Editor’s note: Black Friday has begun, and we’re covering the biggest and best deals you can get. Buying a laptop can feel overwhelming. With so many models, sizes, and configurations available, it’s one of the major tech investments you’ll make. At The Verge, we rigorously review a range of laptops and consistently work to determine which options are best for different needs.
Our top choice for most users remains the MacBook Air, particularly the M4 model, as of March 2025. Unless you specifically need Windows for certain software or are an intense gamer, the MacBook Air is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a lightweight device with great battery life and solid performance for productivity tasks.
However, the MacBook Air may not suit everyone. If you require more power for video or photo editing, heavy data analysis, or prefer a Windows system, we’ve got alternatives. We’ve included options like a Chromebook or two, a laptop with dual screens, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop with a Snapdragon X Elite chip.
What We Look For
How We Test Laptops
Our laptop testing focuses mainly on real-world use. While we do use synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench and Cinebench for CPU and GPU comparisons, the true value comes from actually using the laptops in our daily routines. This includes tasks from browsing on Chrome to editing photos and videos, as well as playing graphically demanding games, both on battery and while plugged in.
Value
While many laptop manufacturers offer high-end models that cost a fortune, we find that the best laptops are often worth the investment even at their base configurations. Sometimes, it makes sense to upgrade for additional RAM, more storage, or a better graphics card, but at a certain point, the value decreases significantly. Our aim is to locate those sweet spots.
If you’re spending $1,000 or more, you should get a laptop that delivers performance to meet your needs and has quality components like a good trackpad, keyboard, display, and speakers. Since you’ll likely be using this device for hours each day, any shortcomings in these core features should ideally be balanced out by the price or quality in other areas.
Performance
Performance needs can be subjective, but the more powerful your laptop is, the longer it will last as requirements evolve. At the very least, a laptop should run smoothly for the tasks you need it for, without any daily struggles. Productivity laptops should be able to multitask comfortably, while content creation machines need to handle demanding software without a hitch. Additionally, gaming laptops should run the latest games with pleasing visuals and decent frame rates (ideally aiming for 60 fps or better).
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard and trackpad are primary interfaces for any laptop and should be high quality. A good keyboard features an efficient layout, sufficient key travel, and ideally backlighting for use in low-light situations. A quality trackpad should register precise clicks and gestures, making multitasking easier.
Screen
In an ideal scenario, every laptop would feature a large, bright OLED display with a pixel resolution of 2560 x 1600 or higher and a refresh rate of 120Hz or more. While premium panels often come at a higher cost—and can impact battery life—any good laptop should have a sharp display with accurate colors, sufficient brightness for outdoor use (typically 400 nits or more), and should avoid issues like ghosting or poor viewing angles. In addition to OLED, Mini LEDs represent a strong alternative to traditional IPS displays, offering improvements over the cheaper, dimmer TN panels.
Touchscreens are often seen as a bonus unless crucial for the laptop’s design, such as in convertible models. While they work well with a stylus for added flexibility, MacOS laptops do not typically feature touchscreens, though they are common in Windows devices, Chromebooks, and some Linux laptops.
Design
Laptops need to be durable enough to handle life on the go. We expect solid builds that don’t feel creaky or cheap and have sturdy hinges that open smoothly. A slightly flawed design may be excusable if balanced with a lower price or unexpected performance, but these devices should feel like they are worth what you pay.
Battery Life
Most laptops should be able to sustain at least eight hours of web browsing and basic office tasks. Heavy tasks will drain battery faster, so we don’t expect sustained gaming or continuous video rendering without plugging in. If a laptop can’t handle a full workday, there should be a compelling reason. We use a standardized battery rundown test to make direct comparisons and record real-world battery life over days of typical use.
Port Selection
We expect laptops to offer at least two USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports, ideally located on opposite sides for extra convenience. They should support USB-C charging, even if a proprietary charger is included for higher wattage. USB-A ports may not be a necessity, but a 3.5mm headphone jack is essential.
For more premium, powerful laptops (especially those over $1,000 and larger than 14 inches), we recommend having an HDMI 2.1 port and card reader, or having a solid justification for their absence.
$749
The Good
- Long-lasting battery life
- Excellent for everyday tasks
- Keys the essentials in a lightweight design
The Bad
- Starts at only 256GB of storage
- Limited ports
- Can throttle under heavy use
Specs:
CPU: M4 (10-core) / GPU: M4 (8- or 10-core) / RAM: 16GB, 24GB, 32GB / Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB / Display: Liquid Retina, 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch, 2560 x 1664 or 2880 x 1864, 60Hz / Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches (13”), 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches (15”) / Weight: 2.7 pounds (13”), 3.3 pounds (15”).
