Laptops have seen important updates this year, making it hard to choose the right one. Many new models from top brands like Lenovo, Dell, and Asus offer different strengths in performance, design, and price. Careful testing of specs such as memory, storage, and portability helps reveal which laptops stand out.
Experts use standard benchmarks to check how well laptops perform, how long their batteries last, and how good their screens are. After hands-on testing of many devices, one model stands out for its strong battery life, speed, and slim design, showing what a top laptop looks like today.
Key Takeaways
- The best laptops balance performance, battery life, and portability.
- Testing focuses on real-world use cases and technical specs.
- Leading brands offer a wide range of options for different needs.
Which Laptop Stands Out Today?
The M4 MacBook Pro leads as the best laptop, offering strong performance, a bright display, and a battery that lasts long. It also includes new AI features that improve how it works. This model suits many users but may not fit every need.
For those looking for alternatives, options include budget-friendly laptops, gaming-focused machines, and Chromebooks. Finding the right laptop deal often means balancing price, power, and portability. Exploring different models helps match the best option with personal requirements.
Top Laptop Choices for 2025
The laptop market in 2025 offers a variety of options that balance power, portability, and battery life. Different users prioritize different features, from performance in gaming and professional work to affordability and long battery life for everyday tasks. Below is a clear look at some of the best laptops this year, highlighting what makes each one stand out.
Apple MacBook Pro M4 is a leading choice, especially for users who want strong performance without going to the highest price tiers. It uses Apple’s latest M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and GPU, and it supports up to 32GB RAM and 2TB storage. This model handles photo editing, video tasks, and light gaming smoothly. Its display is 14 inches with a sharp Liquid Retina XDR screen and excellent resolution (3024 x 1964). Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 24 hours, making it one of the best for long use without charging. The MacBook Pro M4 also supports AI features like ChatGPT-powered Siri, improving everyday usability.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | 10-core Apple M4 |
| RAM | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 2TB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3024×1964 |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Special Feature | AI-powered Siri, nano-texture display |
For Windows users, the Dell XPS 16 (2024) stands out for power and screen quality. It has a 16.3-inch 4K OLED display with Dolby Vision and extremely high contrast, perfect for detailed image work or video editing. It runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series GPU, and RAM can go up to 64GB. This makes it strong enough for gaming and heavy work tasks. However, the laptop is heavier and has limited ports, so using a docking station might be needed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series |
| RAM | Up to 64GB |
| Storage | Up to 4TB SSD |
| Display | 16.3-inch OLED 4K |
| Battery Life | Around 12 hours |
| Weight | Heavier than average |
| Special Feature | Dolby Vision, invisible trackpad |
For dedicated gamers and users needing a desktop replacement, MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus offers excellent hardware combined with a fast 240Hz QuadHD screen. It carries an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, with 32GB RAM. This combo supports smooth gaming and high performance in editing or 3D tasks. Its SteelSeries keyboard improves typing comfort, and battery life can reach over 11 hours when using energy-saving modes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Display | 16-inch QHD, 240Hz |
| Battery Life | About 10.5-11+ hours |
| Weight | Moderate |
| Special Feature | MSIHybrid mode for battery/performance balance |
For those on a tight budget, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a solid option. It costs less than $300 and works well for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. It has an Intel Core i3-N305 CPU and 8GB RAM. The screen is 15 inches with 1080p resolution. Its battery lasts up to 11 hours during video playback, making it good for all-day use. It also has a useful set of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-N305 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 125GB SSD |
| Display | 15-inch LCD, 1080p |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours |
| Weight | Lightweight for a budget laptop |
| Special Feature | Multiple ports for connection |
For ultra-portability and long battery life, the Asus Zenbook A14 is a standout. Weighing only 2.1 pounds, it’s lighter than many competitors including MacBook Air. It uses a Snapdragon processor with either 16GB or 32GB of RAM and offers a crisp 14-inch OLED screen. The battery is remarkable, capable of lasting up to 32 hours in video playback tests, which is ideal for users who need mobility without frequent charging.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Snapdragon X or X Plus |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno |
| RAM | 16GB or 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch OLED, 1920 x 1200 |
| Battery Life | Up to 32 hours |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs |
| Special Feature | Ceraluminum shell, silent operation |
Key Features to Compare Across Laptops
- Battery Life: Asus Zenbook shines for longest battery use, followed by Apple’s MacBook Pro with nearly a full day on one charge. Gaming-heavy laptops like MSI balance power and battery with modes to extend usage.
- Performance: Dell XPS 16 and MSI Stealth A16 lead in raw power, supporting large RAM and strong GPUs for gaming, video editing, and other heavy workloads.
