"Top Laptops of 2025: Gaming, Work, School Picks"

A great laptop allows you to enjoy high-quality computing on the go, an appealing prospect for any user. With a vast array of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. For many, a versatile all-arounder like the MacBook Air is ideal. Students looking for a blend of portability, performance, and entertainment might find the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 more suitable. As a professional laptop reviewer, I'm here to help you navigate the market and find the perfect laptop for your needs, whether for work, school, or gaming. Here are the top 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 many different forms and are designed to cater to a wide range of needs. The best laptops seamlessly integrate into your daily life, offering excellent battery life and performance that justify their investment.

No matter what you're looking for, I've conducted thorough testing to ensure 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 better than ever thanks to its powerful M4 chip. This system excels in productivity and creative work, offering a seamless experience for users. 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 be a standout laptop, year after year, praised for its performance, portability, and battery life. The 2025 model introduces the latest M4 processor, enhancing the user experience with faster performance and better battery efficiency compared to competing Windows laptops.

The MacBook Air retains its iconic qualities, delivering reliable performance and battery life in an ultra-thin and light body. This year's model is even lighter at 2.7 pounds, making it incredibly easy to carry. Jackie Thomas, in her review, affectionately called it an "oldie but a goodie," highlighting its fanless, passively cooled design that operates silently and maintains a sleek aesthetic without fan vents.

While it doesn't match the MacBook Pro's performance, which benefits from active cooling, the MacBook Air remains a perfect daily companion for most users. The M4 chip offers a 20% performance boost over the previous M3, ensuring it can handle daily tasks with ease.

The display remains consistent with its predecessor, offering a crisp and color-rich 13- or 15-inch screen with a 2560x1664 resolution. However, connectivity is limited, featuring only two USB Type-C ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. For users needing more ports, a dock might be necessary.

Overall, the MacBook Air excels in being silent, satisfying, and responsive, making it a top choice for everyday use.

2. Asus VivoBook S 15

Best Budget Laptop

### Asus VivoBook S 15

0This well-priced notebook offers great performance, an OLED display, and exceptional portability on a budget. 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) The Asus VivoBook S 15 offers an impressive entry point below $1,000, providing many benefits similar to the more expensive ZenBook S 16. Its screen is exceptional, and its thin and light design makes it easy to carry. Despite its affordable price, the VivoBook S 15 does not compromise on performance.

The VivoBook line balances value and pricing, sharing design elements with the ZenBook series. While the ZenBook offers a more premium aesthetic, the S 15 provides a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing much. Weighing just over 3 pounds and less than an inch thick, it's highly portable.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P processor, it offers a blend of power efficiency and performance. The laptop includes 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, ensuring smooth operation.

Its OLED touchscreen display boasts a high-resolution 2880x1620 and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing outstanding picture quality for both productivity and entertainment. In testing, it achieved over 16 hours of battery life, a testament to the efficiency of the Snapdragon processor.

However, the Snapdragon architecture might lead to app compatibility issues. It's advisable to check the Windows on ARM compatibility list to ensure it meets your software needs. Overall, the VivoBook S 15 is a great value for most users.

Razer Blade 16 (2025) – Photos

View 12 Images3. Razer Blade 16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop

### Razer Blade 16 (2025)

0This year's Blade 16 is a masterclass in balancing form factor, performance, and a satisfying 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 released, combining exceptional performance with a remarkably thin and light design. It features the latest Nvidia graphics and a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, offering high performance at ultra settings in a more portable package.

This premium laptop boasts a fully aluminum CNC-milled chassis, enhancing durability while keeping the weight manageable at 4.7 pounds. It's quieter than most gaming laptops, despite its high performance.

In my review, the balance of the system impressed me. The RTX 5090 allows for gaming at ultra settings, yet the laptop's design makes it much more user-friendly than other gaming laptops. Razer's decision to limit the graphics card's wattage results in a more portable form factor, though it might not deliver the highest fps compared to bulkier models.

The 16-inch OLED screen with a 2560x1600 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate offers exceptional responsiveness and clarity, ideal for gaming. While it might lag slightly behind in fps, the overall package makes the Razer Blade 16 the best gaming laptop of 2025.

