the best laptops you can get Choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task, given the vast array of models and configurations available today.
the best laptops you can get
Understanding Your Needs
When considering a laptop, it’s essential to evaluate your specific needs. Are you a student looking for a portable device for note-taking? A professional needing robust performance for demanding software? Or perhaps a gamer seeking high graphics performance? Each of these scenarios requires different specifications and features. At The Verge, we rigorously test various laptops to help you find the best fit for your requirements.
Top Recommendations
Our overall recommendation for most users remains the Apple MacBook Air, particularly the M4 model released in March 2025. This laptop strikes an excellent balance between portability, battery life, and performance, making it suitable for everyday tasks. However, it’s important to note that while the MacBook Air is a fantastic choice for many, it may not meet the needs of every user.
The Best Laptop: Apple MacBook Air 13 (2025, M4)
Score: 9
- Pros:
- Easily lasts a full day on battery
- Excellent choice for everyday needs
- Thin and light design
- Cons:
- Starts with just 256GB of storage
- Limited ports
- Can throttle under heavy creative tasks
Where to Buy: $999 at Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo
The M4 MacBook Air is particularly appealing for users who want a straightforward machine without the clutter of advertisements or bloatware. It offers a smooth user experience, featuring a high-quality trackpad, a comfortable keyboard, and a vibrant display. The M4 model also includes a 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam, making it suitable for video calls.
For those who require more power for tasks like video editing or gaming, the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 is a compelling alternative. Priced at $1,599, it offers additional features such as a third USB-C port and an SD card slot, making it ideal for creative professionals.
Best Chromebook: Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
Score: 9
- Pros:
- Impressive tech specs
- Long software support
- Excellent display quality
- Cons:
- Limited app compatibility
- Mechanical trackpad can be noisy
Where to Buy: $749 at Best Buy
The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 stands out due to its powerful MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 processor and 16GB of RAM. The 14-inch OLED touchscreen display provides vibrant colors and excellent contrast, making it suitable for multimedia consumption. With a battery life of around nine hours, this Chromebook is a reliable option for users who prioritize portability and ease of use.
Best Snapdragon X Laptop: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition (13.8-inch)
Score: 8
- Pros:
- All-day battery life
- Great performance for most apps
- 16GB of RAM in the base model
- Cons:
- Limited gaming support
- AI features may feel gimmicky
Where to Buy: $1,199.99 at Microsoft, Amazon
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition offers a compelling alternative for Windows users. It features a high-resolution touchscreen display and a sleek design, making it a great choice for professionals. However, users should be aware that while most everyday applications run smoothly, some content creation software may face compatibility issues due to the ARM architecture.
Best 16-inch Windows Laptop: Asus Zenbook S 16
Score: 8
- Pros:
- Stunning design
- Thin and lightweight
- Excellent performance
- Cons:
- Shorter battery life than competitors
- Some features may not work as intended
Where to Buy: $1,799.99 at Asus, Best Buy
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is a visually striking laptop that excels in performance. Its 16-inch OLED touchscreen display provides vibrant visuals, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. While its battery life is not as long as some competitors, the overall performance and design make it a worthy investment.
Best Laptop for High-End Gaming: Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025, RTX 5080)
Score: 8
- Pros:
- Exceptional graphics performance
- Ample ports and easy access to components
- High-quality display
- Cons:
- Heavy and bulky design
- Pricey compared to competitors
Where to Buy: $3,299.99 at Asus, Walmart
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is designed for serious gamers, featuring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU that delivers outstanding performance in the latest games. While it is heavier than some alternatives, its cooling system allows for sustained performance during intense gaming sessions. The laptop also features customizable RGB lighting, adding a fun aesthetic touch.
Best MacBook for Photo and Video Editing: Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro / Max, 16-inch)
Score: 9
- Pros:
- Unmatched performance for creative tasks
- High-quality display with HDR support
- Excellent battery life
- Cons:
- High price point
- May be overkill for casual users
Where to Buy: $2,499 at Amazon, Best Buy
The MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max processors is the ideal choice for professionals in creative fields. Its powerful hardware allows for seamless multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications. The stunning Liquid Retina XDR display ensures that color accuracy is maintained, making it perfect for photo and video editing tasks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right laptop ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize portability, performance, or specific features, there are excellent options available across various categories. The laptops highlighted in this article represent the best in their respective categories, ensuring that you can find a model that suits your requirements.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest advancements and options available in the market. By understanding your needs and exploring the best laptops, you can make a well-informed decision that will serve you well for years to come.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: September 19, 2025 at 1:40 am
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