7 Best Laptops to Buy in 2025

Shopping for a new laptop? You’re in the right place. We’ve pulled together a carefully curated list of the best laptops in 2025 that covers everything from lightweight budget models to powerhouse gaming machines.

Are you a student looking for something affordable? Or maybe you’re a creator who needs performance on the go. Or a gamer chasing smooth frame rates without breaking the bank. Regardless, this is the only list you need.

We scoured real user reviews across retailers, forums, and subreddits to find the top picks for the widest range of people and budgets. That means this list includes not just the best gaming laptops of 2025, but also the best budget laptops and more. Whatever your needs, there’s something here that’ll fit your workflow, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Acer Aspire Go 15

If you’re after one of the best budget laptops of 2025, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a smart pick for everyday use. It’s built to handle web browsing, video calls, and light multitasking without breaking the bank. You also get Windows 11 Copilot built in, so you can get AI-powered help across apps with just a key press. It’s not the slimmest or quietest laptop out there, but for the price, it gets the job done.

Specs: AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, 15.6″ Full HD (1080p) IPS display, Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Windows 11 Home, AcerSense system control + Copilot key

Pros:

• Smooth multitasking
• Fast boot times thanks to SSD
• Lots of ports and modern connectivity

Cons:

• Loud fans can be distracting
• Bulky design makes it hard to carry around
• Some users reported setup issues right out of the box

Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024)

This is one of the first Copilot+ PCs, which means it’s built with AI features in mind. It’s a fast, light laptop that runs shockingly well thanks to the ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite chip. Most everyday tasks are buttery smooth, and the 120Hz touchscreen makes everything feel faster than what you’d get on a MacBook Air.

The build quality is solid, the battery lasts all day (and then some), and Windows Hello is still one of the fastest ways to log in. For general productivity and media use, it’s one of the best feeling Windows laptops around.

Specs: 15-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen (120Hz), Snapdragon X Elite (12-core ARM processor), 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11 (Copilot+ PC), Aluminum chassis, Platinum color, Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Up to 20 hours battery life

Pros:

• Blazing fast performance for web, Office, and everyday use
• Quiet, cool, and thin with a surprisingly premium feel
• Haptic trackpad feels close to MacBook quality
• Excellent battery life
• USB-A port and upgradable SSD (rare for this type of laptop)

Cons:

• ARM architecture means some apps don’t work (e.g., VirtualBox, older games, some dev tools)
• No charging status indicator when off
• No right Ctrl key
• Hinge can pinch if you grab from behind
• Some users report strange setup bugs (like preset names)
• Microsoft support experience can be frustrating

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus

This compact 14-inch laptop balances power, portability, and price well, so it’s a solid pick for anyone who needs a general workhorse. It runs on Intel’s Core Ultra 7 chip with built-in Arc graphics and AI features like auto-framing and eye contact correction for video calls.

The 2.2K display has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio for more screen space without increasing size, and battery life holds up surprisingly well even with its higher-res panel. The keyboard feels good for long typing sessions, and Dell includes useful security features like TPM and facial recognition. Performance is fast for most tasks, though heavy workloads can cause the CPU to throttle a bit.

Specs: 14-inch 2.2K (2240×1400) display, 16:10 aspect ratio, 60Hz, Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, Intel Arc integrated graphics, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, HDMI, microSD, 3.5mm audio, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, Backlit keyboard, FHD webcam with AI features, Up to ~11–13 hours battery life (varies by use)

Pros:

• Solid performance for multitasking, creative work, and general use
• Great battery life for a Windows laptop in this class
• Comfortable keyboard for long typing sessions
• Nice 2.2K display with a roomy 16:10 layout

Cons:

• CPU may throttle under sustained heavy loads
• 60Hz refresh rate feels basic compared to competitors with 120Hz
• No discrete GPU limits gaming potential

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch

This year’s MacBook Air is faster than ever thanks to the M4 chip, which feels snappy in everyday use and even handles heavier tasks without much fuss. You still get the same minimalist slab design, though it feels more solid than light, especially compared to ultra-light PCs.

