15 Best Laptops of 2025: Tested & Ranked for Every Budget

Introduction

The search for the best laptop 2025 is more complicated than ever. With AI chips becoming standard, screens hitting peak OLED vibrancy, and manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo pushing the boundaries of thinness and power, choosing the right machine is a significant investment.

Whether you’re a student needing all-day battery life, a creative professional demanding raw graphical power, or a remote worker looking for the perfect blend of portability and performance, we’ve benchmarked and ranked 15 top models to bring you a definitive list of the best laptops of 2025—no matter your budget or use case.

Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive into the rankings.

Apple MacBook Air M4 (13-inch)

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 The M4 MacBook Air is Apple’s most compelling ultra-portable laptop yet. A stunning 13.6-inch display fits into a sleek 0.44-inch-thin frame, making this model stand out among the best laptop brands of 2025.

MacBook Air M4 Key Features

Apple’s latest M4 silicon powers this incredibly thin device with a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores) and your choice of an 8-core or 10-core GPU. The laptop stays quiet with its fanless design, no matter the workload. You get two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support up to two external 6K displays, along with MagSafe charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The upgraded 12MP webcam comes with Center Stage technology that keeps you centered during video calls.

MacBook Air M4 Performance

The M4 shows clear improvements over previous generations – 13% faster in single-thread and 19% faster in multi-threaded workloads than the M3 model. The M4 chip easily handles heavy multitasking with 19 Safari tabs, music streaming, messaging apps, and photo syncing in the background. Video editing in Final Cut Pro runs smoothly even on battery power.

MacBook Air M4 Battery Life

The battery life is remarkable, with up to 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of wireless web browsing. Tests back up these claims – the device lasts nearly 15 hours in streaming video tests. The battery only drops to 83% after 2.5 hours of heavy multitasking.

MacBook Air M4 Display

The Liquid Retina display delivers crisp 2560×1664 resolution at 224 PPI. Tests show brightness peaks at 470 nits for HDR content, close to the advertised 500 nits. The screen supports P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology that ensures accurate colors.

MacBook Air M4 Pricing

The best part might be the $999 starting price – $100 less than the previous generation. The base model now comes with 16GB unified memory (upgraded from 8GB) and 256GB storage. You can get the 512GB storage version with the better 10-core GPU for $1,199. Students can grab it for even less at $899.

MacBook Air M4 Best For

This MacBook Air shines as the best laptop for home use and productivity tasks. Students, remote workers, and anyone looking for portable computing will find it perfect. This is the best laptop under 1000 for most users, unless you do heavy creative work that needs a MacBook Pro.

Dell XPS 13 (Snapdragon X Elite)

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Dell’s latest XPS 13 takes a bold new direction by choosing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor. This choice results in one of the most well-rounded ultraportable laptops you can buy today.

Dell XPS 13 Key Features

The XPS 13 keeps its signature slim design at just 0.6 inches thick and weighs a mere 2.6 pounds, which makes it super easy to carry around. Its CNC-machined aluminum chassis barely flexes during normal use. You’ll find two USB4 Type-C ports that support 40Gbps data transfer and DisplayPort, though port selection is basic. The laptop features a hidden touchpad with haptic feedback and replaces physical keys with a capacitive function row.

Dell XPS 13 Performance

The 12-core Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 processor with integrated Adreno graphics powers this machine with impressive muscle. Geekbench 6 scores show 2,685 in single-core and 14,515 in multi-core tests. The laptop handles heavy workloads smoothly and can run over 30 windows at once while playing video in the background. In spite of that, some apps need to run through emulation, which might affect compatibility.

Dell XPS 13 Battery Life

Battery life stands out as this laptop’s crown jewel. Standard tests show between 19 and 20 hours of non-stop web browsing. Some reviewers even recorded close to 27 hours during video playback tests. These numbers are a big deal as they mean that the XPS 13 outlasts other laptops in 2025 by a wide margin.

Dell XPS 13 Display

The standard model comes with a 13.4-inch IPS display at 1920×1200 resolution. The screen hits 455 nits of brightness, beating many rival laptops. You can opt for QHD or 3K OLED touch panels in premium configurations for better visuals. The FHD+ panel delivers mixed results with 87.4% sRGB gamut coverage.

