The best 15-inch laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

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Size matters when shopping for a new laptop. A 13 or 14-inch laptop might be too small, while a 16-inch device could be way too big. Fifteen-inch laptops offer a nice in-between; one that is not too big or small, but just right. What’s great is they’re available across a wide range of categories, from budget laptops to graphic design machines. The MacBook Air M4 is a solid, lightweight option. If you’re short on cash, the Acer Aspire Go 15 comes highly recommended.

I’m familiar with a lot of 15-inch laptops, so to save you the trouble, I’ve compiled a list highlighting the best options on the market today.

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What’s the best 15-inch laptop right now?

Over the past couple of years, I’ve tested dozens of 15-inch laptops. To narrow down the list, I considered multiple factors, such as design, performance, display, and price.

It was a tough decision because there are many great options out there. Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i has a fantastic display and the Acer Aspire Go 15 is the best budget option. After much deliberation and serious consideration, the choice was obvious: the M4 MacBook Air takes the top spot. It’s sleek, performs well, and has a great battery life, although it is rather expensive. Fortunately, I have other options for you.

Also: The fastest laptops you can buy

The best 15-inch laptops of 2025

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Why we like it: Taking the top spot is the MacBook Air M4. It is a well-rounded device that I firmly believe most people will enjoy. For this device, Apple essentially took what was already great from the previous generation and made it even better. It now supports up to three external displays instead of just two. The company increased the memory amount to 32GB to better support the M4 chip. And the cherry on top is it maintains the same great all-day battery life.

Review: MacBook Air M4

Who it’s for: The MacBook Air M4 is ideal for college students, commuters, hybrid workers, and creative professionals who want something lightweight and powerful. Its sharp 12MP camera ensures that you’ll look good on video conferences. Its chipset handles multitasking very well. The device serves its main purpose of being the center of an Apple-centric ecosystem impeccably.

Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn’t recommend upgrading to the M4 model if you already own a MacBook Air M3. While this laptop performs better, it may not be a significant enough upgrade to justify switching. What’s more, it only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, both of which are on the same side. This input array may feel too limiting to some. To rectify this, I recommend buying a laptop docking station.

Apple MacBook Air M4 tech specs: CPU: 10-core CPU with 16-core Neural Engine | GPU: 10-core | RAM: 16GB or 24GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or configured up to 2TB | Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina, 60Hz refresh rate, 500 nits max | Battery: Up to 18 hours | Weight: 3.3 lbs.

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Why we like it: If you’re going to be glued to a screen all day, it should, at least, be nice to look at. Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition delivers in this regard by housing a 2.8K touchscreen. It’s sharp and vibrant and supports a 120Hz refresh rate for velvety smooth visuals. The Yoga Slim 7i is fantastic for day-to-day usage.

There is a lot more to the laptop than just its screen. At its core is an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor that delivers solid performance. The chipset is energy efficient, too, as the device can last over 17 hours on a single charge. In his review, ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski appreciated key features like Smart Share, which lets you instantly transfer photos from a smartphone to the computer.

Review: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition

Who it’s for: I recommend the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition to anyone looking for a premium 15-inch Windows laptop. Users of all kinds will appreciate not only the display but also the battery life and performance. Its speakers provide clear, crisp sound, plus the keyboard is top-notch.

Who should look elsewhere: People who are particular about build quality should look elsewhere. In his review, Kyle Kucharski stated that his review unit had a loose backplate. This wasn’t an issue exclusive to his own, because other online reviewers discovered the same flaw. Additionally, the Yoga Slim 7i is stuffed to the brim with bloatware. Notifications from Windows, McAfee Antivirus, and Lenovo Vantage made the laptop feel cluttered.

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Why we like it: The 2025 Acer Aspire Go 15 is a solid, budget-friendly option that punches well above its weight class. It operates on an Intel Core i5-1334U processor, an integrated Intel graphics card, and 8GB of RAM. This is not a super-powerful configuration, but it is enough to handle internet browsing, movie streaming, and document writing without any serious hiccups.

The Full HD display offers great contrast despite its relatively low resolution as well as wide viewing angles. We don’t exactly know how long the Aspire Go 15 can last. But if it’s anything like previous generations, expect a battery life of over 10 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the full-size keyboard and decent port selection allow this laptop to do exactly what it needs to do — no more, no less.

Why we like it: To reiterate its placement on this list, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a cheap laptop or a reliable secondary device. It’s a highly practical device that won’t disappoint in class, at home, or in the office.

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Who should look elsewhere: This will sound rather obvious, but don’t expect top-notch performance from Acer’s Aspire Go 15. The Intel Core i5-1334U processor buckles under heavy workloads. What’s more, its display is probably not very bright. I know Windows 11 laptops, and it is likely highly likely that the Aspire Go 15 is bogged down by bloatware. This laptop does not deliver a premium experience, but it gets the job done if your needs are basic.

