The Best Laptops for 2025: Top Picks for Every Need and Budget
The Best Laptops for 2025
Looking for the best laptops in 2025? Whether you’re a gamer, student, or professional, our expert-tested guide covers top picks in every category — from powerful gaming laptops to lightweight budget options. We test over 100 models annually, evaluating performance, battery life, and value. Our current favorite? The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch. Dive in and find the perfect laptop for your needs today.
Finding the best laptop for 2025 depends on your daily needs—whether you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop, a lightweight business notebook, or an affordable student laptop. Our in-depth laptop buying guide covers everything, from high-performance machines to budget laptops and Chromebooks.
At Softuls, we’ve reviewed and tested thousands of laptops over the past. Our team of expert analysts brings years of combined experience in evaluating laptops for performance, battery life, build quality, and value. Each year, we test over 100 new models to identify the best laptop overall, as well as the top choices in subcategories like best gaming laptops, best laptops for students, best laptops for work, and the best MacBooks.
For 2025, our current top recommendation is the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch—a sleek, high-end ultraportable that delivers nearly 20 hours of battery life. But that’s just the beginning. Whether you prefer Windows laptops, MacBooks, or Chromebooks, we’ve got carefully vetted, lab-tested picks for every user.
Scroll down to explore the best laptops for 2025, compare specs, and get honest, expert buying advice to help you find the right fit.
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch (UM3406) Review — The Best Laptop for 2025
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch might just be the answer if you are looking for a laptop that balances performance, battery life, and price. Topping our list as the best laptop for most people, this ultraportable Windows machine delivers impressive performance, sleek design, and industry-leading battery life — all at a price well below $1,000.
Whether you’re a student, remote worker, frequent traveler, or just someone who needs a reliable and stylish daily driver, this Zenbook hits the sweet spot.
⭐ Quick Verdict
✅ Rating: 4.0 – Excellent
If you’re shopping for the best ultraportable laptop of 2025, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch offers premium performance and features without the premium price tag.
Why It’s the Best Laptops for 2025
Sleek, Durable Design
With a thin profile (just 0.59 inches) and a lightweight body (2.82 lbs), this ultraportable laptop is built for mobility. Its Jade Black aluminum chassis gives it a sophisticated look — though it’s a bit of a fingerprint magnet. It’s also MIL-STD 810H certified, so you know it’s tough enough to handle daily wear and tear.
OLED Display That Pops
Though the 14-inch screen is limited to 1920 x 1200 resolution, the OLED panel shines with vibrant colors and rich contrast. Covering 100% of sRGB and DCI-P3 gamuts, this laptop is ideal for creators, streamers, or anyone who appreciates high-quality visuals.
Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Performance
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS CPU and 16GB of RAM, this Zenbook excels in productivity and light creative work. It handled everything from web browsing and multitasking to Photoshop editing with ease. The integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics even make casual gaming and graphic work possible — a rare feat in this price range.
Insane Battery Life
The standout feature? Nearly 20 hours of battery life. That’s longer than most Windows laptops, and rivals even the MacBook Air. You can work all day (and binge-watch all night) without scrambling for a charger.
Exceptional Value
Priced under $1,000, the Zenbook 14 OLED Touch beats many more expensive competitors in both performance and battery life. It’s easily the best laptop value for 2025, offering premium features without breaking the bank.
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Peppy performance | ❌ 1200p display—not 4K |
| ✅ High value for price | ❌ No SD card slot |
| ✅ Long battery life (nearly 20 hours) | ❌ No WWAN/cellular support |
| ✅ Plenty of ports for a thin laptop | ❌ Face login only—no fingerprint reader |
A Few Trade-offs
- Display resolution is limited to 1200p (not 4K)
- No SD card slot or WWAN (cellular) support
- No fingerprint reader — only facial recognition login
These are minor issues for most users, but worth noting if you rely on those features.
Who Should Buy This Laptop?
- Students & home users: Lightweight, long battery, and plenty of power for daily tasks.
- Frequent travelers: Ultra-portable and durable enough for life on the go.
- Remote workers & video callers: AI features enhance video calls in real time.
