Best laptops in 2025 that we’ve reviewed

Whether you need a laptop for work, play, or something else entirely, having the best laptop for your needs can make all the difference in getting things done efficiently.

With major leaps in AI integration, efficiency-focused chipsets, and game-changing battery life thanks to next-gen silicon from Apple, Intel, and AMD, 2025’s top notebooks are leaner, faster, and smarter than ever. Many ditch the fan altogether without breaking a sweat, while others handle ray-traced gaming and 4K editing on the fly. Compared to models even two years ago, you’ll see huge improvements in performance-per-watt, portability, and display quality – making now a very smart time to upgrade.

If you’re on the hunt for a new notebook, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve carefully tested and reviewed the top laptops for every task and budget, and we’re highlighting our favourites for you here.

From sleek MacBooks designed for creative professionals to budget-friendly Chromebooks for everyday use, and from versatile 2-in-1 hybrids to high-performance gaming laptops, our list covers a wide variety of options. Each model has been rigorously tested and scored to help you find the ideal laptop that meets your specific needs.

Whether you’re looking for portability, power, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ve included detailed specifications for each entry so you can easily compare and find the best fit for you.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what’s the best laptop?

The best laptops you can buy today:

1. Apple MacBook Air (M3)

The MacBook Air M3 is the best laptop for most people due to its excellent performance and efficiency. The M3 chip offers significant speed and graphics improvements, capable of handling anything you throw at it. Its energy efficiency leads to impressive battery life, lasting up to 15-18 hours, making it ideal for extended use without frequent recharges.

We love the sleek, lightweight design that ensures portability, making it perfect for if you frequently travel with your laptop. The unibody aluminium build is durable and feels like the most premium laptop around.

On top of that, the high-resolution Retina display has excellent colour accuracy and enhanced speakers make it great for watching films and listening to music.

Add macOS Sonoma, the outstanding Magic Keyboard and responsive trackpad, and you’ve got yourself the complete package.

2. Dell XPS 14

Dell XPS 13 (9310) specs
Screen	14.5in, 3200×2000 OLED w/ 120Hz
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H / Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050
RAM	32GB RAM
Storage	1TB SSD
OS	Windows 11
Connectivity	USB-C x3, 3.5mm headphone port, microSD card slot
Dimensions	320x216x18mm, 1.72kg

We’ve had the chance to explore the Dell XPS 14, and it’s clear that this premium laptop brings a lot to the table. Dell’s signature blend of elegance and performance is fully realized here, with the XPS 14 boasting a stunning 14-inch OLED display that delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s a fantastic screen for both creative work and entertainment, offering exceptional clarity for everything from photo editing to streaming.

Performance-wise, the XPS 14 impresses with its Intel Core Ultra processor and Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, which means it’s more than capable of handling demanding tasks. Whether you’re diving into 3D modelling, video editing, or gaming, this laptop doesn’t disappoint. We especially appreciated how Dell managed to pack this level of power into such a sleek, portable design.

The build quality is top-notch, with a premium aluminium and glass finish, and it’s packed with useful features like up-firing speakers for clearer sound and a quick, accurate fingerprint sensor. While it may face tough competition, particularly from MacBooks, the XPS 14 excels in delivering style, performance, and a fantastic display—perfect for those who want a premium, versatile machine.

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3. Apple MacBook Pro 16in (M2 Pro)

Heftier than its 13in predecessor, the redesigned MacBook Pro 16in means business. And thanks to Apple’s 2023 M2 Pro or Max chip, it has power in spades. This could be said of the 2021 M1 versions of either, too. The boosted multi-core performance and GPU grunt puts it leagues ahead of competitors. Its performance ceiling is higher than most people will ever need. But for those with serious tasks to churn through, the Pro has the chops to conquer the lot.

With menu bars spanning the notch at the top of the screen, you get a full 16:10 display area below. The mini-LED panel is simply gorgeous, with rich blacks, vivid colour and brightness that hits up to 1600 nits. And that’s all complemented by a punchy six-speaker system.

Yes, it’s overkill if you don’t need its power and ports. But if you work in a field that can take advantage of its skills you won’t be disappointed. Even if you simply want the best laptop in its class.

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3

The Surface Laptop Go 3 remains a solid choice for those seeking a lightweight, portable laptop with a sleek design. While Microsoft hasn’t introduced major changes, and the last-gen Intel processor is a letdown, the laptop’s aesthetics still shine with its aluminum lid and choice of stylish colors. We appreciate its compact design, weighing just 1.12kg, making it perfect for everyday use.

