Best 6 Smart Notebooks of 2025

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We rank smart notebooks using a weighted model: 30% performance and thermal stability (CPU/GPU/NPU balance under sustained load), 25% display and input quality (panel brightness/color, keyboard/trackpad feel, webcam), 20% battery life and efficiency (mixed office, calls, and streaming), 15% portability and build (weight, durability, ports), and 10% security and manageability (biometrics, firmware, certifications). We favor configurations broadly available in the U.S. and note when RAM or storage is soldered. We avoid speculative claims and do not factor short-term discounts. Each pick must be a 2024 or 2025 release to ensure current-gen AI features and driver support.

#1 Microsoft Surface Laptop (Copilot+) 15-inch Best Overall

9.2/10 ★★★★★

Editor's take

Excellent balance of performance, battery, and build with mature firmware and great inputs.

Prioritize higher RAM if you multitask with creative apps.

Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop (Copilot+) 15-inch product image

The 2025 smart notebook landscape is filled with fast, efficient options, but Microsoft’s latest Surface Laptop (Copilot+) in the 15-inch size sets the benchmark for balance. The chassis is rigid without feeling heavy, the keyboard is quiet and confident, and the large precision trackpad is tuned for multi-gesture workflows. Inside, the Copilot+ platform combines an efficient CPU with a capable NPU, enabling on-device features like live captions, background blur, and creative assists without spiking fan noise. What stands out most is the laptop’s consistency: sustained performance stays close to peak in office and browser loads, while battery life comfortably stretches through a full workday of calls, docs, and streaming. The 15-inch display provides ample screen real estate, accurate color for light photo work, and enough brightness for well-lit rooms. Ports are modern and straightforward, and Wi‑Fi 7 support keeps video calls crisp. While the larger panel makes it less ideal for ultra-mobile travel, the overall package is refined, quiet, and dependable. Crucially, Microsoft’s firmware support and driver cadence are strong, which helps this system age gracefully as AI features evolve. If you want a single machine that feels premium, runs cool, and is ready for current and upcoming on-device assistants, this Surface Laptop is the one to beat. It is not the cheapest, and RAM upgrades are limited post-purchase, but for most professionals and students, the out-of-box balance is superb.

Amazon
$ 1,898 00
Availability: In stock Visit

Key specs

  • Display: 15-inch IPS, high brightness, sRGB-accurate
  • Processor: Next-gen Copilot+ platform with on-device NPU
  • Memory: Up to 32 GB
  • Wireless: Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.x

Pros

  • Excellent keyboard and large precision trackpad
  • Strong battery life for a 15-inch class
  • Quiet operation with stable thermals

Cons

  • Limited upgradeability after purchase
  • Pricier than value-focused competitors

Brand: Microsoft · Model: Surface Laptop (7th Edition) 15-inch Copilot+ · Release: 2024

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#2 ASUS Vivobook S 15 (Copilot+ PC) S5507 Best Value

8.9/10 ★★★★☆

Editor's take

OLED screen plus Copilot+ features at a competitive price with strong battery life.

Consider a color-managed profile for accurate creative work.

ASUS ASUS Vivobook S 15 (Copilot+ PC) S5507 product image

ASUS’s Vivobook S 15 S5507 delivers much of the Copilot+ experience at a friendlier price, making it our best value pick. The magnesium-aluminum chassis is light yet sturdy enough for daily commuting, and the 15-inch OLED display is the headline feature: deep contrast, vivid color, and excellent HDR video playback. Under the hood, the AI-accelerated platform handles video calls with background effects, transcript aids, and image upscaling without bogging down your browser tabs. ASUS also sprinkles in thoughtful software extras like noise suppression and ASUS Splendid color profiles, though we recommend leaving colors in a calibrated mode for accuracy. Battery life is competitive, often stretching through a full day of mixed productivity, and quick charging gets you back on your feet fast. The port selection covers the essentials, including modern USB-C for docking, though some users may miss an SD card slot. Thermals are well-behaved for the class, and fan noise remains unobtrusive in typical office work. Where the Vivobook yields to pricier competitors is chassis refinement and speaker quality, which are fine but not class-leading. Even so, for students, home office users, and professionals who want an OLED screen and current-gen AI features without paying a premium, this model is a standout choice.

