2025's Top Laptops: Gaming, Work, School Picks

If you're in the market for a great laptop that offers versatility and high-quality computing on the move, you're in for a treat—there’s a dazzling array of options available today. For many users, a balanced all-rounder like the MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) might be all you need. Alternatively, if you're a student seeking a portable device that combines performance with entertainment, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 could be your ideal pick. As someone who reviews laptops professionally, I’m here to guide you through the clutter and help you find the perfect match for your needs.

These are the best laptops of 2025, each designed to cater to different lifestyles and requirements.

TL;DR – The Best Laptops We've Tested:

Our Top Pick### Apple MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025)

0Check it out on AmazonCheck it out on Apple### Asus VivoBook S 15

0Check it out on Best BuyCheck it out on Asus### Razer Blade 16 (2025)

0Check it out on Razer### Asus Zenbook S 16

0Check it out on AmazonCheck it out on Best BuyCheck it out on Asus### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0Check it out on AmazonCheck it out on MicrosoftLaptops come in various shapes and sizes, each tailored to cater to a broad spectrum of user needs. The best ones blend seamlessly into your lifestyle without constantly reminding you of their presence. They offer excellent battery life and performance that won’t let you down after such a significant investment.

No matter what you’re searching for, I’ve put in the legwork 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. This system is a powerhouse for 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"PROSExceptional battery lifeSuper slim and lightweightOutstanding everyday performanceCONSLimited gaming capabilitiesUpgrades can get costly quicklyApple’s MacBook Air has long been considered the quintessential laptop, consistently earning top marks for performance, portability, and battery life. This year, Apple introduced its latest iteration of the ultra-portable MacBook Air, featuring its most powerful processor yet—the M4. This chip powers the experience, allowing users to tackle projects for work or school as well as creative workloads faster, all while consuming less battery than competing Windows laptops in its price range.

All the hallmark qualities of the MacBook Air line remain intact here. Again, Apple challenges conventions by delivering reliable performance and battery life in such a slim and lightweight body. In fact, this year’s model is even lighter, tipping the scales at just 2.7 pounds, making it almost effortless to carry.

As we’ve come to expect from Apple, the Air focuses on evolutionary refinement. In her review, our reviewer Jackie Thomas aptly described it as an "oldie but a goodie," in the most affectionate way possible. It retains its fanless design, relying solely on passive cooling via its metal frame. This ensures silent operation while maintaining a sleek aesthetic free of fan grilles.

Of course, this does mean it won’t compete with the MacBook Pro in terms of raw performance, which features active cooling. However, you wouldn’t expect it to. The MacBook Air is meant to be a daily companion for most users, not necessarily a powerhouse for creatives or gamers.

That said, it’s no slouch in the performance department. The previous M3 MacBook Air already delivered impressive results in benchmarks and real-world usage, and the M4 chip takes it a step further—about 20% faster. While groundbreaking progress isn’t the norm, it ensures the MacBook Air can handle most tasks you throw at it on an average day.

The display remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, which isn’t a bad thing. While I would have loved to see an upgrade, its 13- or 15-inch screen offers a crisp 2560x1664 resolution, resulting in sharp visuals and vibrant colors—a feature Jackie appreciated.

On the downside, connectivity is somewhat limited. Unfortunately, this is something you’ll have to accept with the MacBook Air series—at least for now. It provides two USB Type-C ports on one side, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack on the other. If you have many peripherals to connect, you’ll likely need a docking station.

The MacBook Air excels in the fundamentals—being silent, satisfying, and delightfully responsive—so much so that it feels like a natural extension of your daily routine. While it’s not ideal for gaming, as a daily driver, it’s the best choice for most users.

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)The Asus VivoBook S 15 offers impressive value for its price point. Starting well under $1,000, this laptop provides many of the same advantages as the pricier ZenBook S 16. Its screen is fantastic, and its slim, lightweight design makes it easy to tote around all day. Importantly, you’re not sacrificing performance for affordability.

Asus’s VivoBook line is all about balancing value with accessible pricing. Its design and spec sheet clearly reflect shared DNA with the ZenBook S 16. While the latter offers more elegance, you’re paying a premium for those extras. If you’re okay with shedding a few frills but still want a good-looking, high-performing laptop, the S 15 could be the budget laptop you’ve been waiting for.

Weighing in at just over 3 pounds, it’s the kind of laptop you can easily slip into a bag and forget about. Its slim profile, measuring just a hair over half an inch thick at its thickest point, ensures it won’t take up much space in your bag.

While portability is key, the S 15 also packs a punch under the hood. It comes equipped with 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM