When it comes to choosing a laptop, many people gravitate towards well-known brands like Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. However, there are several underrated laptop brands and models in 2025 that deserve your attention. These lesser-known options often provide excellent performance, unique features, and great value, making them worthy contenders for your next laptop purchase.
Here’s a quick comparison table showcasing the underrated laptop brands and models of 2025, detailing key specifications and best use cases:
| Laptop Model | Processor | Graphics | Display | Weight (lbs/kg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Swift X (2025) | AMD Ryzen 9 7945HS | NVIDIA RTX 4060 | 14-inch OLED, 2.8K | 3.06 lbs / 1.39 kg | Creatives, developers |
| Framework Laptop (2025) | Intel Core i7-13700H | Intel Iris Xe (Upgradeable) | 13.5-inch 3:2, 2256 x 1504 | 2.87 lbs / 1.3 kg | Tech enthusiasts, sustainability-focused |
| LG Ultra PC 16 (2025) | AMD Ryzen 7 7735U | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 | 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) | 3.75 lbs / 1.7 kg | Productivity, creative tasks |
| Dynabook Portege X40-K (2025) | Intel Core i7-13700U | Intel Iris Xe | 14-inch FHD | 2.4 lbs / 1.09 kg | Business professionals, portability |
| Gigabyte Aero 14 OLED (2025) | Intel Core i9-13900H | NVIDIA RTX 4070 | 14-inch OLED 4K (3840 x 2160) | 3.17 lbs / 1.44 kg | Creators, gaming on the go |
| Chuwi CoreBook X (2025) | Intel Core i5-12500H | Intel Iris Xe | 14-inch 2K (2160 x 1440) | 2.9 lbs / 1.31 kg | Budget-conscious users, students |
| Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 | Intel Core i7-1365G7 | Intel Iris Xe | 13.3-inch AMOLED FHD (1920 x 1080) | 2.29 lbs / 1.04 kg | 2-in-1 users, portability, creative work |
These underrated laptops each excel in different areas, offering unique advantages at competitive price points. Now, let’s explore each model in more detail and why they’re worth considering in 2025.
1. Acer Swift X
Why It’s Underrated:
Acer may not be the first brand that comes to mind for premium laptops, but the Acer Swift X (2025) offers a fantastic balance between performance and portability, especially for creatives and developers. This model packs a punch with the latest AMD Ryzen 9 processors, NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPUs, and a stunning 14-inch OLED display, all within a thin and light chassis. It’s perfect for content creators, video editors, and programmers who need performance on the go.
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7945HS
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4060
- Display: 14-inch OLED, 2.8K resolution
- Weight: 3.06 lbs (1.39 kg)
Why You Should Consider It:
The Acer Swift X delivers high-end performance at a lower price point compared to more popular brands, making it a great choice for budget-conscious creatives who don’t want to compromise on quality.
2. Framework Laptop
Why It’s Underrated:
The Framework Laptop is an innovative, modular laptop designed with sustainability and customization in mind. Unlike traditional laptops, this device allows users to easily replace and upgrade components like the motherboard, RAM, and storage, extending its lifespan. In 2025, Framework continues to push the boundaries of repairable and upgradeable technology, making it ideal for environmentally conscious tech enthusiasts and DIY tinkerers.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H (Upgradeable)
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe (Upgradeable to discrete GPUs)
- Display: 13.5-inch 3:2, 2256 x 1504 resolution
- Weight: 2.87 lbs (1.3 kg)
Why You Should Consider It:
If you value repairability, sustainability, and the ability to customize your laptop over time, the Framework Laptop is a smart investment. It’s perfect for developers, tech enthusiasts, and eco-conscious buyers.
3. LG Ultra PC 16
Why It’s Underrated:
While LG is best known for its Gram series, the LG Ultra PC 16 (2025) is a hidden gem that offers great performance and excellent battery life in a lightweight package. Featuring the latest AMD Ryzen processors and discrete NVIDIA graphics, this model offers plenty of power for both productivity and creative tasks. With a large 16-inch display and slim design, the Ultra PC 16 is perfect for users who need screen real estate without the bulk.
