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