The best laptops of 2025: Compare the M4 MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, and more
As of November 2025, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4) has emerged as the top choice for most users seeking a reliable and powerful laptop. This sleek and stylish notebook not only boasts impressive performance but also supports open-lid functionality for connecting up to two external displays, making it an ideal option for multitaskers and creative professionals alike. One of its standout features is the 12MP Center Stage camera, which enhances video calls by keeping users in focus, ensuring that they look their best during virtual meetings. With a competitive starting price of $1,199—$100 less than its M3 predecessor—the MacBook Air (M4) combines affordability with high-end features, solidifying its position as the best MacBook for a wide range of users.
On the other hand, for those in the Windows ecosystem, the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 stands out as the best Windows laptop available. This sophisticated device, powered by the innovative Copilot+ technology, delivers not only a snappy performance but also an impressive battery life of nearly 23 hours, making it a perfect companion for users who are constantly on the go. Importantly, Microsoft offers an Intel version of the Surface Laptop 7, which may attract users concerned about app compatibility on Windows ARM. However, it’s worth noting that this Intel model is geared more towards business users and comes with a significant markup. Both laptops cater to different needs and preferences, showcasing the best of what Apple and Microsoft have to offer in the competitive laptop market. Whether you prefer the sleek design and performance of the MacBook Air or the versatility and battery life of the Surface Laptop 7, both options represent the pinnacle of modern computing technology.
As of November 2025, I think the
15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4)
is the
best MacBook
for most people. It’s a sleek-as-ever notebook featuring impressive performance, open-lid support for two external displays, a great 12MP Center Stage camera, and an extremely reasonable starting price of $1,199 (making it $100 cheaper than its
M3 predecessor
).
The
best Windows laptop
we’ve tested is the
13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
, a sophisticated and snappy
Copilot+ PC
boasting a stellar battery life of nearly 23 hours. Note that Microsoft makes an
Intel version
that may appeal to users wary of Windows on ARM for app compatibility reasons, but it’s a business-oriented model with a significant markup.
