Best Laptops for 2025
As we hit the midpoint of 2025, the laptop market has evolved with advancements in AI processing, longer battery life, and sleeker designs. Whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or casual user, finding the right laptop means balancing performance, portability, and price. In this roundup, we’ve curated top picks based on expert testing for speed, build quality, display vibrancy, and value. Factors like Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI chips dominate, offering efficient multitasking and on-device AI features. Prices start as low as $300 for basics and climb to $3,000+ for powerhouses.
Best Overall Laptop
For everyday versatility, these laptops excel in productivity, media consumption, and light creative work without breaking the bank.
- Dell 14 Plus (DB14250): A Windows standout with Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 14-inch 2560×1600 IPS display. It boasts 20+ hours of battery life, a comfortable keyboard, and premium metal build. Pros: Exceptional endurance, good speakers; Cons: Slightly heavy at 3.42 lbs. Price: $1,099.
- Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (M4, 2025): Apple’s fanless gem features the M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 13.3-inch Retina display. It delivers near-silent operation and 20 hours of battery. Pros: Affordable entry to M4 power, improved camera; Cons: Display tech feels dated next to OLED rivals. Price: $899.
Best Windows Laptop
Windows users get robust options with vibrant screens and upgradeable designs.
- Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (14” Intel): Powered by Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch OLED touchscreen. It shines with 16 hours of battery and a sturdy hinge for tablet mode. Pros: Vivid display, excellent webcam; Cons: Glossy screen reflects light. Price: Under $1,200.
- Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro (14-inch): Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch 2880×1800 AMOLED at 120Hz. Expect 13.5 hours of battery in a slim 2.71-lb chassis. Pros: Sleek aluminum build, sharp keyboard; Cons: Some bloatware. Price: $1,050 on sale.
Best Budget Laptop
Under $500, these handle web browsing, streaming, and docs without frills.
- Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P): AMD Ryzen 3, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen. It offers 16+ hours of battery for basic tasks. Pros: Smooth operation, modern Wi-Fi; Cons: Dim display, plastic build. Price: $318.
- Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406): AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch OLED touchscreen. Good for 12 hours of use in a lightweight frame. Pros: Bright vivid screen, solid chassis; Cons: Average speakers. Price: Around $800.
Best 2-in-1 Laptop
Flip designs for laptop-tablet hybrid use, ideal for note-taking or sketching.
- Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition: Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED. It lasts 22 hours with a premium hinge. Pros: Stunning display, top battery; Cons: Pricey touchpad. Price: $1,801.
- Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch AMOLED touchscreen. Boasts 17.5 hours of battery for bigger-screen work. Pros: Roomy display, number pad; Cons: Bloatware-heavy. Price: $1,300+.
Best Ultraportable Laptop
Under 3 lbs with premium portability for travel pros.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED. Weighs just 2.17 lbs with 20 hours of battery. Pros: Featherlight, great ports; Cons: No SD slot. Price: $1,800+.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition: Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED. Slim at 2.74 lbs with 19+ hours endurance. Pros: Gorgeous screen, good audio; Cons: Average keyboard. Price: $1,539.
Best Gaming Laptop
High-refresh screens and discrete GPUs for immersive play.
- MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Intel Core Ultra 9, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, and an 18-inch 3840×2400 mini-LED at 120Hz with RTX 5080 GPU. Handles AAA titles effortlessly. Pros: Blazing speed, potent sound; Cons: Loud fans, heavy at 7.94 lbs. Price: $3,189.
- MSI Katana 15 HX (Budget Option): Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p at 144Hz with RTX 5050. Solid for mid-range gaming. Pros: RGB keyboard, DLSS support; Cons: Dim screen. Price: $1,439.
Best for Content Creation
Pro-grade for video editing, photo work, and AI tools.
- Asus ProArt P16 (H7606): AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, and a 16-inch 3840×2400 OLED with RTX 4070. Lightweight at 4.08 lbs. Pros: AI features, high-end audio; Cons: Runs hot. Price: $2,450.
Final Thoughts
The best laptop for 2025 depends on your needs—opt for the MacBook Air for simplicity, Lenovo Yoga for versatility, or MSI Raider for gaming thrills. Consider your budget, OS preference (Windows for flexibility, macOS for ecosystem), and must-haves like touchscreens. Check for sales, as prices fluctuate, and test in-store if possible. With AI integration accelerating, these picks future-proof your setup for years.