- AI-curious users: Built-in neural processing (up to 16 TOPS) helps handle emerging AI tasks.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon 780M |
| Display | 14″ OLED (1920 x 1200) |
| Battery Life | Up to 19:56 hours |
| Weight | 2.82 lbs |
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Key Takeaways
- Best laptop for most users in 2025 – The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch balances performance, portability, and price.
- Excellent performance – Powered by AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking and light creative work.
- Stunning OLED display – Delivers deep contrast and vivid colors, covering 100% of sRGB and DCI-P3 color ranges.
- Top-tier battery life – Nearly 20 hours of usage on a single charge outperforms many Windows laptops and competes with MacBooks.
- Incredible value – A premium ultraportable experience under $1,000, making it the best value laptop of 2025.
- Perfect for travel – Lightweight, durable, and compact — ideal for students, remote workers, and frequent flyers.
- AI-ready laptop – Equipped with NPU (neural processing unit) to handle future AI-enhanced tasks with ease.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for the best laptop of 2025, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch (UM3406) deserves to be at the top of your list. It’s a smart choice for anyone who values performance, battery life, and premium features—without paying a premium price.
Dell Precision 5690 Review — The Best Workstation Laptop of 2025
Need raw power in a portable package? Meet the Dell Precision 5690, our top pick for the best workstation laptop of 2025. Built for professionals who demand serious performance, this 16-inch mobile workstation combines an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor with Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada graphics, delivering elite computing in a thin, elegant frame.
If you’re a designer, engineer, or content creator working with 3D rendering, simulations, or large datasets, this is the laptop built to keep up.
Quick Verdict
✅ Rating: 4.0 – Excellent
The Dell Precision 5690 reclaims the mobile workstation crown with chart-topping performance, a stunning 4K OLED display, and premium build — making it the best laptop for professionals in 2025.
Why It’s the Best Workstation Laptop in 2025
Premium Display
The 16-inch 4K OLED touch screen (3840 x 2400) is simply jaw-dropping. With vivid colors, sharp details, and pro-grade calibration tools, this screen is a dream for creative professionals. It hits 400 nits of brightness and offers industry-level accuracy for photo and video work.
Top-Tier Performance
Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and a dedicated Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada GPU, the Precision 5690 crushes benchmarks in design, 3D rendering, CAD, and more. Our test unit, with 32GB of RAM and dual SSDs, proved faster than most other Windows workstations.
Surprisingly Portable
Despite all that horsepower, the Precision 5690 is just 0.87 inches thick and weighs only 4.46 pounds — lighter than many rivals in the same class. It’s a truly mobile workstation that fits into modern workflows.
Respectable Battery Life
With nearly 17 hours of battery life, this workstation outlasts many others. While you won’t want to render massive scenes off the grid, the extra stamina helps in meetings, travel, and client demos.
Built to Last
An aluminum and reinforced polycarbonate chassis gives this laptop the durability required for professional use. It also passes most MIL-STD 810H durability standards — tough enough for travel and fieldwork.
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Stunning 4K OLED touch screen | ❌ No USB-A ports |
| ✅ Blazing performance for its size | ❌ No webcam shutter |
| ✅ Elegant build with snappy keyboard | ❌ Not as expandable as bulkier rivals |
| ✅ MIL-STD 810H durability | ❌ Very expensive (up to $6,500+) |
| ✅ Surprisingly portable for a workstation |
A Few Drawbacks
- No USB-A ports — USB-C only setup may require adapters
- No webcam shutter for privacy
- Very expensive, with maxed-out configurations exceeding $6,000
- Limited expandability compared to bulkier workstations
Who Should Buy This Laptop?
- Creative professionals who need top-tier performance for Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, CAD, or rendering apps
- Engineers and developers requiring workstation-class hardware with mobility
- Business users who want a premium device for client presentations, on-site work, or hybrid setups
- On-the-go professionals needing performance without bulk
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Workstation |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H |
| RAM | 32GB (up to 64GB configurable) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD + 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada (16GB) |
| Display | 16″ 4K OLED (3840 x 2400) |
| Battery Life | Up to 17:11 hours |
| Weight | 4.46 lbs |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth |
| Build | MIL-STD 810H certified, aluminum/polycarbonate |
| Ports | USB-C only (no USB-A or SD card) |
Key Takeaways
- Extreme performance for 3D rendering, simulations, and high-end workloads
- Stunning 4K OLED screen with excellent brightness and color accuracy
- Lightweight and portable for a workstation of this class
- Above-average battery life for a mobile workstation
- Expensive, but worth it for professionals who rely on high-end hardware
- Port selection could be better, no legacy USB or webcam privacy shutter
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a workstation laptop in 2025, the Dell Precision 5690 should be at the top of your list. It delivers a rare combination of raw power, sleek design, and mobility — traits not often found together in a single device.
This machine is designed for serious professionals who demand the best from their hardware, whether you’re creating, engineering, or presenting your work on the go. It’s not cheap, but for those who need uncompromising performance and durability, the investment will more than pay off.
Bottom line: The Dell Precision 5690 isn’t just the best workstation laptop — it’s a mobile powerhouse built for the future.
Apple MacBook Air 13
The Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2025, M4) continues its legacy as the go-to laptop for most Mac users. With a familiar design and subtle but meaningful upgrades — including Apple’s new M4 chip and improved Center Stage camera — this year’s model is focused more on refinement than reinvention. A drop in price and a bump in base RAM make it even more attractive, especially for students, casual creatives, and fans of the Apple ecosystem.
Specs Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Ultraportable |
| Processor | Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| RAM | 16 GB (base model) |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD (as tested) |
| Display | 13.6” Liquid Retina (LED) |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 in |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs |
| Operating System | macOS Sequoia |
| Battery Life | 19 hours, 56 minutes |
Design & Build
Apple hasn’t changed much in terms of exterior. The 2025 MacBook Air retains its ultra-thin, minimalist aluminum unibody design — just 0.44 inches thick and weighing only 2.7 pounds. While it’s still among the most refined ultraportables on the market, those expecting a visual overhaul may be disappointed. Port selection also remains limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack.
In short: sleek, reliable, premium — but very familiar.
Display Quality
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina LED display holds up well with a sharp 2560 x 1664 resolution, excellent color accuracy (100% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3), and Apple’s True Tone tech that adjusts white balance dynamically. However, with OLED becoming more common in Windows competitors, the Air’s LCD panel is beginning to feel a step behind. Still, it remains a vibrant and accurate display for everyday use.
Performance
Thanks to the new Apple M4 chip, performance gets a nice lift. Whether you’re using productivity apps, multitasking with dozens of browser tabs, or doing light photo/video editing in Photoshop or Final Cut, the MacBook Air handles it gracefully — all without a fan. It also introduces improved AI capabilities and Apple’s second-gen ray-tracing engine, giving a modest boost to Mac gaming and creative workloads.
That said, for heavy-duty content creation, the MacBook Pro remains the better pick.
Battery Life
Apple’s MacBooks have long been battery champs, and the 2025 Air continues that trend — albeit with a slight dip. It clocks nearly 20 hours of runtime in video playback tests, which is excellent, though not record-setting compared to some Windows rivals that push even further. Still, it’s more than enough to get you through a full day and beyond.
Value & Pricing
Perhaps the biggest win this year is value. Apple has dropped the starting price to $999, making this the most affordable MacBook Air in years — and it now ships with 16GB RAM by default, giving users more power out of the box. Upgrading storage or GPU options is also more reasonably priced than in previous generations.
In short, you get more Mac for your money than ever before.
Who Should Buy It?
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Seamless macOS + iOS/iPadOS integration, now enhanced with iPhone Mirroring in macOS Sequoia.
- College Students: Light, long-lasting, and built to survive a 4-year degree with ease.
- Everyday Creatives: Light media editing, productivity tasks, and light gaming all run smoothly.
