The perfect laptop computer you should buy in 2025

Selecting one of the best laptop computer is usually a little bit of a problem — there are such a lot of fashions, sizes and specs on the market that it’s simple to really feel misplaced within the shuffle. However the excellent news is that fashionable laptops are higher than ever. Whether or not you are in search of a robust AI PC, a travel-ready ultrabook or an reasonably priced machine that may deal with on a regular basis duties, there’s one thing on the market for everybody. Right this moment’s programs mix improved efficiency, longer battery life and smarter options in smooth, light-weight designs which are constructed to maintain up with work, play and the whole lot in between.

Out of all the notebooks we have examined and reviewed not too long ago, we think about Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air M4 to be one of the best laptop computer for most individuals, and that is nonetheless the case for our prime picks to start out off the brand new 12 months. It is highly effective sufficient to deal with most duties (even mild video modifying); it has an incredible display screen and built-in audio system; and its battery might final over 18hours (relying on what you are doing, after all). The MacBook Air M4 can also be one of many lightest and thinnest programs we have reviewed, and it is useless silent, because of a fanless design.

After all, not everybody needs a MacBook, and there are glorious Windows laptops and Chromebooks on the market, too. Home windows programs supply a spread of configurations, from funds to high-end UHD screens with gorgeous IPS panels that boast excessive nits for vivid brightness. Chromebooks, alternatively, are usually extra reasonably priced and are nice for customers who principally work on-line. Whether or not you want a powerhouse for artistic work, a compact system for note-taking, or a laptop computer that may deal with household film evening, there’s one thing for everybody in at the moment’s laptop computer market.

Desk of contents

Best laptops of 2025
How we test and pick laptops
Factors to consider when choosing a laptop
Best laptops specs comparison chart
Other laptops we’ve tested
Laptop FAQs
Recent updates

Greatest laptops of 2025

How we take a look at laptops

Engadget has been reviewing laptops for two decades, and whereas the definition of what a conveyable PC is has modified significantly since, our obsession with testing their limits and serving up informative shopping for recommendation stays the identical. Be it a hybrid pill like Microsoft’s Floor machines, a rotating 2-in-1 convertible like HP’s Spectre x360s or a plain outdated clamshell pocket book, our evaluate course of follows related beats. How does it feel and look? How briskly is it? Whether or not it’s a Home windows gadget powered by an Intel Core i5 or greater, a MacBook or a Chromebook, we goal to reply a very powerful query: Is it truly value your hard-earned money? We additionally pay shut consideration to portability, webcam high quality and show options, together with IPS panels and nits of brightness, as they will make a giant distinction in every day use.

Elements to contemplate when selecting a laptop computer

Worth

You possibly can count on to spend between $1,000 and $1,800 for a brand new laptop computer lately, relying on the configuration. For those who’re in search of extra of a workhorse, that might price you nicely over $2,000 for extra RAM, storage, in addition to a beefier graphics card and CPU. However you too can discover some good laptops underneath $1,000 if you happen to’re prepared to miss construct high quality (or purchase a refurbished or earlier era machine, which we extremely suggest). Methods with AMD chips have a tendency to come back in cheaper than their Intel counterparts, however the bulk of their price will come right down to different parts like RAM and storage.

I’ve included our favourite reasonably priced mannequin on this greatest laptop computer shopping for information, however we have now a listing of the best budget laptops that you could take a look at as nicely.

Working system: Apple, Home windows or Chrome OS

There is a good likelihood you’ve got already dedicated to an working system, however my recommendation is to be as versatile as doable. Today, most main software program is appropriate with each Macs and PCs. (After all, it is one other story if you happen to’ve develop into depending on an Apple-only app like Last Lower Professional.) Net-based apps, naturally, will work on any platform with an web browser.

