Top Laptops of 2025: Gaming, Work, School Picks

A great laptop offers the freedom to bring high-quality computing wherever you go, a feature that's universally appealing regardless of your user type. However, the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming. For those seeking a versatile all-rounder, the MacBook Air stands out as an excellent choice. Students looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 more suitable. As a professional laptop reviewer, my goal is to help you navigate the crowded market and find the perfect laptop for your needs, whether it's for work, school, or gaming. Here's a look at 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, each tailored to meet different needs. The best laptops integrate seamlessly into your daily life, offering reliable performance and impressive battery life without constantly reminding you of their presence. They're a significant investment, so it's crucial to choose one that delivers both value and performance.

I've rigorously tested these laptops to ensure you get the most out of your investment, no matter what your needs may be.

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 powered by the exceptional M4 chip, making it an ideal 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 continues to set the standard for ultra-portable laptops, earning top marks year after year for performance, portability, and battery life. The 2025 model features the latest M4 processor, which enhances its ability to handle everything from everyday tasks to creative projects, all while using less battery power than its Windows counterparts.

The MacBook Air retains its signature appeal with its sleek design and impressive performance in a lightweight package. This year's model is even lighter at 2.7 pounds, making it almost effortless to carry. Its fanless design, utilizing passive cooling through its metal frame, ensures silent operation and a clean aesthetic without fan vents.

While it may not match the performance of the MacBook Pro, which features active cooling, the MacBook Air excels as a daily driver for most users. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over the previous M3 model, making it more than capable for daily tasks. The display remains unchanged but still offers a high pixel density and vibrant colors, ensuring a crisp and engaging viewing experience.

However, the MacBook Air's connectivity options are limited, with only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. Additional accessories like a dock may be necessary for users with multiple devices.

Overall, the MacBook Air's combination of silence, responsiveness, and portability makes it an outstanding choice for everyday use.

2. Asus VivoBook S 15

Best Budget Laptop

### Asus VivoBook S 15

0This budget-friendly laptop delivers great performance, an OLED display, and exceptional portability. 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)Starting at under $1,000, the Asus VivoBook S 15 offers many of the same advantages as the more expensive ZenBook S 16. It boasts a stunning OLED screen and a slim, lightweight design that's easy to carry. Despite its affordable price, it doesn't compromise on performance.

The VivoBook line strikes a balance between value and accessibility. While it shares design elements with the ZenBook series, it offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. At just over 3 pounds, it's easy to slip into a bag and carry all day.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, the VivoBook S 15 efficiently handles productivity tasks. It comes with 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, ensuring smooth operation. The high-resolution OLED touchscreen display runs at 120Hz, providing smooth animations and crisp visuals for both work and entertainment.

In my testing, I achieved over 16 hours of battery life, allowing for intermittent use without frequent charging. However, the Snapdragon processor's architecture may pose app compatibility issues, so checking the Windows on ARM compatibility list is advisable.

Overall, the Asus VivoBook S 15 is a fantastic value that should satisfy most users' needs.

Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos

View 12 Images3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop

### Razer Blade 16 (2025)

0The 2025 Razer Blade 16 combines exceptional performance, portability, and a premium user experience. 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 one of the best gaming laptops available, blending top-tier performance with a surprisingly slim and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, offering high frame rates at ultra settings.

This premium laptop boasts a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, enhancing durability while keeping the weight at a manageable 4.7 pounds. Despite its performance capabilities, it remains quieter than most gaming laptops, making it a pleasure to use.

In my review, the balance of performance and design was particularly impressive. The RTX 5090 graphics card enables gaming at ultra settings, though Razer opted for a slightly lower wattage to achieve its sleek form factor. While this might disappoint those seeking the absolute highest frame rates, the Blade 16 excels at its native resolution, delivering a beastly performance.

The 16-inch OLED display with a 2560x1600 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional responsiveness and motion clarity. While a 4K option might have been appealing, the chosen resolution allows for triple-digit frame rates without compromising game settings.

The Razer Blade 16's overall package is exceptional. It may not lead in sheer frame rates, but its design and performance make it the best gaming laptop for those who value portability and a premium experience.

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, offering a spacious OLED display, portability, and solid 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 my top pick for work, thanks to its large 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, and robust performance. Its 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, making it perfect for productivity tasks and presentations.

The ZenBook S 16's design draws inspiration from Apple's MacBook lineup, featuring a durable and stylish Ceraluminum lid. The laptop's interior is equally impressive, with a vented area above the keyboard milled with over 1,000 holes, adding to its premium aesthetic.

Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, the ZenBook S 16 handles demanding tasks and multitasking with ease. While it may not match the performance of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it's more than capable for most work-related tasks, including video editing. It also offers around 15 hours of battery life, ensuring a full day of productivity.

Additionally, the ZenBook S 16 can handle light gaming, provided you're willing to adjust settings or resolution. The HX 370 processor is the same as those found in many Windows gaming handhelds, offering a decent gaming experience without relying on cloud services.

However, the laptop can become warm during intensive tasks, which might be a concern for users sensitive to heat or in warmer climates. In typical productivity use, this isn't an issue, but it's worth considering for those who push the laptop to its limits.

Overall, the Asus ZenBook S 16 is an excellent choice for work, offering a perfect balance of performance and portability.

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 a versatile 2-in-1 ideal for students, offering performance, reliability, and entertainment. 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 top choice for students due to its versatility and ability to handle various tasks, from note-taking to entertainment. This year's model marks a significant improvement in performance without sacrificing its compact, portable design.

The Surface Pro 11 offers your choice of Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processors, with the latter recommended for the best performance. Both options provide a responsive experience, but the X Elite version includes an upgraded OLED touchscreen with a 2880x1920 resolution, enhancing the viewing experience for entertainment.

The OLED display, with its infinite blacks and vibrant colors, offers a superior viewing experience compared to the LCD variant. Both versions feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, making them suitable for productivity and entertainment alike.

Note that the Surface Pro comes with only the tablet; the keyboard folio case and Surface Pen are sold separately, adding to the overall cost. Third-party options are available for those looking to save money, though the official accessories offer a more integrated experience.

App compatibility remains a concern with Snapdragon processors, so it's essential to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list before purchasing. However, most common academic and creative apps are now supported.

For students interested in gaming, the Surface Pro 11 supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, offering a viable gaming solution with a stable internet connection.

Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students seeking a versatile and high-performing laptop.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Choosing a new laptop can be daunting without knowing what to look for. Here are key specs to consider when selecting one of the best laptops in 2025:

Display: Your laptop's display is crucial. Most laptops use IPS panels, while OLED and mini-LED displays offer superior visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, a Full HD (1,080p) screen is usually sufficient. For gaming or entertainment, consider an OLED display for enhanced visuals. Pay attention to the resolution and refresh rate; higher refresh rates (up to 120Hz or more) enhance motion smoothness, which is beneficial for gaming and productivity.

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

Processor: The processor is the laptop's brain, handling all computations. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the leading brands. For general use, opt for a processor with at least six cores, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing.

Memory: At least 16GB of RAM is recommended for productivity and school, while 32GB is ideal for gaming and intensive tasks.

Storage: A minimum of 256GB is common, but 512GB is better for productivity, and 1TB is ideal for gaming and local file storage.

Graphics: Integrated GPUs are sufficient for productivity, while dedicated GPUs are necessary for gaming.

Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops typically weigh 3.5lbs or less, making them ideal for daily carry.

Laptop FAQ

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

For work or school, focus on an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, consider a dedicated GPU to enhance graphics performance.

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?

Laptops are ideal for portability, but desktops offer better performance and value for money if you don't need to take your computer on the go.