Over the past year, we've seen no shortage of impressive new Windows laptops, from thin and light Copilot+ PCs like Microsoft's Surface Laptop to powerful business devices like HP's EliteBook X G1a. Windows machines are thinner, lighter, and run cooler than ever. There's also fantastic battery life on devices like the Surface Laptop and ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition.
Also: The best laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
We've gone hands-on with dozens of new Windows laptops, evaluating portability, RAM and storage, and of course, relative value to assemble a list of our top picks. By aligning our favorite Windows laptops to common use cases, we're confident our picks will be relevant for you. Here are our favorite Windows laptops in 2025.
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What is the best Windows laptop right now?
We've personally tested all of the best Windows laptops on this list including the latest models from Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Samsung, and Microsoft. Our favorite overall Windows laptop is the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition It's a bold refresh on the ThinkPad lineup that's versatile, portable, and a great all-around laptop for the majority of users.
Of course, there are lots of other options out there, so we've included several different use cases to round out the list. Our experts took the time to test each device included here to help you find the best of the best. Let's take a look.
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The best Windows laptops of 2025
Show less $1,239 at Lenovo Why we like it: Lenovo's ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition is a bold departure from the ThinkPad line. There's no TrackPoint, a noticeable lack of I/O, and a minimalist trackpad that looks nothing like the X1 Carbon, its more expensive older sibling. Instead, the X9 tries something new, and it works. The result is a versatile laptop that's a solid, dependable pick for most people. From the svelte physical form to the brilliant display and fantastic battery, the X9 is an evolution: keeping what we love about the iconic lineup while elaborating on a new vision. Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition Who it's for: If you've used ThinkPads for years and are ready for some innovation on the concept, the X9 is a breath of fresh air. From the serrated underside to the tiny charger, this is a modern laptop for the user who commutes and wants an ultraportable but also needs reliable processing power with the Intel Core Ultra 7 and 32GB of RAM. That said, it's still a ThinkPad. Its reliable combination of hardware and lightweight, sturdy form make it as practical as it is premium for productivity, business, and professional workflows. This doesn't mean it's stacked with the most powerful hardware, but that's not the point; it's about its value relative to cost, with a fantastic build and an enjoyable user experience. Who should look elsewhere: Lenovo's traditional ThinkPads haven't gone anywhere. There are a handful of great options released in 2025 for a variety of price points including the ThinkPad E14, for well under $1,000, and the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Aura Edition. If you're looking for a tried-and-true ThinkPad, you've got lots of choices. Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | GPU: Integrated Intel Arc | Display: 16" 4K OLED touchscreen | RAM, Storage: 32GB, up to 2TB SSD | Camera: 1080p FHD | Battery: 55Whr | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.5 x 12.28 x 8.35 (inches) | Weight: 2.7 lbs. Value 8 Performance 8 Design/Build 10 Battery life 9 Display 8 Pros Elegant design, solid build
Haptic trackpad, excellent keyboard
Gorgeous OLED display Cons Only two USB-C ports and an HDMI
Not all the Aura Edition features are useful Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition Best Windows laptop overall 4.3 / 5 Score Why we like it: Lenovo's ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition is a bold departure from the ThinkPad line. There's no TrackPoint, a noticeable lack of I/O, and a minimalist trackpad that looks nothing like the X1 Carbon, its more expensive older sibling. Instead, the X9 tries something new, and it works. The result is a versatile laptop that's a solid, dependable pick for most people. From the svelte physical form to the brilliant display and fantastic battery, the X9 is an evolution: keeping what we love about the iconic lineup while elaborating on a new vision. Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition Who it's for: If you've used ThinkPads for years and are ready for some innovation on the concept, the X9 is a breath of fresh air. From the serrated underside to the tiny charger, this is a modern laptop for the user who commutes and wants an ultraportable but also needs reliable processing power with the Intel Core Ultra 7 and 32GB of RAM. That said, it's still a ThinkPad. Its reliable combination of hardware and lightweight, sturdy form make it as practical as it is premium for productivity, business, and professional workflows. This doesn't mean it's stacked with the most powerful hardware, but that's not the point; it's about its value relative to cost, with a fantastic build and an enjoyable user experience. Who should look elsewhere: Lenovo's traditional ThinkPads haven't gone anywhere. There are a handful of great options released in 2025 for a variety of price points including the ThinkPad E14, for well under $1,000, and the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Aura Edition. If you're looking for a tried-and-true ThinkPad, you've got lots of choices. Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | GPU: Integrated Intel Arc | Display: 16" 4K OLED touchscreen | RAM, Storage: 32GB, up to 2TB SSD | Camera: 1080p FHD | Battery: 55Whr | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.5 x 12.28 x 8.35 (inches) | Weight: 2.7 lbs. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less $859 at Amazon $859 at Best Buy $859 at B&H Photo-Video Why we like it: With a sleek, lightweight design, the Surface Laptop would be reminiscent of a MacBook if not for the cool blue colorway. There's something very neutral -- non-descript, even -- about it, even while retaining a unique silhouette. Minimal? Doesn't sound particularly Microsoft. And yet, here we are. Available in a 13.8- and 15-inch form factor, the Surface Laptop sports a bright, 120Hz HDR display and fantastic battery thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. It's fast and responsive while multitasking in Windows: web browsing with dozens of tabs while connected to two external monitors is smooth and seamless, a must for me to be considered a main driver. Review: Microsoft Surface Laptop Who it's for: If there's any laptop where the Windows Copilot key would make sense, it'd be on this laptop. Anyone who's leveraging AI into their workflow will appreciate the Snapdragon X Elite's integrated NPU's performance when it comes to on-device AI. The Surface's battery life is fantastic, too. I got over 15 hours of use from a single charge, and that number could easily go higher by utilizing one of Windows' power-saving modes. Who should look elsewhere: If you need a powerhouse machine for demanding workflows, the Surface Laptop's Windows-on-ARM-compatible processor may result in compatibility issues. Additionally, the minimal I/O could pose challenges for potential enterprise users. Microsoft Surface Laptop tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8-core) or Elite (12-core) | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno | Display: 13.8 inch or 15 inch, 120Hz | RAM, Storage: up to 32GB, up to 1TB | Camera: Full HD Surface Studio Camera | Battery: 54Wh | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.69 x 11.85 x 8.67 (inches) | Weight: 3 lbs. Value 7 Performance 8 Design/Build 8 Battery life 10 Display 8 Pros Sleek, ultra-portable form factor
Fantastic battery life
Powerful AI features
Lots of bang for your buck Cons Potential optimization issues
Lack of ports Microsoft Surface Laptop Best Windows Copilot+ PC 4.1 / 5 Score Why we like it: With a sleek, lightweight design, the Surface Laptop would be reminiscent of a MacBook if not for the cool blue colorway. There's something very neutral -- non-descript, even -- about it, even while retaining a unique silhouette. Minimal? Doesn't sound particularly Microsoft. And yet, here we are. Available in a 13.8- and 15-inch form factor, the Surface Laptop sports a bright, 120Hz HDR display and fantastic battery thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. It's fast and responsive while multitasking in Windows: web browsing with dozens of tabs while connected to two external monitors is smooth and seamless, a must for me to be considered a main driver. Review: Microsoft Surface Laptop Who it's for: If there's any laptop where the Windows Copilot key would make sense, it'd be on this laptop. Anyone who's leveraging AI into their workflow will appreciate the Snapdragon X Elite's integrated NPU's performance when it comes to on-device AI. The Surface's battery life is fantastic, too. I got over 15 hours of use from a single charge, and that number could easily go higher by utilizing one of Windows' power-saving modes. Who should look elsewhere: If you need a powerhouse machine for demanding workflows, the Surface Laptop's Windows-on-ARM-compatible processor may result in compatibility issues. Additionally, the minimal I/O could pose challenges for potential enterprise users. Microsoft Surface Laptop tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8-core) or Elite (12-core) | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno | Display: 13.8 inch or 15 inch, 120Hz | RAM, Storage: up to 32GB, up to 1TB | Camera: Full HD Surface Studio Camera | Battery: 54Wh | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.69 x 11.85 x 8.67 (inches) | Weight: 3 lbs. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less $1,900 at Best Buy $1,900 at Walmart Why we like it: Asus' ProArt series nail their intended use case: high-end hardware for pro creatives. The 2025 AMD-powered ProArt P16 exudes power and performance with an all-black form factor, brilliant display, and host of creator-specific features like Asus' DialPad. The 500-nit, 3840 x 2400 resolution AMOLED touchscreen display is definitely one of the best parts of the laptop, if not the most immediately noticeable. It delivers a crisp, bright picture with a glossy, premium coating. Powered by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, it acts as a capable powerhouse for photo/video editing, drafting, or animation. Review: Asus ProArt P16 (2025) Who it's for: Pro creators, point blank. The hardware here doesn't mess around, with 32GB of memory and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, a 12-core, 24-thread chip with a 50 TOP NPU. This strong core powers the device's creative endeavors, whether video editing, using advanced animation or graphic design programs or simply multitasking with a handful of different apps and dozens of browser tabs. Who should look elsewhere: For me, the ProArt P16 was not a laptop that came ready to go out of the box but rather requires some personalization to get the most out of it. Ultimately, this is a good thing, as it encourages innovation on the user's part to break out of cloned UIs and workflows that all look the same. Ultimately, this makes the ProArt 16 one of the most powerful laptops out there, as long as you're willing to engage with its deep customization. Asus ProArt P16 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 | RAM: 32GB with 2TB SSD | Camera: 1080p FHD | Battery: 10 hours | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.68 x 13.97 x 9.72 inches | Weight: 4.08 lbs. Value 6 Performance 8 Design/Build 8 Battery life 8 Display 8 Pros Powerful hardware
