The fastest laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

At ZDNET, we're often asked, "what's the fastest laptop?" It's a fair question, but it really depends. If you want speed for creative tasks, "fastest" means editing 4K video or rendering high-res images. In that case, you'll want a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) and lots of random access memory (RAM). The Asus ProArt P16, our pick for fastest creator laptop, has those features in spades. If you're talking speed for work tasks, "fastest" means seamlessly handling multitasking, large documents, and working across multiple displays. The MacBook M4 Max does without skipping a beat. 

Also: The best laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

To account for these differences, we've narrowed down six top-performing laptops for a variety of specific use cases. We included benchmarking stats for comparative purposes, but we chose these laptops for their overall performance in their use cases and price relative to features. We used a combination of our own personal experience over the course of several days and weeks of regular use alongside industry-standard benchmarking platforms for a holistic impression. 

What's the fastest laptop you can buy right now?

All the laptops on this list are fast, but the primary metric comes down to processing power. In short, how quickly can it handle demanding tasks? The Apple MacBook M4 Max leads the charge with the new M4 Max chip, the latest in Apple's lineup of silicon chips that's as fast as it is versatile. The latest in Apple Silicon might not be practical for everyone, so we included five other speedy selections below. 

The fastest laptops in 2025

There's no doubt about it: the MacBook Pro M4 Max is blazing fast. Yes, it kills it on the benchmarking metrics, but this laptop's real speed comes from how well it handles the tasks the majority of users do every day. 

When it comes to multitasking, the MacBook M4 Max doesn't break a sweat. It's designed to seamlessly switch from app to app, including demanding tasks like editing video, working in Adobe Photoshop, and gaming across multiple displays. 

Also: I replaced my M1 MacBook Pro with a base model M4 - and it blew my $3,000 system away

The new M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros feature USB-C Thunderbolt 5 ports, becoming some of the first laptops on the market to support faster 120Gbps transfer speeds and up to 240W charging. For professional creatives who use external GPUs and storage solutions and need a portable system that can swiftly move large files, paying for the extra processing power is justifiable.

The M4 MacBook Pro series outperforms its predecessors, as well as some of the latest Windows machines running on Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) chipsets. The main factor to consider with this device is the cost, however. The MacBook Pro M4 Max starts at $3,199 and goes up from there, which is going to be out of reach for many. It's currently on sale for $2,879 through Amazon.

MacBook Pro M4 Max tech specs: Display size: 14-inch or 16-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina XDR | Resolution: 6K | RAM: 16GB-48GB Unified memory | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | CPU: 14-core M4 Max | Battery life: Up to 18 hours

• Blazing-fast transfer speeds
• Superior multitasking
• Great battery life
• Flawless performance across multiple displays

• Expensive
• Might not be worth the upgrade for M3 Max users

There's no doubt about it: the MacBook Pro M4 Max is blazing fast. Yes, it kills it on the benchmarking metrics, but this laptop's real speed comes from how well it handles the tasks the majority of users do every day. 

When it comes to multitasking, the MacBook M4 Max doesn't break a sweat. It's designed to seamlessly switch from app to app, including demanding tasks like editing video, working in Adobe Photoshop, and gaming across multiple displays. 

Also: I replaced my M1 MacBook Pro with a base model M4 - and it blew my $3,000 system away

The new M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros feature USB-C Thunderbolt 5 ports, becoming some of the first laptops on the market to support faster 120Gbps transfer speeds and up to 240W charging. For professional creatives who use external GPUs and storage solutions and need a portable system that can swiftly move large files, paying for the extra processing power is justifiable.

The M4 MacBook Pro series outperforms its predecessors, as well as some of the latest Windows machines running on Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) chipsets. The main factor to consider with this device is the cost, however. The MacBook Pro M4 Max starts at $3,199 and goes up from there, which is going to be out of reach for many. It's currently on sale for $2,879 through Amazon.

MacBook Pro M4 Max tech specs: Display size: 14-inch or 16-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina XDR | Resolution: 6K | RAM: 16GB-48GB Unified memory | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | CPU: 14-core M4 Max | Battery life: Up to 18 hours

Featuring the ARM-compatible Snapdragon X Elite processor, the XPS 13 is a 2.6-pound performance powerhouse in a sleek form factor with all the hallmarks of XPS's design: the invisible trackpad, zero-lattice keyboard, and brilliant display.

Dell's XPS 13 has a future-forward design, but it's the cutting-edge hardware that makes it fast. In my benchmarking, the Dell XPS 13 showed off its multitasking horsepower by leveraging the processor's dual-core boost. 

