In this post we will explain laptop processors and their importance for laptop shoppers in 2025 as simple and quick as possible.
What is Laptop Processor?
A processor or central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of a system. It executes your commands and tells other parts of the system what to do. Different processors do these tasks at different speeds, so they are the main factor when it comes to computer performance. Therefore, it is one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a laptop.
Thankfully, even the slowest laptop CPUs on the market in 2025 can complete the regular day-to-day computing tasks easily. These tasks may be more fluid with less hiccups on the mid-range processors than on the low-end ones. The performance differences, as shown in the comparison chart below, are mostly noticeable during heavier tasks like video editing or gaming.
On the other hand, more powerful processors tend to consume more power, leading to a shorter battery life. This is a fact, although power efficiency generally gets better with each new laptop CPU generation.
Popular 2025 Laptop Processors Compared Using Performance Benchmarks
This benchmark chart provides a straightforward comparison of the most common laptop CPUs on the market in 2025, offering a quick look at how different chips stack up in terms of speed.
You can click on each CPU name for its brief description and deals on laptops with it, if available.
Average Laptop CPU Scores of Combined Benchmarks – Higher is Better – Updated 5/18/2025
The shown benchmark results are averages measured across different laptop models with these processors. Please keep in mind that the scores and real-world performance may vary depending on the notebooks’ other components, settings, cooling, and other factors. Nevertheless, benchmarks serve as reliable indicators of the processors’ overall speed.
Note: For simplicity, we have used math to generate the unified performance chart by combining results from different benchmarks, such as PassMark single-thread and multi-thread computing tests. If the CPU you are interested in is not on our chart, you can likely find it in PassMark’s comprehensive CPU benchmark results database.
Conclusion
In 2025, even entry-level CPUs can handle basic tasks, but higher-end models make demanding workloads like gaming and video editing much smoother.
The benchmark comparison highlights key differences among popular processors, helping users make informed decisions based on their needs. Whether opting for a budget-friendly chip or a high-performance CPU, these results serve as a reliable guide to selecting the best processor for a laptop purchase.
Ultimately, the ideal CPU choice depends on workload, budget, and expectations, ensuring users get the right balance of speed, power efficiency, and value in their devices.