Battery life is excellent (it can genuinely last all day), and the high-res Liquid Retina display looks great whether you’re working or watching something. You’ll get a few Apple Intelligence features baked in, and while all the AI additions aren’t front-and-center yet, they’re ready for future updates. It’s fanless, quiet, and capable, but it can run hot under load.

Specs: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display (2560×1664), Apple M4 chip, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD storage, 12MP front camera with Center Stage, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, headphone jack, Up to 18 hours battery life, macOS

Pros:

• M4 chip runs fast and handles multitasking well
• Excellent all-day battery life
• Compact design with a sharp, vibrant display
• Runs silently (no fans)

Cons:

• Can get uncomfortably hot under prolonged load
• Limited port selection for non-Apple accessories
• Storage and memory upgrades are overpriced
• macOS can feel restrictive for people used to Windows or Linux

ASUS ZenBook 14 Pro

The ZenBook 14 Pro is a compact laptop with a sharp OLED display that makes everyday work feel more premium than the price suggests. The 14-core Intel Ultra 5 chip handles web, multitasking, and even light creative work easily, and while 8GB of RAM isn’t much by today’s standards (and can’t be upgraded), it’s fine for general use.

The touchscreen is smooth and responsive, the build feels sturdy, and there’s a good mix of ports. The screen is 1920×1200 despite some listings claiming higher, and while that resolution still looks good thanks to OLED, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually getting. Audio and screen quality are a bit hit-or-miss depending on expectations, but overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone needing a fast work machine suitable for travel.

Specs: 14″ OLED touchscreen (1920×1200), 16:10, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14-core, up to 4.5GHz), 8GB LPDDR5 (soldered), 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, Integrated Intel Graphics, Thunderbolt 4 (x2), USB-A, HDMI 2.1, audio jack, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, FHD IR webcam with privacy shutter, Windows 11 Pro

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact with a premium OLED screen
• Strong everyday performance for the price
• Solid build quality with military-grade durability
• Plenty of ports for a thin laptop

Cons:

• RAM is soldered and not upgradeable
• Display resolution may be misrepresented in some listings
• Speakers are just average despite OLED display
• Screen can feel overly glossy in bright light

ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34

This Chromebook punches above its weight in speed and multitasking, thanks to the newer Intel Core i3 chip and 8GB of RAM, which is a combo that makes it feel a lot snappier than older Chromebooks. You can easily keep a bunch of tabs and Android apps open without slowing down, and the keyboard and large touchpad are both comfortable to use (though the pad can sometimes get in the way if you rest your palms while typing).

The plastic build feels solid, and while the screen is sharp and colorful, it isn’t particularly bright, and the downward-facing speakers are just okay. The “Chromebook Plus” label adds some Google AI features like Magic Eraser and video call enhancements, plus a year of Gemini, but don’t expect a dramatic upgrade over a regular Chromebook. Battery life seems to vary a lot; some users get through most of the day, others say it drops fast or degrades within a year.

Specs: 14″ Full HD (1920×1080) anti-glare display, Intel Core i3-1215U (6-core, up to 4.4GHz), 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS storage, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (x2), USB-A (x2), full-size HDMI, audio jack, ChromeOS with Google AI features

Pros:

• Fast performance for a Chromebook in this price range
• Comfortable keyboard and generously sized touchpad
• Plenty of ports, including HDMI
• Includes 1 year of Google Gemini and storage
• Feels solid despite the plastic chassis

Cons:

• Battery life is unpredictable and may degrade quickly
• No touchscreen despite 180° hinge
• Audio is underwhelming
• Cursor can jump around if your palms brush the trackpad
• Long-term reliability is questionable based on user reviews

Tip: Check out this list of the best Chromebooks for Linux!

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 16

The Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 is a top-tier choice if you’re looking at the best gaming laptops in 2025. It’s built around Intel’s i9-14900HX processor and an RTX 4080, so it handles AAA games, multitasking, and high-end creative work without flinching. The 16-inch QHD+ screen looks fantastic, with sharp colors and a smooth 240Hz refresh rate that makes everything feel snappy. Thermals are solid, and Lenovo’s cooling system is quieter than most, even under load. The build quality also stands out; it feels durable without being absurdly bulky for a gaming rig this powerful.

