If you're in the market for a new laptop with great battery life without sacrificing on performance, you might want to consider one of the latest Windows on Arm laptops powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips. Arm-based processors in Windows laptops have come a long way since they first debuted in 2017, so much so they're now fully capable chips that trade blows with the latest alternatives from the likes of Intel, AMD, and even Apple Silicon!
Our current pick for the best Windows on Arm laptop is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, but there are plenty of runner ups to choose from too as detailed in this very article. All modern Windows on Arm-based laptops are also Copilot+ PCs, which means they are capable of running the latest AI features that are exclusive to Windows 11.
The biggest reason to choose a Windows laptop powered by an Arm chip is for the longer battery life, often housed in quiet and thinner chassis' that you don't find on similarly performing Intel and AMD laptops. You can find Windows on ARM devices in all kinds of form factors, including tablets, 2-in-1s, laptops, and soon even desktops (you can learn more at our Windows on ARM FAQ).
Right now, the only Windows devices powered by Arm you can buy are ones powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite SoCs. These chips are groundbreaking, comparable to the excellent chips found in MacBooks, and even competing with the latest Copilot+ PC chips from the likes of Intel and AMD. The chips are so good, all major OEMs are now shipping Windows on Arm hardware. This wasn't the case two years ago!
But it won't be long before other silicon makers enter the Windows on Arm game. Both NVIDIA and MediaTek are rumored to be interested in building chips for the Windows PC space, but those aren't expected to debut until sometime in 2026. Qualcomm is expected to unveil a second-generation wave of Snapdragon X chips in the coming weeks, before the end of 2025.
This is my round up of the best Snapdragon-powered laptops you can find on the market right now, based on recommendations by myself and other Windows Central staff members who have reviewed the devices. Let's dive in!
RELATED: You can also check out our list of the best Copilot+ PCs.
September 15, 2025: I have refreshed the list where appropriate and ensured the selection of devices is up to date and representative of what we believe to be the best Windows on Arm laptops available right now. — Zac Bowden
The quick list
Best overall
You're hard-pressed to find a Windows on ARM laptop that's better than the Surface Laptop 7. It's available in two sizes, is incredibly portable and powerful, and is one of the best looking laptops we've ever seenm in the Windows space
Best overall
The Surface Pro 11 is an incredible machine thanks to its versatile 2-in-1 design, featuring a 13-inch high-resolution touchscreen that's available in both IPS and OLED flavors. It's one of the best Windows on ARM devices on the market currently!
Best alternative to Macbook Pro
Apple might be a big name when it comes to ARM laptops, but the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is the compelling Windows on ARM alternative that comes in either a 14-inch or 16-in AMOLED display.
Best for business use
Whether you work in an office or you are self-employed, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a fantastic Windows on ARM laptop for business use.
Best value
Of the latest Windows on ARM laptops that utilizes the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor, Microsoft's Surface Pro 12-inch is easily the best value for money. Starting at $799, it features a high-quality display, premium chassis, support for pen input, and all-day battery life.
Best OLED
Programs, videos, and compatible games will look beautiful on the Vivobook S 15 thanks to its gorgeous OLED display that can reach up to an impressive 120Hz.
Best portable laptop
The new Surface Laptop 13-inch is the smallest and lightest Windows on Arm laptop you can currently buy, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus and featuring the best battery life in a Surface currently.
Zac is a senior editor for Windows Central with expertise in Windows PCs, including laptops, tablets, and desktops. He's the go to guy for information about the latest Windows features, as well as the latest hardware features.
Rebecca is a section editor with a focus on laptops, desktops, PC gaming, and gaming handhelds. Whether you need help setting up the latest devices or need help figuring out how to get past a tricky boss, her guides can help you out.
The best Windows laptops with Arm processors
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Below, you'll find my full write-ups for each of the laptops I've picked out as the best laptops that are powered by Arm processors. Many of these laptops have been reviewed or had hands-on time with by the team at Windows Central, and have our full recommendations for each category specified.
Best overall Windows on ARM laptop
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is hands-down the best Windows on ARM laptop and Copilot+ PC you can buy right now. It's the ultimate combination of Microsoft design, with the sole purpose of creating the perfect Windows laptop. It's so good, I think it's even better than the MacBook Air from a design perspective!
It features a minimalist contemporary design with no gimmicks. The laptop features a wedge shape that gives it a thinner profile towards the front of the device, and the laptop lid can be lifted with one hand. The bezels around the display are thin, and the screens are beautiful with high-resolutions and touch capabilities.
The keyboard and trackpad might be some of the best I've ever used, with Macs included. The keyboard is so incredibly satisfying to type on, and the haptic touchpad is the best on the market. It's smooth, responsive, and works just like you'd expect.
On the inside, we have the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite, which are the bees knees right now. They're incredibly powerful and super-efficient, meaning you should get incredible battery life on the Surface Laptop 7.
