Top Laptops of 2025: Gaming, Work, School Picks

A great laptop is essential for taking high-quality computing on the go, offering a compelling option for all types of users. With the vast array of choices available, it can be overwhelming to decide. For most, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, is all you need. 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 help you navigate through the options and find the perfect laptop for your needs, whether it's for work, school, or gaming. Here 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 designs to cater to different needs. The best laptops integrate seamlessly into your day, offering excellent battery life and performance that justify your investment.

No matter what you're looking for, I've rigorously tested these options 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, making it a stellar choice for productivity and 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"PROSStellar battery lifeExceptionally thin and lightExcellent everyday performanceCONSLimited gaming abilityUpgrades get expensive quicklyApple's MacBook Air has long been a popular choice, consistently earning high marks for its performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration, equipped with the M4 processor, further enhances its capabilities, allowing for faster task completion with better battery efficiency than many competing Windows laptops.

The MacBook Air continues to set the standard for thin and light laptops. This year's model is even lighter at just 2.7 pounds, making it incredibly easy to carry. Jackie Thomas, in her review, praised its evolutionary refinement, noting its fanless design that ensures silent operation and a sleek aesthetic.

While it may not match the MacBook Pro's performance due to its passive cooling system, the MacBook Air is an ideal daily companion for most users. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over the M3, enabling it to handle a wide range of daily tasks efficiently.

The display remains similar to its predecessor, offering a crisp and vibrant 2560x1664 resolution, which Jackie found to be a highlight. However, connectivity is limited, with only two USB-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. A dock may be necessary for users with multiple accessories.

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

2. Asus VivoBook S 15

Best Budget Laptop

### Asus VivoBook S 15

0This well-priced notebook offers excellent performance, an OLED display, and impressive 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)Asus's VivoBook S 15 offers a compelling entry point into high-quality laptops, with a price well below $1,000. It shares many benefits with the more expensive ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a thin, light design that's easy to carry.

The VivoBook line is designed to balance value and affordability, and the S 15 is no exception. It offers high performance with 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, powered by the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor.

Its OLED touchscreen display is a standout feature, with a high resolution of 2880x1620 and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for productivity and entertainment. In testing, it achieved over 16 hours of battery life, making it an excellent choice for those on the go.

While the Snapdragon processor offers great power efficiency, app compatibility is a consideration, as it runs on a different architecture. Most major apps should work fine, but checking the Windows on ARM compatibility list is advisable.

For those seeking a budget-friendly yet powerful laptop, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is an impressive option.

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 an impressive balance between performance, form factor, and user experience 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 gaming laptop Razer has released, combining exceptional performance with a thin and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, though it trades some raw fps for a more portable and quieter experience.

Its aluminum chassis is CNC-milled for durability and weighs just 4.7 pounds, lighter than many high-performance gaming laptops. In my review, I found its balance of performance and usability to be outstanding. The RTX 5090 allows for gaming at ultra settings, and its 16-inch OLED screen with a 240Hz refresh rate offers stunning visuals and responsiveness.

While its graphics card wattage is limited to maintain its form factor, the Blade 16 delivers impressive performance at its native resolution. Though it may not lead in raw fps, its overall design and performance make it the best gaming laptop of 2025.

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, thanks to its spacious, high-resolution display, 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, offering a large 16-inch OLED touchscreen, premium design, solid battery life, and strong performance. Its 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, ideal for productivity tasks.

Its design echoes the aesthetics of Apple's MacBook lineup but adds unique touches like a durable Ceraluminum lid and an intricate vented area above the keyboard. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU delivers robust performance for demanding tasks and multitasking, though it can generate heat during intensive use.

For light gaming, the ZenBook S 16 is capable, though settings adjustments may be necessary. Its overall balance of portability and performance made it my personal daily driver until I had to trade it out.

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 offers the perfect blend of performance, reliability, and entertainment for 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 the ideal laptop for students, offering versatility and a great experience for various tasks. It excels in note-taking, productivity, and entertainment, all in a compact, portable package.

This year's Surface Pro 11 reinvents Microsoft's 2-in-1 tablet PC, delivering high performance without sacrificing its form factor. Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor, it offers responsive performance and a crisp OLED display with a 2880x1920 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.

The Surface Pro 11 does not include its keyboard folio case or Surface Pen, which are additional costs. However, third-party alternatives are available if you wish to save money. App compatibility is improving, but checking for the apps you need is advisable.

For students interested in gaming, the Surface Pro 11 supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, though local gaming performance may be limited. Overall, it's an excellent choice for a versatile laptop that can handle a full day of learning and entertainment.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Choosing the best laptop in 2025 can be complex, but key specs can help you make an informed decision.

Display: The display is crucial. Most laptops feature IPS panels, but OLED and mini-LED options offer superior visuals at a higher cost. For work and school, a Full HD (1080p) screen is usually sufficient, while higher resolutions and refresh rates enhance gaming and entertainment. Higher refresh rates, like 120Hz or 144Hz, improve the smoothness of motion and scrolling.

Platform/OS: Your choice between Windows and Mac depends on your preferences and needs. Mac is exclusive to Apple devices.

Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the main options. For most tasks, a processor with at least six cores is recommended, with eight or more for future-proofing.

Memory: For school and productivity, 16GB of RAM is a minimum, while 32GB is ideal for gaming and intensive tasks like video editing.

Storage: Start with at least 256GB, but 512GB is recommended for productivity, and 1TB for gaming and large file storage.

Graphics: Integrated graphics suffice for productivity, but a dedicated GPU is essential for gaming.

Portability: Lighter laptops, typically under 3.5 pounds, are ideal for daily carry. Consider visiting a store to feel different models.

Laptop FAQ

Which laptop is best for work, school, or gaming?

For work and school, focus on an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, consider a dedicated GPU for better graphics and higher resolutions.

Why do laptops get slow?

Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or their inherently shorter lifespan compared to desktops.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop?

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