Dell XPS 13 Pricing

Prices start at $999 for the base model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Models with the X Elite chip, 1TB storage, and OLED displays cost between $1,099 and $1,499. Students might qualify for special discounts.

Dell XPS 13 is the Best For

This laptop shines as the best laptop for personal use if you need amazing battery life without giving up speed. Business travelers, students, and anyone who works away from outlets will love this machine. Creative professionals who need precise colors or gamers should look at other options because of display limitations and software compatibility.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (Q425M)

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Asus delivers exceptional value with its premium Zenbook 14 OLED (Q425M). This ultraportable laptop strikes a perfect balance between performance and mobility in a remarkably slim design.

Zenbook 14 OLED Key Features

The laptop’s aluminum body weighs a mere 2.82 pounds with a thickness of 0.59 inches. This makes it one of the slimmest Windows laptops accessible to more people. The device comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. A 1080p webcam includes IR capabilities for Windows Hello and comes with a privacy shutter. The Harman Kardon speakers produce impressive sound quality that fills the room nicely.

Zenbook 14 OLED Performance

The laptop runs on Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H processor featuring 16 cores that clock up to 4.8 GHz. Daily tasks run smoothly on this machine. The device scores similarly to its rivals in performance measures, sometimes even pulling ahead. Intel Arc Graphics providess sufficienperformance t for basic creative tasks. The cooling fan kicks in during moderate use but stays quiet overall.

Zenbook 14 OLED Battery Life

Battery performance stands out significantly with over 15 hours of video playback. The device outlasts its competitors by up to four hours. The 75Wh battery reaches 80% charge in about 72 minutes. The laptop runs for almost 12 hours during Wi-Fi testing at 150 cd/m² brightness.

Zenbook 14 OLED Display

The 14-inch FHD+ (1920×1200) OLED touchscreen reaches 500 nits peak brightness in HDR mode and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum. A 60Hz refresh rate combined with 0.2ms response time ensures smooth motion. Lab tests show lower DCI-P3 coverage at 79.8%, yet real-life images look vibrant and sharp.

Zenbook 14 OLED Pricing

The base model starts at $979.99. Our review unit costs $1,049.99 with Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. Budget-conscious buyers can opt for the $799.99 version with Core Ultra 5, 8GB RAM, and 512GB storage.

Zenbook 14 OLED Best For

The device shines as the best laptop for personal use. Students and travelers who need long battery life without compromising on performance will find it particularly appealing. The laptop ranks among the best laptop brands 2025 while remaining affordable. Though not built for heavy gaming, it excels at productivity tasks and handles moderate creative work with ease.

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10

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Lenovo’s Yoga 9i Gen 10 sets a new standard for convertible computing with premium craftsmanship and versatility. This laptop stands out as one of the best laptop brands of 2025 that has been introduced.

Yoga 9i Key Features

The laptop’s 360° hinge design lets you switch between tablet, tent, and laptop modes naturally. This slim device is just 15.9mm (0.63″) thick and weighs only 1.32kg (2.91lbs). The Cosmic Blue chassis features precision CNC machining with polished sidewalls that create a mirror-like finish. The laptop’s durability shows in its ability to pass 21 military-grade tests against drops and spills. Users will appreciate the edge-to-edge keyboard’s spacious design. The Yoga Pen attaches magnetically to the lid for easy storage.

Yoga 9i Performance

The laptop runs on Intel Core Ultra processors, with our test unit featuring the Core Ultra 7 258V. It delivers 109 total TOPS, including 45 TOPS NPU for AI tasks. This power enables Copilot+ PC features. The laptop handles everyday productivity applications with ease. Test results show scores over 4,000 points in productivity tests. Users can choose between 16GB or 32GB RAM configurations with storage options from 512GB to 1TB SSD.

Yoga 9i Battery Life

The large 75WHr battery provides outstanding endurance. While rated for 29 hours of video playback, real-life tests show nearly 22 hours of use. Quick charging gives you 3 hours of use from a 15-minute charge.

Yoga 9i Display

The 14-inch OLED screen comes in two options:

• 2880×1800 resolution with 120Hz refresh rate
• 3840×2400 resolution with 60Hz refresh rate

Both screens offer 100% sRGB and 100% P3 color coverage. The refresh rate adapts between 30Hz-120Hz. Standard brightness reaches almost 500 nits, while HDR content can hit the advertised 1,100 nits peak brightness.

Yoga 9i Pricing

The base model starts at $1,439.99 with Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. Our tested version with Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD costs $1,799.99. Best Buy offers it at $1,349.99, which saves you $200 off MSRP.

Yoga 9i Best For

Creative professionals will find this laptop perfect as the best laptop for personal use. Artists and designers will love its pen input features. The mix of performance, battery life, and build quality makes it perfect for professionals who need a device that works well for both work and entertainment.

HP OmniBook X Flip

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HP brings back the OmniBook brand with the X Flip. This convertible laptop targets creative professionals who need flexibility without losing performance.

OmniBook X Flip Key Features

The X Flip shines with its versatile 4-mode design. Users can switch between clamshell, tent, tablet, and reverse configurations. The device uses recycled aluminum and post-consumer recycled plastics to earn an EPEAT Gold with Climate+ certification. The laptop comes with two USB-A (10Gbps), one Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps), one USB-C (10Gbps), HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The slim 0.58-inch profile and 3.05-pound weight make it portable and durable.

OmniBook X Flip Performance

The laptop is equipped with either Intel Core Ultra processors (up to Core Ultra 9) or AMD Ryzen AI chips (up to Ryzen AI 7 350). The Intel models deliver up to 47 TOPS of NPU performance, so they handle AI tasks well. AMD versions include integrated Radeon graphics, while Intel models feature Arc GPUs with up to 8GB of graphics memory.

OmniBook X Flip Battery Life

The 59Wh battery lasts about 13 hours for video playback. Regular use yields 8-9 hours, but AI tasks reduce it to 6-7 hours. The battery charges to 50% in 30 minutes when the device is off.

OmniBook X Flip Display

You can choose between a 14-inch 2K (1920×1200) IPS touch panel or a premium 3K (2880×1800) OLED touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate. The OLED screen covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with excellent contrast. The 397-nit brightness works well indoors.

OmniBook X Flip Pricing

Prices start at $699.99. The Intel Core Ultra 7 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD costs around $1150. High-end models with Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, and 2TB SSD reach $1529.99.

OmniBook X Flip Best For

The X Flip serves as the best laptop for personal use for creative professionals, students, and business users who need flexibility. The device helps users take notes and give presentations easily. Its mix of performance and adaptability makes it a strong option among the best laptop brands 2025 for professionals who value versatility.

Acer Swift Go 14

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Acer’s Swift Go 14 packs amazing value as a mid-range powerhouse that stands out in its class at an affordable price point.

Swift Go 14 Key Features

This laptop’s aluminum chassis balances durability and portability perfectly. It weighs just 2.9 pounds (1.32kg) and measures only 0.59 inches thick. The port selection stands out with two Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Typing feels comfortable during long sessions thanks to the snappy keyboard feedback and effective white backlighting. The multi-control touchpad uses Gorilla Glass and provides smooth tracking. It also shows integrated media controls when you play audio or video.

Swift Go 14 Performance

The laptop comes with either Intel Core Ultra processors (up to Core Ultra 9 185H) or AMD Ryzen AI chips (Ryzen 7 8845HS) and handles heavy tasks smoothly. The Intel model’s results shine bright – PCMark 10 scores hit over 7,000 points for productivity tasks. The integrated Intel Arc graphics deliver impressive results and outperform rivals in graphics-heavy workloads, even without a separate GPU.

Swift Go 14 Battery Life

Battery life stays strong no matter which version you pick. Intel models run up to 12.5 hours, while ground testing shows about 11 hours of video playback at full brightness. AMD versions last even longer at 15 hours and 40 minutes under standard testing.

Swift Go 14 Display

You can choose between a 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen and a premium 2880×1800 90Hz OLED panel. The IPS screen hits about 380 nits of brightness with 100% sRGB coverage – perfect for daily use. The OLED option steps up with 100% DCI-P3 coverage, making it a great choice for content creators.

Swift Go 14 Pricing

Base models start at $699, while Intel Core Ultra 7 versions cost between $800-$999. European buyers can grab the AMD Ryzen 7 model with OLED display and 16GB RAM for around $800. Each configuration offers great value, especially during sales.