Review: This 13-inch Dell laptop lives rent-free in my head for its brilliant display and battery

Additionally, boot times move at warp speed, and browsing behavior feels snappy and responsive. When paired with the brilliant tandem OLED display, it feels like a true high-end productivity device. Whether you're using it for creative tasks like editing video, or working with large files, the XPS 13 is well-optimized as a work machine.

The battery life on this machine is, like all the other Copilot+ PCs, very good. Dell has a handful of different performance modes that will affect the battery life, and of course, the OLED screen is going to be a lot more power-hungry than the full high definition (FHD), but overall, it's impressive. In our testing, we got over 17 hours of battery life running a livestream video over Wi-Fi. 

• Cinebench 24 Single-core: 123
  
• Cinebench 24 Multi-core: 977
• Geekbench 6 Single-core: 2,830
• Geekbench 6 Multi-core: 14,687

Dell XPS 13 tech specs: Display size: 13-inch | Display type: Non-touch FHD or Touch OLED | Resolution:  2.8K | RAM: Up to 32GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | CPU: Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno | Battery life: Up to 17 hours

• Gorgeous display
• Bold design
• Powerful processor

• Only two USB-C ports
• Potential emulation issues
• Small, 13-inch screen isn't for everyone

Featuring the ARM-compatible Snapdragon X Elite processor, the XPS 13 is a 2.6-pound performance powerhouse in a sleek form factor with all the hallmarks of XPS's design: the invisible trackpad, zero-lattice keyboard, and brilliant display.

Dell's XPS 13 has a future-forward design, but it's the cutting-edge hardware that makes it fast. In my benchmarking, the Dell XPS 13 showed off its multitasking horsepower by leveraging the processor's dual-core boost. 

Review: This 13-inch Dell laptop lives rent-free in my head for its brilliant display and battery

Additionally, boot times move at warp speed, and browsing behavior feels snappy and responsive. When paired with the brilliant tandem OLED display, it feels like a true high-end productivity device. Whether you're using it for creative tasks like editing video, or working with large files, the XPS 13 is well-optimized as a work machine.

The battery life on this machine is, like all the other Copilot+ PCs, very good. Dell has a handful of different performance modes that will affect the battery life, and of course, the OLED screen is going to be a lot more power-hungry than the full high definition (FHD), but overall, it's impressive. In our testing, we got over 17 hours of battery life running a livestream video over Wi-Fi. 

• Cinebench 24 Single-core: 123
  
• Cinebench 24 Multi-core: 977
• Geekbench 6 Single-core: 2,830
• Geekbench 6 Multi-core: 14,687

Dell XPS 13 tech specs: Display size: 13-inch | Display type: Non-touch FHD or Touch OLED | Resolution:  2.8K | RAM: Up to 32GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | CPU: Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno | Battery life: Up to 17 hours

Asus' ProArt P16 lives up to its name as a powerful device for professional artists, creatives, and gamers. With an arsenal of powerful hardware, this is a machine committed to providing solid performance across creative industry-standard programs like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.

In other words, when it comes to rendering video, exporting files, and working with high-fidelity content, this thing is fast. The 32GB of RAM and AMD's Strix Point processor ensure snappy, responsive load times and smooth multitasking, while the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card powers the gorgeous 4K OLED display. 

Review: I recommend this flagship Windows laptop to creatives over the MacBook Pro - here's why

The cherry on top is the Asus Dialpad, a circular wheel on the trackpad that allows for quick access to customizable brush and settings tools across different programs. Once you get used to using it, you can fly through tasks with customizable quick menus.

Regarding its form factor, the ProArt P16's sleek, all-black exterior is minimalistic, but it's lighter than you'd expect for a 16-inch laptop with this amount of power. The only drawback from said power is the laptop's tendency to run warm, despite an efficient cooling system that knows when to kick in and doesn't let anything get too hot. 

• Cinebench 24 Single core: 115
• Cinebench 24 Multi core: 1,096
• Geekbench 6 Single core: 2,804
• Geekbench 6 Multi core: 12,787

Asus ProArt P16 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: OLED, 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 | Battery life: 13 hours

• Great performance
• Gorgeous 4K OLED display
• Nice keyboard and trackpad
• DialPad is a nice perk

• Can run hot
• 60Hz refresh rate

Asus' ProArt P16 lives up to its name as a powerful device for professional artists, creatives, and gamers. With an arsenal of powerful hardware, this is a machine committed to providing solid performance across creative industry-standard programs like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.

In other words, when it comes to rendering video, exporting files, and working with high-fidelity content, this thing is fast. The 32GB of RAM and AMD's Strix Point processor ensure snappy, responsive load times and smooth multitasking, while the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card powers the gorgeous 4K OLED display. 

