the best laptops you can get The latest laptops offer a range of options tailored to various user needs, making it easier to find the right fit for work, gaming, or creative tasks.
the best laptops you can get
Introduction
Buying the right laptop can be a daunting task due to the overwhelming number of models, sizes, form factors, and configurations available in the market. As one of the more significant tech purchases you will make, it is essential to choose wisely. At The Verge, we continually review and test a wide array of laptops, considering their performance, usability, and suitability for different types of users. This article outlines some of the best laptops currently available, catering to various needs and preferences.
Overall Best Laptop
Apple MacBook Air 13 (2025, M4)
Score: 9
- Pros: Easily lasts a full day on battery, excellent choice for everyday needs, and a sleek design.
- Cons: Starts with just 256GB of storage, limited ports, and may throttle under heavy creative tasks.
Where to Buy: $999 at Amazon, $999 at Best Buy, $999 at B&H Photo
The MacBook Air continues to be the best laptop for most users, particularly with the introduction of the M4 model in March 2025. It is an ideal choice for Mac users and those who prefer a straightforward machine without the clutter of advertisements or bloatware. The MacBook Air excels in productivity tasks, offering a combination of performance and battery life that is hard to match in a thin and light chassis.
Apple has a long-standing reputation for quality, and the M4 MacBook Air maintains this tradition. It features a smooth trackpad, a comfortable chiclet-style keyboard, and a vibrant display. The M4 generation also introduces a 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam, support for dual external monitors, and a new sky blue color option. The 13-inch model starts at $999, often available at lower prices, while the 15-inch version retails for $1,199.
Despite its strengths, the MacBook Air has some limitations. The base model starts with only 256GB of storage, which may not suffice for users with extensive file needs. Upgrading to 512GB is advisable for a more comfortable experience. Overall, the M4 MacBook Air is a versatile option for anyone who does not require heavy video editing, gaming, or extensive connectivity options.
Best Chromebook
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
Score: 9
- Pros: Impressive tech specs, long software support, and excellent display quality.
- Cons: Limited port speeds and some app compatibility issues.
Where to Buy: $749 at Best Buy
The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 stands out as the best Chromebook tested in 2025, thanks to its robust specifications and extended software support. It features a 14-inch FHD OLED touchscreen display, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, making it suitable for multitasking and running various applications.
Equipped with a MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 processor, the Chromebook Plus 14 can handle multiple Chrome tabs and Android apps simultaneously without lag. It offers two USB-C ports for connectivity, allowing users to connect multiple monitors, although the ports have a maximum speed of 5Gbps. The laptop’s speakers deliver impressive sound quality, making it suitable for media consumption.
One of the significant advantages of this Chromebook is Google’s commitment to providing ten years of automatic updates for devices released after 2021. This extended software support means users can expect longevity from their investment, even if the device eventually becomes a secondary machine.
Best Snapdragon X Laptop
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition (13.8-inch)
Score: 8
- Pros: All-day battery life and great performance for most applications.
- Cons: Limited gaming support and some emulated apps may affect performance.
Where to Buy: $1199.99 at Amazon, $1199.99 at Microsoft, $1399.99 at Best Buy
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition is notable for its balance of performance and battery life, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a Windows machine. It features a 13.8-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2304 x 1536 and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth user experience.
While the Snapdragon X-equipped laptops excel in battery life, they may not support all applications seamlessly. Most everyday apps work well, but content creation software may face compatibility issues. For users interested in gaming, traditional Intel or AMD laptops may be better suited due to broader game support.
Microsoft has also introduced Intel Lunar Lake-based versions of the Surface Laptop 7, but these models come at a significantly higher price point, making the Snapdragon X version a more budget-friendly option.
Best 16-inch Windows Laptop
Asus Zenbook S 16
Score: 8
- Pros: Gorgeous design, thin and light for a 16-inch laptop, and excellent performance.
- Cons: Shorter battery life compared to competitors.
Where to Buy: $1799.99 at Asus, $1799.99 at Best Buy
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is a visually stunning laptop that delivers impressive performance in a lightweight design. It features a 16-inch OLED touch display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for graphic design and media consumption.
Despite its impressive specs, the Zenbook S 16 has a battery life of around 11 hours, which is shorter than some of its competitors. However, its performance and versatility make it an attractive option for users who need a powerful laptop for various tasks.
Best Laptop for High-End Gaming
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025, RTX 5080)
Score: 8
- Pros: Excellent graphics performance and a variety of ports.
- Cons: Pricey and heavier than competitors.
Where to Buy: $3299.99 at Walmart, $3299.99 at Asus
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is a powerhouse for gamers, featuring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU that delivers exceptional graphics performance. The laptop is equipped with a 16-inch Mini LED display, providing sharp visuals and vibrant colors.
While the Strix Scar 16 excels in gaming performance, it is also bulky and heavy, making it less portable than some of its competitors. Additionally, it lacks an OLED display, which may be a drawback for some users. However, its extensive port selection and easy access to RAM and SSDs make it a practical choice for gamers who value customization.
Best MacBook for Photo and Video Editing
Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro / Max, 16-inch)
Score: 9
- Pros: Exceptional performance for creative tasks and outstanding battery life.
- Cons: High price point for top configurations.
Where to Buy: $2499 at Amazon (M4 Pro), $3499 at Amazon (M4 Max)
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the ideal choice for professionals engaged in photo and video editing. It offers powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max processors, making it capable of handling intensive creative workloads. The laptop features a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, ensuring accurate color reproduction and high resolution.
While the MacBook Pro is a significant investment, its performance and battery life justify the price for users who require a robust machine for demanding tasks. The M4 Pro model starts at $1,999 for the 14-inch version, while the 16-inch model begins at $2,499.
Conclusion
Choosing the right laptop depends on individual needs and preferences. Whether you require a portable device for everyday tasks, a powerful machine for creative work, or a gaming laptop, the options outlined in this article provide a comprehensive overview of the best laptops available today. As technology continues to evolve, these laptops represent some of the finest offerings in their respective categories, ensuring that users can find a device that meets their specific requirements.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: November 22, 2025 at 7:37 am
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