Laptop vs Desktop: Which is Better in 2025?

IT December 26th 2024

It’s almost 2025 and the choice of selecting between laptop vs desktop is still difficult if you are not sure which one is the best fit for you.

As speaking about the market size, the global sales generated in the Desktop PC in 2024 accounted to US $10.1bn (Source: Statista). Furthermore, the laptop market size has also increased in recently years, and it will grow from $113.99 billion in 2023 to $120.84 billion in 2024 (Source: researchandmarkets).

Therefore, to help you make informed decision, in this blog we will delve deep into laptop vs desktop comparison and explore more features, advantages that will help you to buy whether pc or laptop.

Pros And Cons Of Laptops

Pros of Laptop

As you know laptop combines the small screens, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and rest of the PC components into one small device, they have all the functionalities similar to desktop pc and can also be utilized as tablets like 2-in 1 laptops, let’s check out the Pros of Laptops.

1. Portability and Compact Design

Laptops are developed and designed  for mobility. Their lightweight, compact build enables users to work, study or enjoy entertainment from virtually anywhere be it a coffee shop, a library or during travel.

2. Built-in Battery for On-the-Go Usage

Laptops can easily operate without a direct power connection, thanks to their rechargeable batteries. This makes them convenient during power outages or in places without access to power outlets. It’s typical battery life ranges from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the model and usage.

3. Integrated Peripherals

A laptop combines vital components like display, keyboard, mouse, and speakers into a single device. This eliminates the need to carry or set up multiple peripherals.  Also, it reduces the clutter and enhances convenience. Moreover, it saves space, making it ideal for small workspaces.

4. Easy Setup and Minimal Space Requirements

Laptop are ready to use right out of the box. There’s no requirement to assemble separate components, as is often the case with desktops

5. Energy Efficiency

Laptop consume less power than desktop, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective for users concerned about energy bills.

---

Cons  of Laptops

1. Limited Performance

They are less suited for demanding tasks like high-end gaming, 3D rendering or extensive video editing.

2. Difficult to Upgrade or Repair

Most laptops have limited upgradability. Components like CPUs and GPUs are often soldered onto the motherboard, making it challenging to replace or upgrade them. Furthermore, RAM and storage upgrades are possible but depend on the model. Also, repairs especially for damaged screens or motherboards can be costly.  

3. Higher Cost for Equivalent Specifications

Most laptops have limited upgradability. Components like CPUs and GPUs are often soldered onto the motherboard, making it challenging to replace or upgrade them. Furthermore, RAM and storage upgrades are possible but depend on the model. Also, repairs especially for damaged screens or motherboards can be costly.  

4. Fragility and Durability Concerns

Most laptops have limited upgradability. Components like CPUs and GPUs are often soldered onto the motherboard, making it challenging to replace or upgrade them. Furthermore, RAM and storage upgrades are possible but depend on the model. Also, repairs especially for damaged screens or motherboards can be costly.  

5. Shorter Lifespan

Most laptops have limited upgradability. Components like CPUs and GPUs are often soldered onto the motherboard, making it challenging to replace or upgrade them. Furthermore, RAM and storage upgrades are possible but depend on the model. Also, repairs especially for damaged screens or motherboards can be costly.

---

Pros And Cons of Desktops

Pros of Desktop

1. Superior Performance

Desktops are developed for power. They can accommodate high-performance processors. Dedicated GPUs, and advanced cooling systems, making them ideal for gaming video editing and other intensive tasks.

2. Customizability and Upgradability

Unlike laptops, desktops enable users to upgrade almost every component, from the processor, and graphics card to RAM and storage. It custom builds let users tailor the system to their particular requirements. Also, you can easily upgrade, extend the device’s lifespan and keep it current.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

For the same hardware specifications, desktops are considered cheaper than laptops. Additionally, personal components are more affordable and widely available.

4. Better Cooling and Thermal Management

Desktops have larger chassis, enabling for better airflow and more advanced cooling solutions, this enhances performance during extended use and prevents overheating.

5. Durability and Longer Lifespan

Desktops are stationary, decreasing the risk of physical damage, With regular maintenance and upgrades, they can remain functional and relevant for many years.

6. Display Option’s and Screen Size

Users can pair desktops with monitors of their choice, ranging from standard screen to ultra-wide and high-resolution displays. This flexibility is invaluable for multitasking, gaming and professional work.

Cons of Desktop

1. Lack of Portability

Desktops are stationary devices, making them unsuitable for users who need to work or study in multiple different locations. They are not ideal for travelers, students or remote employees who move frequently.