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Why we like it: Laptops aimed at content creators tend to be expensive, but the Asus Vivobook S 15 stands out by being relatively affordable at around $1,000 and delivering an exceptional experience. Its 3K OLED display is stunning, outputting vibrant colors and deep blacks, all at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re editing photos, watching videos, or browsing the internet, everything looks crisp. What’s more, the 89% screen-to-body ratio gives the screen a premium feel that rivals other laptops above its price tag.

Thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite clip, performance feels snappy. The integrated NPU (neural processing unit) allows the Vivobook S 15 to better support local AI features without requiring access to cloud resources. At 3.13 pounds and 0.58 inches thick, it is a sleek device light enough to carry around all day. Don’t worry about fragility as its aluminum chassis can handle the rigors of the road.

Review: Asus Vivobook S 15

Who it’s for: If you value a lightweight laptop that doesn’t sacrifice performance, the Vivobook S 15 is perfect for you. It hits that important sweet spot for many. Its AI-powered hardware allows the computer to juggle media work, streaming services, and productivity apps simultaneously. Even if you’re not a creative professional, I would recommend this Asus model to anyone who wants a MacBook-like experience but would like to stay on Windows.

Who should look elsewhere: The Vivovook S 15 is part of a new wave of Windows on ARM computers. Substantial effort has been made to make these devices compatible with a wide range of software, but there is still a lot of ground to cover. As a result, not every app works well on Asus’ laptop. You may run into some compatibility issues or inconsistent performance with certain programs.

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Why we like it: Microsoft’s Surface laptop is a lightweight, stylish machine that reminds me a lot of the MacBook Air, although with more personality thanks to its interesting color options. Inside the laptop is a Snapdragon X Elite chipset, which, as I’ve established in the previous entry, delivers a speedy performance and ensures a long-lasting battery. In his review, ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski managed to get his review unit to run for about 15 hours.

Although it isn’t OLED, the sharp, HDR touchscreen looks sharp. Its high 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through web pages feel exceptionally smooth. Praise must also be levied at the keyboard for the level of comfort it provides. The touchpad is large enough to let users send the cursor from one side of the screen to the other, but it is a little sensitive. Microsoft’s Copilot AI platform is well-integrated. You can use it to help with menial tasks, like summarizing emails.

Review: Microsoft Surface Laptop

Who it’s for: I would recommend the Microsoft Surface Laptop to professionals looking for a dependable 15-inch machine, especially if they commute frequently. That 15-hour battery life comes in handy when you have to move from place to place to place.

Who should look elsewhere: Similar to the Asus Vivobook S 15, not every app will work on the Surface Laptop because it is a Windows on ARM machine. Again, a lot of effort has been made to improve software selection, but you could still run into the odd quirk. I suggest that you stay mindful of the computer’s cost — opting for certain configurations will significantly increase the price.

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Why we like it: Rounding out the list is Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus. It stands out amongst other Chromebooks by being one of the thinnest and lightest devices in its series. Yet contrary to its sleek design, the computer delivers a solid performance courtesy of its Intel Core i4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

Most Chromebooks opt for a dull display, but that isn’t the case with Samsung’s device because it has a vibrant 15.6-inch AMOLED screen, perfect for streaming and casual gaming. Thanks to recent moves by Google, ChromeOS packs helpful AI features like Help Me Read, which scans webpages and documents to provide a summary.

Why it’s for: The Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a good choice for people who rely heavily on Google’s cloud services or who want a lightweight device for work. Android users in particular will appreciate the seamless smartphone integration via Phone Hub. It’s important to mention that buying the Chromebook gives three free months of GeForce Now, letting you play the latest games without needing to download them.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

Who should look elsewhere: Like with the Acer Aspire Go 15, I do not recommend the Galaxy Chromebook Plus to people on the hunt for a powerful machine. Chromebooks are not known for their performance, and this remains true with this model. Additionally, you may run into the occasional user interface bug. It’s been found that the cursor will often get stuck underneath a dialog window while in full screen mode.

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The best 15-inch laptop in 2025 is the M4 Apple MacBook Air. Portable, powerful, and with a long-lasting battery, the MacBook Air M4 is a versatile workhorse you can throw in a bag and take anywhere you go. The M4’s 10-core CPU and GPU are armed to take on almost anything you throw at it, and the entire package weighs just 3.3 pounds.

That said, the M4 MacBook Air isn’t for everyone. Below is a list breaking down all of the most important aspects of the best 15-inch laptops.

