Are you looking for a new computer? A laptop is a computer you can carry with you. One of the most liked sizes for a laptop is 15 inches. This size is not too big and not too small. It is just right for many people. The screen is big enough to see everything for school or work, but the computer is still easy to take with you in a bag.
But there are so many 15-inch laptops to choose from! How do you know which one is the best for you? It can be very confusing. That is why it is helpful to listen to experts. A website called ZDNET has a team of people who test and check many different laptops. They have made a list of the best 15-inch laptops for August 2025. Let's look at what they found and learn how to pick the perfect laptop for you.
Why is a 15-Inch Laptop a Great Choice?
A 15-inch laptop is like the perfect bowl of porridge – it's just right. Laptops that are smaller, like 13 inches, are very easy to carry, but their screens can feel a little small when you have to read a lot or work on big projects. Laptops that are bigger, like 17 inches, have huge screens that are great for movies and games, but they can be very heavy and hard to carry around.
A 15-inch laptop gives you the best of both worlds.
A Good-Sized Screen: The screen is big enough to have two windows open next to each other. This is great for doing homework where you need to read something and write about it at the same time.
Easy to Carry: It is still small and light enough to fit in most backpacks without making them too heavy.
More Room for Keys: They usually have a bigger keyboard than smaller laptops. Some even have a number pad on the side, like a calculator, which is great for math or science work.
Good Power: Because they are a little bigger, they can fit more powerful parts inside. This means they can be faster and do more things.
What to Look For When You Pick a Laptop
The experts at ZDNET look at many things when they test a laptop. These are the same things you should think about.
1. How Will You Use It?
What is the most important thing you will do with your laptop? Will you use it for school? For playing games? For watching movies? For talking to family? If you just need a computer for homework and watching videos, you do not need the most powerful one. But if you love to play big, new video games, you will need a laptop with more power.
2. The Brain of the Computer
The brain of the computer is called the processor, or CPU. The two big companies that make these brains are Intel and AMD. A stronger brain means the computer can think faster. This is important if you like to have many things open at once.
3. The Screen
You will be looking at this screen a lot, so you want it to be good! Most 15-inch laptops have a nice, clear screen. Some have special screens, like touchscreens, where you can use your finger to touch what you want. Other screens have very bright and beautiful colors, which are great for people who like to draw or edit photos. You can learn more about different screen types at tech sites like RTINGS.com, which tests screens on many devices.
4. Memory and Storage
Memory, which is also called RAM, is like the computer's desk space. The more memory it has, the more things it can work on at the same time without getting slow. For most people, 8 or 16 gigabytes of memory is plenty.
Storage is where the computer keeps all your files, like your pictures, games, and school papers. Most new laptops use something called an SSD for storage. SSDs are super fast and make your computer start up and open programs very quickly. Try to get a laptop with enough storage for all your things.
5. How Long the Battery Lasts
The battery is what lets you use the laptop when it is not plugged in. If you want to take your laptop to school or to a coffee shop, you want a battery that lasts a long time. The experts at ZDNET test how long the battery lasts when you are doing things like watching videos or browsing the web. A good laptop should last for most of the school day.
ZDNET's Top Picks for August 2025
So, which laptops did the experts at ZDNET choose as the best 15-inch laptops? The list changes as new computers come out, but here are the kinds of laptops that are usually on top.
The Best All-Around Laptop: There is often one laptop that is great for almost everyone. It is not too expensive, but it is powerful enough for most tasks. It has a good screen, a comfortable keyboard, and a battery that lasts a long time. The Dell XPS 15 is often a favorite in this group.
The Best for a Small Budget: You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good laptop. ZDNET always looks for a great laptop that costs less but still works well for everyday things like writing emails, doing homework, and watching YouTube. Brands like Acer and Lenovo often make great laptops that don't cost too much.
The Best for Gamers: Gaming laptops are very powerful. They have the best brains and special parts for graphics to make games look amazing. These laptops, like some from ASUS or Razer, cost more money, but they are the best choice if you love to play games.
The Best for Work and School: For people who need to be productive, a good business laptop is a great choice. These laptops are built to be very strong and reliable. They often have great keyboards for typing and special features to keep your information safe. The HP Spectre and Lenovo Yoga series are often praised for this. To see other great options for school, you can look at guides from websites like Laptop Mag.
Your Perfect Laptop is Waiting
Choosing a new laptop is a big decision, but it does not have to be hard. By thinking about what you need and reading reviews from experts like the team at ZDNET, you can find the perfect one. The best 15-inch laptops of 2025 offer something for everyone. Whether you have a lot of money to spend or just a little, whether you are a gamer or a student, there is a 15-inch laptop out there that is just right for you.
