Introduction
Choosing the right laptop can be daunting, especially with the numerous options available in the United Kingdom. To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top five laptops that are making waves in 2023, catering to a variety of needs and preferences.
5 Best Laptops in the United Kingdom (2025 Edition)
As we hit the midpoint of 2025, the laptop market in the UK is buzzing with innovation. From AI-powered processors to stunning OLED displays and unbeatable battery life, this year’s models cater to everyone—from students juggling deadlines to professionals powering through remote workdays. With prices starting as low as £249 and climbing to premium £1,000+ territory, there’s something for every budget. We’ve scoured the latest expert reviews, and more to bring you our top five picks. These selections prioritise performance, portability, value, and UK availability (think Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon Prime deals). Let’s dive in.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M4) – Best Overall Laptop
The MacBook Air with the new M4 chip remains the gold standard for most UK buyers in 2025, blending seamless Apple ecosystem integration with exceptional efficiency. Starting at £999, it’s a featherweight at just 1.24kg and 1.13cm thick, making it ideal for commutes on the Tube or cosy coffee shop sessions.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Apple M4 chip (up to 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560×1664, 500 nits brightness)
- RAM/Storage: 16GB unified memory / 256GB SSD (configurable up to 24GB/2TB)
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe charging, headphone jack
Why It Stands Out: The M4 delivers a 20% performance boost over the M3, handling everything from 4K video editing to AI tasks like photo enhancement without breaking a sweat. Battery life is legendary, and the fanless design keeps it whisper-quiet. UK students love the education discount, dropping it to £899. Drawbacks? Base storage is tight, and it’s pricier for Windows loyalists.
Best For: Creative pros, students, and Apple fans.
Where to Buy: Apple Store UK, Currys (£999)
2. Dell XPS 13 (2025) – Best Windows Ultrabook
Dell’s XPS 13 is the pinnacle of Windows refinement, earning rave reviews for its premium build and Snapdragon X Elite power. At around £1,099, it’s a sleek powerhouse that’s perfect for UK professionals needing portability without compromise.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (12-core)
- Display: 13.4-inch OLED (2880×1800, 400 nits, touch optional)
- RAM/Storage: 16GB LPDDR5X / 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 19 hours
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, Surface Connect charging
Why It Stands Out: This model crushes everyday tasks and light creative work with AI-accelerated Copilot features, while the edge-to-edge display and CNC-machined aluminium chassis scream luxury. It’s lighter than ever at 1.17kg and boasts edge-beating battery life for all-day unplugged use. In the UK, it’s a hit for its repairability and eco-friendly materials. Minor nitpick: The webcam is average at 1080p.
Best For: Business users and hybrid workers.
Where to Buy: Dell UK, John Lewis (£1,099)
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 – Best for Portability and AI
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7 is a Copilot+ dream machine, starting at £999, and it’s tailor-made for the UK’s on-the-go lifestyle. At under 1.3kg, it’s as portable as a tablet but packs laptop-level punch.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon X Plus (10-core)
- Display: 13.8-inch PixelSense touchscreen (2304×1536, 600 nits)
- RAM/Storage: 16GB LPDDR5X / 256GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Ports: 2x USB-C, Surface Connect, headphone jack
Why It Stands Out: Powered by Windows 11’s AI toolkit, it excels at real-time transcription and image generation—perfect for meetings or content creation. The haptic touchpad and Alcantara keyboard feel luxurious, and battery life outlasts rivals for marathon Netflix binges. UK reviewers praise its seamless integration with Office 365. Con: Limited ports mean dongle life for some.
Best For: Remote workers and touch enthusiasts.
Where to Buy: Microsoft Store UK, Currys (£999)
4. Asus Zenbook S 16 – Best for Creatives and Multitaskers
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is a stunner for under £1,299, with its OLED glow and AMD firepower making it a creative’s best mate in 2025’s UK scene.
Key Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12-core)
- Display: 16-inch 3K OLED (2880×1800, 120Hz, 500 nits)
- RAM/Storage: 32GB LPDDR5X / 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
- Ports: 2x USB4, HDMI 2.1, headphone jack
Why It Stands Out: That massive, colour-accurate OLED screen is a boon for photo editors and video pros, while the Ryzen AI chip zips through Adobe Suite apps. At 1.5kg, it’s surprisingly light for a 16-incher, and Harman Kardon speakers deliver concert-like audio. UK deals often bundle it with a sleeve. Downside: The webcam could be sharper.
Best For: Designers and media enthusiasts.
Where to Buy: Asus UK, Amazon (£1,299)
5. Acer Chromebook Plus 514 – Best Budget Pick
For thrifty UK buyers, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 at £249 is a no-brainer—fast, secure, and Google-smart without the premium price tag.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i3-N305 (8-core)
- Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080, touchscreen)
- RAM/Storage: 8GB LPDDR5 / 128GB eMMC
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack
Why It Stands Out: ChromeOS flies on light tasks like browsing, docs, and streaming, with built-in Google AI for smarter search and noise cancellation. It’s rugged for student backpacks and gets automatic updates. At this price, it’s unbeatable value in the UK, especially with Currys bundles. Caveat: Not for heavy software like Photoshop.
Best For: Students and casual users.
Where to Buy: Currys, Acer UK (£249)
Quick Comparison Table
| Laptop Model | Starting Price | Battery Life | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Air (M4) | £999 | 18 hours | 1.24kg | Overall |
| Dell XPS 13 (2025) | £1,099 | 19 hours | 1.17kg | Windows Ultrabook |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 | £999 | 20 hours | 1.3kg | Portability/AI |
| Asus Zenbook S 16 | £1,299 | 14 hours | 1.5kg | Creatives |
| Acer Chromebook Plus 514 | £249 | 11 hours | 1.4kg | Budget |
Final Thoughts
In 2025’s UK market, the “best” laptop boils down to your needs—Apple for ecosystem magic, Dell or Microsoft for Windows prowess, Asus for flair, and Acer for savings. Check for Black Friday deals soon, as prices could dip further. Always verify stock at trusted retailers like John Lewis for that two-year warranty. Got a specific use case? Drop us a comment below!