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, crystal-clear display, extra-portable design, 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 favorite for productivity, portability, and light gaming. Its 16-inch OLED touchscreen, elegant design, solid battery life, and impressive performance make it a strong contender for work-related tasks.

The larger 16-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio maximizes workspace, ideal for reports and presentations. The touchscreen enhances navigation, seamlessly integrating into workflows.

In my review, I compared it to Apple's MacBook lineup, noting Asus's similar aesthetic with unique touches like the durable Ceraluminum lid. This material combines ceramic with aluminum alloy, offering a robust and fingerprint-resistant finish. The laptop's design, with over 1,000 vented holes above the keyboard, adds to its premium feel.

Powered by AMD's Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it handles demanding tasks and multitasking well, though it's not as powerful as Apple's M3 or M4 chips. It offers around 15 hours of battery life, suitable for a full workday.

For light gaming, the HX 370 processor performs well, though it can't match dedicated gaming laptops. One drawback is its tendency to get warm during intensive tasks, suggesting use on a desk or with a cooler. Despite this, it's a great choice for work, balancing form and function effectively.

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 is the perfect blend of performance, reliability, and entertainment value for demanding 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 the best laptop for students due to its versatility and ability to handle various tasks. It seamlessly transitions between note-taking, productivity, and entertainment, all in a compact, portable package.

This year's Surface Pro is a significant reinvention, no longer sacrificing performance for form factor. It offers solid battery life, a great screen, and the flexibility needed for student life.

Equipped with either a Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite processor, it provides a responsive experience. The X Elite version, in particular, offers superior performance and an upgraded OLED touchscreen with a 2880x1920 resolution, enhancing the viewing experience for entertainment.

The Surface Pro 11 does not include a keyboard folio case or Surface Pen by default, which adds to the cost. However, third-party accessories are available for those looking to save money. The official accessories offer a more integrated experience, with the keyboard case magnetically attaching and including a compartment for the Surface Pen.

App compatibility is a concern with Snapdragon processors, but it's improving. Most common academic and creative apps should work well. For gaming, the Surface Pro supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, making it a viable option for streaming games.

Overall, the Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students needing a versatile and reliable laptop.

How to Choose the Best Laptop in 2025

Shopping for a new laptop can be daunting, but focusing on key specs can help you find the perfect fit. Here's what to consider when choosing one of the best laptops in 2025.

Display: The display is crucial for your laptop's usability. Most come with an IPS display, but OLED or mini-LED options offer superior visuals at a higher price. For work or school, a standard display might suffice, but for gaming or entertainment, an OLED screen can enhance your experience significantly. Consider the resolution and refresh rate; 1,080p is usually enough for productivity, while higher refresh rates improve smoothness in gaming and browsing.

Platform/OS: Your laptop's operating system is the interface you'll use daily. Windows and Mac are the main choices, with Mac exclusive to Apple devices.

Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop, handling all computations. Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon are the primary options. For general use, aim for at least a six-core processor, with eight or more recommended for future-proofing.

Memory: RAM allows your laptop to keep more data accessible. For school and productivity, 16GB is a good starting point, while 32GB is better for gaming and intensive tasks.

Storage: Storage determines how many files you can keep locally. A minimum of 256GB is common, but 512GB or more is recommended for productivity and gaming.

Graphics: Graphics render what you see on screen. Integrated graphics are fine for productivity, but dedicated graphics cards are essential for gaming.

Portability: Consider the laptop's weight and size. Thin and light laptops typically weigh 3.5 pounds or less, ideal for daily carry. Gaming laptops tend to be heavier due to their components.

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. Additional RAM and storage can be added as your budget allows. Gaming requires a dedicated GPU to enhance graphics settings and performance.

Why do laptops get slow?

Laptops can slow down due to outdated hardware, dust buildup causing heat issues, or simply because their compact design limits their lifespan compared to desktops.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop?

A laptop is ideal if you need portability, especially for gaming on the go. Desktops offer better performance at a lower price for stationary use, but take up more space.