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7735U
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Display: 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600)
- Weight: 3.75 lbs (1.7 kg)
Why You Should Consider It:
For users who need a big screen and solid performance for work or entertainment, the LG Ultra PC 16 is an affordable alternative to more expensive productivity laptops.
4. Dynabook Portege X40-K
Why It’s Underrated:
Formerly known as Toshiba, Dynabook has been producing reliable business laptops under the radar. The Portege X40-K is one of its best offerings, designed for business professionals who need portability, security, and performance. This ultra-light laptop is equipped with Intel’s latest 13th-gen processors and includes robust security features like a fingerprint reader and IR camera for Windows Hello.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700U
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
- Display: 14-inch FHD
- Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg)
Why You Should Consider It:
The Dynabook Portege X40-K is an excellent choice for business professionals looking for a secure, lightweight, and portable laptop that delivers solid performance without the high price tag.
5. Gigabyte Aero 14 OLED
Why It’s Underrated:
Gigabyte is typically associated with gaming hardware, but its Aero series offers impressive laptops for creators and professionals as well. The Aero 14 OLED (2025) is a powerhouse for content creators, featuring an OLED display with perfect color accuracy and a powerful NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU. Despite its focus on creative work, it’s also a capable gaming machine.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900H
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4070
- Display: 14-inch OLED 4K (3840 x 2160)
- Weight: 3.17 lbs (1.44 kg)
Why You Should Consider It:
For creators who need a high-performance laptop with a color-accurate display for design, photography, or video editing, the Gigabyte Aero 14 OLED is a great option that combines power and visual clarity.
6. Chuwi CoreBook X
Why It’s Underrated:
Chuwi may not be a household name, but the CoreBook X (2025) offers a surprisingly good balance of performance and value. Featuring a sleek design, an Intel Core i5 processor, and a high-resolution display, this laptop is perfect for students and professionals who need a budget-friendly option for everyday tasks. Chuwi continues to refine its laptop offerings, making it a strong contender in the budget laptop space.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12500H
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
- Display: 14-inch 2K (2160 x 1440)
- Weight: 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg)
Why You Should Consider It:
If you’re on a budget and need a solid laptop for productivity, web browsing, and light creative work, the Chuwi CoreBook X is a cost-effective solution with respectable specs.
7. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360
Why It’s Underrated:
Samsung is better known for its smartphones and tablets, but the Galaxy Book Pro 360 deserves recognition for its sleek design, versatility, and strong performance. This 2-in-1 laptop features an AMOLED display, making it perfect for creatives who need color accuracy and touch input. The 360-degree hinge allows users to switch between laptop and tablet modes seamlessly.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1365G7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
- Display: 13.3-inch AMOLED, FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Weight: 2.29 lbs (1.04 kg)
Why You Should Consider It:
The Galaxy Book Pro 360 offers stunning visuals, strong performance, and the versatility of a 2-in-1 device, making it ideal for users who need both a tablet and a laptop in one sleek package.
Conclusion
In 2025, these underrated laptop brands and models offer great alternatives to mainstream choices, providing excellent value, performance, and unique features. Whether you’re a creative professional, business user, student, or someone looking for a budget-friendly laptop, there’s an underrated option that can meet your needs without breaking the bank.
- Acer Swift X: Ideal for creatives and developers on a budget.
- Framework Laptop: Best for tech enthusiasts who value sustainability and customization.
- LG Ultra PC 16: Great for those who need a large screen and strong performance.
- Dynabook Portege X40-K: Perfect for business professionals seeking a lightweight and secure laptop.
- Gigabyte Aero 14 OLED: A powerhouse for creators needing top-tier display quality and performance.
- Chuwi CoreBook X: Best for budget-conscious students and professionals.
- Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360: Ideal for users needing a 2-in-1 laptop with a vibrant display.
These models may not be the first names that come to mind, but they each offer something special, often at a better price or with features that their more famous competitors don’t have. If you’re willing to explore beyond the big brands, these laptops are well worth considering.