- Portability: Asus Zenbook A14 and Apple MacBook Pro M4 are best for lightweight travel. Dell XPS 16 is heavier and less suited for frequent mobility.
- Display Quality: Dell’s 4K OLED and Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR offer excellent visual experiences. MSI combines a high refresh rate with good resolution, ideal for gamers.
- Affordability: Acer Aspire Go 15 targets budget users who need basic computing without high costs. It covers simple tasks well and offers good battery life.
- Gaming Capability: MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus is designed for gaming with a powerful GPU, high refresh rate display, and AI enhancements for smooth play.
Summary Table of Top Picks
| Laptop Model | Display | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Battery Life | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro M4 | 14” Liquid Retina XDR | Apple M4 10-core | Integrated 10-core | Up to 32GB | Up to 2TB | Up to 24 hours | Lightweight | Mid to High |
| Dell XPS 16 (2024) | 16.3” 4K OLED | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Nvidia RTX 40-series | Up to 64GB | Up to 4TB | Around 12 hours | Heavy | High |
| MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus | 16” QHD 240Hz | AMD Ryzen AI 9-365 | Nvidia RTX 4070 | 32GB | 1TB SSD | About 10.5-11+ hours | Moderate | Mid to High |
| Acer Aspire Go 15 | 15” 1080p LCD | Intel Core i3-N305 | Integrated | 8GB | 125GB SSD | Up to 11 hours | Lightweight | Budget |
| Asus Zenbook A14 | 14” OLED | Snapdragon X or X Plus | Qualcomm Adreno | 16GB/32GB | 1TB SSD | Up to 32 hours | Very light | Mid |
These laptops cover a wide range of needs, from high performance and gaming to lightweight portability and budget-friendly options. Users should choose based on which features matter most, whether it’s long battery life, fast processing, or affordability.
Additional laptops reviewed recently
Models tested include:
- Asus Zenbook 14 OLED with Core Ultra 7 processor and strong SSD speeds
- Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and 16 Plus offering solid Windows performance
- Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, noted for efficient RAM and processor use
- Acer Aspire 3, 5, Nitro V 16, and Swift Go covering budget to gaming needs
- Lenovo IdeaPad, Flex 5i, ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and ThinkPad T14s for business users
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 combining portability with decent GPU power
- Gaming laptops like Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, G16, ROG Strix G16, HP Omen Transcend, Alienware m18 r2 tested for GPU and overall speed
- Chromebooks and systems with Intel Celeron for basic tasks
This range provides insight into different uses from everyday computing to high-performance gaming and professional work.
ZDNET’s Laptop Buying Tips
When choosing a laptop, focus on features that boost productivity and ease web browsing. Sharp visuals are important, especially for detailed work or media viewing. Laptops with HDMI 2.1 support allow connection to external monitors with high-quality display.
Check for a variety of ports and strong connectivity to connect multiple devices easily. Models with multiple USB ports, Thunderbolt, and reliable Wi-Fi help maintain smooth workflows. Balancing display quality, connectivity, and performance ensures a laptop fits different daily needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laptops are best suited for college students in 2025?
College students often need lightweight, fast, and reliable laptops. Popular choices include ultrabooks and 2-in-1 devices with good battery life. Models from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft are well-reviewed for student use. Devices that balance performance and portability work best for classes and projects.
Who are the top companies innovating in laptop technology currently?
Leading laptop makers include Apple, Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft, and HP. These brands invest heavily in improving processing power, display quality, and battery life. They also offer a range of laptops from budget to high-end, covering different user needs.
What are the best gaming laptops available today?
Gaming laptops with powerful CPUs, strong GPUs, and fast refresh-rate screens rank highly. Brands like ASUS ROG, Alienware, MSI, and Razer frequently top these lists. These laptops typically have advanced cooling systems and customizable RGB lighting.
Is it possible to get a good laptop for under $700?
Yes, there are reliable laptops available under $700. These usually have mid-range processors, 8GB RAM, and SSD storage. Brands like Acer, Lenovo, and HP offer models that handle everyday tasks and light multitasking well within this price.
What key features should one consider for a laptop around 50000 in price?
For a laptop in the 50000 price range, look for a strong processor (at least Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), 8GB RAM, SSD storage, and a screen with good resolution. Battery life and the number and types of ports are also important for ease of use.
How do the newest HP laptops perform compared to other brands?
Latest HP models offer competitive processing speeds and good build quality. They often include the latest CPUs and adequate RAM. While they perform well for most tasks, some users prefer Apple or Dell for premium build or specialized features depending on needs.