Deep customization with the DialPad
Sleek form factor, brilliant display Cons Battery and performance relies on optimization
Customization requires user engagement
Still only 60 Hz refresh rate Asus ProArt P16 (2025) Best Windows laptop for creators 3.8 / 5 Score Why we like it: Asus' ProArt series nail their intended use case: high-end hardware for pro creatives. The 2025 AMD-powered ProArt P16 exudes power and performance with an all-black form factor, brilliant display, and host of creator-specific features like Asus' DialPad. The 500-nit, 3840 x 2400 resolution AMOLED touchscreen display is definitely one of the best parts of the laptop, if not the most immediately noticeable. It delivers a crisp, bright picture with a glossy, premium coating. Powered by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, it acts as a capable powerhouse for photo/video editing, drafting, or animation. Review: Asus ProArt P16 (2025) Who it's for: Pro creators, point blank. The hardware here doesn't mess around, with 32GB of memory and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, a 12-core, 24-thread chip with a 50 TOP NPU. This strong core powers the device's creative endeavors, whether video editing, using advanced animation or graphic design programs or simply multitasking with a handful of different apps and dozens of browser tabs. Who should look elsewhere: For me, the ProArt P16 was not a laptop that came ready to go out of the box but rather requires some personalization to get the most out of it. Ultimately, this is a good thing, as it encourages innovation on the user's part to break out of cloned UIs and workflows that all look the same. Ultimately, this makes the ProArt 16 one of the most powerful laptops out there, as long as you're willing to engage with its deep customization. Asus ProArt P16 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 | RAM: 32GB with 2TB SSD | Camera: 1080p FHD | Battery: 10 hours | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.68 x 13.97 x 9.72 inches | Weight: 4.08 lbs. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less $310 at Amazon Why we like it: If you just need a laptop to cover the basics, or a backup machine for travel, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a solid option. This laptop has a 15-inch screen and all the hardware you need to cover web browsing, email, productivity, and media playback for a low price. The Aspire Go 15 has an Intel Core i3-N305, a low-end processor with just 8GB of RAM. This combination of hardware puts a cap on what this machine is capable of. However, in my testing, the laptop could mostly keep up with my internet browsing habits and work-related apps, if not some stuttering once the CPU was pushed to its limits. Review: Acer Aspire Go 15 Who it's for: Anyone looking for an inexpensive laptop that can handle everyday workflows and is comfortable with the trade-offs. For example, the 15-inch screen isn't the brightest display on the market, but it's big enough for browsing the web comfortably. The keyboard and trackpad are also light, responsive, and quiet, with enough texture and springiness to make a comfortable experience. The selection of ports here is also just enough. You get two USB-A ports, one USB-C, an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot. To sum it up, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a surprisingly well-optimized 15-inch laptop for a price that won't break the bank. Who should look elsewhere: If you're in the market for a powerful flagship main driver, check out some of the other laptops on this list. Acer Aspire Go 15 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home in S Mode | CPU: Intel Core i3 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | Display: 15.6" 1080p Full HD IPS, 60Hz | RAM, Storage: 8GB, 128GB | Camera: 720p HD | Battery: 50Wh | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.74 x 14.29 x 0.74 (inches) | Weight: 3.86 lbs. Value 10 Performance 6 Design/Build 6 Battery life 8 Display 7 Pros Inexpensive
Multiple configurations
Lots of bang for your buck
Good port selection
Good battery Cons Limited performance