Amazon
$ 903 74
Availability: In stock Visit

Key specs

  • Display: 15.6-inch OLED, HDR-capable
  • Processor: Copilot+ platform with integrated NPU
  • Memory: Up to 32 GB LPDDR5X
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, audio combo

Pros

  • Vibrant OLED display with deep contrast
  • Lightweight for a 15-inch laptop
  • Great value for AI-enabled features

Cons

  • No full-size SD card slot
  • Speakers are serviceable, not premium

Brand: ASUS · Model: Vivobook S 15 S5507 (Copilot+ PC) · Release: 2024

#3 Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (14.5-inch) Best Ultraportable

8.8/10 ★★★★☆

Editor's take

Featherweight build with premium display and excellent battery for an AI-ready ultraportable.

Opt for higher RAM if you multitask with many browser tabs.

Lenovo Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (14.5-inch) product image

If you want a smart notebook that truly feels mobile, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is a compact 14.5-inch system that nails portability without huge compromises. Its svelte aluminum body, minimal screen bezels, and under-3 lb weight make it an easy travel companion. Despite the size, the display remains a treat: sharp resolution, high brightness, and wide color coverage which benefit photo editing and crisp text rendering. The latest AI-ready platform brings on-device enhancements for calls and creative workflows, and Lenovo’s software suite offers helpful, restrained utilities for power management and privacy. Battery endurance is a strong suit, especially in office and streaming tasks, aided by the efficient NPU offloading light AI tasks from the CPU. The keyboard is comfortable for long typing sessions, and the glass trackpad tracks reliably. You will need a USB-C hub if you rely on legacy peripherals, as the port selection skews modern and minimal. Thermals are well-tuned for the thin chassis, though heavy sustained rendering will ramp fans audibly. For travelers, students, and remote workers who value a premium feel without the bulk, the Yoga Slim 7x delivers a best-in-class ultraportable AI PC experience.

Amazon
$ 899 00
Availability: In stock Visit

Key specs

  • Display: 14.5-inch high-res panel, wide color gamut
  • Processor: AI-ready platform with on-device NPU acceleration
  • Weight: Under 3 lb
  • Wireless: Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.x

Pros

  • Thin and light without major compromises
  • Color-accurate, bright display
  • Strong battery life for travel

Cons

  • Limited legacy ports; hub recommended
  • Fans can be audible under heavy loads

Brand: Lenovo · Model: Yoga Slim 7x (14.5) · Release: 2024

#4 HP OmniBook X (AI PC) Best for Creators

8.7/10 ★★★★☆

Editor's take

Creator-leaning display, strong acoustics, and responsive AI features in a slim chassis.

Choose a configuration with sufficient RAM for creative suites.

HP HP OmniBook X (AI PC) product image

The HP OmniBook X positions itself as a creator-friendly smart notebook with an emphasis on display quality, acoustics, and a tuned thermal profile for sustained performance. The chassis is slim and professional, and the keyboard has a crisp, springy action ideal for long writing or coding sessions. Its AI-enabled hardware accelerates noise removal, background effects, and quick generative edits in compatible apps, reducing the burden on the CPU and keeping the system responsive while multitasking. The display options are punchy and accurate, making photo adjustments and timeline work more comfortable, while the speakers project clear mids and highs for editing audio on the go. Ports cover the modern essentials, and the battery supports long editing sessions with adaptive power modes that keep heat in check. HP’s software layer is lighter than in prior generations, which we welcome. Downsides include limited upgrade paths and configurations that jump in price if you need more RAM or storage. Still, when you want a sleek Windows AI notebook with a color-credible panel and solid acoustics, the OmniBook X is a compelling choice for creators and power users who value mobility as well as screen quality.

Amazon
$ 779 99
Availability: In stock Visit

Key specs

  • Display: High-resolution, color-accurate panel options
  • Processor: AI PC platform with NPU for on-device tasks
  • Audio: Tuned speakers with clear mids/highs
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI (varies by config)

Pros

  • Color-credible display options
  • Responsive under mixed creative workloads
  • Good speakers for a thin-and-light

Cons

  • Upgrades are limited after purchase
  • Price climbs quickly with higher specs

Brand: HP · Model: OmniBook X · Release: 2024

#5 Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge (14/16) Best Battery Life

8.6/10 ★★★★☆

Editor's take

Exceptional endurance with a bright OLED and smooth AI features in a slim package.

Pair with a compact USB-C hub for presentations and storage.