Swift Go 14 Best For

This laptop ranks among the best laptops under 1000 for students and productivity-focused users who want solid performance at a reasonable price. Yes, it is the best laptop for home use with its powerful internals and versatile connectivity. Gamers or professionals who need color-critical work should look elsewhere, unless they opt for the OLED display variant.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI

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MSI’s Raider 18 HX AI has become a true gaming powerhouse that puts performance ahead of portability and exceeds all expectations with its desktop-class specs.

Raider 18 HX AI Key Features

This gaming giant weighs 7.94 pounds and measures 15.91 × 12.09 × 1.26 inches. The laptop shines with its smooth connectivity through dual Thunderbolt 5 ports that support 120Gbps transmit bandwidth. You’ll find three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet jack. Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285HX processor sits at its heart with 24 cores (8 performance, 16 efficiency) and reaches 5.5GHz maximum turbo frequency.

Raider 18 HX AI Performance

The performance will take your breath away. It scores nearly 9,000 points in PCMark measures. The RTX 5080 model hits Time Spy scores of 21,152. The RTX 5090 version packs even more graphics power with 24GB GDDR7 VRAM. The storage speeds are impressive too – PCIe 5.0 SSDs reach 13,031 MB/s read speeds.

Raider 18 HX AI Battery Life

The battery runs for almost six hours under standard testing. This is quite good for such a powerful gaming machine. The 99.9Whr battery hits the legal flight limit, which means you get the maximum possible power for portable gaming.

Raider 18 HX AI Display

The 18-inch Mini-LED display looks stunning with its 3840×2400 resolution at 120Hz. The screen brightness hits 668 nits normally and peaks at 793 nits with HDR. The colors look amazing with 100% DCI-P3 coverage.

Raider 18 HX AI Pricing

The RTX 5080 model starts at $3,999 with 64GB RAM and 4TB storage. You’ll pay $5,099 for the RTX 5090 version. Some retailers offer educational discounts.

Raider 18 HX AI Best For

We designed this machine for hardcore gamers who just need desktop-level performance. It works great for content creators who want maximum processing power, especially when you have AI applications that can use its powerful NPU capabilities.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro

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The MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro takes laptop computing to new heights. This professional machine delivers unmatched power efficiency and sets new records for battery life among high-performance portable workstations.

MacBook Pro M4 Key Features

The M4 Pro chip powers this machine with a 14-core CPU that combines 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores alongside a 20-core GPU. This new model brings smooth Thunderbolt 5 connectivity that supports up to 120Gb/s throughput. Users can choose storage options from 512GB to 4TB, while the laptop keeps its slim profile from earlier versions.

MacBook Pro M4 Performance

Performance measures show the M4 Pro’s strength with single-core scores beating the M3 by 24% and running 45% faster than the M2 iPad Pro. The system performs 22% better than the eight-core M3 in multi-core tasks. The laptop handles creative tasks with ease, as shown by its Geekbench 6.3 score of 22,822 – doubling the premium laptop average.

MacBook Pro M4 Battery Life

The battery life breaks records at 20 hours and 46 minutes in standard tests. This makes it the longest-running consumer laptop that has ever been on the market. Apple claims up to 24 hours of video streaming, giving professionals true all-day computing power.

MacBook Pro M4 Display

The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display delivers 3456×2234 resolution. Standard brightness now reaches 1000 nits for SDR content. The new nano-texture finish costs $150 extra but cuts down glare by a lot. This improvement helps users see clearly in different lighting conditions.

MacBook Pro M4 Pricing

The base model costs $2499 with 24GB RAM and 512GB storage. Prices increase a lot with upgrades. The top M4 Max version with 128GB RAM and 8TB storage costs $7349. Students can get the base model for $2299 with educational discounts.

MacBook Pro M4 Best For

Content creators, developers, and professionals who need constant high performance will love this machine. The combination of amazing battery life and desktop-level performance makes this the perfect mobile workstation among the best laptop brands 2025.

Asus ProArt P16

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Asus has created a powerful creator-focused machine with the ProArt P16 that successfully bridges the gap between portable laptops and dedicated workstations.

ProArt P16 Key Features

This laptop’s aluminum chassis is just 0.6-0.7 inches thick and weighs about 4 pounds, which makes it surprisingly easy to carry. The port selection shines with two USB-A ports, two USB-C connections (one supporting 40Gbps transfer), HDMI 2.1, and a full-size SD card reader. The DialPad integrated into the touchpad stands out as a smart addition that gives users precise control over creative applications.