Laptop	Starting cost	Processor/GPU	RAM/Storage	Weight (lbs)
Apple MacBook Air M4	$1,400	M4 10-core CPU with 16-core NPU	RAM: 16GB, 24GB Storage: 265GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB	3.3
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition	$1,100	Intel Core Ultra 7 256V	RAM: 16GB, Storage: 512GB, 1TB	3.2
Acer Aspire Go 15	$380	Intel Core i5-1334U	RAM: 8GB, Storage:256GB	3.7
Asus Vivobook S 15	$799	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H	RAM: 16GB, Storage: 1TB	3.13
Microsoft Surface Laptop	$1,200	Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite	RAM: 16GB, Storage: 1TB	2.7
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus	$239	Intel Core 3 100U	RAM: 8GB, Storage: 256GB	2.58

*MSRP at the time of writing.

The best 15-inch laptop for you depends on what you want to get out of it. Options like the Acer Aspire Go 15 are solid budget options but lack any serious power. If you’re not looking for something specific, then jack-of-all-trades options like the Microsoft Surface Laptop might be the better fit

Choose this 15-inch laptop…	If you want…
Apple MacBook Air M4	An all-around strong 15-inch lightweight laptop that handles the majority of use cases
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition	A 15-inch laptop with the best display. It boasts a stunning 2.8K screen and a long-lasting battery.
Acer Aspire Go 15	A budget laptop that is capable enough for everyday tasks.
Asus Vivobook S 15	The best 15-inch laptop for content creators. On top of its brilliant OLED display, this Asus model has snappy hardware and a solid battery.
Microsoft Surface Laptop	The 15-inch laptop for work. Business professionals will appreciate the Surface Laptop’s top-notch performance and stylish design.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus	An easy-to-use Chromebook with access to Google AI features.

We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a system’s metrics under the hood and compare those to advertised numbers. We then spend about a week or two with the laptop, using it the same way a normal consumer would in order to analyze its portability, form factor, and how well the battery actually holds up, among other devices. For an extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.

Benchmarking: First, we run a series of tests to put the computer’s hardware through the wringer in order to see what it’s capable of. Cinebench is one of the most commonly used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop’s rendering performance on single and multiple central processing unit (CPU) cores. PCMark 10 is another powerful program that covers a wide variety of tasks performed in the workplace, and there are many others that we use in tandem to gather as much data as we can. Some components we run tests on include:

Processor: The “brain” of the laptop, and one of the most important factors that determines performance. The four biggest manufacturers that make most of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple — in their own machines only. This is tested in benchmarking software.

The display: The size of the display — measured diagonally from corner to corner — also dictates the laptop’s overall size and plays a big role in the device’s cost. Brightness is measured in “nits” and color spectrums are tested in benchmarking software.
The graphics processor (GPU): Whether it’s integrated into the CPU or a dedicated graphics card, how well the machine handles graphics is a key factor when it comes to demanding visual tasks like video editing, rendering, and of course, gaming. We test the GPU with a combination of benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback.
Physical form factor: Finally, the laptop’s overall appearance and physical form factor encompasses its weight, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether or not it has a display that can be folded back to form a tablet. We carry the laptop around for at least a week and note how well it commutes.
Battery testing: We test a unit’s battery in a few ways. A handful of benchmarking programs have their own battery testing components, but we also will just let the laptop run for as long as it can under a medium load. We ensure screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the display’s brightness and audio at 50%, load up a livestream on YouTube in Chrome, and wait ’til the end.

The human element: As we mentioned earlier, metrics and system data is important, but numbers alone don’t give you the full picture. This is where we weave in our personal experience with the device and tap into the practical use cases that consumers actually care about.

Also: The best laptop docking stations you can buy: Expert tested

Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of each and every laptop we test into digestible terms that real people can find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when it comes to navigating the laptop and computer consumer market, so we hope to bring an intuitive element to the whole process by leveraging our team’s decades of experience.

Latest information on 15-inch laptops

Fifteen-inch laptops are a niche classification. Most laptops are either 14- or 16-inches. Bigger sizes are more often seen on gaming laptops to provide immersive experiences. And anything smaller than 14 inches would most likely be a tablet. Manufacturers tend to focus on those two sizes and seldom roll out 15-inch laptops. At this time, we don’t have any new information on any upcoming 15-inch laptops at this time.

That said, it’s not like laptops of this size will never be released again. It is highly likely that every entry on this list will see a refreshed model down the line. There will be a new 15-inch MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop, Chromebook, and so on. However, exactly when these future models will be released is unknown.

All 15-inch laptops run the gamut from high-end gaming machines to budget devices, so it’s important to consider which of the most common factors you value most when picking out a new machine. First and foremost on the list, though, is to determine what exactly you want to get out of it.

