· hardware · 1 min read
Best AI laptops (mid‑2025) — battery, NPUs, and creator performance
We tested the latest AI laptops for coding, content, and local inference. Here’s what stands out.
Creator workflows need balanced CPU/GPU, ample RAM, and efficient NPUs for background tasks.
Picks by use case
- Mobile creator: Color-accurate OLED, 32GB RAM, 8–16GB VRAM.
- Business: Light, long battery, solid webcam + denoise.
- Dev: 32–64GB RAM, quiet cooling, great keyboard.
Top picks
- Creator: OLED, 32GB RAM, 16GB VRAM, fast storage.
- Business: Long battery, NPU for calls and background tasks.
- Dev: 64GB RAM option, upgradeable storage.
Benchmarks to trust
- Battery at 150 nits web + video + calls; include AI effects on.
- Sustained CPU/GPU load (10–15 min) to detect throttling.
- Webcam + mic with denoise in noisy room samples.
Buying tips
- RAM is often soldered; pick 32GB upfront if you keep laptops >2 years.
- Prefer dual‑fan cooling and silent profiles if you edit or stream.
- SSD: NVMe Gen4, 1–2TB; external scratch disk helps for large assets.
FAQ
- Are NPUs a must? Useful for effects and battery; not a substitute for VRAM in creator workloads.
- OLED vs IPS? OLED wins for contrast; ensure PWM flicker isn’t an issue for you.
- 14” vs 16”? 14” for portability; 16” for timeline real estate.