The 3:2 touchscreen is functional, though we find its resolution lacking for this price range. It’s not the sharpest, especially compared to rivals like the MacBook Air. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, but the lack of a backlight feels like a missed opportunity.

Performance is decent for basic tasks, but the 12th-gen Intel Core i5 limits its power compared to newer competitors. We found it struggles with more intensive activities, though it’s great for everyday productivity. Battery life is acceptable but not remarkable, with about nine hours of light use.

Overall, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is still a strong contender for students or budget-conscious users who prioritize portability and style, but Microsoft needs to improve the screen resolution and add a few extra features to justify its price hike.

5. Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED

Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED specs
Screen	14.5in, 2880×1800 OLED w/ 120Hz, HDR
Processor	Intel Core i9-13900H
RAM	32GB
Storage	2GB SSD
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
OS	Windows 11
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; Thunderbolt 4; USB-C; USB 3.2 Type-A; SD card reader; HDMI; 3.5mm headphone port
Dimensions	32.18×22.33×1.79 cm; 1.6kg

Unlike the rather niche Zenbook Pro Duo, this laptop is a lot more traditional – but doesn’t skimp on power. It’s designed for creative types (the Pro in the name being rather appropriate), with the Studio version of Nvidia’s 4000-series mobile graphics chips and some of the fastest Intel internals money can buy. It’ll play nicely with industry-standard software. And then happily play games at high settings once you clock off for the day.

It’s not especially quiet when you do so, and battery life will take a thrashing. But that’s what headphones and power brick are for. Otherwise, the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED is a wonderfully compact and transportable machine, with plenty of ports and a simply gorgeous 14.5in OLED panel. The 2880×1800 resolution is super sharp for both work and play, with a 120Hz refresh rate ensuring smooth scrolling.

There’s no denying it’s a pricey system, but Asus has managed to undercut the equivalent MacBook Pro – which isn’t as adept at gaming, and misses out on OLED display tech. If you’re all in on Windows over macOS, it’s a fantastic machine.

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6. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge specs
Screen	16in 2880 x 1800 AMOLED touchscreen, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100
RAM	16GB
Storage	1TB SSD
OS	Windows 11 Home
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 2x USB4, 1x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD, 3.5mm audio
Dimensions	355.4 x 250.4 x 12.3mm; 1.55kg

Samsung’s 16in laptop is quite the looker, with a beautifully premium build that’s a joy to handle. It’s also impressively light for its 16in size — at just 1.55kg, we’ve slung it into bags and carried it around all day without any complaints, which is something that can’t be said for many other laptops in this size range. 

The star of the show though, is its objectively gorgeous 16in AMOLED display. With its 2880 x 1800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, everything from mundane spreadsheets to visually stunning movie binges, are positively mesmerizing. The deep blacks and punchy colours that OLED screens are renowned for will, quite honestly, ruin any other non-OLED laptop screen for you in future. A blessing, and a curse of sorts, but one that we’d be more than happy to live with when things look this good.

There’s plenty of brawn brimming away beneath this beauty too. Under the hood, Qualcomm’s beastly, top-level Snapdragon X Elite processor flexes its powerful silicon muscles, handling everything from office tasks to more demanding creative work without remotely breaking a sweat. There’s enough grunt here to cater to gaming too — though with many games not optimised for Qualcomm’s ARM chips compared to the long-established Intel offerings, we’d recommend not opting for a Snapdragon X-powered machine specifically with plenty of gaming in mind. For now, at least.

The Book4 Edge’s full-sized keyboard (complete with a number pad!) is a joy to type on, making long work sessions feel less like a chore. And let’s not forget the generously sized trackpad – it’s so big you might mistake it for a small tablet, with plenty of room for your fingers to skim across the surface without ever running out of room.

While the Galaxy Book4 Edge’s AI features (courtesy of Windows’ Copilot) don’t exactly blow our minds, they’re a nice-to-have addition that might come in handy every now and then. This isn’t a dig at Samsung’s effort either — all Windows Copilot PCs serve up the same experience, which we hope will blossom into something more useful as time goes on.

As for battery life — it’s solid, easily lasting a full workday without you having to scramble for a charger, which ticks one of our main boxes. It might not set any records compared to some other rivals which can last a few hours more, but for most people, a full day on one charge should be more than sufficient. Connectivity-wise, Samsung’s got you covered with a smorgasbord of ports, including HDMI 2.1, and even a microSD slot. There’s also Wi-Fi 7 support, future-proofing your blazing-fast connectivity needs nicely.