Review: I recommend this flagship Windows laptop to creatives over the MacBook Pro - here's why

The cherry on top is the Asus Dialpad, a circular wheel on the trackpad that allows for quick access to customizable brush and settings tools across different programs. Once you get used to using it, you can fly through tasks with customizable quick menus.

Regarding its form factor, the ProArt P16's sleek, all-black exterior is minimalistic, but it's lighter than you'd expect for a 16-inch laptop with this amount of power. The only drawback from said power is the laptop's tendency to run warm, despite an efficient cooling system that knows when to kick in and doesn't let anything get too hot. 

• Cinebench 24 Single core: 115
• Cinebench 24 Multi core: 1,096
• Geekbench 6 Single core: 2,804
• Geekbench 6 Multi core: 12,787

Asus ProArt P16 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: OLED, 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 | Battery life: 13 hours

Dell's latest midrange laptop, and successors to the Inspiron series, is a mixture of tried-and-true tech with next-gen advancements. We're fans of Dell's reliable lineup of mid-range laptops, and the new 14 Plus continues that tradition as a versatile device with solid hardware for an approachable price. 

The Dell 14 Plus makes a great work laptop with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and an eight-core Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9, some of the latest high-performing chips from Intel's Lunar Lake series. This results in capable multitasking abilities and ease at loading massive documents.

Review: Upgrading your Windows laptop? This Dell model is my top pick for work and travel

The Dell 14 Plus' non-touch, 2.5K display powered by an Intel Arc GPU renders high-resolution images quickly, but it's not a high-end model, despite being able to deliver a similar experience.

In that sense, this is a laptop that focuses its hardware on processing power since it assumes you'll likely be connecting to an external display in the office. Add the fact that it only weighs 3.4 pounds and you have a portable laptop that's equipped for a variety of workers for a competitive price. 

• Cinebench 24 Multi core: 554
• Geekbench 6 Multi core: 10,812
• PCMark 10: 7,271

Dell 14 Plus tech specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: IPS, 60Hz | Resolution: 2.5K | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 288V | GPU: Intel Arc | Battery life: 12 hours

• Powerful hardware
• An advancement of Dell's tried-and-true model
• Affordable

• Not the greatest display

Dell's latest midrange laptop, and successors to the Inspiron series, is a mixture of tried-and-true tech with next-gen advancements. We're fans of Dell's reliable lineup of mid-range laptops, and the new 14 Plus continues that tradition as a versatile device with solid hardware for an approachable price. 

The Dell 14 Plus makes a great work laptop with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and an eight-core Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9, some of the latest high-performing chips from Intel's Lunar Lake series. This results in capable multitasking abilities and ease at loading massive documents.

Review: Upgrading your Windows laptop? This Dell model is my top pick for work and travel

The Dell 14 Plus' non-touch, 2.5K display powered by an Intel Arc GPU renders high-resolution images quickly, but it's not a high-end model, despite being able to deliver a similar experience.

In that sense, this is a laptop that focuses its hardware on processing power since it assumes you'll likely be connecting to an external display in the office. Add the fact that it only weighs 3.4 pounds and you have a portable laptop that's equipped for a variety of workers for a competitive price. 

• Cinebench 24 Multi core: 554
• Geekbench 6 Multi core: 10,812
• PCMark 10: 7,271

Dell 14 Plus tech specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: IPS, 60Hz | Resolution: 2.5K | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 288V | GPU: Intel Arc | Battery life: 12 hours

The 14-inch HP EliteBook X G1a is an impressive enterprise laptop geared toward performance in the workplace, and the suite of high-end hardware delivers just that. It aims to combine the connectivity of a ThinkPad, the sleek form factor of a MacBook, and HP's signature minimalist -- if non-descript -- design.   

There are a few configurations of this laptop. The most premium features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor, one of the most cutting-edge chips on the market today, and an OLED display. The keyboard is one of its best features: It's utterly silent, with a snappy tactile feel with key travel that almost feels mechanical. 

Review: One of the most powerful ultraportable laptops I've tested isn't a MacBook Pro or ThinkPad

The result is a supercharged device in the office, with up to 64GB of RAM that blazes through demanding workflows and multitasking across different platforms. Its reliable hardware also takes full advantage of the large battery on board, with abundant ports keep your options open and maximize compatibility. 

During my testing, I found this laptop really enjoyable to use for long days at work thanks to its well-designed ergonomics, making it a solid long-day-at-work type of laptop in the higher-end price point. 