For those who’re an Apple-loyalist, there aren’t many causes to contemplate Home windows laptops (until you desire a secondary gaming machine). However for Home windows customers, macOS is changing into extra tempting yearly. Apple’s MacBooks, powered by its M-series Silicon chips, are among the many quickest and most effective laptops we have ever seen. They’re extremely well-built and have excellent battery life as well. MacOS itself can also be a straightforward platform to be taught, particularly if you happen to’re used to iOS and iPadOS.

That brings up one other level: iPhone customers could need to think about Macs due to the seamless integration with Apple’s different platforms. You possibly can’t reply to iMessage conversations simply or hop into FaceTime chats on Home windows PCs, however doing so is easy on Macs. (Microsoft’s Phone Link app allows you to ship iOS customers particular person texts, however not media or group chats.) Android customers, in the meantime, could also be higher off with Home windows, as Cellphone Hyperlink could make calls, synchronize all of your texts and likewise entry your cellphone’s images.

If cloud gaming is your precedence, Home windows laptops with NVIDIA’s GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming compatibility could supply extra flexibility and respectable efficiency, particularly when paired with quick web speeds. Chromebooks additionally make a compelling case right here as an reasonably priced, light-weight resolution for informal cloud gaming periods.

As for whether or not you’ll desire a PC with a devoted Copilot AI button on the keyboard, that relies on how usually you see your self utilizing Microsoft’s generative instruments. Given we’re solely simply seeing the primary slate of AI PCs, it might be wiser to attend out the hype and see what enhancements would possibly come over time.

And what about ChromeOS? Chromebooks are a wise and (usually) cheap method to do issues like internet looking and hopping on just a few video chats, however for many, they don’t seem to be your best option as a main laptop. There aren’t many apps or video games that work offline, and so they additionally do not work with highly effective software program suites like Adobe’s (you should utilize the stripped-down Adobe Express and Photoshop online tools, although).

Chromebooks are nice secondary machines to make use of alongside a extra highly effective Mac or PC, and so they’re fashionable in colleges as a result of they’re low-cost and straightforward for IT staff to handle. And if all you want is internet looking entry, or a pocket book for a child, a Chromebook could be sufficient.

If, for some motive, you’re in search of a robust ChromeOS system, there are additionally Chromebook Plus models to contemplate. These machines sport sooner processors and extra RAM than typical Google notebooks, and so they may also faucet into just a few of the company’s online AI features, like AI picture era and photograph processing.

Ports and connectivity

Today, most laptops ship with just a few USB-C ports, which may deal with each charging and speedy information transfers. Apple’s MacBooks additionally embody a separate connection for MagSafe energy, and you will find customized energy connections on some PCs like Microsoft’s Floor. Older USB Sort-A connections are much less frequent now, however they nonetheless pop up in programs like HP’s Spectre x360 14, in addition to many fashions from ASUS.

For players or creators who depend on discrete graphics, making certain your laptop computer has the appropriate ports for exterior screens or GPUs is essential. DisplayPort or HDMI connections may also make sure you’re prepared for dual- or multi-screen setups for extra immersive experiences. Equally, if you wish to save high-resolution information or set up a number of video games, you would possibly want to contemplate extra arduous drive house; exterior arduous drives are fairly reasonably priced, so long as you will have a correct port to attach them.

For those who’re a fan of wired headphones, it is value maintaining an in depth eye on headphone jack availability. Many light-weight laptops, like Dell’s XPS 13, don’t have the three.5mm socket solely. They often embody a USB-C to three.5mm adapter, however that is a clunky resolution, and it additionally takes up a USB port. Certain, most individuals use wi-fi earbuds and cans at the moment, but it surely’s nonetheless useful to have a wired one round for when these units run out of juice.

Most laptops at the moment supply Wi-Fi 6 or 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 or later, which ought to imply sooner and extra secure connections if in case you have appropriate routers and units. Whereas Wi-Fi 7 routers have began showing, that spec hasn’t made its manner into laptops but. As for mobile protection, there are notebooks just like the Surface Pro 9 and Samsung Galaxy Book fashions that supply built-in 5G. However from our testing, that function will not be value the price of a separate information plan. As an alternative, you might tether to your smartphone or put money into a wi-fi hotspot that may preserve a number of units on-line.