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7. Huawei Matebook X Pro

Huawei Matebook X Pro specs
Screen	14.2in, 3120×2080 OLED w/ 120Hz refresh rate, 1000 nits brightness
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM	16/32GB RAM
Storage	1TB/2TB SSD
Graphics	Intel Arc integrated
Operating system	Windows 11
Connectivity	Thunderbolt 4 × 2, USB-C
Dimensions	310 x 222 x 13.5 mm, 980 g

With the Huawei MateBook X Pro (2024), and it’s clear Huawei has taken portability to the next level. Weighing just 980g, this ultraportable laptop is one of the lightest we’ve ever used, making it ideal for travel. Despite its slim build, the performance is impressive, powered by Intel’s Ultra 9 CPU and paired with a stunning 14.2-inch OLED display. The screen’s sharpness, vibrant colors, and smooth 120Hz refresh rate made working on creative projects a breeze.

However, this power comes at a price – both in terms of cost and battery life. The MateBook X Pro is quite expensive, and while it delivers solid performance, it falls short of the MacBook Air M3 and Snapdragon X Elite laptops in terms of battery longevity. Connectivity is also limited, with just three USB-C ports and no headphone jack.

In the end, if you’re a Windows user seeking high performance in a lightweight, beautifully designed package, this could be worth considering. But for the price, other options may offer better value depending on your needs. Overall, it’s a top-notch laptop, but you’ll pay a premium for it.

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8. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x specs
Screen	14.5in, 2944×1840, 90Hz OLED
Processor	Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100
RAM	16GB
Storage	512GB/1TB
Graphics	Adreno integrated graphics
OS	Windows 11
Connectivity	3x USB 4
Dimensions	325x225x12.9mm, 1.28kg

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is an excellent all-round ultraportable, and while not without flaws, it offers a strong alternative to the MacBook Air. We love the sleek, lightweight design and the stunning OLED display, which is perfect for work and entertainment. The laptop’s battery life is impressive, lasting nearly as long as the MacBook Air, making it great for all-day use without needing a charger. However, it does fall short in a few areas, like limited connectivity (only three USB-C ports) and some software compatibility issues due to its ARM architecture.

Windows on ARM still faces occasional stumbling blocks, with some apps not playing well with the system. We also find the AI features, while promising, don’t quite live up to the marketing hype. That said, performance in most desktop tasks is excellent, and the device handles office work, browsing, and light creative tasks smoothly.

For those of us prioritizing portability, battery life, and a vibrant screen, the Yoga Slim 7x is a fantastic choice. But for gaming or graphics-heavy tasks, you may want to look elsewhere. Overall, it’s a great all-purpose laptop if you can work within the ARM ecosystem’s limitations.

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9. Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 specs
Screen	16, 2560×1600 OLED w/ 120Hz, G-Sync
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM	16/32GB
Storage	2TB SSD
Graphics	Nvidia RTX 4090
OS	Windows 11
Connectivity	HDMI 2.1, 2x USB3.2, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm audio port, SD card reader
Dimensions	354x246x14.9~17.4mm, 1.95kg

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 blends gaming power with creative versatility, offering a fantastic OLED display and top-tier performance. Its design, reminiscent of Apple’s MacBook Pro, is sleek and sophisticated. At just 1.95kg and 17.4mm at its thickest, it’s impressively portable for a gaming laptop.

With Intel’s Meteor Lake CPU and Nvidia’s RTX 4090, the G16 delivers stunning desktop performance and gaming prowess. It handles everyday tasks effortlessly and offers smooth gameplay, thanks to G-Sync technology. The 2560×1600 OLED display, while not 4K, shines with rich colors and excellent contrast, making games and creative work look brilliant. However, the keyboard on the silver model suffers from hard-to-read backlighting, and the lack of an Ethernet port might bother some.

This laptop stands out not just for gaming but for creative use, with studio-certified drivers and AI smarts. While it’s monstrously expensive at top specs, the G16’s blend of power, portability, and premium build quality make it highly appealing. It competes with Razer’s Blade 16 but remains a top choice for gamers and creators who travel. We believe it’s the ultimate all-in-one machine for serious work and play.