• Cinebench 24 Single-core: 112
  
• Cinebench 24 Multi-core: 1,093
• Geekbench 6 Single-core: 2,818
• Geekbench 6 Multi-core: 14,585

HP EliteBook X G1a tech specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: OLED touchscreen | Resolution:  2.8K | RAM: Up to 64GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 PRO 360 8-Core | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon 880M | Battery life: Up to 11 hours

• Powerful hardware
• Lots of ports
• Ergonomic and office-ready

• Can run hot
• Expensive

The 14-inch HP EliteBook X G1a is an impressive enterprise laptop geared toward performance in the workplace, and the suite of high-end hardware delivers just that. It aims to combine the connectivity of a ThinkPad, the sleek form factor of a MacBook, and HP's signature minimalist -- if non-descript -- design.   

There are a few configurations of this laptop. The most premium features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor, one of the most cutting-edge chips on the market today, and an OLED display. The keyboard is one of its best features: It's utterly silent, with a snappy tactile feel with key travel that almost feels mechanical. 

Review: One of the most powerful ultraportable laptops I've tested isn't a MacBook Pro or ThinkPad

The result is a supercharged device in the office, with up to 64GB of RAM that blazes through demanding workflows and multitasking across different platforms. Its reliable hardware also takes full advantage of the large battery on board, with abundant ports keep your options open and maximize compatibility. 

During my testing, I found this laptop really enjoyable to use for long days at work thanks to its well-designed ergonomics, making it a solid long-day-at-work type of laptop in the higher-end price point. 

• Cinebench 24 Single-core: 112
  
• Cinebench 24 Multi-core: 1,093
• Geekbench 6 Single-core: 2,818
• Geekbench 6 Multi-core: 14,585

HP EliteBook X G1a tech specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: OLED touchscreen | Resolution:  2.8K | RAM: Up to 64GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 PRO 360 8-Core | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon 880M | Battery life: Up to 11 hours

Among Lenovo's slew of gaming laptops, the 9th-generation Legion Pro 7i gets crowned as champion. This machine is not the most portable, weighing a heavy six pounds, but what you get is worth the extra heft. 

The 14th-generation Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, paired with a GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card and 32GB of memory results in a fast, ultra-responsive gaming machine. Plus, it has a 2TB SSD -- storage for days. Basically, this laptop is a beast, capable of running all of the latest games in ultra-high resolution and a high frame rate without skipping a beat.

Also: The best Lenovo laptops: Expert tested and reviewed

The powerful hardware works in tandem with the display's blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate to deliver a sharp, responsive image at a high-end 2560 x 1600 resolution, which is a must for laptop gaming. 

Speaking from experience, a laptop like this can run hot, and heat can destroy internal components. So, the robust cooling system keeps things running within optimal temperatures. If that wasn't enough, it has speakers powerful enough to fill a room, a rarity among laptops.

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: WQXGA, 240Hz | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB SSD | CPU: Intel Core i9 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 | Battery life: Up to 7 hours

• Powerful performance
• High resolution, fast refresh display
• 2TB of storage

• Heavy
• Expensive
• Massive charger

Among Lenovo's slew of gaming laptops, the 9th-generation Legion Pro 7i gets crowned as champion. This machine is not the most portable, weighing a heavy six pounds, but what you get is worth the extra heft. 

The 14th-generation Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, paired with a GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card and 32GB of memory results in a fast, ultra-responsive gaming machine. Plus, it has a 2TB SSD -- storage for days. Basically, this laptop is a beast, capable of running all of the latest games in ultra-high resolution and a high frame rate without skipping a beat.

Also: The best Lenovo laptops: Expert tested and reviewed

The powerful hardware works in tandem with the display's blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate to deliver a sharp, responsive image at a high-end 2560 x 1600 resolution, which is a must for laptop gaming. 

Speaking from experience, a laptop like this can run hot, and heat can destroy internal components. So, the robust cooling system keeps things running within optimal temperatures. If that wasn't enough, it has speakers powerful enough to fill a room, a rarity among laptops.

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: WQXGA, 240Hz | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB SSD | CPU: Intel Core i9 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 | Battery life: Up to 7 hours

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.

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.

Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.

How do these laptops compare?

All of the laptops on this list are fast, responsive machines with enough hardware to handle diverse workloads. However, their performance will edge out the competition when it comes to their specialized use cases. Here's a closer look at how they compare with some core hardware specs. 

*MSRP at the time of writing

Which is the right fastest laptop for you?

So why did we choose these six laptops specifically? We're not claiming they're the absolute fastest laptops in existence. We chose them for their performance relative to their feature sets, and of course, their value. 

If performance is of top of mind for you when you're looking for a laptop, all six of these machines are solid choices, it just depends on what you plan on using your laptop for. Here's a summary of their different use cases below.

How we test laptops

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. Then, we spend an extended amount of time with the laptop, usually a week or two, 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 others. 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 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, is also what dicta