In 2025, laptops have evolved to meet diverse needs, from ultra-portable productivity machines to powerful creative workstations. With advancements in AI, displays, and battery efficiency, choosing the best laptop can be overwhelming. This guide compares the top laptops available in the US—Apple MacBook Air M3, Dell XPS 13, Lenovo Yoga 9i, and HP Spectre x360—based on real-world data, including performance benchmarks, battery life, display quality, and more. Whether you’re a student, professional, or content creator, we’ve analyzed the data to help you find the perfect laptop.
Why These Laptops Lead in 2025
These laptops were selected based on reviews and tests from trusted sources like PCMag, CNET, TechRadar, and Laptop Mag. Each excels in specific areas, such as portability, performance, or versatility, making them the top choices for 2025. Below, we break down their specs, performance, and features to guide your purchase decision.
1. Apple MacBook Air M3
The MacBook Air M3, starting at $1,099, remains the gold standard for portability and performance, ideal for macOS enthusiasts.
Key Specifications
- Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560×1664), 500 nits
- Processor: Apple M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- RAM/Storage: 8GB–24GB RAM, 256GB–2TB SSD
- Battery Life: 18 hours 20 minutes (Laptop Mag web surfing test)
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, headphone jack
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
- OS: macOS Ventura
- Price: Starting at $1,099
Performance
The M3 chip scores 12,105 on Geekbench 6 multi-core tests, surpassing the M2 (9,678) and competing with Intel Core Ultra 7 chips. It handles tasks like video editing and light gaming effortlessly, with a fanless design ensuring silent operation. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is crisp and vibrant, though it lacks OLED.
Battery Life
At 18 hours and 20 minutes, the MacBook Air M3 leads in battery endurance, outlasting most Windows laptops. Its 30W charging is sufficient but slower than competitors.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Powerful M3 chip
- Lightweight and premium build
- Seamless macOS integration
Cons
- Base model has only 8GB RAM
- Limited port selection
- No OLED display
2. Dell XPS 13 (9345)
Priced at $1,199, the Dell XPS 13 combines sleek design with cutting-edge Intel Core Ultra Series 2 performance, perfect for professionals.
Key Specifications
- Display: 13.4-inch OLED (2880×1800), 400 nits, 60Hz
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
- RAM/Storage: 16GB–32GB RAM, 512GB–1TB SSD
- Battery Life: 16 hours 10 minutes (PCMag video streaming test)
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, headphone jack
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- OS: Windows 11 Pro
- Price: Starting at $1,199
Performance
The Intel Core Ultra 7 256V scores 13,245 on Geekbench 6, outperforming the M3 in multi-core tasks. It’s ideal for multitasking and creative workloads, with Intel Arc graphics handling casual gaming. The 13.4-inch OLED display offers stunning contrast and color accuracy, perfect for content creators.
Battery Life
With 16 hours and 10 minutes of battery life, the XPS 13 is excellent but trails the MacBook Air. Its 60W fast charging is quicker than Apple’s, reaching 80% in about 45 minutes.
Pros
- Gorgeous OLED display
- Powerful Intel Core Ultra performance
- Sleek, lightweight design
- Fast charging
Cons
- Fewer ports
- Higher starting price
- No touchscreen option
3. Lenovo Yoga 9i (2025)
The Lenovo Yoga 9i, starting at $1,349, is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop with a stunning design and robust performance, ideal for creatives and hybrid workers.
Key Specifications
- Display: 14-inch OLED (2880×1800), 400 nits, 120Hz
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- RAM/Storage: 16GB–32GB RAM, 512GB–1TB SSD
- Battery Life: 14 hours 45 minutes (CNET video playback test)
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- OS: Windows 11 Home
- Price: Starting at $1,349
Performance
The Core Ultra 7 155H scores 12,890 on Geekbench 6, closely trailing the XPS 13. Its 120Hz OLED display is buttery smooth, and the 2-in-1 design supports tablet and tent modes, perfect for sketching or presentations. The included stylus enhances its appeal for artists.
Battery Life
At 14 hours and 45 minutes, the Yoga 9i’s battery life is solid but lags behind the MacBook Air and XPS 13. Its 65W charging is fast, fully charging in about 90 minutes.
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Stunning 120Hz OLED display
- Robust port selection
- Included stylus
Cons
- Shorter battery life
- Slightly heavier
- Higher price
4. HP Spectre x360 14 (2025)
At $1,399, the HP Spectre x360 14 offers premium design, excellent performance, and a vibrant OLED display, making it a strong contender for professionals.
Key Specifications
- Display: 14-inch OLED (2880×1800), 500 nits, 120Hz
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V
- RAM/Storage: 16GB–32GB RAM, 512GB–2TB SSD
- Battery Life: 17 hours 30 minutes (TechRadar video streaming test)
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-A, headphone jack
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
- OS: Windows 11 Pro
- Price: Starting at $1,399
Performance
The Core Ultra 5 226V scores 11,980 on Geekbench 6, slightly behind the Yoga 9i but sufficient for most tasks, including photo editing and multitasking. The 14-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate is ideal for creative work and media consumption.
Battery Life
With 17 hours and 30 minutes of battery life, the Spectre x360 nearly matches the MacBook Air, making it great for all-day use. Its 65W charging is comparable to the Yoga 9i.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Vibrant 120Hz OLED display
- Premium 2-in-1 design
- Good port variety
Cons
- Heavier than competitors
- Lower-powered processor
- Highest starting price
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M3 | Dell XPS 13 | Lenovo Yoga 9i | HP Spectre x360 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $1,199 | $1,349 | $1,399 |
| Display | 13.6″ Retina, 500 nits | 13.4″ OLED, 400 nits | 14″ OLED, 400 nits | 14″ OLED, 500 nits |
| Processor | Apple M3 | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core Ultra 7 155H | Core Ultra 5 226V |
| Geekbench 6 Score | 12,105 | 13,245 | 12,890 | 11,980 |
| Battery Life | 18h 20m | 16h 10m | 14h 45m | 17h 30m |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 2.9 lbs | 3.2 lbs |
| Ports | 2x TB4, MagSafe | 2x TB4 | 2x TB4, USB-A, HDMI | 2x TB4, USB-A |
Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Best Overall: The Apple MacBook Air M3 is the best laptop of 2025 for its unmatched battery life, lightweight design, and seamless macOS experience, though it’s best for Apple ecosystem users.
Best for Performance: The Dell XPS 13 offers top-tier Intel Core Ultra performance and a stunning OLED display, ideal for professionals and creators.
Best for Versatility: The Lenovo Yoga 9i shines as a 2-in-1 with a smooth OLED display and stylus, perfect for artists and hybrid workers.
Best for Battery and Display: The HP Spectre x360 delivers excellent battery life and a vibrant OLED display, though its processor is less powerful.
Conclusion
The best laptop of 2025 depends on your needs. The MacBook Air M3 is the top choice for portability and battery life, while the Dell XPS 13 excels in raw performance. The Lenovo Yoga 9i offers versatility, and the HP Spectre x360 balances battery and display quality. Use our comparison to choose the laptop that suits your work, creativity, or lifestyle.
Sources: PCMag, CNET, TechRadar, Laptop Mag
