15 Best Laptops for 2025: Expert-Tested Picks

Tired of Laptop Search Overwhelm? Uncover the REAL Deals and Duds You've Been Missing! Finding the perfect laptop feels like an impossible quest, doesn't it? Every spec sheet blurts out jargon, and every price tag seems to demand a small fortune. But what if we told you there are incredible values hiding in plain sight, revolutionary machines pushing boundaries, and outright scams you *must* avoid?

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Forget the endless scrolling. We've put countless hours into testing, pushing devices to their limits, and sifting through the noise so you don't have to. Get ready to discover the laptops that truly deliver, and learn the critical red flags that save you from buyer's remorse. Your next great laptop—or the money you save by avoiding a bad one—is just a scroll away. ---

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Beyond the Bestsellers: Unearthing Hidden Gems & Powerhouses While some laptops always steal the spotlight, these contenders offer unique strengths, surprising value, or cutting-edge innovation that deserves your attention.

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The Value Vanguard: Dell 14 Plus – A Mid-Range Marvel at a Steal **Original Price Tag Shock? Not Anymore.** Remember when Dell kicked off its major rebranding, promising fresh takes? The **Dell 14 Plus** (6/10, WIRED Review) is a direct result, evolving from the popular Inspiron Plus 14. Initially, its 1 TB storage across all configurations pushed prices past the $1,000 mark, making it a tough sell. But here’s the game-changer: we've consistently seen this **solidly midrange laptop** dip as low as **$700**.

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At that price, this isn't just a good deal; it's an *incredible* one. You get a clean, understated design, rock-solid performance for daily tasks, a decent IPS screen that brings visuals to life, and reliable battery life. While it skips the "premium bells and whistles," it nails the essentials. **If you're hunting for a Dell laptop that delivers exceptional value without breaking the bank, especially with a generous 1 TB SSD, keep a close eye on the Dell 14 Plus.** Your Ultimate Travel Companion: Microsoft Surface Pro 12 – Tablet Power, Laptop Heart

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**Is it a tablet? Is it a laptop? It’s *your* portable powerhouse.** The **Microsoft Surface Pro 12** (6/10, WIRED Review) blurs the lines, designed not just as a tablet, but as a genuine **laptop replacement**, making it a standout on our list. Imagine a fanless machine, whisper-quiet, powered by the efficient **Snapdragon X chip**, all for an initial **$779**. That sounds fantastic for on-the-go productivity. There’s a small catch, though: the keyboard isn't bundled. Once you add that crucial accessory, it ventures into premium territory. **However, for the road warrior, the flexible professional, or anyone craving a featherlight, powerful device for taking your work anywhere, the Surface Pro 12 is an absolute killer.** Its versatility means you’re always ready, whether you’re sketching, presenting, or crunching numbers on a cross-country flight.

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The Unexpected Game Changer: Asus ROG Flow Z13 – A Gaming 2-in-1 You Didn’t Know You Needed **Gaming on a detachable tablet? Prepare to be shocked.** When we first saw the **Asus ROG Flow Z13** (7/10, WIRED Recommends), a **gaming 2-in-1 laptop**, our eyebrows raised. A design "no one asked for," indeed. But here’s the twist: it works, and it works *surprisingly well*. Priced at **$2,100**, it’s a significant investment, but one that offers a unique experience.

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While its performance isn't "full throttle" compared to traditional gaming behemoths, the Z13 leverages surprisingly potent **AMD integrated graphics** that punch far above their weight. This means a genuinely powerful gaming experience without the bulk, and crucially, it keeps the heat away from your hands even during intense sessions. **For the adventurous gamer seeking unmatched portability and flexible play, the ROG Flow Z13 defies expectations.** AI Unleashed: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (Copilot+ PC) – The Future is Here

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**Experience the cutting edge of AI with unprecedented battery life.** The **Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition** is a true pioneer: the first Intel-based **Copilot+ PC** (7/10, WIRED Review) we tested, and it's a triumph. This machine boasts outstanding AI and graphics performance, setting a new benchmark. Even more impressive? It delivers some of the **best battery life we’ve ever seen on Intel hardware**, letting you work, create, and explore without constantly searching for an outlet. With its slightly unconventional 15.3-inch screen, it hits all its high notes without completely breaking the bank at **$1,300**. While the fan can run a bit loud under heavy loads and it might add a little more weight to your bag than some ultraportables, the sheer power and endurance make it a compelling choice. **Dive into the next generation of AI-powered computing with a device that truly performs.**

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Featherlight Freedom: Asus Zenbook A14 – Portability Meets Value (with a Catch) **Feel the difference: a laptop so light, you’ll forget it’s there.** The **Asus Zenbook A14** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) redefines portability, crafted from Asus' innovative Ceraluminum material, making it one of the lightest laptops we've *ever* tested. This first A-series laptop from Asus also introduces Qualcomm's new **Snapdragon X chipset** – specifically, the weakest and supposedly most affordable variant.