Laptop computer dimension and weight

So how transportable would you like your laptop computer to be? That is the last word query you want to ask when selecting between varied display screen sizes. 13-inch machines have develop into a stable start line for many customers — it is sufficient actual property for almost all of duties like emailing and writing, and it additionally helps preserve machines comparatively mild (usually between two to 3 kilos). Due to manufacturing developments, these dainty machines generally even include bigger screens (the smaller MacBook Air truly has a 13.6-inch show).

When you’ve got hassle seeing effective textual content, we’d suggest going for a show bigger than 13 inches. ASUS’s Zephyrus G14 is a stable 14-inch possibility for players, and we’re additionally seeing extra productivity-focused machines goal for that dimension, just like the XPS 14 and MacBook Professional. Whereas 14-inch notebooks are a bit heavier than 13-inch fashions, coming in between three to 4 kilos, their screens are noticeably roomier.

For artists, or anybody else who wants a big canvas, a 15-inch laptop computer could take advantage of sense. They usually weigh between 3.5 and 4.5 kilos, however that additional heft could also be value it to suit wider video modifying timelines or Photoshop home windows. And, as you’d count on, you may additionally pay a bit extra for a 15-inch pocket book in comparison with smaller ones (the 15-inch MacBook Air begins at $1,199, whereas the smaller mannequin goes for $999). PC makers are additionally changing 15-inch programs with 16-inch variations, which gives you much more house to work.

For those who’re available in the market for a enterprise laptop computer, dimension and portability could be key concerns. A light-weight but highly effective system with an extended battery life could make a world of distinction if you happen to journey incessantly for work.

You possibly can nonetheless discover laptops with 17-inch or 18-inch screens, however these are usually gaming systems or souped-up workstations. They don’t seem to be meant for mere computing mortals.

Battery life

A laptop computer’s battery life relies on a number of components: The facility draw from the display screen and different {hardware}, the optimizations used to keep away from pointless energy drain, and, after all, the scale of the particular battery. Considered one of our favourite programs, the Dell XPS 13, lasted 13 hours and quarter-hour within the PCMark 10 battery benchmark. In real-world testing, I used to be in a position to make use of it for a day and a half with no need a recharge. The MacBook Air 13-inch, in the meantime, greater than 18 hours in our benchmark and saved operating for greater than two work days of my typical workflow. Basically, you must count on a contemporary laptop computer to final at the very least eight hours.

If battery life is your absolute precedence, I would strongly counsel taking a look at Macs over Home windows PCs. Apple’s M-series chips are primarily cellular {hardware}, with all the energy effectivity you’d count on from one thing initially designed for telephones. Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon chips might assist Home windows PCs compete with Apple’s astonishing battery life, however we’ve but to see these in motion. Chromebooks additionally usually get respectable battery life (so long as you don’t overstuff them with power-draining tabs).

Refresh fee

A laptop computer’s refresh fee refers back to the quantity of occasions its display screen is cycled each second. Trendy shows like IPS LCDs and OLEDs assist 60Hz refresh charges at a minimal, however we’re seeing extra units providing 120Hz, 240Hz and past. The upper the quantity, the sooner the display screen is refreshed, which finally results in a smoother expertise whereas mousing round or scrolling via internet pages. (If you wish to get a way of what a sluggish refresh fee seems like, simply seize an e-reader just like the Kindle and attempt to flip between ebook pages.)

Whereas excessive refresh charges was reserved for gaming laptops, these days we’re seeing extra mainstream machines just like the XPS 13 supply 120Hz (or variable charges that transfer between 60Hz and 120Hz). If there’s one knock in opposition to the MacBook Air, it is that it is nonetheless caught at 60Hz.

