The best Windows laptops of 2025 show how far the PC ecosystem has come: ultraportable designs with OLED screens, practical on‑device AI, and battery life that finally competes with — and in some cases beats — the MacBook class, but the experience you get still depends heavily on the exact SKU you buy.
Windows laptop choices in 2025 split into clear camps: battery-first ARM designs (Snapdragon X family) that prioritize efficiency and long unplugged runtime, AI‑aware Intel/AMD systems with Core Ultra or Ryzen AI silicon offering on‑device NPUs, and performance‑first gaming/creator machines with discrete NVIDIA GPUs. Review labs and retailers are now showing the same pattern: great battery life if you pick the right SoC and panel, or great raw power if you accept heavier weight and shorter runtime.
This piece summarizes the nine laptops Tom’s Guide ranked as the best Windows laptops, validates the most important technical claims against lab pages and OEM reviews, and gives practical buying guidance rooted in measured benchmarks and real‑world tradeoffs. The article draws directly on the published roundup and our independent verification of the headline specs and test results.
Why it’s compelling
Strengths
Pros
Why the G14 stands out
Strengths
What to like
Highlights
Strengths
Source: Tom's Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/best-windows-laptops/
Background / Overview
Windows laptop choices in 2025 split into clear camps: battery-first ARM designs (Snapdragon X family) that prioritize efficiency and long unplugged runtime, AI‑aware Intel/AMD systems with Core Ultra or Ryzen AI silicon offering on‑device NPUs, and performance‑first gaming/creator machines with discrete NVIDIA GPUs. Review labs and retailers are now showing the same pattern: great battery life if you pick the right SoC and panel, or great raw power if you accept heavier weight and shorter runtime.This piece summarizes the nine laptops Tom’s Guide ranked as the best Windows laptops, validates the most important technical claims against lab pages and OEM reviews, and gives practical buying guidance rooted in measured benchmarks and real‑world tradeoffs. The article draws directly on the published roundup and our independent verification of the headline specs and test results.
Why you can trust these picks (methodology and lab testing)
Tom’s Guide runs every review unit through a repeatable suite of tests that include:- Geekbench 6 CPU benchmarking (single‑core and multi‑core) to quantify CPU responsiveness.
- A standardized battery test (web browsing over Wi‑Fi at 150 nits) to provide apples‑to‑apples runtime comparisons.
- Handbrake transcode and file‑transfer tests for real‑world throughput.
- Gaming benchmarks for discrete GPU machines and measured FPS across demanding titles.
This testing process is described alongside the reviews and underpins the numbers quoted below.
Quick, practical takeaway — the nine winners (at a glance)
- Dell XPS 13 (2024) — Best overall for most users: Snapdragon X Elite SKU with exceptional battery life and very strong multi‑core performance.
- Acer Aspire Go 15 — Best value: an honest $300 Windows 11 laptop for basic tasks with decent battery life for the price.
- Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED — Best 2‑in‑1: attractive, versatile, and great OLED panel in a convertible chassis.
- Lenovo Yoga Book 9i — Best dual‑screen 2‑in‑1: two 13.3‑inch OLEDs for multitasking, at a premium price.
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 — Best gaming laptop (14‑inch): compact chassis and powerful discrete GPU options; expectedly poor battery while gaming.
- Asus ProArt P16 — Best for creators: 4K OLED, high‑end AMD Ryzen AI + RTX configuration for demanding content work.
- Dell 14 Premium — Best OLED Windows laptop: premium 14.5‑inch 3,200×2,000 OLED option and solid CPU performance, with middling battery life.
- Lenovo Slim 7 — Best Windows business laptop: balanced battery and performance in a portable 14‑inch chassis.
- Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro — Best Samsung Windows laptop: large OLED canvas with solid Intel Ultra mobile performance and Copilot+ features.
Dell XPS 13 (2024) — Best Windows laptop for most
The Dell XPS 13 occupies the sweet spot between ultraportable design and modern efficiency. The reviewed configuration uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and delivered extraordinary battery life: 19 hours 41 minutes in Tom’s Guide web‑surfing battery test, making it the longest‑lasting consumer laptop in that lab’s records. Why it’s recommended- Battery life: Hands‑down class‑leading for consumer laptops in the tested Snapdragon X Elite SKU.
- Design and weight: Clean XPS aesthetics and a true ultraportable footprint make it an ideal travel/work machine.
- Real multi‑core performance: The Snapdragon X Elite configuration in the review scored very well on multi‑core CPU tests (Geekbench 6 multi‑core ~14,635), which explains its snappy responsiveness under multitasking.
- App compatibility: ARM Windows is much better in 2025 than earlier generations, but legacy x86 apps can still show quirks under emulation; verify mission‑critical applications.
- Port selection: Thin design means fewer ports — you may want a USB‑C hub for legacy devices.