Bulky Acer Aspire Go 15 Best budget Windows laptop 3.7 / 5 Score Why we like it: If you just need a laptop to cover the basics, or a backup machine for travel, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a solid option. This laptop has a 15-inch screen and all the hardware you need to cover web browsing, email, productivity, and media playback for a low price. The Aspire Go 15 has an Intel Core i3-N305, a low-end processor with just 8GB of RAM. This combination of hardware puts a cap on what this machine is capable of. However, in my testing, the laptop could mostly keep up with my internet browsing habits and work-related apps, if not some stuttering once the CPU was pushed to its limits. Review: Acer Aspire Go 15 Who it's for: Anyone looking for an inexpensive laptop that can handle everyday workflows and is comfortable with the trade-offs. For example, the 15-inch screen isn't the brightest display on the market, but it's big enough for browsing the web comfortably. The keyboard and trackpad are also light, responsive, and quiet, with enough texture and springiness to make a comfortable experience. The selection of ports here is also just enough. You get two USB-A ports, one USB-C, an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot. To sum it up, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a surprisingly well-optimized 15-inch laptop for a price that won't break the bank. Who should look elsewhere: If you're in the market for a powerful flagship main driver, check out some of the other laptops on this list. Acer Aspire Go 15 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home in S Mode | CPU: Intel Core i3 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | Display: 15.6" 1080p Full HD IPS, 60Hz | RAM, Storage: 8GB, 128GB | Camera: 720p HD | Battery: 50Wh | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.74 x 14.29 x 0.74 (inches) | Weight: 3.86 lbs. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less $2,099 at B&H Photo/Video $2,099 at HP Why we like it: The HP EliteBook X G1a is a premium business laptop, laser focused on the professional demographic. It combines the connectivity of a ThinkPad, the sleek form factor of a MacBook, and HP's signature minimalist, if non-descript, design. The most premium configuration of this laptop features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor -- one of the most cutting-edge chips on the market right now -- and an OLED display. This makes for a fast, powerful computer that's enjoyable to use. Who it's for: Professionals in any field that need a powerful, reliable laptop and enjoy its premium frame. Its snappy, tactile keyboard is utterly silent, with a travel distance that almost feels mechanical and is ergonomic for long days in the office. Review: EliteBook X G1a Who should look elsewhere: This isn't exactly a cheap laptop, so anyone looking for a more affordable option might have better luck elsewhere. Also, the robust hardware here requires a good amount of power, so although the battery life is quite good, it's not a breezy, lightweight laptop that will last for days on end. We got just over 11 hours during our standard battery test. HP EliteBook X G1a tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon 890M | Display: 14" 2.8K OLED, 400 nits | RAM, Storage: 32GB, 1TB SSD | Camera: 5 MP IR AI camera | Battery: 74.5Whr | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.52 x 12.29 x 8.45 (inches) | Weight: 3.3 lbs. Value 6 Performance 9 Design/Build 8 Battery life 7 Display 8 Pros Powerful hardware
Excellent keyboard
Brilliant OLED option Cons Not the best battery life HP EliteBook X G1a Best Windows laptop for business 3.8 / 5 Score Why we like it: The HP EliteBook X G1a is a premium business laptop, laser focused on the professional demographic. It combines the connectivity of a ThinkPad, the sleek form factor of a MacBook, and HP's signature minimalist, if non-descript, design. The most premium configuration of this laptop features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor -- one of the most cutting-edge chips on the market right now -- and an OLED display. This makes for a fast, powerful computer that's enjoyable to use. Who it's for: Professionals in any field that need a powerful, reliable laptop and enjoy its premium frame. Its snappy, tactile keyboard is utterly silent, with a travel distance that almost feels mechanical and is ergonomic for long days in the office. Review: EliteBook X G1a Who should look elsewhere: This isn't exactly a cheap laptop, so anyone looking for a more affordable option might have better luck elsewhere. Also, the robust hardware here requires a good amount of power, so although the battery life is quite good, it's not a breezy, lightweight laptop that will last for days on end. We got just over 11 hours during our standard battery test. HP EliteBook X G1a tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon 890M | Display: 14" 2.8K OLED, 400 nits | RAM, Storage: 32GB, 1TB SSD | Camera: 5 MP IR AI camera | Battery: 74.5Whr | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.52 x 12.29 x 8.45 (inches) | Weight: 3.3 lbs. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less $2,999 at Amazon $2,999 at Lenovo Why we like it: The Legion Pro 7i is one of the most sophisticated gaming laptops we've tested in the last year. It has dramatic, fully customizable RGB lighting, a sleek form factor, and a stacked set of hardware. With 32GB of RAM -- upgradable to 96GB, 2TB of storage, a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, it's a beast designed to run the latest titles at max graphics settings. Who it's for: Gamers, obviously, but it also makes a great laptop for anyone who might want to take this laptop into the office as well, as with the RGB lighting turned off, it looks the part. Artists and designers engaged in video editing, animation, or 3D rendering will also appreciate the rich OLED display and its performance in those areas. Review: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Who should look elsewhere: Gaming laptops have gotten a lot more portable in the past few years, but the Legion Pro 7i is still a beast when compared to some of the other laptops on this list. It weighs 5.67 pounds, and that's not including the charging brick. Basically, this is for consumers committed to the gaming use case. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 | Display: 16" WQXGA OLED, 240 Hz refresh rate | RAM, Storage: 32GB, up to 96GB, up to 2TB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: Up to 6 hours | Weight: 5.67 lbs. Value 7 Performance 9 Design/Build 8 Battery life 6 Display 8 Pros Fantastic gaming performance