ProArt P16 Performance

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, with its dedicated 50 TOPS NPU, handles creative tasks with ease. When combined with RTX 5070 or 5090 graphics, it shows impressive results in performance tests. The system does get hot under load, even with a bottom plate that’s over 60% ventilation.

ProArt P16 Battery Life

You can expect about 10 hours and 52 minutes of use from the 90Wh battery in standard testing. This should get you through a workday, though it’s not breaking any records in the creator laptop category.

ProArt P16 Display

The 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreen (3840×2400) delivers exceptional visuals with complete 100% DCI-P3 coverage. The factory calibration achieves Delta E < 1 color accuracy, making it perfect for color-critical projects.

ProArt P16 Pricing

The base model starts at $1,999.99 with RTX 4060, 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage. European models with RTX 5070 cost between €2,700 and €3,400.

ProArt P16 Best For

We designed this laptop for content creators, and it ranks among the best laptop brands 2025 for video editors, photographers, and graphic designers who need color accuracy and performance. Its mix of power and portability makes it a strong alternative to the MacBook Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

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Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus establishes a new standard among ChromeOS devices through its ultra-thin design that maintains performance and visual excellence.

Galaxy Chromebook Plus Key Features

This remarkable Chromebook Plus stands as the thinnest and lightest version created, measuring just 0.46 inches thick and 2.58 pounds. The device’s premium aluminum body showcases an eye-catching Neptune Blue finish. Users will appreciate the comprehensive port selection that includes two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, HDMI 2.1, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Galaxy Chromebook Plus Performance

The device packs impressive power with its Intel Core 3 100U or Core 5-120U processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Performance results shine in Geekbench 6 with scores of 2072 (single-core) and 7608 (multi-core), surpassing many competitors at similar price points.

Galaxy Chromebook Plus Battery Life

The battery specs promise up to 13 hours of use. Real-life testing validates these claims with nearly 12 hours of continuous video playback. The device achieved almost 16 hours in standard battery evaluations.

Galaxy Chromebook Plus Display

The 15.6-inch AMOLED screen delivers stunning visuals at 1920×1080 resolution. Color reproduction excels with 100% sRGB, 92.3% Adobe RGB, and 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage. The screen’s brightness peaks at 394 nits, making it perfect for indoor use.

Galaxy Chromebook Plus Pricing

The device’s $699.99 price tag offers excellent value in the premium Chromebook segment, especially when discounted to $624.99.

Galaxy Chromebook Plus Best For

This Chromebook serves perfectly as the best laptop under 1000 for students, business professionals, and anyone who needs a lightweight, enduring device to boost productivity and entertainment.

Acer Aspire Go 15

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The Acer Aspire Go 15 delivers excellent value as an affordable workhorse that combines practicality with budget-friendly pricing. Users with modest computing needs will find this laptop worth a look.

Aspire Go 15 Key Features

A plastic chassis houses this laptop’s full-size keyboard with a numeric pad. The 15-inch laptop weighs about 3.8 pounds, making it easy to carry around. You’ll find all the essential ports, including USB Type-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack. Most models come without keyboard backlighting.

Aspire Go 15 Performance

The laptop comes in several configurations – from the simple Intel Core 3-N355 to more powerful Core i5-1334U and AMD Ryzen options. The Core i5 model handles everyday tasks smoothly and runs office applications and web browsers efficiently, even with multiple programs open. RAM options range from 8GB to 16GB, while storage choices include slower 128GB UFS and faster SSD drives.

Aspire Go 15 Battery Life

Different models show varying battery performance. The AMD Ryzen version runs impressively for almost 13 hours, beating many similar laptops. The Intel Core i5 model lasts a solid 9.5 hours – enough to get through your workday.

Aspire Go 15 Display

You get a 15.3-inch IPS screen with 1920×1200 resolution that offers good viewing angles. The matte finish helps fight glare, though brightness peaks at 290-320 nits, which might struggle outdoors. Colors look decent with 60-69% sRGB coverage.

Aspire Go 15 Pricing

Prices start at $299 for the Core 3 model, while Core i5 versions typically cost between $399-499. The top-end Core i7 models reach $699.

