The Best Windows Laptops to Buy In 2025

As with buying anything, looking for the perfect Windows laptop can be a slog if you don't know what every little spec means. Here's some pointers.

Processor (CPU): Computers have multiple processors, but the CPU is your main one. It determines how powerful your machine is. Different CPU manufacturers include Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, and while they all virtually make the same thing, many PC users have their preferences. As a rule of thumb, a processor with a higher number in the name and a higher price tag is going to be faster than something with smaller numbers.

Graphics (GPU): The GPU is the processor that determines graphics and rendering. If you're planning on playing video games on your PC, pay attention to this one.

Memory (RAM): This is your computer's temporary storage, kind of like its short-term memory. The short of it is that higher RAM (measured in gigabytes) makes for a more powerful, faster computer. 16 gigabytes is a good place to start.

Portability: How much are you going to be using your laptop on the go? Are you taking it in a backpack every day? These are the important questions to ask yourself before deciding how important weight and size are. If you are prioritizing portability, look for a laptop that weighs less than three pounds and a screen 14 inches or smaller.

Storage: This is what you're most familiar with. Just straight up how much data your computer can hold onto. When it comes to solid state drives (SSD), 256GB or above is solid, 512GB or above is great, and a terabyte is excellent.

Longevity: How long is it going to be until you need to drop more money on your laptop? Either to upgrade it or get a new one. That's what longevity is. Factors like whether or not you can upgrade the RAM or SSD are important to users who want to invest in one laptop they can scale up over time.