Best Copilot+ AI Laptops

My 2020 ThinkPad has been through hell and back. Coffee spills, airport drops, and more late-night editing sessions than I care to remember. But last month, watching my colleague's Surface Laptop transcribe our entire interview while we talked – without missing a beat or slowing down – made me realize it was time for an upgrade.

These Copilot+ laptops aren't just regular computers with some AI sprinkled on top. They're built around neural processing chips that handle smart features locally, right on your machine. After three months of daily testing with five different models, I've learned which ones are worth your money and which ones are all hype. Here's what I found.

If you're in a hurry, here are my top two recommendations:

Table of Contents:

• Best Copilot+ AI Laptops: A Comprehensive Guide
• Top 5 AI Laptops in 2025
• Best AI Laptops: Comparison
• Dell XPS 13 (9345)
• Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
• Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x
• Acer Swift 14 AI
• HP OmniBook X
• AI-powered Laptops: FAQ

Best Copilot+ AI Laptops: A Comprehensive Guide

The first time I saw a Copilot+ AI laptop in action was at CES this past January. A Microsoft engineer was running a video call while the laptop automatically cleaned up the audio, brightened his face lighting, and typed out everything he said in real-time. My initial thought? "Nice party trick, but what's the catch?" Turns out, there isn't much of one.

Every Copilot+ machine runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors with built-in neural processing units rated at 45 TOPS (trillion operations per second). This isn't just marketing jargon – it means your laptop can handle AI tasks without sending your data to Microsoft's servers or grinding your other programs to a halt. Background noise removal during calls happens instantly. Grammar suggestions appear as you type. Photo editing tools work faster than I expected from an ARM chip.

Why Neural Processing Unit Laptops Actually Matter

Regular laptops treat AI like an unwanted houseguest. When you ask them to do something smart, they grudgingly hand the task over to the main processor, which immediately gets overwhelmed trying to juggle your usual programs plus whatever AI magic you've requested. Your fan starts spinning, performance drops, and your battery drains like you're running a cryptocurrency mine.

What surprised me most wasn't the speed – it was how these laptops could juggle multiple AI tasks while my regular work kept humming along normally.

These new machines split the work differently. Your regular programs still run on the main CPU, but AI tasks get their own dedicated chip. So when I'm on a Zoom call and the laptop is automatically removing my neighbor's leaf blower from the audio while highlighting action items from our conversation, neither task interferes with the other. My old ThinkPad would have choked trying to do half of that.

Microsoft Copilot Laptops: Beyond the Chatbot

If you've only used Copilot through the web or Office 365, you're missing the real show. On these Windows AI laptops, Copilot isn't just a chatbot you summon when needed – it's woven into the fabric of the operating system. It watches how you work and starts anticipating what you might need next. After two weeks with my test laptop, it was suggesting the right documents when I opened new projects and sorting my screenshots by topic without me asking.

The controversial Recall feature deserves mention here. Microsoft initially botched the announcement with vague privacy promises, but the actual implementation is more thoughtful. The system captures periodic screenshots and makes them searchable, but everything stays on your machine – no cloud uploads. When I couldn't remember which PDF contained that important quote, I just described what I remembered seeing, and Recall found it in seconds. It feels like having perfect recall of everything you've ever done on your computer.

Battery Performance That Actually Delivers

The battery claims on these laptops sound too good to be true until you actually use one. Qualcomm built the Snapdragon X chips on a 4nm manufacturing process, which means they sip power instead of guzzling it. During my testing, I routinely got 16-18 hours of actual work – not just playing videos in airplane mode, but real productivity with web browsing, writing, video calls, and photo editing mixed in.

Going from a laptop that sounds like it's about to take flight to one that stays whisper-quiet under heavy loads feels like stepping into the future.

The heat management is equally impressive. My old laptop would turn into a hand warmer during video calls and sound like a hair dryer under any real load. These new machines stay cool and quiet even when running multiple AI features simultaneously. The Dell XPS 13 I tested remained silent during a marathon photo editing session that would have sent my ThinkPad into thermal overdrive.