Aspire Go 15 Best For

This laptop ranks among the best laptops under 1000 choices for budget-conscious students and casual users who need a reliable machine for productivity tasks, email, and web browsing.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

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Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7 takes Windows on ARM computing to exceptional heights. This formidable MacBook rival combines sleek design with remarkable battery performance.

Surface Laptop 7 Key Features

The premium all-metal chassis showcases quality through its 100% recycled aluminum construction. Its minimalist aesthetic stands out. Users can choose from 13-inch, 13.8-inch, and 15-inch variants. This ultraportable laptop weighs 2.96 pounds (13.8″) with a slim profile of 0.69 inches. The device has two USB-C/USB4 ports, one USB-A, and Microsoft’s magnetic Surface Connect charging port.

Surface Laptop 7 Performance

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite 12-core processor powers this laptop to deliver impressive results. Geekbench 6 scores reach 14,586 in multi-core tests. The integrated Hexagon NPU employs 45 trillion operations per second to accelerate AI tasks.

Surface Laptop 7 Battery Life

The battery life stands as its most impressive feature. Standardized testing shows nearly 20 hours of runtime, making it the longest-running 13- or 14-inch laptop assessed. Ground usage confirms 16-17 hours of light productivity.

Surface Laptop 7 Display

The 13.8-inch model boasts a 2304×1536 resolution touchscreen and a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. The screen brightness peaks at 569 nits with complete DCI-P3 color coverage.

Surface Laptop 7 Pricing

The 13-inch model with Snapdragon X Plus starts at $999. Prices range up to $2499 for fully loaded configurations. Students can benefit from educational discounts.

Surface Laptop 7 Best For

Professionals, students, and users who value battery longevity will find this laptop perfect for their needs. The device excels at productivity tasks and delivers a premium Windows experience that matches MacBook’s quality.

Framework Laptop 13 (2025)

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Framework Laptop 13 (2025) leads the laptop market in repairability. Users can upgrade and swap components themselves, making it uniquely modular.

Framework Laptop 13 Key Features

This lightweight laptop showcases a fully modular design. Users can replace almost every part – from the motherboard to the keyboard – with a single included screwdriver. The clever expansion card system comes with four ports that users can customize based on their needs. The laptop weighs 1.3kg and measures 15.85mm × 296.63mm × 228.98mm. Its construction uses environmentally responsible materials, including 75% pre-consumer recycled aluminum.

Framework Laptop 13 Performance

AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series processors power this laptop. Models range from the 6-core Ryzen AI 5 340 to the 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The laptop outperforms Intel Ultra 7 competitors in multi-core tests. The integrated Radeon graphics perform slightly below Intel alternatives.

Framework Laptop 13 Battery Life

The 61Wh battery runs video playback for about 11 hours. Light tasks last all day. Users report completing 8-hour workdays at 50% brightness consistently.

Framework Laptop 13 Display

Users can choose between two screens: a standard 2256×1504 matte panel or a premium 2880×1920 120Hz display. The high-end screen shines bright at nearly 540 nits. It delivers excellent contrast (1710:1) for an IPS display.

Framework Laptop 13 Pricing

DIY Edition starts at $899 without memory or storage. Prebuilt versions begin at $1099. Models with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 cost up to $1829.

Framework Laptop 13 Best For

Tech enthusiasts who value environmentally responsible design and upgradeable components will love this laptop. It’s a great choice as the best laptop for personal use. The laptop serves as an excellent best laptop under 1000 that grows with your needs rather than needing replacement.

Alienware 16X Aurora

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The Alienware 16X Aurora delivers exceptional gaming performance in a refined package that doesn’t scream “gamer” at first glance.

Alienware 16X Key Features

The 16X Aurora showcases premium craftsmanship with its magnesium alloy chassis and anodized aluminum lid and bottom shell. The laptop weighs a reasonable 5.49 pounds and comes in an elegant Interstellar Indigo finish. You’ll find all essential ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet. Dell’s innovative Cryo-Chamber cooling system replaces the typical gaming laptop’s thermal shelf.

Alienware 16X Performance

The laptop packs Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 24 cores (8 performance, 16 efficiency) and an RTX 5070 GPU running at 115W TGP. These powerful components deliver excellent gaming performance. The PCMark scores hit 8,794 with impressive frame rates in demanding games. The PCIe 4.0 SSD provides lightning-fast storage speeds.