CPU

For those who’re shopping for a brand new laptop computer, you’ll need to ensure that it’s powered by the newest CPUs. For Home windows PCs, that features Intel’s Core Extremely chips for thin-and-light machines or the 14th-gen HX chips for beefier programs. The Core Extremely collection have NPUs for dealing with AI duties, whereas the HX {hardware} doesn’t – they’re based mostly on Intel’s earlier chip structure, and so they’re extra centered on delivering uncooked horsepower. Intel’s older Thirteenth-gen and Twelfth-gen laptop computer chips additionally haven’t got NPUs, so preserve that in thoughts if you happen to’re taking a look at used programs.

You will additionally see AMD’s Ryzen 8000 and 9000 chips in loads of new programs just like the ASUS Zephyrus G14 and Razer Blade 14. These CPUs primarily goal gaming laptops and excessive efficiency programs, whilst you’ll nonetheless discover AMD’s older Ryzen 7000 chips in ultraportables. AMD’s most important benefit is that its chips additionally embody Radeon graphics, that are way more succesful than Intel’s Arc {hardware} (although these are getting higher).

Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus are additionally an possibility in Copilot+ PCs (extra on these under). Since they’re based mostly on cellular chip designs, they’re possible additionally extra energy environment friendly than AMD and Intel’s {hardware}. Up to now, we’ve prevented recommending Snapdragon chips as a result of they led to a sluggish and irritating Home windows expertise. However Microsoft claims it’s rebuilt Windows 11 around Snapdragon’s Arm-based architecture, which ought to result in far sooner efficiency and higher app compatibility.

As for Apple’s laptops, you may be selecting between the M4, M4 Professional and M4 Max, every of which is progressively extra highly effective.

GPU

A GPU, or graphics processing unit, is the part that communicates straight with a laptop computer’s show. Laptop computer CPUs all have some type of built-in GPU: Intel has both its customary graphics or beefier Arc {hardware}, whereas AMD’s chips embody quick Radeon cellular graphics. If you wish to play demanding video games at excessive speeds (measured in frames per second, or fps), or if you happen to want some additional energy for rendering video or 3D fashions, you possibly can configure a laptop computer with a devoted GPU like NVIDIA’s RTX 40-series {hardware} or AMD’s Radeon RX 7000. Simply make sure to depart room in your funds in order for you a robust GPU, as they usually add $300 or extra to the price of a laptop computer.

Apple’s M-series chips, in the meantime, have GPU cores that may carry out in addition to NVIDIA’s and AMD’s lower-end devoted GPUs. That is fairly the accomplishment for programs like this (particularly the MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Professional), and it is another excuse we extremely suggest Apple’s notebooks.

AI PCs, NPUs and Copilot+

Merely put, an AI PC is a pc outfitted with a neural processing unit (NPU), which is designed to deal with AI-related duties. Very similar to how GPUs sort out heavy-duty gaming and rendering workloads, NPUs are designed to deal with the complicated math mandatory for AI workloads. They’re additionally way more energy environment friendly than CPUs or GPUs, which might result in higher battery efficiency in laptops. Whereas many components go into NPU efficiency, for probably the most half we measure their potential pace by TOPS (tera operations per second).

We had been primed for AI PCs based mostly on the chips Intel and AMD announced in 2023. Intel unveiled its “Core Ultra” CPUs in December, its first to incorporate an NPU for AI work. AMD additionally introduced its Ryzen 8040 AI mobile chips that month (and it could not assist however say they had been sooner than Intel’s new {hardware}). However in Could, Microsoft announced its Copilot+ initiative, which is pushing main PC makers to ship premium AI PCs with specs together with 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSDs and NPUs with at the very least 40 TOPS of AI efficiency.

Copilot+ is greater than only a advertising and marketing time period: Microsoft can also be launching AI-powered options in Home windows 11 that make the most of highly effective NPUs. That features Recall, which might help you find something you’ve performed in your PC (each time it lastly launches), in addition to Cocreator in Paint, which may generate AI photos based mostly on textual content prompts and doodles.

