Finding the right laptop can be a real chore, can’t it? We’ve been busy testing out a bunch of machines to make your life easier. From everyday workhorses to creative powerhouses, we’ve got you covered. Our CNET laptop reviews aim to highlight the best options out there for 2025, so you can spend less time searching and more time using your new device. Let’s get to it.
Key Takeaways
- The M4 MacBook Air, in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, continues to be a top choice for most people, offering a great balance of performance and battery life.
- Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7 stands out as a strong Windows alternative with impressive AI capabilities and battery life that rivals the MacBook Air.
- For those seeking exceptional battery life, the HP OmniBook 5 14 is a standout performer, lasting incredibly long on a single charge.
- The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is a versatile and impressive convertible laptop, exceeding expectations.
- Gamers and creators will appreciate the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10, a mid-range gaming laptop that offers great performance for its price, especially with its bright OLED display.
1. M4 MacBook Air (15-Inch, 2025)
So, Apple’s done it again with the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air. It’s basically the same great laptop we’ve come to expect, but with a few key updates that make it even more appealing. The biggest news, honestly, is the price drop. Starting at $1,199, it’s now $100 cheaper than the previous M3 models, which is pretty sweet. This makes the larger display more accessible for folks who don’t necessarily need the power of a MacBook Pro.
The M4 chip brings a nice bump in performance and efficiency, and it also gets a new 12-megapixel webcam with Center Stage, which is a good upgrade for video calls. Plus, it supports two external displays now, which is handy if you like to spread out your workspace. It still rocks that beautiful, durable design and class-leading battery life that Apple is known for. Seriously, this thing just keeps going.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Processor: M4 chip (10-core CPU)
- Display: 15.3-inch IPS LED
- RAM: 16GB unified memory
- Storage: Starts at 256GB SSD
- Battery Life: Around 16 hours
Now, it’s not perfect. The base 256GB SSD might feel a bit small if you store a lot of files locally, and those upgrades for more storage or RAM can get pretty pricey. But if you’re looking for a big-screen MacBook that balances portability and screen real estate without breaking the bank, the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is a solid default choice. It’s a great option for anyone who wants more screen space than the 13-inch model but doesn’t need the heavy lifting of a Pro model. Check out the latest deals on MacBooks to see if it fits your budget.
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7 is a pretty slick machine, aiming to give folks who love the MacBook Air’s look and feel a solid Windows alternative. And honestly, it does a pretty good job of it. This laptop boasts some seriously impressive battery life, often outlasting even the latest MacBooks in our tests. We’re talking nearly 20 hours on a single charge, which is pretty wild for a Windows machine.
It’s built around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip, which is a big deal for Windows on Arm. Previous attempts at Arm-based Windows laptops had some compatibility headaches, where certain apps just wouldn’t run. Microsoft seems to have ironed out a lot of those kinks this time around, making it much more usable for everyday stuff and even some more demanding tasks. The design is also top-notch, feeling every bit as premium as you’d expect from a Surface device.
Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100
- Display: 13.8-inch HDR LCD (2304×1536)
- Battery Life: Up to 19 hours, 50 minutes (tested)
- Weight: Around 2.96 pounds
Now, it’s not perfect. If you’re someone who absolutely needs to run a very specific, older piece of software, you might want to double-check if it’s compatible with Windows on Arm before you buy. Also, while the screen is good, there’s no OLED option here, which some competitors offer. But if you’re looking for a good-looking, long-lasting Windows laptop that feels as good as it looks, the Surface Laptop 7 is definitely worth a look. It’s a strong contender for anyone wanting that premium ultraportable experience without jumping to macOS.
3. HP OmniBook 5 14
Okay, so let’s talk about the HP OmniBook 5 14. This laptop really surprised me, especially with its battery life. Seriously, this thing just keeps going and going. I mean, we’re talking over 28 hours in our tests, which is pretty wild. It’s got this nice, clean design that’s easy to carry around, and the 14-inch OLED screen looks great – colors are vibrant, and the blacks are really deep. It feels pretty solid too, not flimsy at all.
What’s inside is also pretty good for the price. You get a decent amount of RAM (32GB) and a good-sized SSD (1TB), which isn’t always a given when you’re looking at laptops under a grand. It’s running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon X chip, which is part of why it gets such amazing battery life and makes it a Copilot Plus PC.
Here’s a quick look at some of the specs:
- Display: 14-inch, 1,920×1,200 OLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Over 28 hours (tested)
- Weight: 2.85 pounds
Now, it’s not perfect. The OLED screen, while nice, isn’t the brightest out there. And the USB-C ports are a bit on the slow side. Also, if you’re worried about apps not working well on Windows-on-Arm, this might not be the one for you. But for students or anyone who just needs a laptop that lasts forever on a single charge and looks good doing it, the OmniBook 5 14 is a really solid choice.
4. Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition really shines when you look at the whole package. On paper, it’s built with a pretty standard Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor, nothing too out of the ordinary there. But Lenovo managed to put it all inside a really sleek, compact body and pair it with a stunning 2.8K OLED screen, making it a standout two-in-one.
What’s not to love? This 14-inch laptop feels really well put together, has good specs for the price, and looks sharp. The chassis is sturdy, the OLED display is gorgeous, and that unique rotating soundbar actually puts out some pretty robust audio. Plus, this thing just keeps going and going.
This laptop is a fantastic choice for anyone who needs a versatile machine that can switch between laptop and tablet modes. It’s perfect for office work, remote jobs, or just everyday use. The battery life is seriously impressive, letting you leave the charger behind for extended periods. It does have a traditional mechanical trackpad, which might not be for everyone, but the overall experience is still top-notch.
Here’s a quick look at some of its key features:
- Display: 14-inch 2880×1800 touch OLED
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
- Battery Life: Up to 25 hours and 45 minutes
- Weight: 2.91 pounds
If you’re someone who absolutely needs a haptic touchpad, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, if you’re a student or on a tighter budget, Lenovo’s more mainstream Yoga 7 series offers a great alternative without sacrificing too much.
5. Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10
Okay, so the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10. This one’s a bit of a beast, and honestly, it might be more than what most people need for just casual gaming. But here’s the thing: if you think of it as two laptops rolled into one, its price starts to make a lot more sense. You get a solid gaming machine with a pretty decent 15.1-inch screen, and it’s also light enough that you don’t dread carrying it around for everyday stuff.
What really makes this laptop stand out is its display. It’s a 2.5K OLED panel, and wow, it’s just fantastic. It hits all the right notes: super sharp for text and images, a fast refresh rate so everything looks smooth, and it gets bright enough that colors really pop. Seriously, it’s one of the best screens I’ve seen on a laptop.
So, who is this for? Gamers, obviously. But it’s not just for them. If you do creative work where colors need to be spot-on, you’ll appreciate that bright, high-resolution OLED. Plus, it’s more portable than a lot of other gaming rigs out there.
Now, if you’re looking for something with amazing battery life that you can take everywhere, this probably isn’t it. Most gaming laptops, including this one, tend to drain the battery pretty quickly.
Here’s a quick look at some specs:
- Display: 15.1-inch, 2,560×1,600, 165Hz OLED
- Processor: Intel Core i7-14700HX
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060
- Weight: Around 4.3 pounds
- Battery Life: Expect about 5 hours and 25 minutes of runtime.
6. Acer Aspire 16 AI
Acer’s Aspire line usually means budget-friendly, and the Aspire 16 AI is no exception, but it manages to pack in some surprisingly modern tech for the price. This laptop is built around a 16-inch display, which is pretty big for something you’re supposed to carry around easily. What’s really neat is that it doesn’t weigh much more than a typical 14-inch laptop, making it a rare find – a big screen that’s still pretty portable.
Under the hood, it’s running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 processor, which is part of that new wave of chips designed to handle AI tasks right on the device. This means things like Windows Copilot should run smoother without needing to constantly send data to the cloud. It’s not going to blow you away with raw power for super demanding games or video editing, but for everyday stuff like browsing, writing documents, and using AI features, it’s more than capable.
One of the standout features here is the battery life. We’re talking over 21 hours in some tests, which is seriously impressive. You could probably leave your charger at home for a whole workday, maybe even two, depending on what you’re doing. That’s a huge plus if you’re always on the move.
Here’s a quick look at what we found:
- Display: 16-inch IPS LCD with a 1920×1200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s nice and big, and the higher refresh rate makes scrolling feel smoother.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100, good for everyday tasks and AI features.
- Battery Life: Over 21 hours, which is fantastic for portability.
- Weight: Around 3.45 pounds, which is quite light for a 16-inch laptop.
Now, it’s not perfect. The speakers are just okay, and while the design is clean, it’s not exactly going to turn heads. If you’re someone who prioritizes a flashy look or needs the absolute best display quality for creative work, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a solid, affordable laptop with a big screen, great battery life, and a decent amount of future-proofing with its AI capabilities, the Acer Aspire 16 AI is definitely worth considering.
7. Asus Zenbook A14
Okay, so the Asus Zenbook A14. This thing is seriously light. Like, almost unbelievably light for a 14-inch laptop. It clocks in at just under 2.2 pounds, which is pretty wild when you think about it. It’s built with something called Ceraluminum, which sounds fancy, but basically means it’s aluminum mixed with ceramic, making it super rigid without adding much weight.
The battery life on this is also pretty impressive, easily lasting a full day and then some. I mean, we’re talking over 24 hours of runtime in some tests, which is just fantastic if you’re always on the go and hate being tethered to a charger. Plus, it’s got an OLED display, which is a nice surprise at this price point, making everything look really sharp and vibrant.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It runs on a Snapdragon X processor, and honestly, the performance is just… okay. It’s not going to blow you away with speed, and some Windows apps might not play perfectly with the Arm architecture. The touchpad is also a bit meh, and the speakers are nothing to write home about.