Still, it’s not perfect. There’s no biometric login (you’re stuck with a PIN), and Thunderbolt 4 is missing, which feels like a strange omission for the price. While not the heaviest laptop out there, it’s not what you’d call portable. A few users have reported quality control issues like dead pixels or crashes during gameplay, so it’s worth checking your unit right away if you pick one up.

Overall, though, this is easily in the conversation for the best laptops of 2025 if you need high-end performance. If you’re shopping the upper range of the best budget gaming laptops in 2025, this might stretch the definition of “budget,” but it’s still a solid value for the power you get.

Specs: 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX (24-core, up to 5.8GHz), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (12GB GDDR6), 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM (2x16GB), 2TB NVMe SSD (2x1TB), 16″ QHD+ (2560×1600) IPS, 500 nits, 240Hz, Windows 11 Pro

Pros:

• Outstanding performance for gaming and heavy multitasking
• Gorgeous 240Hz display with excellent color and brightness
• Sturdy build with solid thermal management
• Surprisingly reasonable battery life for the hardware

Cons:

• No Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 support
• No face or fingerprint login options
• Some users report QC issues (e.g. screen defects, crashes)
• On the heavier side, so not ideal for frequent travel

Types of Laptops You Can Buy in 2025

While shopping for a laptop this year, you’ll notice that there’s no shortage of options. From high-performance rigs designed for people engineering students to lightweight machines for everyday use, knowing what category fits your needs will help narrow down the best fit for you, especially when comparing the best laptops of 2025.

Here are the main types to consider:

• General laptops are built for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity. You’ll find plenty of picks in the best budget laptops of 2025 category here. These are great for students or casual users who don’t need high-end specs.
• Gaming laptops are designed with dedicated graphics cards and faster refresh rate screens, which are made to handle modern titles without slowing down. If you’re looking at raw power, this is where the best gaming laptops in 2025 stand out. Some models even straddle the line between work and play. Don’t forget to grab a laptop cooling pad if you’re worried that your gaming laptop will overheat.
• Not everyone wants to drop $2,000 on a gaming machine. That’s where the best budget gaming laptops of 2025 come in. These offer solid performance for popular games like Fortnite or Apex Legends without crushing your wallet.
• Chromebooks run ChromeOS and are perfect for browsing, document editing, and using Android apps. Many are part of the best budget laptops 2025 conversations, especially for students or anyone who lives in the Google ecosystem.
• Apple’s lineup of MacBooks continues to be popular with creative professionals and everyday users alike. With long battery life and a refined design, they’re often contenders for the best laptops in 2025, especially for those already using iPhones or iPads.

Tip: Check out our comparison of Dell and HP laptops for our picks from those brands.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Choosing the right laptop can feel overwhelming with so many specs and features thrown around. But it really comes down to a few core things. Whether you’re after one of the best gaming laptops of 2025 or just want something simple from the best budget laptops 2025, here’s what to look for:

• Performance: For smooth multitasking and gaming, look for at least an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 processor and 16GB of RAM. High-end laptops (like those on the best gaming laptops 2025 lists) will use i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9 chips paired with 32GB+ RAM.
• Storage: SSDs are a must. It’s 2025! Aim for 512GB or more unless you’re going with a Chromebook or MacBook with cloud storage. Some best budget gaming laptops in 2025 cut costs with smaller drives, so check before buying.
• Display quality: Look for 1080p at minimum. If you care about visuals or you game often, QHD or OLED displays with high refresh rates (120Hz–240Hz) are ideal. Many picks highlight display brightness and color accuracy, too.
• Battery life: This varies a lot. MacBooks and some Chromebooks can hit a full day, while gaming laptops often sit in the 4–6 hour range. If you’re often unplugged, lean toward laptops with efficiency in mind.
• Build and portability: Lightweight models under 3.5 pounds are best for travel. Heavier builds tend to be in the gaming category. Some of the best budget gaming laptops of 2025 strike a nice middle ground here.
• Ports and connectivity: Check for USB-C, HDMI, and headphone jacks. Gaming laptops should offer multiple ports for monitors and accessories. Chromebooks often keep things minimal.
• Brand reputation: Lenovo, ASUS, Dell, HP, Apple, and Acer all have solid entries in the best laptops of 2025. Pay attention to support options and user reviews for long-term peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions