To get ready for 2025 you need to pack a lot of power into your next laptop: both performance and power efficiency. All the laptops being released for 2025 feature innovative technologies to bring Ai to the forefront in ways we’ve never seen before. Whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or creative enthusiast, you’ll likely find a laptop on this list that suits your needs. Buying a new laptop can be challenging due to all the options out there and you’ll have to decide between going with a Mac or PC.
The best laptop for 2025 for you will depend on its purpose and how you plan on using it (and how long). Some people need a fast computer for work, while others want a lightweight laptop to carry around. Some are looking for a gaming laptop, while others just want a great value product.
The Apple MacBook Pro with M5 chip is rumored to be launching next year and, if so, will be the dominant portable option throughout 2025. If we see the M5 chip hit Macbooks it will likely be in the second half of 2025 and that will offer the fastest speed, longest battery life, and highest performance out of any competitors in its class. This isn’t necessarily a guarantee though because Apple hasn’t announced anything yet – but keep an eye out for more info on that if you can wait several months into the year.
For those who prefer Windows, the Dell XPS 15 is a top pick. It has a sleek design and strong performance. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is also a good choice, known for its durable build and excellent keyboard.
Top Picks for 2025: The Best Laptops to Elevate Your Computing Experience
The year 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting one for laptop enthusiasts, with cutting-edge technology and innovative designs hitting the market. From sleek ultrabooks to powerful gaming rigs, there’s a perfect laptop for everyone. Here are the top 10 contenders:
1. Apple MacBook Pro (M5) – RUMORED
If we do see a MacBook Pro (M5), it will likely be the best performer of 2025. Featuring Apple’s next-generation chip, the M5 is expected to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency, and Apple Silicon has been unmatched by any competitor of late. Expect a stunning Retina display, a sleek design, and exceptional battery life.
The M5 MacBook Pro: A Performance Powerhouse
- Release Date: Likely in the second half of 2025, potentially October.
- Key Features:
- Next-generation M5 chip, built on a 3nm or even a more advanced 2nm process node
- Enhanced AI capabilities, leveraging the power of the Neural Engine
- Improved battery life, thanks to the increased efficiency of the M5 chip
- Potential design refresh, possibly featuring a thinner and lighter chassis
- New compact camera module, supplied by Sunny Optical
2. Dell XPS 15 (2025)
The Dell XPS 15 continues its legacy of excellence in 2025, combining a gorgeous InfinityEdge display, top-tier performance, and a premium build. This laptop caters to professionals and creatives seeking a blend of power and portability.
3. HP Envy 17 (2025)
The HP Envy 17 offers a larger canvas for productivity and entertainment, featuring a spacious 17-inch display and powerful hardware. Expect a premium design, impressive audio, and all-day battery life.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5 is expected to further refine the Surface experience with an even more polished design, a vibrant PixelSense display, and top-of-the-line performance. This laptop is perfect for those seeking a seamless Windows experience.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 will stay true to its roots, delivering a durable build, a comfortable keyboard, and robust security features. This business-class laptop is ideal for professionals on the go. The 13th gen is expected to be released sometime after the Intel Lunar Lake launch.
6. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)
Gamers rejoice! The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) is expected to push the boundaries of portable gaming with cutting-edge hardware, a high-refresh-rate display, and a compact form factor.
7. Acer Swift 5 (2025)
The Acer Swift 5 (2025) continues its lightweight legacy, boasting a featherlight design and a long-lasting battery. This ultraportable laptop is perfect for students and frequent travelers.
8. Razer Blade 14 (2025)
The Razer Blade 14 (2025) combines gaming prowess with a sleek and stylish design. Expect a powerful GPU, a high-resolution display, and a comfortable keyboard for immersive gaming experiences.
9. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (2025)
The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (2025) offers a versatile 2-in-1 experience with a 360-degree hinge, a Super AMOLED display, and S Pen support. This laptop caters to those who value flexibility and creativity.
10. LG Gram 17 (2025)
The LG Gram 17 (2025) impresses with its lightweight design and a massive 17-inch display. It’s a fantastic option for those who need a large screen for productivity or entertainment without sacrificing portability.
| Rank | Laptop | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple MacBook Pro (M5) | Next-gen M5 chip, stunning Retina display, exceptional battery life |
| 2 | Dell XPS 15 (2025) | InfinityEdge display, top-tier performance, premium build |
| 3 | HP Envy 17 (2025) | 17-inch display, powerful hardware, premium design |
| 4 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 | Polished design, PixelSense display, seamless Windows experience |
| 5 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 | Durable build, comfortable keyboard, robust security. Expect a Lunar Lake refresh. |
| 6 | Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) | Cutting-edge hardware, high-refresh-rate display, compact form factor |
| 7 | Acer Swift 5 (2025) | Featherlight design, long-lasting battery, ultraportable |
| 8 | Razer Blade 14 (2025) | Powerful GPU, high-resolution display, sleek design |
| 9 | Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (2025) | 2-in-1 flexibility, Super AMOLED display, S Pen support |
| 10 | LG Gram 17 (2025) | Lightweight design, massive 17-inch display |
Other Potential M-Powered MacBooks
- MacBook Air (M3): While not expected to receive an M5 upgrade in 2025, the current M3 model will likely remain a popular choice for its balance of performance and portability.
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (M5): A potential refresh with the M5 chip, offering improved performance and efficiency for those seeking a compact yet powerful laptop.