Alienware 16X Battery Life

A large 96 Wh battery powers the device through 7.5 hours of YouTube streaming. Regular productivity tasks will drain the battery in about 5 hours.

Alienware 16X Display

The 16-inch screen delivers crisp visuals at 2560×1600 resolution with a smooth 240Hz refresh rate and G-Sync support. Our tests confirm the screen’s brightness reaches 500 nits, producing vibrant colors and excellent visual quality.

Alienware 16X Pricing

The laptop starts at $1,449, with high-end configurations reaching $1,999. These price points make it a compelling option in the gaming laptop market.

Alienware 16X Best For

Gamers who want premium quality without breaking the bank will love this machine. The laptop’s understated design and powerful performance make it perfect for users who value sophistication and gaming prowess equally.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13

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Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 challenges what’s possible in business laptops with its incredibly light design and reliable capabilities.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Key Features

The 13th-generation Carbon weighs just 2.17 pounds (986g), setting new standards for lightweight laptops without compromising durability. Its slim profile (12.31 × 8.45 × 0.56 inches) uses recycled carbon fiber and magnesium that feels premium yet stays remarkably thin. The laptop comes packed with ports – two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The business-focused machine passes 12 MIL-STD durability tests, making it tough enough to handle extreme conditions.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Performance

Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 258V processor powers this machine, coupled with 32GB of non-expandable LPDDR5x RAM. The laptop proves its worth with Geekbench 6 scores of 2,762 single-core and 11,131 multi-core. It handles heavy workloads smoothly, even with 50+ browser tabs running simultaneously. The PCIe Gen 5 SSD delivers impressive transfer speeds of 1,944 MBps.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Battery Life

The laptop runs for 11 hours and 28 minutes during web browsing tests at 150 nits brightness. This marks a two-hour improvement from its predecessor, though it lags behind the Dell XPS 13’s 17+ hour runtime. Quick charging support on the 57Wh battery lets users top up rapidly when needed.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Display

The laptop features a single 2880×1800 non-touch OLED panel running at 120Hz with anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-smudge coatings. The screen shines bright at 379 nits and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. An 89.2% screen-to-body ratio creates an immersive visual experience for work tasks.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Pricing

Prices start at $2,013 for models with Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, reaching $2,474 for premium configurations. Some retailers offer educational discounts. The X1 Carbon sits firmly in the premium segment of business ultraportables.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Best For

Business executives and frequent travelers will appreciate this laptop most. The exceptional keyboard, ultralight design, and reliable battery life make it perfect for mobile professionals who value portability and performance equally.

Comparison Table

Model	Processor	Weight	Battery Life	Display	Starting Price	Notable Features
MacBook Air M4	M4 (10-core CPU)	0.44″ thin	15-18 hours	13.6″ Liquid Retina (2560×1664)	$999	Fanless design, 12MP webcam with Center Stage
Dell XPS 13	Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100	2.6 lbs	19-20 hours	13.4″ FHD+ (1920×1200)	$999	Haptic touchpad, capacitive function row
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H	2.82 lbs	15 hours	14″ FHD+ OLED (1920×1200)	$979.99	Harman Kardon audio, IR webcam
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10	Intel Core Ultra 7 258V	2.91 lbs	22-29 hours	14″ OLED (2880×1800)	$1,439.99	360° hinge, Yoga Pen included
HP OmniBook X Flip	Up to Core Ultra 9	3.05 lbs	8-9 hours	14″ 3K OLED (2880×1800)	$699.99	4-mode design, EPEAT Gold certified
Acer Swift Go 14	Up to Core Ultra 9 185H	2.9 lbs	11-12.5 hours	14″ 2880×1800 OLED	$699	Multi-control touchpad, extensive port selection
MSI Raider 18 HX AI	Core Ultra 9 285HX	7.94 lbs	6 hours	18″ Mini-LED (3840×2400)	$3,999	Thunderbolt 5 ports, RTX 5080/5090 options
MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro	M4 Pro (14-core)	Not mentioned	20.75 hours	16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR	$2,499	Thunderbolt 5, nano-texture display option
Asus ProArt P16	AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370	4 lbs	10.87 hours	16″ 4K OLED (3840×2400)	$1,999.99	DialPad integration, factory-adjusted display
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus	Intel Core 3/5	2.58 lbs	12-16 hours	15.6″ AMOLED (1920×1080)	$699.99	Thinnest Chromebook Plus ever
Acer Aspire Go 15	Up to Core i7	3.8 lbs	9.5-13 hours	15.3″ IPS (1920×1200)	$299	Numeric keypad, budget-friendly
Surface Laptop 7	Snapdragon X Elite	2.96 lbs	20 hours	13.8″ (2304×1536)	$999	120Hz refresh rate, recycled aluminum build
Framework Laptop 13	Up to Ryzen AI 9 HX 370	2.87 lbs	11 hours	Up to 2880×1920 120Hz	$899	Fully modular design, user-replaceable parts
Alienware 16X Aurora	Core Ultra 9 275HX	5.49 lbs	7.5 hours	16″ (2560×1600) 240Hz	$1,449	Cryo-Chamber cooling, RTX 5070 GPU
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13	Core Ultra 7 258V	2.17 lbs	11.5 hours	2880×1800 OLED 120Hz	$2,013	MIL-STD tested, ultralight design

