Top Laptops of 2025: Best for Gaming, Work, School

A great laptop allows you to take high-quality computing on the go, an appealing prospect no matter what kind of user you are. With a breathtaking array of options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. For many, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, is the ideal choice. Students looking to blend portability with performance and a touch of entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 more suitable. As a laptop reviewer, I'm here to help you navigate through the options and find the perfect laptop for your needs, whether 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 forms and designs to cater to a wide range of needs. The best laptops seamlessly integrate into your daily routine without constantly reminding you of their presence. They offer excellent battery life and performance, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

No matter what you're looking for, my thorough testing ensures 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, powered by the M4 chip, sets a new standard for productivity and creative work. Its stellar battery life, ultra-thin and light design, and excellent everyday performance make it a top choice for anyone needing a reliable daily companion. 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 continues to be a top performer, excelling in portability, battery life, and overall performance. The 2025 model introduces the powerful M4 chip, enhancing its capability for both work and creative tasks while maintaining its signature thin and light design. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, it's easy to carry, making it an ideal daily companion.

The MacBook Air's evolution is marked by its refined design and performance. Our reviewer, Jackie Thomas, praised it as an "oldie but a goodie," highlighting its silent operation due to its fanless, passively cooled design. While it may not match the MacBook Pro's performance, the MacBook Air excels in everyday tasks, with the M4 chip offering a 20% performance boost over its predecessor.

The display remains similar to last year's model, offering a crisp 2560x1664 resolution on a 13- or 15-inch screen. Connectivity is limited, with two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack, but the MacBook Air's overall experience is unmatched for most users.

Asus VivoBook S 15

Best Budget Laptop

### Asus VivoBook S 15

0This budget-friendly laptop offers impressive performance, an OLED display, and exceptional portability. It's perfect for those looking to save without sacrificing quality. 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 package for those on a budget. Priced well below $1,000, it delivers many of the same benefits as the more expensive ZenBook S 16, including a fantastic screen and a thin, light design. At just over 3 pounds, it's easy to carry, and its performance is not compromised by its cost.

The VivoBook S 15 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, which balances power efficiency with performance. Its OLED touchscreen display boasts a high resolution of 2880x1620 and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals for both productivity and entertainment. With over 16 hours of battery life, it's a great value for most users, though app compatibility on the Windows on ARM platform should be checked.

Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos

View 12 Images3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop

### Razer Blade 16 (2025)

0The Razer Blade 16 combines top-tier performance with a sleek, portable design, making it the best gaming laptop of 2025. 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 stands out as the best gaming laptop of 2025, blending high performance with a surprisingly thin and light design. Powered by the latest Nvidia graphics and an AMD Ryzen CPU, it offers exceptional gaming at ultra settings. Its aluminum chassis is both durable and lightweight at 4.7 pounds, making it easier to carry than most gaming laptops.

The Blade 16's 16-inch OLED display with a 2560x1600 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate provides stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. While it may not achieve the highest possible frame rates, its overall package is unmatched, offering a balanced experience that's hard to beat.

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 ideal for work, offering a spacious OLED 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 choice for work, featuring a spacious 16-inch OLED touchscreen and an elegant design. Its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU offers high performance for demanding tasks, with around 15 hours of battery life. While it can handle light gaming, it may run warm during intensive use.

The ZenBook S 16's design is reminiscent of Apple's MacBook, with a unique Ceraluminum lid that's both durable and stylish. Its large vented area above the keyboard adds to its premium look. Despite its high performance, it remains portable at just 3.31 pounds, making it a great choice for professionals on the go.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos

View 12 Images5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best Laptop for School

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the perfect 2-in-1 for students, offering versatility, performance, and entertainment in a portable package. 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 performance in a compact package. It's perfect for note-taking, productivity, and entertainment, with the Snapdragon X Elite processor ensuring responsive performance. The OLED touchscreen display provides crisp visuals and smooth motion, enhancing both productivity and entertainment.

While the Surface Pro 11 comes with the tablet only, optional keyboard and stylus accessories enhance its functionality. App compatibility is improving, but it's worth checking before purchase. For gaming, it supports cloud streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, making it a versatile choice for students.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Choosing the right laptop in 2025 involves understanding key specifications that meet your needs. Here's what to look for:

Display: The display is crucial. Most laptops use IPS panels, but OLED and mini-LED offer superior visuals at a higher cost. Consider resolution and refresh rate; 1080p is sufficient for work and school, while higher resolutions and refresh rates enhance gaming and entertainment.

Platform/OS: Choose between Windows and Mac, with Mac exclusive to Apple devices.

Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop. Opt for at least a six-core processor, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing.

Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM for productivity, and 32GB for gaming or intensive tasks.

Storage: Start with a minimum of 256GB, but 512GB or 1TB is better for storing files locally.

Graphics: Integrated graphics are fine for productivity, but dedicated GPUs are essential for gaming.

Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops are ideal for daily carry, while gaming laptops may be heavier.

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 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 degradation of performance over time.

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.