Top Laptops of 2025: Ultimate Guide to the Best Choices

The Best Laptops of 2025: A Comprehensive Review

The past year has been monumental for the laptop industry, with new models emerging at a rapid pace. Selecting the best laptop to meet your needs can be daunting, given the sheer number of options available. Our team of experts has rigorously tested some of the year's standout models, from the latest iterations of the Lenovo ThinkPad and Dell's XPS series to the creative juggernaut Asus ProArt P16. We evaluated these laptops on criteria like RAM and storage capacity, build quality, portability, and overall value, along with performance, battery life, and display quality using industry-standard benchmarking programs. After comprehensive hands-on testing with dozens of models, we have identified the top laptops for 2025.

MacBook Pro M4 | Best Overall Laptop

The MacBook Pro M4 stands out as the best overall laptop of 2025. This decision may surprise some who expected the more powerful M4 Pro or M4 Max versions, but the M4 model strikes an excellent balance between power and affordability. Equipped with Apple's latest M4 chipset, which includes a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, supported by 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, this laptop delivers top-tier performance. Kerry Wan, Senior Reviews Editor at ZDNET, asserts that the base configuration can meet the needs of 90% of users, making it an excellent option for tasks ranging from photo editing and video work to light gaming.

MacBook Pro M4 Specs	Details
Display size	14-inch
Display type	Liquid Retina XDR
Resolution	3024 x 1964 pixels
RAM	Up to 24GB
Storage	Up to 1TB
CPU	10-core M4
Battery life	Up to 24 hours

Dell XPS 16 | Best Windows Laptop

The Dell XPS 16 takes the crown as the best Windows laptop of 2025. It boasts an impressive 4K resolution display with thin bezels, enhancing its visual appeal. The screen is supported by image-enhancing features like Dolby Vision, which offers vibrant shades of color and high contrast ratios. The XPS 16 is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, complemented by up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of SSD storage. This powerful combination makes it suitable for both gaming and demanding creative work.

MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus | Best Gaming Laptop

The MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus is a gaming powerhouse designed to replace your desktop. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, backed by 32GB of RAM. The 16-inch QuadHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate guarantees smooth gameplay. Additional features such as MSIHybrid for performance optimization and SteelSeries keyboard enhance the gaming experience. Despite being heavy and bulky, its high-end hardware justifies its status as the best gaming laptop of 2025.

Acer Aspire Go 15 | Best Budget Laptop

For those on a tight budget, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is the best option under $500. Priced at around $300, it is equipped with an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 8GB of RAM, making it capable of handling basic productivity tasks. The 15-inch 1080p display offers decent viewing angles, and its full-sized keyboard and well-placed trackpad ensure usability. Battery life stands at over 10 hours, making it a practical choice for students or professionals needing a secondary device.

LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 | Best Lightweight Laptop

The LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 is one of our favorite lightweight laptops, weighing just 3.04 pounds and measuring 0.51 inches thick. Made from a nano-magnesium alloy, it presents a sturdy yet ultrathin build. The 16-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant visuals, while its flexible hinge allows it to transform into a tablet. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage, it handles multitasking efficiently. However, it can run warm during prolonged use.

Asus ProArt P16 | Best Laptop for Content Creators

The Asus ProArt P16 is tailored for content creators, featuring powerful hardware like the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. The 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen display is highly responsive, making it ideal for graphic design and video editing. Customizable features such as the Asus DialPad enhance productivity. Despite its glossy screen and large trackpad, its high-end components and numerous customization options make it a top choice for creatives.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 | Best Laptop for Work

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 is perfect for professionals requiring a fast, reliable laptop. Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 processor and integrated Radeon 880M GPU, it excels in multitasking. Benchmarking results highlight its performance, and it also features a lightweight design, 12-hour battery life, and a fast-charging capability. Other notable features include a 5MP webcam, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and Wi-Fi 7 support, making it an excellent choice for work.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus | Best Chromebook Laptop

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus stands out as the best Chromebook laptop, combining lightweight design with a brilliant AMOLED display. AI-powered features like Quick Insert and Help Me Read enhance user experience, making it versatile for various tasks. Priced at $699, it is an affordable option for a powerful Chromebook, suitable for both productivity and casual use.

How to Choose the Right Laptop for You

When selecting the best laptop for your needs, consider what you intend to do with it. If you're frequently on the move, prioritize portability, sturdiness, connectivity, security, and long battery life. For deskbound tasks like graphic design, opt for a machine with powerful hardware, even if it means a heavier laptop. Here's a breakdown of laptops tailored for different use cases:

Laptop	Use Case
MacBook Pro (M4)	Powerful, well-rounded laptop for various tasks
Dell XPS 16	Powerful Windows laptop with customization options
MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus	Top-notch gaming laptop
Acer Aspire Go 15	Inexpensive laptop for everyday use
LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1	Lightweight laptop with brilliant display
Asus ProArt P16	Laptop for content creators
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6	Ultraportable laptop for work
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus	Affordable, lightweight Chromebook

Our Testing Methodology

Our laptop reviews are based on a combination of data from benchmarking software and extended hands-on use. We assess metrics like processor performance, display quality, graphics handling, physical form factor, and battery life. We also incorporate our personal experiences to provide a comprehensive review that reflects real-world usability.

Benchmarking

We use software like Cinebench and PCMark 10 to test CPU and GPU performance, screen brightness and color spectrum, and battery life. These tests provide an objective measure of each laptop's capabilities.

Hands-on Testing

We use each laptop for at least a week, carrying it around and using it as a regular consumer would. This helps us evaluate its portability, form factor, and battery performance under typical usage conditions.

Expert Insights

In addition to data and hands-on testing, we incorporate expert insights and practical use cases to provide a holistic understanding of each laptop's strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

Choosing the best laptop involves balancing design, performance, storage, and budget considerations. Whether you need a powerful machine for content creation, a lightweight laptop for travel, or a budget-friendly option for everyday use, our comprehensive reviews help you make an informed decision.