The Best Laptops of 2025: Expert Reviews & Buying Guide

Choosing the right laptop can feel overwhelming with so many options flooding the market. From budget-friendly Chromebooks to powerhouse gaming rigs, the choices seem endless. But fear not—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert team at PCWorld has rigorously tested over 70 laptops this year to bring you the definitive list of the best laptops across every category. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or a hardcore gamer, we’ve got you covered.

Why Trust PCWorld?

PCWorld has been a trusted name in PC technology since 1983. With decades of experience and a commitment to unbiased, thorough reviews, we pride ourselves on helping you make informed decisions. Our team doesn’t just run benchmarks—we test laptops in real-world scenarios to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance, usability, and value.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Aura Edition) – Best Laptop Overall

Price When Reviewed: $2,149

Pros:

Exceptional battery life (nearly 24 hours in our tests)
Stunning OLED display with HDR and 120Hz refresh rate
Excellent webcam and microphone quality

Cons:

Lunar Lake’s multithreaded performance may not suit all workloads
Glossy screen can be challenging in bright environments

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Screen: 14-inch, 2880×1800 OLED
Battery Life: Nearly 24 hours
Weight: 2.91 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is perfect for anyone seeking a premium, versatile laptop. Its sleek design, incredible battery life, and vibrant OLED display make it ideal for professionals, students, and creatives alike. The 2-in-1 form factor adds extra flexibility, allowing you to use it as a tablet or prop it up like a tent.

Further Considerations:
While the Yoga 9i excels in most areas, its glossy screen may be a drawback in brightly lit environments. Additionally, the Lunar Lake CPU’s multithreaded performance might not be ideal for certain demanding workloads.

Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best Budget Laptop

Price When Reviewed: $693

Pros:

Outstanding value for money
Sharp 1080p display
Generous RAM and storage for the price
Decent webcam and microphone

Cons:

Slow Intel N-series CPU
No fingerprint reader or facial recognition
Middling battery life
No keyboard backlight

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core i3-N355
RAM: 16GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920×1080 IPS
Battery Life: 6.5 hours
Weight: 3.74 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity. Its large screen, ample RAM, and spacious SSD make it a great value at under $500.

Further Considerations:
While the Aspire Go 15 offers excellent value, its Intel N-series CPU limits its performance for more demanding tasks like gaming or 3D design. Battery life is also just average, so it’s best suited for users who primarily work near a power outlet.

Alienware 16X Aurora – Best Gaming Laptop

Price When Reviewed: $2,099

Pros:

High-end CPU performance
Bright and beautiful display
Exceptional gaming experience
Competitive pricing

Cons:

Faster GPUs are available for better gaming performance
Some heat is expelled from the sides

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
RAM: 32GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Screen: 16-inch, 2560×1600 IPS
Battery Life: Just under 7 hours
Weight: 5.86 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The Alienware 16X Aurora is perfect for gamers who want top-tier performance without breaking the bank. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and RTX 5070 GPU deliver smooth gameplay at high settings, while the 16-inch 2560×1600 display with a 240Hz refresh rate ensures every frame looks stunning.

Further Considerations:
While the Alienware 16X Aurora offers excellent gaming performance, you can achieve even better results with a faster GPU. Additionally, some heat is expelled from the sides, which may be noticeable during extended gaming sessions.

Acer Nitro V 16 AI – Best Budget Gaming Laptop

Price When Reviewed: $1,249

Pros:

Large touchpad compared to alternatives
16-inch 1200p display at a low price
Extensive physical connectivity options
Impressive battery life for a budget gaming laptop

Cons:

Sub-par CPU performance
Poor audio quality from built-in speakers
Limited to Wi-Fi 6 standards
Slightly more expensive laptops offer better value

Specs:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 240
GPU: Nvidia RTX 5050
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5-5600
Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
Screen: 16-inch, 1920×1200, 180Hz IPS-LCD
Battery Life: 8 to 12 hours
Weight: 5.38 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The Acer Nitro V 16 AI is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers who want solid 1080p gaming performance. Its RTX 5050 GPU outperforms older entry-level graphics cards, delivering smooth gameplay in modern titles. The 16-inch 1920×1200 display offers more vertical space than standard 1080p panels, and the 180Hz refresh rate ensures snappy performance during fast-paced games.

Further Considerations:
While the Nitro V 16 AI offers great value, its CPU performance is not as strong as higher-end models. The built-in speakers also deliver poor audio quality, so you may want to invest in external speakers or headphones. Additionally, the laptop is limited to Wi-Fi 6 standards, which may be a drawback for users with Wi-Fi 7 networks.

Acer Swift 16 AI – Best College Laptop

Price When Reviewed: $1,599

Pros:

Sleek, sturdy design
Sharp OLED display
Pleasantly tactile keyboard
Good battery life

Cons:

AI features still lacking
Some keyboard keys are too cramped
Too many pre-loaded apps

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Screen: 16-inch, 2880×1800 OLED
Battery Life: 17.5 hours
Weight: 3.37 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The Acer Swift 16 AI is perfect for college students who need a lightweight, stylish laptop that can handle schoolwork and big files without complaint. Its 16-inch OLED display is sharp and vibrant, while the 70Wh battery ensures you can get through a full day of classes without needing to recharge.

