Top Laptops of 2025: Gaming, Work, School Picks

A great laptop offers the promise of high-quality computing wherever you go, an enticing prospect for any user. With an overwhelming array of choices available, finding the perfect laptop can be daunting. For many, a versatile all-arounder like my top pick, the MacBook Air, strikes the right balance. Students seeking a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 to be the ideal choice. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the selection process, whether you need a device for work, school, or gaming at high settings. Here's a curated list of the best laptops of 2025 to help you find your perfect match.

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 a variety of forms, each designed to meet different needs. The best ones integrate seamlessly into your daily routine, offering excellent battery life and performance that justifies their investment. No matter what you're seeking, my extensive 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 is enhanced with the powerful M4 chip, making it a top 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 staple for its performance, portability, and battery life. The latest iteration, featuring the M4 chip, delivers even better performance, enabling seamless multitasking and efficient power usage. Its thin and light design, now even lighter at 2.7 pounds, remains a hallmark of the MacBook Air series. Our reviewer, Jackie Thomas, praised it for its silent operation and sleek aesthetic, thanks to its fanless design. While it doesn't compete with the MacBook Pro for high-performance tasks, the MacBook Air is an excellent daily companion for most users, offering robust performance for everyday tasks with a 20% performance boost over the M3 model. Its display, while similar to the previous model, continues to impress with its high resolution and color accuracy. However, connectivity is limited, with only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack, often necessitating the use of a dock for additional peripherals.

2. Asus VivoBook S 15

Best Budget Laptop

### Asus VivoBook S 15

0This budget-friendly notebook excels in performance, boasts an OLED display, and offers 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)Asus's VivoBook S 15 offers remarkable value, starting well below $1,000. It shares many features with the higher-end ZenBook S 16, including a stunning OLED screen and a thin, lightweight design. Powered by the Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, it balances efficiency and performance, delivering over 16 hours of battery life. While the Snapdragon architecture might present some app compatibility challenges, most major productivity and creative apps should work smoothly. If you're seeking a cost-effective, high-performing laptop, the VivoBook S 15 is an excellent choice.

Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos

View 12 Images3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop

### Razer Blade 16 (2025)

0This year's Blade 16 excels in balancing form factor, performance, 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 stands out as the best laptop Razer has ever produced, thanks to its integration of powerful performance and a sleek, lightweight design. Featuring the latest Nvidia graphics and AMD Ryzen CPU, it offers exceptional gaming capabilities at high settings. Its aluminum chassis, CNC milled for durability, keeps the weight manageable at 4.7 pounds. Despite its high price, the Blade 16 offers a balanced package, with a stunning 16-inch OLED display and impressive battery life, making it a top choice for gamers who value portability and performance.

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, thanks to its spacious, clear display, portability, 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, offering a spacious 16-inch OLED touchscreen and an elegant design. Its 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes screen space, perfect for productivity tasks. The Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU handles demanding tasks efficiently, while the battery life lasts around 15 hours. Although it can get warm during intensive use, it remains a solid choice for productivity, with the added benefit of light gaming capabilities.

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 a perfect blend of performance, reliability, and entertainment value 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 a top pick for students, offering versatility and performance in a highly portable package. With options for Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processors, it delivers responsive performance ideal for note-taking, productivity, and entertainment. The OLED touchscreen enhances viewing quality, though app compatibility remains a consideration. Optional keyboard and stylus accessories, while costly, provide a seamless user experience. For students needing a device that can transition effortlessly between work and play, the Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Choosing the right laptop can be complex, but focusing on key specs can help you make an informed decision. Here’s what to consider when selecting one of the best laptops in 2025.

Display: Your laptop's display is crucial. IPS displays are common, while OLED or mini-LED screens offer enhanced visuals at a higher cost. For work or school, Full HD resolution (1,080p) is sufficient, but for gaming or entertainment, an OLED display with a high refresh rate (up to 120Hz or higher) can significantly improve your experience.

Platform/OS: Choose between Windows and Mac, with Mac exclusive to Apple devices. Consider your software needs and ecosystem preferences.

Processor: The processor powers your laptop's performance. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the main options. Aim for at least a six-core processor for future-proofing, with eight or more cores preferred for intensive tasks.

Memory: Opt for at least 16GB of RAM for school and productivity, and 32GB for gaming or demanding applications like video editing.

Storage: A minimum of 512GB is recommended for productivity, with 1TB or more ideal for gaming or those storing files locally.

Graphics: Integrated graphics suffice for productivity, but a dedicated GPU is essential for gaming to ensure smooth performance at higher settings.

Portability: Consider the laptop's weight; thin and light models typically weigh 3.5lbs or less, ideal for daily carry. Gaming laptops are often heavier due to their components.

Laptop FAQ

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

For work or school, focus on laptops with at least an 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. For gaming, a dedicated GPU is crucial for enhanced graphics and performance.

Why do laptops get slow?

Laptops may slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup affecting cooling, or reaching the end of their usable lifespan.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop?

Choose a laptop for portability and gaming on the go. Opt for a desktop if you need more power and are willing to sacrifice portability, as they often offer better performance at a lower cost.