Top Laptops of 2025: Ultimate Comparison & Reviews
▼ Summary
– High Performance Laptops publishes monthly group tests ranking the best laptops based on updated prices and availability, with a major update for October 2025.
– The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (Gen 10) became the best laptop on 9 October 2025, featuring a 14-inch form factor, Intel Lunar Lake processor, and strong performance for an ultraportable.
– The MSI Prestige 14 Ai Evo C1MG is highlighted for its 24-hour battery life, business-grade durability, and excellent value at $1,199, despite being outperformed in some tasks by newer models.
– MSI’s Crosshair 16 HX AI is noted as the best gaming laptop, offering high-quality features like an Nvidia RTX 5070 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor at a discounted price of $3,099.
– The Acer Swift Edge 16 re-enters the list with a new AMD Ryzen 7 8840U CPU, a top-tier UHD OLED screen, and lightweight design, making it a top ultraportable option at $1,497.
Navigating the laptop market in 2025 requires staying current with the latest models, performance benchmarks, and pricing shifts. Our monthly group test ranks the best laptops available based on rigorous testing, updated costs, and real-world usability. With Windows 10 reaching end-of-life, choosing a future-proof machine has never been more critical. Below, we spotlight the top ten laptops dominating the current landscape.
Priced at $1,899, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition earns our highest recommendation as of October 9, 2025. This 14-inch productivity laptop delivers near-perfect performance, especially during sales events. While earlier Yoga 7i convertible models impressed, this non-tablet sibling now leads with its Intel Lunar Lake processor, compact 14-inch design, and a superior display. It’s exceptionally well-built for a consumer device, handles light gaming, and offers impressive portability. Our battery test recorded 21 hours of use, slightly below expectations, but a full review will follow shortly. A larger 15.3-inch version with comparable specs is also available at the same price.
The Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 enters the list at $2,019. Though it briefly held the top spot, this convertible remains the go-to choice for tablet functionality. It shares many features with the top-ranked Slim model but adds a touchscreen and flexible form factor. Configurable with a 14-inch display and Lunar Lake CPU, it supports numerous accessories. An AMD variant, the Yoga 7 2-in-1, offers more processing power but shorter battery life—11 hours less than the 27-hour, 19-minute runtime we measured on the Intel model. Currently discounted by $1,500, it represents outstanding value.
For $1,199, the MSI Prestige 14 Ai Evo C1MG stands out as a business-grade ultraportable with remarkable 24-hour battery endurance. Powered by a Core Ultra 5 chip, it outperforms newer Lunar Lake laptops in rendering tasks. Its 90Wh battery and anti-glare matte screen enhance productivity, while military-grade durability ensures it withstands daily commuting. Though some alternatives are lighter or more powerful, recent price reductions make the Prestige an extraordinary bargain at this level.
Gaming enthusiasts should consider the MSI Crosshair 16 HX AI, listed at $3,099 and currently $1,000 off. Awarded Best Laptop and Best Gaming Laptop in June 2025, it combines an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU with Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics. A 16-inch 240Hz display, robust connectivity, and balanced performance without premium pricing make it a compelling option. While slightly edged out by an ultraportable in our overall rankings, it remains our top gaming pick.
The MSI Raider A18 HX A9W is a powerhouse desktop replacement priced at $6,999. Designed for users seeking maximum performance, this 18-inch AMD-powered machine aced every benchmark. Equipped with an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU in our test unit, it redefines laptop speed. Cheaper configurations are available, and an October discount of $3,000 makes it more accessible.
Acer’s Swift Edge 16 returns to availability at $1,497. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, its standout attribute is the stunning 120Hz UHD OLED HDR display. Weighing just 1.25kg despite its 16-inch size, it’s a favorite for daily use. Recent price drops have restored its position among the best ultraportables.
Priced at $5,884, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10) remains a popular premium gaming laptop. It boasts powerful specs, excellent ergonomics, and a sleek design, though it tends to attract fingerprints. Configurations range from RTX 5070 to 5090 GPUs, with recent models including $200 accessory bundles. A newly listed RTX 5070 Ti version at $4,099 offers remarkable value.
Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air M4 debuts at $1,587, providing a compelling option for those preferring macOS. Improved cross-platform testing allows better comparison with Windows machines. Its Retina display, lightweight design, and seamless ecosystem integration appeal, though gaming and niche software support remain limitations. The shift from Windows is becoming more attractive for some users.
At just $998, the Acer Swift Go 14 Ai offers a budget-friendly Snapdragon-based ultraportable. While compatibility issues persist with ARM architecture, its 20-plus-hour battery life and Copilot+ AI features are notable. Intel-based alternatives avoid these software hurdles, but at this price, the Swift Go 14 is hard to overlook.
Finally, the Apple MacBook Air M3 appears at $1,694. After refining our comparison methodology, we recognize its strengths in battery life—up to 30 hours—and cohesive hardware-software integration. Ideal for less demanding users, it benefits from a vast app library and deep ecosystem ties. The M4 version brings minor improvements, but the discounted M3 model delivers excellent performance for the price.
(Source: ITWire Australia)
