The Best Today Brand Laptops of 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
In 2025, the laptop market is buzzing with innovation, power, and style. Whether you're a student, a professional, a gamer, or just someone who needs a reliable machine for everyday tasks, there’s a laptop out there for you. But with so many brands vying for the top spot, how do you decide which one is the best today? I’ve spent hours digging into the latest models, expert reviews, and user feedback to bring you this detailed guide on the best laptop brands of 2025. From Apple’s sleek MacBooks to ASUS’s versatile Zenbooks, let’s explore what’s leading the pack this year.
Why Brand Matters in 2025
When it comes to laptops, the brand isn’t just a logo—it’s a promise of quality, performance, and support. In 2025, brands like Apple, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft are setting the bar high, each catering to different niches. Whether it’s durability, innovative design, or raw power, these brands have earned their stripes through years of refinement. According to RTINGS.com, the best laptop brands consistently deliver on build quality and user experience, even if every model isn’t perfect (RTINGS.com).
So, what makes a brand “the best” today? It’s a mix of performance, reliability, customer satisfaction, and how well they adapt to 2025’s tech trends—like AI integration, OLED screens, and ARM-based chips. Let’s explore the top contenders and their flagship laptops.
1. Apple: The Timeless Innovator
Why Apple Stands Out
Apple has been a titan in the laptop world for years, and in 2025, it’s still leading the charge. Known for its seamless ecosystem, premium build quality, and powerful M-series chips, Apple laptops are a go-to for creatives, students, and professionals alike. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models have dominated “best laptop” lists across sites like CNET and PCMag, and this year is no exception.
Top Pick: MacBook Air M3 (2024)
The 13-inch MacBook Air M3 remains a fan favorite in 2025. Priced around $1,299, it’s the sweet spot for most users. With an 8-core M3 chip, a 10-core GPU, and up to 19 hours of battery life, it’s perfect for everything from editing 4K videos to binge-watching your favorite shows. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp, though it doesn’t quite match the vibrancy of OLED competitors (CNET).
What sets it apart? Its fanless design means silent operation, and its lightweight aluminum chassis (just 2.7 pounds) makes it ultra-portable. If you’re Team Apple, this is the best all-rounder today.
For Power Users: MacBook Pro M4 Pro (2024)
For those needing more muscle, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is a beast. Released late last year, it’s already hailed as the best laptop for photo and video editing by Mashable (Mashable). With a 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, and a stunning nano-texture Mini LED display option, it’s a dream for creatives. Battery life clocks in at 20 hours, and it supports two external displays with the lid closed—a big win for multitaskers.
Apple’s downside? Price. You’re looking at $2,499 and up. But if you’re invested in macOS, it’s worth every penny.
2. ASUS: The Versatile Powerhouse
Why ASUS Shines
ASUS has quietly climbed the ranks to become one of 2025’s most exciting laptop brands. Known for blending affordability with premium features, ASUS caters to everyone—gamers, professionals, and casual users. Laptop Mag praises ASUS for its consistent innovation, especially with OLED displays and ultraportable designs (Laptop Mag).
Top Pick: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Touch
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Touch is a standout in 2025, often crowned the “best laptop for most people” by PCMag (PCMag). At under $1,000, it packs an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen that’s vivid and bright (342 nits). Battery life stretches to 16 hours, making it a road warrior’s dream.
Its Ceraluminum chassis is scratch-resistant and weighs just 2.8 pounds. Ports? You get Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack—more than most ultraportables. It’s a steal for the price and a top contender for “best today brand laptop” searches.
Bonus: ASUS Zenbook Duo (2025)
For multitaskers, the Zenbook Duo’s dual 14-inch OLED screens are a game-changer. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, it’s a productivity beast. WIRED calls it the best dual-screen laptop of 2025, and I agree—it’s perfect for juggling multiple projects (WIRED).
ASUS’s strength is variety. Whether you want budget-friendly or high-end, they’ve got you covered.
3. Microsoft: The Windows Champion
Why Microsoft Excels
Microsoft’s Surface line has redefined Windows laptops in 2025, especially with the shift to ARM-based Snapdragon chips. Known for sleek designs and top-tier performance, Microsoft is a favorite among Windows loyalists. TechRadar named the Surface Laptop 7 the best overall laptop of 2025, and it’s easy to see why (TechRadar).
Top Pick: Surface Laptop 7 (15-inch)
The Surface Laptop 7 (15-inch) is a Copilot+ PC that blends power, portability, and insane battery life—nearly 20 hours in CNET’s tests (CNET). The Snapdragon X Elite chip handles everything from office work to light gaming, and the 120Hz touchscreen is a joy to use. At 3.7 pounds, it’s not the lightest, but the premium build and haptic touchpad make up for it.
App compatibility was a concern with ARM, but 2025’s updates have smoothed out most kinks. It starts at $1,299, a fair price for this level of polish.
