5 Best Laptops in the United Kingdom for 2025
In the fast-evolving world of computing, selecting the right laptop can make all the difference for work, creativity, or entertainment. As of October 2025, we’ve curated this list based on expert reviews from trusted UK sources like TechRadar, PCMag UK, and The Telegraph. These picks balance performance, battery life, portability, and value, with prices reflecting current UK retail (subject to fluctuations). Whether you’re after a sleek MacBook or a robust Windows machine, here’s our roundup of the top five.
1. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) – Best Overall Laptop
The MacBook Air M4 remains the gold standard for everyday excellence, blending Apple’s signature design with the powerful M4 chip for seamless multitasking and stunning visuals.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560×1664, 500 nits)
- RAM/Storage: 16GB/512GB (upgradable to 32GB/2TB)
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
- Weight: 1.24kg
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe charging, headphone jack
Pros: Exceptional battery life, fanless and silent operation, vibrant display with True Tone, and now more affordable entry point.
Cons: Limited ports and no touchscreen; Apple Intelligence features still maturing.
UK Price: Starting at £999
2. Asus Zenbook S16 – Best Ultrabook
For those craving a premium Windows alternative, the Asus Zenbook S16 dazzles with its OLED screen and AMD prowess, making it ideal for creators and professionals on the go.
Key Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
- Display: 16-inch 3K OLED (2880×1800, 120Hz, touch)
- RAM/Storage: 32GB/1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Weight: 1.5kg
- Ports: Two USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, SD card reader, headphone jack
Pros: Breathtaking display with vivid colors, slim and lightweight build, strong AI-enhanced performance for photo/video editing.
Cons: Pre-installed software can feel bloated; no upgrade slots for storage.
UK Price: £1,299.99
3. Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) – Best Windows Everyday Laptop
Affordable yet capable, the Dell 14 Plus shines as a versatile all-rounder for students and office workers, offering solid build quality without breaking the bank.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
- Display: 14-inch IPS (2560×1600, 90Hz)
- RAM/Storage: 16GB/1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 1.55kg
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, headphone jack
Pros: Outstanding battery endurance, comfortable keyboard and trackpad, premium aluminum chassis with good speakers.
Cons: Display brightness could be higher for outdoor use; slightly heavier than rivals.
UK Price: Starting at £800 (often £550 on sale)
4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition – Best Business Laptop
Built for durability and productivity, this ThinkPad is a favorite among professionals for its legendary keyboard and security features, perfect for UK corporate environments.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
- Display: 14-inch OLED (2880×1800, 120Hz)
- RAM/Storage: 32GB/512GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 0.98kg
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack
Pros: Featherlight and robust MIL-STD-810H certified build, exceptional typing experience, Wi-Fi 7 for fast connectivity.
Cons: No SD card slot; WWAN cellular option delayed.
UK Price: Starting at £1,500
5. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4) – Best for Creatives
Power users will love the MacBook Pro M4’s pro-grade specs, from its Mini-LED display to the M4 Pro chip, making it a powerhouse for video editing and 3D rendering.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Apple M4 Pro (12-core CPU, 16-core GPU)
- Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3024×1964, 120Hz, 1,600 nits peak)
- RAM/Storage: 16GB/512GB SSD (upgradable)
- Battery Life: Up to 22 hours
- Weight: 1.55kg
- Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, SDXC card reader, headphone jack
Pros: Jaw-dropping display with HDR support, blistering performance for demanding apps, over 20 hours of real-world battery.
Cons: Premium pricing for higher configs; function keys are half-height.
UK Price: Starting at £1,430
Final Thoughts
The best laptop for you depends on your needs—opt for the MacBook Air M4 for portability, the Asus Zenbook S16 for screen real estate, or the ThinkPad X1 Carbon for business reliability. Check retailers like John Lewis, Currys, or Amazon UK for the latest deals and configurations. With AI features becoming standard, these models future-proof your setup for years to come. Happy shopping!