Further Considerations:
While the Swift 16 AI offers excellent performance and battery life, its AI features are still underdeveloped. Some keyboard keys may feel cramped for users with larger hands, and the pre-loaded apps can be annoying. However, these minor drawbacks don’t detract from its overall appeal as a college laptop.

Microsoft Surface Pro – Best Lightweight Laptop

Price When Reviewed: $979

Pros:

Compact and well-built
Great office performance
All Copilot+ features available
Good battery life

Cons:

Narrow screen for extended work
No HDR support
No charger included

Specs:

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 512GB SSD
Screen: 12-inch, 2196×1464 IPS
Battery Life: Up to 2 hours at full brightness, up to 19 hours with light use
Weight: 1.51 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The Microsoft Surface Pro is ideal for users who are always on the go and need a lightweight, versatile device. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks, while its compact design makes it easy to carry around. The Surface Pro is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who values portability above raw power.

Further Considerations:
While the Surface Pro is incredibly portable, its smaller screen may not be ideal for users who need to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Additionally, the lack of HDR support and the absence of a charger in the box may be drawbacks for some users. However, its overall performance and portability make it a standout choice for those who prioritize mobility.

HP OmniBook 5 14 – Best for Battery Life

Price When Reviewed: $899

Pros:

Enjoyable keyboard
Attractive 1200p OLED display
Incredible battery life
Ships with small GaN charger

Cons:

Build quality doesn’t stand out
Limited connectivity options
So-so performance

Specs:

CPU: Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100
RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X-8448
Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
Screen: 14-inch, 1920×1200 60Hz OLED
Battery Life: 25 hours
Weight: 2.98 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The HP OmniBook 5 14 is perfect for users who need a laptop with exceptional battery life. Its Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage make it capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. The 14-inch 1920×1200 OLED touchscreen delivers rich colors and deep contrast, making it a joy to use.

Further Considerations:
While the OmniBook 5 14 excels in battery life and display quality, its performance is not as strong as higher-end models. The build quality is also not as premium as some competitors, and the limited connectivity options may be a drawback for some users. However, its incredible battery life and attractive OLED screen make it a standout choice for users who prioritize longevity.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Best Chromebook

Price When Reviewed: $549

Pros:

Zippy processor performance
Memorable keyboard
Wide array of connectivity options
Chic design

Cons:

Battery life isn’t competitive
The display’s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core i5-1335U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB (universal flash storage)
Screen: 14-inch, 1920×1080 touchscreen
Battery Life: 13 hours
Weight: 3.17 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is perfect for users who need a reliable, affordable laptop for everyday tasks. Its Intel i5 processor and 8GB of RAM ensure smooth performance, while the 14-inch 1080p display and 1080p webcam make it ideal for video calls and streaming.

Further Considerations:
While the Chromebook Plus CX34 offers excellent performance and a stylish design, its battery life is not as competitive as some other models. Additionally, the 16:9 aspect ratio may feel cramped for users who need more vertical space. However, its overall value and performance make it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.

MacBook Air (M4) – Best MacBook

Price When Reviewed: $1,399

Pros:

Can drive two external displays at 6K/60Hz
M4 provides a performance boost
New 12MP Center Stage camera

Cons:

No more Space Gray option

Specs:

CPU: 10-core M4
RAM: 16GB unified memory (120GBps memory bandwidth)
Storage: 512TB SSD
Screen: 15.3-inch, 2880×1864 Liquid Retina LED backlit
Battery Life: 18 hours
Weight: 3.3 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The MacBook Air (M4) is perfect for users who want a lightweight, powerful laptop with excellent battery life. Its 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine deliver impressive performance for everyday tasks and more demanding workloads. The ability to drive two external 6K displays with the lid open is a game-changer for users who love a multi-monitor setup.

Further Considerations:
While the MacBook Air (M4) offers excellent performance and battery life, its battery life is about an hour shorter than the M3 model in video loop tests. However, with nearly 18 hours of battery life, it’s still more than enough to power you through a full day (and night).

Framework Laptop 13 – Best Laptop for Upgrading

Price When Reviewed: $2,022

Pros:

Repairable and upgradeable
Great keyboard
Display is easy on the eyes

Cons:

High up-front cost
Battery life lags way behind
Not quite seamless design

Specs:

CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Screen: 13.5-inch, 2880×1920 IPS
Battery Life: Just over 11 hours
Weight: 2.99 lbs

Who Should Buy This?
The Framework Laptop 13 is perfect for users who want a laptop that’s easy to upgrade and repair. Its AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor delivers solid performance, while its modular design allows you to swap out components like RAM, storage, and even the motherboard. The Framework Laptop 13 is ideal for tech-savvy users who want a laptop that can grow with their needs.

Further Considerations:
While the Framework Laptop 13 offers excellent upgradeability and repairability, its high upfront cost may be a barrier for some users. Additionally, its battery life is not as strong as some competitors, and the design is not as seamless as some other models. However, its overall flexibility and sustainability make it a standout choice for users who prioritize longevity and customization.