Samsung Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge (14/16) product image

Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Edge focuses on efficiency and endurance while delivering the expected suite of AI-enabled features. Offered in 14- and 16-inch sizes, it is impressively light for its footprint and pairs clean industrial design with a bright, color-rich OLED display. The AI platform’s NPU keeps conferencing enhancements and live assist features responsive without hammering the battery, and Samsung’s ecosystem touches are tasteful: seamless pairing with Galaxy phones, Quick Share, and optional pen support on select configs. In testing scenarios focused on web, email, video calls, and note-taking, the Book4 Edge routinely sips power, making it a standout for long flights and marathon campus days. Speakers are clear for voice and casual media, and thermals stay controlled with minimal fan noise during typical tasks. The trade-offs are modest: port selection leans modern USB-C, and while the keyboard is comfortable, some may prefer deeper key travel. For users who value all-day mobility and an OLED screen without constantly seeking a power outlet, the Galaxy Book4 Edge is a top-tier battery champ that still feels fast and modern.

Amazon
$ 684 50
Availability: In stock Visit

Key specs

  • Display: 14/16-inch OLED, bright and vivid
  • Processor: AI-ready platform with efficient NPU
  • Battery: Long-lasting; optimized for mixed workloads
  • Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 7; Galaxy ecosystem features

Pros

  • Outstanding battery life
  • Vivid OLED panel
  • Quiet, cool operation

Cons

  • Mostly USB-C ports; adapters needed for legacy gear
  • Key travel is on the shallow side

Brand: Samsung · Model: Galaxy Book4 Edge · Release: 2024

#6 Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-11) Best for Students

8.4/10 ★★★★☆

Editor's take

Affordable, portable AI notebook with student-friendly ports and dependable battery.

Confirm your campus software compatibility before switching architectures.

Acer Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-11) product image

The Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-11) is a well-priced entry into smart notebooks for students and commuters. It delivers the core benefits of the latest AI platform, including accelerated background effects, transcription helps, and quick image touch-ups, in a thin-and-light body that slips easily into a backpack. The 14-inch display is sharp and bright for lecture halls, and the keyboard offers a comfortable layout for note-taking. Battery life is reliably solid, and fast charging is handy between classes. Acer keeps bloat to a minimum, and the included software utilities are straightforward for power and fan control. Port coverage is student-friendly with multiple USB ports and HDMI on many configurations, simplifying projector hookups. Performance is tuned for responsiveness in schoolwork and productivity, though the integrated graphics are not aimed at heavy 3D workloads. The speakers are fine for voice and casual media but not a replacement for headphones. If you need a modern Windows laptop that brings real on-device AI perks without breaking the bank, the Swift 14 AI is easy to recommend as a campus companion or home office workhorse.

Amazon
$ 899 99
Availability: In stock Visit

Key specs

  • Display: 14-inch high-brightness panel
  • Processor: AI-focused platform with NPU acceleration
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI (varies by config)
  • Weight: Around 3 lb

Pros

  • Great price-to-performance for students
  • Solid battery with fast charging
  • Lightweight and backpack-friendly

Cons

  • Speakers are average
  • Not intended for heavy 3D or gaming

Brand: Acer · Model: Swift 14 AI (SF14-11) · Release: 2024

How we test

Smart notebooks in 2025 mostly means AI-first laptops built to run on-device assistants, accelerate creative and office workflows, and stay efficient on battery. For this guide, we evaluated the latest Copilot+ PCs and other AI-forward Windows notebooks released in late 2024 and 2025 refresh cycles. We prioritized models that pair efficient NPUs with mature thermals, strong displays, and balanced input devices, because a smart experience is only as good as the hardware around it. Our process begins with a spec and build review to understand chip class, memory ceilings, and I/O for docks and peripherals. We then weight screen quality (brightness, color, refresh), battery consistency across mixed workloads, and real-world responsiveness in collaboration apps, creative suites, and video calls. Privacy and security matter too, so we note webcam shutters, login options, and enterprise-friendly certifications. Pricing changes fast, so we use MSRP ranges to indicate positioning rather than real-time deals. We also verify that each pick supports current AI features without locking you into a single ecosystem. Finally, we assemble a balanced list so there is a best overall, a great value, an ultraportable, a creator option, a battery champ, and a business-ready choice. Every description below explains why an item ranked where it did and who should buy it. If you need a compact laptop for travel, look for slimmer chassis and long runtimes; if you live in spreadsheets or edit media, favor RAM and storage headroom plus color-accurate displays. Because 2025 is an inflection year, we also watch for firmware maturity and app compatibility, calling out any trade-offs (like limited legacy ports or higher early-adopter pricing).