So, who is this laptop for? If you absolutely need the lightest laptop possible and long battery life is your top priority, this is a solid contender. Students, frequent travelers, anyone who carries their laptop everywhere – this could be your jam. But if you’re worried about software compatibility or just want a powerhouse machine, you might want to look elsewhere.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we found:
- Weight: Around 2.16 pounds
- Display: 14-inch OLED, 1,920×1,200 resolution
- Battery Life: Over 24 hours in testing
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
8. Asus ProArt P16
Alright, let’s talk about the Asus ProArt P16. This machine is definitely aimed at the creative crowd, and honestly, it shows. The 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreen is just gorgeous, making everything from editing photos to watching videos a real treat. It’s got some serious power under the hood too, with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and an Nvidia RTX 5070 GPU. That means it can handle pretty demanding tasks without breaking a sweat, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to get work done.
It’s not just about raw power, though. Asus packed in some thoughtful features. The DialPad on the touchpad is surprisingly useful for creative apps, giving you a quick way to adjust settings. Plus, the port selection is pretty decent, including that all-important SD card reader that so many creators rely on. It’s also surprisingly slim and light for a 16-inch laptop with this kind of hardware, making it easier to carry around than you might expect.
However, it’s not perfect. This thing can get pretty warm and loud when you really push it, which might be a bit distracting. And while the 3D frame rates are good, they aren’t quite top-tier if you’re a hardcore gamer. Also, the display bezels are a little thicker than I’d like to see in 2025, and it’s a shame they don’t include a stylus for the touchscreen right out of the box. Still, for anyone who needs a powerful Windows machine for creative work, the ProArt P16 is a strong contender, especially when you look at how it stacks up against some of the competition. It really feels like Asus is trying to give the MacBook Pro a run for its money in the creator laptop space.
9. M4 MacBook Air (13-Inch, 2025)
Apple’s 13-inch M4 MacBook Air continues to be a solid choice, especially for students or anyone who needs a portable machine that doesn’t skimp on performance. This year, the big news isn’t just the M4 chip upgrade, but also a price drop, making it even more appealing. It starts at $999, which is $100 less than the previous M3 model.
This laptop hits a sweet spot for many users, balancing a good screen size with a lightweight design. It’s not just about looking good, though. The M4 chip offers a nice boost in speed, and you get a much better webcam with Center Stage, which is great for video calls. Plus, it can handle two external displays if you need to expand your workspace.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Design: Still sleek and durable, as you’d expect from Apple.
- Performance: The M4 chip handles everyday tasks and more with ease.
- Battery Life: Expect it to last a really long time, easily getting you through a full day of classes or work.
- Webcam: The 12-megapixel Center Stage camera is a welcome improvement.
Now, it’s not perfect for everyone. If you’re a creative professional who needs serious graphics power, you’ll probably want to look at the MacBook Pro line. Also, the base 256GB SSD might feel a bit small if you store a lot of large files, and upgrading storage or RAM can get pretty pricey. But for most people, especially students, this 13-inch M4 MacBook Air is a fantastic, more affordable option.
10. Acer Swift 16 AI
Okay, so the Acer Swift 16 AI. It’s kind of a middle-of-the-road kind of laptop, you know? It’s not going to blow your socks off with a super exciting design, and the speakers are just… fine. Nothing to write home about there.
But here’s the thing: it’s got some solid points. The battery life is genuinely impressive, letting you get through a whole workday, maybe even two, without hunting for an outlet. Plus, it’s pretty light for a 16-inch screen, which is a nice bonus if you actually move your laptop around.
If you’re looking for a decent machine that won’t break the bank and gives you a good amount of screen space without feeling like you’re lugging around a desktop, the Swift 16 AI is worth a look. It’s a practical choice for everyday tasks.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Screen: 16-inch, 1920×1200 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate. It’s nice and big for multitasking.
- Portability: Weighs about 3.45 pounds. Not the lightest, but good for its size.
- Webcam: A crisp 1440p webcam, which is pretty good for video calls.
- Connectivity: Offers good external expansion options, so you can plug in all your gear.
Wrapping It Up
So, that’s our rundown of the best laptops we’ve checked out for 2025. We’ve seen some really cool stuff this year, from super light machines that last forever on a charge to powerful rigs for gaming and creative work. Whether you’re after a solid everyday driver like the MacBook Air, a versatile 2-in-1 like the Lenovo Yoga 9i, or a budget-friendly gaming option, there’s something here for pretty much everyone. Remember to think about what you’ll actually be doing with your laptop – that’s the biggest thing. Happy hunting for your next computer!