Software Compatibility Reality Check

The biggest question mark hanging over these ARM-based machines is software compatibility. Will your existing programs actually work? After months of testing, I can report that most popular applications run fine through Windows' improved Prism translation layer. Office, Chrome, Firefox, Slack, Spotify – all the daily drivers work normally, though some older or more specialized programs might run slightly slower in emulation.

Adobe's Creative Suite runs acceptably in translation mode, though Adobe is working on native ARM versions that should arrive later this year. Gaming performance is limited compared to dedicated gaming laptops, but casual titles and older games work fine. If you rely on highly specialized engineering software or cutting-edge games, you might want to verify compatibility before making the switch.

Top 5 AI Laptops in 2025

After extensive testing, these five Copilot+ laptops rose to the top. Each offers something different, whether it's premium build quality, exceptional displays, or outstanding value. Here's what sets each one apart.

Best AI Laptops: Comparison

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications for these five standout models:

Each laptop has its own strengths, so your choice will depend on what matters most for your specific needs and budget.

Dell XPS 13 (9345) Review

Editor's Choice

Dell's first Copilot Plus PC nails almost everything I look for in a premium ultrabook. At 14.8mm thick and weighing just 1.17kg, this laptop disappears in my backpack yet feels substantial enough to handle daily abuse. The machined aluminum construction gives it a premium feel that matches the price tag, and those trademark InfinityEdge bezels make the 13.4-inch screen feel roomier than the specs suggest.

The base FHD+ 120Hz display looks sharp and smooth, but the 3K OLED upgrade transforms this machine into something special. Colors pop with an intensity that makes photo editing addictive, and the 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling and animations buttery smooth. Gorilla Glass protection has already saved me from a few minor scratches during testing. The display automatically adjusts color temperature based on ambient light, which sounds gimmicky but actually works well during long writing sessions.

Performance from the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite exceeded my expectations. This chip handles everything from dozens of Chrome tabs to Lightroom editing without complaints. The 45-TOPS neural processor makes AI features like automatic photo enhancement and real-time transcription feel instantaneous. What really impresses me is the complete silence – Dell achieved fanless operation without thermal throttling. Even during intensive tasks, the laptop stays cool and quiet.

Battery life consistently hits 18-20 hours of mixed usage, which includes web browsing, writing, video streaming, and video calls. Dell's ExpressCharge technology pushes the battery from empty to 80% in about an hour using the included 65W adapter. The two USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports handle charging, display output, and high-speed data transfer, though you'll need dongles for older peripherals. Dell thoughtfully includes a USB-C to HDMI/USB-A adapter in the box.

The typing experience stands out on such a thin laptop. Dell's zero-lattice keyboard provides satisfying key travel with good tactile feedback. The haptic glass trackpad takes adjustment if you're used to mechanical trackpads, but it's precise and supports all the Windows gestures once you adapt. Quad speakers with Waves NX 3D audio deliver surprisingly full sound for such a compact chassis, though they can't replace good headphones for serious music listening.

Summary: The Dell XPS 13 (9345) represents the peak of ultrabook design in the AI era. Its combination of premium materials, excellent displays, and impressive battery life makes it ideal for professionals who demand the best portable computing experience. While the limited ports and high price might deter some buyers, this laptop delivers on every promise Dell makes.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8″) Review

Best Overall

The Surface Laptop 7 feels like Microsoft finally built the laptop they always wanted to make. Everything that made previous Surface laptops appealing – the excellent keyboard, that distinctive 3:2 screen ratio, the clean design – gets enhanced with AI capabilities that actually improve your daily workflow. After six weeks of use, this has become my default recommendation for anyone wanting the most complete Copilot+ experience.

