamers who need portability, college students who want one machine for both studying and gaming, or anyone who wants gaming power without the typical gaming laptop bulk.

7. MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus

Price: Starting at $1999 / £1699

Yes, it appears twice on this list because it's that good. The Stealth A16 AI Plus deserves special mention in the gaming category because of how effortlessly it handles modern titles. The RTX 4070 GPU paired with AMD's Ryzen AI processor creates a gaming experience that's smooth and responsive.

The 165Hz display with a 3ms response time means you'll never miss a crucial moment in competitive games, and the RGB keyboard is customizable without being overly flashy. MSI's Cooler Boost technology keeps temperatures in check, even during marathon gaming sessions.

What makes this laptop special is how it balances gaming performance with everyday usability—something many gaming laptops still struggle with in 2025.

Who should buy it: Serious gamers who don't want to compromise on performance but need a laptop that works well for other tasks too.

Best Laptops for Creators and Professionals

8. Apple MacBook Pro (M4, 2025)

Price: Starting at $1399 / £1199

Apple's latest MacBook Pro is a creative professional's dream come true. The M4 chip takes everything that made the M3 impressive and pushes it even further, with significant gains in GPU performance that benefit video editors and 3D artists.

The Liquid Retina XDR display remains the best screen you can get on a laptop, with incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. If your work involves anything visual, this display will make your content look better than ever.

Battery life is exceptional—I regularly get 15+ hours of mixed use, including some intensive tasks like video rendering. The 2025 MacBook Pro also includes enhanced AI capabilities that accelerate workflows in apps like Final Cut Pro and Adobe's Creative Suite.

Who should buy it: Creative professionals, video editors, photographers, and anyone who demands the best display and performance for visual work.

9. Asus ProArt P16

Price: Starting at $1649 / £1399

Asus designed the ProArt P16 specifically for creators, and it shows in every aspect of this exceptional laptop. The factory-calibrated display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space with a Delta E < 1.5, making it perfect for color-critical work.

The AMD Ryzen AI processor paired with an RTX GPU provides plenty of power for video editing, 3D rendering, and other demanding creative tasks. I particularly appreciate the comprehensive port selection, which includes HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, and a full-size SD card reader—no dongles needed.

The ProArt Dial gives you intuitive control in creative apps, similar to Microsoft's Surface Dial but built right into the laptop. It's these thoughtful touches that make the ProArt P16 stand out in a crowded field.

Who should buy it: Video editors, graphic designers, 3D artists, and other creative professionals who need color accuracy and powerful performance.

Best Ultraportable Laptops

10. Asus Zenbook A14

Price: Starting at $1099 / £949

The Zenbook A14 represents the new wave of Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops, and I'm thoroughly impressed by what Asus has achieved here. Weighing just 2.6 pounds and measuring 0.57 inches thick, this laptop disappears into your bag but doesn't compromise on performance.

The Snapdragon X Plus processor delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks while enabling truly remarkable battery life—I've regularly pushed past 20 hours of mixed use. The 14-inch OLED display is gorgeous, with deep blacks and vibrant colors that make everything from documents to movies look fantastic.

Windows now runs smoothly on ARM architecture, and compatibility issues that plagued earlier generations have largely been resolved. The Zenbook A14 proves that you don't need to choose between portability, performance, and battery life anymore.

Who should buy it: Frequent travelers, business professionals, and anyone who values portability and battery life above all else.

11. Acer Swift AI 14

Price: Starting at $899 / £799

The Acer Swift AI 14 holds the crown for battery life among ultraportables I've tested this year, consistently delivering over 18 hours of real-world use. This alone would make it worth considering, but Acer has created a well-rounded package that excels in other areas too.

The laptop is powered by AMD's latest Ryzen AI processor, which handles everyday tasks with ease while enabling a suite of AI features that genuinely improve the user experience. From background noise cancellation in video calls to real-time translation capabilities, these AI functions feel useful rather than gimmicky.

Build quality is excellent, with an aluminum chassis that feels sturdy despite weighing just under 3 pounds. The keyboard is comfortable for long typing sessions, and the trackpad is precise and responsive.

Who should buy it: Students, writers, or business travelers who need exceptional battery life and appreciate helpful AI features.

Best Student Laptops

12. Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025)

Price: Starting at $999 / £799

The MacBook Air makes another appearance here because it truly is the ideal student laptop. The combination of performance, battery life, and portability is perfect for campus life, where you might be moving between classes, the library, and coffee shops throughout the day.

The M4 chip handles everything from research papers to creative projects with ease, and the 18+ hour battery life means you can leave your charger at home. The fanless design ensures complete silence, which is appreciated during quiet study sessions or in the library.

Apple's education discount makes the MacBook Air more affordable for students, and the durability of these machines means it will likely last through your entire academic program and beyond.

Who should buy it: College and high school students who want a reliable, long-lasting laptop that can handle both academic work and entertainment.

13. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

Price: Starting at $699 / £599

For students who want something more affordable than a MacBook but more premium than a basic Chromebook, Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook Plus hits a perfect middle ground. The Intel Core i3 processor provides plenty of power for Chrome OS, and the 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking.

The standout feature is the gorgeous 14-inch OLED display, which is rare at this price point. Colors pop, blacks are true black, and the overall visual experience is much better than what you'd expect in this category.

Battery life is solid at around 10 hours of mixed use, and the 2-in-1 design with touchscreen support gives you flexibility for different types of schoolwork. With full Android app support, the Galaxy Chromebook Plus functions almost like a laptop and tablet in one device.

Who should buy it: Students with a moderate budget who primarily need a laptop for web-based research, writing papers, and streaming content.

Best 2-in-1 Laptops

14. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 360

Price: Starting at $1399 / £1199

Samsung has refined their flagship convertible to near perfection with the Galaxy Book4 Pro 360. This 2-in-1 features a gorgeous AMOLED touch display that works beautifully with the included S Pen stylus—perfect for note-taking, drawing, or marking up documents.

The Intel processor inside provides plenty of power for multitasking and creative work, while the thin and light design makes it comfortable to use in either laptop or tablet mode. The hinge is sturdy and smooth, inspiring confidence during transitions between modes.

Battery life is impressive at around 12 hours of mixed use, and Samsung's ecosystem integration is excellent if you use other Galaxy devices. The keyboard is comfortable with good key travel, and the trackpad is large and responsive.

Who should buy it: Students who take handwritten notes, creative professionals who need a pen-enabled device, or anyone who wants the versatility of both a laptop and tablet.

15. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

Price: Starting at $1099 / £949

Microsoft continues to refine their Surface lineup, and the Laptop 7 represents their best effort yet. While not a traditional 2-in-1 with a 360-degree hinge, the touchscreen display and compatibility with the Surface Pen make it functionally similar to convertible laptops.

The 3:2 aspect ratio display provides more vertical space than typical 16:9 laptops, which is fantastic for productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing. Build quality is exceptional, with a sleek aluminum body and a comfortable Alcantara fabric option for the keyboard deck.

Windows 11 runs flawlessly on the Intel hardware inside, and battery life is impressive at around 14 hours of mixed use. The Surface Laptop 7 strikes a perfect balance between performance, portability, and premium features.

Who should buy it: Professionals who value a premium design and touchscreen functionality without needing a full convertible form factor.

Best Laptops with OLED Displays

16. Dell XPS 13 OLED Touch

Price: Starting at $1299 / £1099

Dell's XPS 13 has been a perennial favorite in the ultraportable category, and the latest OLED Touch version takes the visual experience to another level. The 13.4-inch OLED panel is simply stunning, with perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent brightness.

Despite packing this gorgeous display, the XPS 13 maintains its signature compact footprint thanks to the tiny bezels, making it one of the most portable 13-inch laptops available. Performance is snappy thanks to Intel's latest chips, and the battery life is impressive for an OLED laptop at nearly 20 hours.

The keyboard and trackpad remain excellent, and the carbon fiber palm rest stays cool and comfortable during extended use. This is premium laptop design at its finest.

Who should buy it: Anyone who values display quality and wants a premium ultraportable laptop that stands out from the crowd.

17. Asus Zenbook S14 (UX5406)

Price: Starting at $1199 / £999

Asus has packed an incredible OLED display into the slim and lightweight Zenbook S14, creating one of the most visually impressive 14-inch laptops available. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother than standard 60Hz panels.

Performance is excellent thanks to Intel's latest processors, and Asus has done a great job with thermal management—the laptop stays cool even under load. The ceramic-like finish on the aluminum chassis gives the Zenbook S14 a distinct look and feel that stands out in a crowded market.

Battery life is impressive for an OLED laptop at around 12 hours of mixed use, and the comprehensive port selection reduces the need for dongles. The ErgoLift hinge tilts the keyboard slightly for a more comfortable typing experience.

Who should buy it: Content consumers who value display quality, professionals who need color accuracy, or anyone looking for a premium 14-inch laptop with a standout design.

Best Laptops for Battery Life

18. Acer Swift AI 14

Price: Starting at $899 / £799

Making its second appearance on this list, the Acer Swift AI 14 truly deserves special recognition for its exceptional battery life. In my testing, it consistently delivered over 18 hours of real-world use—enough to get through the longest workday without even thinking about a charger.

This impressive endurance doesn't come at the expense of performance, as the Ryzen AI processor inside handles everyday tasks with ease. The laptop stays cool and quiet, which contributes to both comfort and battery efficiency.

The Swift AI 14 also charges quickly, gaining about 4 hours of use from just 30 minutes of charging—perfect for those times when you're in a hurry.

Who should buy it: Students, travelers, remote workers, or anyone who needs to work away from power outlets for extended periods.

19. Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025)

Price: Starting at $999 / £799

Yes, the MacBook Air appears for a third time on this list, but its battery performance is truly that impressive. The efficiency of Apple's M4 chip enables all-day battery life that most laptops can only dream of, consistently delivering 18+ hours of mixed use.

What makes this especially impressive is that the MacBook Air achieves this without compromising on performance or display quality, and does so in an incredibly thin and light package. The laptop also maintains excellent standby time, so you don't lose much battery when the lid is closed.

For those who need even more runtime, the 15-inch MacBook Air offers slightly better battery life thanks to its larger battery, though it comes with a slight weight penalty.

Who should buy it: Anyone who prioritizes battery life but doesn't want to sacrifice performance or display quality.

The Future of Laptops: AI Integration

One of the most exciting developments in the 2025 laptop market is the deep integration of AI capabilities. This isn't just about fancy marketing terms—these features genuinely improve the user experience in meaningful ways.

The latest processors from Intel, AMD, and Apple all include dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) that accelerate AI tasks while minimizing battery impact. Here's how this translates to real-world benefits:

1. Enhanced Video Calls: AI-powered background noise cancellation, automatic framing, and even eye contact correction make video conferencing more professional and less distracting.

2. Productivity Boosts: AI assistance in office applications helps with everything from summarizing long documents to suggesting better phrasing in emails.

3. Creative Workflows: Content creators benefit from AI-accelerated editing tools, automated transcription, and image enhancement features that were previously only available in high-end desktop software.

4. Battery Optimization: AI algorithms learn your usage patterns and optimize power management accordingly, extending battery life by intelligently allocating resources.

When shopping for a new laptop in 2025, pay attention to the AI capabilities—they're no longer gimmicks but genuine productivity enhancers.

FAQ: Your Laptop Questions Answered

What are the best laptops available in 2025?

The best overall laptops in 2025 include the Apple MacBook Air (M4), Dell XPS 16, and MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus. The "best" laptop ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences, which is why we've broken down our recommendations by category.

Which laptop offers the best performance for gaming in 2025?

For pure gaming performance, the MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus and Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 lead the pack. Both offer excellent thermal management and powerful GPUs that can handle even the most demanding titles at high settings.

What is the best budget laptop under $500 in 2025?

The Acer Aspire Go 15 offers exceptional value at just $255, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook provides a versatile 2-in-1 experience at around $329. For basic computing needs, these affordable options deliver surprisingly capable performance.

Which laptops have the longest battery life in 2025?

The Acer Swift AI 14 and Apple MacBook Air (M4) stand out for their exceptional battery life, both capable of lasting 18+ hours on a single charge. The Asus Zenbook A14 with its Snapdragon processor also delivers impressive endurance at around 20 hours.

What are the top laptops for students in 2025?

The Apple MacBook Air (M4) is our top recommendation for students who can afford it, while the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability at $699. For budget-conscious students, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook provides great functionality at just $329.

Which laptop is best for professional video editing and graphic design?

Creative professionals should consider the Apple MacBook Pro (M4) or the Asus ProArt P16. Both offer exceptional display quality, powerful processors, and dedicated GPUs that can handle demanding creative workflows.

What are the best ultraportable laptops for traveling in 2025?

The Asus Zenbook A14 and Acer Swift AI 14 lead the ultraportable category, both weighing under 3 pounds while delivering excellent performance and battery life. The Apple MacBook Air also deserves consideration for travelers who prefer macOS.

How does Apple's M4 chip compare to Intel and AMD processors?

Apple's M4 chip excels in power efficiency while delivering performance that rivals or exceeds many Intel and AMD offerings. It's particularly strong in single-core performance and graphics capabilities for its power consumption. Intel and AMD still have an edge in gaming performance and compatibility with certain software, though this gap continues to narrow.

What are the best laptops for writers and productivity tasks in 2025?

Writers should consider the Apple MacBook Air (M4) for its excellent keyboard and battery life, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 for its comfortable typing experience and 3:2 display, or the Acer Swift AI 14 for its combination of battery longevity and reasonable price.

Are 2-in-1 laptops worth buying, and which ones are the best?

2-in-1 laptops are absolutely worth considering if you want the versatility of both a laptop and tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 offers the best premium 2-in-1 experience, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook provides excellent value in the budget category.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Laptop in 2025

The laptop market in 2025 is more exciting and diverse than ever before. From powerful gaming machines to ultra-efficient productivity tools, there's truly something for everyone at every price point.

When choosing your next laptop, consider not just the specs and price, but how you'll actually use the device day-to-day. Battery life, portability, display quality, and keyboard comfort can make a bigger difference to your satisfaction than raw processing power.

I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect laptop for your needs. Remember that the "best" laptop is ultimately the one that works best for you and your specific requirements.

Have you found your ideal laptop from this list? Or do you have another model you're considering? Let me know in the comments below—I'd love to help you make the right choice for your next tech investment.

Prices and availability may vary depending on location and retailer. All information was accurate at the time of writing in April 2025. Best Prices Coming Soon!