For those who purchase an AI PC that isn’t Copilot+ licensed, you’ll nonetheless have the ability to use some options like Home windows Studio Results, which may blur your background in video calls or preserve you in body. Builders like Adobe and Audacity are additionally constructing options into their apps that may make the most of NPUs.

On the time of this put up, Chromebook Plus notebooks may also entry just a few of Google’s on-line AI options, like picture era and photograph processing.

Different laptops we examined that did not make the reduce

ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED

Other than its pretty OLED display screen, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED does not stand out from the crowded laptop computer area in any manner. It simply seems uninteresting and boring, particularly in comparison with the strikingly stunning ASUS Zephyrus G14, which additionally got here out this 12 months. Whilst you can in all probability discover the Zenbook 14 for an honest value, I would suggest holding out for one thing with a bit extra persona (and with a much less wobbly display screen hinge).

Razer Blade 14

The Razer Blade has nearly the whole lot you’d need in a 14-inch gaming pocket book, but it surely’s far pricier than the Zephyrus G14 on this checklist, and it doesn’t even have an SD card reader. It will be a stable competitor as soon as its value falls a bit, and it is actually an incredible possibility if you happen to simply need to have a jet-black laptop computer.

Framework Laptop computer 16

Framework gave its modularity magic to the Laptop 16, delivering a gaming pocket book the place nearly each single part is person replaceable. However you may need to pay a reasonably penny to snag it with upgraded {hardware}, and its non-obligatory Radeon 7700S GPU was surprisingly sluggish.

Alienware m16 R2

The Alienware m16 r2 has been revamped with a slimmer case, but it surely’s in any other case a reasonably typical gaming laptop computer. It’s a stable possibility for Alienware followers, however you’ll discover higher {hardware} and offers elsewhere.

ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024)

The Zenbook Duo is an interesting dual-screened pocket book, and in accordance with my colleague Sam Rutherford it’s the primary of its variety that’s value shopping for. However its distinctive {hardware} isn’t actually meant for mainstream shoppers, and Home windows 11 nonetheless doesn’t assist multi-screen setups nicely sufficient to make full use of the Zenbook Duo’s ample canvas.

Dell XPS 16

Dell’s XPS 16 is huge and delightful, but it surely’s far too costly in comparison with the competitors. Plus, it makes use of a capacitive row of operate keys that you simply mainly can’t see underneath brilliant mild and has too few ports for a machine of this dimension.

See Additionally:

Laptop computer FAQs

What’s the common battery lifetime of a laptop computer per cost?

It’s arduous to give you a median battery life for laptops, since that may finally depend upon what you’re doing with them. An ultraportable just like the MacBook Air that sips energy can final round 20 hours in our battery benchmark, and round two full work days of real-world utilization. However a gaming laptop computer could final only some hours if you happen to’re actively enjoying one thing whereas on battery. At this level, Macs are delivering much better battery life than PCs, because of Apple’s Silicon chips, however Microsoft claims Copilot+ programs with Qualcomm chips may also recover from 20 hours of batter life.

How a lot RAM do I actually need?

The extra RAM you will have, the extra issues your laptop can do concurrently. For that motive, we suggest shopping for PCs and Macs with at the very least 16GB of RAM. That provides you adequate reminiscence to have a number of functions open directly, in addition to internet browsers crammed with RAM-hogging tabs. Many PC video games additionally require at the very least 16GB of RAM. Whilst you might use a system with 8GB of RAM for primary duties, you’ll rapidly run into slowdowns and error messages as your apps stack up. Many laptops, particularly ultraportables, don’t allow you to improve RAM, too – so that you’ll have to purchase a wholly new laptop if you happen to didn’t equip sufficient reminiscence firstly.