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Starting at **$600**, this laptop excels in build quality, extreme portability, and boasts excellent battery life. However, heed this warning: the chipset is lackluster. It's perfectly suitable for average web browsing, email, and light productivity, but don't expect it to handle demanding tasks. **The key to this Zenbook's value is understanding its limits and *never* paying the inflated $1,000 MSRP.** For effortless travel and basic tasks, it’s a gem. The Pure Windows Experience: Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) – Premium, But Wait for a Deal

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**Want Windows straight from the source? Look no further.** The **Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition, 2024)** (7/10, WIRED Review) offers a pristine Windows experience, directly from Microsoft themselves. It delivers solid performance, impressive battery life, and a buttery-smooth **120-Hz display** that makes everything from browsing to video playback a joy. At **$1,150**, it’s a premium package. Our main reservation? It's simply too pricey for what you get compared to some rivals. **Our advice: If you crave that seamless, unadulterated Windows experience with top-tier hardware, absolutely consider the Surface Laptop 7th Edition – but wait for it to go on sale to maximize your investment.** Want to explore more? Check out our Best Surface Laptops guide!

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Chromebook Power on a Budget: Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus – Smart Savings, Solid Performance **Unlock serious Chromebook power without emptying your wallet.** The **Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) was one of the first "Chromebook Plus" devices we evaluated, and it continues to impress as one of the best value options available. While the newer Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 might offer a slightly more refined build, the Flex 5i shines with a price tag several hundred dollars cheaper at just **$500**.

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Despite the lower cost, you still get a robust **8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage**, ensuring a snappy, responsive experience for all your cloud-based tasks. **For students, casual users, or anyone seeking a powerful, budget-friendly Chromebook that truly delivers, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an unbeatable choice.** OLED Brilliance for Less: Asus Vivobook S 14 OLED – Stunning Visuals, Everyday Power

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**Experience dazzling OLED visuals for under $1,000.** Much like its Zenbook sibling, the **Asus Vivobook S 14 OLED** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) brings a vibrant **OLED panel** to the table at an incredibly reasonable price of **$760**. This 14-inch machine isn't just a pretty face; it’s powered by an **Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 1 chipset**, paired with a generous **16 GB of RAM and a 1-TB SSD**. It effortlessly handles most daily tasks, providing plenty of ports for all your accessories. You’ll enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life with average use. A minor trade-off? The screen could be brighter, and be prepared for it to be a bit of a fingerprint magnet. **But for those who prioritize a stunning, high-resolution OLED display and robust performance for everyday productivity at an accessible price, the Vivobook S 14 OLED is a brilliant contender.**

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The MacBook Challenger: Dell XPS 16 – Premium Power, Premium Price **If you’ve eyed a MacBook with envy, Dell has a powerful answer.** The **Dell XPS 16 (2024)** (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is Dell's boldest move yet to capture the hearts of Windows users who secretly admire Apple's design prowess. Its design, specifications, and sizes are perfectly aligned to rival Apple's offerings. For **$1,900**, you get a truly gorgeous, sleek design, a wonderfully bright and sharp **OLED screen with a 120-Hz refresh rate**, and plenty of speed for daily tasks and demanding creative work.

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Equipped with the potent **RTX 4070 graphics card**, the XPS 16 fared exceptionally well in our rigorous tests, proving its mettle against high-end competition. However, be aware that it often costs more than a similarly powerful MacBook. While it's since been succeeded by the Dell 14 Premium and 16 Premium (which we're still testing), the XPS 16 remains a formidable choice for those seeking a **premium Windows laptop** that exudes style and power. Big Screen, Small Price: Acer Chromebook Plus 515 – The Presentation Powerhouse

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**A spacious Chromebook experience that won't break the bank.** If you love the idea of a Chromebook Plus but crave a larger screen, the **Acer Chromebook Plus 515** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is your answer. For just **$359**, it packs the same reliable internal components as the highly recommended Lenovo model we discussed earlier, ensuring snappy performance. What sets the Acer apart is its practicality: a solid 8.5 hours of full-screen video playback battery life, and crucial for many, an **HDMI 1.4 output jack**. This replaces the Lenovo's microSD card slot, making the Acer a superior choice if you frequently give presentations or need to connect to external displays. **For big-screen productivity and seamless connectivity on a budget, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (or its equally great smaller sibling, the 514, for $380) delivers.**