The laptop can be configured with either 16GB, 32GB, o4 64GB RAM in certain regions. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB 1TB, and 2TB options as well, though storage is easily upgradable so there's no reason to spec storage too high.
The Surface Laptop 7 is also available in four colors, those being Black, Silver, Blue, and Gold. The Blue Surface Laptop 7 is incredibly striking, but sadly it's only available in the 13.5-inch configuration.
Best 2-in-1 Windows on Arm laptop
- Read our in-depth Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review
Not only is the Surface Pro 11 the latest in a long line of 2-in-1 laptops from Microsoft, but it was also the first Copilot+ PC ever announced (you can learn more at our Copilot+ PC FAQ). Like previous Surface Pro devices, this latest model operates like a powerful tablet with a built-in kickstand. However, you can also purchase the official keyboard and attach it to the tablet to turn the Surface Pro 11 into a laptop.
Unsurprisingly, the latest Surface Pro has several configuration options to choose from including the choice between two ARM-based processors — Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80) or Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64). Meanwhile, the laptop can come with either 16GB or 32GB of RAM with the option of having a 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD. Just be aware that only a configuration with the Snapdragon X Elite processor can feature a beautiful 13-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen whereas a Snapdragon X Plus model will feature a more standard 13-inch LCD touchscreen.
You can build your Surface Pro 11 with the specific specs you want on the Microsoft website or choose from several prebuilt configurations at retailers like Best Buy. It's unclear when we will be getting a 5G model, but don't expect one until at least this autumn.
RELATED: If you're curious about how this new Microsoft 2-in-1 compares against the previous model, check out our Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 10 for Business guide.
Best alternative to MacBook Pro
- Read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge vs Macbook Pro comparison
In many ways, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is the closest 2-in-1 competitor to the new MacBook Pro, but with a Windows-on-ARM-focus. Plus, it's the ideal option for those already in the Samsung ecosystem. For instance, Galaxy AI makes it possible to connect your Samsung phone to the laptop for better control and smoother functionality between the two devices. This is an extra AI layer on top of Copilot+, to help make the device that much more convenient to use.
You can get the Galaxy Book4 Edge in either a 14-inch or 16-inch size, but only the larger size comes with a number pad. Additionally, both the 14 and 16-inch versions come with a beautiful AMOLED display that offers a 2880x1800 resolution,16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz variable refresh rate. AMOLEDs tend to be brighter than OLEDs and this one can reach up to 500 nits brightness with HDR enabled Oddly enough, this laptop does not come with an IR camera.
RELATED: OLED vs QD-OLED vs QLED vs AMOLED vs Mini LED display comparison
Best Windows on ARM laptop for business
- Read our in-depth HP EliteBook Ultra G1q hands-on review
When it comes to business, you want to make sure that your laptop is secure against potential malware while also being durable for travel. That's where the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q really stands out from other Windows on ARM laptops.
This Windows on ARM and Copilot+ PC laptop is a Secured-Core PC that protects your data on multiple levels including hardware, firmware, and software. As part of that, this device includes HP Wolf Pro Security to specifically protect against Malware and phishing attempts. This being the case, the laptop is ideal for anyone who often handles more confidential information for work. Meanwhile, the 5MP, IR camera does have a shutter to protect your privacy.
Design-wise, the laptop is better suited than some competitors to deal with potential drops and bumps that might happen during transit thanks to the fact that it has a 19 MIL-STD 810 durability certification. As such, you can feel more comfortable while you travel with it.
As with many Copilot+ PCs, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q features a Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-78) that offers an 18W TDP. Users currently don't get any choices when it comes to specs. Right now, there's only 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. There isn't a microSD card, either, so you can't increase storage that way. Unlike many competitors listed here, this laptop's touchscreen isn't an OLED, but it does reach 2.2K resolution in 16:10 aspect ratio.
RELATED: If you're curious about how HP's Copilot+ laptops fair against each other, check out our HP OmniBook X 14 vs. EliteBook Ultra G1q comparison.
Best value Windows on ARM laptop
- Read our in-depth Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch Review.
The Surface Pro 12-inch is the latest Windows on Arm-based 2-in-1 to be released, and is easily the best value for money if you can find it on sale. It's a premium 2-in-1 tablet with a premium chassis, great touchscreen display with uniform bezels, and incredibly portable design. It retails for $799, but you can often find it for less now that it's been on the market for a few months.
As it's a Surface Pro, it features that same iconic kickstand built right into the chassis which means you can prop it up on any desk at any time. It has a keyboard and pen accessory that is sold separately, transforming this device from a capable tablet into a productivity driven laptop.
On the inside, the Surface Pro 12-inch is powered by a Snapdragon X Plus SoC, paired with 16GB RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of UFS storage. It has built-in Windows Hello face unlock, similar in speed and security as Face ID on the iPad Pro, along with a 90Hz refresh rate which makes scrolling in apps feel very smooth.