The 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow display deserves recognition as one of the year's best laptop screens. The 2304×1536 resolution in that taller 3:2 format gives you more vertical space for documents and web pages, while 120Hz refresh keeps everything smooth. HDR support with Dolby Vision IQ makes photos and videos look vibrant, and 600-nit brightness works well even in bright environments. Touch response feels natural and accurate – not just tacked on like some Windows laptops.

You can choose between the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite or 10-core X Plus processors, both paired with the same 45-TOPS neural processor. Performance has been solid throughout testing. The laptop handles my typical workload of multiple browsers, Slack, music streaming, and Office apps without slowdowns. AI features like Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and Recall work seamlessly and feel genuinely helpful rather than gimmicky additions.

The keyboard maintains Microsoft's reputation for excellence in this area. Key travel feels perfect, the layout makes sense, and there's even a dedicated Copilot key that's actually useful for accessing AI features quickly. The new precision haptic trackpad improves significantly over previous Surface devices with better tracking and customizable feedback. Surface Pen support adds versatility for note-taking, sketching, or detailed photo editing tasks.

Real-world battery life consistently delivers 16-18 hours with video calls, web browsing, and productivity work mixed in. The magnesium-alloy construction keeps weight at 1.34kg while maintaining that premium Surface feel. Port selection balances functionality with two USB4-C ports, one USB-A port, Surface Connect for charging and docking, plus a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 7 support ensures you're ready for next-generation wireless networks.

Summary: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 delivers the most complete Copilot+ experience available today. Its combination of excellent hardware, thoughtful design, and seamless AI integration makes it ideal for users who want a laptop that adapts to any work scenario. While it commands premium pricing, the versatility and build quality justify the investment.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Review

Creator's Choice

The Yoga Slim 7x caught my attention with its striking Cosmic Blue finish, but the gorgeous 14.5-inch 3K OLED display is what made me fall in love with it. This laptop feels purpose-built for creative work requiring exceptional color accuracy and visual quality. After using it for photo editing, video work, and content creation, I can say it has the best display in the Copilot+ category.

The OLED panel is genuinely stunning. The 2944×1840 resolution provides razor-sharp detail, while 90Hz refresh keeps motion smooth without killing battery life like higher refresh rates might. Peak brightness reaches 1000 nits for outdoor usability, and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage means your photos and videos look exactly as intended. The infinite contrast ratio and perfect blacks that OLED provides make this laptop a joy for any visual work, from photo editing to movie nights.

The Snapdragon X Elite processor with its 45-TOPS neural chip handles creative workloads better than expected. Adobe Lightroom runs smoothly through emulation, and AI features actually enhance the creative workflow. The neural processor accelerates tasks like object selection, sky replacement, and noise reduction without impacting system performance. Vapor chamber cooling keeps everything running quietly even during intensive editing sessions – something I appreciated during long photo processing work.

At 1.28kg and 12.9mm thin, this laptop balances portability with screen real estate nicely. The 70Wh battery consistently delivered 15-17 hours of mixed usage during testing, including photo editing, web browsing, and video streaming. Lenovo's claims of 22 hours seem optimistic for real-world use, but actual performance remains excellent for a laptop with such a power-hungry OLED display.

Port selection is thoughtful with two USB4 40Gb Type-C ports for high-speed connectivity plus an additional USB-C port rated for 10Gb transfers. This provides flexibility for charging, external displays, and fast storage devices. The Dolby Atmos quad speakers fire upward and deliver better spatial audio than most laptop speakers, while the 5MP IR webcam adds Windows Studio Effects that work well for video calls. For creative professionals prioritizing display quality, the Yoga Slim 7x delivers in spades.

Summary: The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is the obvious choice for creative professionals who prioritize display quality above all else. Its stunning OLED screen, solid performance, and excellent battery life make it perfect for photo editing, video work, and any task where color accuracy matters. While premium pricing might deter some buyers, creatives who depend on accurate color reproduction will find it worthwhile.