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10. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 specs
Screen	13in PixelSense Flow Display, 2880 X 1920, 3:2, 120Hz
Processor	12th generation Intel Core i5 or i7
RAM	Up to 32GB
Storage	128, 256, 512GB or 1TB
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe Graphics or Adreno 8CX Gen 3
OS	Windows 11
Connectivity	2 x USB-C, Surface Connect port
Dimensions	287 mm x 209 mm x 9.3 mm, 879kg (tablet only)

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a top-notch 2-in-1 device, offering impressive performance in a sleek, portable package. For those of us who prioritize versatility and mobility, it’s an excellent choice, whether we’re working, gaming, or streaming. The lightweight build and sharp 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen make it easy to carry around and perfect for on-the-go use.

However, to get the best experience, we need to pick the right model. We should avoid the ARM-based version due to limited app support and opt for the Intel Core i5 or i7 models, which deliver enough power for multitasking, creative work, and even gaming. The display is fantastic, with vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for streaming or cloud gaming.

That said, the device can get pricey. Adding essentials like the keyboard cover and stylus, which aren’t included, can increase the cost significantly. While Microsoft claims 15 hours of battery life, in real-world use, especially for gaming or streaming, we’re more likely to get about five hours.

Overall, the Surface Pro 9 stands out for its excellent performance, brilliant display, and portability, but costs can quickly add up if we want the full experience.

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11. Acer Chromebook Plus 515

Acer Chromebook Plus 515 specs
Screen	15.6in, 1920×1080 IPS LCD
Processor	Intel Core i5-1235U 10-core
Memory	8GB RAM
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe
Storage	256GB SSD
Operating system	Chrome OS
Connectivity	2x USB-C, 1x USB, HDMI, 3.5mm headset port
Dimensions	361x238x19.9mm, 1.68kg

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 offers a significant hardware upgrade for Chrome OS users, making it a great everyday option for those familiar with Chromebooks from school. We appreciate its powerful Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD, which deliver excellent performance for multitasking and even light gaming. The Full HD 15.6-inch display is sharp and colourful, though not as bright as we’d like in sunny environments.

We love that it’s lightweight and portable, despite its larger screen, and the sturdy build quality is reassuring for everyday use. Connectivity options are plentiful, with USB-C ports, HDMI, and more, though it’s a shame there’s no card reader. The keyboard and touchpad are spacious and comfortable, making long typing sessions easy.

Battery life is solid, lasting around 8-9 hours of video playback, which should get us through a full day of work or study. However, the lack of a touchscreen and somewhat plain design may be drawbacks for some.

Overall, if we’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that’s powerful and long-lasting, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is an excellent choice—especially for those who don’t need Windows software. It’s an affordable step up for Chrome OS users.

What to look for when buying the best laptop

Buying the best laptop can be a daunting task, but fear not – Stuff’s laptop experts are here to help you make the right decision. Rather than spending hours comparing specs and features, the best way to choose a new machine is to ask yourself two key questions:

1. What do I want to do with it?
2. What might I want to do with it a year from now?

A bit of future-proofing goes a long way, especially since most modern laptops aren’t built for internal upgrades. Choosing wisely now can save you from scrambling for extra accessories later.

Let’s break it down by usage scenario:

• For general everyday use – like browsing the web, online shopping, managing your inbox and watching the odd Netflix show – a basic laptop with an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage will do just fine. Chromebooks are a great shout here: fast, secure, and often excellent value.
• For professionals and creatives – think photo editing, video production, 3D design, or heavy multitasking – you’ll want something with real muscle. Look for at least an Intel Core i7 or Apple M3 chip, 16GB or more of RAM, and a dedicated GPU (like an Nvidia RTX 4060) if your workflow includes rendering or complex visuals. High-resolution displays with accurate colour reproduction are a must for content creators.
• For gamers – a powerful GPU is non-negotiable. Gaming laptops in 2025 now come with Nvidia’s RTX 40-series and AMD’s RDNA 3 chips, capable of smooth gameplay at high settings. You’ll want at least a 144Hz refresh rate display, ideally Full HD or QHD, backed by a fast CPU (Intel Core i7+, AMD Ryzen 7+) and a minimum of 16GB RAM. SSD storage also helps reduce game load times significantly.
• For students or commuters – portability matters. If you’re lugging your laptop around all day, something thin and light with all-day battery life is key. Look for 13in to 14in screen sizes, fanless designs, and ARM-based chips like Apple’s M-series or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite. Weight under 3lb (1.4kg) is the sweet spot for portability without sacrificing usability.
• For remote workers or frequent travellers – connectivity and battery life are crucial. Think 5G options, multiple USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, a solid webcam and microphone, and battery life of 12+ hours. Business-class ultrabooks like the Dell XPS 13 or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon still reign supreme in this category.
• For hobbyists and future dabblers – maybe you’re just dipping your toe into video editing or coding now, but think you might get more serious later. In that case, it’s worth going one tier up. A laptop with a mid-range CPU (Intel Core i5 or Apple M2), 16GB RAM, and decent integrated graphics can keep up as your needs evolve.