- General Users: Anyone wanting a premium, quiet, and efficient daily-use laptop.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price ($999) | No OLED screen |
| Excellent M4 performance | Limited to 2 Thunderbolt ports |
| 16GB RAM standard | Slight battery drop vs 2024 model |
| Improved 12MP Center Stage webcam | Minimal physical design changes |
| Silent, fanless design | No touchscreen |
| Great for light gaming & creative tasks | Some Windows laptops outpace it in speed/value |
Key Takeaways
- M4 chip brings solid performance and AI boosts to an already reliable Mac.
- Value has improved, thanks to a lower price and more RAM in base model.
- Display is still good, but lacks modern OLED depth and contrast.
- macOS Sequoia introduces deeper Apple ecosystem integration.
- The MacBook Air remains the standard in thin-and-light ultraportables.
Conclusion
The 2025 MacBook Air 13-Inch doesn’t push boundaries — and it doesn’t have to. Apple plays it smart by enhancing the internals, improving value, and tightening ecosystem integration, all while keeping what worked: premium build, battery, and a user-friendly experience.
For most users — especially students, writers, developers, or anyone living in Apple’s ecosystem — this is the best MacBook to buy in 2025.
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
✅ Rating: 3.5 – Good
The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) stands out as the best budget laptop of 2025, offering a reliable and balanced experience for users who need a dependable machine without spending a fortune. While many entry-level laptops suffer from major compromises, this Aspire model minimizes the trade-offs, delivering smooth everyday performance, excellent battery life, and modern connectivity—all at an incredibly competitive price. Whether you’re a student, a first-time buyer, or just need a simple laptop for basic tasks, the Acer Aspire 3 is a strong contender that won’t disappoint.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth everyday operation | Limited performance headroom |
| Extensive battery life | Dated, somewhat flimsy design |
| Current Wi-Fi connectivity | Lackluster display |
| Competitive starting price | Top configuration is outclassed |
Quick Overview
The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) stands out in the budget category by offering solid performance for basic tasks, exceptional battery life, and modern wireless connectivity. While it’s not a looker and won’t impress power users, it delivers reliable functionality at a very affordable price—making it an excellent choice for students, first-time laptop owners, or buyers on a tight budget.
Why We Picked It
Design:
Simple and functional, with a full keyboard and number pad—features not always found in 15-inch laptops. The build is plastic, but it’s stable enough for daily use.
Display:
15.6-inch Full HD screen with an anti-glare coating. It’s not color-accurate or bright enough for creative work, but gets the job done for casual viewing and office tasks.
Performance:
Powered by AMD Ryzen 3 7320U and 8GB RAM, it handles light tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming without issues. Not suited for gaming or content creation.
Battery Life:
The Aspire 3 shines here—lasting 16 hours and 46 minutes in tests. That’s a big deal in this price segment, especially for school or all-day use.
Value:
At a list price under $400 (and often seen closer to $300), it delivers excellent bang for the buck. Few laptops in this range offer this level of reliability and longevity.
Who It’s For
- Budget Buyers: Perfect for anyone who wants a working Windows laptop under $400.
- Students/Kids: Its long battery life, full-size screen, and low risk make it ideal for kids or school use.
Specs at a Glance
- Class: Budget
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (2.4GHz)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS, 60Hz
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2
- Weight: 3.77 lbs
- Battery Life: 16h 46m
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Key Takeaways
- Long battery life is best-in-class for a sub-$400 laptop.
- Reliable for day-to-day tasks like browsing, emailing, and schoolwork.
- Outdated screen and design, but that’s expected at this price.
- Ideal as a first laptop or secondary home computer.
Conclusion
The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) doesn’t try to do everything—and that’s okay. It gets the basics right: it’s affordable, it runs smoothly, and it lasts all day on a single charge. For users who don’t need power or polish, this is a rock-solid value pick for 2025.
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition – Full Review
✅ Rating: 4.0 – Excellent
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition is a sleek and premium ultraportable laptop that blends the trusted ThinkPad reliability with cutting-edge design and display technology. Aimed at professionals, frequent travelers, and discerning users, it delivers a stunning OLED touch screen, solid build quality, and nearly all-day battery life in a form factor that rivals the MacBook Air.