Apple’s M4 MacBook Air is the best laptop for most users, including Mac enthusiasts, as well as those who are indifferent to the platform or just want a simple laptop without bloatware. It’s a versatile productivity machine. The 13-inch starts at $999 (often available for less), and there’s a larger 15-inch model starting at $1,199. It’s tough to find another laptop matching this combination of performance and battery life in such a slim frame, especially at these price points.
Despite past hiccups, Apple consistently delivers quality MacBooks, and the Air M4 upholds that standard. It boasts a seamless trackpad, enjoyable typing experience, fast Wi-Fi, a vibrant display, and MagSafe charging. The M4 series also introduces the 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam from MacBook Pros, dual external monitor support, and a new sky blue option.
The M4 Air is an ideal choice for users who don’t require extensive gaming or video editing functionalities. For those needs, consider the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5, which is a great value at $1,599 and features Apple’s latest fast processor. The Pro is especially suited for students in creative fields who require more power and additional features.
The Apple MacBook Air M4 is the laptop of 2024.
Specs:
Now that the M4 Air is available, Apple has discontinued the M3 and M2 models, but you might find them at retailers like Best Buy. However, they only make sense with significant discounts. If you can add $200 to the cost of either the 13- or 15-inch M4 Air, you will gain access to 512GB of storage and the 10-core GPU on the 13-inch variant. The base storage is the Air’s biggest drawback; additional space is recommended to avoid constraints over the long haul as this machine is built to last several years.
$950
The Good
- Lasts all day on a charge
- Fits most users’ daily needs
- Great sound quality over smaller models
The Bad
- Starts at just 256GB of storage
- Limited ports
- Prone to throttling during intensive tasks
Read our review of the Apple MacBook Air M4.
Specs:
CPU: MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 / GPU: Immortalis G925 / RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X / Storage: 256GB UFS 4.0 / Display: Touch 14-inch FHD 1920 x 1200, 60Hz OLED, 400 nits / Dimensions: 12.37 x 8.63 x 0.62 inches / Weight: 2.78 pounds.
Lenovo’s Chromebook Plus 14 is the standout of the bunch we’ve tested in 2025, thanks to its impressive specs and long software support. Featuring a 14-inch FHD OLED touchscreen, it boasts vibrant colors and 16GB of RAM alongside 256GB of storage. Powered by an 8-core MediaTek processor, it smoothly handles tasks like switching between Chrome tabs and apps without any hiccups.
This Chromebook offers two USB-C ports for dual monitor output and a USB-A port for convenience, although their maximum speed is 5Gbps each, which might not be enough for everyone. Its speakers are surprisingly good for music and audiobooks, while the keyboard is comfortable, but the trackpad can be noisier than expected.
The Chromebook Plus 14 supports various platforms, but we encountered issues running Zoom and Slack, which impacted performance. Battery life was impressive, lasting about nine hours under moderate use, allowing potential multi-day use without needing to recharge.
Software support is crucial for new laptops, and Google guarantees 10 years of automatic updates for Chromebooks released after 2021. With solid hardware and extended support, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 can remain functional for a decade, making it a great investment.
Read our review of the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
$750
The Good
- All-day battery life
- Great performance across most apps
- 16GB of RAM for the base model
The Bad
- Limited game support
- AI features feel gimmicky
- Emulated apps can affect battery and performance
Specs:
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100, Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 / GPU: Qualcomm Adreno / RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB LPDDR5X / Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / Display: 13.8-inch touchscreen LCD, 2304 x 1536, 120Hz, 600 nits / Dimensions: 11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches / Weight: 2.96 pounds.
Of all the Snapdragon Copilot Plus PCs we’ve reviewed so far, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th edition—available in 13.8- and 15-inch versions—emerges as a balanced choice with great performance, outstanding battery life, and high-quality components. This thin-and-light Windows productivity machine offers all-day functionality, and if you’re on a tighter budget, the 13-inch model starts at $899.
The main concern with Snapdragon X laptops is the compatibility of Windows on Arm with your required apps. Most everyday applications work fine, but content creation software may have limitations. If you’re hoping for light gaming, you’d be better off with Intel’s or AMD’s CPUs for broader game support. Many games are only available for streaming via the Xbox app.
Microsoft has released Intel Lunar Lake versions of the Surface Laptop 7, but these priced substantially higher, aimed more at business users.
Read our review of the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition.
The Best 16-inch Windows Laptop: $1800
The Good
- Gorgeous design
- Incredibly thin and light for a 16-inch device
- Strong performance, especially with integrated graphics
The Bad
- Shorter battery life compared to competitors
- StoryCube feature doesn’t function properly
Specs:
CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 / GPU: Radeon 890M, Radeon 880M / RAM: 32GB, 24GB / Storage: 1TB / Display: touch 16-inch 2880 x 1800, 120Hz OLED with stylus support, 500 nits peak HDR / Dimensions: 13.92 x 9.57 x 0.47 ~ 0.51 inches / Weight: 3.21 pounds.
The 16-inch Asus Zenbook S 16 is not only the most visually appealing Windows laptop we’ve examined, but it also performs exceptionally well. Despite lacking a dedicated graphics card, it impressively handles everyday tasks, graphic design, and even gaming to an extent.
Currently, there are two models available; the $1,800 version features AMD’s flagship Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with 32GB RAM, while the $1,400 model comes with a Ryzen AI 9 365 and 24GB RAM. Both include beautiful OLED touch displays with a native resolution of 2880 x 1800 and 120Hz refresh rate, plus stylus support and 1TB of storage. Battery life is around 11 hours, which trails some competitors, but for the price, no other Windows laptop offers such impressive performance and versatility in a slim package.
Read our review of the Asus Zenbook S 16.
The Best Laptop for High-End Gaming: $3200
The Good
- Outstanding graphics performance for the latest games
- Multiple ports and easy internal access for upgrades
- High-quality QHD / 240Hz Mini LED display
The Bad
- Typical gaming laptop issues: expensive, heavy, and poor battery life
- Rivals offer OLED screens
Specs:
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX / GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 / RAM: 32GB / Storage: 2TB / Display: 16-inch Mini LED 2560 x 1600, 240Hz / Dimensions: 13.94 x 10.55 x 0.9 to 1.21 inches / Weight: 6.17 pounds.
Currently leading our gaming laptop tests is the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, featuring an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU. This model strikes a balance between price and high-end gaming performance, positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Razer Blade 16. While it’s bulkier than its rivals, its design helps keep the GPU cool—an important consideration for high-performance chips.
Although the Strix Scar does not feature an OLED display like some competitors, its Mini LED display still delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The laptop’s design allows ample space for comfortable typing with larger keys and a generous trackpad that includes a touch-sensitive numpad, which, although more suitable for data entry, is handy nonetheless.
The laptop’s RGB lighting adds a playful touch, and it features tool-free access to its RAM slots and SSDs for ease of future upgrades.
The Best MacBook for Photo and Video Editing: $2190
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro begins with 24GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and an option for M4 Max model configurations. Both models are equipped with Thunderbolt 5 ports, a 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam, and optional anti-glare displays.
Specs:
CPU: M4 Pro, M4 Max / GPU: M4 Pro, M4 Max / RAM: 24GB or 48GB (M4 Pro), 36GB – 128 GB (M4 Max) / Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB / Display: 14.2 / 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 120Hz / Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 (14-inch) / 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches (16-inch) / Weight: 3.5 / 4.7 pounds (M4 Pro), 3.6 / 4.8 pounds (M4 Max).
For demanding creative work, like 3D rendering or high-resolution video editing, the MacBook Pro is your best bet. Both the 14- and 16-inch models come with powerful M4 Pro or M4 Max processors. While the standard 14-inch Pro offers a great upgrade from the MacBook Air, the Pro and Max options provide superior performance.
The MacBook Pro has exceptional displays with gorgeous colors, outstanding sound, and comfortable keyboard and trackpad. It has a robust port selection that includes Thunderbolt 5, HDMI 2.1, and SD card slot.
With high-end creative tasks in mind, the MacBook Pro 16 outperformed every laptop we’ve tested in our benchmarks. Its battery life is remarkable, even under demanding use conditions.
Most users needing more than an Air will find the M4 Pro satisfactory, starting at $1,999 for a configuration of 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD. The 16-inch version starts at $2,499 with similar specifications.
If you require further GPU power or more than two external monitors, consider the M4 Max. The M4 Max starts at $3,199 for the base configuration and can go up significantly in price for higher specs. While only a select few users will benefit from the M4 Max’s extra capabilities, if that’s you, you’re likely already aware of it.
$1349
The Good
- All the strengths of the M4 model with added speed
- Strong value for a creative workflow machine
- Exceptional battery life
The Bad
- Minor incremental update
- Space black finish can smudge easily
- Apple’s pricing may leave you longing for the M4 Pro/Max
Read our reviews of the MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro / Max and MacBook Pro 14 M5.