2. Takes up More Space

A desktop set up incorporates multiple components like the monitor, CPU, Keyboard, and more requiring significantly more space than a laptop. Also, It may not be suitable for small apartments or workspaces.

3. High Power consumption

Desktop consumes more electricity compared web-based, resulting in higher energy costs over time. They also need a constant power supply, making them unusable during power outages without a UPS.

4. Complex Setup Process

Setting up a desktop includes connecting multiple components, which can be intimidating for non-tech savvy users. Also, regular maintenance like cleaning dust from components is necessary to make sure optimal performance.

---

Who Should Choose a Laptop?

1. Student and Educators

Laptops are perfect for attending online class, taking notes, and completing assignments due to their portability and ease of use.

2. Remote Workers

Professionals who frequently travel or work from different locations benefit from the mobility of laptops.

3. Casual Users

For basic tasks like browsing, watching videos, and light gaming, laptops are a convenient option.

---

Types of Laptops

1. Ultrabooks

Ultrabooks laptops were first developed by chipmaker intel in 2011. These laptops come with certification and have quick boot times, thunderbolt 4, and hold up to 9 hours of battery life. Also, the laptops with AMD chips and Apple MacBook lineup provide similar features. Microsoft laptop 5, Apple MacBook Air are some of the popular models of this type.

2. Gaming Laptops

Gaming laptops often come with powerful hardware, hard to carry around. Also, a typical need for a gaming laptop is its graphics card, the latest processor from AMD or Intel and carefully cooling components. Acer Nitro 5, HP Omen 16, Lenovo IdeaPad Gamin 3, and ASUS TUF Gaming F15 are some of the examples of this segment.

3. Workstation or Creators Laptop

This type of laptop comes with lots of hardware features with a gaming laptop but is mostly used by professionals completing demanding tasks from a portable device. Apple MacBook Pro 9 is good example of a creator laptop that has ability to take over the workload.

4. 2-in-1s and Convertible

This type of laptops can transform into multiple factors. Well, also, there are two types in this category: I) Convertible, ii) Detachable. These types of models can either work as laptops or tablets. HP Sector 14×360 and Lenovo Yoga Book 9 are examples of 2-in-1s laptops

5. Chromebooks

This type of laptops mostly operates on Chrome OS, which is a Google chrome browser-based operating system that operates seamless when connect on internet. This laptop mostly depends on web-based applications rather than downloaded ones. HPX360 Chromebook, Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 are among the top models.

6. Foldable Laptops

A foldable laptops depend on bendable screen technology like the ones utilized in smartphones. They come with an optional full-sized keyboard that can be foldable for two side by side displays.

---

Top 5 Best Laptops to Look for in 2025

1. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition

The surface laptop comes in 14-inch, 15-inch or even in larger configuration. It has robust battery life.

Specification	Details
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
Screen Size	14-inch / 15-inch
Storage	Up to 1TB
Battery Life	10 hours and 10 minutes
Price	$1,599 / ₹1,13,990

 2. Apple MacBook Air (M3)

The new Apple MacBook Air comes with a light and thin design. Additionally, the new M3 chip eases your daily tasks along with video editing and AI.

Specification	Details
Processor	Apple M3
Screen size	13.6-inch
Storage/RAM	256GB – 2TB , RAM 8GB – 24GB
Size	11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches
Battery Life	14 hours and 19 minutes
Price	Starts at $1,099 / ₹114900

3. Asus ZenBook 14 OLED

Asus ZenBook comes with OLED Display and USB C-power delivery. Also, it provides fast productivity performance with attractive aesthetics.

Specification	Details
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD
RAM	8GB, 16GB
Size	12.34 x 8.68 x 0.67 inches
CPU	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Price	$564 / ₹1,03,896

 4. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)

Redesigned in 2024, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 comes with redesigned charged and USB-C power delivery. It provides greater performance and productivity. 

Specification	Details
Storage	512GB, 1TB SSD
RAM	16GB, 32GB
Size	12.24 x 8.88 x 0.64 inches
CPU	AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
Price	$1700 / ₹179,990

 5. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

Lenovo Chromebook is another of the best laptops you may look for. It offers excellent battery life and good enough productivity performance. Also comes with a good display.

Specification	Details
Storage	128GB eMMC
RAM	4GB, 8GB
Size	11-inch 2000 x 1200
CPU	Snapdragon 7cG2
Price	$219 / ₹24,990

---

Who Should Choose a Desktop?

