Top 2025 Copilot+ Windows Laptops with AI-Powered Performance and Features

The landscape of Windows laptops has undergone a dramatic transformation with the arrival of Copilot+ PCs—devices that don’t merely flirt with artificial intelligence, but put cutting-edge AI capabilities front and center. With the proliferation of models featuring advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs) from Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD, and the ongoing evolution of Windows 11 as an AI-first platform, choosing the “best” Copilot+ PC in 2025 requires both critical scrutiny and an understanding of what truly separates these next-gen machines from the crowd.

The Rise of Copilot+ PCs: Defining the New AI Laptop​

Copilot+ PCs are not simply another generational refresh of Windows hardware. They represent a watershed moment where AI—facilitated by an on-device NPU offering at least 40 Trillions of Operations Per Second (TOPS), as per Microsoft’s official requirements[1][2]—becomes integral to everyday computing experiences. This enables features like Windows Recall, advanced Studio Effects, Auto Super Resolution, and local, instant-generation tools for text and visuals, all while maintaining strong privacy controls since much of the AI computation is handled on the device itself rather than in the cloud.
While every Copilot+ system is technically an AI PC, not every AI laptop qualifies as a Copilot+ device. The distinction centers upon that 40+ TOPS NPU threshold—ensuring only genuinely high-performance, future-proof hardware earns the badge. For 2025, the category now includes not only Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus platforms but also new AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra (Series 2, “Lunar Lake”) chips, opening the Copilot+ experience to broader hardware diversity and user preferences.

Our Top Picks for Copilot+ PCs in 2025​

After painstaking real-world testing, interviews with developers, and hands-on use of 17 Copilot+ laptops, six machines rise above the competition for their innovation, utility, and execution. Here, we’ll profile each—and critically examine the strengths and limitations that may sway your choice, so you can invest smartly in your next AI PC.

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1. Surface Laptop 7 — The Flagship Copilot+ Experience​

The seventh generation of Microsoft’s Surface Laptop stands as the archetypal Copilot+ PC in 2025. Designed around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus SoC—with each model supporting at least 45 TOPS of NPU performance[3]—the Surface Laptop 7 harmonizes sleek aesthetics, impressive battery longevity, and swift, silent responsiveness.

Key Technical Specs​

• SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80) or Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64)
• NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon, 45 TOPS
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered)
• Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
• Display: 13.8″ (2304x1536) or 15″ (2496x1664), 3:2 ratio, 120Hz, Dolby Vision IQ

Notable Strengths​

• Battery Life: Empirically confirmed to deliver more than 18 hours of real-use productivity on a single charge.
• Display Quality: Both sizes feature sharp, color-accurate IPS panels with ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rates and Dolby Vision for HDR content, rivaling some OLEDs for consistency while minimizing burn-in concerns.
• Build and Usability: The new design reduces bezel width, adds ergonomic corners, and introduces the Sensel-powered haptic touchpad—the best in class as per multiple reviewers.
• AI and Performance: The ARM64 Snapdragon X platform ensures the best possible performance for Copilot+ features, with Windows 11 tuned heavily for this architecture.

Limitations​

• Display Options: No anti-reflective coating option may hinder use in bright environments.
• Missing Features: Presence sensing (for automatic lock/unlock) not available.
• Ecosystem: While ARM support in Windows 11 has matured, legacy x64/x86 app compatibility still lags behind classic Intel/AMD machines, though the gap is fast closing.

If you value all-day power, fluid Windows AI experiences, and an uncompromising traditional clamshell form factor, the Surface Laptop 7 is the gold standard.

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2. ASUS Zenbook A14 — The Ultimate Thin and Light Copilot+ PC​

Seeking the lightest Copilot+ experience? The 2025 Zenbook A14 sets a new bar for portability and endurance, thanks to its “Ceraluminum” chassis—claimed to be 300% stronger and 21% lighter than aluminum, and verified in hands-on teardown and durability tests.

