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. 15-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.
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. 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. It’s not the only machine worth considering.
Also: The fastest laptops you can buy
The best 15-inch laptops of 2025
Show less
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.
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
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.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition tech specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | GPU: Intel Arc | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB – 1TB | Display: 3K, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits | Battery: Up to 17 hours | Weight: 3.2 lbs
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Why we like it: Retailing for about $300, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a solid, budget-friendly option that punches well above its weight class. It operates on an Intel Core i3-N305 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 work calls without any serious hiccups.
The Full HD display offers great contrast despite its relatively low resolution as well as wide viewing angles. Battery life is surprisingly long for a budget machine, as it can last over 10 hours on a single charge. Plus, 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.
Review: Acer Aspire Go 15
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 i3-N305 processor buckles under heavy workloads, and its display, while decent, is not very bright. It becomes hard to see even under 75% brightness. Add in the bloatware, and it becomes abundantly clear that this will not be a premium experience. But it gets the job done if your needs are basic.
Acer Aspire Go 15 tech specs: CPU: Intel Core i3-N305 | GPU: Intel UHD Integrated | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Display: FHD, 60Hz refresh rate, 500 nits | Battery: Up to 12 hours | Weight: 3.75 lbs
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
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.
Asus Vivobook S 15 tech specs: CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Display: 3K 120Hz OLED | Battery: Up to 10.5 hours | Weight: 3.13 lbs
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
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 (however, 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. It normally retails for $900, but opting for certain configurations will significantly increase the price.
Microsoft Surface Laptop tech specs: CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | GPU: Snapdragon Adreno | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Display: 1920 x 1280 touchscreen | Battery: Up to 20 hours | Weight: 2.7 lbs.
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
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: At $699, 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.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus tech specs: CPU: Intel Core 3 100U | GPU: Integrated Intel Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: FHD AMOLED | Battery: up to 13 hours | Weight: 2.58 lbs.
Show Expert Take Show less
What are the tariffs in the U.S.?
The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know
Laptops and PCs are also hit hard by the new U.S. tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.
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 | $1,049 | M4 10-core CPU with 16-core NPU | RAM: 16GB, 24GB Storage: 265GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 3.3 |
| Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition | $1,050 | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | RAM: 16GB, Storage: 512GB, 1TB | 3.2 |
| Acer Aspire Go 15 | $290 | Intel Core i3-N305 | RAM: 8GB, Storage:128GB | 3.75 |
| Asus Vivobook S 15 | $779 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | RAM: 16GB, Storage: 1TB | 3.13 |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop | $900 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | RAM: 16GB, Storage: 256TB | 2.7 |
| Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus | $700 | Intel Core 3 100U | RAM: 8GB, Storage: 256GB | 2.58 |
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.
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
- In the 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.
Other laptops we’ve tested
Laptops Reviewed & Compared