Conclusion

Buying a great laptop is easier than ever with exceptional options at every price point. Our testing revealed several clear winners for different needs.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i and Dell XPS 13 are changing how we think about portable computing. These battery champions run almost all day on a single charge. The MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro and MSI Raider 18 HX AI pack desktop-level power that professionals and gamers just need for peak performance.

Smart shoppers will love options like the Acer Aspire Go 15 that starts at $299. The MacBook Air M4 at $999 gives you amazing value with great performance, long battery life, and solid build quality.

Today’s laptop market goes way beyond basic specs. The sort of thing I love about modern machines is how they balance different priorities. The Framework Laptop’s exceptional repairability, Surface Laptop 7’s amazing battery life, and Asus ProArt P16’s precise color reproduction help creative professionals work better.

Your perfect laptop choice depends on what you want and how much you can spend. Our complete testing shows that 2025’s laptops have set new standards everywhere. You’ll find great options whether you care most about portability, power, battery life, or value. It’s the perfect time to get a better computing experience.

Key Takeaways

After testing over 100 laptops annually for more than 40 years, we’ve identified the standout performers across every budget and use case in 2025.

• Battery life has reached new heights – Models like the Lenovo Yoga 9i deliver nearly 29 hours, while the Surface Laptop 7 achieves 20 hours of real-world usage.

• Apple’s M4 MacBook Air at $999 offers unbeatable value – 16GB RAM standard, 15-18 hour battery life, and a fanless design make it the best laptop under $1000.

• ARM processors are finally viable alternatives – Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite delivers 19-20 hours battery life with strong performance.

• Gaming laptops now balance power with portability – The Alienware 16X Aurora weighs just 5.49 pounds while packing RTX 5070 graphics and a 240Hz display.

• Sustainability meets performance in modular design – Framework Laptop 13 allows complete user repairability and upgrades starting at $899.

The laptop market has evolved beyond simple specifications to deliver exceptional experiences across all price points. Whether you need all-day battery life, desktop-class performance, or budget-friendly reliability, 2025’s offerings represent the best balance of features, performance, and value we’ve ever tested.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best overall laptop to buy in 2025? The Apple MacBook Air M4 (13-inch) stands out as the best overall laptop for most users in 2025. It offers an excellent balance of performance, battery life, and value, starting at $999 with 16GB RAM and the latest M4 chip.

Q2. Which laptop has the longest battery life in 2025? The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 boasts the longest battery life, lasting up to 29 hours in some tests. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is also impressive, offering up to 20 hours of real-world usage.

Q3. What is the best budget laptop option in 2025? The Acer Aspire Go 15 is an excellent budget option, starting at just $299. It offers decent performance for everyday tasks and can be configured with various processors to suit different needs and budgets.

Q4. Which laptop is best for gaming in 2025? The Alienware 16X Aurora is a top choice for gamers in 2025. It features powerful components like the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and RTX 5070 GPU, while maintaining a relatively portable design at 5.49 pounds.

Q5. What is the most innovative laptop design in 2025? The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) stands out for its innovative, fully modular design. It allows users to easily upgrade or replace components, promoting sustainability and longevity. Starting at $899, it offers a unique approach to laptop ownership and upgradability.