Acer Swift 14 AI Review

Smart Choice

The Acer Swift 14 AI proves you don't need flagship pricing to get a compelling Copilot+ experience. Acer focused on the practical elements that matter in daily use – generous storage, comprehensive ports, and solid build quality – while keeping costs reasonable. After several weeks of testing, this laptop has become my top recommendation for users wanting AI features without premium pricing.

The 14.5-inch 2.5K 120Hz IPS display provides plenty of screen space and sharp detail for productivity work. While it doesn't have the wow factor of Lenovo's OLED panel, it's bright, color-accurate, and comfortable during long work sessions. Acer offers a 3K OLED upgrade if you want that extra visual impact, though it adds significantly to the price. The display bezels are reasonably thin, and the overall design feels modern without being flashy.

The Snapdragon X Plus processor delivers solid performance for most tasks. While technically a step down from X Elite chips in more expensive laptops, I couldn't tell the difference in real-world usage. Web browsing, Office applications, photo editing, and video streaming all run smoothly. The 45-TOPS neural processor handles AI features just as well as more expensive laptops, so you're not missing any Copilot+ functionality by choosing this more affordable option.

Where this laptop really excels is value and practicality. The base configuration includes 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a generous 1TB Gen 4 SSD – more storage than most laptops in this price range provide. Port selection is excellent with two USB4 ports, two USB-A 3.2 ports, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack. This means you can connect multiple monitors, legacy peripherals, and storage devices without constantly swapping dongles. The metal chassis feels solid despite the lower price point.

Battery performance has been consistently good throughout testing. Acer's claims of 24 hours for video and 17 hours for productivity work seem optimistic, but I regularly achieved 15-16 hours of mixed usage including web browsing, document editing, and video calls. The 65Wh battery charges reasonably quickly, and the laptop includes modern conveniences like Wi-Fi 7, a 1440p IR webcam, proximity lock, and fingerprint reader. For the price, you get a lot of laptop here.

Summary: The Acer Swift 14 AI delivers outstanding value in the Copilot+ laptop space. Its combination of generous storage, comprehensive ports, and solid performance makes it the smart choice for buyers who want AI features without premium pricing. While it may not have the flashiest design or best display, it covers all the basics extremely well while leaving money in your pocket.

HP OmniBook X Review

Budget Champion

HP's OmniBook X represents the most affordable entry point into Copilot+ computing, and while it makes compromises to hit that price point, it delivers far more than expected for the money. This laptop proves that AI-powered Windows computing doesn't have to be expensive. After using it as my primary work machine for several weeks, I'm impressed by how little it feels like a "budget" option in daily use.

The 14-inch 2.2K touchscreen provides a good balance of sharpness and responsiveness, though the 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to 120Hz displays on more expensive models. Colors are accurate enough for productivity work, and brightness levels work for most indoor situations. The touchscreen functionality works well for navigating Windows and interacting with AI features, though it's not as responsive as premium panels on Surface or XPS laptops.

Performance from the Snapdragon X Elite processor has been surprisingly good. This chip handles my typical workload without issues, and the 45-TOPS neural processor delivers the same AI capabilities as more expensive Copilot+ laptops. Recall, Live Captions, Windows Studio Effects, and other AI features work just as smoothly here as they do on laptops costing twice as much. The recycled-aluminum construction feels solid and environmentally conscious, though it doesn't have quite the premium feel of more expensive alternatives.

Battery life consistently exceeds expectations. While HP's claim of 26 hours seems optimistic, I regularly achieved 14-16 hours of mixed usage, easily covering a full workday with power to spare. The 59Wh battery may be smaller than some competitors, but the efficient Snapdragon processor makes good use of every watt-hour. Charging is reasonably fast, though not quite as quick as premium laptops with larger power adapters.

Port selection is minimal but functional with one USB4 port, one USB-C 3.2 port, one USB-A 3.2 port, and a headphone jack. You'll likely need a hub for multiple peripherals, but the basics are covered. Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 options ensure good wireless connectivity, and the IR webcam works well with Windows Hello for secure login. The zero-lattice keyboard feels decent for the price point, though it's not as satisfying as keyboards on more expensive models. HP's MIL-STD reliability testing and frequent discounts make this laptop an even better value.