- SKU sensitivity: The outstanding battery and the specific Geekbench numbers apply to the Snapdragon X Elite SKU; Intel‑powered XPS 13 configurations (Lunar Lake/Core Ultra) have different runtime and performance tradeoffs. Always confirm the SKU at purchase.
Acer Aspire Go 15 — Best value (budget pick)
The Aspire Go 15 is the most pragmatic pick for buyers on a tight budget: aggressively priced at roughly $299 in the baseline SKU, it delivers a usable 15.6‑inch Windows 11 laptop experience for everyday tasks. Tom’s Guide measured 10 hours 15 minutes in their standardized battery run for the review unit.Why it’s compelling
- Price vs. utility: For basic web browsing, email, documents, and light streaming it represents outstanding value.
- Decent battery for the class: Ten hours in the controlled web test is unusually good for a sub‑$300 Windows laptop.
- Performance and storage: Low‑power Core i3‑N305 CPU, 8GB RAM and 128GB storage limit multitasking and local content work. Expect to use cloud storage or an external drive for bigger files.
- Panel and webcam: The 1080p LCD is serviceable but not vibrant; webcam quality is low (720p), which matters for frequent video calls.
Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED — Best 2‑in‑1
The Zenbook 14 Flip OLED combines a hinge that converts to tablet/tent modes with a high‑quality 2.8K OLED panel, making it a strong choice for creatives and consumers who want a convertible Windows 11 experience. The review notes compromises in webcam resolution and battery (sub‑10 hour tested runtime), but the display and chassis make it compelling.Strengths
- Display quality: OLED makes images and color‑sensitive work look excellent.
- Versatility: Touch and pen support plus convertible modes add practical flexibility for presentations and note‑taking.
- Battery life: A higher‑res OLED and convertible hinge mean modest runtime compared with battery‑first ARM designs.
Lenovo Yoga Book 9i — Best dual‑screen 2‑in‑1 (creative multitaskers)
Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i pairs two 13.3‑inch 2.8K OLED displays, enabling a novel, highly multitasking‑oriented workflow: one screen for typing or a virtual keyboard, the other for reference or media. The concept demands an adjustment period but shines for certain creative workflows.Pros
- Unique productivity model: Dual displays reduce dependency on external monitors for many multi‑app workflows.
- Portables for power users: Light weight and bundled accessories (keyboard, pointer) make it usable on the go.
- Price and fragility: The hinge and dual display can feel less sturdy than conventional clamshell designs; it’s expensive.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 — Best gaming laptop (14‑inch)
The Zephyrus G14 remains a favorite for gamers who want a small, high‑performance notebook. Tom’s Guide tested an RTX‑equipped unit (review notes an RTX 4070 configuration) and reported a sub‑7‑hour web browsing runtime and roughly one hour of battery life under gaming load — typical of compact gaming rigs.Why the G14 stands out
- Compact power: A 14‑inch chassis that hides a capable discrete GPU (RTX 40/50‑series in modern SKUs) and solid thermals for short bursts.
- Dual‑purpose: Good enough for productivity when not gaming, making it a credible carry‑everywhere gaming laptop.
- Battery is poor under load: Gaming will rapidly drain the battery; plan to game while plugged in.
- Thermals and noise: Small chassis increases fan noise and surface heat under sustained load; verify cooling behavior in independent reviews.
Asus ProArt P16 — Best laptop for creators
For creators who need a portable but powerful workstation, the ProArt P16 with a 4K OLED (color‑calibrated), AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, and an RTX 4070 GPU delivers the performance and color fidelity to rival a MacBook Pro for content work. The review praises the DialPad and other content‑focused features.Strengths
- Color accuracy and a high‑res OLED for dependable color work.
- Desktop‑class throughput: High‑end CPU + discrete GPU for rendering and exports.
- Battery life vs. power: As with most creator laptops, heavy workloads require plugging in; expect shorter runtimes.
Dell 14 Premium — Best OLED Windows laptop (premium 14.5‑inch)
Rebranded from the XPS lineup, the Dell 14 Premium pairs a 14.5‑inch 3,200×2,000 OLED touchscreen with Intel Core Ultra 7 255H and optional GeForce RTX 4050 discrete graphics. In tests the review unit scored well in multi‑core tasks (Geekbench 6 ~15,794 multi‑core) while delivering vivid visuals — but battery life was measured at roughly 8 hours 16 minutes in the standardized web test.What to like
- Stunning OLED display for general content and HDR playback.
- Balanced performance for mixed productivity and light gaming when configured with RTX 4050.
- Runtime is modest compared with Snapdragon X Elite ARM rivals; plan to carry a charger for long days.
- Function row and touchpad: Design choices (capacitive keys/no visible touchpad in some XPS variants) are divisive; test in person if possible.