1. Gamers

Desktops are the preferred choice for gaming enthusiasts due to their premium performance and ability to support high-end graphic cards.

2. Content Creators

Video editors, graphic designers, and 3D artists need the power and screen flexibility that desktop offers.

3. Business and Offices

Desktops are cost-effective and durable, making them suitable for office environments.

---

Types of Desktop

1. Tower

Tower desktops are the most versatile and commonly used type. They come in different sizes to suit specific needs.  

2. Mini Tower

Mini towers are compact and designed for limited spaces. They offer basic computing capabilities with fewer expansion slots, making them suitable for home offices or basic tasks like web browsing and document editing.

3. Mid Tower

Mid towers are slightly larger and are the most popular choice among users. They provide enough room for more powerful components and upgrades, making them ideal for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. 

4. Full-tower

Full towers are the largest type, designed for high-performance setups. They can accommodate multiple GPUs, advanced cooling systems, and extensive storage options, making them perfect for professional users and enthusiasts. 

5. Compact

Compact desktops, also known as small form factor PCs, prioritize saving space while delivering decent performance. They are ideal for users who want a minimalist setup without compromising essential functionalities, such as everyday office work or light multimedia tasks.

6. Dedicated Server CPU

Dedicated server CPU are built for high performance task with potential CPUs like Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC. This type of CPU can manage and handle large amounts of traffic with minimal downtime. Moreover, Dedicated Servers can be virtualized to divide their resources into multiple Virtual Private Server. This helps users to sell VPS Hosting to provide scalable hosting solutions for end users.

---

Top 5 Desktop PCs to Look for in 2025

1. Acer Aspire TC 

The Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 builds upon the success of the 1760 model, offering enhanced performance with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. It features 8GB of memory and maintains the reliable 512GB SSD storage capacity, delivering a seamless balance of power and efficiency

Specification	Details
Desktop Class	Mainstream
Processor	Intel Core i5-13400
Processor Speed	2.5 GHz
RAM (as Tested)	8 GB
Price	$540 / ₹48,390

2. Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024)

The Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024) continues Apple’s tradition of compact, powerful desktops. It is powered by the new Apple M4 chip, designed to deliver blazing-fast performance and energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Specification	Details
Desktop Class	Compact
Processor	Apple M4
Processor Speed	3.2 GHz
RAM (as Tested)	16 GB
Price	$1,200 / ₹79,900

3. Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is built for gamers and creators, boasting a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and a robust NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card. Its sleek design and customizable RGB lighting ensure the style matches its substance.

Specification	Details
Desktop Class	Gaming
Processor	Intel Core i7-13700
Processor Speed	3.4 GHz
RAM (as Tested)	16 GB
Price	$1,400 / 2,29,990

4. Alienware Aurora R16

The Alienware Aurora R16 is a powerhouse for gaming enthusiasts, featuring the latest AMD Ryzen processor and cutting-edge NVIDIA graphics. Its futuristic design, paired with advanced cooling technology, makes it perfect for marathon gaming sessions.

Specification	Details
Desktop Class	High-Performance Gaming
Processor	AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
Processor Speed	4.5 GHz
RAM (as Tested)	32 GB
Price	$2,500 / ₹2,39,999

5. Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 sets a new standard for high-performance gaming desktops. With its 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and top-tier NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, it delivers unrivaled power and speed for the most demanding applications and games.

Specification	Details
Desktop Class	Enthusiast Gaming
Processor	Intel Core i9-13900K
Processor Speed	3.6 GHz
RAM (as Tested)	32 GB
Price	$2,099.99 / ₹ 178871

---

Things to Consider When Buying PC or Laptop

When buying a PC or laptop, there are several factors to consider making sure that the device meets your preferences and needs.

1. Purpose of Use

Gaming: Look for high-performance GPUs, fast processors, and proper cooling systems. Also, you can prioritize portability battery life, and productivity features. Moreover, select the powerful CPUs, high RAM, and color-accurate displays.

2. Budget

Budget is the most vital factor when opting for PC or Laptop. Determine how much you are willing to spend and select a device that provides the best value for your money. Moreover, avoid overspending on features you don’t require.

3. Operating System

Looking for operating systems like which operating system you need whether its windows, Linux, MacOS.

Windows: It is compatible and versatile with most software.

Linux: It is greater for developers and tech enthusiasts.

ChromeOS: It is budget-friendly and suitable for basic tasks.

4. Performance

Check for Performance like Processor, RAM, storage, Graphics. Check the details below before opting for one:

Processor (CPU): Intel core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen for most tasks; higher end for intensive workloads.