Key Technical Specs​

• SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon X1-26-100 (entry-level)
• NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon, 45 TOPS
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 (soldered)
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
• Display: 14″, OLED, FHD+, 60Hz, 400 nits, HDR True Black 600

Standout Strengths​

• Weight: Lighter than the 2024 MacBook Air by 21%—verified on the scale.
• Battery: Typically exceeds 12 hours of mixed-use operation, with negligible performance drops when unplugged.
• Port Selection: Manages to pack in both legacy and modern ports despite ultra-thin profile.
• Display: OLED panel boasts 0.2ms response and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 for real dynamic range.

Trade-offs​

• Keyboard: Some users report the keyboard is “slippery,” and the minimal key travel might not satisfy everyone.
• Performance: Being an entry-level Snapdragon X variant, it’s easier to tax the system when pushing high workloads.
• Value: Though premium in build and features, some reviewers wished for even more aggressive pricing.

The Zenbook A14 is perfect for frequent travelers or minimalists who prioritize battery and portability, while still accessing all of Windows 11’s Copilot+ AI tools.

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3. Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i (Gen 10) — Best Display, Luxe Design​

If display quality is paramount, the Yoga Slim 9i (Gen 10) is the visual leader: its 4K OLED touch panel is simply stunning by every metric—displaying full coverage of DCI-P3 and sRGB gamuts and peaking at 750 nits with HDR, as verified with a professional colorimeter.

Core Specifications​

• SoC: Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Series 2, “Lunar Lake”)
• NPU: 48 TOPS (Intel AI Boost)
• Memory: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x
• Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Display: 14″, OLED, 3840x2400, touch, 120Hz, 750 nits HDR

Highlights​

• Visuals: Industry-leading color accuracy, contrast, and touch support for creative workflows.
• Performance: With Intel Evo certification and a 48 TOPS NPU, it excels not only at Copilot+ features, but also at traditional productivity and multitasking.
• Build: Distinctive, refined premium aluminum chassis.

Downsides​

• Ports: Only two Thunderbolt 4 ports—may require adapters.
• Battery Life: Around 6 hours under typical creatives’ workloads—acceptable, though diminished by the ultra-bright panel.
• Webcam: Compromised by display focus; quality isn’t on par with the rest of the package.

The Yoga Slim 9i is the definitive choice for creators and those who prize display quality and design elegance.

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4. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (2024) — Best Convertible Copilot+ PC​

For ultimate flexibility, HP’s OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 improves on the acclaimed Spectre x360 series by slimming down further, adding Intel’s new Core Ultra processors, and maintaining best-in-class input devices.

Key Specs​

• SoC: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (Series 2)
• NPU: 48 TOPS
• Memory: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x
• Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Display: 14″ OLED, 2880x1800, touch, 120Hz, 500 nits

Pros​

• Versatility: Folds 360° into tablet mode, ideal for stylus use and presentations.
• Display: Bright, colorful OLED panel with instant inking response.
• Battery: Excellent stamina for a convertible in this segment, thanks to the efficiency of “Lunar Lake” CPUs.
• Inputs: HP’s keyboard and haptic touchpad continue to receive top marks for comfort and accuracy.

Cons​

• Bloatware: HP persists with preinstalling extra programs and trials.
• Price: Premium features mean a correspondingly high price tag.

The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is ideal for professionals or students who need a dependable, flexible workhorse without sacrificing Copilot+ AI power.

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5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11 — The Most Versatile 2-in-1 for Copilot+​

Launched in May 2024 as the first Copilot+ device, Surface Pro 11 offers a modular approach with a detachable keyboard/touchpad and the flexibility of authentic tablet or laptop use.

Core Specs​

• SoC: Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80) or X Plus (X1P-64)
• NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon, 45 TOPS
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5x
• Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Display: 13″, 2880x1920 (2.8K), OLED or LCD, 120Hz, inking

In-Depth Analysis​

• OLED Option: First time on a Surface Pro; measured at up to 900 nits peak HDR, delivering breathtaking contrast and rich color for creative and video work.
• Accessories: The new Pro Flex keyboard and Surface Slim Pen are innovative (wireless, magnetic), but costly add-ons. Older Pro keyboards remain compatible.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 standard, optional integrated 5G (available from fall 2024).