Also, keep in mind that storage space can fill up faster than you think. Many budget laptops come with just 128GB or 256GB SSDs – which may not cut it if you’re storing large files, media libraries or chunky games. If in doubt, go bigger, or ensure you’ve got a plan for cloud storage or external drives.

It’s always worth remembering: if the perfect laptop is just a little too expensive, you can often pick up last year’s model for much less. Refurbished laptops – especially directly from the manufacturer or trusted resellers – can offer top-tier performance for budget-tier pricing.

And of course, once you’ve got a rough idea of what you need, you’ll also want to think about your preferred platform:

• Apple MacBooks are incredibly well-optimised and great for creatives, with top-notch build quality and battery life. They play nicely with other Apple devices, and the M-series chips continue to impress in performance and efficiency.
• Windows 11 laptops come in every flavour imaginable – from bargain-basement machines to cutting-edge gaming beasts. Perfect for office work, PC gaming, and custom setups.
• Chromebooks are best for lightweight computing and students. If you live in Google Docs and don’t need demanding apps, they’re a fuss-free option.

Of course, it’s also worth considering a tablet. Many of the best tablets, such as Apple’s iPads and Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, can become very laptop-like with the addition of the right keyboard. For more help making this decision you can read Stuff’s Laptop or tablet: which is best for you?

Premium laptops vs cheap laptops: what are you paying for?

When shopping for a laptop, it’s tempting to zero in on the price tag – but not all pounds and pennies are created equal. A £400 laptop might seem like a steal, but if it struggles to open more than a few browser tabs or has a battery that can’t survive a lecture, it might actually cost you more in frustration and time.

Here’s how to think about value, not just price:

• Budget laptops: Ideal for light tasks, web browsing and streaming. But corners are often cut – expect plastic builds, low-resolution displays, and slower storage. That said, a well-specced Chromebook or a discounted previous-gen Windows machine can be excellent value in this range.
• Mid-range laptops: This is where value sweet spots live. You’ll find snappier performance, better displays, more storage and longer-lasting batteries. Ideal for students, remote workers and casual creatives. Often, mid-range machines share internals with pricier models – just without the flashy design or high-end screens.
• Premium laptops: Here, you’re paying for top performance, ultra-slim designs, premium materials (hello aluminium unibody), cutting-edge processors, and features like OLED screens, fast charging, and dedicated GPUs. High upfront cost, yes, but also long-term reliability and resale value.

A good rule of thumb? Buy the best laptop you can comfortably afford, with an eye on longevity. An expensive laptop that serves you for five years is better value than a cheaper one that needs replacing after two.

The future of laptops: what’s coming next?

Modern laptops already feel like a big leap forward – but there’s much more change on the horizon. One of the most significant shifts is the rise of AI-enhanced features, powered by dedicated neural processing units (NPUs). These chips are designed to handle on-device intelligence, enabling everything from real-time transcription and background blur in video calls to smarter photo editing and even predictive typing. With Microsoft’s Copilot+ and Apple’s upcoming AI-powered macOS features, your laptop will soon feel more like an active assistant than a passive tool.

We’re also seeing a dramatic transition to Arm-based processors, led by Apple’s M-series and followed by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chips for Windows. These chips offer impressive power efficiency, silent operation and all-day battery life – a massive step up from the hot, power-hungry Intel machines of the past. Expect more laptops to embrace this architecture, particularly as software catches up.

Displays are getting a big glow-up, too. OLED and mini-LED tech, once reserved for top-tier models, are trickling down into mid-range machines. Expect richer colours, deeper blacks, and high refresh rates to become more common, even on non-gaming laptops.

Another welcome trend is repairability and sustainability. More brands are using recycled materials, offering longer support, and making it easier to replace batteries and parts – something both eco-conscious buyers and right-to-repair advocates are cheering for.