The Best 14-inch Gaming Laptop: $1300
The Good
- Balanced power, battery, and portability
- OLED display
- Programmable LED strip on the lid
- Comfortable keyboard and smooth trackpad
The Bad
- Can become hot and noisy under heavy load
- Soldered RAM
- GPU thermal throttling
Specs:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 270, HX 370 / GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 5070, 5070 TI, 5080 / RAM: 16GB, 32GB / Storage: 1TB / Display: 14-inch OLED, 2880 x 1800, 120Hz, 500 nits / Dimensions: 12.24 x 8.66 x 0.63 inches / Weight: 3.31 pounds.
The updated Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 for 2025 is our top pick for 14-inch gaming laptops. Combining portability with power and incorporating performance enhancements, it is now king of our guide to the best gaming laptops, even with a $100 price increase.
The new G14 features an AMD 9-series processor and Nvidia RTX 50-series graphics, providing relevant performance improvements. All configurations sport a sleek, high-res OLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth gaming experiences without requiring upgrades.
The G14 also includes USB-C ports on both sides for charging convenience, though peak performance requires use of the proprietary charger. The keyboard features backlit chiclet-style keys, and trackpad is wider for improved usability in both gaming and productivity settings.
Although it performs well with games, it can feel hot to touch, and fans become audible under a heavy load. Thermal throttling occurs in high usage, but given its thin frame, these trade-offs are standard.
The Best Dual-Screen Laptop: $2199
The Good
- Eye-catching design
- Excellent speakers for size
- Comes with stylus and mouse
The Bad
- Bulky to transport
- Limited port selection
Specs:
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155U / GPU: Intel UHD (integrated) / RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X / Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD / Display: 13.3-inch (2880 x 1800) 60Hz OLED touchscreen with stylus support / Dimensions: 11.78 x 8.03 x 0.63 inches / Weight: 2.95 pounds.
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i features a dual-screen design, allowing for versatile usage—whether as a traditional laptop or a larger tablet. The flexible hinge enables clamshell mode for note-taking or sketching on the bottom screen and the included Bluetooth keyboard and mouse make it suitable for various settings. While the responsive touchscreen gestures are generally a delight, they can cause accidental inputs sometimes.
The Yoga Book’s main competitor is the Asus Zenbook Duo, featuring physical keyboard and more port options, but it lacks some flexibility due to its heavier weight and limited folding range.
Read our head-to-head review of the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i and the Asus Zenbook Duo.
The Best Repairable Laptop: $899
The Good
- Top-notch repairability with modular ports
- Faster CPU performance compared to previous models
- High-res 3:2 aspect ratio display ideal for work
- Lightweight and compact size
The Bad
- Radeon 860M iGPU may lack performance
- Trackpad could feel sturdier
- Display quality may be less than ideal
Specs:
CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, AI 7 350, AI 9 HX 370 / GPU: Radeon 860M / RAM: Up to 64GB / Storage: Up to 8TB / Display: 13.5 inch IPS, either 2256 x 1504 60Hz or 2880 x 1920 120Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 11.68 x 9.01 x 0.62 inches / Weight: 2.87 pounds.
The Framework Laptop 13 stands out as the only option truly focused on repairability, and its modularity offers a unique sense of customization and fun. Upgraded for 2025 with AMD’s Ryzen AI chips, it provides stronger performance while retaining serviceable battery life with a similar design.
What’s particularly great about Framework is the upgradeability option—previous models can receive new processors. Assembly is straightforward with accessible designs that let you swap out components as you see fit.
Despite a simpler aesthetic, the Framework Laptop is portable enough and offers a high-quality keyboard and trackpad, with a 3:2 screen ratio that enhances productivity by providing more visibility.
While those interested in modularity might pay more for the Framework, it creates a standout experience, allowing users to switch ports and customize their machines over time.
Read our Framework Laptop 13 (2025) review.
We recently reviewed Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 514, a new release that’s pricing starts at $699.99. Running on an efficient MediaTek Kompanio Ultra processor, this Chromebook offers 16GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. Its 14-inch touchscreen features either a 1920 x 1200 or 2880 x 1800 resolution, with a 360-degree convertible design.
This Chromebook includes multiple USB-C ports with DisplayPort and a 3.5mm audio jack, though speaker quality is slightly disappointing. It competes closely with the Lenovo Chromebook Plus; however, other models may provide better value due to their superior display options and storage capacity.
We also tested the Framework’s GPU upgrade with an Nvidia RTX 5070, which promises significant gaming improvements and becomes available in December. Meanwhile, Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro with the latest M5 processor debuted at $1,599.99, offering minimal upgrades compared to the M4, making the latter a more cost-effective choice if you find it discounted.
Monica Chin and Nathan Edwards contributed to earlier evaluations of this buying guide.
Update, November 21st: Adjusted pricing and availability, along with new details on the Framework Laptop 16 we recently reviewed. Brandt Ranj and Cameron Faulkner contributed to this article.
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