Slick form factor
Cool RGB lighting
Top-tier hardware Cons Expensive
Heavy
Limited runtime when not plugged in Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Best Windows gaming laptop 3.8 / 5 Score Why we like it: The Legion Pro 7i is one of the most sophisticated gaming laptops we've tested in the last year. It has dramatic, fully customizable RGB lighting, a sleek form factor, and a stacked set of hardware. With 32GB of RAM -- upgradable to 96GB, 2TB of storage, a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, it's a beast designed to run the latest titles at max graphics settings. Who it's for: Gamers, obviously, but it also makes a great laptop for anyone who might want to take this laptop into the office as well, as with the RGB lighting turned off, it looks the part. Artists and designers engaged in video editing, animation, or 3D rendering will also appreciate the rich OLED display and its performance in those areas. Review: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Who should look elsewhere: Gaming laptops have gotten a lot more portable in the past few years, but the Legion Pro 7i is still a beast when compared to some of the other laptops on this list. It weighs 5.67 pounds, and that's not including the charging brick. Basically, this is for consumers committed to the gaming use case. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 | Display: 16" WQXGA OLED, 240 Hz refresh rate | RAM, Storage: 32GB, up to 96GB, up to 2TB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: Up to 6 hours | Weight: 5.67 lbs. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Razer Why we like it: The Blade 16 has been Razer's flagship gaming laptop for years. The thinner, sleeker design on the 14-inch Blade -- the thinnest Blade model yet -- gives nothing short of a stunning first impression. It weighs just 3.5 pounds, with a slick, matte black finish that looks and feels premium. This challenges the brand's own aesthetic with a device that looks more like a MacBook Pro than a gaming laptop. And of course, the display is gorgeous. The 3K, 120Hz OLED display goes right up to the very edge with ultrathin bezels mere millimeters thick, housed within a substantial frame. There's no screen wobble, and the new Nvidia Blackwell architecture in the GeForce RTX 5070 GPU powers the show. Review: Razer Blade 14 Who it's for: This is an interesting one. Gamers, certainly, but also creatives, or anyone who does a little bit of everything and wants a premium, well-designed laptop. The Blade 14 is one of the thinnest and lightest gaming laptops on the market, while its design is one of the most versatile. Creators working with 4K video editing and graphic design will appreciate the brilliant OLED display. I'd recommend this laptop to anyone looking for a capable gaming laptop but not interested in a 16- or 18-inch behemoth. In that sense, the Blade 14 speaks to the consumer who is comfortable with its trade-offs and appreciates the lightweight form factor. Who should look elsewhere: This is a premium laptop that typically exceeds the $2,000 mark, so I'd only recommend this laptop to people committed to the dualistic form factor. Razer Blade 14 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 | GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 | Display: 14" QHD+ OLED, 120 Hz refresh rate | RAM, Storage: Up to 64GB, up to 2TB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: Up to 9 hours | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.64 x 12.23 x 8.83 (inches) | Weight: 3.59 lbs. Value 7 Performance 9 Design/Build 10 Battery life 7 Display 10 Pros Thin, light, and sleek
Gorgeous OLED display
Premium build Cons Thin form factor puts a limit on hardware
Expensive Razer Blade 14 Best OLED Windows laptop 4.3 / 5 Score Why we like it: The Blade 16 has been Razer's flagship gaming laptop for years. The thinner, sleeker design on the 14-inch Blade -- the thinnest Blade model yet -- gives nothing short of a stunning first impression. It weighs just 3.5 pounds, with a slick, matte black finish that looks and feels premium. This challenges the brand's own aesthetic with a device that looks more like a MacBook Pro than a gaming laptop. And of course, the display is gorgeous. The 3K, 120Hz OLED display goes right up to the very edge with ultrathin bezels mere millimeters thick, housed within a substantial frame. There's no screen wobble, and the new Nvidia Blackwell architecture in the GeForce RTX 5070 GPU powers the show. Review: Razer Blade 14 Who it's for: This is an interesting one. Gamers, certainly, but also creatives, or anyone who does a little bit of everything and wants a premium, well-designed laptop. The Blade 14 is one of the thinnest and lightest gaming laptops on the market, while its design is one of the most versatile. Creators working with 4K video editing and graphic design will appreciate the brilliant OLED display. I'd recommend this laptop to anyone looking for a capable gaming laptop but not interested in a 16- or 18-inch behemoth. In that sense, the Blade 14 speaks to the consumer who is comfortable with its trade-offs and appreciates the lightweight form factor. Who should look elsewhere: This is a premium laptop that typically exceeds the $2,000 mark, so I'd only recommend this laptop to people committed to the dualistic form factor. Razer Blade 14 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 | GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 | Display: 14" QHD+ OLED, 120 Hz refresh rate | RAM, Storage: Up to 64GB, up to 2TB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: Up to 9 hours | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.64 x 12.23 x 8.83 (inches) | Weight: 3.59 lbs. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Best Buy Why we like it: The OmniBook X Flip 16 impresses with a 120Hz, 3K OLED touchscreen, making it equally ideal for content creation and entertainment. Not only will it display video projects accurately, but the large space allows you to have multiple apps on screen for a smooth workflow. Who it's for: Anyone looking for a big-screen 2-in-1, with extra points if you enjoy using a stylus for sketching. The delivers near-pixel-perfect precision with almost no lag, and we deeply enjoyed its responsiveness while in tablet mode. In laptop mode, it's a solid device for graphic design or video editing, with a solid stack of hardware: an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of local storage. Review: HP OmniBook X Flip 16 Who should look elsewhere: If you don't think you'll make use of the device's 2-in-1 form factor, there are other powerful devices with content creators in mind, like the Asus ProArt P16. HP OmniBook X Flip tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7, 9 | GPU: Intel Arc 140V | Display: 16" 3K, OLED, 400 nits | RAM, Storage: 32GB, 2TB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: 65Whr | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.61 x 14.02 x 9.67 (inches) | Weight: 4.1 lbs. Value 7 Performance 7 Design/Build 7 Battery life 8 Display 9 Pros Brilliant OLED display
Enjoyable as both a tablet and laptop
Surprisingly good stylus Cons Not exactly thin and light
Middle of the road battery HP OmniBook X Flip 16 Best Windows 2-in-1 convertible laptop 3.8 / 5 Score Why we like it: The OmniBook X Flip 16 impresses with a 120Hz, 3K OLED touchscreen, making it equally ideal for content creation and entertainment. Not only will it display video projects accurately, but the large space allows you to have multiple apps on screen for a smooth workflow. Who it's for: Anyone looking for a big-screen 2-in-1, with extra points if you enjoy using a stylus for sketching. The delivers near-pixel-perfect precision with almost no lag, and we deeply enjoyed its responsiveness while in tablet mode. In laptop mode, it's a solid device for graphic design or video editing, with a solid stack of hardware: an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of local storage. Review: HP OmniBook X Flip 16 Who should look elsewhere: If you don't think you'll make use of the device's 2-in-1 form factor, there are other powerful devices with content creators in mind, like the Asus ProArt P16. HP OmniBook X Flip tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7, 9 | GPU: Intel Arc 140V | Display: 16" 3K, OLED, 400 nits | RAM, Storage: 32GB, 2TB SSD | Camera: 5MP | Battery: 65Whr | Dimensions (H, W, D): 0.61 x 14.02 x 9.67 (inches) | Weight: 4.1 lbs. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
What is the best Windows laptop? The best Windows laptop overall is the Dell XPS 15, due to an impressive combination of display, CPU, GPU, battery life, and other features. In order to compare these devices further, let's break down some of their key components. Windows laptop Price CPU Graphics Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition Starting at $1,443 Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Intel Arc Microsoft Surface Laptop Starting at $889 Snapdragon X Plus (8-core) or X Elite (12-core) Qualcomm Adreno Asus ProArt P16 Starting at $2,079 AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Acer Aspire Go 15 Starting at $310 Intel Core i3 Intel UHD Graphics HP EliteBook X G1a Starting at $2,000 AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 375 AMD Radeon Graphics Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Starting at $1,800 Intel Ultra 9 275HX Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Razer Blade 14 Starting at $1,900 AMD Ryzen AI 9 375 Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 HP OmniBook X Flip 16 Starting at $1,000 Intel Core Ultra 7 Intel Arc *MSRP at the time of writing Show more
Which Windows laptop is right for you? The key to deciding which Windows laptop is best for you starts with evaluating what you'll be using it for. For example, if you're a hybrid or remote worker, you'll want a lightweight, flexible configuration, sturdy build with plenty of connectivity options and good battery life. But if you're a largely deskbound graphic designer or creator who occasionally needs to visit a client with a laptop in tow, you're more likely to exchange some portability for power. The table below provides a quick breakdown to help you further narrow your choices based on your needs. Choose this Windows laptop... If you want... Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition A well-rounded 14-inch laptop for with a sleek build, impressive performance, and fantastic battery life. Microsoft Surface Laptop A sleek and compact Copilot+ PC with fantastic battery life and solid hardware. Asus ProArt P16 A serious laptop for creators, packed with cutting-edge hardware and tons of customization. Acer Aspire Go 15 An affordable laptop for students, kids, everyday use, or as a secondary machine. HP EliteBook X G1a A powerful work laptop that's geared up to handle demanding tasks. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i A powerful gaming laptop that pulls out all the stops for top-tier performance (and some sweet RGB lighting). Razer Blade 14 A sleek, premium laptop made for a little bit of gaming, a little bit of creative tasks, and a little bit of work. OmniBook X Flip 16 A big-screen laptop with a convertible form factor. Show more