Ideal use case: Consider what you actually envision doing with your new laptop. Are you a gamer? Is this a machine for work? Manufacturers go to great lengths to differentiate their products by highlighting a specific consumer demographic. Knowing how you’re going to use the laptop will go a long way into deciding which device is the best one for you.
Display: The Dell XPS 15 and the Asus Vivobook Pro 15 have the best displays with gorgeous OLED screens, but you can opt for less expensive ones.
Battery life: The best battery life on this list goes to M4 Apple MacBook Air, although the Acer Aspire Go 15 also has impressive battery life due to its relatively modest suite of hardware.
Portability: 15-inch laptops are a good middle ground between smaller, ultra-portable 13- and 14-inch machines — which tend to be thicker — and larger 16- and 17-inch laptops — which tend to be thinner. When looking at weight, the M4 MacBook Air is both the thinnest and the lightest on this list.
Price: The Acer Aspire Go 15 is the cheapest laptop on this list coming in under $300. On the other end, the MSI Katana A15 AI is a pricey machine at $1,500. The other three laptops on the list are essentially around the same price.

15 inches is a decent size for a laptop. It’s large enough to offer ample workspace, but not so big that traveling with it will prove difficult. There isn’t a specific correct size for laptops — it all comes down to what you, the user, wants. However, if you’re looking for a laptop, I would suggest starting with a 14-inch device. Many laptops, if not most, are either 14 inches or 16 inches. You can consider those to be the starting sizes for portable computers.

Larger laptops are generally more expensive than smaller devices. The bigger options tend to have more hardware, more parts, and all that increases cost. There are some exceptions. Sometimes, the small laptops are more expensive, especially when they’re new. A new 14-inch MacBook Air will typically cost more than an old MacBook Pro from years ago.

One inch might not seem like a lot, but when you’re talking about motherboards, processors, and complex circuitry that are all fractions of a millimeter, it makes a big difference when it comes to the size and design of a laptop.

The reality is that larger laptops — 16 inches and above — tend to be thinner, as there’s more surface area for their internal parts to occupy. Smaller laptops — 14 inches and below — tend to be thicker, as their reduced size leaves less room for hardware. The happy medium in all this is the 15-inch laptop, which, when designed correctly, results in a thin and light laptop.

Also: I tested the best Lenovo laptops, from affordable models to high-priced powerhouses

The M4 MacBook Air and Dell XPS 15 are perfect examples of thoughtful, expert designs that result in portable yet powerful computers.

While every computing platform has its loyal supporters, most people use a particular operating system because of key applications running on it, employer preferences, or budgetary constraints. Windows, which ranges from budget to premium, and Apple’s MacOS, which is exclusive to premium devices, cover a broad spectrum. Chrome OS is primarily limited to mid-range devices.

Also: Best Linux laptops 2025: Expert tested models from Lenovo, Dell, and more

All Windows devices listed here meet the requirements for Windows 11. If you purchase a device with Windows 10 installed, you can upgrade to Windows 11. Note that after October 14, 2025, Windows 10 support will end, and there will be no further security patches or feature updates.

Latest updates

August 2025 update: I added the 2025 Acer Aspire Go 5 after conducting research on the laptop.
June 2025 update: I tested and added the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, Asus Vivobook S 15, and Microsoft Surface Laptop to the list.

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The Asus Vivobook S 15 is built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, which gives the machine the speed and responsiveness it needs. The chipset not only makes the device a high-performing device but also ensures a longer-lasting battery. Its screen is no slouch either as it boasts a vibrant OLED display.

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Admittedly, we’re cheating a little with the Acer Swift X 14 from 2024 because it is not a 15-inch laptop. But at 14.5 inches, it’s pretty, so we decided to include it. This laptop offers a ton of bang for your buck, as its price point brings an OLED screen, an Nvidia 40-series graphics card, and 16GB of memory. Its AI-powered feature future-proofs this laptop, allowing it to be great for office work, creators, or light gaming for years.

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The Asus Chromebook CX15 is a low-cost alternative to Samsung’s Chromebook Plus model. It has a 15.6-inch FullHD display with an 87% screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive visual experience. Under the hood, there is an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, an Intel UHD graphics card, and 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM to help boost performance. It’s also pretty durable, both inside and outside. The Chromebook is U.S. military-grade certified, having undergone 24 durability tests. Plus, the Titan C security chip protects the hardware from malware.

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Laptops Reviewed & Compared

For more on getting the most out of your laptop, check out how to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC. I also recommend checking out ZDNET’s list of the best antivirus software for 2025.

The best 15-inch laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

What’s the best 15-inch laptop right now?

The best 15-inch laptops of 2025

Latest information on 15-inch laptops

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Other laptops we’ve tested

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