For those who’re a hardcore gamer, programmer or planning to render movies or 3D fashions, then you might need to go for 32GB of RAM or extra. And if you happen to simply want a secondary laptop computer for lighter work – maybe a no-frills system for writing – then you possibly can in all probability get by with 8GB. Simply make sure to preserve these browser tabs in verify.

What’s the greatest storage capability for a laptop computer?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all resolution in terms of laptop computer storage. You’ll usually discover configurations between 256GB and 1TB SSDs (stable state drives) on most laptops, and I’d suggest most individuals get at the very least 512GB. That’ll be sufficient house for big apps, music and video information with out stressing your system an excessive amount of. For those who’re a media hoarder, or need to play a ton of video games, then it’s undoubtedly value getting a 1TB SSD.

For those who’ll primarily be streaming your reveals and music, and would somewhat put money into RAM or different {hardware}, then 256GB of storage can be serviceable. I’d suggest staying away from any machine with 128GB of storage although. Most of that can be taken up by the working system, and also you’ll possible run into points cramming in massive apps after just a few months.

We suggest springing for additional built-in storage or investing in a conveyable SSD for backing up your most vital information. It is also value noting that Chromebooks have a tendency to come back with much less built-in storage — 32GB, 64GB or 128GB — since ChromeOS encourages customers to avoid wasting their information within the cloud somewhat than on the gadget. In that case, 128GB is loads.

What’s a great value vary for an honest laptop computer in 2025?

You possibly can count on to spend between $1,000 and $1,800 for a typical 13-inch laptop computer at the moment. As I defined above, you may pay extra if you wish to stuff in additional RAM or higher GPU {hardware}. However you too can discover offers under $1,000 if you happen to search for refurbished or older-generation fashions.

What’s the distinction between macOS and Home windows? Which is healthier?

Merely put, macOS is the working system in all of Apple’s notebooks and desktops, whereas Home windows powers the overwhelming majority of PCs. You will additionally discover Chromebooks operating Google’s ChromeOS, however these are mainly simply internet browsers operating on prime of Linux.

Debating the variations between Home windows and Macs is one thing PC nerds have been doing for the reason that ’80s, so we can’t be declaring a winner right here. There are some small, negligible distinctions, like utilizing a Command versus a Management key, how file explorers work and issues about viruses and safety. For probably the most half, these are minor points or have develop into moot thanks to raised built-in safety.

However if you happen to care extra about enjoying the latest video games, you may need to have a Home windows system. For those who’re extra centered on artistic apps, like Photoshop, Premiere and Last Lower Professional, then macOS could also be a greater match (particularly if you happen to’re operating an iPhone).

What are one of the best laptop computer manufacturers?

There isn’t a single “greatest” laptop computer model, however judging from this information alone, we’re typically impressed by notebooks from Apple, Dell and ASUS. All of them supply quick, dependable and durable machines. HP additionally makes some eye-catching units in order for you an possibility that’s probably the most aesthetic. These 4 manufacturers, together with Lenovo and Acer, dominate laptop sales worldwide. We might keep away from programs from any retail retailer manufacturers, or firms that do not have a significant presence within the US.

Greatest laptops specs comparability chart

Product	Examined configuration	Examined battery life	Rated battery life
Apple MacBook Air M4 (13-inch)	Apple M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD	18.25 hours	As much as 18 hours
Dell XPS 13	Intel Core Extremely 7 155H CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD	13 hours	As much as 18 hours
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14	AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070	7.5 hours	10 hours
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5	Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage	6 hours	10 hours
HP Pavilion Aero	AMD Ryzen 5800U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD	As much as 9.75 hours	As much as 10.5 hours
Apple MacBook Professional M4 (14-inch)	Apple M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD	34 hours	24 hours
HP Spectre x360 14	Intel Core Extremely 7 155H, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD	5 hours	As much as 13 hours
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 1	Intel Core Extremely 7 165U, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD	As much as 13 hours	“All day battery life”