Summary: The HP OmniBook X makes Copilot+ technology accessible to budget-conscious buyers without major functionality sacrifices. While it lacks some premium features found in more expensive models, it delivers solid performance, good battery life, and the complete AI feature set at a price that won't break the bank. For first-time Copilot+ buyers or anyone prioritizing value over premium features, this laptop hits the sweet spot.

AI-powered Laptops: Frequently Asked Questions

During months of testing these laptops, I've fielded dozens of questions from friends, colleagues, and readers curious about this new category. Here are the most common questions with honest answers based on real-world experience.

What makes Copilot+ laptops different from regular Windows laptops?

The main differences are dedicated neural processing units and deeper AI integration throughout Windows. These laptops handle AI tasks locally without internet connectivity or performance impacts on other applications. Features like Recall, Live Captions, and Windows Studio Effects work seamlessly because the NPU handles the heavy lifting separately from your main processor. Regular laptops might have some AI features, but they typically rely on cloud processing or slow down the system when running AI tasks.

Will my existing software work on these ARM-based laptops?

Most popular applications work fine through Windows' improved Prism emulation layer. Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Chrome, Firefox, and thousands of other programs run without issues, though emulated x86 software might perform slightly slower than native ARM versions. Specialized software for engineering, CAD, or gaming might have compatibility issues, so I recommend checking your critical applications before switching. More developers are releasing native ARM versions as these processors become popular.

How does battery life compare to traditional Intel or AMD laptops?

Significantly better in most cases. The ARM-based Snapdragon processors use a more efficient architecture that generates less heat and consumes less power. During testing, I consistently achieved 15-18 hours of real-world usage across different models, compared to 8-12 hours on comparable Intel laptops. The efficiency gains are real and make a noticeable difference in daily use.

Are these laptops good for gaming?

Gaming isn't their strong suit. While casual games and older titles work fine, don't expect to run the latest AAA games at high settings. The integrated graphics are decent for productivity work and light gaming, but dedicated gaming laptops with discrete GPUs will always perform better for intensive games. If gaming is a priority, you might want to stick with traditional x86 laptops for now.

Should I wait for the next generation or buy now?

The current generation is mature enough that I'm comfortable recommending it to most users. The hardware is solid, software compatibility has improved significantly, and AI features genuinely add value to daily computing. Unless you have specific requirements that aren't met by current models, there's no compelling reason to wait. Technology always improves, but these laptops are ready for prime time right now.

Which Copilot+ Laptop Should You Buy?

After testing all five laptops extensively, my recommendations come down to your priorities and budget. If money isn't a concern and you want the most premium experience possible, the Dell XPS 13 (9345) delivers on every promise with its stunning design, excellent display options, and whisper-quiet operation.

For the most well-rounded experience that balances features, performance, and versatility, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 remains my top pick. Its combination of excellent hardware, thoughtful design, and seamless AI integration makes it the safest choice for most users.

Creative professionals will find the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x irresistible thanks to its stunning OLED display and color-accurate screen. If you work with photos, videos, or any visual content, this laptop's display quality justifies the premium pricing.

Value-conscious buyers should seriously consider the Acer Swift 14 AI, which delivers excellent storage, comprehensive ports, and solid performance at a reasonable price. You get most of the premium laptop experience without the premium price tag.

Finally, if budget is your primary concern, the HP OmniBook X proves you don't need to spend a fortune to join the AI revolution. It covers all the basics well and provides access to the complete Copilot+ feature set at the lowest price point.

The truth is, you can't go wrong with any of these laptops. They all represent significant improvements over traditional Windows laptops in terms of battery life, thermal efficiency, and AI capabilities. The hardest part is choosing which compromises you're willing to make and which features matter most to your specific workflow. Whatever you choose, you're getting a glimpse into the future of personal computing – and that future looks pretty exciting.