How we test Windows laptops We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a system's metrics under the hood, and compare those to advertised numbers. Then, we spend an extended amount of time with the laptop (usually a week or two) using it the same way a normal consumer would, in order to analyze its portability, form factor, and how well the battery actually holds up, among others. For an extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology. Benchmarking: First, we run a series of tests to put the computer's hardware through the wringer in order to see what it's capable of. Cinebench is one of the most commonly used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop's rendering performance on single and multiple CPU cores. PCMark 10 is another powerful program that covers a wide variety of tasks performed in the workplace, and there are many others that we use in tandem to gather as much data as we can. Some components we run tests on include: Processor: The "brain" of the laptop, and one of the most important factors that determines performance. The four biggest manufacturers that make most of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple (in their own machines only). This is tested in benchmarking software. The display: The size of the display (measured diagonally from corner to corner) is also what dictates the laptop's overall size, and play a big role in the laptop's cost. Brightness is measured in "nits," and color spectrums are tested in benchmarking software. The graphics processor (GPU): Whether it's integrated into the CPU or a dedicated graphics card, how well the machine handles graphics is a key factor when it comes to demanding visual tasks like video editing, rendering, and of course, gaming. We test the GPU with a combination of benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback. Physical form factor: Finally, the laptop's overall appearance and physical form factor encompasses its weight, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether or not it has a display that can be folded back to form a tablet. We carry the laptop around for at least a week and note how well it commutes. Battery testing: We test a unit's battery in a few ways. A handful of benchmarking programs have their own battery testing components, but we also will just let the laptop run for as long as it can under a medium load. We ensure screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the display's brightness and audio at 50%, load up a livestream on YouTube in Chrome, and wait 'til the end. The human element: As we mentioned earlier, metrics and system data is important, but numbers alone don't give you the full picture. This is where we weave in our personal experience with the device and tap into the practical use cases that consumers actually care about.
Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of each and every laptop we test into digestible terms that real people can find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when it comes to navigating the laptop and computer consumer market, so we hope to bring an intuitive element to the whole process by leveraging our team's decades of experience. Show more
Latest news on Windows PCs
Official support ends for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As a result, Windows users must figure out if their device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade, or if there are any additional hoops to jump through. All of the devices on this list were released this year or last, so they will come with Windows 11 by default. If you're concerned about other devices, however, we've covered the topic extensively. Check out some of these related articles.
FAQs on Windows laptops What are some factors to consider when choosing a Windows laptop? We selected these Windows laptops after conducting thorough research and real-world testing by ZDNET experts. In our evaluation, we weighed the following aspects: Design: As the name suggests, design focuses primarily on how aesthetically pleasing a laptop looks. Does it come in a good color and is the computer made of a good, sturdy material? Those are some of the questions we try to answer.
As the name suggests, design focuses primarily on how aesthetically pleasing a laptop looks. Does it come in a good color and is the computer made of a good, sturdy material? Those are some of the questions we try to answer. Performance: Laptop hardware can vary wildly, so it's important to mention what's powering the machine. Some opt for processors you'd see in smartphones, while others go for top-of-the-line CPUs. Battery life is also taken into account.
Laptop hardware can vary wildly, so it's important to mention what's powering the machine. Some opt for processors you'd see in smartphones, while others go for top-of-the-line CPUs. Battery life is also taken into account. Display: Naturally, you'll want a laptop with the best possible display since you'll be staring at one for hours. But we also consider the screen size as it dictates the overall size and weight of the laptop.