- High-end MacBook Pro Models (M5 Pro/Max): Anticipated upgrades to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, featuring the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, catering to professionals and creatives.
Additional Points to Consider
- Price: The M5 MacBook Pro is expected to maintain similar pricing to the current M3 models, with potential price increases for higher configurations.
- Face ID: While rumored for future MacBooks, it’s uncertain whether Face ID will debut in the 2025 lineup.
- Foldable MacBook: Reports suggest a foldable MacBook with an all-screen display is in development, but it’s unlikely to be released in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a laptop based on your main needs: work, travel, or gaming
- Look for a balance of speed, battery life, and screen quality
- Consider the operating system and brand reputation when making your choice
Evaluating Performance and Power
Laptop performance and power depend on several key components. These include the processor, graphics capabilities, and memory options. Each plays a vital role in how well a laptop handles tasks.
Processing Capabilities
Modern laptops use advanced CPUs from Intel and AMD. The Intel Core Ultra 7 and AMD Ryzen 7 are popular choices. These chips can handle complex tasks with ease.
Intel’s latest CPUs offer strong single-core speeds. This helps with everyday tasks like web browsing. AMD chips often excel at multi-core performance. This is great for heavy workloads.
Both brands provide good battery life. New power management features help laptops run longer between charges.
When picking a laptop, look at benchmark scores. These show how well CPUs perform in real-world tests.
Graphics and Gaming
Graphics cards are crucial for gaming and creative work. NVIDIA makes some of the best GPUs for laptops.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX series offers top-tier performance. These cards can run the latest games at high settings. They also speed up video editing and 3D rendering.
For casual gaming, integrated graphics have improved a lot. Intel’s Iris Xe and AMD’s Radeon graphics can handle light gaming.
Creative pros should look for laptops with dedicated GPUs. These help with tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.
Memory and Storage Options
RAM and storage affect how fast a laptop feels. Most new laptops come with at least 8GB of RAM. This is enough for basic tasks.
For heavy multitasking, 16GB or more is better. This lets you run many apps at once without slowdowns.
SSDs are now standard in most laptops. They’re much faster than old hard drives. A 256GB SSD is common in budget models. Higher-end laptops often have 512GB or 1TB SSDs.
Some laptops offer expandable storage. This lets you add more space later. Cloud storage is also an option for keeping files off your device.
Pick a laptop with enough RAM and storage for your needs. This will help it stay fast and useful for years.
Design, Display, and Portability
Laptop makers in 2025 focus on sleek designs, sharp displays, and easy portability. These key factors greatly impact the user experience and overall value.
Visual Experience
Displays in 2025 laptops offer stunning visuals. Many models feature OLED screens with deep blacks and vivid colors. High refresh rates of 120Hz or more are common, giving a smooth look when scrolling or watching videos.
4K resolution is standard on premium laptops. This provides very sharp text and images. HDR support brings out more detail in bright and dark areas of the screen.
Some laptops use mini-LED backlighting. This tech offers better contrast than regular LED screens. It’s not quite as good as OLED, but it’s cheaper.
Form Factor and Build
Laptops in 2025 are thinner and lighter than ever. Many weigh under 3 pounds, making them easy to carry all day. Ultraportable models like the MacBook Air are popular for their slim design.
Metal bodies are common, giving a premium feel and good durability. Some use carbon fiber or magnesium alloy to cut weight further.
Bezels around the screen are very thin. This allows for larger displays in the same size body. 14-inch screens in 13-inch laptop bodies are now typical.
Connectivity and Ports
USB-C ports are the main connection type in 2025 laptops. They can handle power, data, and video all through one port. Many laptops have at least two USB-C ports.
Some models still include USB-A ports for older devices. HDMI ports are less common but still found on some larger laptops.
Headphone jacks remain on most laptops. SD card slots are mainly on larger models aimed at photographers and video editors.
Wi-Fi 6E or 7 is standard. This gives fast, stable wireless connections. 5G cellular options are available on many business laptops for always-on internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right laptop in 2025 can be tricky. Here are some key points to help you pick the best one for your needs.
What are the top laptops recommended for students in 2025?
The best laptops for students in 2025 are lightweight and have long battery life. Many schools suggest Chromebooks for their low cost and easy-to-use features. Apple MacBooks are also popular for their speed and reliability.
Which laptop brands are considered the best for reliability and longevity?
Apple, Lenovo, and Dell are known for making laptops that last. These brands often get high marks for build quality and customer support. HP and ASUS also make sturdy laptops that can stand up to daily use.
What are the latest technological advancements in laptops as of 2025?
New laptops in 2025 have faster processors and better graphics. Many now come with AI chips that speed up tasks like photo editing. Foldable screens and improved battery tech are also becoming more common.
What features should one look for when choosing a laptop for professional use in 2025?
For work laptops, look for fast processors and plenty of RAM. A good webcam and microphone are important for video calls. Long battery life and a comfortable keyboard are also key for all-day use.
How do budget laptops in 2025 compare to premium options in terms of performance and value?
Budget laptops in 2025 offer more power than ever before. They can handle most tasks well, but may not be as fast for heavy work. Premium laptops still lead in speed and build quality, but the gap is smaller than in past years.
What are expert reviews saying about the best laptops to purchase in 2025?
Experts praise laptops with long battery life and fast performance. Many top picks have bright, clear screens and slim designs. Reviews often mention the importance of good keyboards and touchpads for daily use.