Why It’s “Best Today”
Microsoft’s focus on AI features and all-day battery life makes it a standout for professionals and students searching for “best Windows laptop 2025.”
4. Lenovo: The Business and Gaming King
Why Lenovo Rules
Lenovo’s reputation for durability and performance shines in 2025. From the iconic ThinkPad line to the gaming-focused Legion series, Lenovo offers something for everyone. PCWorld raves about their battery life and build quality, making them a top pick for reliability (PCWorld).
Top Pick: ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 is a business laptop that lasts—almost 24 hours on a single charge, thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite chip. At under 3 pounds, it’s lightweight yet rugged, with a 1920x1200 display that’s sharp enough for most tasks. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, earning high marks from PCWorld (PCWorld).
For Gamers: Lenovo Legion 5i
Gamers searching for “best gaming laptop 2025” should check out the Legion 5i. With an Intel Core i9-14900HX, NVIDIA RTX 4060, and a 16-inch 2560x1600 IPS display (165Hz), it delivers smooth gameplay for $1,399. It’s not OLED, but the performance-to-price ratio is unbeatable (PCWorld).
Lenovo’s versatility makes it a strong “best today” contender.
5. Dell: The Workstation Wizard
Why Dell Dominates
Dell’s knack for blending power and portability keeps it in the top tier. In 2025, the Precision and XPS lines are stealing the show, especially for professionals. PCMag calls the Dell Precision 5690 the best mobile workstation of the year (PCMag).
Top Pick: Dell Precision 5690
The Precision 5690 is a 16-inch powerhouse with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada GPU, and up to 64GB of RAM. Its 4K OLED touchscreen is a stunner, and it handles rendering and engineering tasks like a champ. Battery life isn’t its forte (around 9 hours), but for raw power, it’s unmatched. Prices start at $2,500, climbing to $6,500 fully loaded.
Alternative: XPS 13 (2025)
The XPS 13 with Intel Lunar Lake and a tandem OLED display is a sleek ultraportable that Mashable is currently testing. Early buzz suggests it’s a contender for “best premium laptop 2025” (Mashable).
Dell’s focus on pros makes it a niche leader.
Comparing the Best Brands of 2025
| Brand | Top Model | Price | Battery Life | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | MacBook Air M3 | $1,299 | 19 hours | General Use, Creatives |
| ASUS | Zenbook 14 OLED Touch | $999 | 16 hours | Value, Portability |
| Microsoft | Surface Laptop 7 (15") | $1,299 | 20 hours | Windows Fans, Pros |
| Lenovo | ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 | $1,499 | 24 hours | Business, Durability |
| Dell | Precision 5690 | $2,500+ | 9 hours | Workstations, Power |
What to Look for in a 2025 Laptop
Performance
Processors like Apple’s M4, Intel’s Core Ultra, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite are dominating 2025. For most users, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD are the sweet spot, per WIRED’s buying guide (WIRED).
Display
OLED is king for color and contrast—ASUS and Dell lead here. If battery life matters more, stick with IPS or Mini LED (Apple, Lenovo).
Battery Life
20+ hours is the new standard. Lenovo and Microsoft excel, while Dell lags in high-power models.
Portability
Under 3 pounds is ideal for travel—Apple and ASUS nail this.
Trends Shaping 2025 Laptops
- AI Integration: Copilot+ PCs (Microsoft, Lenovo) are boosting productivity with AI tools.
- ARM Chips: Snapdragon X Elite offers efficiency and power, challenging Intel’s dominance.
- Dual Screens: ASUS’s Zenbook Duo reflects a growing demand for multitasking setups.
- Sustainability: Brands like Framework (not covered here) and ASUS are pushing repairability and eco-friendly designs.
Which Brand Is Best Today?
If I had to pick one “best today brand laptop” for 2025, it’s a toss-up between Apple and ASUS. Apple’s MacBook Air M3 is the gold standard for most users—reliable, powerful, and polished. But ASUS’s Zenbook 14 OLED Touch offers incredible value and versatility, making it a close second. Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7 is the Windows champ, while Lenovo and Dell cater to specific niches (business and workstations).
Your choice depends on your needs:
- Budget: ASUS or Lenovo.
- Power: Dell or Apple.
- Portability: Apple or Microsoft.
- Gaming: Lenovo Legion.
Final Thoughts
The best laptop brand of 2025 isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it’s about what you value most. Apple keeps winning hearts with its ecosystem and performance. ASUS surprises with affordability and innovation. Microsoft redefines Windows laptops, while Lenovo and Dell hold strong in their domains. Whatever you choose, 2025’s laptops are faster, sleeker, and more capable than ever.
Looking for more? Check out expert reviews at Laptop Mag, PCMag, or TechRadar to stay updated as new models roll out. Happy laptop hunting!