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Unrivaled Performance: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra – The Apex of Power, with a Price to Match **Prepare for ultimate power – if your budget allows.** The **Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra** (7/10, WIRED Review) is a beast, a laptop where "much to love" is an understatement, but that **$2,500** price tag is certainly a showstopper. Yet, with this machine, you absolutely get what you pay for. It’s armed with the new **Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor**, Intel’s current top-of-the-line CPU, complemented by an **Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card**.

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Working on its magnificent 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen (2880 x 1800 pixels) is a dream. In our tests, its performance blew everything else we've encountered out of the water, making it a true powerhouse for demanding creative tasks, intense gaming, and professional workflows. **If you demand unrivaled performance and a breathtaking display, and your budget is as boundless as your ambition, the Galaxy Book4 Ultra is in a league of its own.** Smart Value for AI: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Copilot+ PC – The Practical Powerhouse

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**Experience AI innovation without the sticker shock.** The **Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x** (7/10, WIRED Review) might not be the flashiest laptop on the market, but it quietly delivers something truly significant: the **best price-to-performance ratio among the many Copilot+ PCs we've tested**. Starting at a compelling **$800**, it makes next-gen AI computing accessible. Both its battery life and raw performance are standout features, proving that you don't need to overspend to get cutting-edge capabilities. The only minor quibble? The fan does tend to run loud under load. **For those eager to jump into the future of AI-enhanced computing with a powerful, efficient, and budget-conscious machine, the svelte Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is an incredibly smart choice.** --- Navigate the Minefield: Laptops to Avoid at All Costs The online marketplace is a treacherous place for laptop buyers. Don't fall for these common traps and misleading marketing ploys. Protect your wallet and your sanity by sidestepping these poor investments. The "Too Good to Be True" Trap: Why Cheap Windows Laptops Are a False Economy **You *will* regret buying a Windows laptop under $500.** A quick search on Amazon for "best laptop" often bombards you with options that seem incredibly cheap. But here’s the stark reality: most **Windows laptops under $500** use CPUs from three or four generations ago. This isn't just old; it's *slow*. You'll be saddled with a machine that struggles with basic multitasking, frustratingly long load times, and a general lack of responsiveness. **Avoid these like the plague; they are not a deal, they're a headache waiting to happen.** Gaming Rip-offs and Outdated Tech: Don't Get Played **If it claims to be a "gaming laptop" without a discrete GPU, run.** The deception gets even worse when you search for "gaming laptops" on Amazon. You'll encounter cheap options that brazenly claim to be for gaming but lack a crucial component: a dedicated graphics card (discrete GPU). No matter what marketing spin companies or retailers try to put on it, **a laptop without a discrete GPU simply cannot play modern games effectively.** You'll experience choppy framerates, low-resolution textures, and a profoundly unsatisfying gaming experience. Furthermore, steer clear of **gaming laptops** featuring **RTX 30-series graphics cards or older**. While they might appear discounted, you're buying into previous-generation technology. You can still find genuinely good **RTX 40-series laptops** that offer a significantly better bang-for-your-buck and future-proofing compared to older models, and definitely over the bleeding-edge (and often overpriced) new RTX 50-series. **Unknown brands are a massive red flag.** If you've never heard of the manufacturer, there's just no reason to take the risk. You'll likely encounter poor build quality, non-existent customer support, and unreliable performance. Stick to established brands that have a reputation to uphold. The Refurbished Roulette: Proceed with Extreme Caution **"Renewed" doesn't always mean new life.** Online retailers are full of older laptops marked as refurbished or "renewed." These *can* be good options, especially if they come with a hefty discount, like some M1 MacBook Air models. However, there's always an inherent risk with buying refurbished tech. **Always, always read the retailer's return policy meticulously.** A short return window or difficult process can leave you stuck with a faulty device. More importantly, when considering models that are only a year or two old, pay critical attention to the specifications, particularly **RAM capacity**. For example, some older M3 MacBook Air models might appear at an attractive price but ship with only 8 GB of RAM, not reflecting the increased base memory in newer, standard configurations. **Ensure the refurbished specs align with your needs and current standards, or you might find yourself with an underpowered machine.** --- **Ready for the inside scoop on all things tech?** Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. [**Subscribe Today and Unlock Your Tech Edge!**]