Naturally, you'll want a laptop with the best possible display since you'll be staring at one for hours. But we also consider the screen size as it dictates the overall size and weight of the laptop. Features: Lastly, we consider the full suite of features a laptop has. Gaming laptops have RGB lights, whereas a work computer may skew to have a better webcam than others. Show more Why should you buy a laptop and not a desktop or a tablet? These days, a "computer" for most people is a laptop of some kind. However, the desktop form factor — particularly in the shape of all-in-one (AIO) devices — is by no means obsolete, particularly when it comes to gaming machines. Still, laptops are more diverse than ever, ranging from thin, light, and ultraportable to bulky, powerful, and deskbound. If working on small screens is not ideal for you, you can always attach an external monitor (or two or three). There are also plenty of hybrid 2-in-1 devices that straddle the divide between laptops and tablets and can act as either, depending on the circumstances. Show more Which operating system should you choose: Windows, Chrome OS, or Linux? Every operating system has its committed supporters, but most people end up using a particular one either because of key applications run on it, it was chosen for them by their employer, or their familiarity with the OS. Windows spans the range from budget to premium, while Chrome OS is largely confined to the affordable end of the market. All of the Windows devices listed here qualify for Windows 11. So, if you buy one with Windows 10 installed, you'll be able to upgrade to the newer version. If you don't, note that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, after which there will be no more security patches or feature updates. Show more Is there a top brand for Windows laptops? Everything listed in this guide are all the top brands for Windows laptops. If you're looking for a specific brand that rises above the rest, it just comes down to personal preference. Laptops by each of the major manufacturers have their pros and cons, and brands see different levels of success with product lines. One of the biggest factors we look at here at ZDNET is bang for your buck. We love to see laptops that feature surprisingly good hardware or features that don't command a premium price point. With that in mind, most of the laptops on this list are firmly placed in the mid-range price point: enough hardware for solid performance but nothing that will break the bank. Show more What should a good quality laptop cost? That's a tough question to answer because it ultimately comes down to what you, the buyer, are looking for. But we can give you an idea. Budget devices, by and large, cost less than $800. Hardware below that range can deliver solid overall performance and, most importantly, a long battery life. $1,500 and above is where you begin to see the elite laptops, the cream of the crop. You're looking at gaming laptops, business computers like the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, and specialty machines such as the Panasonic Toughbook 55. Between $800 and $1,500 is where you will the mid-range options. Everyday laptops that can perform well while also not completely destroying your wallet. Most options fall in this range with plenty to choose from. Show more Should you stick to the usual laptop vendors or seek out lesser-known brands? Generally speaking, the leading PC vendors have the broadest range of offerings and the best-documented track records in terms of product development and customer relations. So, in the absence of certain use cases or budgets, you're usually looking at Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer, all of which currently lead the PC market, plus a handful of other well-known brands. Show more
Latest updates
August 2025: We overhauled our lineup by adding the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition, HP EliteBook X G1a, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, Razer Blade 14, and OmniBook X Flip 16.
September 2025: We added in latest news regarding support for Windows 11.
Are there other products that you have tested?
We've covered just about every situation where you'd need a Windows laptop, including rugged models for field work, ultra-powerful workstations for developers, and content creation. But if you're still looking to weigh your options, here are two more Windows laptops we consider great choices.
Show less View now at Best Buy Acer's Swift 16 AI is a thin and light laptop with a gorgeous OLED display, nice full-sized keyboard, and Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 "Lunar Lake" processor starting at $1,250. It's a competitive price for a device that feels more premium than you'd expect. Review: Acer Swift 16 AI It features a minimalist physical build, full-sized keyboard, and generous selection of I/O for a practical laptop that will serve the majority of users well. Its sleek build feels like a more premium laptop, and it delivers an enjoyable, versatile user experience that earned it our Editor's Choice award in 2025. Acer Swift 16 AI Best all-around alternative Windows laptop Acer's Swift 16 AI is a thin and light laptop with a gorgeous OLED display, nice full-sized keyboard, and Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 "Lunar Lake" processor starting at $1,250. It's a competitive price for a device that feels more premium than you'd expect. Review: Acer Swift 16 AI It features a minimalist physical build, full-sized keyboard, and generous selection of I/O for a practical laptop that will serve the majority of users well. Its sleek build feels like a more premium laptop, and it delivers an enjoyable, versatile user experience that earned it our Editor's Choice award in 2025. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Dell The Dell 14 Plus is its latest midrange laptop and a successor to the Inspiron series, offering a solid all-around laptop for a competitive starting price of $750. Review: Dell 14 Plus What you're getting for this price is a solid stack of hardware: an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and not 16GB, but 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. This alone makes for a well-rounded, capable laptop in 2025, but paired with the long-lasting battery, you get a reliable device that's equally suited for work home, or school use. Dell 14 Plus Best alternate affordable Windows laptop The Dell 14 Plus is its latest midrange laptop and a successor to the Inspiron series, offering a solid all-around laptop for a competitive starting price of $750. Review: Dell 14 Plus What you're getting for this price is a solid stack of hardware: an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and not 16GB, but 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. This alone makes for a well-rounded, capable laptop in 2025, but paired with the long-lasting battery, you get a reliable device that's equally suited for work home, or school use. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
We're big fans of Windows PCs here at ZDNET and have covered everything from product reviews to the latest updates from Microsoft. For more on how to get the most of out of your Windows PC, check out these time-saving Windows keyboard shortcuts that supercharged my daily routine and the 5 free essential apps on every Windows PC.