The laptop market in 2025 is more diverse than ever. Whether you’re after raw performance, portability, creative power, or just something that won’t break the bank, there’s a laptop to suit your needs. We’ve rounded up the top models across all categories to help you find the right fit.
1. Best Overall: Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (2024)
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus hits the sweet spot between power and portability. It offers:
- A sharp 2560×1600 anti-glare display
- Up to 17 hours of battery life
- Solid performance for most workloads
At around $1,000, it’s a well-rounded choice for students, professionals, and everyday users alike.
2. Best OLED Laptop: Asus Zenbook 14 OLED
For those who care about screen quality, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED delivers:
- A vivid 1920×1200 OLED panel
- Great battery life
- Sleek, lightweight design
Priced at $850, it’s a strong pick for media lovers and productivity users, though port selection is a bit limited.
3. Best Budget Laptop: Acer Aspire Go 15
Need something affordable without sacrificing essentials? The Acer Aspire Go 15 offers:
- Solid battery life
- Functional design
- Price tag under $500
It’s a practical choice for students or anyone needing a secondary laptop for basic tasks.
4. Best Battery Life: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
If you’re often on the move, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 won’t let you down:
- Nearly 24 hours of battery life
- Durable, lightweight chassis
- Business-grade performance
Perfect for professionals who travel or work long hours unplugged.
5. Best Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a standout in its class:
- Intel Core i5 performance
- Sleek and sturdy build
- ChromeOS simplicity with added power
It’s a great choice for education, web-based work, or light productivity.
6. Best MacBook: MacBook Air (M3)
Apple’s MacBook Air with the M3 chip blends power and efficiency:
- Quiet, fanless design
- Excellent battery life
- Premium macOS experience at a lower price than the Pro line
It’s ideal for creatives, students, and anyone in the Apple ecosystem.
7. Best Gaming Laptop: Lenovo Legion 5i
For gamers who need performance without going overboard on price, the Legion 5i offers:
- NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU
- 16-inch high-refresh display
- Strong thermal performance
At $1,399, it’s a solid mid-range gaming machine.
8. Best Budget Gaming Laptop: Acer Nitro V 16
Gaming on a budget? The Acer Nitro V 16 delivers:
- RTX 4060 graphics
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Competitive pricing
It’s a great entry point for casual or competitive gamers who want strong specs without the premium cost.
9. Best for Content Creation: Asus ProArt P16
Creatives will appreciate the ProArt P16 for its high-end features:
- 4K OLED display
- Intel Core i9 CPU and RTX 4070 GPU
- Designed for video editing, 3D rendering, and design work
A powerhouse built for professionals who need top-tier visuals and speed.
10. Best Ultraportable: Asus Zenbook S 14
If portability is your priority, the Zenbook S 14 is a standout:
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Long battery life
- OLED display and strong speakers
Ideal for remote workers, commuters, or digital nomads who need performance in a compact form.
11. Best 2-in-1 Laptop: MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo
For flexibility and function, the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo delivers:
- Convertible design with touchscreen
- Long-lasting battery
- Sharp display and capable hardware
Great for users switching between tablet and laptop modes during the day.
12. Best for Upgrading: Framework Laptop 13 (2025)
The Framework Laptop 13 is built with repairability and upgrades in mind:
- Modular components
- Easy to replace or upgrade parts
- Sustainable and long-lasting design
Perfect for tech-savvy users who want full control over their hardware.
No matter your needs—gaming, productivity, creativity, or portability—2025 offers a laptop that fits. Each of these models brings something unique to the table, helping you choose based on what matters most to you.
For more in-depth reviews and buying options, visit PCWorld’s full guide.