Lenovo Slim 7 — Best Windows business laptop
The Slim 7 is a reliable, portable 14‑inch business laptop: comfortable keyboard, OLED touchscreen, and roughly 10+ hours of tested battery life in the review. It’s a conservative, dependable option for travel and office work with enough performance for typical knowledge‑worker tasks.Highlights
- Polished typing experience and good balance of performance and battery life.
- Minor ergonomic quirks (e.g., power button placement, short power cable in one review) are fixable but worth checking in person.
Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro — Best Samsung Windows laptop
Samsung’s Galaxy Book 5 Pro stands out for a large 16‑inch OLED (2880×1800) option, lightweight design, and Intel Core Ultra 7 "Lunar Lake" configurations. It’s a stylish workhorse with Copilot+ integration on supported SKUs, though Snapdragon X Elite SKUs still hold the runtime crown in the lab.Strengths
- Great OLED display and portability for media and productivity.
- Good compatibility with Windows apps thanks to Intel platform maturity.
- Battery and efficiency tradeoffs: Snapdragon X Elite systems often exceed it in pure endurance; weigh compatibility vs. runtime needs.
Performance snapshot: validated numbers and what they mean
Tom’s Guide publishes Geekbench 6 single‑core and multi‑core scores for the reviewed units to help buyers compare raw CPU responsiveness. For example, the Snapdragon X Elite X1E configuration in the XPS 13 scored ~2,797 single / 14,635 multi in the Tom’s Guide lab, while the Dell 14 Premium (Core Ultra 7 255H) shows ~2,701 single / 15,794 multi for its tested unit — these are lab‑specific numbers tied to the tested SKUs. Why this matters:- Single‑core numbers are important for everyday responsiveness and many lightly threaded apps.
- Multi‑core numbers matter for heavy multitasking, video exports, virtual machines and other parallel workloads.
- Use these scores as a relative gauge — real‑world performance also depends on cooling, software stack, and power profiles.
Battery reality check and SKU advice
Measured battery results make an obvious headline: Snapdragon X Elite SKUs can deliver near‑all‑day or multi‑day-like runtimes in controlled web tests (Dell XPS 13 at ~19:41 is a flagship example), while discrete‑GPU laptops and high‑res OLED models generally deliver shorter runtimes. These lab times are repeatable under the stated test conditions but will vary with your usage pattern, brightness, and workload. Practical buying checklist:- Always check the exact SKU (CPU/SoC, panel, RAM, storage) shown on the retailer page.
- If battery life is mission‑critical, prioritize Snapdragon X Elite or the most power‑efficient Core Ultra SKUs and FHD panels (OLED often reduces runtime).
- For future‑proofing and upgradability, pick modular designs (Framework) or business machines with serviceable RAM/SSD if you plan to keep the laptop for many years.
Risks and limits every buyer should know
- SKU fragmentation: Same model names hide different experiences. Confirm the model number and configuration before you buy.
- ARM compatibility: ARM‑based Windows offers dramatic battery gains but may still face edge‑case compatibility issues with niche or legacy x86 software; test mission‑critical apps where possible.
- Thermals vs. thinness: Ultralight designs often throttle under sustained heavy load. If sustained CPU/GPU performance matters, prefer thicker chassis with better cooling or HX/H‑class models.
- Display tradeoffs: OLED gives dramatically better contrast and color, but it often reduces battery life and can be dimmer outdoors unless you pick a high‑nit SKU. Always check measured nits if you work outdoors.
Accessories and small investments that pay off
- Laptop stand: Raising screen height improves ergonomics and reduces neck strain — inexpensive stands often deliver the biggest health win.
- External mouse: For long sessions, a comfortable mouse beats the trackpad in ergonomics and precision.
- USB‑C hub / dock: Useful for ultraportables with limited port selection (XPS family, many thin Zenbooks).
Final verdict — which laptop should you pick?
- Choose the Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon X Elite SKU if you prize battery life and mobility above all and accept some ARM compatibility checks.
- Choose the Acer Aspire Go 15 if you want the lowest cost full Windows laptop for basic tasks — excellent value for students or as a lightweight secondary machine.
- Choose the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 if you need portable gaming power and will mainly game while plugged in.
- Choose the Asus ProArt P16 or Dell 14 Premium if you’re a creator who needs color‑accurate OLED displays and discrete GPU horsepower; accept shorter runtime in return for capability.
Conclusion
Windows laptops in 2025 are diverse and strong: OLED displays and on‑device AI are mainstream, and battery‑first Snapdragon X Elite systems now offer endurance that challenges the best Apple silicon machines in specific tests. But the most important advice remains unchanged — check the exact SKU, match the device to the workload you actually do, and expect tradeoffs: thinness and OLED often reduce battery life; discrete GPUs add gaming punch at the cost of weight and runtime; and ARM brings great efficiency but still needs compatibility validation for some apps. Use the picks above as a tested starting point, then verify the seller’s SKU and independent battery / thermal tests for the exact configuration you plan to buy.Source: Tom's Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/best-windows-laptops/