RAM: Get RAM of minimum 8GB for general use; 16GB or more for gaming and creative tasks.

Storage: Select SSD for faster for at least 256GB, plus external options if required.

Graphics Card (GPU): Dedicated GPUS (e.g. NVIDIA/AMD) for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.

5. Display

Check for Screen size, portability and more. You can refer to an ideal screen size between 13”-15” for better portability or even for larger option for better immersion.  Check for resolution like Full HD (1080p) which is standard or 4K for creative professionals.

If you want it for gaming you can go with higher refresh rates 120Hz or more for gaming, also color accuracy is more important for photographers and designers.

6. Build Quality and Portability

Lightweight and slim models are ideal for frequent travelers. Also, check for keyboard and tracked quality for the better comfort.

7. Battery life

Check for the devices with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of battery life of mobility. Look for the fast-charging options.

8. Connectivity Options

Check the connectivity options like USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt, Headphone, and more. Also check for wireless connectivity like Wi-fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 for better connectivity.

9. Warranty and Support

Review the manufacturer’s warranty policies and service options. Also look for brands with reliable client support.

10. Reviews and Brands

Select the reputable and brand known for the quality and reliability. You can read user reviews and professional critiques to understand the pros and cons.

---

Laptop vs Desktop: Which is Best?

Selecting between laptop or desktop entirely depends on your requirements and choice. For average and basic use laptop is the best fit. If you are aware that your employees may work well with the freedom to move around and in different locations, then a laptop will be the better option.  In contrast, if you need for gaming or using heavy software then Desktop can be a good choice. So, the final decision between PC or desktop totally depends on your requirements.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. Which is better, a laptop or a desktop PC?

Ans. It depends on your needs:

A laptop is better for portability, convenience, and working on the go.

A desktop PC offers more performance, better upgrade options, and is usually more cost-effective for heavy tasks like gaming or video editing.

Q 2. What are some advantages of using a laptop?

Ans. Here are some advantages of using a laptop:

• Portability: Easy to carry and work anywhere.
• Space-saving: Doesn’t require much space.
• Integrated features: Includes a built-in battery, webcam, and speakers.
• Power-efficient: Consumes less power compared to desktops.

Q 3. What are some advantages of using a desktop PC?

Ans. Here are some advantages of using a desktop PC:

• Better performance: Usually it has more powerful hardware.
• Upgradeability: Easy to upgrade components like RAM, GPU, or storage.
• Longevity: Generally, it lasts longer due to better cooling and larger components.
• Cost-effective: Offers better value for performance compared to laptops.

Q 4. Which is better for gaming, a laptop, or a desktop PC?

Ans. A desktop PC is better for gaming because:

• It has more powerful GPUs and CPUs.
• Easier to upgrade and customize.
• Better cooling solutions.

Q 5. How much RAM is enough?

Ans. 8GB: Sufficient for basic tasks and light multitasking.

16GB: Ideal for most users, including gamers and professionals.

32GB or more: Necessary for heavy multitasking, video editing, or large-scale simulations.

Q 6. How much SSD is good for a laptop?

Ans. 256GB SSD: Suitable for casual users who mainly browse, stream, and work on documents.

512GB SSD: Ideal for users with moderate storage needs, like gamers and professionals.

1TB SSD or more: Recommended for those with extensive storage needs, such as video editors or gamers with large libraries.

Q 7. Which Windows is best for a laptop?

Ans. Here’s the breakdown:

• Windows 11 Home or Pro: Modern and optimized for the latest laptops.
• Windows 10: Still widely used and suitable for older or budget laptops.
• Windows 11: It is recommended for better performance, security, and new features.

Q 8. Which Windows is fastest?

Ans. Windows 11 is the fastest for newer hardware, offering improved performance and optimization. However, on older hardware, Windows 10 might perform better due to its lower system requirements.

Q 9. Is HP or Lenovo better?

Ans. Both brands have strengths:

• HP: Known for premium designs, durability, and high-quality components. Ideal for professionals and students.
• Lenovo: Offers excellent value for money and is known for reliability, especially in business-oriented models like the ThinkPad series.

Your choice should depend on your specific needs and budget.

Q 10. Is a desktop safer than a laptop?

Ans. Yes, a desktop is generally safer in some respects:

• Less portable: Less likely to be lost or stolen.
• Better cooling: Reduces the risk of overheating.

However, security depends more on software and user practices than the device type. Laptops are equally secure with proper precautions like encryption and strong passwords.