While it doesn’t outperform competitors in raw processing power, it more than makes up for it with efficiency, build quality, and user-centric features. Its shortcomings—like the lack of legacy ports and mobile broadband—are forgivable, given its thin profile and thoughtful design.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek, slim, and lightweight design | No USB-A or SD/microSD slots |
| Gorgeous 2.8K OLED touch screen | Not Lenovo’s best keyboard |
| Long battery life with fast charging | No mobile broadband option |
| Above-average audio | Premium price tag |
Why We Picked It
🔹 Design:
With a thickness of just 0.51 inches and a weight of 2.74 lbs, the ThinkPad X9 is among the slimmest and lightest business-class laptops on the market. Its partially recycled aluminum body exudes class, and the clever underside wedge allows room for fan cooling without sacrificing its razor-thin build.
🔹 Display:
The 14-inch OLED touch panel is the highlight, with a 2880 x 1800 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 505 nits brightness. It delivers near-perfect color coverage and high responsiveness—perfect for professionals who appreciate display quality.
🔹 Performance:
Powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 5 226V (Lunar Lake), the X9 prioritizes efficiency. While it isn’t built for intensive workloads or gaming, it handles daily multitasking with ease and stays cool under load.
🔹 Battery Life:
The ThinkPad X9 lasts up to 19 hours and 31 minutes on a single charge. Fast charging allows it to hit 80% in 60 minutes, making it ideal for frequent flyers or hybrid workers on the go.
🔹 Value for Money:
Starting at $1,239, it’s a bit pricier than some OLED-equipped Windows competitors, but the package—premium display, build, and battery life—justifies the cost for many professionals.
Who It’s For
- Frequent Travelers: Ultra-thin and lightweight with great battery life and fast charging—this is a perfect travel companion.
- Display Enthusiasts: If you’re used to high-end mobile screens, this laptop’s OLED display will meet your expectations.
- Business Users: With Windows 11 Pro, ThinkPad durability, and solid connectivity (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth), it’s ideal for professional use.
Key Takeaways
- Ultra-Light and Slim: Weighs just 2.74 lbs and measures 0.51 inches thick, making it one of the thinnest ThinkPads ever made.
- Premium Display: Features a 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 505 nits brightness—ideal for professionals who value visual quality.
- Strong Battery Life: Delivers up to 19 hours and 31 minutes, plus fast charging (80% in 60 minutes).
- Solid Audio: Offers above-average speakers, enhancing calls, media, and presentations.
- Port Limitations: Lacks USB-A and SD/microSD slots, which could be frustrating for legacy users.
- Mid-Tier Performance: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V chip focuses on efficiency, not heavy performance.
- Premium Pricing: Starting at $1,239, it’s not the cheapest, but you pay for premium design and features.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition blends ThinkPad reliability with an ultra-modern, premium aesthetic—delivering an excellent ultraportable for professionals on the move. Its stunning OLED display, long battery life, and lightweight design make it a compelling MacBook Air competitor, especially for Windows loyalists.
Summary: The Best Laptops for 2025
Finding the best laptops for 2025 means balancing performance, design, battery life, and value across a wide range of needs. After testing and analyzing top contenders from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, we’ve narrowed down this year’s best options for every kind of user.
- Best Overall: The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch delivers exceptional battery life (nearly 20 hours), great value, and premium performance—ideal for most users looking for a reliable ultraportable.
- Best MacBook: The Apple MacBook Air 13″ (2025, M4) keeps its crown as the best MacBook for everyday users, now more affordable and powerful with the M4 chip and better memory options.
- Best for Professionals: The Dell Precision 5690 is a powerhouse mobile workstation with a stunning 4K OLED screen, perfect for content creators and engineers who need top-tier performance.
- Best Budget Laptop: The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) proves that budget laptops can still be dependable, offering long battery life and solid everyday performance for under $400.
- Best Travel Laptop: The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition impresses with its OLED display, ultra-thin chassis, and nearly 20-hour battery life—ideal for frequent flyers and style-conscious professionals.
Whether you’re shopping for a premium ultraportable, a Mac, a creator machine, or a reliable low-cost notebook, our expert picks highlight the best laptops for 2025 in every category.
- The Best Laptops for 2025
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