The 8 Best Laptops of 2025

For those seeking unrivaled performance in a laptop, the MacBook Pro 16-inch equipped with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip stands out in the 'Best Overall' category. Apple’s latest powerhouse effortlessly tackles complex tasks, such as compiling extensive code and rendering 3D content, uncompromising on speed and efficiency. The stunning Liquid Retina XDR display is a visual masterpiece, offering peak brightness of up to 1600 nits, ensuring everything from design work to movie-watching is a captivating experience.

Beyond performance, it thrills with a seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. Features like iPhone Mirroring and the ability to answer FaceTime calls from the laptop enhance its appeal to Apple users. Its all-day battery life is nothing short of impressive, maintaining high performance without requiring a constant power source.

Though its connectivity options are solid, boasting Thunderbolt 5 and HDMI ports, some might hope for even more expansion. Yet, in the grand scheme, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an outstanding machine.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 stands out as a strong contender in the 'Best Value For Money' category, largely due to its remarkable performance powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor. The octa-core (8-core) configuration allows this laptop to handle demanding tasks with ease, making it ideal for both multitasking and more intensive computing needs. Whether you're editing videos, running complex simulations, or simply browsing with countless tabs open, the Slim 5 manages it all with fluidity.

Another aspect that enhances its appeal is its efficiency; the processor ensures optimal power use, which can help extend battery life—an attractive feature for users on the go. While the design of the IdeaPad Slim 5 is fairly straightforward, its durability and sleekness do not go unnoticed. Overall, while the laptop’s display and sound might not lead in innovation, they are adequate for daily use. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 impresses by packing powerful performance into an affordable package, offering excellent value for savvy buyers.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 is a powerhouse in the gaming sector, bringing an impressive blend of performance and cutting-edge technology. At its core is the 14th Gen Ultra 9-185H processor, boasting up to 5.1 GHz with 16 cores and 22 threads, accompanied by the formidable GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. This dynamic duo ensures that even the most demanding games run seamlessly, offering stunning graphics and smooth gameplay experiences.

What truly sets this laptop apart is its 16-inch OLED QXGA display, featuring a 240Hz refresh rate that enhances visual fluidity, a crucial advantage for fast-paced gaming. The 32GB of RAM and 4TB of SSD provide ample room for multitasking and storing vast game libraries, while Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensure stable online play.

Though its design is somewhat understated in Eclipse Gray, this machine packs a punch where it matters most. With its tremendous speed, massive storage, and immersive display, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 stands tall as a top contender for gaming enthusiasts.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13, released in November 2024, stands out remarkably in the 'Best For Business' category. One of its strongest attributes is the integration of AI-powered functionalities, which significantly enhances productivity by streamlining workflows and offering intelligent assistance on demand. This smart assistance can adapt to your working style, making daily tasks more efficient and intuitive.

Equipped with Intel's Core Ultra 7 processor, this ThinkPad ensures superior performance and speed, catering to the demands of multitasking professionals. Whether you’re deep into complex spreadsheets or managing multiple video conferences, the processor provides a smooth, lag-free experience.

Additionally, its sleek and lightweight design makes it an ideal travel companion for business professionals on the move. Though its features like battery life and the display are considered average, the overall robust build and security features push it ahead of many counterparts. Ultimately, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 is a solid choice for those seeking reliability and efficiency in a business laptop.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is a compelling option for students, thanks to its thoughtful blend of power and portability. It's equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus Processor, ensuring that multitasking and running AI applications are smooth and responsive, which is ideal for managing the diverse study-related tasks. The inclusion of 16GB of LPDDR5x memory and a 1TB SSD means ample space and speed for storing files and projects, making it a trusty partner for any coursework demands.

What truly sets this laptop apart for students is its 13.8-inch 2K+ touchscreen display that offers vibrant colors and sharp clarity, which is especially beneficial for visual learning, multimedia projects, and casual gaming. The high refresh rate and brightness make it easier to work in various lighting conditions, from dim library corners to sunny cafes.

Moreover, its design includes a range of modern connectivity options, like USB-C and Wi-Fi 7, which ensures high-speed internet access and easy connections to peripheral devices. While it does come with just a one-year manufacturer warranty on most components, the three-year warranty on the upgraded SSD offers additional peace of mind.

In essence, the Surface Laptop 7 marries premium features with a sleek design, making it well-suited for both academic and creative endeavors.

The HP Spectre 16" x360 2-in-1 Laptop certainly holds its ground as a top contender in the 'Best 2-In-1' category, largely due to its impressive performance capabilities. With a robust 13th Gen Intel 12-core i7-1360P processor, this laptop is adept at handling both demanding tasks and multitasking seamlessly. The 16GB RAM complements the processor well, ensuring smooth performance whether you're working on creative projects or balancing multiple browser tabs.

One of its standout features is the stunning 16" 4K UHD+ OLED Touch display. With vibrant colors and crystal-clear visuals, courtesy of 100% DCI-P3 and HDR 500 nits, this screen enhances any visual task, from photo editing to movie streaming. The Intel Arc A370M Graphics further elevate its visual capabilities, making it suitable for light gaming and graphic design.

Connectivity is well-addressed with multiple ports, including two Thunderbolt 4, an essential for high-speed data transfer. While its SuperSpeed USB and HDMI 2.1 ports aren't as unique, they offer reliable utility. The backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and Bang & Olufsen audio contribute to a polished user experience, making this HP model a versatile powerhouse for both personal and professional use.

When it comes to ultraportable laptops, the Samsung 16" Galaxy Book4 Pro stands out with its impressive blend of power and portability. At its heart is the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H, boasting the strength to handle demanding tasks smoothly. Coupled with AI Intel ARC Graphics, it delivers enhanced visual experiences that are hard to beat in this category.

What makes this device particularly attractive is its design. Weighing just 3.44 lbs, it’s incredibly light for a 16-inch laptop. The ultra-slim profile means you can easily slide it into a bag and take it anywhere without feeling weighed down. And then there’s the 16" Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen, which is not only bright and crisp but also enriches everything from productivity tasks to leisure activities.

While its security features with Secured Core PC and Knox protection are top-notch, the battery life is adequate; however, it doesn't set new records, being typical for its class. Overall, the Galaxy Book4 Pro is a fantastic choice for those seeking a high-performing ultraportable laptop.

The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 stands out in the crowded Chromebook market, thanks to its impressive blend of performance and innovative features. At its core is the Intel Core i3-1215U processor, designed to deliver robust computing power perfect for multitasking. Whether you're juggling documents, streaming your favorite shows, or diving into casual games, this processor keeps everything running smoothly.

Equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this Chromebook doubles the speed and memory compared to its predecessors, which is a significant boon for those who like to have multiple tabs open or store large files. The 14-inch Full HD NanoEdge display offers vibrant visuals with minimal glare, making it a joy to use for both work and entertainment.

One of the standout additions is the AI-powered Magic Eraser, which makes photo editing fuss-free and offers noise cancellation for crystal-clear video calls. The inclusion of intuitive tools like these exemplifies the device's forward-thinking design. While 10 hours of battery life and antimicrobial protection are solid, it's the seamless integration of powerful features that earns the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 its position as a top contender in the best Chromebook arena.