Other Notable Laptops We’ve Tested

While the laptops above are our top picks, there are several other models worth considering:

Dell 14 Premium: An elegant machine with a vibrant 3200×2000 OLED display, strong CPU performance, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
HP EliteBook 8 G1a: A 16-inch professional workhorse with nearly 16 hours of battery life and an AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 350 processor.
HP OmniBook 7 Aero: An ultra-light 13.3-inch laptop with a premium white finish.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX14: A budget-friendly Chromebook available for $299.99 at Walmart.

How We Test Laptops

At PCWorld, we put each laptop through a series of rigorous benchmarks to test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and more. We also test laptops in real-world scenarios to ensure they meet the highest standards of usability and value. For a deeper look at our review methodology, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.

Who Curated This Article?

Hi, I’m Ashley Biancuzzo, and I oversee all laptop and Chromebook coverage at PCWorld. With years of experience in consumer tech, I’m passionate about helping you find the perfect laptop for your needs. When I’m not reviewing laptops, you’ll probably find me gaming, reading, or spending time with my rescue greyhound.

How to Choose the Best Laptop

What’s the Best Laptop Style?

Regular laptops are fine for everyday tasks.
2-in-1 laptops are great for versatility, allowing you to use them as tablets or prop them up like tents.
Chromebooks are affordable and perfect for web browsing and light productivity.

How Much Power Do You Need?

For basic web browsing and email, an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 is sufficient.
For video editing or creative work, an i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9 is better.
For heavy 4K editing or multitasking, a Ryzen 9 is your best bet.

Discrete Graphics vs. Integrated Graphics?

Gamers and video editors need a dedicated graphics card (Nvidia, AMD, etc.).
For YouTube, emails, and Netflix, integrated graphics are sufficient.

How Much RAM?

8GB of RAM is plenty for most tasks.
16GB is better for gaming and multitasking.
32GB is ideal for content creators and power users.

What’s the Right Display Size?

For video editing, go bigger—15 or 17 inches helps a lot.
For everyday use, 13 or 14 inches is usually sufficient.

Battery-Life Expectations

If you’re carrying your laptop around, aim for 10 to 12 hours of battery life.
Some Snapdragon laptops can last up to 25 hours thanks to their efficient chips.
Bigger batteries usually mean heavier laptops.

Laptop Pricing Guide

A decent laptop usually runs $500 to $750.
Chromebooks or basic work laptops under $500 are great for tight budgets.
Push closer to $1,000 for nicer screens and more speed.

Don’t Forget the Ports

Look for laptops with both USB-C and USB-A ports.
An HDMI port is especially useful for connecting to external monitors.

FAQ

What is the best laptop?
- PCWorld calls the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition the best overall laptop. It handles regular tasks easily, has a battery life of up to 23 hours, and features a stunning 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED display with HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate.
What is the best cheap laptop?
- The Acer Aspire Go 15 is PCWorld’s favorite budget pick. It’s got an Intel Core i3-N355, a 1080p screen, and a varied port selection.
What is the best gaming laptop?
- The Alienware 16X Aurora is a powerful gaming laptop that handles modern games with ease and makes them look amazing. It’s got an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and RTX 5070 graphics.
When is the best time to buy a laptop?
- The best time to buy a laptop is usually during big sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Back-to-school season’s also good.
What is a 2-in-1 laptop?
- A 2-in-1 is a flexible laptop that can flip and fold, more or less—basically, the acrobat of the laptop world. Want to kick back and watch Netflix? Prop it up like a tent. Need to take notes at your next meeting? Fold the keyboard back and jot things down on the touchscreen.
What is a Copilot+ laptop?
- A Copilot+ laptop is a PC with AI built right in. It helps you draft emails, generate images, and more. Since the AI runs locally, AI performance should be snappier. But at the end of the day, it’s still just a normal laptop (more or less), with a little helper that makes life easier to manage.

Best laptops 2026: Premium, budget, gaming, 2-in-1, and more

The Best Laptops of 2025: Expert Reviews & Buying Guide

Why Trust PCWorld?

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Aura Edition) – Best Laptop Overall

Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best Budget Laptop

Alienware 16X Aurora – Best Gaming Laptop

Acer Nitro V 16 AI – Best Budget Gaming Laptop

Acer Swift 16 AI – Best College Laptop

Microsoft Surface Pro – Best Lightweight Laptop

HP OmniBook 5 14 – Best for Battery Life

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Best Chromebook

MacBook Air (M4) – Best MacBook

Framework Laptop 13 – Best Laptop for Upgrading

Other Notable Laptops We’ve Tested

How We Test Laptops

Who Curated This Article?

How to Choose the Best Laptop

What’s the Best Laptop Style?

How Much Power Do You Need?

Discrete Graphics vs. Integrated Graphics?

How Much RAM?

What’s the Right Display Size?

Battery-Life Expectations

Laptop Pricing Guide

Don’t Forget the Ports

FAQ

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