It's an overall great device, and good value for your money if you factor in all the additional accessories you might want to buy. It's easily the thinnest and lightest modern Windows on Arm device on the market too, making it a great travel companion if that's something you're also considering.
Best OLED on a Windows on ARM laptop
- Read our in-depth ASUS VivoBook S 15 review
Obviously, there have been plenty of impressive screen on this list of Windows on ARM and Copilot+ laptops. However, our pick for best display goes to the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507).
Like many of the other devices we've mentioned, it comes with an OLED display, but this one offers 3K resolution and can get up to a peak 120Hz refresh rate and it measures in at 15.6 inches. This will help make any on-screen visuals look crisp and vibrant with some truly smooth motion clarity.
The Vivobook S 15 also features a number pad, which makes it easier for people who often enter numeric data into spreadsheets or other programs. Configuration-wise, you get your choice between a Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-78) or a Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64). Then there's also 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5x RAM as well as the option of either a 512GB or 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.
A wide range of ports including two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 2 USB-C 4.0 Gen 3 ports, an HDMI 2.1 TMDS port, microSD card reader, and a headphone jack make it easy to connect various accessories or other devices to the laptop. Really, the only negative thing is that the touchpad isn't a haptic touchpad.
Best portable laptop
- Read our in-depth Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch review
If you want a Windows on Arm PC that's been designed from the ground up with portability in mind, and you don't want a 2-in-1 like the Surface Pro 12-inch, your next bet is Microsoft's new Surface Laptop 13-inch. It's the smallest Windows on Arm laptop on the market right now, with a 13.0-inch screen size in a lightweight (1.22kg) package.
With a 13-inch 1080p display, it's smaller than most Windows laptops in general. That makes it great for travel and slipping into a backpack, while still maintaining a screen that's large enough to feel productive to work on. Under the hood, it's powered by a Snapdragon X Plus, paired with 16GB RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of UFS storage.
The device comes in cheaper than the flagship Surface Laptop 7, with a starting price of around $899 but usually less now that it's been on the market for a few months. The chassis is premium, featuring an all-aluminum design and one of the best keyboards and trackpads on a laptop to date.
The 1080p display is fine, and it does support touch which is always a bonus. Instead of Windows Hello face unlock, it features a super fast fingerprint reader built into the power button instead, which can instantly authenticate and log you in just with a quick touch. It also features the best battery life in a Surface today!
How we test PC laptops with ARM
• Best Copilot+ AI PCs
• Windows on ARM FAQ
• Windows 11 apps run on ARM
• I'm obsessed with Windows on ARM
The best laptop with an ARM processor will ultimately come down to preference. There are so many different kinds of ARM laptops on the market, most of which lean on the 2-in-1 form factor category. We think the best Windows on ARM laptop on the market right now is the Surface Laptop 7, because it offers the best overall package with great battery life and performance, in a premium chassis and flagship featureset.
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is the best alternative to the latest MacBook Pro on the market right now, thanks to its great design and excellent ecosystem. We review Windows on ARM laptops like any other laptop, with the same battery life and performance tests, ensuring we benchmark for native performance as well as emulated. This helps us not only decide upon the best ARM laptops, but also to put them into perspective next to Intel and AMD-based competitors.
Be sure to check out our roundup of best Windows laptops if you're looking for the best overall Windows laptop, ARM or not!
Windows on ARM FAQ
There is a lot to know about Windows on ARM, so here is a catchall FAQ section to answer any questions you might have.
What does "Windows on ARM" mean?
This is a quick way of saying that a device has an Arm-based processor and runs a version of Windows that's designed to work with Arm architecture.
What is the difference between Windows on ARM and x86?
For years, x86 architecture has been the standard for laptop and desktop processors. Meanwhile, Windows on ARM is relatively newer. Overall, x86 is more powerful than Windows on ARM, but Windows on ARM is far more battery-efficient while still offering solid performance.
Is ARM good for Windows?
Yes, it is. But, as with all things, it depends on what you need the computer to do. Windows on ARM allows devices to be lighter and less power-hungry than x86 PCs. So if you want a light-weight laptop with decent performance, and great battery life, then Windows on ARM is especially nice.
It used to be that few programs worked with Windows on ARM, but that is no longer the case. Most software works with these devices. In fact, we're increasingly seeing more and more Windows on ARM devices as time goes on.
How do I know if my laptop is Windows on ARM?
You can tell what kind of processor architecture your laptop utilizes by going into Settings on Windows → System → About. Under Device specifications, look for the System type. If it says it has an ARM-based processor then you have Windows on ARM.
What does ARM stand for?
British tech company Acorn Computers first created ARM, which initially stood for Acorn RISC Machine. Nowadays, ARM stands for Advanced RISC Machines.
What programs work with Windows on ARM?
Most Windows 10 and Windows 11 programs work on Windows on ARM PCs.