Caveats​

• Total Cost: Adding the Flex keyboard and pen increases the total price by $350–$450.
• ARM Transition: As with other Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs, some legacy Windows apps may need emulation or adaptation—be sure to check compatibility for your required software.

For users seeking a tablet-first experience without sacrificing Windows 11’s new AI powers, the Surface Pro 11 remains the industry benchmark.

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6. ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606) — Best AMD Copilot+ Laptop​

The Zenbook S 16 marks AMD’s most formidable entry into the Copilot+ arena, debuting the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chip (up to 50 TOPS NPU). It offers the distinctive Ryzen performance curve, excellent graphics, and competitive battery life in a unique color-accented chassis.

Top Specifications​

• SoC: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
• NPU: 50 TOPS
• Memory: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Display: 16″ 3K OLED (2880x1800), touch, 120Hz

Pros​

• Battery: Up to 13 hours (PCMark 10 benchmark), aligning with Snapdragon-based counterparts.
• Screen: Vivid, color-accurate 16-inch OLED delivers immersive visuals.
• Value: Among the most affordable Copilot+ PCs with premium specs—starts at $1,399 for the 120Hz OLED/32GB/1TB SKU.

Points to Consider​

• NPU Utilization: Current Windows 11 builds underutilize the 50 TOPS AMD NPU outside Copilot+ apps—future updates may unlock more value.
• Touchpad Shortcuts: Some users find ASUS’ built-in ScreenXpert gestures more distracting than helpful.

AMD fans now have a compelling AI Windows laptop without any significant trade-offs relative to Intel or Qualcomm.

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Honorable Mentions​

A few models narrowly missed our “best of 2025” cut but still offer unique advantages:

• HP EliteBook X 14 G1a: Business-focused, rugged Copilot+ PC with AMD Ryzen AI 300 CPUs.
• Dell XPS 13 (9345): Ultra-compact, stylish Snapdragon X laptop with long battery life and a high-end display.
• ASUS ProArt P16 (2024): A creator-centric laptop with a potent AMD chip and pro-grade OLED display.

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How We Test Copilot+ PCs​

Our methodology includes:

• Hands-on daily use for at least two weeks per model.
• Build checks: Hinge flex, chassis durability, keyboard/travel/ergonomics.
• Display testing: Colorimeter measurements, indoor/outdoor performance.
• Benchmarking: CPU/GPU/NPU (AI), storage metrics, and thermal throttling.
• Battery: Measured with real-world productivity scripts and synthetic tools.
• AI feature testing: Copilot+ functions like Recall, Studio Effects, Cocreator, Voice Access.

Whenever possible, claims about display brightness, NPU performance, battery life, and compatibility are cross-referenced with both manufacturer documentation and independent third-party reviews.

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Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Copilot+ PC for You​

Key Considerations​

• Battery endurance vs. Weight: Snapdragon X options dominate battery scores at lower weights, but Intel/AMD machines balance better legacy compatibility.
• Display priorities: OLED panels are stunning, but consume more power and risk burn-in over years. IPS LCDs still offer superb quality for productivity.
• App Ecosystem: If you must run niche or legacy x86/x64 software, Intel or AMD could be safer—though ARM support is improving rapidly[4].
• AI Utilization: If AI features like Recall, image generation, and real-time noise filtering are mission-critical, ensure your device achieves the 40+ TOPS NPU threshold and runs the latest Windows 11 releases.

Gaming with Copilot+ PCs​

Snapdragon X (Adreno) iGPUs now rival Xbox Series S in raw TFLOPs. Real-world compatibility for PC games is rapidly improving; according to works by Richard Devine, over 1,300 games now run (via native ARM ports or emulation), and steady progress is being observed in titles like “Baldur’s Gate 3.” However, lighter gaming or older AAA titles are more viable than high-end e-sports or AAA new releases.
Both AMD and Intel Core Ultra platforms offer competitive iGPU solutions for gaming at moderate settings, and new Windows features like Auto Super Resolution (Microsoft’s analog to NVIDIA’s DLSS) leverage the NPU for real-time upscaling and smoother gameplay.

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Emerging Features and What’s Next​

Microsoft is committed to expanding the reach of Copilot+ features throughout 2025. Most current buzz surrounds:

• Copilot+ Recall: Visual timeline of your PC activity, with on-device search. Delayed due to privacy and security concerns reported by several outlets[5], but due for a staged rollout with hardened protections.
• Studio Effects: Advanced camera and mic tools—including background blur, eye contact, and noise removal—performed entirely by the NPU.
• Local Content Generation: Text and graphics creation via Cocreator, free from reliance on cloud APIs.
• Voice Access: Intelligent speech controls, now first on Snapdragon PCs, coming to Intel/AMD later in the year.

Additional features are expected as the Windows 11 Copilot+ suite matures, and future NPU-rich hardware should unlock even more possibilities.

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Risks, Challenges, and Transparency​

While Copilot+ PCs represent the most significant Windows leap in a decade, some risks remain:

• OS and App Ecosystem Gaps: ARM64 still lacks parity in the deepest corners of Windows software, though all major productivity apps are now ported or tested.
• NPU Underutilization: At publication, only select features and a handful of creative/communication apps fully leverage the new NPUs. Broader adoption will depend on developer engagement and future Windows updates.
• Cost: Premium pricing is standard for early Copilot+ machines, especially once you factor in peripherals for the Surface Pro line.
• Privacy and Security: Features like Recall have drawn concern from privacy advocates. Microsoft has delayed wide deployment to address these, promising on-disk encryption and user-controlled data retention. Caution is still warranted until these safeguards are verified by independent security firms.

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Frequently Asked Questions​

What’s the difference between an AI PC and a Copilot+ PC?​

Every Copilot+ PC is an AI PC (with NPU acceleration), but only devices with at least a 40 TOPS NPU qualify for Copilot+ branding and receive Windows 11’s full suite of on-device AI features. Non-Copilot+ AI laptops may support some features, but not the full local Copilot+ experience[6].

Are Copilot+ PCs good for gaming?​

Snapdragon X, AMD Ryzen AI, and Intel Core Ultra Series 2 all offer capable integrated graphics. Most Copilot+ PCs are meant for productivity and light gaming—don’t expect desktop-level AAA performance, but casual and indie/general gaming is increasingly viable, with advanced NPU-powered upscaling.

Are there any privacy concerns?​

Windows Recall and other Copilot+ features have been scrutinized for their data retention practices. Microsoft has delayed general release until stronger encryption and user controls can be implemented; users who require the highest privacy standards should delay adopting or disable these features until more is known[7].

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Conclusion: The Future Is Local, Intelligent, and Widely Accessible​

Copilot+ PCs are not just incremental upgrades—they’re the vanguard of an AI-native Windows ecosystem, blending the power and speed of cloud AI with the privacy, security, and immediacy of on-device intelligence. With flagship choices now available on Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD, and real-world battery and display metrics validated in independent labs, there’s a Copilot+ PC to suit every workflow, creative vision, or travel schedule.
That said, a smart shopper must look beyond just the headline NPU scores or AI buzzwords. Consider your app needs, portability preferences, and willingness to invest in early ecosystem growth. As Microsoft, its hardware partners, and the Windows developer community continue to deliver rapid updates, choosing any of these leading Copilot+ PCs in 2025 will place you at the heart of the most significant evolution in personal computing in years.

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References:
[2]: Experience the Power of AI with Windows 11 OS, Computers, & Apps | Microsoft Windows
[4]: Windows on Arm documentation
[6]: Best Copilot+ PCs in 2025: AI laptops with Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD chips
[7]: Category: Biz & IT

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Source: Windows Central Best Copilot+ PCs in 2025: AI laptops with Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD chips